In The Wasteland T.S. Eliot wrote, most convincingly, that April is the cruelest month, but I think perhaps it is November. In April we have May to look forward to, and all those flowers. But November slams the door on autumn. Autumn feels like the shortest season, and summer is the longest. Of course I'm speaking from a New England perspective. If I lived in California or New Mexico, I'd be complaining about something else.
And I have nothing to complain about. Winter does have charm. Especially if I am inside with a fire in the fireplace and a good book. Or out enjoying all those pretty holiday lights and trees and music. But that still seems far off.
I need to work on being more optimistic. This week I'm drawing inspiration from Newark, New Jersey Mayor Cory Booker who has been incredibly hands-on with taking care of his constituents (see here) 95% of whom lost their power for a week or more, whose schools have been closed for more than a week, and whose struggles are many.
"Give the respect you want to receive; embody the grace you hope to encounter; and help others with no expectations whatsoever." --- Cory Booker
What a great comment, especially "embody the grace you hope to encounter".
ReplyDeleteWell to start, the early dark evenings don't help any to bring on the optimism. This time of year I always start thinking--December 11, shortest day of the year. After that, we're home free.
I love these collages Jen. Did you make them?
Isn't that beautiful? I'm going to try to remember to say it every time I get down. And also tell myself that things will get better after December 11. :)
ReplyDeleteCollages? Yes and thank you!
I find November difficult, too, especially now that they changed to winter time and it is getting dark so early, if it ever gets light at all. I'm not a winter person. and there is only so much I can do about it. I do believe it's a physical rather than a mental thing. an attitude adjustment alone doesn't help. vitamin D does :)
ReplyDeleteI hope things ease up for you guys soon. lots of love xx
I try to take a good walk everyday so I get light and exercise--maybe I'll add some vitamin D. I agree that it (winter melancholia) is physical, but thinking about attitude is something I need to do too.
Deletei enjoy winter, but it's harshness loses it's charm when you have to drive or generally be 'out there'. a fireplace and a book help winter's reputation. ;)
ReplyDeletespiritually though, it's my most powerful time.
loving the love grammar.
Some winters I feel like I'm constantly shoveling snow and slipping on ice. How interesting that it's your most powerful time, spiritually. I'd like to hear more about that.
DeleteHello Jen:
ReplyDeleteThose words of Cory Booker are indeed inspirational. We all from time to time need to take them to heart and to reflect and act on them in our daily lives.
I agree!
DeleteCory Booker obviously lives by the Golden Rule--he doesn't just quote it.
ReplyDeleteHe's the real deal.
DeleteI feel that winter is quite long here. In a small baisin temperature drops after 15:00. However I will try to enjoy this season with some good books as you do.
ReplyDeleteSomehow winter in Japan sounds more romantic.
DeleteThanks to Parnassus for letting me know (off-air) that I wrote Mary Cory Booker and not Mayor Cory Booker. I shouldn't post when I'm tired!
ReplyDeleteI agree; the most beautiful season is the shortest. Not sure if I'd call November the cruelest...thinking January, maybe! And thanks for the perspective...I know I'd be the first to whine after a week with no power, so these brave sould are awesome.
ReplyDeleteOh the stories--elderly people stuck on high floors of building with no power, and so much more. Truly a time for perspective.
DeleteGood point about Autumn, but I'm still with Eliot: sometimes it feels in April that Spring will NEVER come. At least I know what to expect in November. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great name Mary Cory Booker would be... she would have founded Planned Parenthood or something equally great!!
It's a gorgeous name.
DeleteDear Jen,
ReplyDeleteyes I do think November is the cruelest month of them all. Here is certainly the darkest! Today it snowed again though. It is so much better than the brown colour the nature has had after the beautiful red and yellows fell on the ground...AND it takes away the darkness a bit...
Winter is both cozy and beautiful here, but also dark, cold and veeery long
It is not often one hears of such politicians unfortunatelly. Surely it must make people optimistic
I hope one day everyone would live by his words...
lots of love xoxoxo
More snow! Winter does come early to you. It is better than those raw rainy days--they're the worst.
DeleteIf I didn't post when I was tired I would never post.
ReplyDeleteI love Mr. Mary Cory Booker. He has been an inspiration to us all.
For some reason I have been light of heart these days...a year without smokes?
Hope I still feel this way tomorrow?
xo jane
Embody the grace you hope to encounter..sounds lovely. I try to fight the season's malaise by trying to learn something new..winter ID of a plant for one. It helps a little.
ReplyDeleteI love Cory Booker. We're having a snowstorm. Hate this November, except for last night despite Florida.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great quote to share. You are right though. November is still beautiful in NM. Winter is not so endless when it finally does come, and we have plenty of sunshine. Sending some your way!
ReplyDeleteI don't like the dark morning and short days of winter
ReplyDeletebut do like snuggling up at home.
Not a fan of snow as I hate driving in it.
Happy weekend Jen.
x Fiona
I rather like November; often we have lovely sunsets, even though they come round a bit too early in the day!
ReplyDeleteI miss the store - do you?