Read a Book

Escape

“Hundreds of hopeless waves rushed constantly shoreward, falling exhausted upon a beach of great loose stones, that seemed to stretch miles and miles in both directions. There was nothing for the eye but mingling shades of gray; nothing for the ear but the rush of the coming, the roar of the breaking, and the moan of the retreating wave.”

George MacDonald (Phantastes)

          This is a near perfect paragraph. It sets mood, sight, sound and your mind congers the picture. One is instantly transported to a rocky salt-water beach and empty gray seascape. I added a few gulls riding the air currents above, and a group of pelicans skimming over the water’s surface to my picture just to give it some life. For me, this is a perfect description of the beaches at Block Island where I spent a lot of time when my children were young. There is a man-made sandy swimming beach there, but most of the shoreline is rock—large boulders and smaller stones rubbed smooth by the sea. At low tide, we climbed down to the beach with buckets and picked muscles off the rocks that had, just minutes before been under water and sheltered by long, olive-green strands of seaweed.

          One of the most wonderful opportunities the isolation we’re observing provides  is time to read all the books stacked and waiting. When I was younger, I gave most of my attention to the story a book told. These days, I scrutinize the writing. Some authors have can tell a good story even when their writing form is not perfect, but it really adds to the pleasure of reading a good story when it’s also well written.

          It’s a good thing in these anxious times to search for silver linings in this pandemic cloud. Finding ways to make yourself feel comfortable and hopeful are important for weathering the storm. I’m encouraged, my spirits lifted, when I see people out in the spring sunshine walking their dogs or their children. Yesterday, both my financial advisor and my insurance agent called to check on me, to make sure the bleak economic picture was not worrying me, and that I had everything I need. Little things—phone calls, notes in the mail, texts and emails, help us feel connected even in our isolation.

          I hope you, wherever you are, are finding your way through this pandemic. Isn’t it strange that being isolated and socially distanced is teaching us how much we need each other? Why didn’t we know that already? I hope today you will read something that widens your lens on humankind. Read something that satisfies your mind, and helps you escape into a different world. Touch base with the people you love and tell them how much you miss them. When this is over, there will be some very big parties!

                                                  In the Spirit,
                                                  Jane