In good company

[vaneramos]

Yesterday at The Bookshelf I bough Letters to a Young Poet, by Rainer Maria Rilke. I'm only familiar with the poet's words in "Dirait-on", a choral song popular with gay and lesbian choruses, and which I love. I had no idea his experience might be so close to my own. His advice to the young poet concentrates on solitude.

I need to read this and rethink priorities.

Meanwhile I'm in the midst of a rare experience, spending time with one of the few people who doesn't make me uncomfortable over an extended period. Connor is no different in person from what I expected, only better.

We have forged unforgettable memories: long drives through the Muskoka countryside; catching the sunset like a drop of molten ruby across Lake of Bays; exploring downtown Guelph on a grey day, the air redolent with rain and pollen; drinks at the Pennywhistle with my buddies after choir; and many others.

I already knew we shared similarities of background and experience, but this week we delved deeper. I feel more keenly connected. A small part of me will go with him to Arizona, a desert place I long to see someday.

Soon we're heading to Toronto.

Comments

[winterknight.livejournal.com]

I've been reading Rilke lately, too. How very harmonious. I'm glad you're having a good time up there.

I have a question for you. I recall reading that you were in touch with some employment agency of some sort. Would you be willing to let me know the name of that agency?

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

The agency I used was Lutherwood, however I had some trouble with them and found they weren't especially set up for people experiencing mental health issues, such as my anxiety. I believe there's another agency that is, and if you ask at Lutherwood they will give you the name and contact number.

I have some other suggestions, but am in a bit of a rush at the moment to leave for Toronto. If you want more info, catch me next week. I'll come home on Monday night.

[winterknight.livejournal.com]

Lovely. I'll try CMHA, if they're open on weekends, and maybe we can share information. :)

[thewindrose.livejournal.com]

That sounds nice. From my own experience I know that having friends like that, ones to spend long periods of time with, are rare and wonderful.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

It's like an adventure on the high seas, isn't it? ;-)

[thewindrose.livejournal.com]

Indeed!

I thought of you this weekend. I saw my first pileated woodpecker. Oh Van, it was amazing. I am going to try to write a post about it, but for now I am just smiling savoring the memory.

[dakoopst.livejournal.com]

That is wonderful, Van.

Isn't it wonderful to forge that connection and span what seems to be a sea?

[myownghost.livejournal.com]

i like Rilke a lot. there's a quote from somewhere in there, about living into the questions, that i've loved since i was in college.

did your wounds from the splinters heal up all right?

[ubermunkey.livejournal.com]

this was a sweet post Van, thanks, it has been a very nice week. I've forgotten solitude could be this healing.

the pennywhistle has marked me and more so your group of choir buddies, from the horny bear (you know who he is) to the MO. I love Mo. how could I not?!
and the rest of that enjoyable crew. Too much fun for me. I wish there were a hangout of friends like that waiting for me in Phoenix.

the cottage was wonderful, I really could have done without the arm sliver adventure, but the drives were really incredible, some very lovely country that.

thanks again,

I like that Image also, nice one from our walk on the Eramosa. how lucky you are to have this water so close to you.

connor

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Connor, your words are a timely reminder of some of the things I have going for me in Guelph, what great friends. I'm glad it was all so relaxing for you. I was for me, too. Many thanks for your company.