The world has seemed especially troubled (and troubling) to me lately — Democrats fighting bitterly amongst themselves during the sideshow of debates to the detriment of all of us simply trying to learn about their positions, the spectre of our current president for four more years, the possibility of a worldwide pandemic and all the concomitant unknowns associated with COVID-19, the consequences of global warming that affect so many aspects of our lives while many continue to deny this fact. I've tried staying away from the news, but this was not the answer for me. I have changed how I get my news by reading it on the NPR website and receiving The New Paper emails, but I have found that I still need something else. That something else has been delight. So here are three delightful things that have been shared with me, and I'm passing them along to you.
Many of you may read Vera's blog, and yesterday she shared a link to a piece by Margaret Renkl. I spent lots of time reading anything I could find by Margaret Renkl and her writing style of combining nature with our place in it really spoke to me. She doesn't sidestep the bad stuff but her pieces left me feeling hopeful. I have Late Migrations on hold and I may just break down and buy it if I have to wait too long. Thank you, Vera!
This next delight is a book recommendation from a friend, The Book of Delights. I had come across this one previously but discounted it as a probable feel-good-on-the-surface book, a type that I really dislike. But this friend's reading opinions match well with mine and she said this book made her remember that delight was still present in the world despite Trump. That was enough for me and the book is now on my Kindle for an occasional dose of delight.
My last delight is some special yarn from Prado de Lana. Patty told us about this farm and their unique virtual shepherding project a few weeks ago. While I was perusing their website I came across this lovely grayish CVM named Mijo because it's spun from the fleeces of a mother and son. This is my sometimes nickname for Justin so I felt an attachment and ordered it. It surpassed my hopes - soft, squishy, and wonderful. Just having it near me and considering what I'll knit with it is providing delight. Thanks, Patty!
While delight doesn't remove the horrors that we see daily, tragedies and delight can still coexist. Sometimes we just have to search a little bit harder and pay special attention to the delight.
Be sure to visit Carole for more Three on Thursday thoughts.
You have summed up my feelings about the world and the news perfectly. There's only so much I can take but then I feel irresponsible for ignoring problems. Delight could be just the antidote!
ReplyDeleteI've been experiencing the same sort of bad news overload, and you're right that while delight doesn't undo the bad, it at least makes it easier to get through the day. Squishing yummy yarn always helps me!
ReplyDeleteYes! Seeking out the little things can indeed be a balm for the horrors. I am on hold for Late Migrations too! (and that yarn... oh dear!)
ReplyDeleteOh that debate was so hard to watch! Stop yelling people! :-) I'm so glad you got some PDL yarn! I'm finishing up my shawl tonight (ripping out the picot binding I decided to add b/c I'm pretty sure I'm going to run out of yarn) and hopefully blocking to show soon. Looks like you're doing an excellent job at staying positive!
ReplyDeletePerfectly DELIGHTful! I had The Book of Delights checked out from the library -- but it came in with one of those all-my-holds-came-in-at-once avalanches, and I had to return it before reading it. You've just reminded me that I need to get back to it! As for the news, I stopped watching years ago (pre-Trump even). I can't even listen to NPR much anymore. I get my news by reading the NPR site, and through subscriptions to the online versions of the Washington Post and the NYTimes. (And sometimes I can't even read those.) I need to follow your lead and get some delights in my life! XO
ReplyDeleteSo glad I was able to introduce you to Margaret Renkl. She is a delight to read for sure! That yarn looks fabulous and I'm off to see if my library has Ross Gay's book which sounds perfect for right now! Thanks for that recommendation.
ReplyDeleteOutside my window is a house finch just going to town and filling the air with pure delight. Nature is my cure for the fear based news. The sky is blue-blue and the temps are heading upwards (50 today?) and I'm putting on my boots. Thank you for sharing your delightful delights!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reading recommendations. I just finished a very hefty biography and am looking for my next read. In the meantime, I have a book of Mary Oliver poems to keep me occupied these cold winter nights. I am in the market for something delightful! :)
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to remember that we become what we pay attention to, so I try to remain informed, then pay attention to something positive. I struggle with this, but as in all things, I am a work in progress. Today the sky is very blue, even though it is still cold, but I see spring onions in my yard and the promise of some buds, so I am very delighted that spring will be here soon. Thank you for providing me with some delight today, Bonny. There is never too much joy and delight on my plate!
ReplyDeleteOh My goodness I love your yarn! What will you make with it?
ReplyDeletesome delights: leftovers for dinner that taste better than day one (cheese less homemade pizza with pine nuts and sun dried tomatoes)
other delights, it is 5 pm and the sun has not set yet!
my dear daughter is a delight, turning 32 today!
I have some of their wool in my stash that I bought at a local fiber event. The lady who owns the farm is wonderful!! Love the teeny bit of lanolin in the wool when I knit :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post, Bonny - thank you! I first heard Ross Gay's work when he was on On Being last summer (https://onbeing.org/programs/ross-gay-tending-joy-and-practicing-delight/) the podcast is a pure delight. and you must listen to Pádraig Ó Tuama read one of his poems here https://onbeing.org/programs/a-poem-to-notice-openings-and-closings ... ALSO there seems to be a lot of resonance around Margaret Renkl here (I LOVE her work) ... potential next read?!
ReplyDeleteI hope you're having a joy-filled weekend!!
What a lovely post. I enjoy Renkl's work and you won't be disappointed by her book. I love your reminder that delight can coexist with our troubling world. Indeed if I don't look for hope and delight, life seems too bleak. That wool looks scrumptious. The connection with your son is an added bonus.
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