Loose Leaf Notes

1. Sonder – The realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.

2. The above definition comes from The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, the brainchild of writer John Koenig, meant to give words for the feelings we may not have even known we were having.

3. I think I made up the word “Phoetry,” a combination of photography and poetry.  A good example is HERE. 

4. I’m currently reading a book called The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller.  He says, “Sorrow is a sustained note in the song of being alive.”  And “…when our grief cannot be spoken, it falls into the shadow and re-arises in us as symptoms.”

5. I might have gone a little deaf after the first set, but it somehow seemed worth it. See why HERE. 

6. A Chorus of Crocus – Sun dried and eager / heralds of spring/ A standing ovation/ of light overflowing.

7. That poem came after THIS one called “Closed for Business.”

8. I love movies and am a big fan of The Oscars. I loved this year’s diversity, moving speeches, political activism, jokes, glamor and gowns, but my favorite part may have been when Englishman Gary Oldman concluded his acceptance speech for best actor (for his portrayal of Winston Churchill), by saying to his 99-year-old mother, “Put the kettle on — I’m bringing Oscar home.”

9. This year there was a jet ski prize for the shortest acceptance speech.  Eddie Vedder sang Tom Petty’s “Room at the Top” and Common called out Trump and the NRA in a Stand Up for Something rap.

10. There were white doves, a display of wigs, a DJ, wedding dresses, jewelry and cakes at the First Annual Floyd Bridal Show at the Floyd EcoVillage’s Event Center Saturday afternoon.  Venders showcased wedding venues, décor and flowers while attendees streamed in. More from my story in last week’s Floyd Press “Floyd’s Best Bridal Show” HERE.

11. The picture above is one of several trees that came down, blocking roads during Virginia’s recent wind storm, which knocked out our power for five+ days.

12. I was once stopped from walking to get my mail by a huge black snake stretched across my driveway.  I may have been a wimp and didn’t get the mail that day, but on another day, I single-handily killed a copperhead that was in my house. See HERE. 

13. “If you want to throw something at the Trump misadministration, may I suggest light.” -My Dharmacratic poet friend Will

__________Thirteen Thursday