Sunday, May 26, 2013

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It was suggested to me this morning by the great poet Maya Angelou to be a rainbow in someone else's cloud. Miles Davis was playing while she told me not to complain and to make every effort to change things that I do not like. When I asked what happens if I cannot make a change, she suggested that I change the way you have been thinking. I generally don't like jazz -- kill me -- but Miles' played a perfect accompaniment to Maya's sonorous admonition. I wiggled my hips and even tapped my foot. Today, I'm changing the way I'm thinking, and this might be as simple as the bittersweet chocolate frosting that I'll put on the pale yellow cake, the nod of my head toward the next door neighbor's dog that continues to yip, the bean on the vine at the back of the garden, the dirty feet of the boy lying on my bed, the purple cloud of the jacaranda tree above and the carpet below, half sweet of rot and half of a new solution.








***inspired by literary jukebox









14 comments:

  1. Hey there, beautiful as a peony and cute as your boy! You do "something wonderful for humanity" by writing to us every day, and that's just one thing in many. Sound over the top? Nah! I write this in deep appreciation for the whole woman you are. Thanks for this post and the photos of California flowers and that adorable boy. May your day be filled with love - and chocolate.

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  2. I think you are wonderful just as you are. Happy Sunday.

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  3. Gorgeous. It's like you were channeling Ms. Maya. I read your piece in her voice.

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  4. A new perspective. Yes. Taking a break from giving a damn, that works too. Trying the latter over here, where my house suddenly looks like a junkyard and there is no place to store the influx of things. So I step over and around them and pretend not to see them. I hope this attitude lasts at least till the fall. But I'm not hopeful.

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  5. And you inspire me in every way.
    (I don't like jazz either. Mostly. I do not think I am smart enough.)

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  6. I love this. Did the Vanagon help you change the way you think? Don't underestimate the power of a good Vanagon.

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  7. I'm not a jazz person either, though it has its moments. And yes, life is all about perspective, isn't it?!

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  8. like this... never saw a literary jukebox before so thx for inspiring me to look at it.... hope you have a lovely memorial day!

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  9. I'm trying to shake things up as well. You do have a way of making poetry out of the mess.

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  10. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world". Gandhi said that and I have carried that motto with me for many years. Haven't completely succeeded yet, though! :-)

    Greetings from London.

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  11. Well, thank you Miles, and Maya, and Elizabeth. I soooo need to do just that.

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  12. I hope the feeling stuck and you found other rainbows out there in the clouds as well. I saw Maya Angelou in person as she read that poem in her gravelly voice so full of wit and wisdom and felt it resonate in my bones for days.

    Love.

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  13. you know...i have been away. but this morning i was struck with a purpose to visit leslie and found her sharing that her mother died yesterday. it struck me how deeply we have forged roots into each others hearts and lives. it was only natural after being with leslie to come here. where i have found you instilling your profoundly beautiful thoughts like bright unfurling blossoms ripe for the taking; just as you were the last time i took the time to smell your fragrant flowers.
    thank you for being you....so glad to be back.

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  14. a boy with dirty feet - what a glory!

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