Wednesday, February 16, 2005

All A-buzz and Dancing

We had snow last night, and now all the puddles that formed here and there in yesterday’s rain are frozen and snow covered. Winter’s last gasp.

In spite of the snow today, I feel a few rays of emotional sunshine breaking through and the ice is melting on the inside at least. Whew! I am going to curl up with my books and journals and continue on in my search for more of that sunshine today. We really have to dig for it in February don’t we?

I read The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, while we were at Riverwood and thoroughly enjoyed that book. One quote from the extra dialogue at the end of the book jumped out at me, and I wrote it in my journal.

All our sorrows can be borne if we put them in a story or tell a story about them.
Isak Dineson

Blogging does help us to tell our stories doesn’t it? Writing our own stories down on paper gets the poison out and releases the pressure of hurtful things in our lives. Reading other’s stories and relating to them when we are hurting and feel alone in our pain, is like applying a soothing balm to our inflamed hearts.

Yes, all our sorrows can be borne if we put them in a story or tell a story about them. Keep writing your stories for others to read. We all need each other don’t we?

Have any of you read The Secret Life of Bees? What did it say to you?

I am reading another Kidd book right now, The Dance of the Dissident Daughter, and it is quite the book. The front cover subtitle reads – A woman’s journey from Christian Tradition to the Sacred Feminine. There is a lot of underlining going on and deep soul searching taking place as I read through this book.

The Secret Life of Bees is a novel, this book is not, it is an account of Kidd’s journey to capture her feminine soul and live authentically. It is really making me stop and think about who I am, what I believe and why?

Have you read it? Do you have any thoughts to share with me? I would love to hear them.

Well, my coffee cup is empty and my books are calling to me, so I will end this post here and talk to you all later.

Enjoy your day and find a way to make some sunshine for someone else if you can.

5 comments:

Iona said...

> Blogging does help us to tell our stories doesn’t it?

Yeah, it does. I've never been much of a diary person, but now that I've discovered Blogging, is just became something I need on a daily basis. Not only is it nice to tell your own story, get your issueas out in the open and get honest/sincere responses, but it's also nice to read about other people. And even though we all live in other countries and have slightly different cultures, we all have the same feelings.

I'm sorry, I haven't read any of the books you mentioned. But I think they're also not my style. I'm more into thrillers and drama's, not the deep soul reaching stories. I read, but also write them. I believe you also mentioned that you write stories. What kind do you write?

Iona said...

Oh, I forgot.. I like your brown tea pot at the top of your blog!

karla said...

Hi Cuppa
It snowed here for a bit this morning, but this afternoon it is just amazing outside. Sunny and warm here in the Toronto area anyways.

I remember AC mentioning that both he and you read The Secret Life of Bees while at Riverwood. I haven’t read the book, but it sounds like something I would be interested in reading. I haven’t sat down to read a novel in a long time. I’ve been so caught up reading baby and family books. The latest book I am reading is called Family First. It’s a Dr. Phil book, and it’s quite an amazing book about creating a phenomenal family. Maybe I’m getting way to ahead of myself (I still have to figure out how to change a diaper), but I figure it can’t hurt to start learning early about dealing with the challenges of parenthood.

I remember my mom telling me when I was younger that the two best ways to deal with emotion and turmoil on your life is to either punch a pillow (which always made me feel silly) or write it all down. I’ve never forgotten that, and have always enjoyed writing my feelings down on paper (or a blog as of late). They are a soothing outlet of sorts aren’t they?

Melodee said...

I loved "The Secret Life of Bees." I read it recently and then sent it along to another blogging friend. I'd love to read more by Kidd . . . so many books to read, so little time!

Cuppa said...

Iona:
I write all the time, but mostly in my journals, blogging, and email. I have tried my hand at poetry and love it, but I have a lot to learn about that kind of writing.
I have a teacup collection and started to write a book about the stories behind my teacups and life lessons learned from women in my life. It involved painting each teacup too, and that project was put on hold after I hurt my back. I will get back to it yet!
The teapot is neat isn't it. AC did that for me, and it was a surprise to me too. I love it.

Karla:
Writitng works like magic for me if I am upset about something or am all mixed up about what to do. I have never punched a pillow, but I have kicked a washing machine!!! Yikes.

Mel:
My sister passed The Secret LIfe of Bees on to me and the waiting list was forming behind me for others to read it too. Great book. I have my name on a waiting list at the local library for Kidd's next book, due out in April - The Mermaid Chair.

The Dance of the Dissident Daughter is a totally different book and it is taking me time to work my way through it and sort out my thoughts and feelings as I do.

I feel like you do - so many books, so little time! Dishes will just have to wait!