Keats's Letters - Hidden Surprise!

 

Last night I was listening to a talk by Malcolm Guite as he talked about how he became a poet. He recalled when he was young, visiting John Keats's house in Hampstead, London, his imagination was awakened to that fact that he could be a poet when he read the poem "Ode to a Nightingale" which was written on the wall of the house where he lived, and wrote his poetry. Something awakened in him as he read those beautiful lines - 

'Tis not through envy of thy happy lot,

         But being too happy in thine happiness,—

                That thou, light-winged Dryad of the trees

                        In some melodious plot

         Of beechen green, and shadows numberless,

                Singest of summer in full-throated ease.

As I was listening I suddenly remembered I had a book of Keats's letters that I had purchased in the UK last year that I had not read yet, so I jumped up and pulled it off my shelf, set to dive in to read this charming little pocket-sized book (my favourite kind). I picked up this book in a charity shop for £2.49, which is a reprint from 1923. When I flipped through the book, I realized that the pages were sticking together at the ends, because the pages of this book were uncut!

The method that was used to print books in those days involved full sheets printed, folded, and bound into a book. This meant that if you bought a new book, you had to cut the pages so you could actually read it. This discovery for me today was like finding a hidden treasure in the sands of time. It means that I am the first person to read this book, in fact to view these pages hidden within. It is amazing to be that the book is a brand new book that is 97 years old! What an unexpected, hidden surprise! My bookish heart has delighted in such a discovery.

Excuse me while I go read this book of letters now, the first reader since it was published in 1923.

The Nature of Thankfulness

Oak-Tree

Unmoved I stand what wind may blow.
Swift, swift before the wind I go.

(William Morris)

Rooted like the sturdiest of trees, a mind and heart in thankfulness will be nourished by the surroundings, even on a seemingly dark day. In that vain, the rain is not dreary, but hydration and nourishment. The clouds are not gloom, but an umbrella reprieve from the intensity of the sun's rays. We can look at the lives we live in a similar fashion if we so choose. Noting how the weather of our days can further challenge us and strengthen us in ways we need, even if we do not know we need it.

A soul set in thankfulness is the starting point, I think. For if we do not look at each piece of our lives with a thankful tone, how will we view it as possibility for growth and goodness?

The opposing side is that if we do not dwell in thankfulness, we shall look into our days and find ways to see how we were hurt, or wronged, or a victim of something, instead of seeing how we grew as a person from such event. We could miss how we established a sense of compassion from a situation, or learned how to love better, or grew in wisdom.

We do not have to be thankful for the circumstance that fell upon us, as often it is out of our control, but subsequent choices we made getting through it and how we moved forward is the bit that can produce much fruit. We can see how something pulled the rug out from underneath steady feet, which was followed by a trial and evaluation. How did we let that shape us?

I reflect, today, on the 11th anniversary of my Dad passing and am drawn to this question. How did that sad loss shape me? There are many deeply personal ways to expand upon, but if you have had a similar experience you likely know your own.

There are times when I reflect on my Dad's wisdom and awareness of other people's characters, which he could see through any mask they may have worn. As I have had space to reflect over the years, I have been reminded of this many times, and it has helped me grow into a more wisely observant person, keen to notice character coming through people's surface actions and speech.

This is one small example, but I am deeply thankful for who Dad was and how he still teaches me in many ways today. He will continue to teach me tomorrow. His example and the choices he made is not lost.

On a rainy afternoon I began to reflect on this, unplanned, partly because I am so thankful for rain, but most of the time what I hear from people is disgruntled comments about a rainy day. I might be thinking those disgruntled thoughts on a hot, humid day. It just got me thinking that if we embraced a thankfulness in all circumstances (read Paul's words in the New Testament for more on that - rejoice!), we would have a sense of joy in our hearts that may not be easily explained, except that we have the love of God within us. Thanks be to God.

Mr. Holmes

 

'Never mind,’ said Holmes, laughing, ’it is my business to know things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?’

- Arthur Conan Doyle

How can investigating crimes be so enjoyable? With Sherlock Holmes, it is endlessly fascinating as he observes what everyone overlooks. His intelligent and witty comments keep me quite entertained. I am so drawn to observation and mystery, and it’s about time I read more of the Sherlock stories. I have only read a few. If you don't know already, they are short stories, and very readable. Conan Doyle started writing theses short stories and in 1891, many were published in The Strand Magazine. He was a physician himself, which leads his observations and medical prowess of Dr. Watson to be quite creditable.

