Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Traveler's Bookcase.

"Everything we do should be a result of our gratitude for what God has done for us."
Lauryn Hill 

Tonight I went to The Traveler's Bookstore in LA to listen to my favorite poet, Matthew Dickman, fondly called MD, read from his new and old poems...

And one thing that all 3 of the readers/musician said tonight as we all sat and stood around listening was how grateful they were to the owner of the bookstore, how grateful they were to all of us for coming to listen, how grateful they were to be in Los Angeles...

And my friend Caroline and I had been discussing Baby's sagacious words about gratitude on Saturday and so their collective gratitude sounded even more beautiful, more soft marble, more deep blue, more grounded in beautiful things...

And so tonight, I am grateful for the poets who read and sang and shared their souls with us as we sat on a couch and on chairs and on the carpeted floor, as we stood around, leaning on bookshelves, in front of bookshelves, near the front door, near the backdoor, sipping beer and wine, as we munched on cheese and crackers and milk and dark chocolates...

I am grateful to MD for being the "Michael Jackson of Poets." For reminding me of why I heart words. Of why I write. Of why I adore him. Of why when he reads I see that the world promises us more and more every day. That real people exist. And I love them.

I am grateful for Caroline for always being game for a good time.

I am grateful for Breadloaf where I met 3 of my fellow writers who both read tonight and attended the festivities.

I am grateful for my sister who made Breadloaf possible for me.

I am grateful for my friend Jeff with whom I worked on a play after the show.

I am grateful for Gatsby who always welcomes me home with more love than I could ever imagine possible.

I am grateful for you, my little blades, for listening to me, reading me, loving me through your comments and texts and emails and phone calls, for paying attention to me, appreciating me.

I am grateful to the creator for putting me on this earth, that I may spend my time wisely -- creating and loving and being alive, doing my best to make this world a healthier and more tolerant place in which to live and for the generations to come.

Through acting and writing and through having the courage to speak out and break glass ceilings and be honest with the world, may this little beast change the world.

One little blade at a time.

Love... Always...

3 comments:

  1. ~ Dogs of War ~

    Rufus, left, and Target relax after reuniting with Sgt. Christopher Duke at PetAirways on Thursday, July 29, 2010, in Atlanta. Rufus, Target, and another dog, Sahsa, saved Duke's and other soldiers' lives while serving in Afghanistan when on the evening of Feb. 11, 2010, the dogs attacked a suicide bomber trying to enter their barracks, forcing the bomber to detonate his explosives in the entry corridor. Five soldiers sustained injuries but no one died that night thanks to the life-saving actions of the dogs. Sasha was killed in the attack. (AP Photo/Atlanta Journal & Constitution, Johnny Crawford) click

    Sgt. Christopher Duke walks Rufus, left, and Target at PetAirways on Thursday, July 29, 2010. click

    Sgt. Christopher Duke and wife Lauren Duke greet Rufus at PetAirways on Thursday, July 29, 2010, in Atlanta. click

    Section 60, Arlington National Cemetery click

    Give Gatsby an extra squeeze for me...

    ReplyDelete
  2. E,

    Your story almost brought me to tears... Thank you SO much for sharing this inspirational story.

    Is there a picture of Sasha you can share?

    Rufus and Target are beautiful -- they look a little Gatsby-esque :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. follow up: click

    Sgt. Duke and/or his unit-buddies prob have Sasha pics. He can be reached at:

    Coweta County Fire Dept.
    Station 9
    4225 Corinth Rd.
    Newnan, Ga. 30263

    Facebook: click

    Headquarters, 48th Infantry Brigade
    475 Shurling Drive
    Macon, GA 31211-1916
    (478) 803-3106
    FAX: (478) 803-3194

    ReplyDelete