These pillowbook entries, Prue, are a deeply resonant distillation of life and of living. A simply breathtaking read.
"A light breeze on the other hand, drifts with fragrances, touches cheeks like the whisper of a memory. It refreshes or cossets and one can turn one’s face to the sun."
That same passage that Rebecca mentions caught my eye too! You've done such a lovely job capturing that style, or at least capturing a style which is elegant and evocative (having not read the original version). I can feel your weariness of the long hot summer so I hope you get some respite from your time inside putting up the bounty of summer fruits to enjoy later in winter.
Memory droplets, tiny gems - each one precious. What a sweet way to approach journaling. I just read the Wikipedia entry on Sei Shōnagon and loved this bit: "She did not invest her time in soul-searching, nor was she searching for the attention or opinions of readers, simply because she did not invest in her writing for others, but only for herself." I have to imagine she was none too pleased when the private book meant for her eyes only found its way out. Good fortune for us! Likewise this lovely, new essay.
Have I mentioned that, more than once, I've written Prue and Pure and thought, "Yes, that's just so." Though I believe we all shapeshift, at times, to do what we must to exist in this world, I see you as someone who is honest on the page, and I really appreciate that.
In my first job out of college I worked with a cranky secretary who felt that young women should not wear black. It wasn't about the color but about "earning the right" or some such nonsense. People are funny.
I am always impressed by succinct writing, it's not a skill I have, sadly.
Hmmmm, maybe I'm channeling my inner mansplainer lol
oh and I wear a lot of black, what does that say about me??
Breaking wind. Out of all your beautiful descriptions this is what my 14 year old boy- mind clings to. 😂
These pillowbook entries, Prue, are a deeply resonant distillation of life and of living. A simply breathtaking read.
"A light breeze on the other hand, drifts with fragrances, touches cheeks like the whisper of a memory. It refreshes or cossets and one can turn one’s face to the sun."
That same passage that Rebecca mentions caught my eye too! You've done such a lovely job capturing that style, or at least capturing a style which is elegant and evocative (having not read the original version). I can feel your weariness of the long hot summer so I hope you get some respite from your time inside putting up the bounty of summer fruits to enjoy later in winter.
This is such calm elegant writing! I loved your descriptions as always - and that recipe book in the pic is tremendous.
Memory droplets, tiny gems - each one precious. What a sweet way to approach journaling. I just read the Wikipedia entry on Sei Shōnagon and loved this bit: "She did not invest her time in soul-searching, nor was she searching for the attention or opinions of readers, simply because she did not invest in her writing for others, but only for herself." I have to imagine she was none too pleased when the private book meant for her eyes only found its way out. Good fortune for us! Likewise this lovely, new essay.
Have I mentioned that, more than once, I've written Prue and Pure and thought, "Yes, that's just so." Though I believe we all shapeshift, at times, to do what we must to exist in this world, I see you as someone who is honest on the page, and I really appreciate that.
In my first job out of college I worked with a cranky secretary who felt that young women should not wear black. It wasn't about the color but about "earning the right" or some such nonsense. People are funny.
Thanks so much for sharing Prue, I love the idea of a pillow journal x
“The Pillow Book of Prudence” was absolutely delightful! And very thought-provoking. I hope you’ll gift us with more entries soon!