Dear Reader,
This week you’re hearing from me (Maddie), a gal who tumbled into the UiLY project for a few different reasons. First, I somehow fall in love way too easily and yet, sparingly. I am often wholly un-enamored with the things that captivate others, but when I fall in love with something, or someone, it’s a swift swirl towards the object of my affection. It could be the way the light falls on a wall in a triangle of some perfect afternoon, the scent of indigo, the words on a subway wall, or the inflections in the voice of my favorite person. I could fall in love with any of these things on any given day. Another reason this project was so meaningful to me was that it came just when I needed it, in the midst of a particularly hard relationship situation and the overall turbulence that is life and love in your 20s in New York City. This project, for me, was pure permission—permission to let so many of the words that had been stirring in me out onto paper. As I continue to share more of these words, my invitation is this: join me in my swift swirl. I hope in the midst of it you might find some catharsis and some freedom.
GET IT OFF MY DESK
This is either a poem or it’s just a collection of questions. Regardless, it’s about the simultaneous mess and beauty of falling in love, all over again.
And are we
And are we falling again? And if we are, is it love? And if it’s love is it safe? If it’s not, is that bad? And if it’s not bad, then is it good? And if it’s good, then is it mystery? And if it’s mystery, then are you my partner in crime? And if it’s crime then is it fair in war and love? And if it’s love then is it you? And if it’s you, is it me? And if it’s me, is it us? And if it’s us is it for a long time or just this time? And if it’s this time Can it also be always? And if it’s always then are we ready for that? And if we’re not, is that okay? And if it’s okay, then is time on our side? And if we’re on the same side does that mean I get to be next to you forever? And is it right that next to each other is where we feel most alive? And if we’re alive, are we burning? And if it’s fire isn’t it pure? And if it’s pure is it soft? And if it’s soft can it also be hard and if it's both is it beautiful? And if it’s beautiful isn’t it all worth it? Isn’t it every question’s answer.
TAKE THIS OR LEAVE IT
I really believe that a daily dose of poetry by Mary Oliver is like balm to your soul and kindling to the fire of your creativity. I’ve got you covered for today. Here’s one of my favorite poems by Ms. Oliver. I swear I read it at least once a week.
What I Have Learned So Far
Meditation is old and honorable, so why should I not sit, every morning of my life, on the hillside, looking into the shining world? Because, properly attended to, delight, as well as havoc, is suggestion. Can one be passionate about the just, the ideal, the sublime, and the holy, and yet commit to no labor in its cause? I don’t think so. All summations have a beginning, all effect has a story, all kindness begins with the sown seed. Thought buds toward radiance. The gospel of light is the crossroads of—indolence, or action. Be ignited, or be gone.
Until next time!
Fortunately, I love you,
Maddie