Roy’s Sunday Letter for August 18, 2024
** CNN’s Good Stuff brings us inspiration and encouragement. In Gothenburg, Sweden, an orchestra has come together involving 300 players with different backgrounds, languages, voices, and musical talent, including Ron Davis, conductor. Members are refugees, immigrants, and others searching for a safe place to live, play and be a part of something special, thus, The Dream Orchestra. The musicians may not always understand each other, nor the conductor. Each has committed to the music and thus to each other. CNN’s piece concludes, “Imagine if the world was more like an orchestra.”
- Beth began naming TV series of her youth. Series recalled were Good Neighbors, Mayberry RFD, I Love Lucy, Lassie, Leave It to Beaver, Our Mrs. Brooks, Lone Ranger, Roy Rogers, Faulty Towers, more. What did these youthful shows teach us about friendships, adult guidance, family, conflict, welcoming new persons, forgiveness, and where we fit in our wider world. What were the show series and characters important to your youth? What did they teach you?
** Face Book post: “Rather than rest in peace, why don’t we instead choose to live in peace.”
- Dave forwarded a Washington Post article tracing the decline in Black bookstore ownership (6%) and also Black authored books on the shelves. Historically, Black bookshops were a gathering place to meet, recruit for causes, train, learn new technology and experience common ground. In Ft. Worth, The Dock Bookshop is a full-service store, now 14th years, owned by two sisters, Donya and Donna Craddock. They honor the traditional concept of a meeting place. Address: 6637 Meadowbrook Drive, 76112, www.TheDockBookshop.com. Go…shop…Enjoy.
** Spectrum staff recommended we switch from our 5 yr. old cable box to the streaming box Xumo. Soon I was on the phone with Xumo advisor, surrounded by 3 clickers, Xumo box, laptop, and cell phone. Gratefully, Spectrum scheduled a technician for in-home installation. Another learning curve!
- I drafted my first story in 2016, after our move to Santa Fe. I published Let Me Tell You A Story, a collection of 32 diverse writings, in 2022. Now, in 2024, I have a new collection of writings. Publishing a 2nd print book at 80 is not my desire or plan. But, what to do? I am in conversation with writers, and also with friends who know me and my stories. I reflected on why I write and my purpose. I do not write primarily from life’s rear-view mirror. In my small, limited way I am “forward leaning,” with the hope those who read my words will “see light in the midst of the darkness.” I will continue to stare into the screen and see faces who are waiting for their story to be told.
Roy, new draft story, The Senior Table
Looking forward to your new book. I. love hearing your reflections each week. Insights from friends who are dear to my heart.
Good to know of your encouragement to keep at it.
Sometimes difficult to balance the news from the personsal.
Our best to you both as you find the best ways to do life together….Roy
One of the most powerful and inspiring shows ever produced was Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. In 2020, when my entire world crashed down and we all were in the midst of pandemic regulations and prohibitions, I started watching him again from the very first show produced in Pittsburg, PA. Of course there is the marvelous, true story movie “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” staring Tom Hanks as the indomitable Fred Rogers. He continues to inspire me and lift me up out of any doldrum through his book “The World According to Mister Rogers.” Thank you Fred Rogers for you goodness and true love of humanity. X/O Linda M
Roy, thank you for your continuing spiritual inspirational reflections on life and your continuing to write from your soul. You help to emphasize the importance of the “community of saints”. Pen in hand in expressing through the written word seems to stir the mind to grow as it reflects and develops self and encourages community growth towards a greater good.
and you two keep walking the lake
you seem happier, more settled north of our 108 today,
all the best to your both
yes, i will keep staring at the screen……Roy
Keep writing Roy! I find myself in writing paralysis at the moment knowing I want to write some notes about my life for my kids.
Lewis Carroll of long ago encouraged us all, “When in doubt of what to write, pick up the pen, write till finished, put the pen down.”
Life isn’t that simple, but…..
Forget perfect, just get your words on the screen. This is the easy part.
Now, the hard part. Edit and polish, and more than once.
I have a new mentoring person, a most young board president.
Throw up a half page,,,,,attach and send my way. Tis a begionning………Roy