19 Comments

"...threw my phone out into the Pacific, shot out my TV and bought some peaches." Haha! Yes. Some of us do have rich interior lives. I used to fantasize all the time about simply disappearing. I assume you have read "Ladder of Years" by Anne Tyler? The fantasy fueled my prose and poetry writing for quite some time. Nothing ever came from the fantasy or the writing.

Well.

You rest, woman. You deserve some damn rest.

Expand full comment

I think it's great that you're resting, though you certainly put some writing effort into this post! Carl's eagle shot is terrific. I've never seen a Golden Eagle. Glad you got to escape for some walks on the beach, and thanks for the reading/viewing recommendations. I hadn't heard of any of those books/shows. I'm still enmeshed in my effort to read every Newbery winner, though I did read some novels I enjoyed -- David Leavitt's "Shelter in Place" and Mary Miller's "Last Days of California" among them.

Expand full comment

It's funny that you prefer golden eagles, which we have lots of, over the bald eagle, which we never see here on the Prairies. They are beautiful, watching them soar so effortlessly over the land.

I'm juggling too many balls right now, Miss Katie, the grandson, the grumpy husband, sick father in law and crazy daughter in law. I made it through yesterday and thought wow, I did it, but nobody seemed to care so I patted myself on the back and felt better. I'm trying to be kind to myself, to care for myself, to hold myself. It helps.

That book looks wonderful. I'll try to buy it, hopefully it's available in Canada.

Sending hugs and love to you Elizabeth. May you be well and happy and peaceful.

Expand full comment

I like how you define resting. I ahve been reading Irish authors and Donal Ryan makes me weep. He has the gift.

Expand full comment

Whatever you are not writing these days, is it more than/better than/more necessary than this letter which is loaded with good words, a voice I've come to look forward to, and quotes I needed at this exact moment? Yes, may all the babies be well, happy, and peaceful.

Expand full comment

I thought I commented here last week, but alas it didn't post. I can't remember what I said, but I did watch The White Lotus, got sucked in, somewhat unwillingly, just like you, fascinated by the sense of privilege and entitlement on display, and the apparent lack of bitterness among those who serve, with a couple of notable exceptions. I thought the acting was really first rate, with small details and gestures richly capturing character, but the orange filter over everything annoyed me slightly, and that final crescendo was just frickin appalling. Still, I will be watching season 2. Glad you got a mini escape with Carl.

Expand full comment

Well, you just rest, dear woman. And enjoy the peaches. They are quite good right now. I loved the book, "The Three Junes" don't remember the author, also "Woman and Nature" and Andrew Solomon's magnificent book, "Far From the Tree". I even wrote to him to thank him and he wrote back. Love you.

Expand full comment

You're a writer. Even when you're resting, you're writing. Glad to know you're doing your resting at the beach and watching eagles with Carl. I appreciate the photos. I'm reading Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. I read The Martian before it became a movie, and loved the interior dialog.f Weir is very good at that. Anne Tyler! I think my favorite was Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, but it's been so long ago that I forget. (Ask me what I read last week and you'll get the same answer: I forget.) Love to you!

Expand full comment

I just love this. And the golden eagle- wow! We have lots of bald eagles here, and I do enjoy seeing them because it reminds me that we can sometimes step back from the brink (also they're just so big), but saw a golden eagle once and it was tremendous.

I am so glad you got rest. It sounds perfect and wonderful and what we all should have.

Expand full comment

Oh, Elizabeth, you are an inspiration. You live your life with your eyes and heart wide open then gift us with your delicious articulate musings that lift my heart. I feel less alone when I read your work. I'm so happy for you to have Carl as a partner now, it's been fun to watch your relationship unfold, and to see his gorgeous work and positive influence. Hope to reconnect with you sometime soon. And yes prayers to the children impacted by willful or duped un-vaccinated parents.

Expand full comment