Thoughts - December 8, 2016

"No memory is ever alone, it’s at the end of a trail of memories, a dozen trails that each have their own associations." Louis L'Amour.

I've never quite had the nerve in my memoir writing classes to ask the question, "what is the worst memory you have of Christmas?" I don't always shy away from asking hard questions (some amazing stories come from them), but there is something sacrosanct about the holidays. It seems almost cruel to dig around those deep-in-the-soul memories. It's not that some of us didn't have some rather horrible times (the first holiday after a divorce; my own grandfather died in our house one Christmas morning when I was a youngster....), but we tend to save these stories for the parties, make a joke about them, lubricate our throats with eggnog - saving our fingers for putting down the squeals and smells of the happy times. There are dozens of trails to follow. - Beth Almond Ford

Thoughts - December 7, 2016

To like many people spontaneously and without effort is perhaps the greatest of all sources of personal happiness.”
― Bertrand Russell.

What a fine definition of the "Christmas Spirit"! When that Spirit resides inside one's heart - even for a moment, then a Season, hopefully a lifetime - there is no 'effort' involved in seeing everyone as a Child of that Spirit. Even when we don't go looking for it, there will be those moments during the Season when we are likely to feel it - a love for the community and the folks standing beside and in front of you. It's a touch of magic, divine magic! - Beth Almond Ford

Thoughts - December 6, 2016

“For outlandish creatures like us, on our way to a heart, a brain, and courage, Bethlehem is not the end of our journey but only the beginning - not home but the place through which we must pass if ever we are to reach home at last.”
― Frederick Buechner.

I, for one, am grateful the journey of "Christmas" comes along every year. I never can seem to get it right and all the components together at the same time: a heart, a brain, and courage. But passing through Bethlehem renews the vigor, gives impetus to the sojourn - and provides rest and thoughtful ponderings for the walk toward home. - Beth Almond Ford

Thoughts - December 4, 2016

“Child, it's a very bad thing for a woman to face the worst that can happen to her, because after she's faced the worst she can't ever really fear anything again. ...Scarlett, always save something to fear— even as you save something to love...”
― Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind.

What would it be like to never fear anything again? At first glance, yes indeedy, it almost seems like a super power. Walk through crocodiles, cross high swinging bridges..all the theatrics. What I do know is if I had no fear, I would be irresponsibly reckless, at least in some ways. We see that behavior in folks who feel they have no reason to live...a self-destructive bent. Fear has its place in our lives, a small dose keeps us watchful and thoughtful and appreciative. - Beth Almond Ford

Thoughts - December 3, 2016

"We do know that no one gets wise enough to really understand the heart of another, though it is the task of our life to try." Louise Erdrich

So often we all say, "I understand how you feel/think/act....", when, in fact, it is almost impossible to truly know. Love is sharing those moments and our willingness to try and understand. Empathy and sympathy are two concepts which need to be visited once in awhile. I must say, the closest I've been able to understand someone is when we write together -- not 'published works', but those deep, heartfelt moments of remembrance. There is a rawness to the stories and tales that emerge around the table, opening up each of our hearts in a way that is scary and wonderful. It has nothing to do with being a "good" writer, but everything to do with a willingness to share one's life. - Beth Almond Ford

Thoughts - December 2, 2016

"Some people become so expert at reading between the lines they don't read the lines." -Margaret Millar, novelist (1915-1994).

I'm not even sure how much I should write or think about this quote, but simply take it at face value. Of course it does remind me to quit weaving a story around everything and be a tad more realistic about the day to day. And to be more trusting that what someone says is what they mean. On the other hand, it does take a certain talent to read between the lines and one certainly doesn't want to be hoodwinked. Politics, romance, business deals..... Maybe it is why we respect the words of children, "out of the mouths of babes." The one reliable true thing! - Beth Almond Ford

Thoughts - December 1, 2016

“Here sat Marilla Cuthbert, when she sat at all, slightly distrustful of sunshine, which seemed to her too dancing and irresponsible a thing for a world which was meant to be taken seriously…”
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables.

Oh, dear Marilla Cuthbert....a character from one of my favorite 'youth' books - a hard-working, serious, Canadian farm woman who takes on the raising of an inquisitive young girl. Aren't you so glad that Anne taught you to see the joy in sunshine? She helped me to see it, too. It is a sparkling day! - Beth Almond Ford