Gathered Notes
Inspiration from Ireland (and beyond)
Welcome to the February 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: The Chess Players is a 1929 oil painting by Sir John Lavery, a Northern Irish painter who lived from 1856-1941. He’s one of Ireland’s most famous artists, known for portraits and wartime depictions. However, I most love The Chess Players because it looks like a scene from everyday life. His art style is impressionistic and associated with the Glasgow school of painting. When I’m working on research for my historical novels, this is the kind of art that inspires me. The stories I see are just begging to be told. Does this painting do that for you?
Poetry: Again, I’ve looked to Ireland for inspiration. My husband and I are planning a trip over there later this year, so I’ve been curious to learn more about the country's art, music, literature, and history. When one of my favorite musicians (coincidently, also Irish) mentioned that he loved reading W.B. Yeats, I ordered a book to check out his work for myself. W.B. Yeats was a contemporary of Sir John Lavery.
Here’s one of his most famous poems that you’ll probably recognize:
He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven, by W.B. Yeats
Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
---
Timeless and beautiful.
Watching, Listening, Reading
Movie: The Banshees of Insherin
Summary: Two lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both.
My review: I watched this movie because, one, it’s set in Ireland and, two, It’s getting a lot of Oscar buzz. I can see why it’s getting a lot of positive attention. The acting is superb, and the cinematography is stunning. The story is thought-provoking, but I will go against the grain and say it wasn’t for me, as I didn’t find it entirely believable. I’m glad I watched it, but I probably wouldn’t watch it again. It’s labeled as a comedy/drama, and there are funny parts, but there are also some really hard-to-watch parts. I don’t want to give too much away, so that’s all I will say.
Have you seen this movie yet? If so, what do you think?
You can watch the preview here.
Listening
My friend, Dalene Bickel, has a new season of her Ink and Impact that comes out once a week that I’ve been enjoying. If you’re also a Christian writer, I’ll encourage you to check it out! She offers inspiration and practical know-how on the writing and publishing process for indie and traditionally published writers, and she understands what she’s talking about!
Reading
Fiction: The Brothers K by David James Duncan
Summary: This touching, uplifting novel spans decades of loyalty, anger, regret, and love in the lives of the Chance family. A father whose dreams of glory on a baseball field are shattered by a mill accident. A mother who clings obsessively to religion as a ward against the darkest hour of her past. Four brothers who come of age during the seismic upheavals of the sixties and who each choose their own way to deal with what the world has become. By turns uproariously funny and deeply moving and beautifully written throughout, The Brothers K is one of the finest chronicles of our lives in many years.
My review: This is a gripping page-turner that will now be one of my all-time favorites. I loved the humanity and relatability of the Chance family. Five stars!
Bonus fiction recommendation: The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kipp by Sara Brunsvold-- five stars
Non-fiction: No Future Without Forgiveness by Desmond Tutu
Summary: Tutu argues that true reconciliation cannot be achieved by denying the past. But nor is it easy to reconcile when a nation "looks the beast in the eye." Rather than repeat platitudes about forgiveness, he presents a bold spirituality that recognizes the horrors people can inflict upon one another, and yet retains a sense of idealism about reconciliation. With a clarity of pitch born out of decades of experience, Tutu shows readers how to move forward with honesty and compassion to build a newer and more humane world.
My review: This is an important book, though it was tough to read because it goes into detail about the atrocities that occurred under apartheid in South Africa. I was inspired and felt my faith was strengthened by the message in this book.
---
Quote of the Day:
“Every truth without exception--and whoever may utter it--is from the Holy Spirit.” -Thomas Aquinas
---
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.