Books Edition (part 2)
Authors and Voices Accompanying Me in this Season
A continuation of books and media that have been accompanying and inspiring me in this season.
I picked up The Forty Rules of Love after seeing the novel referenced in Toko-Pa Turner’s book, The Dreaming Way. It is a fictional account of the relationship between the Sufi poet, Rumi and the mystic and whirling dervish, Shams of Tabriz. I love Rumi’s poetry and was fascinated to read this story with many layers of creative and spiritual relationships among characters.
A friend recommended Bicycling with Butterflies: My 10,201-Mile Journey Following the Monarch Migration. Sara Dykman tells the story of traveling on her bicycle more than 10,000 miles following the monarch migration from Mexico to Canada and back again. Along the way, she observes landscaping and agricultural practices that threaten the monarchs’ milkweed food supply. She is heartened by the ordinary people, scientists, teachers and school children she meets who are working to nurture gardens for pollinators. She is hosted by individuals and communities who share local initiatives to support the monarch migration and invite her to tell her story. Her travels inspire connection and support for the monarchs through education and the sharing of the wonder of the monarchs’ journey.
The Wonderling tells the story of a young fox/child raised in an orphanage who escapes to seek his history and find his place in the world. While this is a fantasy novel, the perils and dangers and the moments of community and connection feel relatable. The connection to creative practice, art, and music shines through the story as well.
I love fiction for young readers and returned to a beloved book from childhood, The Phantom Tollbooth. I last remember reading this story in 4th grade, 40 years ago. I was inspired by its witty humor and fantastical lands then and it was a delight to be in conversation with this story again as my adult self. Below is a painting by my grandmother, Elaine Vosburg, completed around the time I first read The Phantom Tollbooth.
Christian McEwen’s In Praise of Listening: A Gathering of Stories has been a welcome companion since its publication a year ago. Her reflections on many ways of listening remind me to train my ears to the natural world, to memories, and to different kinds of quiet. When the noise of the world threatens to overwhelm, her invitations remind me to be attentive in my listening.
Understory: A Year Among Weeds chronicles a year of observing and drawing small uncultivated plants in the urban landscape as well as in parks and gardens. Sketchbook in hand, Anna Chapman Parker draws and describes the growth and seasonal changes of weeds in her everyday environment. She notices how choosing this focal point and staying with it for a year offers a ready focus to slip into a creative space amid busy days as a mother and working artist. Her reflections on the process of drawing and looking invite reflections on my own creative process and make me want to do more sketching too.
And other media…
Wise Women: Myths and Stories for Midlife and Beyond is a new book by Sharon Blackie. I include it in a list of other media because I have been listening to it as an audio book and hearing the stories told by Kristin Atherton feels central to the experience. My favorite story, The Glass Mountain features a princess who saves herself rather than waiting to be rescued by a prince. Additional stories feel timely in their connection to characters who embody the wisdom of the landscape and the season of winter. They speak to the need for patience, preparation, and attunement to seasons and cycles.
I was intrigued when a friend told me about a documentary Will Ferrel made with his friend from Saturday Night Live, Harper Steele. It is called Will and Harper. The film chronicles a cross-country road trip the two friends take together, reconnecting after Harper comes out to Will as a trans woman. In the spirit of the books I am sharing, this documentary offers the story of a specific experience. It is tender, vulnerable, funny, and inspiring. It explores the complexities of friendship, identity, connection and care. This article about the making of the movie offers a bit of a behind the scenes view too.
I would love to hear what’s been inspiring you lately too.
With a grateful heart,
Kathryn
And finally, a reminder you can receive 10% off Everything in my Etsy Shop with code DECEMBER10 through December 14.
My book of days is a great resource for noting birthdays, anniversaries, and occasions you want to remember year after year. It can also be used for short daily journaling, notes, or your noticings of the natural world.
My picture books are great resources to inspire the young artists in your life.
And mini crocheted octopuses look great on the tree!
Visit my Etsy Shop to see more.
