A few months ago I came across this poem…and I connected so deeply with it…it reminded me so much of my mom and dad.
~~~
Every morning,
even being very old,
(or perhaps because of it),
I like to make my bed.
In fact, the starting of each day
unhelplessly,
is the biggest thing I ever do.
I smooth away the dreams disclosed by tangled sheets,
I smack the dented pillow’s revelations to oblivion,
I finish with the pattern of the spread exactly centered.
The night is won.
And now the day can open.
~~~
During their 68 years of marriage, my mom always made their bed every morning no matter what…(with the exception of a time or two…according to my dad…and of course she continues to this day)…but it was my father who did the “turndown service” each and every evening…even during his years of Alzheimer’s. During those particular years it may have been at one in the afternoon…or four in the afternoon, but he never forgot. So happy that I caught him in action a couple of years before he passed away. I love this image…so many memories in that one scene…and such a connection to this poem.
So of course I wanted to know more about the author. A quick search led me to Peggy Freydberg and unfortunately…her obituary. She had just passed away at 107 years old in early spring of 2015. After reading an article about her in Vanity Fair, I learned she started writing poetry at age 90. At that moment on…I knew I had to own this book. Think about that…90 years old. What a testament to the “creativity has no age limit.” When I went on-line to order her book – Poems from the Pond – there were none to be found. None available…currently reprinting…was the result when checking Amazon, Powell’s and several other on-line bookstores. After patiently waiting a month or so, I came across an event at ABC Carpet & Home in Manhattan for an evening of readings from Peggy’s – Poems from the Pond – hosted by Laurie David. (note: If you ever visit NYC…a visit to ABC is a requirement. You will either thank me or you’ll want to kill me…ka ching.) To my delight…the readers were Diane Sawyer, Taylor Schilling (Orange is the New Black) and several others…and….there were books! Amazing how things happen. I must say…I’d never been to a poetry reading before…and I loved it! It didn’t hurt that it was held in an amazing section of ABC’s store…Deepak Chopra’s Homebase…which is absolutely stunning!
So guess who brought home two books? I’ve been so excited to mail this extra copy to someone, so I went back a couple months in my blog and did a drawing from the names of folks who had commented during that time. Easy Peasy. So congratulations to Ruth of Birds of the Air Quilts! You will so love this book Ruth…assuming you don’t have it already! Even the feel of this book is sooooo special. You may also remember that I have a few of Trysette’s cd’s to give away…so I picked two more names…Jennifer of Ripplespeak and Abby of Perspectives. (Send me your mailing address via the “envelope” at the top (right) of my blog or my personal email address if you have it.) There’s still more cd’s…so I’ll do this again soon…with another giveaway! Can’t wait to share about that! 🙂 Lots to tell…
But before I go…gotta tell you there’s even a connection to Peggy’s pond. Well not exactly Peggy’s pond…but the pond in general. We had a pond on the farm during my younger years. Eventually a portion of the the farm was sold and the pond went away. But, that pond…I have so many fond memories of that pond. Fishing with my uncles…feeding the catfish with my dad when he would restock…catching tadpoles with my mom for school projects…so many memories. So I think that’s why I have such an affection for ponds today. Like this one above…that I came across during a very early morning outing while in Vermont this past fall. Oh…and there’s the hair comb…(a story for another time)…but so many connections to her collections of poems.
Now…a huge heads up. You may experience a bit of a flurry in my updates over the next couple of weeks. I’m heading to Virginia to visit my mom…and then at the end of this month…Cambodia for almost three weeks! So I gotta get all caught up here with my journaling of Vietnam! Plus I have so much to tell you about what’s happening in Cambodia! So I appreciate (in advance!) your understanding of the upcoming blog storm!
xo, gg
(p.s. I’m not a TV person, but I love documentaries. If you do too, here’s a couple to watch. First, India’s Daughter, the story of the brutal gang rape and murder in Delhi of the young medical student. Second, East of Salinas, a story of immigration and childhood. Both films not only educated me, but touched me deeply and it’s hard to get them out of my head. Please share if you have any to touch your heart…would love to know! And something on a brighter note…the Netflix series Grace and Frankie. Oh gosh…I so wanna be Frankie (Lily Tomlin) when I grow up. And in full disclosure…I watched almost the entire series in one day…with a bottle of champagne. You gotta have one of those days at least once a year, right?!
