What a super Sunday morning read, Grant. The love of my life (87) and I (73) spend every day reading, writing, exploring . . . and, yes, kissing. Also, I'm reading your remarkable book, The Art of Brevity. Only problem is, I have to keep stopping to make notes and look up words and people, (which leads to all kinds of other wonderful and interesting explorations).
I love the idea of urgency and curiosity being in play with each other, of not having to choose. That sculpture, I think, has a family resemblance to Standing Woman by Gaston Laschaise, in the sculpture garden at UCLA. When I was in school, I used to sit by her every day while having my coffee, hoping for a little of her spirit to rub off on me.
Oh, I love that sculpture garden at UCLA! My daughter goes to UCLA and it's one of my favorite parts of a college campus—anywhere. I remember this statue, but will take a closer look next time.
I went to UCLA and never spent enough time in the Sculpture Garden. I think already I was living with "accomplishment" in mind... even if the accomplishment was social. Busy! Busy! Now I don't just want to shift toward curiosity from carpe-the-crap-out-of-diem... I also want a do-over. I'm not sure I'm doing this right! But next time I'm in LA, I'd like to start there by Ackerman. <3
Returning to my desk this morning after a week away pondering existential issues, I found this perfect post. I'm in love with this idea of turning urgency to gentle wonder. It's "Granted" me a bit of Grace. 🤭 Thanks.
Excellent post. Thank you so much for this wonderful perspective. Easier said than done, this setting aside of the frenzy... I want to get better at it!
Yeah, I was thinking about it literally being a conscious choice, as in, "the next month is going to be about first days" ... "the next month is going to be about last days."
Curiosity! Yes. We move through fear to honor our unique curiosities and in doing so cultivate a life rich with wonder! Thanks for the lovely Sunday morning reminder!
What a super Sunday morning read, Grant. The love of my life (87) and I (73) spend every day reading, writing, exploring . . . and, yes, kissing. Also, I'm reading your remarkable book, The Art of Brevity. Only problem is, I have to keep stopping to make notes and look up words and people, (which leads to all kinds of other wonderful and interesting explorations).
Oh, this comment makes my day! Thanks so much! I'm so glad you're enjoying The Art of Brevity. Keep writing—and kissing!
I like the idea of writing down 10, well maybe 5, memorable moments.
10 is a lot, I have to say. I used to do an exercise where I tried to notice 5 things a day and I found that challenging.
I love the idea of urgency and curiosity being in play with each other, of not having to choose. That sculpture, I think, has a family resemblance to Standing Woman by Gaston Laschaise, in the sculpture garden at UCLA. When I was in school, I used to sit by her every day while having my coffee, hoping for a little of her spirit to rub off on me.
Oh, I love that sculpture garden at UCLA! My daughter goes to UCLA and it's one of my favorite parts of a college campus—anywhere. I remember this statue, but will take a closer look next time.
She’s right at the entrance to Ackerman Hall.
I went to UCLA and never spent enough time in the Sculpture Garden. I think already I was living with "accomplishment" in mind... even if the accomplishment was social. Busy! Busy! Now I don't just want to shift toward curiosity from carpe-the-crap-out-of-diem... I also want a do-over. I'm not sure I'm doing this right! But next time I'm in LA, I'd like to start there by Ackerman. <3
And I never saw enough of it. Most of my classes were in Ackerman and I didn't stray enough. A do-over -- I'd welcome it too.
YES!!!
Returning to my desk this morning after a week away pondering existential issues, I found this perfect post. I'm in love with this idea of turning urgency to gentle wonder. It's "Granted" me a bit of Grace. 🤭 Thanks.
Hug the grace!
I usually write 3 things I'm grateful for each day, but love the idea of writing 10 memorable moments. I'm sure I can come up with some!
"In one of my stories, I have a character who claims that it is impossible to die in the middle of a kiss.
One definition of a kiss is curiosity. Perhaps it’s impossible to die in the middle of curiosity. Which is one definition of love."
FABULOUS.
Hope this is true! I'm definitely going to test the theory in my dying days...
Excellent post. Thank you so much for this wonderful perspective. Easier said than done, this setting aside of the frenzy... I want to get better at it!
Yeah, I was thinking about it literally being a conscious choice, as in, "the next month is going to be about first days" ... "the next month is going to be about last days."
You have no idea how timely this post arrived in my inbox. Thank you again and again for your wisdom!
There are so many things I love about this post. Thank you. Looking forward to next week's.
Thanks so much, Lisa! I appreciate your encouraging words.
Really enjoyed this, Grant.
I pretty much ruined my life for writing. So I know all about urgency : )
This is a particularly inspiring blog post, Grant. I'm saving it to reread and I'm sharing with friends.
Thanks so much, Joan! Let me know what your friends think.
Curiosity! Yes. We move through fear to honor our unique curiosities and in doing so cultivate a life rich with wonder! Thanks for the lovely Sunday morning reminder!
Thanks, Jamie! I'm so glad this resonated.
Nice! I love the curiosity and living each day as if it is you first! ❤️