Music, muse and their wide-angle lens
It's Thor's day . . . another coming-attractions-pre-Fall-day here in TulseyTown
The Democrats continue their love fest celebration in Chicago today. Kamala Harris is scheduled to accept her nomination for the presidency with a speech this evening. Yesterday's agenda of speakers was stellar and emphasized the definition of patriotism as one of the inclusion of all citizens under the Constitution without discrimination.
[Editor's note: yesterday's blog – Blue Tsunami – contained some factual errors which I corrected yesterday evening.]
Some creative's birth dates of note:
The impressionist/symbolist French composer Claude Debussy was born on this day in 1862, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France. You can sample ten of his compositions at Classicfm.
Once described as "A blend of Little Nell and Lady Macbeth," the journalist/critic/essayist/poet/ Dorothy Parker was born (Dorothy Rothschild) in 1893 West End, New Jersey. Few writers, living or past, have had a sharper wit.
French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson was gifted to us in 1908, Chanteloup, France. His approach – treating landscape-as- portrait – changed photography forever. His influence continues. Catch a few of his more famous images.
It's the birth date of Ray Bradbury. The writer was born in 1920 Waukegan, Illinois. He rejected the label science fiction writer, asserting that his work was drawn from fantasy.
And, Annie Proulx turns 89 today. The novelist was born on this day in Norwich, Connecticut (1935). A National Book and Pulitzer award laureate, Proulx has given us The Shipping News, Brokeback Mountain, Fen, Bog & Swamp. The Hadal Zone is her latest, published in the print edition of the July 8 & 15, 2024, issue of The New Yorker. Text and audio by Ms. Proulx .
What we fear we often rage against.
What we have to get over, somehow we do. Even the worst things.
Anyway, there's something wrong with everybody and it's up to you to know what you can handle.
– Annie Proulx
Résumé
Razors pain you;
Rivers are damp;
Acids stain you;
And drugs cause cramp.
Guns aren’t lawful;
Nooses give;
Gas smells awful;
You might as well live.
– Dorothy Parker
Following Ms. Parker's advice while still celebrating the moon...with the lens of Debussy . . .
Blue Tsunami
It's Odin's day … apropos of Odin and Thor methinks I heard rumblings from Chicago...
[edited for accuracy at 9pm 8.21.24]
During the Democratic National Convention last night there was a brief moment that stood out for me. In former President Barach Obama's keynote speech he referenced the efforts of Trump to foil a solution to our southern border issues. A loud “boo” arouse from the assembled delegates. Just as instantly Obama forcefully said “Don't boo. Vote!” There was an instant's silence followed by a thunderous roar of positive affirmation.
More than affirmation, there was in the camera closeups of those cheers. an embrace of the truth of the moment. It felt to me like the early rumblings of those earthquakes that often precede and create those oceanic Tsunamis that change whole coastlines. The evening had been a love-fest, not just for Ms. Harris and individual supporters. The evening was capped by the keynotes of the Obamas' presence which was at once recognition of the unifying love in the room as well as a reminder of the work ahead.
I'm not predicting. I'm “jus' sayin'.”
More on what Project 2025 will destroy
With Trump, it’s easy to let today’s bright shiny thing distract from the issues that are most important; in fact, he banks on it. So, we won’t let him distract us. I'm, not about to let up on this. Neither should you. – Joyce Vance, Civil Discourse.
More about that Moon...
In the human imagination the earth might be where the sun illuminates everything we need to see and name, but the moon has always embodied the task of carrying the unnameable, and lives according to its own hidden urgencies, which in our daylight hours are forgotten or only half revealed. – David Whyte
In the Mahayana Buddhist tradition to which I belong, when studying spiritual teachings, we set out by arousing an even greater motivation, known as bodhichitta. In Sanskrit, bodhi means “awake” and chitta means “heart” or “mind.” Our aim is to fully awaken our heart and mind, not just for our own greater well-being but also to bring benefit, solace, and wisdom to other living beings. What motivation could top that? – Ani Pema Chödrön
Dreams, wishes, moments
It's Tew's day . . . and that Super Blue Moon is still super . . .
Joyce Vance, Civil Discourse, Democratic Convention and conventions past.
The shame has to be taken out of menopause. We have to talk about this very normal part of our life that happens. Our doctors can't even say the word to us, let alone walk us through the journey of what our menopausal years look like. –Halle Berry
Amy Adams turns 50 today. The versatile film/stage actress and multiple award nominee was born in 1974 Aviano, Italy. For a glimpse of her latest, check out Vanity Fair's First Look.
Today is also the birthdate of film director David O. Russell, born 1958, New York City. More than sharing birthdates with Ms. Adams, Russell has directed her in two Academy Award nominated films.
There are moments that live forever...