Thanks for sharing as always, Jessie. Thoreau's works are very inspiring and rich in wisdom hard come by. ("There is no wisdom without vexation, no vexation without wisdom.") I would not trade places with my past self if for no other reason than ... the wisdom hard come by that comes with time and age.
Whenever I read Thoreau's last words, I think of the last part of "The Death of Virgil" by Hermann Brach when Virgil is ferried from the world of the living into the unknown of death. Even Thoreau's utterances of "moose" and "Indian" evoke the incredible imagery that Virgil witnesses in his passing--It's a fascinating book though not one that doesn't require considerable effort.
Thank you for uplifting my thoughts in every way, as I face cervical spine surgery Thursday. Thanks for the beauty of your written words, and sharing Henry.
Such a good idea to think back in periods of time and think about whether we would prefer to swap with that person from back then or not. I some ways there is progress for me, in others not. Some years back there is a lot of progress, but then in some ways even further back there doesn't seem to be. That must sound confusing!
In some ways I often think the times quite far back, maybe my 20s, were happier through less experience of difficulties. It is of course up to ourselves how we take on these difficulties and challenges and it can help a lot too. I guess it can sometimes be difficult to stay hopeful!
Lovely piece, Jesse. Thank you. Arguing with a sometimes cranky HDT. Of course. A favorite quote of mine is from his Journal, January of 1860, near the end of his life comes to mind: "A man receives only what he is ready to receive--whether physically--or intellectually or morally . . . We hear & apprehend only what we already half know . . . Every man thus tracks himself through life--in all his hearing & reading & observation & traveling. His observations make a chain..." Ain't it the truth. Thanks again.
I was thinking about Henry today strangely enough, no clue about this anniversary. Someone asked me if I’d ever met Don Henley, and I said I had but not in relation to his music but his relationship with Walden Woods. He’d come to a foundation I was working for looking for a grant. The conversation progressed saying we should go on a field trip up to Walden Woods as, to paraphrase, all nature is doing each moment is to make us well.
I am looking forward to seeing anything you and Patti want to share with us from your trip. I loved the walk she took with us. I was inspired to get some books on Kyoto after she gave us that glimpse of it and the river and the sound of the crows. I went to lunch on Sunday with a couple of young friends. The young man shared that he loved it there and knew exactly where Patti took us.
It’s also a good day to thank you for the lovely card you sent of Thoreau’s cabin. I also loved the picture of your father. I put it in Patti’s Book of Days.
"Walden" by Thoreau was one of my gateway books to truly appreciating Nature. I love that quote you shared: "if you don’t think you’ve made progress, ask yourself, would you trade places with yourself from a year ago?" That is a great reminder.
Looking forward to seeing photos and stories about your trip to Japan, Jesse.
One of my biggest projects that I'm working on is writing another fiction story about this family that moved from Los Angeles, Calif. to Portland, Maine. So far, I've completed four chapters and I'm on page 46-47 on my story.
I'm also catching up on housework, since I'm out of the house a lot.
Thank you for your beautiful and inspiring words. I have undergone so big changes recently, and am once again able to experience true joy. Your work, seeing you and your mom making art together, and the beautiful words of encouragement, wisdom, and comfort make my heart happy. Thank you 🥰💖😇
May 6th is a special day for me too. As a former teacher, nanny, and childcare worker for six years, I spent many years helping small kids learn how to grow, learn, and blossom into autonomous, independent, and resilient human beings. My younger sister similarly is a brilliant teacher at the local university here in Seattle. As a a pair of devoted nature lovers, my sister and I admire the courageous, beautiful poetry and sheer power of Henry’s immensely meaningful body of literary work. Cheers to your safe travels. Thank you for sharing your heartfelt experience with us readers. Peace and love to you.
Thanks for sharing as always, Jessie. Thoreau's works are very inspiring and rich in wisdom hard come by. ("There is no wisdom without vexation, no vexation without wisdom.") I would not trade places with my past self if for no other reason than ... the wisdom hard come by that comes with time and age.
