Today’s ride through this post suggests we would be wise to cinch down our saddles tight, but leave the spurs in the tack room! Which of course is wonderful. The question about making pies - To eat, or not to eat. That is the question - tickled some ribs. Rhubarb pie seemed a logical candidate to not eat!
The recent Listening Circle discussion about our superpowers touched a spot in me. After some very early events that left me avoiding any type of public speaking occasions, I turn to my seemed ease of blabbering in this community. Some of that disparity may be that we don’t interact visually over Zoom. Of course there is the family shot comprising my avatar, but most find my dog to be more compelling.
Typist invites us to note how we might turn on our lights, which raises this question: once we discover or focus on a part of us that would rather remain in the shadows, is it incumbent on us to address that shortcoming? And if we fail to do so, does that limit our ability to shine in other aspects of our lives?
I raise that question to genuinely invite feedback from any and all who might choose to. “You face, my thane, is as a book where men May read strange matters.” Wm. Shakespeare. Further along in this quote from MacBeth, it continues: “look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.”
Thank you for posing the question “is it incumbent on us to address the shortcoming? I’ve been feeling exhausted and you nailed it. As my inner strength unfolds I am confronted daily with new shortcomings and the need to follow the path of understanding. Isn’t it enough to just be aware and accept? And what makes something a shortcoming? If we change our perspective and story could it not be a strength?
Oh! Thank you for bringing your questions to our community Ilene.
You've given me an opportunity to play with the idea of shifting perspectives -- to see shortcomings as strengths. For a long time I felt being "too quiet" was a shortcoming because most people seem besotted by the gregarious. Then I learned that being quiet (for me) equated to being a good listener.
Thank you for your response and sharing your personal truth on the subject. You may chuckle to hear this: on the end table by my couch is a copy of Harold Kushner’s book, “How Good Do We Have To Be?” He, a respected Rabbi, is better known for an earlier book, “When Bad Things Happen To Good People” that was inspired by his child’s fatal illness. I’ve never read advocacy for wearing ourselves down for self improvement, but there is so much available on the subject that avoiding excess “improvement” might also be a wise strategy. A dear friend shared the acronym, AAA, which is Awareness, Acceptance, Action. I didn’t miss your point about the sufficiency of being aware and accepting. Another friend has followed a Buddhist path for many years. Her comments on taking “Action” suggested that the challenge is to focus first on what our awareness can teach us. In my mind, then patience is important. An urge to act impulsively can indeed create other problems. She would advise, “Sit with yourself and what you are feeling deep down.” I think you made a good point about the effect of changes in our selves that could put an earlier shortcoming in a new light. As a strength? Of course I could misjudge a corrective action and have misgivings. Dust myself off and get back on the horse! Rethink what I missed then develop a better approach. After all, How Good Do We Have To Be? Again, thanks.
Another beautiful post Gail. Coincidentally I’ve been reading Susan Cain’s latest, ‘Bittersweet’, while I’ve been walking Camino Finisterre over the past week, I think you’d find it interesting? 💚
My trust in your book recommendations is full-fledged! I’ve ordered Bittersweet.
I read Quiet by SC when I was exploring my son’s tendency (and mine!) toward introversion. I can’t tell you how many teachers at conferences made a big deal out of him being too quiet!
I am experiencing vicarious joy in your travel on el Camino. When C has been fully sent packing into the sunset, I hope to follow in your footsteps. 😊
Thank you, Margaret, for the geography prompt! My late mother-in-law used to quip, “I read maps like a dirty book!” This brings to mind a book I read a while back, “Blue Highways.” By William Least Heat-Moon. The blue highways refers to the very old days, pre-Garmin, when we got highway maps at our Esso gas stations. The blue highways denoting less traveled, usually 2-lane, highways. Always rendered in the color blue. Moon set a course utilizing almost entirely blue highways, somewhat as a tour of his earlier life. Old infrequently visited relatives. Old towns of a certain fame or infamy, etc. Moon’s keen wit and eye yield a pleasing running commentary on the way.
Are you blogging this journey you are now on? To the end of the Earth.