Love, Love, Love this post! Both photo’s are amazing. I remember you telling me about your father turning down the bed every afternoon and what a precious photo you captured of him doing that. I also remember you telling me about the pond on your farm and how mom helped you catch tadpoles for school projects… What special memories you have of your childhood and special moments with your family. Love you and wishing you safe travels and the very best of the New Year! XoXo
Thank you! Yes, I had and incredible childhood growing up on the farm and learning from both of my parents. My dad…a very special connection though… Always appreciate your thoughts and comments. xo ❤️
Oh, my goodness! I’m not sure where to begin so it will be the most precious and important, your sweet dad. I feel so blessed, too, that you caught this image and have shared it here, it shows his care and love of this task … I sure would like to see what is hanging above the headboard!
Finding that special poem and then the author and then the book must have thrilled you greatly before you even knew that the icing on the cake would be the poetry reading at such a wonderful place and with Diane Sawyer … good gosh, girl! And you’re sharing some of the love with friends, the extra book and cd’s and all kinds of information about future trips and documentaries, but the part that made me so happy was to find out where this lovely pond is … this is one of the prettiest pictures I’ve ever seen and ties in so perfectly.
I know I say this each and every time but, again, thank you.
Oh, my goodness girl! You are just too sweet. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I can’t say that enough either! ❤️
Robin, I just fell in love with the photo of your father turning down the bed. In our household, I do make the bed every single day, and my sweet husband does the turn down service. And when you first posted about Peggy and her poems, I went directly to the link and printed out the beautiful poem about making the bed that you have shared here – and I grow to appreciate it more with every reading. Like many of our favorite photographs, they are not so much about the subject itself but more about our feelings. It’s a wonder – and I am so glad. Congratulations to the winners!
There is much happening in your world – and the upcoming trip sounds like the adventure of a lifetime. It’s worth a few minutes to step back and realize – all that matters – life is sweet. Can’t wait for the flurry of blog posts – and the stories you will tell.
You’re so right Donna…it is all about the feelings. That’s what I adore about photography. Capturing those moments that are there one second and gone the next. Life is so sweet…and what makes it even sweeter are folks like you and everyone else that leaves their thoughts and appreciation. Thank you!❤️
Oh Dear Robin,
I know you know we already had exchanged thoughts about Peggy and that particular poem and how it immediately reminded me of you daddy, too as you had written about and I so treasure and miss your other blog.
I am so happy you caught this image.
My in-laws have a pillow that reads “I Love You” and whoever made the bed would put the pillow on the other’s side. They did this for years but unfortunately many days do not have the strength or will to make the bed but perhaps they do move the pillow around, regardless.
I absolutely love Peggy and am so very glad you had the opportunity to get the book and reading by Diane Sawyer!
So thoughtful of you to think of your friends and share in giveaways. Rick and I enjoy Trysette’s CD often and appreciate it.
I also love documentaries and appreciate you sharing what you have seen and enjoyed.
Excited for your upcoming trip to Cambodia and always look forward to your blog, please don’t ever apologize. It’s one of the highlights of my life and I’m sure all of your lovely followers. Flurry away! That’s the wonderful thing about blogging and taking it all in. If there’s not enough time to devote, we can always go back and drink the rest in. Sometimes, I get lost in your images and have to spend more time taking it all in or re-reading your wonderful stories, feelings and encounters.
You opened a world to me that I never knew existed. You have enriched my life greatly.
Your life, your story, your journeys, whether personal, emotional or real physical ones, outside your window or across the world have a huge impact. You have made such a mark and difference in so many lives.
My wish for you in 2016 is to continue to fulfill your dreams, continue to challenge yourself and push past your comfort zone to reach horizons you never thought possible, be comfortable with who you are and how much you mean to so many, never stop learning, please never stop sharing your talents and heart, always find reason to laugh and have joy every day of your life, embrace the quiet, peaceful times to reflect, always be the beautiful grateful, humble soul you are and always be healthy and happy.
I love you, RR.
Thank you for being you.
XOXO
You girl…always amaze me with all your thoughts and kind remarks. It’s always like a melody when I read your writings. Thank you so very very much! xoxo ❤️
The minute you started talking about Peggy and her book of poems, I immediately thought of sister Ruth! So I couldn’t be happier that she is the recipient of this giveaway, Robin. You did good! Ironically, one of the first times I knew something “wasn’t quite right” with mom was when I watched her making the bed one morning (in her early stages of Alzheimer’s). She kept going from one side of the bed to the other, back-n-forth, to smooth out imaginary bumps in the bedspread that weren’t there. It broke my heart. That you have recorded your dad turning down the covers will stay with you forever!
I always like your recommendation for documentaries or whatever, so thank you for them. I pay attention and try to find them, even if knowing they’ll be disturbing.
