Friends

Hello, faithful readers. Apologies for the long pause in between posts. My August has been somewhat busy (but not so busy that I wouldn't have been able to sit down and post something, so that's on me...my bad).

This August has been the August of friends. Earlier this month, I visited St. Paul, Minnesota and my best friend, Peter. We met our sophomore year in college as Religion majors and we have been giving each other a hard time ever since. Peter's job as a chaplain is perfect for him, because he is an incredibly thoughtful person and an amazing listener (which is good for me because I'm a talker!). I can tell him all my secrets and I know it won't change anything about our friendship. When I win my Oscar, he'll be the first person I thank after God and my family.

(Me and Peter in Minneapolis over St. Anthony Falls at the Mississippi River)

After I got back from St. Paul, I got a new foster kitteh! Her name is Tasha. She is basically the complete opposite of Buckley! She is very small (I can pick her up with one hand!) and she is very outgoing, friendly, chatty, silly, sweet, and loves to be the center of attention. Here is a picture of her:

(She is a girly-girl just like me--she likes shoes too!)

Last week, my friend Chase came to Chicago. He lives in St. Louis but he came to Chicago for a few days for work. He is a "new" friend because I have only known him for a few years. Still, it was really fun getting to hang out with him a little and we have a lot in common and it feels like we have known each other for a long time. We joke around a lot and he is a pretty funny guy, which means he is smart. (Guys, funny = smart in my book. If you can make me laugh, you are a smart guy.) (I don't have a photo of Chase, but you can check out his website here. He writes about music and sports and interesting stuff. He kind of looks like this guy Jake who I used to work with, but since none of you knew Jake, that's not very helpful.)

And then last weekend my sister came down to Chicago for a "Seastar Sleepover". We went out to dinner at a restaurant that had an outdoor patio and it was a beautiful night. Then we went to a party and I met a lot of awesome new people. I love my sister! She always makes me laugh and we have a lot in common and we talk about everything. She is my oldest, bestest friend.

(Here is a photo of my sister and I in Key West in March. We have matching Seastar tattoos!)

Reading Rilke

"...there is an expanse opening about you. And when your nearness becomes distant, then you have already expanded far: to being among the stars. Your horizon has widened greatly. Rejoice in your growth. No one can join you in that."


"Believe, however, in a love that will be safely kept for you as a legacy and a trust, and trust that in it there is a power and a blessing."


(from Letters to a Young Poet, Rainer Maria Rilke)


So, I'm current reading Rilke's Letters to a Young Poet. Or, I'm trying not to read it. I'm trying to savor the experience and draw it out as long as I can. The letters (there are ten) are brief, but their language and imagery are eloquent, succinct, and as delicious to me as a fine meal would be to a gourmand.


I bought my first collection of Rilke's poetry in the spring and enjoyed so much of it. There's a lot going on there but knowing the context of the poetry only serves to enrich the words themselves.


I have said that if I were granted three wishes, one of my wishes would be to become synaesthetic--to have senses mingled together, enhanced by music, art, feeling, or emotion. I envy those artists, musicians, and others who are blessed with such an enrichment of creation. However, when I read good poetry, I think that's the closest I come to feeling like a synesthete. I can feel the texture of the words, the weight of phrases, the roll and gravity of syllables, the shape of the emotions elicited by the poet. I have a sense of immersion, and it's extremely fulfilling.


What are some of your favorite poets or poems?

Quick photo post

Last weekend for my mom's birthday, my family went to see Cirque du Soleil's Ovo and then we went to Ditka's for dinner.  Here's a picture of my sister, my dad and me about to enjoy some amazing dessert:

(I didn't put up a photo of my mom because I think she would not like that. But the three of us look pretty good in this picture so I think it's a good substitute.)

And then yesterday my fostercat Buckley went to his forever home.  Mostly I feel relieved and happy.  I am a little anxious to hear if his transition to his new home is going well, but I am glad he found such a nice home.  Here's a picture of Buckley from a while ago playing in his paper bag rocketship:

("To infinity, and beyond! Also, I like food.")

I hope you all are having a good week!