Hopefully this poem doesn't need much elaboration or explanation.  Being kind doesn't always have to complicated.  A simple kind word, a look, or a touch can make big a difference to people in our lives.  Sometimes being kind is doing nothing at all.  Sometimes we need to be quiet and let things be.  The trick is knowing the importance of what to do and when.  That is where skill comes in.  Skill comes from knowledge and putting that knowledge in practice.  Or, maybe skill just comes from dumb luck, I'm not sure.   But, whatever the source, skilled kindness goes along way these days.  skp

Readers, 
This has been a short blog posting.  Schedules are full!   Till next time, be kind, do good.  Thank you for joining me.  skp

In The Early Twenties

I remember young love.
Bodies smooth and lithe.
Hands shoved down
Each other's  trousers,
Searching for the touch of
Skin that is so satisfying,
But when found,
Craves for the
Ever deeper thrill.

I remember kissing for
Hours, lips parted and
Tongues exploring the
Depths and hollows of
The wet and warm places.

I remember holding one
Another close for that assurance
Of new commitment, and if
Briefly separated,
Never further than a reach
Away. 

I remember young love
With its excitement thinking that
We had a secret about which
No one knew.  Our love.
Just ours. Under wraps.
So sly were we.  So smug.
But, ah, young love,
Everyone knew. 


Susan Patterson

No discussion needed, is there? 

D.E. Stephenson, 1892 - 1973.   If you have not read her and want to try a Scottish woman writer of the mid-20th century, then she is for you.  Many people, of course, have never heard of D. E. Stephenson, but her writing is so elegant and smooth, it would be a shame to miss her.  Her use of metaphors in describing the likes of the Scottish countryside is simply captivating.   Start with the witty Miss Buncle books; Miss Buncle Writes a Book, Miss Buncle Gets Married, and The Two Mrs. Abbotts.  The last one is a little  difficult to find and it is not cheap.  But of course, one has to read the complete trilogy, doesn't one?  There are several Stephenson series into which the dedicated reader may delve.  You can purchase her books through several online book stores, including Persephone Books (my favourite).  Let me know what you think!  skp

It  seems pretty obvious what this poem is all about.  Healing.  Plain and simple.  We all need to become well or to be made whole, one way or another.  We often can use other people to help us heal.  Sometimes we can manage it on our own.  Most of the time, not.  (You see, we really do need each other.)   In the mix of who is healing whom and when, we may wonder how it happens, but it really doesn't matter, does it?  We just need to get the job done. 

Well, now that I have said that, I feel bad.  I know that we cannot be healed of all pain, hurts and disease.  I know that.  But, let us try to do what we can.  Let us try.    Thank you for listening.  skp

Till the next time, be well.  

There is Hope

A few days ago a fan of my writing and of Radio Kinver, a pod cast on which I give a weekly reading, asked that I post an old recording presented on that show in response to the Haiti earthquake in 2010.  He thought it was as relevant today as it was then.  This piece, about my parents, Tom and Irma Traise, was to become the first of twelve episodes about their life in a small town.  The series is more about how to live in a good and true manner as much as it is about the 1950s era. 

Now, in response to the Boston Marathon bombing, we, again in the United States, are reminded of the disturbing times in which we live.  We, of course, are horrified that someone would intentionally and indisciminately kill innocent people who are simply having fun.  Yet in other parts of the world, it is a weekly occurrence that a wedding or a school or a restaurant is bombed.  We in the US are more protected and probably more rational than people in other parts of the community of our world.  Americans are still reeling from the Sandy Hook shooting as well as other smaller shootings around the country, including one in my home county.

If you know my writing, then you will know that I think we humans are a pretty sorry lot.  On the other hand, we are getting better.  We do not draw and quarter, crucify or impale people any more.  There still are horrors such as the likes of stoning and cutting off noses and ears because women doesn't obey.  These stupid acts must stop.  (Don't even get me started on the absurd treatment of women.)  Yet, for the most part I think humans are capable of greatness.  But, to accomplish that, we must learn to work together...everyone.  It is a basic human right to have enough to eat, to have clothing and shelter, to have medical care and yes,  to be educated.

