As Suleika Jaouad's The Book of Alchemy makes its way into the world, I am thinking about gift givers, including Suleika herself, who included one of my essays in her brand-new, open-hearted book.
I received The Book of Alchemy two days ago and got a fresh journal ready. I've journaled for two mornings now, as soon as I wake up, after I pour my first cup and before I open my computer screen. It's fabulous! I'm looking forward to yours, Beth!
Reading it now……I have over 50 years of journals to reread and relearn from. They are my personal jewels and my reprieve when I revisit them. I look forward to immersing myself in these essays, long quiet reading.
These volumes of my heart have their own bookcase in my art room…..I read from one every day, smiling at my foibles, and cheering on my strengths. I come by the love of journaling naturally it seems….my maternal great grandmother left 47 years of diaries which I have transcribed. I feel I know something about this stalwart woman whom I never met.
How wonderful that you and your husband were able to witness that marvelous dueting, Beth! And, "writing toward ourselves so that we might reach back out to the world." I love that. Creative responses, gifts. I am remembering my own mom as Mother's Day approaches, and thinking that Suleika's book will make wonderful gifts for my two daughters, now young mothers themselves.
Love your contribution to Alchemy, so rich in so few words. I’ve listened to Suleika and Jon in dialogue and dueting is the perfect word. They language love. She is beyond amazing to be doing this tour with her health as it is. She is a gift.
I just received my copy of Alchemy and saw that you are in there. I’m excited to read it. And, it does feel like this book is a gift to me. A little different than other books; a writing gift!
I received my pre-ordered copy of The Book of Alchemy on Tuesday, and am savoring my careful entrance into it, soaking up the pages slowly. It is the gift I need now, especially in this fraught time, a gift to myself, and Sulieka (along with the other authors including you) is a beacon of light and hope for me. I'm ready for the 100 day journaling challenge, and am so grateful!
… and at this moment, with a glass of wine, at my kitchen table, I am happily and deeply engrossed in reading “Tomorrow Will Bring Sunday’s News” and traveling those Philly streets in 1918. Your writing is luminous and inspirational. thank you Beth!
Of course you have a piece in The Book of Alchemy, and of course you and Bill were there for Suleika and Jon's "duetting"! Because your collaboration is an inspiration to all who know you. (I still remember that hair exercise at Young Arts all those years ago!) I'm so happy for you. May the blessings continue to flow.
These quiet days, these meaningful moments, and the blessings of dueting. I remember us at YoungArts so well. How lovely it would be to sit again among the young talents, and dream with you.
What a wonderful evening for you and Bill, your own impulse to collaboration mirroring theirs. I can't wait to read her book.
Goodness, Jean, yes. You understand so well. This idea of collaboration. It is a most gorgeous thing to me. xo
I received The Book of Alchemy two days ago and got a fresh journal ready. I've journaled for two mornings now, as soon as I wake up, after I pour my first cup and before I open my computer screen. It's fabulous! I'm looking forward to yours, Beth!
I love that you are writing new, first cup of coffee, lines, more lines. Thank you, Linda.
Reading it now……I have over 50 years of journals to reread and relearn from. They are my personal jewels and my reprieve when I revisit them. I look forward to immersing myself in these essays, long quiet reading.
Fifty years! Where have you kept them all, Martha? To go back and find yourself on the page. A new introduction.
These volumes of my heart have their own bookcase in my art room…..I read from one every day, smiling at my foibles, and cheering on my strengths. I come by the love of journaling naturally it seems….my maternal great grandmother left 47 years of diaries which I have transcribed. I feel I know something about this stalwart woman whom I never met.
Oh, my, Martha. I love this practice of yours. I love the life that has been placed in your trust.
How wonderful that you and your husband were able to witness that marvelous dueting, Beth! And, "writing toward ourselves so that we might reach back out to the world." I love that. Creative responses, gifts. I am remembering my own mom as Mother's Day approaches, and thinking that Suleika's book will make wonderful gifts for my two daughters, now young mothers themselves.
And such beautiful daughters you have, Nancy. And grandchildren! I loved seeing those photos of you at your book launch!
Thank you. They're the tops. Symbiotic sisters, those two. Watching them mother their own lovely boys has been one of the big joys of my life!
Love your contribution to Alchemy, so rich in so few words. I’ve listened to Suleika and Jon in dialogue and dueting is the perfect word. They language love. She is beyond amazing to be doing this tour with her health as it is. She is a gift.
Thank you, dear Char. Dueting it shall be, then. Phew.
We shall decide our words! lol.:)
I just received my copy of Alchemy and saw that you are in there. I’m excited to read it. And, it does feel like this book is a gift to me. A little different than other books; a writing gift!
Very special for you to be included in Alchemy.
Thank you so much, Judy. It is a very sweet thing, at this juncture in my winding writer's life.
How wonderful that you were there! I'm so excited for this book.
Dueting, how beautiful. As is your prose poem here.
Thank you, Lisa. I have worked on that prose poem for many years, and now was its time to be seen.
I received my pre-ordered copy of The Book of Alchemy on Tuesday, and am savoring my careful entrance into it, soaking up the pages slowly. It is the gift I need now, especially in this fraught time, a gift to myself, and Sulieka (along with the other authors including you) is a beacon of light and hope for me. I'm ready for the 100 day journaling challenge, and am so grateful!
To every day ahead, Karen. Happily, and well lit. xo
… and at this moment, with a glass of wine, at my kitchen table, I am happily and deeply engrossed in reading “Tomorrow Will Bring Sunday’s News” and traveling those Philly streets in 1918. Your writing is luminous and inspirational. thank you Beth!
Oh my, Karen. Thank you. This means the world to me.
Of course you have a piece in The Book of Alchemy, and of course you and Bill were there for Suleika and Jon's "duetting"! Because your collaboration is an inspiration to all who know you. (I still remember that hair exercise at Young Arts all those years ago!) I'm so happy for you. May the blessings continue to flow.
These quiet days, these meaningful moments, and the blessings of dueting. I remember us at YoungArts so well. How lovely it would be to sit again among the young talents, and dream with you.
Perhaps that opportunity will open up. We never know.... Love to you!
Lovely! What an evening. Dueting (with Bill) is your specialty (or, one of them.)
I just got lucky, Karen. Dueting in our supremely humble fashion. xoxo
Your Uncle Danny,
this tribute brought up sweet tears.
Teardrop pearl earrings?
Thank you for writing my beloved uncle into your morning haiku. He lives and lives on, for me. In me.
Uncle Danny lives
on, in, for beloved Beth.
And now in us too.