If you ask me one of my very favourite television shows/series I will tell you without hesitation the BBC Sherlock is at the top of my list. I do not watch much television, as I find that most shows are redundant, trite, and predictable, but the Sherlock series are anything but that. The writers do such a great job at pulling in different pieces from these short stories that as I read these stories, I see how they incorporate a small encounter from a short story into one of the episodes that is not of the same story, but it is so well done, that it fits in seamlessly, and the nuances of the book and the acting are impeccable. Benedict Cumberbatch captures the character of Sherlock so well, even down to the small mannerisms that are so fun to read in the stories, like curling himself up in his armchair for hours of deep thinking with his pipe (this is a three pipe problem - translated to a patch for the modern days) and pressing his fingertips together as he thinks, stretched out on the sofa in his dressing gown.

"What are you going to do, then?" I asked. 

 "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three-pipe problem, and I beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his chair with the gesture of a man who had made up his mind, and put his pipe down upon the mantelpiece.

(The Red-Headed League) 

Reading the short stories has been such a delight. I love the intense observational skills, noticing things that nobody else does. Intelligent and thought-provoking insights that reveal true nature and motive. I read these stories of the adventures of Mr. Holmes and journey around London for clues, deep observation to solve mysteries, and witty interactions.

Early Middle-earth - Gondolin

But Tuor looked upon the walls of stone, and the uplifted towers, upon the glistering pinnacles of the town, and he looked upon the stairs of stone and marble, bordered by slender balustrades and cooled by the leap and threadlike waterfalls seeking the plain from the fountains of Amon Gwareth, and he fared as one in some dream of the Gods, for he deemed not such things were seen by men in the visions of their sleep, so great was his amaze at the glory of Gondolin.

- J.R.R. Tolkien 

I just finished reading The Fall of Gondolin by J.R.R. Tolkien and so deeply enjoyed it. I had not read this longer tale (other than in the brief passing of other books) and for some reason I felt a real liking to the Tuor and Idril story (one of the very few man and elf stories, alongside Beren and Lúthien, and Aragorn and Arwen) in the beautiful, impregnable white marble city of Gondolin, home of the last real kingdom of elves (a hidden city, full of majestic beauty). This tale shows how no city is impenetrable, especially when dark minds linger within the walls. Evil finds a way in when given the opportunity. 

Like all Tolkien, there is a sadness lingering about everything, and tragedy that strikes due to choices made by single individuals. The king of Gondolin is killed, the city of beauty is destroyed, Melko takes hold of all that is good and corrupts it. But there is also hope, as there always is. The escape by way of a secret tunnel of Tuor and Idril, and their young son Eärendil, who obviously is hugely important if you know your Middle-earth history (his son will be Elrond of Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings). Also, Legolas shows up when they escape the burning city, and his elf eyes see into far distances to help guide the group of refugees and their perilous journey into the mountains. 

There is a fight in the mountains between Glorfindel and a Balrog, which I found so reminiscent of Gandalf fighting a Balrog in Moria to allow the fellowship to get to safety. The same thing happens here, as Glorfindel fights to allow safe passage for the rest of the group, and falls off the precipice with the Balrog and they both fall to their ends. As Gandalf did in his sacrificial act to save others.

They all reach a river later on, which gives them hope and a feeling of safer passage, as Ulmo, the great Lord of the Waters can reach them and help them build ships, so they can sail to Valinor as the time of the elves is fading in Middle-earth. 

I think I really liked this tale partly because it was not the tragic hero kind of tale (as Túrin Turambar is, which can be a little gloomy), but a tale of working together and learning from mistakes made. It combines many things - journeys, discovering who you are, the choices of individuals, the wisdom (or lack) of a king, and choosing not to give up when all seems lost.

This peak into early Middle-earth was just what I needed. I felt myself getting lost in the story and wandering the ancient paths of Middle-earth. The more history of Middle-earth I read, the more I want to read. It kind of has that effect on me.

Bookshelfie - On Organizing

 

If a book is well written, I always find it too short.

- Jane Austen

How do you organize your books? Do you keep authors together, topics, genre, or colour? Spines in or out? Because I am such an avid reader and book collector, and I live in a tiny home (under 500 sq feet), I am always challenged by space on the bookshelves. I wish I had a wall of books with taller shelves so they could all be standing properly, but that is in my dreams. My living space is a library, all in one. Do you have tips or tricks that you use with your shelves? 

I feel like bookshelves are always a work in progress, just like we are. Every so often I sort and donate books to the library that I know I will not read again, but I will always read more and more and discover good books that I will keep and read again, so they need a little sliver of space on the bookshelves. 

On my recent shelf organization, I decided to make a few book towers on the shelves to allow for more use of vertical space on the shelves, which to my delight, opened up a lot of space. I tend to cluster an author and their books together, so if I am looking for a book, I will not have (too much) difficulty because I know where that author is placed. We will see if that holds true as I give this organization a test.

