I am Anna Eastland, a Canadian writer and homeschooling mother of eight. I have been writing poetry since high school and hold a BA in English and Classical Studies from UBC. I have written a number of articles and am a contributing author for an anthology on motherhood entitled Love Rebel: Reclaiming Motherhood. I recently published a book of poetry entitled unexpected blossoming: a journey of grief and hope. Writing poetry helps me to process the intense emotions that come from losing a child in labour, my 6th, and to give them expression.
I started my blog about 6 years ago and have found it immensely rewarding, especially as a vehicle to connect with and encourage other moms. Everyone is welcome here in Crazy Land! I hope you will find some words to brighten your day and help you feel less alone on this amazing journey that is motherhood, where love matters more than perfection, and as Anne of Green Gables’ teacher Miss Stacy said, “every day is new, with no mistakes in it.” Yet! 😉
Thanks, Anouk! It’s wonderful to hear from you! How are things?
Veel liefs,
Anna
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Thank you,Patty! You are so kind!
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Hi Anna
A new little elfin child! I lost your email so I write you here. I found your site again through Father’s message on flocknote. Your articles pre and post birth were, as always, lovely and so full of the tide of motherhood only another mother can identify with. Even a OLD one haha. Those memories never fade and when reading yours they flood back. What a privilege God has given.
I know that you, being the trooper you are, are immersing in that place of newborn warmth. When not attending to all the other elves. You are prayed for. Please stay well and enjoy! It passes all too quickly, as you know.
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Thank you, Claire! So nice to hear from you. It is a precious time for sure, as you sweetly remember. A mama’s love is always young, even as time goes by. Xoxo
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Hi Anna,
Not sure how I found your site. I lost our 5th child as well. A stillborn little girl with Trisomy 18 in 2004. I always suspected it had had something to do with the MTHFR mutation. Important for our kids to know as they start their families. Love to you and your family.
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Hi Danielle,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear little girl! So hard! Did you have good support at the time? I was very lucky to connect with some amazing babyloss mamas who helped me get through the first hard year, and still are good friends who check in with me now on anniversaries etc.
I don’t know if you saw on my blog that I wrote a book of poetry about that first year after loss, called “unexpected blossoming: a journey of grief and hope.” My friend Julia and I often donate it in a comfort basket for bereaved moms. Here’s where it’s available online:
https://www.blurb.ca/b/8204084-unexpected-blossoming
I’ve been thinking about writing a book for parents to read with their other kids when they lose a baby..to help give them some words when they are feeling at a loss for them.
Well, thanks for getting in touch, and please feel free to write again any time. God bless you, and here’s a big hug!
Anna
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