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tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
Tara Shannon
@tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
790 followers 360 following 350 posts
Rabbit & Bear, Author/Illustrator, AuDHD, cancer Survivor, Mental Health Advocate, lover of food, whiskey, wine, bonfires & moonlit starry skies ❤
She/Her 🇨🇦☘️🐇🐻‍❄️✨️
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tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
“Why do they try so hard to distract us?” asked Rabbit.
“Because if we stay focused,” said Bear, “they lose.”

©️Tara Shannon
#RabbitAndBear
Illustration of Rabbit and Bear sitting together in the forest beneath a crescent moon and starry sky. Bear holds a glowing lantern, casting light in the dark. Surrounded by tall trees, Rabbit asks, “Why do they try so hard to distract us?” “Because if we stay focused,” said Bear, “they lose.” ©️Tara Shannon #RabbitAndBear
August 21, 2025 at 2:13 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
“I came back to find you,” said Rabbit, to their younger self. “Everything is going to be okay. You think it’s all your fault… but it’s not.”

© Tara Shannon, 2021
This black-and-white sketch shows Rabbit sitting with one arm gently wrapped around a faded outline of their younger self. It's a quiet, comforting moment of self-acceptance and healing. The handwritten dialogue reads: “I came back to find you,” said Rabbit, to their younger self. “Everything is going to be okay. You think it’s all your fault… but it’s not.” © Tara Shannon, 2021 #RabbitAndBear #InnerChildHealing #SelfCompassion
June 29, 2025 at 12:45 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
Friday fun... attempt #1 of sculpting a mini Rabbit & Bear out of air dry clay.
🐇🐻‍❄️❤️
June 27, 2025 at 5:25 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
Until then, I’ll keep doing what I’ve always done: telling the truth, one story at a time.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for writing. And thank you—for never underestimating what stories can do.
With hope,
—Tara Shannon
@tarashannonwrites
Author of Rabbit & Bear
Rabbit and Bear (Stargazing and Roaring for Peace) Rabbit and Bear sit beneath a dark night sky with three bright stars above. Bear says that if they must, they will roar—because silence or missiles will never make peace. A bold, peaceful resistance.
June 24, 2025 at 2:01 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
You’ve spoken about this. About truth-telling. About algorithms and fear and control.
If you have any advice for someone like me—someone smaller, but still stubborn—I’d be grateful to hear it.
Rabbit and Bear (Starry Sky, Grief & Love) Bear sits beneath a sky full of stars, looking up as Rabbit’s words about grief appear: “Grief isn’t holding onto loss. It’s holding onto love.” A quiet, reflective moment beneath the cosmos.
June 24, 2025 at 2:01 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
I’m not panicked. I’ve been through worse. But this raises a deeper question for all of us who create and connect online:
What do we do when the platform we built our work on turns its back? (I have appealed... and I'm trying to get the word out on my other platforms...)
Rabbit and Bear (Rocky Shoreline, Resistance Theme) Bear sits strong on a rock overlooking water, as Rabbit asks about kings, rules, and what to do in the face of fear. Bear speaks of remembering who we are and standing tall—even when we feel small. An empowering image.
June 24, 2025 at 2:01 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
Because my personal profile is linked to my business page, I’m now locked out of everything—my voice, my readers, my livelihood.
I’ve appealed. Now I wait.
No human contact. No answers. Just... silence.
Rabbit and Bear (Lantern in the Dark) In a dark, glowing space, Bear holds a lantern out toward Rabbit. The quote reminds us that even in scary moments, hope is a little light helping us find our way. A tender moment in a stark setting.
June 24, 2025 at 2:01 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
I’ve built my audience after going viral in 2020, primarily on Facebook—where millions have seen my work. (I have tried building elsewhere...) But earlier this week, with no warning, my personal account was suspended.
No clear explanation. Just a vague “cybersecurity violation.”
Rabbit and Bear (Northern Lights by the Water) Rabbit and Bear sit on a rocky shoreline beneath swirling northern lights. Rabbit asks for the comforting phrase Bear always says. Bear replies: “You are not alone.” A scene of quiet reassurance and natural wonder.
June 24, 2025 at 2:01 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
My name is Tara Shannon. I’m an author & illustrator best known for Rabbit & Bear, a quiet, illustrated series that’s helped people navigate grief, trauma, and healing—especially since 2020.
Rabbit and Bear (Night Sky, Stars, and Moon) Against a deep blue starry sky, Bear sits on a crescent moon. Below, a quote speaks about death and love—Bear explains we go into the hearts of those who loved us most. A gentle, cosmic image of remembrance.
June 24, 2025 at 2:01 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
Hi @stephenking.bsky.social — I’m reaching out not just as a fan, but as a fellow writer who suddenly finds herself shouting somewhat into the void. A thread 🧵 👇
Rabbit and Bear (Black and White, Sitting Together) Rabbit sits on the grass, looking up at Bear and saying they’re afraid. Bear replies that they’ll sit together until Rabbit isn’t afraid anymore. The sketch is simple, soft, and comforting.
June 24, 2025 at 2:01 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
“Ugh!” sighed Rabbit.
“I second that,” replied Bear.
And with that, the two sat together quietly, breathing in and breathing out. Joined in their mutual exasperation and exhaustion.

