I knew of this but not the name…thanks for the link. I have a beautiful Turk desert plate now broken sitting in my desk for months. That is how I will now fix it…with visible white glue! Waiting to see what to buy from a friend!!!!👍💚🎈
As usual, I enjoy& learn from everything you post. I've been stuck in the crossroads of a way huge autobiography I'm just beginning to realize needs attention on the internal me more than simply the amusing external stuff! Have been accepting the need for change even if the output lessens and agitation arises. I am my own task maker with way too much of a whip's lash tendency. The light over water, nap whenever, a bird's spring warble to its potential mate are far more important as time rushes for all of us towards conclusion...
That's beautiful, Betsey. That last sentence captures it all.
And "output lessens and agitation rises": perfect description. And perhaps even names the task. To let the output decrease and let the agitation dissipate.
I love words. Wish you could give me pointers on how to face finding an editor for my 30 yr autobiography. I gave up calling the massive collection of windy stories a memoir...this morning!!!!
I am not that interested in how a person lived their life. Spilling one's personal guts seems to be what social media (and the too-many memoires being written not to mention the New York School style of poetry) is all about for the most part and I find it mostly boring. I am interested however, in knowing what a person learned from their experiences and which experiences? How do they feel about their experiences? What did they do to find courage and bliss? What makes them happy today? What do they value after they look back and what are they currently learning and why? -- not in the past. I don't read the almost fine print obituaries but I love the featured ones because I discover important facts, ideas, and often, inspiration and heroes to look up to.
John Hamilton's words have had a particularly strong pull on me this morning. Honey-dos went by the wayside as I spent the last four hours fascinated by and reading - one after the other - John's "Words and Music" entries, starting with today's (2-23-2024) entry "Explaining the World using Cheerios". That little button at the bottom of each entry, labelled "MORE", led me into the wonderful world of John's mind and experiences. I got back as far as September, 2023, and look forward to another morning like this one!
When I read "burn your journals" I gasped! How could one burn such sacred writings, such pure unfiltered thoughts from the past? I always thought I would save my journals till the day I found myself bedridden from old age, sick of the same old crap on TV, finally having the time to read through all those memories. But after hearing your story, I may have to rethink things. Thanks so much for sharing and keep up the great work, especially the journals! :)
Since I have to assume you are a journal keeper, Angela, I had EXACTLY the same image in my mind. One day, I would read through the journals in the nursing home, with all the time in the world. But since I am a LOT closer to the nursing home than you, and I still haven't gotten around to reading them ...
I will glance at what is in there. But now, you have time. Stop moving the boxed around! Read them. And, if you have the space, store them.
I agree with Steve Sheppard, your piece Prayer Gratitude was amazing
Thank you, Kathy. If you’d like, I can put these pieces on a CD and send them to you. Just don’t tell anyone I’m doing that ;-)
I can hear your voice in your writing and it always makes me smile. You were the most inspirational creative director and mentor.
Well, my day's not going to get any better than that. Thank you. And—can we say stuff like this anymore?—you have a great smile.
Spot on John.
Thanks for every rational true word!
Well done, thanks and Merry Christmas 🎄
I knew of this but not the name…thanks for the link. I have a beautiful Turk desert plate now broken sitting in my desk for months. That is how I will now fix it…with visible white glue! Waiting to see what to buy from a friend!!!!👍💚🎈
As usual, I enjoy& learn from everything you post. I've been stuck in the crossroads of a way huge autobiography I'm just beginning to realize needs attention on the internal me more than simply the amusing external stuff! Have been accepting the need for change even if the output lessens and agitation arises. I am my own task maker with way too much of a whip's lash tendency. The light over water, nap whenever, a bird's spring warble to its potential mate are far more important as time rushes for all of us towards conclusion...
That's beautiful, Betsey. That last sentence captures it all.
And "output lessens and agitation rises": perfect description. And perhaps even names the task. To let the output decrease and let the agitation dissipate.
I love words. Wish you could give me pointers on how to face finding an editor for my 30 yr autobiography. I gave up calling the massive collection of windy stories a memoir...this morning!!!!
Let's talk about that. You would have no problem finding an editor. Finding the right editor is so much more important.
I'd really like to talk more...maybe a weekend someday? Here or with you guys...
Yes, let's get something together. Facetime might be a good platform—I've got a bunch of Sunday preaching gigs.
Let go of hating this promotional stuff! I am happy to comment and a reminder helps😇
I am not that interested in how a person lived their life. Spilling one's personal guts seems to be what social media (and the too-many memoires being written not to mention the New York School style of poetry) is all about for the most part and I find it mostly boring. I am interested however, in knowing what a person learned from their experiences and which experiences? How do they feel about their experiences? What did they do to find courage and bliss? What makes them happy today? What do they value after they look back and what are they currently learning and why? -- not in the past. I don't read the almost fine print obituaries but I love the featured ones because I discover important facts, ideas, and often, inspiration and heroes to look up to.
Hi Ann, I definitely agree there are way too many memoirs. There is a lot of stuff, especially from celebrities, that I really don't need to know.
In my little hometown newspaper, there are a lot of featured obituaries. And they almost always make for interesting reading.
Glad to know we both appreciate Simeon's music!
Thank you again John...
Hi John,
I laughed, I learned, and I thought!!!
Your style is playful, probing and incisive.
What a treat. Glad to be a subscriber.
Best,
Kathy
Thanks, Kathy. Much appreciated.
John Hamilton's words have had a particularly strong pull on me this morning. Honey-dos went by the wayside as I spent the last four hours fascinated by and reading - one after the other - John's "Words and Music" entries, starting with today's (2-23-2024) entry "Explaining the World using Cheerios". That little button at the bottom of each entry, labelled "MORE", led me into the wonderful world of John's mind and experiences. I got back as far as September, 2023, and look forward to another morning like this one!
Thanks, John. I appreciate it!
I will say yes--it is acceptable to say that. And thank you.
Great work, I should’ve read this before I came back from Arizona on Monday. I would’ve missed the plane 😊
When I read "burn your journals" I gasped! How could one burn such sacred writings, such pure unfiltered thoughts from the past? I always thought I would save my journals till the day I found myself bedridden from old age, sick of the same old crap on TV, finally having the time to read through all those memories. But after hearing your story, I may have to rethink things. Thanks so much for sharing and keep up the great work, especially the journals! :)
Since I have to assume you are a journal keeper, Angela, I had EXACTLY the same image in my mind. One day, I would read through the journals in the nursing home, with all the time in the world. But since I am a LOT closer to the nursing home than you, and I still haven't gotten around to reading them ...
I will glance at what is in there. But now, you have time. Stop moving the boxed around! Read them. And, if you have the space, store them.
So many wonderful memories in this piece. You brought me back Hackensack! Meade St and that face melting fire. Very sweet times. Thanks
Yes, you were there for all that, Kathy. And I'm grateful you were.
I’m slowing down on my making stuff: emphasizing what I formerly mistook for flaws …as assets
You probably know this idea already, but it’s exactly what you’re talking about: https://medium.com/@deotalumanjiri/kintsugi-the-art-of-embracing-flaws-and-imperfections-4b00c85228cb