Dear Unravelers…I have barely knit an inch of the Vanilla Sweater since we last talked, but I have spent endless hours walking in, listening to, and soaking up the beauty that is Presque Isle. I have been trying to share a few “postcards” of my day on IG, if you are interested!
One thing I did listen to this week that really made an impact on me was the On Being episode with Suzanne Simard. I wholeheartedly concur with her theory that trees communicate (and I am now on the waitlist for her new book!) There is no way to stand in the midst of a forest and not believe it. Perhaps my favorite moment this week thus far has been the wind encouraging the poplars to sing. Their wind-inspired chorus was just magnificent!
The other highpoint was watching a bald eagle effortlessly soaring over the lake… I could watch them make lazy circles in the sky for hours on end.
Steve is not a reader… at all, so I have done little to no reading this week. Sigh. But, I do have one finish to share. It is the new MED book, Entertaining Race. It was wonderful and if you have previously read any Dyson, you will enjoy enjoy his latest book. If you have not read any Dyson… this is a lovely introduction to his brilliant writing.
Entertaining Race: Performing Blackness in America by Michael Eric Dyson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
“…a teacher who preaches, a preacher who teaches and an activist who cannot rest until all are set free.”―Senator Raphael Warnock
It is impossible to read this book and not hear Dyson speaking in your ear. This book is a collection of essays and letters, or perhaps a better description would be sermons. They are powerful, moving, and thought-provoking. Dyson doing what he does best… preaching, teaching, and putting the reader firmly on the path of activism, because you cannot read and not be motivated to do something. I simply loved the essays on Rev Al Sharpton and Dr Kendi… they filled me with such joy and my love for these two amazing gentlemen grew significantly. Dyson also introduced me to some voices that were lesser known to me – a white woman who is a bit clueless – to the phenomena that is Beyoncé.
If you desire to challenge yourself to view the world from a different perspective, this is an excellent starting point. If you feel like you have a broader perspective… this book will widen that perspective in a profound way. I highly recommend Entertaining Race.
I would like to thank Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC.
That is it for me this week… short and sweet! I will be back next Monday! Have a great week everyone!
I’ve enjoyed your postcards from Presque Isle very much, and would not be surprised if you stayed there! Thank you for taking time out to join us last night and host Unraveled Wednesday today. No apologies necessary for not much knitting or reading, but I wouldn’t mind a few more postcards!
P.S. Thanks for the links to Susan Simard. They are intriguing!
I’ve been getting just a taste of the beauty you’ve been soaking in from your IG posts, and even though there has been little knitting or reading, I know that you are filling your bucket with all that time outside!
I don’t go on IG much at all, but I will be visiting to see your postcards. I was just telling Fletch last night that Presque Isle is a place we should visit (with or without our camper!). And, yes, trees definitely “speak.” At least to me. Glad you are having such a good time!
Oh I want to read it now~! Thank you. We used to visit PResque and it was a11 1oons and eag1es and quiet 1akes. I miss it
Thanks for taking time out of your adventure to post! Enjoy the rest of your vacation!
It’s good to see you back here! how wonderful to get some time away (a change of scenery sounds delightful!) I just finished The Overstory last week and was thinking about Lab Girl which I read a few years ago. Trees most definitely communicate!! thank you for a third book recommendation.
Vacations . . . are a time to soak in things OTHER than what we do every day. So I’m happy you’re spending more time in the forest and less time reading! I’ve loved your postcards on IG, too. So glad you’re having a lovely time away. XO
so glad you are out and about enjoying nature!! I miss my wooded walks but there are parks near here.
So happy to hear where you are this week! (I’m obviously just catching up…) This summer, I added ‘walk miles and miles at Presque Isle’ to my List of 100 Dreams. Did you go back to the bakery you mentioned visiting last year?
YES! Icing on the Lake FTW! Gosh I love that place! (And can I just say that Spiced Cider cupcakes are to die for!)
I loved your postcards from Presque Isle. Setting knitting and reading aside for the beauty of that place sounds like a wonderful idea.