Oh, my heavens! To hear Brian Doyle again through your words is such a gift. Thank you. I am moved beyond words, and grateful all over again for your presence in this world, for your writing, for that gorgeous collage at the top of the post.... All I can do is repeat, thank you. And blessings.
Probably a year before Brian was diagnosed, I was lucky to hear him read and speak at a conference. His heart filled the room. And his humor and warmth. Just as it fills his writing.
Rounding up on wonder. That was Brian Doyle to a T. I was lucky to meet him once, after a reading at Powell's Books. I used to take Portland Magazine just to read his essays. His poem "Leap," published after 9/11, broke me.Thank you for this invitation to be like Brian, Beth.
You keep introducing me to writers I don't know, another gift. And your own words here, at the end of this piece, speak to precisely what your writing does for those of us who seek more than words prettily arranged on the page - "Maybe there’s nothing more lasting that writers can do than to make others near or far, now or later, yearn to hear their hearts.
Reading this was apropos on the day I meet with my radiation oncologist to discuss the results of my latest MRI of my brain. It may be good news, but I've done a lot of work around how I will live my life if I ever get word of its ending. This inspired me. I want to read his work. Thanks, Beth!
This book has taken a permanent residence on my bedside table. I've read it and reread it so many times, and still, I feel there is more depth in those pieces that I am yet to reach.
Oh, my heavens! To hear Brian Doyle again through your words is such a gift. Thank you. I am moved beyond words, and grateful all over again for your presence in this world, for your writing, for that gorgeous collage at the top of the post.... All I can do is repeat, thank you. And blessings.
Susan, I whisper forward these writers who are always so much more wise than I will ever be. In honor, in awe, and in gratitude for those like you.
Beth, You are generous and deeply thoughtful, and it shows in the luminosity, and yes, wisdom of your work. Don't sell yourself short!
Helpin Dad put on his socks is compassionate, sure, made chore sacred by a child's innocent allegience to love's daily routines.
A child's allegiance to love's daily routines — what a wonderful phrase. Thank you.
I love this mixed-media image—I could not stop looking at it!
I am so grateful for you saying that, Karen> That is an approach to paper that I want desperately to keep exploring.
This is lovely - thank you
Heather, thank you.
Oh I need to read this book.
Probably a year before Brian was diagnosed, I was lucky to hear him read and speak at a conference. His heart filled the room. And his humor and warmth. Just as it fills his writing.
Oh, man. I actually get tears in my eyes IMAGINING being in the room with him. May he always be within you, Nancy.
Rounding up on wonder. That was Brian Doyle to a T. I was lucky to meet him once, after a reading at Powell's Books. I used to take Portland Magazine just to read his essays. His poem "Leap," published after 9/11, broke me.Thank you for this invitation to be like Brian, Beth.
Oh, you have been touched by his grace, then, Nancy. And you clearly carry it forward.
“I wanted to hear his heart” sits nicely beside “I wanted to praise the soul,” from “Five Dogs” by Mark Strand.
Rona! You are encyclopedic! Gosh darn, I learn from you.
Yes, Rona is. I agree.
The poem is wonderful. A poem sequence.
Thank you. Lovely tribute and art work.
Hello, you. I am honored, artist to artist, by your words. xo
You keep introducing me to writers I don't know, another gift. And your own words here, at the end of this piece, speak to precisely what your writing does for those of us who seek more than words prettily arranged on the page - "Maybe there’s nothing more lasting that writers can do than to make others near or far, now or later, yearn to hear their hearts.
Maybe that’s the meaning of meaning."
Here, I simply say: Thank you. These words, your words, mean so much to me.
One of my all-time favorites…..thank you for writing about him. I learn so much when I read his work….how to think, how to celebrate, how to live.
Isn't he just a wonder, Martha? Oh, my. He is.
Reading this was apropos on the day I meet with my radiation oncologist to discuss the results of my latest MRI of my brain. It may be good news, but I've done a lot of work around how I will live my life if I ever get word of its ending. This inspired me. I want to read his work. Thanks, Beth!
We are rooting for the best best best possible results, Linda. Your grace abounds.
Thanks, Beth!
I simply loved this, Beth. I have not read Brian Doyle, but will. Thank you.
I am so glad. Miss you!
This book has taken a permanent residence on my bedside table. I've read it and reread it so many times, and still, I feel there is more depth in those pieces that I am yet to reach.
Isn't it just so uplifting to think of all the ways he continues to uplift us? A very good choice for any bedside.
Yes, he has given us a timeless gift.
To hear writers’ hearts,
Beth on Brian on Billy.
Roundup on wonder~