An Embarrassment of Riches

 As I have shopped for my family for this first Christmas together in two years, I realize there is an embarrassment of riches. Not just physical things, but the riches of family. We just don’t need the physical stuff. I’m wishing with all of my heart not to add to the “stuff” that I have tried so hard to purge. I have failed miserably. One purged drawer. That’s it.  I’m still a work in progress. So here’s what’s important:

 “There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.”

— Martha Graham

 I think she was talking about the expression of your art but it holds true for all human interaction. What fills my heart with joy is the prospect of being together, of talking, sharing, having meals, playing games, singing, being…. The interaction and expression of all of our disparate personalities, blending in a magical way.  All the things we have missed with sore hearts.

The same Everywhere.

THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY- NOVEMBER 2021 BOOK SELECTION

 Eighteen-year-old Emmet Watson has just been released from a work farm where he served 15 months for involuntary manslaughter. With his father’s death and his mother long gone, he knows he will never be accepted again in his small, Nebraska community.  He plans to leave home with his little brother, Billy and make a new start in California. However, his plans are sidetracked by two stowaway/friends from the work farm.  They hid themselves in the trunk of the warden’s car when Emmet was brought home and showed up at this door. 

What follows is an adventure of epic proportions. Although coming in at almost 600 pages, this hefty novel transports us. Multiple, interwoven narrators tell the story of riding the rails, racial violence, deceit, a stolen car, stolen money, being drugged, an orphanage run by nuns, betrayal, joy, loss, miracles, physical threats. Beautiful, transformative writing, a not-to-be-missed experience.

Highly recommend.