MacGreg

I love places like that.

I really enjoy your writing style, Wayne. With your descriptions, I could smell the coffee shop, hear the buzz of conversations, picture the scene as though I was a fly on the wall. Great character development already, including the cat, hehe.

The book of poems I have was translated by Stephen Mitchell, who I'm told did a remarkable job: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46201.The_Selected_Poetry_of_Rainer_Maria_Rilke?ac=1&from_search=true The Letters to a Young Poet version I read a while back is this one: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46199.Letters_to_a_Young_Poet#

It's moving, isn't it? Pricked deeply at my soul, too.

I've been reading translated poems of Rilke lately, who is recognized as one of the most lyrically intense German-language poets. In the early 1900s, Rilke wrote letters to a young German military cadet who sought his guidance on his own poetry. These letters were poetry in their own right, dynamic and inspiring. The following is an excerpt from one such letter, which galvanizes the creative process, not exclusive to poetry or writing in my opinion, but for all forms of artistic self-expression: “Go into yourself. Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depths of your heart; confess to yourself whether you would have to die if you were forbidden to write. This most of all: ask yourself in the most silent hour of your night: must I write? Dig into yourself for a deep answer. And if this answer rings out in assent, if you meet this solemn question with a strong, simple “I must,” then build your life in accordance with this necessity; your whole life, even into its humblest and most indifferent hour, must become a sign and witness to this impulse. Then come close to Nature. Then, as if no one had ever tried before, try to say what you see and feel and love and lose... ...Describe your sorrows and desires, the thoughts that pass through your mind and your belief in some kind of beauty - describe all these with heartfelt, silent, humble sincerity and, when you express yourself, use the Things around you, the images from your dreams, and the objects that you remember. If your everyday life seems poor, don’t blame it; blame yourself; admit to yourself that you are not enough of a poet to call forth its riches; because for the creator there is not poverty and no poor, indifferent place. And even if you found yourself in some prison, whose walls let in none of the world’s sounds – wouldn’t you still have your childhood, that jewel beyond all price, that treasure house of memories? Turn your attentions to it. Try to raise up the sunken feelings of this enormous past; your personality will grow stronger, your solitude will expand and become a place where you can live in the twilight, where the noise of other people passes by, far in the distance. - And if out of this turning-within, out of this immersion in your own world, poems come, then you will not think of asking anyone whether they are good or not. Nor will you try to interest magazines in these works: for you will see them as your dear natural possession, a piece of your life, a voice from it. A work of art is good if it has arisen out of necessity. That is the only way one can judge it.” ― Rainer Maria Rilke, from Letters to a Young Poet

Take care, boy.

I just stopped by myself. Good to see you, Def. Hope all is well in your world.

@Fae Briona I hope it's not as bad as they're predicting, hope that you're safe and sound where you are, and that the storms don't come my way.

I have a friend in Norman who is pretty worried about it all.

Baby J is going to be a year old soon?! Where did that time go? No doubt it's been a whirlwind for you, renee. I'm glad to hear you're doing well and that your health questions are getting answered. Thanks for giving us an update. Take care, girl.

When doctors keep prescribing antibiotics (or similar), and illnesses keep returning, then something else needs to be tried. I'm a believer of acupuncture. I used to suffer from vicious cycles of sinus infections for many years until I tried acupuncture. Life changer for me. Not saying it will be in your case... and I still think you need to get down to the root cause... but you may find some relief. And if he's your uncle - hey! No reason not to try it.

(Not sure how you feel about needles, but have you tried acupuncture?)

You should definitely see the doctor again. You shouldn't be experiencing perpetual illness/infections. It sounds like the root cause isn't being addressed? Hope you can find an answer - and reprieve from feeling sick all the time.

No worries there, drought.

Ah, Harry Potter. I should have guessed that. Thanks for the clarification.

I don't know who Cedric is...

That's unfortunate. Warm compress, sleep, you'll feel better in the morning. Good night, girl.

This is a good way to express and expel the frustration, Kitt. I think I've felt this way a time or two... or three. Well done.

I hope everyone has a great evening. Or, if you're not feeling well, that you have a better evening.

I'm certainly with you on that.

Well, at least that would change it up a notch.

As always, thanks for the work you and others do to keep things running smoothly.

I can't believe they're still making Batman movies...

Indeed, it could... *saying no more*

Have a great day yourself, Reader.