Gathered Notes
January
Welcome to the January ‘24 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 Cello Player, Michael Gorban, 2005
Poetry: Stream and Sun at Glendalough
By W.B. Yeats
Through intricate motions ran
Stream and gliding sun
And all my heart seemed gay:
Some stupid thing that I had done
Made my attention stray.
Repentance keeps my heart impure;
But what am I that dare
Fancy that I can
Better conduct myself or have more
Sense than a common man?
What motion of the sun or stream
Or eyelid shot the gleam
That pierced my body through?
What made me live like these that seem
Self-born, born anew?
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Watching, Listening, Reading
Movie: Love at First Sight
Summary: Two strangers connect on a flight to London, only to be separated by a twist of fate. A reunion seems improbable — but love has a way of defying the odds.
My review: Five stars. This is a sweet romantic comedy that reminded me of just why I love romantic stories.
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Listening:
Gentle stream water sounds: It has been a month of heavy focus and reading for me. To avoid distractions and block out other sounds, I put in my air pods and listen to the sound of a river.
Reading: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Summary: A novel of intense power and intrigue, Jane Eyre has dazzled generations of readers with its depiction of a woman's quest for freedom. Having grown up an orphan in the home of her cruel aunt and at a harsh charity school, Jane Eyre becomes an independent and spirited survivor-qualities that serve her well as governess at Thornfield Hall. But when she finds love with her sardonic employer, Rochester, the discovery of his terrible secret forces her to make a choice. Should she stay with him whatever the consequences or follow her convictions, even if it means leaving her beloved? 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 is a book I’m sure I started and never finished over twenty years ago. Some books are meant for certain times in your life, and until you’re ready, you may not connect with them in a meaningful way. I wasn’t ready back then, but I’m so glad I decided to give it another try because it was exactly what I needed right now. I love this story!
Quote of the Day:
“The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” -Joseph Campbell
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Writing life: I’m immersed in schoolwork (Creative Writing) right now and loving it. Other than preparing the final edits on Kristen: book #9 in the Apron Strings Collection (coming September 24), I have largely stepped back from all non-school-related work. I’m giving myself this gift of two years to go deep into the craft of writing, and I’m super grateful for the opportunity.
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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.