"Like the study of science and art, accounts of historical events can be intrinsically fascinating. But they have a wider significance. I believe that people are better able to chart their life course and make life decisions when they know how others have dealt with pressures and dilemmas---historically, contemporaneously, and in works of art. And only equipped with such understanding can we participate knowledgeably in contemporary discussions (and decisions) about the culpability of various individuals and countries in the Second World War. Only with such understanding can we ponder the responsibilty of human beings everywhere to counter current efforts at genocide in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia to bring the perpetrators to justice."
"...we humans are the kinds of animals who learn chiefly by observing others---what they value, what they spurn, how they conduct themselves from day to day, and especially, what they do when they believe that no one is looking."
----Howard Gardner, from The Disciplined Mind, published in 1999

Sunday, October 7, 2007

A Visual Strategy Formerly Known as a Graphic Organizer; or, I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends, Redux

If you go here, and type into the box any word that you will spark, reflection; connection, isolation; violence: these were the first words that came to my mind you will see, dear reader, what I think is a representation of what we are all meant to be for one another: when sometimes words are just that; and yet again, they are entirely something more.

Yesterday, at the farmers' market, I saw lovely cheddar-colored cauliflowers, dusky dark leaves intact, furled. I thought instantly of my friends at Jugalbandi. So after a day of connections with family and friends, near and far, I set to making a simple subzi of golden cauliflowers, new red potatoes, and dark green leaves.
It's these simple little things that matter so much, that call out I'm glad to be here.
Thank you, dear reader, for all the good that you do in this world.
I'm glad you're here too.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

I typed in "friend."
:)

captain corky said...

I'll take a hotdog please. ;)

neroli said...

Swampy, dear, how perfect!
I have been thinking in rather baroque ways lately, haven't I?
*neroli breathes in*
*neroli breathes out*
:)

Captain, what do you want on top of that hot dog?
Name it, and it's yours ;)
(---no, it wouldn't be a *tofu pup* either. Some things just shouldn't be messed with!)
Back in the day, loved myself some chili, onion, fries, mustard, and sauerkraut.
Beer optional, but gently encouraged.

bee said...

yesterday, at the marathion that j ran, we saw a lady that had a bone marrow transplant for leukemia 16 years ago and is going strong. she's elderly, and runs marathons. it's called 'resilient'.

neroli said...

Dear Bee, with all your talents, you and Jai are a great source of admiration and encouragement to me and many others. Many thanks :).

I love this word, "resilient."

As I think about it, it's what I try to cultivate in the kiddos at school and at home.
It's what I visualize (being resilient like the ocean, like bamboo) when situations become urgent or problematic at work.

Pelicano said...

"Halo" was what I typed.

This one is fun too!

neroli said...

Excellent, Pel---thank you!
Snowy, as a teenager, acquired a turtle for a pet. The venerable creature still lives with us today.
His name?
Heisenberg the Uncertainty Turtle.
:)

Pelicano said...

I had to look that up- it wasn't covered in my high school physics class, but I think I have a grasp of it. Life is like that (from micro to macro all is connected), yet I am acquainted with people who still think that everything can be mapped out and scheduled from now until they depart this world- and they become quite displeased when obstacles cross their path and force them to veer aside. Me, I just sigh. When I get stuck at a red light I take the opportunity to admire the surrounding architecture... :-)

neroli said...

Amen!
I like to think about my cello strings.
Too tight or too loose---no matter; neither is what makes the cello speak with the beauty that only it can.
And boy, is it a bear when one breaks :- 0 !

Pelicano said...

Don't tell me you are still using horse-tail-hair and rosin!!! No wonder the strings break! :-) And that's so "last year"... I recommend stretched-out-spiral-notebook wire; trust me, you'll never go back! :-D

neroli said...

*!
(neroli having an "ah-ha!" moment!)
: D

Pelicano said...

Uh oh... (Pel begins to worry) :-D

neroli said...

*laughing*

Anonymous said...

I'm going back to type in
"foil pasties."
You make me laugh.
Everyone at my place is now asking, "Foil Pasties?"
I never get foil pasties with my mammogram.

Anonymous said...

I did it.
I think it froze up the machine.
Or maybe melted it.

neroli said...

Hilarious!
Oh my goodness, *how* *hilarious*!

Pelicano said...

Indeed... I want a pair! :-)

neroli said...

Well, when I go in this year for that particular ritual, I'll make certain that I ask the tech for a set (still in the wrapper ;)