Definitely earnest

Having experienced both [depression and acedia], I think it likely that much of the restless boredom, frantic escapism, commitment phobia, and enervating despair that plagues us today is the ancient demon of acedia in modern dress.
—Kathleen Norris, Acedia and Me, p3

I mention this to demonstrate my earnestness: see, I am now reading That Book, as promised a month (fine, more than a month) ago.

I’m reading it in a verry clean but damp-smelling motel room two blocks off the beach in Rockport TX. My brain is squishy but my belly is full and my heart is happy. Squishiness due to what turned out to be four hours of intensive brain-dumping…a website I used to manage is now fully handed over. Belly due to Hu Dat’s hospitality, heart due to aforesaid belly and my hostess’ generosity. Her gifts stretched from dinner to an curated insider’s tour of Rockport itself, including a breakfast recommendation. Insider meals are the best.

It’s a quiet night with Olympic coverage substituting for music on a radio. A good night for Ms. Norris’ company.


PS: One of my Glen friends is (IMO) writerly-famous. I haven’t read her new book yet, but I read a great and funny first draft of hers and she’s Won Prizes, so I think you should buy her book. And maybe read it. And maybe even fly to Portland for her Real Life Author Event at Powell’s books…but, I mean, fly to Portland sells itself.

D. L. Mayfield – Wednesday, August 24 @ 7:30 PM
https://shar.es/1w1kc5

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.