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That paragraph that begins with “Shallow without pain?” is a doozy. Life literally begins with suffering. Both the Mother’s pains giving birth and the baby’s shock of leaving the nurturing safety of the womb to be pulled into the glare and cold of the world. Like in music, one speed, and one volume gets old in a hurry. Like “Stairway to Heaven” or not. The dynamics that carry it from a slow lilting start to a crashing, frantic, crescendo and back to lilt are what makes the song/recording.

Thank you for all of these. I enjoy reading them and am often touched by the depth of your thoughts and they make me think and consider things I might not have

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Thank you Allison for your thoughtful reply, and for the tips and tricks regarding skincare. We could all use a little self care now and again! Blessings, Laurel

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I would concur that the challenges we experience tend to shape us more. There is a negative bias built into the brain's software, and as such we by and large tend to focus our attention on our negative experiences so we can learn from them and avoid danger in the future. Trauma, as opposed to a challenge, can overwhelm and short circuit this learned experience all together. In either case, the wild card is resilience. Resilience allows us to take the challenges and the trauma in life and turn it into a kind of victory ~ some might call it art or the art of living well ~ despite what we have had to overcome. And on a lighter note... that beauty regimen! My goodness, no wonder you are an early riser! But the payoff is worth it as, indeed, you are a beauty inside and out.

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“...but when we experience trauma, it makes a deeper mark on us.” Yes, especially childhood trauma. It seems I can no longer outrun mine. This last year and a half has damn near finished me. It’s time you know my story. I’m sending it your way. I write this as you sing MG’s “Mercy” live today and try to fathom how to get by without these SSSS Blessings. I’m sure you have no idea how many of us you kept above water. More than you could imagine, AM. More than you could ever, ever imagine. Sending love and gratitude. JB

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Hi Allison! We have a local (Seattle) band named Warren Dunes and their latest record is titled “No Mud, No Lotus”. I love that and thought that succinct.y sums up our lives, lol.

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Hey Allison. I love your beliefs in God and that you believe we’re shaped by both the pros and cons of this life. I can’t imagine the pain you’ve endured but I can see that your heart hasn’t allowed that pain to define you. You and Shelby are overcomers and just recently I’ve read and found out how you both learned to cope and live life again using Father Time and God as a healer. I’m so proud to know your story and know that you survived and have the life now so many would dream of having. You and Shelby are unbelievable artist and songwriters and that’s a great gift you’ve been given. Would love to meet y’all one day and hope you do live shows again. We miss y’all.

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