It was kiddo’s first day of summer camp today. Her main complaint was there was too much yelling by the counselors. At pickup I definitely heard it and it was a bummer. I had been told that the counselors were all going to be high school or college kids so I pictured a more laid back atmosphere. I hope my first impression is wrong and things get better. At least Pete and I already talked about cancelling some camp in favor of a more relaxed summer including more time at the pool.
The walk there today was beautiful. Sunny and just warm enough for shorts. I feel real lucky to be able to take the slow way there. Especially at pickup the line of cars was so long and just felt so disappointing that that is the norm now.
Today’s reading
Poem: Intentions to breathe [“fantasia”] by bruno darío (translated 2025 can’t find the original date)
Essay: My Monet Moment by André Aciman 2010
Short Story: Leaving Maverley by Alice Munro 2011
I often just don’t get poetry. That was the case today. But it was fine.
Munro’s short story had that bleak quality that I’ve seen sometimes when dealing with suburbia and mean or uncaring characters. Then I remembered there was something negative that came out after her death. A quick search revealed she had stood by a child abuser. It reminded me of finding out Neil Gaiman was not a good person. Once I heard these things, it didn’t matter if their writing was great, I couldn’t read it without seeing every interaction in a new light. Characters that were horrible suddenly sounded like their real opinions thinly disguised. And if I’m honest, there were always parts of Gaiman’s stories that felt off. Some writing just gives me the ick and there are so many other people writing great things. So I’m going to follow my gut and not to read or stop reading anything that even hints at the ick.
The Monet essay had zero ick! I loved it and it made me want to travel and observe harsh light and patterns and walk and sit and listen and look closer and discover.
Leave a Reply