The Mary of Thermodynamics: all suffering unravels and then reveals, at its heart, that which never unraveled.
This chapter is GORGEOUS. And I must add, Balanchine’s Firebird held me, entranced me, as a teen. I owned a copy of Dancing with Mr. B and watched the VHS on repeat. The Firebird clip with Maria Tallchief is pure poetry. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0y_tWR07F7Y
Such a lovely comment--and I actually thought about including that marvelous YouTube link--but it didn't fit with the lyrical build when I came through what I call "the unknowing" to evaluate how the piece ended and still try to get to the heart of the matter. Thank you for taking the time to read, comment and add the link here. xx Mary
This may be my favorite installment so far. I've probably said that multiple times along the way but it's always true. It occurs to me, as I continue to feel uncertain about where you're going ultimately, (this is so obvious but I'm sharing it anyway), that you didn't either. It's appropriate to the suspense we don't first think of regarding stories of love and loss (the continuing unknown of where events lead us) but, more, your developing insights into yourself and circumstances become the readers' too. We learn just a little bit more, or a lot, about people and love. That's a lot for a writer to offer. And the things D. says about you!
I, of course, I didn't either--meaning "know". All about discovery as I go .. You capture all perfectly in your wise, insightful and generous way. And the things D. said, yes, but taking care: bird on a wire ...
Leading with the heart. Creating an etude. Stravinsky, Chagall, Cary Grant. The laws of thermodynamics. A broken dishwasher. You bring these together in a story that is so dazzling, I will be back to take it in many more times. Pure magic.
This was one of my favorite chapters. The way you connected music with the laws of the universe with the asymptotic nature of getting closer to Truth in writing, all while moving along the story of you and D., and making me understand and thus like D. a lot more. I love it when characters surprise me with their goodness.
Finally, I noted the craft of how you called me back to the word "etude" at the beginning by later using the word exactitude in a few key places. I suppose in music an etude comes close to sounding exactly the same every time.
David, what a terrific, detailed encouraging comment on the both the sense and the craft, the latter I didn't actually plan: happened, the way lyric essays, I hope, do their work. You are a magic reader, David.
A thought-provoking piece. Makes me think about when someone leaves - if they ever do. You're a part of their memory, of their action and vice-versa. Then there are those scents that seem to linger in the place once shared. They have left to find themselves but kept a foot in their world but also a foot in your world.
Oh, I love how you weave all these multiple strands ~ Paris, ballet, marriage, music, thoughts, physics, dialogues, memories, feelings, inner journey into one captivating tapestry of words. Beautiful and moving.
Maybe we should all lead with our hearts more often. You must feel safe with D. I love your picture.
You have been a reader whose heart is open. So kind about the photo, too. I so appreciate you, Bill. xx ~ Mary
The Mary of Thermodynamics: all suffering unravels and then reveals, at its heart, that which never unraveled.
This chapter is GORGEOUS. And I must add, Balanchine’s Firebird held me, entranced me, as a teen. I owned a copy of Dancing with Mr. B and watched the VHS on repeat. The Firebird clip with Maria Tallchief is pure poetry. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0y_tWR07F7Y
Such a lovely comment--and I actually thought about including that marvelous YouTube link--but it didn't fit with the lyrical build when I came through what I call "the unknowing" to evaluate how the piece ended and still try to get to the heart of the matter. Thank you for taking the time to read, comment and add the link here. xx Mary
This may be my favorite installment so far. I've probably said that multiple times along the way but it's always true. It occurs to me, as I continue to feel uncertain about where you're going ultimately, (this is so obvious but I'm sharing it anyway), that you didn't either. It's appropriate to the suspense we don't first think of regarding stories of love and loss (the continuing unknown of where events lead us) but, more, your developing insights into yourself and circumstances become the readers' too. We learn just a little bit more, or a lot, about people and love. That's a lot for a writer to offer. And the things D. says about you!
I, of course, I didn't either--meaning "know". All about discovery as I go .. You capture all perfectly in your wise, insightful and generous way. And the things D. said, yes, but taking care: bird on a wire ...
"You lead with your heart." Nothin wrong with that
One wonders at times ... Ah, Richard, Thank you!
Leading with the heart. Creating an etude. Stravinsky, Chagall, Cary Grant. The laws of thermodynamics. A broken dishwasher. You bring these together in a story that is so dazzling, I will be back to take it in many more times. Pure magic.
Ah , Mary how you express what I tried to write. My heart to yours.
Mary,
This was one of my favorite chapters. The way you connected music with the laws of the universe with the asymptotic nature of getting closer to Truth in writing, all while moving along the story of you and D., and making me understand and thus like D. a lot more. I love it when characters surprise me with their goodness.
Finally, I noted the craft of how you called me back to the word "etude" at the beginning by later using the word exactitude in a few key places. I suppose in music an etude comes close to sounding exactly the same every time.
David, what a terrific, detailed encouraging comment on the both the sense and the craft, the latter I didn't actually plan: happened, the way lyric essays, I hope, do their work. You are a magic reader, David.
I agree with Veronika! Great story!
And thank you so for your Note about this chapter and explaining that I link to all that came before. xo
Mary, it’s my pleasure!
A thought-provoking piece. Makes me think about when someone leaves - if they ever do. You're a part of their memory, of their action and vice-versa. Then there are those scents that seem to linger in the place once shared. They have left to find themselves but kept a foot in their world but also a foot in your world.
Isabelle, you restate so beautifully what I was shooting for.
Oh, I love how you weave all these multiple strands ~ Paris, ballet, marriage, music, thoughts, physics, dialogues, memories, feelings, inner journey into one captivating tapestry of words. Beautiful and moving.
Oh, Veronica, how you read with such insight and generosity and understanding the lyrical approach here. xo ~ Mary