I love the sound of that book Gary- I live in Ireland so we don’t have too many highways but my OH loves maps, has a real fascination for them. It can also be interesting to look at old place names here on maps, can be revealing of history and not always the official version.
I’m keeping a private notebook of this journey Gary, not blogging. 📘
Years ago I canoe/camped with other folks and solo canoed as well. I always got USGS section maps of the lands surrounding the river course before trips. Both curiosity and for planning in case of emergencies. Before cell phones. The section maps showed locations of many old buildings - schools, churches, settlements, and cemeteries- the remains of which had long disappeared. Knowing of the settlers from long before left a sense of presence as I plied those waters.
Heat-Moon wrote “River Horse” which describes an intricately planned east to west journey of the US. Started at the mouth of the Hudson River and spit out at the mouth of the Columbia River into the Pacific. Portages were taken only by necessity. Food stuffs and some refueling logistics were aided by a support crew. As with Blue Highways, Moon’s keen eye, ability to engage with complete strangers, and acerbic wit borders on alchemy. I grew up near Lake Erie so his accounts of the old barge canals, predating the St Lawrence Seaway by more than a century brought back my domestic history teachings. To my mind, Moon magically weaves history, geography, towns ancient or no longer in existence, with contemporary land and river use into Gold thread! In Rapunzel-esque fashion.
Some parts of the journey beg the question, “Why,” owing to life threatening dangers. Others are fascinating or educational. Still others invite one to behold vast stretches of wilderness and untamed free flowing rivers. Edge of one’s seat reading. 😱
Today’s ride through this post suggests we would be wise to cinch down our saddles tight, but leave the spurs in the tack room! Which of course is wonderful. The question about making pies - To eat, or not to eat. That is the question - tickled some ribs. Rhubarb pie seemed a logical candidate to not eat!
The recent Listening Circle discussion about our superpowers touched a spot in me. After some very early events that left me avoiding any type of public speaking occasions, I turn to my seemed ease of blabbering in this community. Some of that disparity may be that we don’t interact visually over Zoom. Of course there is the family shot comprising my avatar, but most find my dog to be more compelling.
Typist invites us to note how we might turn on our lights, which raises this question: once we discover or focus on a part of us that would rather remain in the shadows, is it incumbent on us to address that shortcoming? And if we fail to do so, does that limit our ability to shine in other aspects of our lives?
I raise that question to genuinely invite feedback from any and all who might choose to. “You face, my thane, is as a book where men May read strange matters.” Wm. Shakespeare. Further along in this quote from MacBeth, it continues: “look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.”
I was de-fanged some time ago…
The pie I’d skip is… There isn’t one! 😂
Izzie is quite a looker. 😉
To your questions… It has been my experience that dancing with my shadows has made life richer, more meaningful, and a heck of a lot more fun!
Thank you for posing the question “is it incumbent on us to address the shortcoming? I’ve been feeling exhausted and you nailed it. As my inner strength unfolds I am confronted daily with new shortcomings and the need to follow the path of understanding. Isn’t it enough to just be aware and accept? And what makes something a shortcoming? If we change our perspective and story could it not be a strength?
Oh! Thank you for bringing your questions to our community Ilene.
You've given me an opportunity to play with the idea of shifting perspectives -- to see shortcomings as strengths. For a long time I felt being "too quiet" was a shortcoming because most people seem besotted by the gregarious. Then I learned that being quiet (for me) equated to being a good listener.
Thank you for your response and sharing your personal truth on the subject. You may chuckle to hear this: on the end table by my couch is a copy of Harold Kushner’s book, “How Good Do We Have To Be?” He, a respected Rabbi, is better known for an earlier book, “When Bad Things Happen To Good People” that was inspired by his child’s fatal illness. I’ve never read advocacy for wearing ourselves down for self improvement, but there is so much available on the subject that avoiding excess “improvement” might also be a wise strategy. A dear friend shared the acronym, AAA, which is Awareness, Acceptance, Action. I didn’t miss your point about the sufficiency of being aware and accepting. Another friend has followed a Buddhist path for many years. Her comments on taking “Action” suggested that the challenge is to focus first on what our awareness can teach us. In my mind, then patience is important. An urge to act impulsively can indeed create other problems. She would advise, “Sit with yourself and what you are feeling deep down.” I think you made a good point about the effect of changes in our selves that could put an earlier shortcoming in a new light. As a strength? Of course I could misjudge a corrective action and have misgivings. Dust myself off and get back on the horse! Rethink what I missed then develop a better approach. After all, How Good Do We Have To Be? Again, thanks.
