Childhood, 2014
Have you ever felt off kilter, searching, hoping to put yourself back on track and feel at ease again, when you stumble upon the perfect something? For me it's often something I read, but it can also be a memory, a photograph, or passing a contented old man on the sidewalk. I'm sure you have your own collection.
Today I found a quote from Marilynne Robinson's novel, Housekeeping, at the top of an article in The Atlantic. I read it, paused, looked up, saw the few wonky little ceramic pieces I made as a young girl resting in my bay window, and I was again in upright position, restored.
I think the answer is in the quote: "the wanderers will find a way home"...
ReplyDeleteand yes, very much feeling that "empty chair"
I love her writing. I must admit to shaping what I read to suit my own needs. I didn't think of actual death, but changes in certain people that leave me with a sense of mourning, missing what we once had. A different sort of empty chair, but still an empty chair...
DeleteWow. That was beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAgreed.
DeleteSuch beauty in that quote. And strange how a set of words that talks of voids manages to fill the gaps so perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI love the wonkiness of your ceramics.
Yes. Marilynne Robinson's magic.
DeleteI need to reread that book.
ReplyDeletexo J
The light on the ocean as I drive home. The touch of my husband's hand on the small of my back. Bugs in my garden.
ReplyDeleteThese all ground me.
Beautiful, Kate.
DeleteOh, I read her so long ago, at a time when I was truly searching. Thanks for the memory, I need to pick it up again. And the "empty chair" describes the sense of my mom these days, though still living, but barely with us.
ReplyDeleteThe "empty chair" sense you describe must be so difficult. I wish I could say something to make it better. Take care.
DeleteThat is just so lovely. Thank you for leading me to it. And I love how you put it -- restored to an upright position. That's usually what it is that's needed, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteIndeed. We fall, we get back up again, and on it goes.
DeleteBeautiful sentiment, quote, writing, picture. Now I want to reread it too.
ReplyDeleteAnd she has a new novel coming out next month.
DeleteI feel that...being off kilter. It's a breath of fresh air, a new beginning, when you find that one thing that restores you.
ReplyDeleteThat quote is powerful. I could read it every day.
I hope you are "on" at the moment, Sarah. I think I'll read it again right now.
DeleteLovely pots! You can fill them with memories.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful idea!
Deletei am grateful for all of the memory triggers, whose count is legion, coming through ways and means we cannot possibly anticipate.
ReplyDeletelove your off-kilter objects.
So beautifully written, Nancy. Thank you.
DeleteBeautiful quote. Thank you for sharing and for the introduction to Robinson's work. BTW, your little cylinders are adorable.
ReplyDeleteI hope you find a little time for Robinson and like her work as much as I do. Nice to see you here, Beth.
DeleteIndeed, indeed. We all need our touchstones.
ReplyDeleteYes we do.
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