Stories
No. 47
Last published note -
I have always been an admirer of portraits — to mark the essence of time and the harshness or gentleness of seasons — and, if you have never been the family with framed portraiture or holiday cards, they hold a stamping to the artistic nature of our lives. We deserve to shed light on having happened. However, it does feel silly to stand next to heartbeats that have never seen a mirror, do not compare feathers or markings or fields, and move as strangely or flawlessly as they know just to exist.
To think we know better by trying to capture something that can only be felt once completely committed to surrendering all and any ego. It is why children shine brightly in their messy glory. To understand real beauty, we must not attempt correction in what we see.
Links -
Lotion bar (new code is SAMD15)
Food lately -
One heaping serving size of plain yogurt + one scoop vanilla protein powder (we love this one), splash of maple syrup. Combine. Top with four spoonfuls pomegranate, handful raw pecans, one tablespoon dusting of cacao powder, and a pinch salt.
Tomato rice by Nigella Lawson (we are all loving this - Isaac eating two bowls at a time!), two giant handfuls of spinach, Calabrian chili from the store, jammy eggs fresh from the morning, salt, pepper, Parmesan, olive oil. Yum on a rainy day!
Stories -
My neighbor in her eighties is a beautiful example of pursuing creative ideas no matter when or how — they touch who they need to. A retired school teacher — she self published a book of her marriage, children, and their time on the farm. I felt lucky to get a copy, as they are not for sale, but dedicated to her husband and children. It’s full of family timelines, rich personal history, black and white photographs, and most importantly, how it came to her. We go hiking together and visit when able ever since meeting informally on our road, each of us out for an exercise.
Reading each other’s stories is important — without agenda.
I am so thankful for everyone I know who is older than me, softly sharing how they have moved throughout their seasons. They exude cheer and permanence in all the ways we have become experts in overlooking. Not one video watched, advisory carousel, or tutorial, can exemplify this attitude we must demonstrate.
And, you never know who you’ll meet on a walk.
I have no words for this sort of synchronicity, only except for it is true that when you seek out your truths, try them, believe in them, and stay close to yourself, these reassuring enchantments, or angels as friends, wait just around the corner.
For my senior project in high school I photographed the hands of my tutor, a widow, and two couples at the senior center in town. I met with them a few times,
