I'm headed away tomorrow for a pilgrimage—to Emily Dickinson’s home, to witness the grounds that once supported her footsteps. It’s such a fangirl thing to do—I’m a little sheepish about it and am trying not to be—to travel so far to honor and think on a poet who has brought such joy to my inner life. But in truth, I’m excited, and a bit in awe, that I will actually be treading the same floors that once held space for her brilliant writing to come to life.
Loved Emily Dickinson when I first read her while in high school. Her poetry somehow touched me even though I didn’t intellectually understand it but I felt it. Later I was delighted to find out we shared a birthday.
She really is someone you can return to over and over again--dwelling in possibility as she does--sometimes very literally with her alternate choices of words. So glad you are also a fan.
I am. I have her works that I still go back to every once in awhile. Saw two different movies about her. Also, a big fan Greek mythology. I hope you like wine. 🏹♐️😀 enjoy your trip.
“Who really has authority over others—and why do we accept it so quickly? That’s what Dickinson’s refusal to publish, to use conventional punctuation, titles, etc., questions so brilliantly. She was refusing the dance of action, confidence, order, and authority to welcome something wider, eternal, infinite.” - this is exactly what my inference of Dickinson’s work is - every inch of her riled against the constructed and hence limited ideas of god, nature, service, and love. So beautifully have you expressed it! Emily Dickinson has been a major influence on me since my teenage years, the Dickinsonian numen has surpassed what seemed like the limitations of language, social constructs, and conventional religion.
I am so happy that you will be getting to see the abode where she once lived and wrote. I will be waiting to hear about your experience on touching the spiritual spine of the place and a few pictures if possible. Happy pilgrimage Freya! 💜🌼
Of course you are a Dickinson fan--it makes perfect sense and i love this so so much. I love that you have h the same feelings about her work--thought of you as I walked her grounds in the heat, my alaskan skin feeling like a puddle--but so beautiful and honestly was moved to tears unexpectedly. will definitely post some photos to the chat soon! 💜
Haha, yes, you know my spine will straighten with every mention of "property"! I'm at the Reclaiming the Commons conference right now, so what you say here about language is even more resonant. There is so much conversation here about all of this: language and framings and methodologies. It's been very bolstering for the most part, being around so many people from all around the world--most of whom work in academia--determined to break down these structures.
I'm always conflicted about confidence, too. "Have the confidence of a mediocre white man" in order to get ahead/achieve success, the joke goes, but look at where the confidence of mediocre white men has gotten us.
"Confident Tone" ---> lack of nuance and ambiguity and curiosity about alternative viewpoints --> inability to recognise you may have got something wrong ----> Actual Idiot.
oof yes, the confidence of a mediocre white man. So great that's being talked about at the conference--there are so many lines for thinking about property and commons and I find myself thinking about it often in relationship to your project and writing. And do go to the Japanese Garden while there--it's such a beautiful place. 💜
I will! I can't avoid it even if I wanted to -- promised my son. 💚
So much is aching to be out in the world. What I'm getting the feel of right now is people wanting to connect with others to share and advocate for these ideas and put them into action. I'm not feeling a weariness with the hierarchical system so much of a just being done with it. Over it. Interestingly, there have been a lot of comments in passing conversation about the Oregon Convention Center's very existence (it's so big!) and what it means to hold this conference here, etc. Someone said to me yesterday, "This is a no-place. It isn't even here."
Happy pilgrimage! To touch the places of those who've inspired us is no small thing.
i love that--and love to think of it more as with faith. i’m always astounded at her conviction--i agree it does feel like a beacon. thank you for the good wishes! 🙏 💜
Loved Emily Dickinson when I first read her while in high school. Her poetry somehow touched me even though I didn’t intellectually understand it but I felt it. Later I was delighted to find out we shared a birthday.
She really is someone you can return to over and over again--dwelling in possibility as she does--sometimes very literally with her alternate choices of words. So glad you are also a fan.
I am. I have her works that I still go back to every once in awhile. Saw two different movies about her. Also, a big fan Greek mythology. I hope you like wine. 🏹♐️😀 enjoy your trip.
“Who really has authority over others—and why do we accept it so quickly? That’s what Dickinson’s refusal to publish, to use conventional punctuation, titles, etc., questions so brilliantly. She was refusing the dance of action, confidence, order, and authority to welcome something wider, eternal, infinite.” - this is exactly what my inference of Dickinson’s work is - every inch of her riled against the constructed and hence limited ideas of god, nature, service, and love. So beautifully have you expressed it! Emily Dickinson has been a major influence on me since my teenage years, the Dickinsonian numen has surpassed what seemed like the limitations of language, social constructs, and conventional religion.
I am so happy that you will be getting to see the abode where she once lived and wrote. I will be waiting to hear about your experience on touching the spiritual spine of the place and a few pictures if possible. Happy pilgrimage Freya! 💜🌼
Of course you are a Dickinson fan--it makes perfect sense and i love this so so much. I love that you have h the same feelings about her work--thought of you as I walked her grounds in the heat, my alaskan skin feeling like a puddle--but so beautiful and honestly was moved to tears unexpectedly. will definitely post some photos to the chat soon! 💜
So enjoyed this one.
Happy Trails, Freya!
🙏 💜
Haha, yes, you know my spine will straighten with every mention of "property"! I'm at the Reclaiming the Commons conference right now, so what you say here about language is even more resonant. There is so much conversation here about all of this: language and framings and methodologies. It's been very bolstering for the most part, being around so many people from all around the world--most of whom work in academia--determined to break down these structures.
I'm always conflicted about confidence, too. "Have the confidence of a mediocre white man" in order to get ahead/achieve success, the joke goes, but look at where the confidence of mediocre white men has gotten us.
"Confident Tone" ---> lack of nuance and ambiguity and curiosity about alternative viewpoints --> inability to recognise you may have got something wrong ----> Actual Idiot.
A thought distilled like a fine whisky. Actual idiot--bah! I’ll drink to that. 😉
Hell, not only the word commons makes me think of you, but even the word "comma" brings you to mind! 🤣
My copy editing identity will haunt me forever. 😂
Ha, good one!
oof yes, the confidence of a mediocre white man. So great that's being talked about at the conference--there are so many lines for thinking about property and commons and I find myself thinking about it often in relationship to your project and writing. And do go to the Japanese Garden while there--it's such a beautiful place. 💜
I will! I can't avoid it even if I wanted to -- promised my son. 💚
So much is aching to be out in the world. What I'm getting the feel of right now is people wanting to connect with others to share and advocate for these ideas and put them into action. I'm not feeling a weariness with the hierarchical system so much of a just being done with it. Over it. Interestingly, there have been a lot of comments in passing conversation about the Oregon Convention Center's very existence (it's so big!) and what it means to hold this conference here, etc. Someone said to me yesterday, "This is a no-place. It isn't even here."
Happy pilgrimage! To touch the places of those who've inspired us is no small thing.
thank you! and how great to be around crowds of other who are over it and ready for something wider in thought. cheers to that! 💜 enjoy! 🌳
i love that--and love to think of it more as with faith. i’m always astounded at her conviction--i agree it does feel like a beacon. thank you for the good wishes! 🙏 💜