"Thinking back on it, this evening, with my heart and my stomach all like jelly, I have concluded, maybe that's what life is about: there is a lot of despair, but also the odd moment of beauty, where time is no longer the same... an always within never." Muriel Barberry, The Elegance of the Hedgehog
I've been reading Tolystoy and The Purple Chair by Nina Sankovitch. When Nina's sister died after a short bout with cancer, Nina struggled to make sense of her place in the world again. So she decided to take a year off and read a book a day. She also wrote a review about each book and what the book had to say about life and how to live it.
She picked books from all genres from mystery to classics to vampire lore. And she takes a piece from each book to help her heal, to recover, to connect to who she is at her truest self.
Words are alive and literature becomes an escape, not from, but into living. Cyril Connolly "The Unquiet Grave."
I'm hung up on those words- that literature becomes an escape into living, not from it.
And so for the writer, is it possible to write your way into living as well? I'd like to think so... I highly recommend the book for an entertaining as well as enlightening read.
I'm leaving on a short excursion for a couple of days. I am going to see something I have never seen before... and I'll be back to share all about it.
As if that weren't enough excitement for my week, I have been told "something" else in the way of a surprise is due to be revealed on Thursday! For any local people, you all will get to see Thursday before I will, but I'll be sure to post about it as soon as I get back!
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Vicky, yes, yes, yes, writing is most definitely a way into living. My daughter recently told me she is going to start reading more. She thinks that this is the way for her into a more vital way of living. She wants the escape, but not from life; rather, into it. I love this post. And I can't wait for Thursday's surprise!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea of reading a book a day.
ReplyDeleteA little voice in my head keeps saying, "Get rid of cable TV."
Then throughout the day, the same voice says, "You know what you have to do."
In all instances, there is something I know I need and want to do.
AND.....I figured out what your surprise is on Thursday since there is a hint floating around out there...;)
ReplyDeleteAND.....I figured out what your surprise is on Thursday since there is a hint floating around out there...;)
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful excursion and a fun surprise when you return.
ReplyDeleteI think we ALL need to escape in to living, when we tend to turn away from really doing so. Why that is, I haven't a clue.
Enjoy your excursion. I'll miss you, my friend....
ReplyDeleteLove,
J.
"Escape into life" sounds like the best idea around.
ReplyDeleteI love to escape into life as well. You run away with your book and its dreams. :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great time.
Have fun, sweet friend, and I agree that reading (and writing) can be an escape INTO life. Sometimes my thoughts aren't big enough for me and I need to experience an outside perspective. And other times I only find out what I think when I write it down. Looking forward to hearing about your big event!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds so exciting, Vicky I can't wait for you to share what you were up to :-)
ReplyDeleteI find this concept so interesting because I have always been such a big reader. I was one of those kids who would stick a book behind the textbook and read in class. But since my diagnosis and chemo, I have read less than ever before in my life. I find it so hard to concentrate.
ReplyDeleteI need to take your advice, my wise friend. Wonderful way to approach each day. I love that quote!
ReplyDelete