I am intrigued that "irritability" is one of the six "stars" of life. I think of how I get irritated at my irritation. How can I embrace it differently? I am sitting with the idea of irritability being as vital as organization, movement, growth, reproduction, and adaptation. Can I embrace it wisely, and with compassion, and even, delight?
Yesterday I was with a friend at the marsh. Mt Tam is called the Sleeping Maiden. We were looking at the different ways one can view the maiden. Perhaps her legs lie this way, or that. I loved changing my perspective on the view. At times, I see no maiden at all. I believe yesterday's lunch with a friend was my final birthday celebration for this year. It's funny how as one gets older the celebrating goes on and on. Perhaps that is the grace of age, the beauty of our faces as they soften and change, so the year is not delineated but instead falls into gentle waves.
At my book group Friday night, an 8th grade teacher spoke of the importance of reading the book, 46 Pages, by Scott Liell. It is about Thomas Paine and his powerfully influential book, Common Sense. If you want to be motivated on your own writing, this is the book to do it. One book, a pamphlet really, led to the Revolutionary War. It is a fascinating look at our separation from England, and how a change in perspective, a true definition of freedom led to the formation of this country. It is motivating to read as we head into the Holiday season, a time to celebrate the growing dark that will soon turn back to light. I love the feel of this time of year. Birds fill the marsh. The egrets stretch their necks, and the ducks are here.