I finally finished the paper proposal based on disability in Jhumpa Lahiri's Roman Stories I've been embroidering in my head for a while. It's going to two conferences. I don't know if I can actually travel to both of them--but those are bridges for later.
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Big A got a holiday bonus and I got to give away lots of it--most of it to PAMA and PCRF. But we dug up some more for Lansing organizations like the Refugee Development Center, our local queer community space--Salus Center, and Nation Outside a Michigan-based advocacy group led by the formerly incarcerated.
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I started a poem (and then ran out of steam):
accidents constellate our past
hope peoples our future
we need imagination
to survive
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I survived 2024. I spoke up, and spoke my truth no matter how small my voice started or how repetitive I thought I would sound.
And I'm grateful for everyone who listened even when I didn't say the right thing or say things the right way. I hope 2025 lets me walk gently on this Earth in solidarity with other living beings.
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And now, as Rilke says, we get to welcome the New Year "Full of things that have never been.” Happy New Year!
Pic: Nu was hosting some friends for NYE, so Big A and I took a walk to the rooftop bar downtown. This party was loud, but the music and drinks were strong. I thought I was getting a photo of the fireworks on the skyline, but I think I got one of the the first emergency vehicle of 2025 instead. It reminded me a bit of NYEs past in NYC and Chennai as we walked past choruses of people wishing us a happy new year on our way home.
16 comments:
I thought of you yesterday when I started ‘Don Quixote’ because it starts with a section of sonnets and I was thinking - I wish I could talk about this with Maya, the poetry expert in my life. There were sections of sonnets with the last syllable left off and I do not understand this choice (but was grateful for the footnote that explained this was a conscious choice)!
We had a really nice, quiet NYE. I made an extra big pot of soup so I could freeze some of it to have on hand after my surgery. After W went to bed, my husband and I played ‘Sleeping Queens’ with P which is a strategy card game we got him for Christmas. It is a really fun game that we all enjoyed. Your NYE sounds nice as well. I love that feeling of people wishing strangers a happy new year!
I didn't know at the beginning of 2024 that survival was going to be my goal, but I did it! And so did you! We'll get through this!
In 2025 we will do our Best and prepare for Joy. That's my plan, anyway. It sounds like you've already started. XO
Happy New Year
Happy New Year Maya!
Oooh I really enjoyed Roman Stories and I would love to hear you talk about it. Dammit I don't think I'm invited to those conferences. Random people can't join? Where is the justice!
It sounds like you had a perfect NYE! Here's to 2025. xoxoxo
Happy 2025! Thanks for speaking up; it matters! ❤️
-Steph
Oooh, a new year "full of things that have never been." How exciting. Happy New Year!
Ha, I don't know that I am an expert anything. And I'm always slightly embarrassed that I've only read excerpts of _Don Quixote_ . I'll be looking forward to hearing what you think about it.
Your NYE sounds lovely, and would have been exactly the kind of NYE I'd have wanted when the kids were younger.
Yes, we did! And YES, we will! And I'm here for you, Engie.
"Prepare for Joy" has many meanings, and all apply to 2025. Right there alongside you, Nance. XO
Happy New Year to you!
I immediately thought ahead to how people would be inviting you to headline events when your book comes out, Nicole! I was talking about more ordinary events where anyone can come! I've snuck my sister and my mom in a couple of times.
We can talk about some of the more interesting insights when we zoom sometime? XOXO
Thanks, Steph!! 💗
I love that quote and think about ti every year, Jenny! Happy 2025!
How nice to have the bonus and to be able to put it to use in a meaningful way. I exchanged charitable donations with my mom and sister and brother-in-law this year in lieu of Christmas presents because the need is so great in so many areas.
Yes, StephLove--The bonus felt very bonus-y and unexpected. A had been in an academic role last year and as you know we don't get bonuses.
Donations in place of presents are so meaningful. I wish more of our family would ask for them!
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