Experientially
What's shaping me these days?
A FEW THOUGHTS ON SCULPTING
In a Confirmation class exercise, the kids were supposed to make a list of their many identities (child, sibling, friend, student, etc.). It was a way into discussing the Trinity (three persons in one God). What seemed like a very difficult concept was broken down into something relatable (I am me, but I am also these other things at the same time). It made for a good discussion, but we never moved on to examine the role our life experiences play in shaping our identities.
For decades, I paid scant attention to this sculpting process (the chiselling away of human rock to form who I was becoming). But now, in my late 60s, I am acutely aware of the blows that knock away what is not essential. While I don’t always welcome these experiences, I am learning to at least make peace with them, and to recognize that I am who I am, because they happened to me.
ESSAY: I’M A THIRD GENERATION NANA
I wrote this for Next Avenue. A hugely formative experience for me has been my grandparenting journey. For starters: what did I want my littles to call me?
THEATRE: ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
Last week, Rose, Julie and I saw a matinee of the Broadway musical revival Once Upon a Mattress. While a long time fan of the amazing Sutton Foster (Princess Winnifred the Woebegone), I’d never seen the Tony-winning singing/dancing/acting force of nature in person until then. This adorable show, with music by Mary Rodgers and a book updated by Gilmore Girls’ Amy Sherman-Palladino, is a supremely goofy retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Princess and the Pea. Impeccable cast, including Michael Urie as Prince Dauntless and Ana Gasteyer as Queen Aggravain. Confession: I watched Foster’s incredible acrobatic dance number atop a stack of 20 mattresses, with bated breath (she didn’t fall off). And also: Sutton Foster is 49 years old. I could not even change the sheets on the top bunk bed when I was in my 30s (I would have fallen off, I’m sure).
REALITY CHECK: SKIN CANCER AND TOOTH EXTRACTION
My dear sister Carolyn is a fine caretaker of her body. She visits the dentist every few months, and has a full skin cancer screening every year. In contrast, I visit the dentist irregularly, and the dermatologist rather less frequently than that. Well, it’s all coming home to roost this week, as I have a squamous cell skin cancer scheduled to be removed from my arm today, and a cracked tooth to be extracted next week. Regrets? Of course. But it’s never too late. Or…is it?
MUSIC: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANTON BRUCKNER!!
I don’t remember exactly when I discovered Bruckner, but it was love at first listen. He’s not usually listed in the top tier of composers, but I honestly don’t know why not. His music is sweeping, romantic, and utterly gorgeous. Bruckner would be 200 years old this week. To mark the occasion, here’s his 4th symphony…
BLOG PREVIEW: FOCACCIART
Late to the party as usual. Just recently I learned that chef/artists have been creating elaborate decorated focaccia since early in the pandemic. Check out this week’s blog for my contribution to the gallery—and a little Eudora Welty inspiration too!!
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
This week, dear friends, can we think of ourselves as beautiful pieces of marble being carved by life? What will emerge? May we allow ourselves to be sculpted into something really special…
