Peter, my brother, sent me the link ‘On Confinement’ from the Book of Life. There is also a reference to Xavier de Maistre ‘A Journey Round my Room‘, written in 1790. At this time, we are all learning from the School of Life.
In response to the conversation between Janice Stein and Jane Jacobs, I received the following astute observations from Willy Hunter.
“Citizenship is a part-time job for us all. Some people express it via social works, and other’s via committee work, and others by being elected. Some people get to do it more or less in their jobs. Like teachers and nurses etc..
Forgiveness is actually for the forgiver and service is for the server “
This week, we have tried to maintain our fitness regime through snowshoeing and walking. Unfortunately, the private gym at FE (Fitness Experience) in Middleton has been closed down. Similarly, the province has closed parks and trails. From Cathy, my personal trainer, I am beginning to understand my body. Now, I need to understand my mind. That seems to be one of the premises of The School of Life. Interestingly, there are several School of Life sites in Europe, but none in North America.
Emergence Magazine is offering a set of activities for the online community: a monthly book club, contributor conversations, biweekly Nature Writing course, and a facilitated workshop on the theme of vulnerability.
Before today’s snowfall (Tuesday) I was able to spend time clearing multiflora rose from the hedgerows. It was remarkable to see how different species grow together. Their form dictated by their interaction e.g. deadly nightshade, high bush cranberry. We continue to prune in the orchard, as well as topping the conifers which reach towards the overhead power lines. Today, for the first time, we were able to snowshoe down through the property.
Postscript
My favourite book on the coffee table is Arne and Carlos. 2017. Field Guide to Knitted Birds. Trafalgar Square Books.
Acknowledgements
Willy Hunter for the OK to quote from his email. Cathy Bruce West for her Healthy Bodies advice. Peter Maher for the link to The Book of Life. Heather for her companionship and custodian of the pruning instruments. Edward Wedler for his graphics contributions
References
On Confinement from The Book of Life.
Xavier de Maistre. A Journey Round my Room.
The School of Life. theschooloflife.com
Emergence Magazine. March 24,2020. Contributor Conversations, Book Club, Nature Writing Course, Embracing Vulnerability and Connection. New podcast released every Tuesday.
Ernest Blair Experiment 