Now, back to Tom and Irma–Chronicles of the 1950s.  In response to recent acts of violence, I have decided to play the first recording of the series.  It is old and not exceptionally well done.  We've gotten better equipment since then.  I have practiced my craft of reading, edited and re-recorded the Tom and Irma series.  You also will notice that I introduced myself as Earlene Grey, my nom de plume at the time.  I've since started producing under my own name.  It is better to be honest.   So, if you can get past the somewhat less than elegant approach of this original presentation, I believe that you will find hope in Tom and Irma. 

Thanks for listening.  If you are interested in more of Tom and Irma–Chronicles of the 1950s or of Radio Kinver, you will find information on my website, http://www.earlenegrey.com/     skp

Clearing Out the Clutter

 I am happily putting away childish things.
 Things like the jack-in-the-box
 That frightened me so many times,
 But that I still kept winding up
 To see if it came out the same. 

 I'm putting away the cat's cradle string that I
 Bound myself to so tightly, I could not let go.
 Away goes the ball that I had when I so often said,
 'It's mine and if you won't play the
 Way I want, I will take it and go home.'

 Out go the toy traumas in boxes, some of
                                                             Which are in the original packing material.
                                                             The top that spun me around for years 
                                                             Has been stopped.
                                                             I'm putting away happy toys too.  A few of them
                                                             I've never wanted to share, but now they are
                                                             Too old to play with. 

                                                             I've saved too many relics from my childhood.
                                                             There are fears and hurts and hopes and dreams
                                                             That need to be put into their rightful spot.
                                                             It's time to do so, maybe passed time.
                                                             It's getting late.
                                                             Mom and Dad would be so pleased
                                                             That I am finally cleaning up the place.

                                                             Susan Patterson

Clearing Out the Clutter, of course, is a poem about an adult realizing that it is time to release some childhood thoughts, beliefs and,  perhaps, behaviors.  Some of us tend to hang on to things way too long.  This person has come to understand that becoming an adult is simply a matter of not letting his childhood understandings determine his adult behaviors.  The metaphor of the toys is just another way of listing what frightened him and what he depended upon.  The person in the poem could be any of us.  It was me when I let go of something that frightened me since my childhood. 

Persephone Publishing reprints neglected fiction and non-fiction writers (mostly women) of the mid-twentieth century.  Their collection of 100 books is intelligent, thought-provoking and beautifully written.  Not only that, but, each book is a luscious example of publishing art.  The book covers are all plain soft grey, with a small number on the back cover, telling us which book it is in the collection  The end page paper is specifically chosen to reflect the era of the story.  Then, to top it all off, a book mark is included that matches the end pages.  Furthermore, Persephone choose very high quality paper.  So if you don't want to read the book, you can just sit and feel the paper and get almost as much enjoyment. (Oh, my!)  Their catalogues are a joy as well.  You will want to order books just to get the catalogue.  Examples of the books in their collection are Miss Buncle's Book, 
The Making of a Marchioness and Flush.  They are located in London, which is way too bad for those of us not in the area.  We could visit their stop!  I could go on about their events, sales, and such, but take a look for yourself.  Their web site is  http://www.persephonebooks.co.uk/   Better than Kindle!  Let me know what you think.  skp

Cheery-bye! 

Having the wisdom, bravery and strength to make a decision and follow through with a life change that will impact you forever is a very big deal.  At any age, becoming a more authentic person is critical to true happiness.  But, living in our own world of struggles and ease, happiness and grief, we don't often realize the effect we have on others.   We forget that people watch and pay attention and sometimes even learn from what we do.  Our courage can be someone else's.  Our risk can be someone else's sure thing.  Power comes from many sources.  Breakaways can be the power that lights the pathway for many. 

I will be posting new material every Wednesday and Saturday.  I encourage you to sign up for my email list so that you will be notified the minute there is something new.  In addition you may want to take advantage of the RSS feed (there is a button in the right column of the Causerie blog page.)  As always, I welcome your thoughts and opinions.  Feel free to comment publicly, or as many of you do, email me directly at [email protected].  Thank you for being a part of my blog world.  skp

One of my favorite garden sites is the Captain Ainsworth House in Oregon City, Oregon.  It is also has a lovely event center for weddings, meetings, educational forums and all other such types of gatherings.  Over the years it has been transformed from a forgotten run down old home to one of the premier event sites in the Northwest.  The pictures on this blog were taken at the Earlene Grey Mother's Day tea in May of 2010.  We had such a grand time thanks to owners of the Ainsworth House, Kevin and Bud, and thanks also to Joanna, event planner extraordinaire.   

