October 2016
Friday Links
1. Bob Dylan won the Nobel Prize in Literature yesterday and that delights me. I am also delighted by the goofiest joke ever the literary scholar on the prize committee made:
Sara Danius, a literary scholar and the permanent secretary of the 18-member academy, which called Mr. Dylan “a great poet in the English-speaking tradition” and compared him to Homer and Sappho, whose work was delivered orally. Asked if the decision to award the prize to a musician signaled a broadening in the definition of literature, Ms. Danius responded, “The times they are a-changing, perhaps.”
2. The best ad of the election? Possibly. Ladies, get your vote on!
Thursday Poem
I’m a little behind in my Writer’s Almanac poems but this was up this week and is as timely as the title:
October 10
Now constantly there is the sound,
quieter than rain,
of the leaves falling.
Under their loosening bright
gold, the sycamore limbs
bleach whiter.
Now the only flowers
are beeweed and aster, spray
of their white and lavender
over the brown leaves.
The calling of a crow sounds
Loud — landmark — now
that the life of summer falls
silent, and the nights grow.
Politics!
I think this just about sums up the last week:
For a takedown of why we’re not reacting to the language, but to the sexual assault described by the leaked tapes, watch Trevor Noah.
For an examination of Trump’s really terrifying promise to jail his political opponent if he wins, watch Ezra Klein.
Early voting started this week in many states. Under four weeks to go–stay strong, everyone.
Project Poncho Is A Go
I’m nearly done with my big scarf and I like it so much I think I’ll try the poncho pattern pattern from that designer, as previously discussed.
But what color? I have a gift card to the yarn store so can afford the recommended yarn, Brooklyn Tweed Shelter. I’m thinking a neutral? But that dark gold is calling to me, too.
One ticket to Poncho Town, coming up!
Good And Bad
Friday Links
Today’s Quote
“It’s a constant, continuous, spectacular world we live in, and every day you see things that just knock you out, if you pay attention.”
Robert Irwin
How About A Poem Instead
I could discuss this or this (terrifying) or remind you to make sure you’re registered to vote… but let’s take a break and read a poem. Yesterday was the sort of day like this one:
The air windless, a few last
Leaves adding their decoration
To the trees’ shoulders, braiding the cuffs
Of the boughs with gold; a bird preening
In the lawn’s mirror. Having looked up
From the day’s chores, pause a minute,
Let the mind take its photograph
Of the bright scene, something to wear
Against the heart in the long cold.
Tuesday Project Planning: Flannel Season
All I want to wear lately is plaid flannel shirts–good thick ones, ones you can hike in, ones that keep you warm and aren’t the sad, thin “ladies” versions I have from Target and Old Navy.
(Click the image to shop if you’re curious)
Can I make flannel shirts? Yes. Does it take a hella long time so I just want to buy one of these? Yes. Will I resist? Probably. Because if I make one, I can get the length just right–and that berry and blue one is $119. (Come on, Backcountry!)