"And, as with all retold tales that are in people's hearts, there are only good and bad things and black and white things and good and evil things and no in-between. If this story is a parable, perhaps everyone takes his own meaning from it and reads his own life into it." Prologue, pg. I
Black and white has it's place - zebras, newspapers, great photography, dalmations. . . My soul lives in the "in-between". I live in color. As a young reader, the impact this book, Steinbeck's "The Pearl" made on me, still shouts out directions. Who will I care for? What rules must I follow? What matters most?
I saw Dr. Patch Adams at Kingsbury Hall last Friday. Something pulled me to get there in spite of the usual Friday night conflicts. Chuck dropped me off (he had a Jazz game to watch) and I slipped into my seat just as The Show began. Although billed as a lecture, "Living a Life of Joy" was anything but. Patch lives in color! He would never have turned the scorpion bit baby away. He heals. He believes in community. He is troubled by labels. Folks getting rich from the coin of those with affliction pains his heart. For my efforts to suit up and show up, I was well fed. It was past 10pm when I finally left. I walked down the hill from 13th east to 7th East in SLC giving silent thanks with every step. For the warm spring night, for the sounds of the city, for the strong ones like Patch that share their voice, for a family that supports me as I march to a beat they rarely hear and for Kody, Jade and Presley who were on their way to pick me up.
Early the next morning, the mamas that color my world so beautifully showed up for a gathering at my house. They brought their babies and their baby full bellies. We feasted on each other's stories as well as the other tasty offerings. "Celebration is a food we all need".
Community. My intention to create a safe space for women to come and share what matters most is coming to pass.
Nobody right, nobody wrong, little birdie. One man got his black and white.
One woman got her color.
8 comments:
I love it.
thank you for teaching me that we never know what color someone might bring into our world...so we shouldn't dismiss a soul. we could miss a rainbow that way.
the coffee's hot, the corn is high.
i would have went with you to see him! it sounded like you had lots of fun.
Hey COUSIN! My mom told me to come look at your blog! I LOVE IT! I went to the patch adams lecture also. I wish I'd known 'cuz I'd given you a ride.
Send me your email and I will invite you to my blog.
sometimes wandering by yourself in a big city is where you do your most thoughtful and deepest thinking.
Please help with my diet.
Thanks for inspiring me to find MY colors. I can't live in black and white anymore. One day I'll tell you how much impact you have on me, even though we don't talk much. Thanks for being so beautiful.
Hi Cathy! I didn't know what your email was so I thought I would send catch you this way. To see what I was telling you about this morning, go to YouTube and search for Yo Gabba Gabba, then find the click that's Party In My Tummy. It's a funny visual for me with "mindful" eating. Also, if you were interested my two blogs are thedandelionpostings.blogspot.com and hodderthanever.blogspot.com
Every time I visit this site it reminds me how much you have left an imprint on my heart and soul. We never realize how nine months (give or take) can greatly impact your spirit, not just through the being that is being created within you, but by the people that surround you, nurturing and feeding that spirit. You brought something into that moment in time that no other could. I thank you so much for touching my life and will greatly miss you.
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