The Gifts

 

I think everyone is in need of comfort and reassurance right now. The world seems in chaos. Fires, demonstrations, deaths, a pandemic, nasty, unconscionable politics. I for one am longing for peace. Security. Quiet. Solace. A crawl-back-in-the-womb moment.

In some ways I’m just realizing that Nature is my solace. I’ve always known that other than spending time with my family, I’m happiest outside, among trees, flowers, animals, in nature. But it’s still kind of a lightning bolt. Maybe, to my deep sorrow, because I can’t be with my family right now.

Recently, I was watching a program I had taped a while ago called The Whale Detective. I realized my breathing had slowed, I was totally absorbed, fascinated and happy. The ocean, the beauty of the Humpback whales, the people studying them. Everything.  The man who was reporting the documentary had actually had a not-too-pleasant close encounter with a Humpback. One had actually breached and had fallen on his and his companion’s kayak while whale watching in Monterrey Bay. Still he wanted to study them, be near them, understand them. So, seeing whales in person is definitely on my bucket list. Always has been. I can’t imagine anything more thrilling.

Last month, I encouraged myself and you to be patient and to believe in the best outcome. I wish I had some words of wisdom, some reassurance. Something I’m having a hard time with, myself, now. So all I can say is try to find what calms you. Reading, music, video games, exercise, nature, Netflix. Your loved ones. Whatever.

Look for the lesson in this.

Look for the Gifts. They are there.

CLOCK DANCE & THE DUTCH HOUSE- SEPTEMBER 2020 BOOK SELECTIONS

 Two beautifully written novels are my September book selections. I have selected both because they are written about fairly ordinary people and the influences and events that shaped their lives.

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett tells the story of a brother and sister raised in wealth and privilege whose lives are altered irrevocably with the second marriage of their father. Although this is not my favorite Patchett novel, I would not have wanted to miss reading it. What is of interest and fascination is the examination of how one event can impact choices and life direction. The brother and sister in many ways remain stuck in the past, spending many days sitting in front of their childhood home, The Dutch House. Although they were forced out, they never really leave it behind.

Another favorite author, Ann Tyler, creates a similar theme in Clock Dance. The difference is more than one event arguably shapes the main character’s life. The story is written in sections and follows Willa from childhood, through early college, middle age, then late adulthood. Deeply passive, Willa puts everyone else’s needs before her own and allows others to shape her choices and thus her future. Once, having had a gun pressed into her ribs, she even allows others to dismiss it. 

Each section reveals a moment that becomes a crossroad that dictates her path. In the last section, the character, nearing old age, finally makes a choice that dramatically alters her final days. The novel poses interesting questions about the nature of fulfillment and how we shape our destiny.