Carry on in these days ahead. January will F L Y for you. In the meantime, bring on the posts, for which I’m sure we’re all waiting, with bated breath!
Oh…that pains me too remembering the very first signs…and then every single change after that… Thanks always for your support and inspiration as well. So special to me! ❤️
The pain of getting older is to say good bye to beloved people. The pain of not having spent more time listening to their stories, holding hands , adding memories upon memories. I got goosebumps looking at the picture of your father tenderly turning down the duvet. Precious moments .
I read about Peggy (probably the same article in the Vanity Fair) and was fascinated by her story. So glad that Ruth is going to receive the book. I love her work ( thanks for introducing her)
Cambodia will be such an adventure and I cannot wait to see all your wonderful pictures and to read about your travels.
You’re so right Karen…saying good bye is so hard and I’m so happy that I had so many precious moments with my father and have no regrets…with the exception that I just wish I could’ve done more once he went to the care center. Thank god he was only there for a few months. Thanks always for your comments…and the inspiration you provide in your daily instagram posts! We are so fortunate to live the life we do! xo ❤️
I am touched (and moved) from the top of my head to the tip of my toes. The photo and story of your dad, the story of the book, and well just you. I am excited about the book, and of course that it’s poetry, written by a woman who started at 90 (I began late too, but not that late), and the whole ABC Carpet and Home store that you and I have had a connection about since I didn’t get there last year and you told me I must next time (maybe in March?). This poem is that perfect sort — a snapshot of a moment, one that reveals something simple and powerful. Thank you. Thank you!
Congrats!! With the contents of this posting…it was just meant to be! I know you’ll love it…and I look forward to hearing your thoughts once you have a chance to read it. I would take my book up to the observation deck we have here in Arizona…looking out over the desert…the sun coming up…and would read one per morning…just to savor them. Once it warms up, I’ll start all over again! Simple and powerful indeed! Enjoy! ❤️
A beautiful image of your father. Such a sweet memory to have captured. Cambodia for three weeks – FUN! Can’t wait to hear about this trip and more on Vietnam! Looks like 2016 will be another busy year of travel for you!
Thanks Cathy! He was the sweetest man ever… And yes, Cambodia! It was a favorite a couple of years ago when visiting Myanmar…so looking forward to digging deeper! Yes, another year filled with travel!! So so fortunate!!! ❤️
From the gorgeous photo through the poem, the snippet of your parents’ life and the photo of your father, this post touched my heart. Recently I’ve had a recurring image of my parents reaching for each other’s hands as they walked. It was late in their lives, and I can’t remember the circumstances, only that image of their hands. Their marriage was complicated at best, but that one gesture helped me to realize that what we see or think we know is not always what is.
Thank you for introducing Peggy Freydberg. I just ordered Poems from the Pond from Amazon
Visited ABC Carpet and Home for the first time in December. Oh. My. Goodness! I could have spent hours in there, my husband not so much.
Oh goodie!! Glad you are purchasing the book. You will LOVE it! Your thoughts are so true…we never know what’s under the covers do we?
LOL……yes, husbands not so much with ABC!! Thanks always for your comments and visits! ❤️
So much in this post to love… where do I even begin? The photo of the pond makes me want to sit with it for awhile, wishing I could be there. The photo of you dad brings on memories of people I miss, of touching moments in life I wish I could relive.
Then there is the heads up on a poet that I think I would connect with. Maybe the attention here will bring another reprint? One can hope. Talk about searching for something and ending up with more than a book of poems! And now I have another place to check out in New York, even if I can’t afford anything there. 🙂
And another big trip coming up! Wow! There’s so much going on! And I’m enjoying traveling along with you. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful things – images, poetry, travel experiences, human experiences, meaningful movies… life
All so sweet and wonderful comments! Thanks Maery! Always appreciate your visits! Yes, hide your credit cards when you got to ABC, ha!!
Well what can a girl say but thank you. I just received the cd today, my evening plan, as the wind howls, is to listen to Trysettes music and think fondly of you.
Sweet!!! Thank you!
Ever so beautiful:)
Thanks Elena!
Wow, this post is amazing on so many levels, Robin! You had me with that gorgeous opening image, but then, the tales, the poignant recollections and photo of your dad, then the search to find out more about the beautiful poem’s author that ultimately led you to ABC Carpet & Home and the ability to buy the book…talk about serendipity! Thanks for taking us on this very special journey! I must get a copy of Peggy’s book!
Thanks for your note!
Oh, how I love Peggy’s book and I know you’d love it too!
Thanks always for your visits!!!