Gathering

Although the recent political climate seems to give lie to it, people clearly still have the ability to come together without rancor. Observing the recent events surrounding the Great American Solar Eclipse confirms this. What could have been the observation of an infrequently seen scientific phenomenon took on nearly magical properties. There seemed to be an almost organic response. People gathered in enormous numbers to celebrate and revere this event. From literally coast to coast, from Oregon to South Carolina, people gathered in harmony.

Being fortunate to have been in the path of Totality was special. Although there is a Total Eclipse in some part of the world every eighteen months, you are seldom, if ever, in its path.  Perhaps it is the realization that one rarely has this opportunity more than once in a lifetime, if that. I heard people say on the news that it was life-changing. I can’t say it actually changed my life, but it did enhance it. Good news is needed. Even if it lasts only two and a half minutes.

I have to say, it was spectacular. One distinctive impression was the change of the quality of light leading up to the event. The shadows became luminous and colors more vivid. The two and a half minutes of Totality were breathtaking.

I think we needed this.  

Beautiful shadows

2:41 PM

Just Wow

COMMONWEALTH- AUGUST 2017 BOOK SELECTION

One definition of commonwealth is, “Any group of persons united by some common interest or objective.” This meaning fits the plot of the novel literally but also paradoxically, can be viewed tongue-in cheek. Ann Patchett is one of my longtime favorite authors. Her novel, Bel Canto remains on the list of top ten all-time favorites. Needless to say, I picked up her latest novel, Commonwealth with anticipation. I have to say this one was a slower burn for me but ultimately satisfying. It’s hard not to be drawn in by her wonderful writing.

The book opens with a man attending a party he has not been invited to. He simply doesn’t want to go home to his children and expectant wife. That decision alters the fate of two families. These two families are uprooted and the life trajectory of all involved, changed.

As with all of Patchett’s work, the characters are well-drawn and fascinating. In spite of their missteps and flaws, you find yourself saddened by their circumstances and choices and rooting for their ultimate enlightenment. Perhaps the common objective here was to survive without too much damage. The bigger theme may be the concept that a seemingly random event can trigger intense, irreversible change of all within its radius.

Worth reading.