A desire to share stories

“As a writer and as a reader, I really believe in the power of narrative to allow us ways to experience life beyond our own; ways to reflect on things that have happened to us and a chance to engage with the world in ways that transcend time and gender and all sorts of things.” – Kim Edwards

Kim Edwards is the author of two bestselling novels – The Memory Keeper's Daughter, which has been translated into 38 languages, and The Lake of Dreams – and a collection of short stories, The Secrets of a Fire King. Her writing honors include the Whiting Award, the British Book Award, and USA Today's Book of the Year, as well as the Nelson Algren Award, a National Magazine Award, and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

A graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, she has taught widely in the US and Asia and continues to teach at the University of Kentucky.  She resides in nearby Hanover, KY.

 

  Kim Edwards

In her teaching, she said she often reflects on people’s desire to share stories as one of the things “that make us human.”   “I don’t think we’ll ever lose the desire for people to tell stories or to hear stories or to be entrapped in a beautiful story,” she said.  It’s simply a part of the human condition.

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Time well spent, so can't complain

“Why do people talk of the horrors of old age?  It’s great.  I feel like a fine old car with the parts gradually wearing out, but I’m not complaining.” – Martha Gellhorn

So, today I’m having another birthday, zeroing in on the end of 7 decades and still doing pretty good, and like Martha Gellhorn and my dad always used to say when asked that inevitable question, “How ya doing?” would simply respond “Can’t complain.”

And, one thing I look forward to doing each day is some writing.  I’m grateful that I was granted the ability and opportunity to put my thoughts, observations and actions down on paper or into a computer so that another person somewhere would have the chance to read those words and have a reaction to them.  It’s a pretty cool exchange and one of those things that make having writers’ moments worthwhile.

I agree wholeheartedly, too, with a statement by Amy Tan, who when asked why she writes, noted:  “I write because I know that one day I will die, and thus I should experience as many deliberate observations, careful thoughts, wild ideas, and deep emotions as I can before that day occurs.”

Me too.  So far, so good, and like I said, "Can’t complain."

  

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She's looked at life

“I write journals and would recommend journal writing to anyone who wishes to pursue a writing career. You learn a lot. You also remember a lot... and memory is important.” – Judy Collins

After starting her music career at age 13 as a piano prodigy dazzling audiences by performing Mozart's “Concerto for Two Pianos,” Judy was seduced away from a life as a concert pianist by the folk revival movement.  

Since then, the award-winning singer-songwriter has earned the esteem of audiences and fellow performers and writers alike for her imaginative interpretations and poignant original arrangements and compositions.  For a taste of her songwriting style, check out Albatross or The Fallow Way – terrific, yet heart-wrenching songs.

As a prose writer, Judy authored several books, including the powerful and inspiring, Sanity & Grace and her extraordinary memoir Sweet Judy Blue Eyes: My Life in Music.

“I don't think you get to good writing unless you expose yourself and your feelings,” she said. “Deep songs don't come from the surface; they come from the deep down. The (things) that you are suppose to write, I believe are in your heart.”

 

 Judy Collins on May Day, her 76th birthday 

Often cited for her version of “Send in the Clowns,” a ballad written by Stephen Sondheim for the Broadway musical A Little Night Music, it’s her rendition of Joni Mitchell's “Both Sides Now” that I’ve always liked best.  That cover version of  her landmark 1967 album Wildflowers is now in the Grammy Hall of Fame.  Here’s a 1976 performance with Arthur Fiedler and The Boston Pops.  Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQOuxByR5VI 

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A 'favorite' time of year

"The world's favorite season is the spring.  All things seem possible in May."
-  Edwin Way Teale

Happy May Day.  It’s  always seemed to be an inspirational month for writers and – lucky for me –  it’s also the month of my birth.  So to start the celebration, I share a couple of quotes, and this neat little Ode from English poet William Watson, first published,  coincidentally, on May Day.

Ode in May

"What is so sweet and dear
As a prosperous morn in May,
The confident prime of the day,
And the dauntless youth of the year,
When nothing that asks for bliss,
Asking aright, is denied,
And half of the world a bridegroom is,
And half of the world a bride?"
-  William Watson

"Spring is God's way of saying, 'One more time!' "  -  Robert Orben  

Let the celebrating begin.

 

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