Has it really been 10 years since I encountered her at Harpeth Gym? We were watching our kids at practice. For 4 weeks we found ourselves in the same viewing/waiting room at the gym. She at table working and I viewing by the window. Butterflies twittered in the light of her smile and gaze. I met her eyes and she dawned upon me. The dawn of recognizing a friend. I believe the strongest people of our species are brave, and open, and honest…and…
…still here.
Walter in Zolikofen
I read that a writer writes because it is something that cannot be not done. It’s a compulsion. Does that go for painting, thinking, experimenting, loving, living? What does a survivor do? And how or is it learned – by experience?
I saw this stupid but funny quote: “I’m just the best there is. Plain and simple. I wake up in the morning and I piss excellence. No one can hang with my stuff. I’m just a big, hairy, American winning machine.” – Ricky Bobby.
I think he was trying to say that it’s good to have someone to be goofy and funny and serious and loving with. This reminded me of driving on a beach highway: the wind and sun on your face, the sea-salt smell, the 70’s music on the radio! There is still time for a drive while the sun casts golden yellow rays on the road. Another time of year that I love (I do love something about all seasons) is approaching. The joy of a crisp autumn day – or night. Fresh apples. Low humidity. Falling leaves. Clear blue skies.
Recently, Annie visited the beach. She was perfectly at ease exploring the beach and its creatures. At home, she likes to dig for worms and insects and put together puzzles, so maybe she’s in training to be an archaeologist. Plenty of time for that formal training later. Presently, it’s great to observe her fun as an amateur.
Ben visited Argentina with Tracy Poole’s Spanish students last summer. When I saw some of the pictures from this trip I absolutely loved the action shot of these pigeons. It was winter in Buenos Aires when the students visited which was perfect for walking around and seeing the city.
This past week Gaby interviewed Nanny and Papa about life before technology. I shot the dv tape of the interview. What was it like before computers, cell phones, television, microwaves, GPS or any satellites, weather forecasting, plastics, indoor plumbing, air conditioning, antibiotics, ultrasounds and the list goes on and on.
We went to Happy Tales at the Factory in Franklin today to volunteer as handlers for Doggie Adoption Day. It was busy and fun to be in the mix of animals (people are animals too). As a volunteer you can hold and walk and foster the pets. Lots of lookers and adopters. Take a look – http://happytaleshumane.com
The Green Hills Branch of the Nashville Library will show the photos through the end of the month. Prices are very reasonable (all less than $100). Some of the favorites I heard mentioned are smiley corvette, cog train, chihuahua in the pocket. Or visit online: http://virgilfoxphotography.com.
On the writing front, I have rejoined an organization called Poets and Writers. Take a look online at http://www.pw.org for an idea of what they offer. Lots of tips and opportunities to submit work. I also like to pick up Writer’s Digest when I’m at a bookstore. They are online too at http://www.writersdigest.com. Also online at http://www.amazon.com/gp/seller-account/mm-summary-page.html?topic=200260520&ld=AZSelfPublishMakeM there is a site about Amazon.com and self publishing, though I haven’t used this yet. I used Dan Poynter’s Self-Publishing Manual: How to Write, Print and Sell Your Own Book (Paperback) when doing my own book. It covers all the steps which are not the fun part of writing but a useful education about the book business.