1.
The Grace of a Tree — a poem by Suki Chan
From the Community
A tree, from the moment its roots sprout from its seed, Does not seek to be something it is not. A tree, as it pushes up through the soil and into the vast unknown, Does not seek to understand everything. A tree, as it cycles through growth and release, Does not seek to outrun its own journey. Do not lose yourself in worry. Forget the past and the future. For all four seasons must come and go. May we be like trees. Standing tall when sunshine abounds. Swaying side-to-side when a storm is brewing. Saying goodbye when things have ended. Saying hello again when dawn is here.
A came across
’s poem a little while back (see below for that same post).As we complete the first month of the year and look toward spring, I anticipate and urge the shift from cold winter to a brighter season where new things grow and the sun rises just a little higher each day.
I reflect on my eagerness and I notice that am also afraid and anxious, about a future that’s never certain. And I’m sometimes sad over a distant past I haven’t quite understood. And all too often, I complain about an ever-demanding present.
I am not like a tree, and in my wish to be like a tree, I am most human indeed!
2.
Salvage Designs — artworks by Kristen Mayer
From the Internet
Someone asked recently asked me why I write this newsletter. It’s a fair question, and I didn’t have a ready answer, and if I did have one it may well be different each time I were to give it.
But one possible answer is that I want to capture, as best as I can, the micro and macro experiences I have when I encounter objects of beauty that are created by people. They are fleeting and ever-morphing, which makes it all the more worthwhile to share with others.
Kristen’s work evokes in me a sense of calm and satisfaction that I can’t quite place, and I felt this experience to be worthy of sharing.
3.
On Life — a quote from John Ashbery
From the Internet
“Life must be back there. You hid it so noone would find it and now you can’t remember where.”
— John Ashbery
BONUS
I recently started watching “The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House” on Netflix. The trailer doesn’t do it much justice, but it’s a beautiful piece that captures the deep joy and privilege that it is to be of service to others.
To find one’s life calling or purpose, perhaps we just need to ask “how do I want to serve?”
Another great collection. Your newsletter is the best source for helping me find new creators to connect with.
I love your note on the humanness of wanting to be a tree - it's a beautiful wish indeed. Thank you for the shoutout!
p.s. I'm convinced to watch "Cooking for the Maiko House" now! I saw the trailer on netflix but never got around to it :)