Tomorrow, they decided, would be a new day.

©️Tara Shannon
#rabbitandbear
Image description: A white rabbit and bear sit side by side in the lower left of the image. The little rabbit leaning against and looking up to the larger bear. Beside them appears the text in a white handwritten font. The background is gradiated, purple to black, with specks of white stars.
June 22, 2025 at 9:08 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
“We speak, we stand—and if we must, we roar,” said Bear. “Because silence nor m!ss!les will ever make peace.”

©️Tara Shannon
Rabbit leans against Bear as they look up toward the night sky. There are three stars above them. To their right, handwritten font reads: “We speak, we stand—and if we must, we roar,” said Bear. “Because silence nor m!ss!les will ever make peace.” ©️Tara Shannon
June 22, 2025 at 1:59 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
Sometimes, stepping back isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom...
Sometimes, stepping back isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. Let them unravel themselves. Let the truth speak louder than your pain ever could. In light of everything unfolding in the world— there comes a time when trying to reason with cruelty, ignorance, or greed becomes its own kind of harm. Protect your peace. Withdraw your energy. Save it for the people, causes and actions that are most important to you. And trust that the truth—uncomfortable, undeniable truth—will rise. 🌕 ✨️✨️✨️ Image Description: Rabbit lies curled on Bear’s back as Bear rests peacefully in a moonlit forest clearing. Tall evergreens surround them, and a soft glow from a large full moon filters through the trees. Purple irises bloom nearby. The following dialogue appears above them in white handwritten text: “Sometimes the kindest thing you can do for yourself,” said Bear, “is to step back and let those who choose harm be undone by it.” “So we just… watch?” asked Rabbit. “No,” said Bear. “We protect ourselves. We stop feeding their fire. And we trust that the truth has a way of revealing itself—louder than we ever could.” ©️Tara Shannon #rabbitandbear #boundaries #truthwillout #selfpreservation #fullmoonwisdom
June 17, 2025 at 1:13 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
"I'm afraid." said Rabbit.
"What are you afraid of?" asked Bear.
"I don't know." replied Rabbit. "I just am."
"Then I will sit with you until you're not afraid anymore." said Bear. "We'll face it together."

©Tara Shannon, 2019
#rabbitandbear
June 10, 2025 at 2:29 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
“If your outrage is conditional,
if your compassion has a colour,
if your understanding evaporates
the moment you can’t relate—you’re not fooling anyone,” said Bear, pausing for a breath...
“If you’re only kind to some, you’re not kind at all.”

@tarashannonwrites
©️Tara Shannon
Alt text: An illustrated nighttime forest scene with stars in the sky. Bear sits beside Rabbit, holding a lantern. The text above them reads: “If your outrage is conditional, if your compassion has a colour, if your understanding evaporates the moment you can’t relate—you’re not fooling anyone,” said Bear, pausing for a breath... “If you’re only kind to some, you’re not kind at all.” @tarashannonwrites ©️Tara Shannon
June 10, 2025 at 2:28 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
Spring sleeps beneath a spell of silver and white—trees cloaked in crystal, rooftops glazed with glass, as if winter paused to adorn everything in diamonds... before exhaling once more.
March 29, 2025 at 11:12 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine

= People live in each other's shadows ~ Irish Saying

= We help each other
= We need each other

Happy St. Patrick's Day ☘️❤️🇮🇪🐇🐻‍❄️

@tarashannonwrites
#rabbitandbear #stpatricksday #weneedeachother
Illustration features Rabbit leaning against Bear as they sit together under a vast night sky filled with glowing orbs of light. Their shadow stretches long behind them. The text reads: “People live in each other’s shadows ~ Irish Saying,” a translation of the Irish proverb "Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine." The message emphasizes interdependence and support, reinforcing themes of connection and belonging. The post celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with additional notes: “We help each other,” “We need each other".
March 17, 2025 at 6:41 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
The text suggests renewal, the unseen forces of nature awakening beneath the surface, waiting to emerge. The handle @tarashannonwrites is subtly included, marking the author’s presence.

