Miss Harper is ready for the season!
___________
I've dipped my toe back into the ocean of news, having been convinced by a meme that I should not turn away. I watch and read sparingly still, but slowly, I'm reengaging with the world beyond my ken. There's the meme, quoting the great and wise Audre Lorde, which someone posted on Bluesky. I've deleted Twitter or X of whatever it was calling itself, and joined Bluesky, which is infinitely less toxic, while still on the pulse of the news as it unfolds in real time. I'm going to Jamaica for four days over the holidays, and would you believe I wish I was just staying home? I'm in the mood to sit still, to roll up the sidewalk and just be. I also need to make some real progress on the book, but I will have to pause in writing that and make myself pack, contemplate presenting myself, on a beach no less, and in this moment it all feels like too much. Some people have real problems, right? I feel silly whining about this, and besides, the money is spent, the tickets booked, the ocean view room reserved, and my husband's has set his heart on sun and sea. There is no way around it but to go, and unearth some enjoyment at being able to revisit the beach and the turquoise sea of my childhood. I'm trying not to worry about how powder soft the sand is there, which was heavenly when my body was sound, but now it is wholly at odds with my gimpy left leg, which struggles to keep me upright even on flat hard ground. Oh, no one is crying for me, I know this. I'm just trying to get my own head in gear.
Your feelings are important. There is nothing wrong with not wanting to travel if you’re not into it. I’m willing to bet you’ll be glad you did though. So please tell us how things went after you return. Have a wonderful time while you’re there. Um, a postcard would be lovely. Now be well.
ReplyDeletePS. What a lovely young’un. Tres chic, too!
Thank you for this kind comment. I wish I knew your name.
DeleteCodex: We have nothing to gain from certain media. I've developed a habit to quickly view the news in the evening. I hope you archived twitter. As to traveling I'd only be paraphrasing the anonymous commenter. Wise words from Audrey and starting to realize that your community can now teach ours. Strange how the universe works. Yesterday someone recommended Jerusalema sung by Kidjo in front of Notre Dame.
ReplyDeleteCodex, we can only teach each other if we’re willing to be taught so let’s hope that heart set prevails. Love Kidjo. I will need to find that video. Thanks for letting me know about it.
Deletehttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m7zpOZQ-I1w
DeletePure joy and light. It does prevail. It's just that there is so much shock and despondency that many simply don't know what to do. Have you watched Avengers Infinity war? Comfort books, science fiction, art music dance. The order in this chaos.
Codex: Sorry had to recharge before I could finish. I recommend Avengers Infinity war/Endgame because it's allegory and metaphor wrapped in fantasy. It parallels much of what is going on and surprised me with its timely message. No matter how different, when communities come together, don't give up even someone with almost omnipotent power can be defeated. And it's fun.
DeleteCodex, I did watch Infinity War/Endgame. Yes, good fun but it also sparked animated philosophical discussions in our family, Marvel fans that many of us are. My niece also does social media for Marvel, her dream job!
DeleteYes, your feelings matter. And I also agree you will enjoy being there once you are there. These are tough times. Get joy where you can. BTW, darling child.
ReplyDeleteSandra, “get joy where you can.” Wise words my friend.
DeleteJamaica sounds delightful, but I get your feelings about soft sand. Harper continues on her path to world domination of cuteness. I'm mostly on Bluesky now. Unfortunately the Covid science people are staying on X so I have not given that up. But, I don't have to stay there long to see if there's anything new.
ReplyDeleteAllison, come find me on Bluesky if I’m not already following you!
DeleteJamaica sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI feel, headspace is what we make it. I tell myself to take control and then convince myself, I have control. It helps.
That said, I've also decided the next 4 years are going to be chaos. DT uses this for leverage. It drives most crazy which is what he counts on. The media is just promoting the chaos which is not ideal for most of us.
Lately, I like the weather station which covers weather events throughout the US. Next, I enjoy documentaries: National Trust Gardens, The Tudors....
Susan, I’m too an escaping into streaming. I enjoy immersive series and particularly relish costume dramas. Currently I’m comfort watching Call The Midwife, which at its core is about women fiercely caring for other women, an unambiguously feminist message for the time. Line you, trying to sidestep the chaos mindset. And you’re right, the media does not help.
DeleteYes. My adored daughter has us booked in the Florida Keys for two weeks in February and I am thinking about sand and the fact that I have to use a walker. Hoping the wet sand will be firm enough. I do hear you. A mix of hope and pure terror at what I will look like in a (new and much bigger) bathing suit.
ReplyDeleteI will think about the beautiful and intelligent face of the baby whose photo graces your page and my heart.
DeleteMary G, I hear you. I can tell you understand. The good thing is there are many places of enjoyment in the Keys where your walker will easily take you. Let’s both pledge to be brave navigators and enjoy ourselves regardless! xor
ReplyDelete
I know, I know, I know, I KNOW. A million times I KNOW!
ReplyDeleteYou and I. Same-same in so many ways.
But I am almost willing to bet that at one point or another, you are going to be so glad you are there that you might even cry.
Harper. If I caught that child without her shoes on, I would very politely ask if I could nibble her toes.
Darling Mary, I know you know. The packing, ugh. But I’m sure you’re right. It will be good when I’m there. And you should know that a moment after delightful little Harper allowed that second photo, she threw that cup on the ground. But how cool are those red striped bell bottoms. She’s my style guru.
DeleteYou will have such a good time on the beach! Enjoy your break and let the warm weather help you to relax.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear Sabine.
DeleteMiss Harper may well be the cutest child I have seen in a long time. Jamaica will do you good! You will be glad you went!
ReplyDeleteJim, I’m sure you’re right! Will report in from the other side.
DeleteHarper is adorable. I hope you can stay upright and have a good time. Sand sinks a wheelchair so I only dream of the beach these days.
ReplyDeletee, I’ve been secretly thinking about ways to avoid the sand if you want to know the truth. My younger selfI never would have guessed this of myself
Delete"Each of us must find our work and do it."
ReplyDeleteFor Harper's sake. For the sake of all the children. It is a joy to see Harper growing and thriving! And to picture the turquoise sea of your childhood.
Am, for Harper’s sake, that crystallizes it beautifully.
DeleteMiss Harper is such a cutie! She's one of the reasons we must "find our work and do it!" I hope their future is filled with joy and peace.
ReplyDeleteHope your journey to Jamaica is wonderful.
Ellen, thank you for all these good wishes. I’m holding them close. And the same to you my friend.
DeleteI think four days in the sun will do you a world of good. Take care sweetie.
ReplyDeletePixie, I wish we could just beam ourselves places as they did on Star Trek. “Beam me up Scotty” would be so welcome.
ReplyDeletewhat a delight that Harper is.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind being other places, it's the traveling back and forth I don't like.
I'm on BlueSky. I found you and followed. @eabbottart.bsky.social