Gathered Notes
November
Welcome to the November edition of Gathered Notes, a monthly collection of art, poetry, book, movie, and music recommendations that have brought beauty into my life this past month.
Art: Owl, 1889, William Holbrook Beard
Poetry: The Owl
By Dawn Klinge
It’s sometimes said that when you see her
during daylight hours,
it’s a sign.
A sign of favor and wisdom from above.
I was graced by her presence
when I needed her most.
A prayer shortly followed by an answer.
I stopped in my tracks
and was still.
A stuttering rhythmic hoo-h’HOO-hoo-hoo
Piercing deep black eyes,
a flowny, breathing totem.
We were alone, looking at each other,
and all was quiet.
It was then that I knew.
All would be well.
----
Watching, Listening, Reading
TV: All the Light We Cannot See
Summary: The story of Marie-Laure, a blind French teenager, and Werner, a German soldier, whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II.
My review: Five stars. A beautifully portrayed story of courage and love. The acting was superb, and this story will stay with me for a long time.
----
Listening:
The Habit: Rabbit Room Podcast network. This is a consistently good podcast. It’s conversations about writing with writers.
Reading: Julian of Norwich: A Contemplative Biography by Amy Frykholm
Summary: (back cover) The first fully-realized biography of Julian—theologian, anchorite, and visionary of the Middle Ages.
A groundbreaking and sometimes controversial biography that offers full tribute to the mystic Julian of Norwich. In May 1373, a thirty year-old woman living in East Anglia suffered an illness. She received visions—what she later called "sixteen showings"—revealing to her secrets of the love of God. When she fully recovered, Julian recorded and richly explored those revelations, creating what became the first English-language book written by a woman.
Drawing on Julian's own writings, Frykholm's biography paints a vivid picture of the 14th century and this remarkable woman's place in it. Through plague, church corruption, economic devastation, and great personal loss, she presciently addressed her culture's greatest fears and anxieties. Ultimately, Julian's life is shrouded in mystery, and yet she has become a significant figure in contemporary spirituality today.
My review: This little book is a treasure. I loved how the author brought to life what Julian’s life may have been like. Five stars.
Quote of the Day:
“I don’t think you’re going to get anywhere in life if you don’t listen.” -Morgan Freeman
-----
Writing life: I’m excited to tell you about an exciting event in the Apron Strings Readers Facebook group (Apron Strings is a multi-author book project I’m collaborating on). Today through Friday you can participate in a fun scavenger hunt, win prizes, and get to know the authors a little better. Click HERE to check it out!
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you know how thankful I am for you. Your encouragement is always so sweet and I think you all are the best!
-----
This newsletter occasionally contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on and buy through one of these links, I do receive a small percentage at no extra cost to you. Thank you.
Quick Links:
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you; may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm; may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you: may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.