Thursday, August 06, 2026

But what could go right?

It's probably obvious to everyone who sees me, but it has been tough. In a month, it will have been a year. A whole year since my mom. 

Already, It has been a whole year since I saw her. 

But what could go right? 

*I went to UU for the first time in years. At first, I couldn't go because of Scout. Sitting in meditation or silence would make me cry, and I didn't even want to try after my mom. But I needed the peace of silence, of community. In these times, I need to know I'm not alone in my fight against fascism. They have an online option and I've restarted there for now.

*When the Canadian wildfire smoke was in full force, the acrid air made me think Canada was performing a smudging ritual (like burning sage) to help us through our annus horribilis. 

*The Odyssey movie was... wow. The mythology worked even without the gods. I would have liked more poetry and mystery, but there was plenty to geek out about. 

*This is old news, but Spain won the World Cup! Not going to pretend I'm a huge soccer fan, but I'm a huge fan of Spain and Pedro Sanchez right now for their staunch and principled support of Palestine, and the final became a sort of proxy arena for that whole issue. And the clips of Lamine Yamal and his toddler brother are just too cute.

*Abdul El Sayed, whom At had campaigned for as Governor back in 2018, and who is in this pic (At is on the extreme right), won a very closely watched primary, as did Will Lawrence, another DSA candidate. As my father-in-law, who's visiting for a while, said at dinner yesterday--now our lawn signs can stay up until November.

Pic: I'm finding my way... through Baker Woods.

15 comments:

StephLove said...

Good to see you writing again. I hope UU and political wins help.

Nicole said...

I am going to echo Steph and tell you how excited I was to see this post pop up in my reader! Wow, a whole year, it's hard to believe. I'm glad you're back at UU, I think that having that community will really help a lot.
Rob and Jake went to see The Odyssey and they loved it! And neither of them had read it or were very familiar with the myths. I haven't read it since I was in first year university but Julie reminded me of The Penelopiad, which I own and should really reread.

Jeanie said...

Baker Woods s looking lovely and what a good spot to walk and meditate. I'm so glad to see your post -- I was getting worried and ready to check in. I left Odyssey after 40 minutes. I'm sure it's wonderful -- it was just too much. Too cold in the theatre. too loud, and life was too short to just be sitting there cold with a headache starting. So, I left my friend there and killed the time watching the ends of two other movies, then shopping. I ssupect when it streams and I don't have to feel imprisoned with it, I will watch and enjoy. But I will say the effects were wonderful. Maybe just not my day to see it.

I'm glad you are reconnecting with the UU -- or whatever community that will help support and nurture you. See you in September, I suspect!

Gillian said...

Nice. Welcome back.

Nance said...

And Canadians would be kind enough to do that for us, too!

How has it almost been a year? XOXO

J said...

I wonder if The Odyssey is better if you haven’t read the book? I know my husband loved it, where I enjoyed it while I was there but after kept thinking about what was changed and why. I guess I need to accept that it’s a film for today’s audiences, whereas the book is from its time and does not change. I mean, new translations change things some, but not as much plot as considering words in new ways.

11 months. SIGH. I remember the first few times I went to yoga after my mom died, and I just SOBBED. It was an in person class, so embarrassing. Now that I have an at home practice I can cry every day if I need to. Hang in there.

maya said...

Small first steps; fingers crossed!

maya said...

I should reread that too, Nicole. Women's retellings have been my favorite versions--Emily Wilson, but also Madeleine Miller, Pat Barker etc.

maya said...

I look forward to September, Jeanie :)!
Lynn said the same about the movie being too loud... I think I didn't see the IMAX version. I would have done the same... Curious about the other movies you snuck into!

maya said...

Thank you!

maya said...

It's unreal... the times we're living through aren't helping with the adjustment either, I must say.

maya said...

I MISSED NAUSICAA!!!!

J--I think of you and know I will never be ok. And in a weird way, it's comforting, because it's like a dispensation not to be. IDK, if that makes sense.

Lisa's Yarns said...

I’m happy to see a post from you!! It was good to exchange texts yesterday. I think starting with online services are great! I hope it’s bringing you some solace.

I’ll be thinking of you as you approach this grief milestone. <3

maya said...

Thank you, Lisa. You were a much-needed dose of sunshine!

Stephany said...

A whole year. What a terrible milestone. Thinking of you and sending you lots of hugs!

PS - YASSS to Abdul!

so woke

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