“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” – Dalai Lama
On Wednesday morning this week, I was driving the kids to school on the circuit around the lake and I felt softer and more patient. I appreciated the routine and the little people in my life more. I realized that it was because I’d just finished reading “Grow Damn It: The Feeding and Nurturing of Life” by author and blogger Cheryl Oreglia.
I clipped 23 quotes from my first reading of this book. And that was while trying to be mindful not to clip everything. Then I had the privilege of doing a Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast with Cheryl to talk her journey and this book: Episode 7: Grow Damn It!
One of the stories Cheryl told me on the podcast was the one where she wrote a blog post and Krista Tippett of the On Being project (first aired on public radio, now as a podcast) tweeted about it. Cheryl laughingly said she assumed the technology was broken when she saw her stats after that.
In this great conversation, we got to talk about how the little stories make up the big picture, her journey to create this beautiful book, and asking people all the important questions before they go. I felt softened by reading the book and then I felt enriched after this beautiful conversation with Cheryl.

Cheryl said to me something like, “I know this book is not for everyone.” I agree – it’s only for people who want to feed and nurture their life – and laugh while doing it.
So if you do want to feed and nurture your life, please visit Cheryl’s blog, Living in the Gap, read the book, and listen to this podcast Episode 7: Grow Damn It (link opens the podcast to listen on Anchor). You can also find the podcast on Apple, Amazon, Spotify and Pocket Casts by searching for Sharing the Heart of the Matter. Please subscribe!
Here’s link to the show notes on the HoTM site: Episode 7: Grow Damn It! show notes
-The book is about Cheryl’s journey from a struggling writer to a published author
-The book is about the little stories that make up the big picture
-The book is about the importance of love and compassion
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Thank you Michelle, you nailed it. Thanks for reading and sharing your insights! I’m forever grateful. Hugs, C
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Well said, Michelle!
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Thanks for the links to these, Wynne. I will put Cheryl’s book on my reading list and look forward to listening to the podcast.
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Thank you, hope you enjoy both the read and the podcast! I appreciate your generous support. Hugs, C
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Love this response, Davy!
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What a wonderful way to wake up in the morning! I can’t thank you enough Wynne for sharing my story, my book, and for hosting me on your wonderful podcast! This is all new to me and you guided me as if my sister. I throughly enjoyed getting to know you, sharing my work with your audience, and spending an hour laughing, talking and commiserating with you about the big and small picture of life. What a fabulous experience. Much love and hugs to you, C
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Oh, what a great comment, Cheryl! I enjoyed the hour immensely as well. It was so fun to hear your voice after imagining it in my head (from reading your blog and your book). Such a great book and you should come back on the podcast to tell more of your wonderful stories!! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Thanks Wynne – I will check out Cheryl’s book and the podcast!
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Thank you! Wayne is a fabulous host, hope you enjoy listening! Hugs, C
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I predict you will really enjoy both. Thanks, Mary!
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The book is in my Amazon cart. Okay, now I really need to hit send. The little stories that make up the big picture. I’m sold. Ha, ha. Great job on the podcast.
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Thank you Brian! I hope you enjoy the book. Wynne was so much fun to work with, she’s prepared, professional,and and an absolute kick others pants. Thanks for listening! Hugs, C
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Wynne is awesome! And I can’t wait to read your book. Has to be an exciting experience!
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Aw, thank you, let me know what you think 💕
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I love it, Brian. Thanks for listening. And I know you’ll love the book too. Thanks, my friend!
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I loved the podcast…and the story about the conversation with one of your sons, Cheryl, thinking the ‘algorithm must be broken’ as you watched your stats climb was so sweet…and funny…and I loved the sharing, generally, about family – loss and love. Thank you both, Wynne and Cheryl! 😘
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Wow! Thank you Victoria! I’m thrilled to know the stories resonated with you. It was my first podcast and I was rather nervous. Wynne, somehow put me at ease, she’s a wonderful host! Thank you so much for listening and responding. Hugs, C
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Ah…you sounded like a pro…a voice made for radio…err podcasts, I say! Big smiles! 😘
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I agree with Vicki – you sounded like a pro, Cheryl! 🙂 ❤ Thank you so much for doing the Instagram graphics, dear Vicki!! ❤ ❤ ❤
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I follow Cheryl’s blog and her writing stood out to me immediately. I have her book and cannot wait to read it. Now I’m looking forward to the podcast!
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So glad to find another Cheryl fan! It’s really fun to hear her voice as well so I hope you enjoy the podcast! ❤
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👍🏼
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I thought the same thing about your blog Elizabeth! Ends up we have a lot in common! Thanks for all your support and encouragement! Hope you enjoy the podcast! It was so much fun to do with Wynne! Hugs, C
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Thank you for the kind words about my writing. We do have a lot in common. We grew up around the same times, were moms of student athletes and have a connection to WA state for starters. Good luck with the marketing!
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It’s wonderful to see how you continue to grow and cultivate a community of writers and podcasters, Wynne. Cheryl’s book sounds lovely and inspiring.
Have a nice weekend to you and your family!
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Thank you, Ab! What a kind and supportive comment, my friend! Hope you all have a lovely weekend too!
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Hi Ab, I agree, Wynne does a fabulous job of building community and supporting the work of writers and podcasters! Thanks for the kind words! Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Hugs, C
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Sounds intriguing. I’ll have to listen.
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If you take a listen, Parenting is Funny, let us know what you think! I hope it resonates with you! 💕C
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I did. And commented. 🙂
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I didn’t think to check the actual podcast for comments! Bahaha, am I revealing to much about my technical savvy? Thanks, I’ll pop over and see what happening! 💕
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You’ll have no judgement from me over a lack of tech skills!
I’m checking out the submission guidelines for your publisher…
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Putting all of this on my to do list!
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Yay – thank you! Hope you enjoy!
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