*Image made with Canva
Image description: A full moon hangs in the dark sky, casting its silver glow on the water below. The reflection shimmers, illuminating the night with quiet strength. Overlaid on the image is a poetic message: "March’s Worm Moon awakens the soil, whispering of life stirring beneath the surface." The text suggests renewal, the unseen forces of nature awakening beneath the surface, waiting to emerge. The handle @tarashannonwrites is subtly included, marking the author’s presence. *Image made with Canva
March 13, 2025 at 9:36 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
"When all seems lost, we look for hope." said Bear. "Hope is the light in the dark that reminds us, we're not alone..."

©Tara Shannon
#rabbitandbear
Illustration of Rabbit and Bear features them in a snowy forest beneath a gradient sky reminiscent of the Ukrainian flag, transitioning from deep blue with glowing stars to golden light. Silhouetted evergreen trees frame the scene, while Bear gently holds a lantern, sharing a quiet, tender moment with Rabbit in the peaceful winter night.
February 28, 2025 at 9:20 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
"Be kind, always," said Bear. "But if someone makes you choose between your peace and their disrespect, choose your peace. Every time."

©️Tara Shannon, 2025
#RabbitAndBear
An illustration featuring a night sky illuminated by the northern lights, with vibrant green, blue, and purple hues swirling above a dark horizon. In the foreground, a simple, stylized white bear (Bear) stands on all fours, while a small white rabbit (Rabbit) sits on its back, gazing up at the aurora. The dialogue is written in white text at the bottom of the image: "Be kind, always," said Bear. "But if someone makes you choose between your peace and their disrespect, choose your peace. Every time." The text is attributed to Tara Shannon/@tarashannonwrites. The overall mood of the illustration is serene and contemplative, with the Rabbit and Bear characters conveying wisdom and quiet strength.
February 18, 2025 at 6:31 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
Meanwhile in Canada... the view from the sidedoor looking out to where our raised garden beds should be. They're in there somewhere. 🤷🏼‍♀️
February 16, 2025 at 6:03 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
🇨🇦🐇🐻‍❄️
February 10, 2025 at 4:34 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
"The only path forward is through empathy," said Bear. "But let’s be clear—empathy should never be mistaken for tolerating the intolerable."

©️Tara Shannon, 2024
#RabbitAndBear
An llustration featuring Rabbit and Bear against a dark background. Bear stands holding a lantern that casts a soft glow, illuminating Rabbit, who sits looking up at Bear. The dialogue between them is written in white, handwritten-style text above them. The text reads: "The only path forward is through empathy," said Bear. "But let’s be clear—empathy should never be mistaken for tolerating the intolerable."
February 9, 2025 at 9:19 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
Power doesn’t sit in boardrooms
or behind podiums with polished speeches.
It’s not locked up in laws written
to keep people quiet
or in deals made behind closed doors.
The image features a quote in black text on a soft, golden bokeh background with fairy lights. The quote reads: "True power rests not in the hands of the few, but in the strength of the many— a truth too often forgotten..." Below the quote, the text "tarashannonwrites" appears in smaller font. The background has a warm, glowing effect with blurred light orbs and delicate golden wires from the fairy lights, creating an ethereal and inspiring atmosphere.
February 9, 2025 at 2:47 PM
tarashannonwrites.bsky.social
An llustration featuring Rabbit and Bear against a dark background. Bear stands holding a lantern that casts a soft glow, illuminating Rabbit, who sits looking up at Bear. The dialogue between them is written in white, handwritten-style text above them. Rabbit expresses feeling overwhelmed by the world, and Bear reassures Rabbit, acknowledging the difficulty while offering guidance on how to navigate it—resting, paying attention, helping where possible, and holding onto each other. The scene conveys warmth, comfort, and resilience in the face of uncertainty. The text reads: "Everything feels too big," said Rabbit. "Too scary. Too much." "I know," said Bear. "It is big. And scary. And a lot." "I don’t even know where to look. There’s so much noise, and I feel like the important things are getting buried under it," said Rabbit. "That’s on purpose," said Bear. "If you’re tired, afraid, and overwhelmed, you’re easier to control." "So what do we do?" asked Rabbit. "We rest when we need to, so we can think clearly. We pay attention to what they want us to ignore. We help where we can, in ways that matter. And we hold onto each other," replied Bear. "That doesn’t feel like enough," said Rabbit. "I understand," said Bear. "But it is how we keep going."
February 5, 2025 at 5:51 PM