Yup - “When you stop to think how much life we’ve erased from that fertile region in the 150 years since we first settled it, you might get a different idea who the real swarm is.”
I would like more of these paddle excursions, your words flow differently. More languid, in a positively refreshing way. n WASP parallels, i once looked at my mothers expired membership in Daughters of the American Revolution, papers with genealogy; a Wooster in upstate NY served, but over generations marrying in other Scots kin moved west; PA, Ohio, and some branch even to Iowa . Rather rootless, new come looters, already detached from belonging. Dispossessed.
you are welcome. i DO notice how your experience of the day carries over tangibly to how you write about it, not the words chosen per se, but the phrasing, pace and maybe placement. i am not experienced at this, but it may be visceral or feeling shaped choices that most accurately reflect the day's impression on you. to perhaps be honored and allowed rather than consciously labored with :) although i am not yet posting work, i am beginning to see and honor those unconscious prompts, my way of seeing has changed over the last few years and so also my way of writing. in my case becoming more circular or spiraling now, instead of straight forward linear. a friend who is in my mind a "real writer" often says i am writing prose poems as emails. LOL who knew? as someone who lives in the woods i ponder what it might feel like to live with (italics) the woods. flitting in my hindbrain the phrases "enclosing the common," and "the last bear in Scotland."
This project brings to mind Robert McFarlane's "The Old Ways," mostly a book about walking, but including a section on sailing the water routes among Scotland's islands. I look forward to reading more!
Long familiar with the Raccoon. Surprised you did not emerge from your inflatable kayak with a rash that covered your entire body and a severe bout of diarrhea. Iowa's surface waters are grim evidence that industrial agricultural creates Mordor.
Yup - “When you stop to think how much life we’ve erased from that fertile region in the 150 years since we first settled it, you might get a different idea who the real swarm is.”
I would like more of these paddle excursions, your words flow differently. More languid, in a positively refreshing way. n WASP parallels, i once looked at my mothers expired membership in Daughters of the American Revolution, papers with genealogy; a Wooster in upstate NY served, but over generations marrying in other Scots kin moved west; PA, Ohio, and some branch even to Iowa . Rather rootless, new come looters, already detached from belonging. Dispossessed.
“…rootless, new come looters, already detached from belonging. Dispossessed.” Beautifully put.
And thanks for the perspective on the writing—super helpful to hear as I develop new material
you are welcome. i DO notice how your experience of the day carries over tangibly to how you write about it, not the words chosen per se, but the phrasing, pace and maybe placement. i am not experienced at this, but it may be visceral or feeling shaped choices that most accurately reflect the day's impression on you. to perhaps be honored and allowed rather than consciously labored with :) although i am not yet posting work, i am beginning to see and honor those unconscious prompts, my way of seeing has changed over the last few years and so also my way of writing. in my case becoming more circular or spiraling now, instead of straight forward linear. a friend who is in my mind a "real writer" often says i am writing prose poems as emails. LOL who knew? as someone who lives in the woods i ponder what it might feel like to live with (italics) the woods. flitting in my hindbrain the phrases "enclosing the common," and "the last bear in Scotland."
You write beautifully, with unique insight and a more unique way of putting it! I look forward to reading more 🙏
As always, thanks for the great read. Look forward to future float reports! Catch ya soon, I hope.
Apis mellifera
That was what one of our companions on that walk guessed. Thank you!
I thought the beehive was a snake's shed skin at first. I never noticed the similarities before.
beautiful (uncredited? unless I skimmed and missed it) landscape painting...
Yes, meant to include that—the artist is Robert Bauer, an Iowan landscape and portrait painter, and the piece is one my parents had.
I felt a little homesick🥲
This project brings to mind Robert McFarlane's "The Old Ways," mostly a book about walking, but including a section on sailing the water routes among Scotland's islands. I look forward to reading more!
Long familiar with the Raccoon. Surprised you did not emerge from your inflatable kayak with a rash that covered your entire body and a severe bout of diarrhea. Iowa's surface waters are grim evidence that industrial agricultural creates Mordor.