Ta-ta for now! 

A Change of Direction

He and she were striding along the
Busy street,
Discussing work issues,
As was their matter of course. 

Infatuation had enticed 
Them earlier that year,
And the two often escaped
And enjoyed lunch together.

Their conversation flowed
Smoothly as they were now
Comfortable with each other. 
But something happened that day. 

Unexpectedly, he turned to her and
Without a pause between sentences,
Matter-of-factly said,
‘It’s time we kissed’. 
Just like that.
She stopped and readied herself,
Tilting her head towards him. 

Their lips, parting slightly, met in
Coordinated perfection.
That was all.  It was over.
A breathtaking understatement of
Unrealized intention.
They looked back at the street,
Without saying a word
And went on their way,
About their business.

And he knew. And she knew.
But what they did
Not know,
And were not prepared for,
Was that they had
Turned a corner
Together.

Susan Patterson

This is a poem of questions.  The reader can only imagine what was really going on.  Was it against the rules for co-workers to socialize?  Was he planning on kissing?  What in the world was she thinking?  What was the change in direction?   There are a number of scenarios that might apply.  It would be interesting to know what if anything happened to the couple.  skp

I'm not one to scour the web for interesting sites and blog ... even though I have my own blog.  (I prefer to think of it as a letter.)   But here is a site that I stumbled upon looking for a brown pair of cotton gloves. 

http://www.etiquette-and-manners-for-the-contemporary-woman.com/ 

If any of you know me personally, you will know that I, along with many other ladies of a certain age, am a little disconcerted by the lack of appropriateness in today's relaxed social practices.  Now, I'm not saying that we should go back to the 1950s, but I do think that with cell phones, flip flops and casual clothes every day, we have lost a sense of regard for occasions and courtesy for others.  Proper dress, manners and civility are not always about snobbery, they're mostly about respect.  It's a point of respect. 

The Mary in Every Woman

As all women do,
She had a knowing.
Not of everything,

But certainly of those things
Important to, but not spoken of,
By her husband and children.

She knew of loves and desires.
And of
That which was feared
And of
That which was needed. 

She did not speak of her knowing.
At times she could not even
Bring it to mind.
There was no need to do so,
Because she always knew. 

                  Head of a Woman by Leonardo da Vinci
                                                                                                 Earlene Grey
                                                                                                 Susan Patterson

This poem,  found in Heart to Heart ~ Considered Sentiments for Teatime, is about women, especially mothers.  Women often know things that they do not realize.  Over the millennia, women have developed their sixth sense to help them manage their place and responsibilities in the world.  The name Mary in the title is, as you might have guessed, a reference to Mary, the mother of Jesus.  It was said that she tucked many things away in her heart, things that she often didn't understand.  She was like the rest of us, it might seem. 

Many of you have asked about the recording of my writings.  Well, we have a little studio on our property.  We record there.  We use a professional microphone that picks up sound well and we use GarageBand on our MacBook.   That's it.  My husband took some lessons and studied on his own.  He knows much more about the process than I do.  Before the studio was built, we tried recording in our home.  But first we would have to turn off the refrigerator and the lights and the clocks and whatever else might tick or bong or buzz.  But then the kitties would bang on the door, or the phone would ring, or some other such nonsense.  It just didn't work that well.  So we built a little recording studio that is nicely sound proofed.  And, we can serve tea there! 

If you are interested in recording your own works, there are usually options.  Recording studios are available in most towns and cities.  The prices usually start about $50 per hour with technician and equipment.  If you would like me to record your material, email me at [email protected] and we will discuss the possibility.  If you want to know about the technical process we specifically use,  email my husband at [email protected]. 

Remember, you can get any of the three books on the Earlene Grey web site for less than on-line listed retail prices, plus there are no shipping charges.  Might you want to get your mother a book to amuse and inspire her?  Might you want a book for yourself or a friend?  Discover what is available at www.EarleneGrey.com.  Shop now for Mother's Day! 

 À bientôt!