I have no words for the depth of sadness, gratitude and astonishment that I feel reading this piece about Mark's gifts and example. Amazed by your ability to write this tribute with such lucidity and convey Mark's wisdom and spirit, the complexity of his hard-won understandings. Huge love to you during this time of such change and loss.
Thanks so much Sharon. We had a wonderful spring equinox ceremony for Mark last week. I am just glad I am able to share some of his gifts and huge spirit in this Red Tent series. Sending all best to you, love Charlotte
“What can you say about an extraordinary life lived ordinarily? What can you say about a man who would stop the car to rescue a butterfly caught on the windscreen, or a bee on the road, who could hold any bird that flew into the house and free them….A Dionysian in an age that worships the Olympian. A beautiful man. A meeting with him always led to a better mood. It was hard to feel ‘less than’ around him.”
So beautiful, thank you for sharing your understanding of him. To not understand or have context for someone who lives like this feels like a crime. I can honestly say that I felt that last bit even over zoom.
Thanks so much Randall. Mark had a wonderful spring equinox ceremony in the woods on Wednesday as the sun burst through the clouds ad his (banana leaf) coffin was strewn with wildflowers. He will be so missed. Sending all best wishes to you and the cottonwoods,
Beautifully written, Charlotte. As ever. The flowering teapot is my favourite pictorial memory of Mark. I wish I had a Mark to spread love and flowers at our farm. Everyone needs a Mark. Much love, Alexis
Many thanks Alexis,. He so loved that teapot and sharing a wild green tea with folk. Sending love and summer flowers to you and Blanche and all on the farm, Charlotte
Thank you for sharing your strong beautiful words. Deeply sad to hear this news and for your loss. Mark was beloved - wild and true. An inspiration, as are you 🌷
I didn't know Mark personally but his and your presences manifest through your work have touched my life and i am thankful. I am very sorry to hear of your loss , take care and I add my voice to a celebration of his contribution to facing these hard times...long may it continue
What a beautiful eulogy and I wish that the beautiful ceremony you have planned to honour Mark's life goes well today. I am sorry not to have been able to meet him on the water workshop sessions. May you read lightly and gently as you navigate this transition.
Dearest Charlotte. Immense thanks for writing such a wonderful piece. Mark was not only my eldest son as you know but a man who brought light and joy and laughter into our family and others lives. The friends I introduced to him if only briefly, invariably were left in awe of his presence. As my son, and as my friend, in the time we spent together my life was enriched immeasurably and his dying light has dimmed my soul and left a big void to fill.
Many thanks River, and for subscribing. Mark was a wonderful being indeed - and sorely missed. I have managed to grow a lot of his flowers though this summer, and also compiled a small book of his plant/heart work. All best, Charlotte
I have no words for the depth of sadness, gratitude and astonishment that I feel reading this piece about Mark's gifts and example. Amazed by your ability to write this tribute with such lucidity and convey Mark's wisdom and spirit, the complexity of his hard-won understandings. Huge love to you during this time of such change and loss.
Thanks so much Sharon. We had a wonderful spring equinox ceremony for Mark last week. I am just glad I am able to share some of his gifts and huge spirit in this Red Tent series. Sending all best to you, love Charlotte
“What can you say about an extraordinary life lived ordinarily? What can you say about a man who would stop the car to rescue a butterfly caught on the windscreen, or a bee on the road, who could hold any bird that flew into the house and free them….A Dionysian in an age that worships the Olympian. A beautiful man. A meeting with him always led to a better mood. It was hard to feel ‘less than’ around him.”
So beautiful, thank you for sharing your understanding of him. To not understand or have context for someone who lives like this feels like a crime. I can honestly say that I felt that last bit even over zoom.
Thanks so much Randall. Mark had a wonderful spring equinox ceremony in the woods on Wednesday as the sun burst through the clouds ad his (banana leaf) coffin was strewn with wildflowers. He will be so missed. Sending all best wishes to you and the cottonwoods,
Charlotte
Beautifully written, Charlotte. As ever. The flowering teapot is my favourite pictorial memory of Mark. I wish I had a Mark to spread love and flowers at our farm. Everyone needs a Mark. Much love, Alexis
Many thanks Alexis,. He so loved that teapot and sharing a wild green tea with folk. Sending love and summer flowers to you and Blanche and all on the farm, Charlotte
Thank you for sharing this - am holding you both in my heart
Thank you for sharing your strong beautiful words. Deeply sad to hear this news and for your loss. Mark was beloved - wild and true. An inspiration, as are you 🌷
Heartfelt sadness for the passing of your dearest Mark. Thank you for sharing his story.
He lived a deep life and his work to help foster Dark Mountain touched my consciousness and soul over the years. 🌷🫶🏼🌷
I didn't know Mark personally but his and your presences manifest through your work have touched my life and i am thankful. I am very sorry to hear of your loss , take care and I add my voice to a celebration of his contribution to facing these hard times...long may it continue
Best Jenny
Charlotte sending so much love.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to a remarkable human being. Blessings upon your riven heart and the hearts of all who loved him.
A glorious evocation, dear one!
Thank you for placing this tribute on this funeral day so that we can join you.
Onwards!
What a beautiful eulogy and I wish that the beautiful ceremony you have planned to honour Mark's life goes well today. I am sorry not to have been able to meet him on the water workshop sessions. May you read lightly and gently as you navigate this transition.
Dearest Charlotte. Immense thanks for writing such a wonderful piece. Mark was not only my eldest son as you know but a man who brought light and joy and laughter into our family and others lives. The friends I introduced to him if only briefly, invariably were left in awe of his presence. As my son, and as my friend, in the time we spent together my life was enriched immeasurably and his dying light has dimmed my soul and left a big void to fill.
Long after the time, but I'm so sorry to hear this. This reads like a blueprint for living; he must have been a wonderful person.
Many thanks River, and for subscribing. Mark was a wonderful being indeed - and sorely missed. I have managed to grow a lot of his flowers though this summer, and also compiled a small book of his plant/heart work. All best, Charlotte
Exquisite words. 🌀🌀🌀