AAA has become an integral part of my approach to life. Thanks Gary!
I'm with you 100% about the Rhubarb pie! Gag!
You just don’t know the secret…
The muses feel a need to discuss this in further detail tomorrow!
Yes, please ask the muses to add June strawberries to the pies! I have Rhubarb growing already!
Last June I was able to go pick berries with my dad who is 85. I'm hoping for a repeat. He still talks about that day.
I always try to imagine who made the first one? And why?
Yeah, like hominy!
Another beautiful post Gail. Coincidentally I’ve been reading Susan Cain’s latest, ‘Bittersweet’, while I’ve been walking Camino Finisterre over the past week, I think you’d find it interesting? 💚
My trust in your book recommendations is full-fledged! I’ve ordered Bittersweet.
I read Quiet by SC when I was exploring my son’s tendency (and mine!) toward introversion. I can’t tell you how many teachers at conferences made a big deal out of him being too quiet!
I am experiencing vicarious joy in your travel on el Camino. When C has been fully sent packing into the sunset, I hope to follow in your footsteps. 😊
“Muditā!”
Thank you, Margaret, for the geography prompt! My late mother-in-law used to quip, “I read maps like a dirty book!” This brings to mind a book I read a while back, “Blue Highways.” By William Least Heat-Moon. The blue highways refers to the very old days, pre-Garmin, when we got highway maps at our Esso gas stations. The blue highways denoting less traveled, usually 2-lane, highways. Always rendered in the color blue. Moon set a course utilizing almost entirely blue highways, somewhat as a tour of his earlier life. Old infrequently visited relatives. Old towns of a certain fame or infamy, etc. Moon’s keen wit and eye yield a pleasing running commentary on the way.
Are you blogging this journey you are now on? To the end of the Earth.
Blue Highways is on my shelf… a treasured read that I’ve bookmarked and re-visit for inspiration!
I love the sound of that book Gary- I live in Ireland so we don’t have too many highways but my OH loves maps, has a real fascination for them. It can also be interesting to look at old place names here on maps, can be revealing of history and not always the official version.
I’m keeping a private notebook of this journey Gary, not blogging. 📘
Years ago I canoe/camped with other folks and solo canoed as well. I always got USGS section maps of the lands surrounding the river course before trips. Both curiosity and for planning in case of emergencies. Before cell phones. The section maps showed locations of many old buildings - schools, churches, settlements, and cemeteries- the remains of which had long disappeared. Knowing of the settlers from long before left a sense of presence as I plied those waters.
Heat-Moon wrote “River Horse” which describes an intricately planned east to west journey of the US. Started at the mouth of the Hudson River and spit out at the mouth of the Columbia River into the Pacific. Portages were taken only by necessity. Food stuffs and some refueling logistics were aided by a support crew. As with Blue Highways, Moon’s keen eye, ability to engage with complete strangers, and acerbic wit borders on alchemy. I grew up near Lake Erie so his accounts of the old barge canals, predating the St Lawrence Seaway by more than a century brought back my domestic history teachings. To my mind, Moon magically weaves history, geography, towns ancient or no longer in existence, with contemporary land and river use into Gold thread! In Rapunzel-esque fashion.
Some parts of the journey beg the question, “Why,” owing to life threatening dangers. Others are fascinating or educational. Still others invite one to behold vast stretches of wilderness and untamed free flowing rivers. Edge of one’s seat reading. 😱
I love the cat so much!
Sign: “My favorite essential oil is bacon grease.” 😁
Would bacon grease work in a pie crust? 🤔 Asking for a friend.
@Sharon can answer (for a friend)… She is all about food and its preparation and presentation! 😊
What a funny fat cat.
The interaction of this community is really quite something to behold… Taking it in quietly like a black cat 🐈⬛ in the corner. 😉