This is my biggest bookshelf, and I have a couple other shelves in my home. For me, being surrounded by books is the greatest comfort a home has - each book has an author who has opened up their heart and mind, sharing a story, philosophy, journey, and wisdom.We are not alone, and books remind us of that. We can journey to magical places and think about things that we never would have thought of.

What have you been reading during this pandemic season? What has brought you great joy in your reading?

Selador - Second Book Title Revealed!

At last! You've been waiting so, as promised, I am revealing the title of my second book from the realm of Selador.

Selador: The Secret Paths

This is a novel length book, 225 pages and the size is the next step bigger (5 x 8). To compare, Selador: The Book of Time was 135 pages, but a mini sized book (4 x 6). So, it would be considered a novella.

In this second part, the story goes deeper. We get to know the characters you enjoyed (and new characters!) and their backgrounds.  Part of our discovery is learning what makes them who they are. And it is a fascinating journey.

Here are just a few of my favourite things about this book:

- Characters

What characters were you curious about and wish you knew more about? For myself, I wanted to know more about Master Nolan, and why he knows so much. It seemed rather strange, right? I wanted to know about Nella's history, and why she ended up in the tunnel, and why she was meant to be the writer of the realm, and where that stemmed from.

What about you? Were you curious for more on the history of Master Louver, or Tive?

- Setting

The village in the treetops is an enchanted place full of nature's beauty and elegant staircases with glowing lanterns; I am not sure why anyone would want to leave (I wish I could live there), but there is more to the realm, which may not be quite so pleasant as the lovely treetops. And we are going to have to venture there. Sometimes we have to venture through the dark places, but we are never alone. I hope that there is a message through this book of that truth.

- Truths

It is amazing how the story develops as the characters make choices, and through their journeys we get to glimpse into some telling truths, which reveals to them something they needed, and perhaps can tell us something about ourselves too as we place ourselves in the story.

Stay tuned for more news about it and when it will be released on Amazon. I am in the proofing and editing stage (with my hard copy!) - I will keep you posted here!

On Thinking and Brain Work

 

Most people do not like questions, especially unanswered ones.

I think we are alive to ask questions and explore things we do not understand. To appreciate that God the Creator made all that we know, and He knows it all, and we never shall. But the fact is that the more we ask and seek, the more we dig deeply into unanswered questions, the more we get to glimpse some of the wonder working of God. We may not receive answers immediately, and our minds do not like to wait, right?

The glimpses excite me greatly. The possibility of them encourages me to think deeply, to always ask questions, for a discovery may still be made, even when it seems something is already known. We do not know it all, but we can learn more. We can always learn more. Why would we not want to explore by reading and gaining wisdom through other people asking and exploring the deep questions?

So often I see in society how people want to stay on the surface, never seeking beyond their momentary want or happiness. Of course, the momentary happiness changes every few moments, so they are always chasing it, instead of sinking into the deep questions that float around them. Alas, they are missing a huge piece of what our lives offer -- our minds! Somehow we have brains, which are amazingly able to imagine, postulate, reason, and create. Our minds are, even to this day, not used to their fullest capacity. The potential is enormous - memory, learning, reasoning, and creating are ways in which we can broaden the mind. 

I watched a documentary recently (which was several years old) about books and the shifting that has happened in the last 10-15 years or so. Several times it was mentioned that the majority of Americans do not read full books. They only read snippets of things - Facebook posts, news articles, Google finds, Twitter, etc. There is a shift that has happened that people do not read a whole book. There were interviews of youth expressing how they do not want to take the time to read a book for school. They just Google a book to get someone else's notes or the Spark Notes (okay, that was an issue when I was in school, too), as that saves them from reading the actual book. What are they spending their time on, instead? Video games, social media, and TV or movies. 

I remember in high school I always took the AP English classes, which required more reading and more essays, which I actually enjoyed. I certainly did not have the highest grades in those classes because they challenged me. I read every single book that was assigned to me in those classes, except one. I think it might have been a summer reading assignment that was leading up to the new school year. We were given a list of books we needed to read, and were given some assignments the first weeks of school on those books. For whatever reason, there was one book I simply did not get to read. I ran out of time and felt the crunch - it was The Grapes of Wrath. I read the summaries instead, and did whatever minor assignment was assigned one of the first weeks of school. I do not remember what the assignment was, actually. It must not have been significant. But I felt guilty for weeks and weeks about not actually reading the book (it is more than 450+ pages). I learned in high school that even books I did not enjoy reading, I learned something from. And that was the point.

Books teach us to see beyond ourselves, view another perspective, imagine in our own minds, and think for ourselves. It requires brain work, which always reminds me of Sherlock Holmes. He would set aside the frivolous, surface level conversations and topics to make space in his brain for the deep, problem-solving thinking to do his best work.