“I don’t know…” If Calliope had whiskers, they’d be twitching. “Looks… scary!”
Thalia fluffs her curls, which makes her look — bigger. “I thing-k we can.”
“I second that.” Nia checks her laces, then takes the first step.
The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.
~Socrates
A note from LoveLetterist:
A number of years ago a friend told me about a book she was reading.
My curiosity piqued, I ordered a copy for myself.
So often we step into the unknown and are changed in delightful ways.
Bring Me the Rhinoceros... and other zen koans that will save your life -- was that for me.
"If you are used to living in a small room and suddenly discover a wide meadow, you might feel unsafe. Everyone thinks they want happiness, but they might not. They might rather keep their stories about who they are and about what is impossible."
~John Tarrant
This passage from page 3 of the introduction is underlined with red colored pencil in my paperback.
It helps me to remember that writing my way past fear... is my responsibility.
If Rayelle is the “pace car” for this climb, “legs look out” might be what comes to mind for me!
I began serious backpacking in 1976. Mountaineering boots then were comprised of hard, thick, chrome tanned leather. Outsoles were tank-grade Vibram lug composition. Interiors? All leather and no cushy (crushy) foot beds. All to maintain their shape even after crossing streams!
Annndd? Every morning when donning the boots, I’d set my foot by forcefully striking a hard surface with the heel of the boot. The beginning point of the 303 step climb. After getting started on that day’s trek, stopping and resetting my heel was required to further reduce any sloppiness in the fit to avoid blisters. Even with moleskin on the heels of both feet. (The 1/4 point platform for “resting and viewing”)
I share that old methodology to echo the progression of skill acquisition you’ve modeled for your readers over the years. Finding the right boot. Testing the fit with initial steps. Not being afraid to return and swap out the first pair. Incorporating your new boots into your daily journeys. Not attempting ”War and Peace” the next day after getting your boots. 🥾 📖
If you think of it LoveLetterist (Nia jots a reminder note), share the sights and sounds from the several observation
landings on this climb.
P.S. Let us know if Rayelle’s “uptempo” (kick arse) music was beneficial!