Best & Highest Use

Hello again, Friends Close & Far Away. Today I want to muse a bit … and start by sharing the word “ensorcelled”.  What? You never heard of it either?  Whew!

“Ensorcelled” came to me recently for the very first time via the 26th Avenue Poet, in a post titled “Latte With an Extra Shot of Metaphor, Please”.  The 26th Avenue Poet’s posts are always a delight, but I wanted to share this one in particular with its two poems, “Magic” and “The Lovers”; one of which contains this new-to-me word. At best, I find the word to be a tedious substitute for “bewitched”, which to me is so much more provocative and tantalizing.  Nonetheless, here it is, a new word to be rolled around the tongue and explored. Why not?  New words are always welcome, as are new ideas, new friends … and new hope.

an Extra Shot of Metaphor, Please reminded me of my recent visit to the White Rabbit Bookshop & Black Ink Café in Oregon City, where I, along with other writers, art makers and generally creative souls will be part of the “Localopolis” event on Saturday, July 8th.  I had met a new friend there for tea and found myself thoroughly enjoying the familiar energy that seems to inhabit bookstore coffee shops. Little independent bookshops like these, often located in the heart of small towns on an old Main Street filled with vintage & antique stores, give me hope that, as Naomi Shihab Nye says, “not everything is lost.” Speaking of which, I hope you will make time on July 8th to visit Oregon City’s quaint and interesting Main Street and stop by between 4 & 7 to say Hello. There will be books AND take-home recipes from All In The Soup Together. Maybe you can join some of us for dinner at Ranee’s on Main … I don’t know if space is still available, but if you’re an art maker who would like to be part of the event, get in touch with Em at White Rabbit.

My friend and fellow writer, Devon Ervin, will be there too. Her recently published book, The Reluctant Caregiver, is a moving memoir about learning to live with the chaotic aftermath of a partner’s debilitating stroke. The Reluctant Caregiver is a tender and supportive read for anyone who has ever been close to this experience. I’m also delighted to announce that Devon will be our Conversation With Friends guest at 4pm on Sunday, July 23rdHope you can join us for that one.

The sunshine returned and temperatures rose just as I knew they would, and I found myself enamored (now there’s a word I really love) this week by several ordinary (not to be confused with tedious) encounters … and some not-so-ordinary ones as well.

For instance, at the same time the Extreme Court was handing down bad news, my friend & fellow rascal just turned 70 Denise Busch, one of the kindest and most creative Beings I know, was sending me videos from her Danceability Troup’s recent performance at PSU.  Denise’s dedication to nurturing the Human Spirit is a joy to see.  Always glad to brighten your day, I couldn’t help but share it with you here.

There’s another definitely aging rascal who continues to make me glad I didn’t give up on him … Garrison Keillor.  I think there’s something about turning 80 that naturally mellows us out; maybe it has to do with the way the 8 loops around on itself and gets us thinking about what really needs nurturing and nourishment, like the Children who will be inheriting this magnificently scarred, tinder box world we’re leaving them, and what they will bring to it. Thank you, Garrison, for helping me muse on this with your last week’s post “A Lovely Lunch in New Haven.”

And another … one of those Sisters-In-Law, who is steadily becoming one of my favorite rascals, not because what she writes is more witty, bold or outrageous than others, but because of her willingness to show us her soft side and to always close with “we’re in this together.”   Read what Joyce Vance has to say about her “best and highest use”.

Until next time, let’s muse along with my very favorite all-time rascal poet, the late William Stafford.

You Reading This, Be Ready

Starting here, what do you want to remember?
How sunlight creeps along a shining floor?
What scent of old wood hovers, what softened
sound from outside fills the air?

Will you ever bring a better gift for the world
than the breathing respect that you carry
wherever you go right now? Are you waiting
for time to show you some better thoughts?

When you turn around, starting here, lift this
new glimpse that you found; carry into evening
all that you want from this day. This interval you spent
reading or hearing this, keep it for life –

What can anyone give you greater than now,
starting here, right in this room, when you turn around?

William Stafford
The Way It Is

Published by Sulima Malzin

This 'Aging Rascal & Occasional Writer' invites you to embrace the world through her open window of poetry, art, activism, music, and humor.

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Really enjoyed this one! Intend to read The Annoying Lovers to my 4:00 Ladies Group. Thanks ❤️

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