You know who I don't mention nearly enough in this space? My sister, Kristi-Lynn. She is a kind, sensitive soul, with a generous spirit and deep faith in people. And, to boot, her wonderful husband let me have a date with her this week.
Ever since taking an English course on American Romanticism, I have admired the life and ideas of Thoreau. Oddly enough, despite living not even an hour from Concord, MA, I have never been to Walden Pond. So, Kristi-Lynn made it a point to help me cross at least one item off my list this summer, and we ventured down 95 to the lovely, historical town where Thoreau once went into the woods to live and discover.
While there, we stood where Thoreau's little, wooded retreat from society used to be and read aloud portions of Emerson's essay about him. Among the quotes, these were my favorites:
"[Thoreau] declined to give up his large ambition of knowledge and action for any narrow craft or profession, aiming at a much more comprehensive calling, the art of living well. If he slighted and defied the opinions of others, it was only that he was more intent to reconcile his practice with his own belief."
"I think his fancy for referring every thing to the meridian of Concord, did not grow out of any ignorance or depreciation of other longitudes or latitudes, but was rather a playful expression of his conviction of the indifference of all places, and that the best place for each is where he stands. He expressed it once in this wise: I think nothing is to be hoped from you, if this bit of mould under your feet is not sweeter to you to eat, than any other in this world, or in any world.""
That second one especially hit me- it was a lesson I took to heart six years ago, and is now refreshing and affirming again. The best place for each is where he stands. I am right were I am suppose to be. And when I'm not suppose to be here anymore, there will be another opportunity (or the prompting to just jump, confident that an opportunity will arise). In the meantime, I want to live grateful for the time here, in downright love with this bit of mould under my feet, and for chances for sister date nights.
Ever since taking an English course on American Romanticism, I have admired the life and ideas of Thoreau. Oddly enough, despite living not even an hour from Concord, MA, I have never been to Walden Pond. So, Kristi-Lynn made it a point to help me cross at least one item off my list this summer, and we ventured down 95 to the lovely, historical town where Thoreau once went into the woods to live and discover.
While there, we stood where Thoreau's little, wooded retreat from society used to be and read aloud portions of Emerson's essay about him. Among the quotes, these were my favorites:
"[Thoreau] declined to give up his large ambition of knowledge and action for any narrow craft or profession, aiming at a much more comprehensive calling, the art of living well. If he slighted and defied the opinions of others, it was only that he was more intent to reconcile his practice with his own belief."
"I think his fancy for referring every thing to the meridian of Concord, did not grow out of any ignorance or depreciation of other longitudes or latitudes, but was rather a playful expression of his conviction of the indifference of all places, and that the best place for each is where he stands. He expressed it once in this wise: I think nothing is to be hoped from you, if this bit of mould under your feet is not sweeter to you to eat, than any other in this world, or in any world.""
That second one especially hit me- it was a lesson I took to heart six years ago, and is now refreshing and affirming again. The best place for each is where he stands. I am right were I am suppose to be. And when I'm not suppose to be here anymore, there will be another opportunity (or the prompting to just jump, confident that an opportunity will arise). In the meantime, I want to live grateful for the time here, in downright love with this bit of mould under my feet, and for chances for sister date nights.
Just stumbled across your sweet blog and I love it! I love the short, but very thoughtful posts and the beautiful pictures! I also really like the quote "The best place for each is where he stands." It's so true...anyways, great blog!
ReplyDelete