Whenever I read Thoreau's last words, I think of the last part of "The Death of Virgil" by Hermann Brach when Virgil is ferried from the world of the living into the unknown of death. Even Thoreau's utterances of "moose" and "Indian" evoke the incredible imagery that Virgil witnesses in his passing--It's a fascinating book though not one that doesn't require considerable effort.
All the best to you, Jessie, and everyone!
Thank you for uplifting my thoughts in every way, as I face cervical spine surgery Thursday. Thanks for the beauty of your written words, and sharing Henry.
May your surgery go well and you have a speedy recovery, Angie!
Such a good idea to think back in periods of time and think about whether we would prefer to swap with that person from back then or not. I some ways there is progress for me, in others not. Some years back there is a lot of progress, but then in some ways even further back there doesn't seem to be. That must sound confusing!
In some ways I often think the times quite far back, maybe my 20s, were happier through less experience of difficulties. It is of course up to ourselves how we take on these difficulties and challenges and it can help a lot too. I guess it can sometimes be difficult to stay hopeful!
Lovely piece, Jesse. Thank you. Arguing with a sometimes cranky HDT. Of course. A favorite quote of mine is from his Journal, January of 1860, near the end of his life comes to mind: "A man receives only what he is ready to receive--whether physically--or intellectually or morally . . . We hear & apprehend only what we already half know . . . Every man thus tracks himself through life--in all his hearing & reading & observation & traveling. His observations make a chain..." Ain't it the truth. Thanks again.
I was thinking about Henry today strangely enough, no clue about this anniversary. Someone asked me if I’d ever met Don Henley, and I said I had but not in relation to his music but his relationship with Walden Woods. He’d come to a foundation I was working for looking for a grant. The conversation progressed saying we should go on a field trip up to Walden Woods as, to paraphrase, all nature is doing each moment is to make us well.
I love that you have this friendship with him. It is just so perfect and incredible. His essay on walking is one of my faves. Welcome home!🌷
How perfect you envision arguing with Thoreau over your sailing capabilities! ⛵️ Of course he would come to his senses!
I am looking forward to seeing anything you and Patti want to share with us from your trip. I loved the walk she took with us. I was inspired to get some books on Kyoto after she gave us that glimpse of it and the river and the sound of the crows. I went to lunch on Sunday with a couple of young friends. The young man shared that he loved it there and knew exactly where Patti took us.
It’s also a good day to thank you for the lovely card you sent of Thoreau’s cabin. I also loved the picture of your father. I put it in Patti’s Book of Days.
"Walden" by Thoreau was one of my gateway books to truly appreciating Nature. I love that quote you shared: "if you don’t think you’ve made progress, ask yourself, would you trade places with yourself from a year ago?" That is a great reminder.
Looking forward to seeing photos and stories about your trip to Japan, Jesse.
Your performance in Japan was great! No Jet Rag now that you've returned home the next day? Anyway, great job and take care.
Thank you for introducing to such an interesting person. A few of their books have been translated into Japanese, so I'll check them out.
One of my biggest projects that I'm working on is writing another fiction story about this family that moved from Los Angeles, Calif. to Portland, Maine. So far, I've completed four chapters and I'm on page 46-47 on my story.
I'm also catching up on housework, since I'm out of the house a lot.
Happiest Birthday remembrance to one our most profound inner-visionary writers.
Thank you for your beautiful and inspiring words. I have undergone so big changes recently, and am once again able to experience true joy. Your work, seeing you and your mom making art together, and the beautiful words of encouragement, wisdom, and comfort make my heart happy. Thank you 🥰💖😇
Happy Birthday to Henry David Thoreau! And happy you are home safe.
Thank you Jesse for all of your astute insights. Beautiful thoughts and photos, too. ❤️
May 6th is a special day for me too. As a former teacher, nanny, and childcare worker for six years, I spent many years helping small kids learn how to grow, learn, and blossom into autonomous, independent, and resilient human beings. My younger sister similarly is a brilliant teacher at the local university here in Seattle. As a a pair of devoted nature lovers, my sister and I admire the courageous, beautiful poetry and sheer power of Henry’s immensely meaningful body of literary work. Cheers to your safe travels. Thank you for sharing your heartfelt experience with us readers. Peace and love to you.