Life has a quirky sense of humor. I forwarded a link to The Life Boat to my wife just now. A writer and painter in her own right. I hesitated for a second. The “Life Boat” symbolism turned my head to a living room wall. There, attached to one of Beth’s paintings, is a solid brass sign: “TO LIFE BOATS”, supported by a long pointed piece of solid metal. A left over from a former relationship/partner. She indeed had need of a life boat during our time together.
Finally, after receiving ECT, shock treatment, she considered herself a burden to me. That event provided a crystal clear window to understand what Ernest Hemingway meant, before he suicided, that ECT had taken away everything that had once made him a writer of considerable acclaim.
She left her job and moved back to “home” to live with her severely alcoholic mother and her younger schizophrenic sister. The Maelstrom.
Thank you ever so much, Samantha. Yes, Beth has made remarkable progress since that event. She’s back to working full time and her other pursuits. That transition to our normal actions and pursuits has benefitted me as well. I continue to chef and shop for the benefit of all.
I hope the incessant rainfall changes its mind for your area soon. Here, likely high wind and tornadoes over night and into the morning hours. Connecting this occurrence, and yours, to global warming seems incalculable for many. Just as the connections between volcanoes and earthquakes and tectonic plates fails to register.
I’m happy to say at this moment I’m perched in a chair that allows a clear view of the small birds taking turns at our bird bath. They arrive and wait by species. I’ve only observed that interaction this winter. A delight!
Now in possession of The Clearing, more than ever the expression, Pearls Before Swine, resonates with my view of your writing. For clarity, you and your writing are the “pearls.” The swine? Present and accounted for, though I do sometimes sniff out truffles.
Long ago I purchased a chapbook of poetry from a writer in England. As a bonus she included her preferred recipe for scones! An interesting touch. Certainly not a veiled complaint that I can’t find a recipe anywhere! More than likely I’ll find greater treasures on the pages of The Clearing.
Good morning Samantha and Happy New Year to you as well! Lots of reading time was not my lot over the Holidays. I wear the hat of chief cook and bottle washer most of the time. A Christmas gathering, then New Years’ Eve with New Years’ Day gobbled up lots of time.
I’m delighted to say I spent time with “The Clearing” the last two days and am so glad I bought your book. I read more slowly than many. By design. Savoring certain passages. Re-reading and reflecting. Like my younger self with a kaleidoscope trained on a variety of light sources. No ingestion of mind altering substances to be delighted.
Of course my reading will continue. Of course I’m pleased to have received your message this morning. Serendipity? Coincidence? At a minimum good fortune.
Beautiful. As a visual artist and a writer this resonates deeply. The creative impulse comes from the same deep place within. I love the idea of slow art. So glad I found your work.
Life has a quirky sense of humor. I forwarded a link to The Life Boat to my wife just now. A writer and painter in her own right. I hesitated for a second. The “Life Boat” symbolism turned my head to a living room wall. There, attached to one of Beth’s paintings, is a solid brass sign: “TO LIFE BOATS”, supported by a long pointed piece of solid metal. A left over from a former relationship/partner. She indeed had need of a life boat during our time together.
Finally, after receiving ECT, shock treatment, she considered herself a burden to me. That event provided a crystal clear window to understand what Ernest Hemingway meant, before he suicided, that ECT had taken away everything that had once made him a writer of considerable acclaim.
She left her job and moved back to “home” to live with her severely alcoholic mother and her younger schizophrenic sister. The Maelstrom.
We’ve not communicated since.
I occasionally go off on tangents.
Hello Gary, I'm so sorry to hear your wife has had such a difficult time. May the New Year bring you both equanimity to help you navigate the storms.
Thank you ever so much, Samantha. Yes, Beth has made remarkable progress since that event. She’s back to working full time and her other pursuits. That transition to our normal actions and pursuits has benefitted me as well. I continue to chef and shop for the benefit of all.
I hope the incessant rainfall changes its mind for your area soon. Here, likely high wind and tornadoes over night and into the morning hours. Connecting this occurrence, and yours, to global warming seems incalculable for many. Just as the connections between volcanoes and earthquakes and tectonic plates fails to register.
I’m happy to say at this moment I’m perched in a chair that allows a clear view of the small birds taking turns at our bird bath. They arrive and wait by species. I’ve only observed that interaction this winter. A delight!
All the best Samantha!
Hi Samantha,
Now in possession of The Clearing, more than ever the expression, Pearls Before Swine, resonates with my view of your writing. For clarity, you and your writing are the “pearls.” The swine? Present and accounted for, though I do sometimes sniff out truffles.
Long ago I purchased a chapbook of poetry from a writer in England. As a bonus she included her preferred recipe for scones! An interesting touch. Certainly not a veiled complaint that I can’t find a recipe anywhere! More than likely I’ll find greater treasures on the pages of The Clearing.
Happy New Year Gary! I hope you found plenty of reading time over the holidays? I've been immersed in a couple big fat novels and it's been wonderful!
Good morning Samantha and Happy New Year to you as well! Lots of reading time was not my lot over the Holidays. I wear the hat of chief cook and bottle washer most of the time. A Christmas gathering, then New Years’ Eve with New Years’ Day gobbled up lots of time.
I’m delighted to say I spent time with “The Clearing” the last two days and am so glad I bought your book. I read more slowly than many. By design. Savoring certain passages. Re-reading and reflecting. Like my younger self with a kaleidoscope trained on a variety of light sources. No ingestion of mind altering substances to be delighted.
Of course my reading will continue. Of course I’m pleased to have received your message this morning. Serendipity? Coincidence? At a minimum good fortune.
All the best for you! Today and always.
editing is like recording the moments is a Wonderful truth thanks so much. john
Beautiful. As a visual artist and a writer this resonates deeply. The creative impulse comes from the same deep place within. I love the idea of slow art. So glad I found your work.