The world is frosty, and I’m working to warm my heart to the hard work ahead.
Safe marching in Washington, Sisters. In Boston. In Chicago. Philadelphia, and beyond. I’ll be in Montpelier today with you on my mind, hoping for safety and peacefulness as we enter this new era.
As usual, when I feel a knot in my stomach I turn to poems, music and art for solace. John Berger, Maira Kalman, Langston Hughes, Seamus Heaney, Jane Kenyon, and so many others. I learned yesterday that the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities are on the list to be eliminated, which adds to the knot. We need art more than ever. Humanities are what help us interpret being human.
My husband brought me The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking to cheer me last night on inauguration day. We heard Meik interviewed on On Point this week, on their show about Hygge. We lit candles, listened to music and cooked together. Hygge (pronouced Hooga) is a Danish word that can’t be translated to one English word. But at its core its about being cosy among friends and family with a warming fire, candles, good food, talk, sharing. In essence safety in your happy place.
I’ve been thinking about resistance. And silence. And speaking. And listening. It’s time to make art.
Off to make some signs! See you soon. Keep those candles burning.
Your post was the first thing I read this Monday morning. Made my day. Thanks.
Your comment made my day! I’m just reading it with my breakfast. Happy Monday.
More blog please !!! January is so very long ago now.
Oh Sonja, that is so nice of you to say! I do aspire to write again soon. Been swept up in renovations of an old brick house since April and worried I’d bore people with blatherings about demolition, mouse nests and reconstruction! Will get back on this horse soon. Starting up again is the hardest part, but you’ve given me a nice gentle nudge. Be well.
So what did you think of the book. It’s one I had ordered for the library and it’s been checked out by plenty of people but me. I need some me time with candles I guess.