Most of our lives are lived in these small moments. We're not Hollywood celebrities. The day to day movement of our lives are quiet and simple and ordinary. Maybe we can get to a place where we appreciate just that. What a relief. Love love.
For me the day is better when I get out in nature for extended periods *without* looking at my phone. Even an hour riding the back roads of west Sonoma Co is enough, or a 2-mile walk up and down the hills of Helen Putnam park. Also bring the travel mentality of openness to whatever may arise even when I'm home.
I'm re-reading The Size of the World and enjoying it immensely. It really holds up! Not to go all English teacher on you, but you have an enviable talent for similes and strong verbs. I'd love a post or two about getting the book back into print. Are you revising or updating? Do you have a publisher? About a good day: for me it's writing, moving, and reaching out.
Thank you! Just updating -- Don George wrote a Foreword, I wrote an Intro, and some surprises. The text was not changed except to heighten respect -- e.g., black is now Black. Nothing else of significance was changed. I'm self-publishing. Release date = July 1st. Email me about the other stuff.
Your post about nothing had a lot to say about a lot of things ! As always, I enhjoyed reading it. I'm so glad that you have such a positive outlook in spite of your limitations. Keep your spirits up and enjoy many more days like the ones you've described. I love you very much.
"...friendship is my hobby..." - a deceptively deep statement, and one I want to sit with for a while. This seems like one of the more worthwhile hobbies I've been introduced to. Thank you.
I think you've got it, Jeff. My thoughts on making a good day start with being thankful. Even if friends and relatives are out of town or busy, I can look forward to walking in a beautiful place, especially those near the water, and I am thankful to live within a mile of the ocean and thankful that I can walk without difficulty. I am thankful that I can still write, still have ideas, have friends to share my work with, even if it is virtual and not in person. And I do have people who love me, even if we are not together all of the time. That's a lot to be thankful for.
A good day is waking up, being grateful I am still here, going to the gym and interacting with my friends, and after lunch and reading the newspaper, playing the piano for an hour or two either trying master new songs, or practicing ones I've learned. Beautiful closing line, Jeff.
"...a silent prayer of gratitude for the day now passed, and reflection on the fact that if I do not awake, it’s been a good day. And I’ve made a good life."
For a fallow period between your solo show and the reprint of your book, you sure are striking upon some shiny gems, my friend! Beautiful writing prompt that Laurie offered. Looks like you aced the assignment :)
A good day for me includes interacting in some way with the natural world. Examples: marveling at the mysterious sky, noticing the patterns inherent in leaves and bark, soil under the feet, serene time with a pet.
This post reminded me of the poem by Marie Howe, " What The Living Do"
I loved reading this. I loved how intimate and detailed it was. Thank you for giving me a minute by minute glimpse into your day. I admire you socialise so much; that you have so much discipline to take care of yourself; I can relate to your OCD, that you are in bed by 10:00 and that you read for 1.5 hours. xo Catherine
Good a day Defined: full of interesting news, physical activity, cool breezes, contact with old friends, starting or finishing something, upbeat interactions with Kate, topped off by a fine sunset and calls from the kids.
Take up smoking hand-rolled organic tobacco cigarettes. Or wear a Zen nicotine patch. Remember when I told you several years ago that nicotine may cure PD? Now they claim to have proof.
Most of our lives are lived in these small moments. We're not Hollywood celebrities. The day to day movement of our lives are quiet and simple and ordinary. Maybe we can get to a place where we appreciate just that. What a relief. Love love.
For me the day is better when I get out in nature for extended periods *without* looking at my phone. Even an hour riding the back roads of west Sonoma Co is enough, or a 2-mile walk up and down the hills of Helen Putnam park. Also bring the travel mentality of openness to whatever may arise even when I'm home.
I'm re-reading The Size of the World and enjoying it immensely. It really holds up! Not to go all English teacher on you, but you have an enviable talent for similes and strong verbs. I'd love a post or two about getting the book back into print. Are you revising or updating? Do you have a publisher? About a good day: for me it's writing, moving, and reaching out.
Thank you! Just updating -- Don George wrote a Foreword, I wrote an Intro, and some surprises. The text was not changed except to heighten respect -- e.g., black is now Black. Nothing else of significance was changed. I'm self-publishing. Release date = July 1st. Email me about the other stuff.
Oh my, that's soon! Congrats!
Your post about nothing had a lot to say about a lot of things ! As always, I enhjoyed reading it. I'm so glad that you have such a positive outlook in spite of your limitations. Keep your spirits up and enjoy many more days like the ones you've described. I love you very much.
Love you Mom! Thank you!
Thank you for this map and these ways of navigating living. I needed this.
"...friendship is my hobby..." - a deceptively deep statement, and one I want to sit with for a while. This seems like one of the more worthwhile hobbies I've been introduced to. Thank you.
Also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bir8Q15CSX4
I think you've got it, Jeff. My thoughts on making a good day start with being thankful. Even if friends and relatives are out of town or busy, I can look forward to walking in a beautiful place, especially those near the water, and I am thankful to live within a mile of the ocean and thankful that I can walk without difficulty. I am thankful that I can still write, still have ideas, have friends to share my work with, even if it is virtual and not in person. And I do have people who love me, even if we are not together all of the time. That's a lot to be thankful for.
A good day is waking up, being grateful I am still here, going to the gym and interacting with my friends, and after lunch and reading the newspaper, playing the piano for an hour or two either trying master new songs, or practicing ones I've learned. Beautiful closing line, Jeff.
"...a silent prayer of gratitude for the day now passed, and reflection on the fact that if I do not awake, it’s been a good day. And I’ve made a good life."
For a fallow period between your solo show and the reprint of your book, you sure are striking upon some shiny gems, my friend! Beautiful writing prompt that Laurie offered. Looks like you aced the assignment :)
A good day for me includes interacting in some way with the natural world. Examples: marveling at the mysterious sky, noticing the patterns inherent in leaves and bark, soil under the feet, serene time with a pet.
This post reminded me of the poem by Marie Howe, " What The Living Do"
I loved reading this. I loved how intimate and detailed it was. Thank you for giving me a minute by minute glimpse into your day. I admire you socialise so much; that you have so much discipline to take care of yourself; I can relate to your OCD, that you are in bed by 10:00 and that you read for 1.5 hours. xo Catherine
I love the person you're becoming. Aren't we all 'becoming'? Have you been trying the nicotine cure? Fascinating!
I wish I had your discipline, Jeff...
You do, Brad....!
Good a day Defined: full of interesting news, physical activity, cool breezes, contact with old friends, starting or finishing something, upbeat interactions with Kate, topped off by a fine sunset and calls from the kids.
Here’s an adventure for you:
Take up smoking hand-rolled organic tobacco cigarettes. Or wear a Zen nicotine patch. Remember when I told you several years ago that nicotine may cure PD? Now they claim to have proof.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=JyyxUCdbcn8&si=ASVjXdBQr069qH0R
Movement, interaction, performance seeing and doing. Reflection, absorption, transmission (passing through). All part of the light.
Makes for a perfect day.