There's a writers' guru named Dan Blank who asks writers to answer, "What do you want to say?"
It's mid-August, and I want to keep these thoughts at bay. I want to hold on to sitting with friends in the shade... smacking my arm after the mosquito's left...
The streets are empty. I'm feeling slightly aimless (which is good). But here it is. Here is what I've been doing and believing for the last many years:
that we all belong in this world.
that diversity makes us strong
that we should look more deeply into each other
that we can marvel at this gorgeous world - and protect it
that aging is good - it helps us focus on what is essential
that artists are little gods to me
that there are many good people working to improve our shared world. I am optimistic because of them (think of the Hearings) and deeply grateful.
So that's that. I want to ask you in the slow month of August:
What is essential to you? What do you want to say? I would love to hear your thoughts.
September
September is a faint outline still, but barreling my way....
VERY special, coming up - Interviews with two young Latinas with drama and heart—an attorney and a social worker—who will change the world we are living in. Be on the lookout in your inbox for these two Soy/Somos conversations.
On September 12, 7-8 pm I am participating with three other poets in a reading and conversation: "Tapping into Poetic Creativity in These Times." It’s an on-line event. Sign up, and join us on the 12th!
Books
Also a Poet: Frank O'Hara, My Father, and Me - I read this unusual memoir, which led me to another work. The daughter's book first. Then dad's. If you have an interest in artists and poets and would appreciate an honest telling of the messy relationship between a daughter and her famous father, you will like this book.
Speaking with my cousin Rita who is a painter and sculptor led me to the father's art critiques published in the New Yorker, Village Voice, and everywhere. I've been plucking from Hot, Cold, Heavy, Light, critiques of shows I've seen in NYC, on Freud, Matisse, Cindy Sherman, etc. Schjeldahl’s way of looking at art and life is wonderfully odd.
The Real Mrs. Tobias, Sally Koslow's newest novel, has a pub date of September 13. I am eager to read what I know will be a funny, big-hearted story, and I am thrilled for my dear friend. Sally is having two launches for the book in New York City in mid-September. You can learn more on Sally’s website.
David McCullough - I grieve for the loss of this prolific writer who brought the past to life and left us with treasures. Among his books that I've read and loved: Truman, John Adams, Path Between the Seas [Location clue: At the Narrow Waist of the World]. I have The Great [Brooklyn] Bridge hidden somewhere in the house....
Salman Rushdie - The attack on Salman Rushdie, one of the great British Indian novelists, is heartbreaking and a travesty. Sadly, it illustrates the current battles between individual freedoms and authoritarianism. A quote from Rushdie from Ground Beneath Her Feet, "I want more than what I want."
Keep the slow going in your life. xx
Let me know what you are thinking.