Disturbances in the Field

Of earthquakes and eclipses

Image by Paula on Pixabay

What a week, huh? UNlike a perfect James Bond martini, our corner of the world has been both shaken and then (emotionally) stirred, as we experienced an earthquake on Friday morning, and then a solar eclipse yesterday afternoon. Stats: 4.8 Richter scale for the quake, and 90% of totality for the eclipse.

the epicenter, in New Jersey—some of the Seyfrieds were on shaky ground (Oreland and Brooklyn))

ESSAY: Before this, the most recent significant rumblings we’d felt around here were on November 30, 2017. I happened to be writing that day, and used that quake as my blog subject…

EARTHSHAKE

MY LAST ECLIPSE?

I mean, we never know, but in 2045 I’ll be almost 89 and Steve will be 97, so being realistic…at any rate, it was a very emotional sight (and feel—the temperature dropped 10 degrees in a matter of minutes). We weren’t in the path of totality, but at 90% it looked like dusk at 3 PM, and the sight of the brilliant ring of sun around the moon was breathtaking.

Safety first! Aiden and Peter ready to view!

gorgeous photo taken yesterday in South Burlington VT by my dear friend Karen Mahaffie of her husband Mike, who was capturing the eclipse (they WERE in the path of totality)

This lovely and meditative music by Brian Eno was recommended on a playlist for the eclipse published in The New York Times

BOOK:

DISTURBANCES IN THE FIELD by Lynne Sharon Schwartz

This beautiful novel had a profound impact on me, and I’ve re-read it several times over the years. The first part of the book chronicles the idyllic New York City existence of a woman (wife, mom, music teacher) and her family. At the halfway point, everything shifts, and the characters have to find a way to keep on living and, even, to find joy again. About that title: a “field” is the whole environment in which we live and move. When something happens that disturbs our field (for example, the trauma of a sudden loss), there follows a chaotic, unsettled period until a new equilibrium is reached. I have certainly experienced this in my own life, several times. Highly recommended, this book rings especially true for all who have experienced emotional earthquakes…

On a lighter note…

BLOG PREVIEW: COASTAL GRANDMA

Hey, I’m down with the trends—and this one is a perfect fit! I’m a grandma AND I live on a coast!! Check out the latest edition of Working Title!

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

In this cluster of dramatic natural occurrences, we shouldn’t lose sight of the true miracles all around us, every minute of every day. Have a wonderful, “calm and bright” week, my friends!