I’m a day late in posting, as I’d taken yesterday to do laundry, run errands in town, zoom chat with my siblings, read, and work on some other non-writing stuff, so I hope you’ll forgive me. Here’s what has been in circulation this past week.
Books:
I am a chronic book starter. I will pick up a book, start it, and then pick up another book, start that…and so on. I am happy to say that I finally finished “From chaos to creativity” by Jessie Kwak, which had temporarily fallen by the wayside, though I can’t say I’ve gotten my system down. I also saw an old youtube video of Neil Gaiman and Tori Amos talking on a panel at the British Library, and his book “Blueberry Girl” was mentioned, so I decided to read it. It is an illustrated picture book for children and was lovely and sweet and perhaps what my inner girl child needed. I also started reading “Steal like an Artist” by Austin Kleon, whose substack I read. You’d think I’d have read it in one sitting, but no, I was interrupted, and so still working on it.
I haven’t been inspired to pick Camus’ “The Plague” back up, turning instead to the 1,088-page novel, “The Source”, about an archeological dig in Israel in the ’60s, by James A. Michener. In high school, I had to read a few chapters for a Bible Class (I went to a Christian school, and “Bible Class” was required, even if you were a minister’s daughter), and I remember liking it, so I’d borrowed my parent’s copy several years ago, but never got around to reading it. On the opening page, my mother had signed her name and the date she’d received it (as was her common practice) - her birthday - and now, with her recent passing, the book takes on more significance. She loved Michener’s books, and I am enjoying this one so far, and want to read more of his work, and probably not in the least because now, it allows me to connect with my mother in a way I couldn’t before and can’t now.
Substacks:
I have been exploring what seems like a gazillion substacks - it’s almost becoming an addiction. It’s like discovering whole new worlds. I like to sign up for the free version of them to get a taste and then decide from there if I want to upgrade to the paid. There are so many, but I will link the few that I’ve read this week that have been the most interesting and enjoyable.
Oh, and though not a substack, I did enjoy this from Margaret Atwood in the Atlantic.
Music:
Music has always been how I can move and release emotions, especially grief, so naturally, these songs presented themselves to me. I created a whole Spotify playlist entitled “Mother” with songs to support my grieving process.
Videos/Podcasts:
I discovered Iain McGilchrist and after listening to his interview on Rebel Wisdom, I went to his channel and watched a bunch more. Oh, and I checked out his book “The Master and his Emissary” and started reading that, too, of course.
So that’s a bit of what’s been happening in my library. I would love to hear what amazing poetry, essays, interviews, articles, books, and music have been meaningful to you - please share in the comments so we can all partake!
Also, will try to come up with something to share!
Loved this way of you connecting with your Mom, through creative spirit. Tori Amos 1000 Oceans was really beautiful. I need to know more about her. I think she is a favorite of Leanne’s, Geordan’s aunt. Did not have the time to check out the rest yet, but will. Appreciate how you allow yourself to take the time to explore your thoughts and feelings. A healing path.