Saturday- October 16, 2021

Dear Marion,

  Profound, overwhelming, extraordinary, these three words popped up more than a few times this week and compelled me to ask how I would use the descriptive. William Shatner (amongst many other roles, played the fictional character Captain Kirk on Star Trek) at 90 years old explored space for a total ride of 10 minutes along with three other passengers earlier this week. They experienced 3 minutes of weightlessness while viewing the earth below and the incredible darkness above as Mr. Shatner compared it to life and death. Shortly after William Shatner exited the capsule those three emotion-filled words ‘profound, overwhelming, and extraordinary’ were delivered to Jeff Bezos, the media, and the viewer. I felt his emotion and thought about what it might be like to have that experience off and on this week. Those three words are filled with big feelings and oddly I heard them more than a few times this week applied to both seemingly small ideas as well as large-scale impactful thoughts.

 This past week also recognized International Girls Day and I stumbled upon a few interviews that were celebrating this concept that I don’t remember existing when I was the younger generation. It was profound for me to hear some of the stories told by young women who emigrated from Afghanistan in particular because we are so on edge with all that has recently transpired. Whatever political view or stance, I think most would recognize the heartbreak that Afghanistan people must be feeling. It is such a tragedy to realize those beautiful young girls' voices have been silenced so suddenly and tragically. It will take the hope and faith of not only these young girls to make a change but the support of the world that is watching. Celebrating and shining a light on their voices on this one day can inspire us to be more aware on other days throughout the year.

  Schools were closed on Monday for Indigenous People Day and Columbus Day. This holiday was one that we looked forward to as young students because we had a three-day weekend. I’m not sure how you felt about it but I do remember watching the parade in the kitchen for a bit in the morning as we probably ran out the door to spend most of the day with friends playing kickball and the like. There has been much controversy over this celebration of Christopher Columbus in recent years as light has been shined upon his life and how he mistreated people. I turned on the tv and saw a bit of the parade(it has been two years since the last parade due to the pandemic) and I thought the parade planners and contributors have shifted and seemed to be more sympathetic to those who have protested against this traditionally celebratory parade. It seemed as though there was an emphasis on celebrating Italian heritage and the positive accomplishments of Italian-Americans. Proof that people are listening? The day is now also named Indigenous People Day, while that may not be enough to rectify the years of wrong, that is how all of the young students are being raised to see and claim it as a day of importance for Indigenous People. We humans often change slowly and sometimes it is two steps forward, one step back but change is happening and in my lifetime and yours there has been a great deal of change paving the way for a better experience and more understanding.

  Taste, a creatively written memoir by Stanley Tucci was on my ‘to read list’ before it was delivered to the booksellers. I knew I would enjoy it but it surpassed my expectations. There were references and stories about his youth and family that rang true to my memories. He is Italian American and we are Norwegian American so the daily family meals and menu were much different than our experience but the overall stories may have resonated because we grew up in the same period and lived in a middle-class community in the northeast. So much of what he spoke about: celebrating the cultural traditions of his family and how he felt amongst his peers, playing outside until it was dark, views of the world as a young child. I have not finished the book as I find myself not wanting it to end but that is ok because I want you to read it and cherish the memories it may trigger for you too. Stanley Tucci uses the descriptive ‘it was extraordinary’ about food, family, and life in those special moments that words cannot appropriately express and I couldn’t agree more about our childhood and all that you taught us in the little details. The little details make things better. How you created your meals from start to finish, especially on the holidays, the dish you chose to serve it in, the table cloth that depicted the day, the flowers or other centerpiece placed to pull everything together. The picnic packed for a day in NYC so that we could save money was actually never the focus but rather created a focus on the walk and experience. Trips on the Staten Island Ferry were a joy that still conjures warm memories. 

  Another joy this week was my experience of a virtual, live interview with Hilary Clinton and one of my favorite authors Louise Penny. They have written a book together, State of Terror, that I have stacked onto my bench for future reading. I am so excited about some of the new books I will be sharing with you and just purchased as Fall is here and my fireplace is ready for some cozy evenings. It briefly makes me sad when our days get shorter, but then as I shift, I embrace the benefits of the season as a time to take stock, refocus, and get busy with new projects. This week also brought a few more beautiful roses in a shade of pink that was simply so unexpected at this time of year it felt overwhelming. I know you would feel the same so I included a photo.

Talk soon,

Forever Yours

Oh… one more thing… Fall is the perfect time to do something for yourself. With all of this handwashing, my hands are craving extra care. Cuticle oil or salve and a bit of hand lotion are healing and much needed. Now, I just need to remember to apply daily. Lol.

Quote:

No matter how hard things get, always remember to smile! It is both infectious and universal.

Isabella Kari Scott

Born: 2003

Granddaughter, Daughter, and Future Whatever She Chooses To Be