Life...Enriched and Ennobled by Learning Anew

On this Good Friday morning I just finished reading the Easter story in Matthew. I had forgotten about the 50 silver coins acquired by treason by Judas. That he would then throw them back and thereafter hang himself from a tree when he realized what he had done.... profound. I'll think and ponder that today while working in the yard and garden. Reading and learning this anew provides meaning to my life.

I like how learning enriches my life. To wit, these additional 3 unique items...

1. Recently I toured Portland's Lan Su Chinese Garden. A sister-city-garden to Suzhou (Sue-Chow) China, and built in 2000 by native Suzhou gardeners who stayed in Portland for 11 months, it is an amazing authentic Chinese garden. And so when PBS recently showed on their "American Experience" program a new museum designed by American, (but Suzhou-born) reknown architect I.M. Pei (famed by his glass pyramid at the Louve in Paris), I learned even more about Chinese culture and architecture. Only one city block wide, the Lan Su Garden in downtown Portland is a jewel. I was amazed by a unique Chinese variety of Rhododendron, the blossom much larger than my outstretched hand, that was in bloom while I was there. I strongly encourage your taking a visual tour of the gardens. Merely google "Portland's Chinese Gardens". Treat yourself, it's worth your time.

2. I'm likewise impressed by having recently learned of a Copenhagen man that employees adults with Autism only in his Danish business. I saw the story on ABC News. His own young son is autistic. Since April is Autism Awareness Month, I plan to get on line and learn more about this man, his business, and his employees. I'm proud that a Dane has taken the first step to validate autistic adult.

3. Another unique story told on ABC News features patients with Parkinson's. I was amazed, in awe, and inspired by seeing video of Parkinson's patients riding bikes. Chemicals in the brain, produced by this elevated heart-rate activity, actually allows them to be free of the disease while both riding a bike, including stationary bikes, and while dancing. That's another story I plan to read more about on line.

My love of good books has been toned & fortified by a few recent good reads:
1) Al Capone Does My Laundry and 2) Al Capone Shines My Shoes are two fine books for young readers, but I enjoyed them too. 1930's historical fiction that takes place in the San Francisco area, specifically on Alcatraz Island. 12/13 year old "Moose" and his autistic sister are at the center of these stories. The 2nd book is especially good because it teaches what can happen when we make ill-fated compromises, conceal lies, and find ourselves in situations that are uneasy to escape. Both are really good reads.
3) "In the Heart of the Sea: The tragedy of the Whaleship Essex" Ah. Another fine book by author Nathaniel Philbrick (Mayflower). A National Book Award Winner, it retells what happened about the Essex, (Melville used this to write his famous "Moby Dick" If you haven't seen the recent-years remake movie Moby Dick with Patrick Steward, run-n-rent it!). I'm in awe of Captain Pollard (more integrity than Melville's Ahab) and his valor. Afraid of stories about cannibals in the Pacific Islands, the Essex crew opted instead to try to get to Chile and the South American coast. In the process, they themselves became cannibals of one another, something most abhorred and leaving a stigma for life. I quote from a favorite part of the book, toward's the end: "....the word 'pollard' has two meanings. A pollard is an animal, such as an ox, goat, or sheep, that has lost its horns. But pollard is also a gardening term. To pollard a tree is to prune back its branches severely so that it may produce a dense growth of new shoots. Misfortune had pollarded George Pollard, cutting back his possiblities, but, as if strengthened by the surgery, he created a happy, meaningful life for himself in his native town."
(Nantucket, with their small-town mentality of judgeing others unfairly.) Twice Captain Pollard had failed whaling disasters, neither of which were his fault. But he became known as a "Jonah" (a marked and bad-luck-ridden seaman) and never captained again. He spent the rest of his life as a night guard and lamplighter on the dark streets of Nantucket, something that would have been humiliating. But he wore a smile, was pleasant to people, and as decades wore on, became a type of protector especially to the young of Nantucket. One can hear author Philbrick on a podcast speaking at BYU a few years ago. His address to that audience were germane to his Mayflower book. He's not of that faith, but had been invited to speak to their student body. It's a really great talk, especially if you have an interest in the Plymouth Pilgrims. Merely google BYU Philbrick podcast. That should lead ya in the right direction.
4) Born to Run (I listened to it on tape while running myself). While it didn't have as much to do with running as I had hoped, it was none-the-less a good story dealing with a unique tribe in the Copper Canyons of Mexico that run in sandles. The language is sometimes rough, the author writes that way, I've read his stuff in Adventure magazines. But I liked learning about this unique culture, and I really appreciated the tie to local running, specifically my alma mater Adams State College and their legendary cross country coach Joe Vigil whom I know.

Next on the nightstand table, waiting to be read... "The Known World" the true story of one of several freed black slaves who in turn became a slaveholder himself in the Carolina region of America's Civil War era South. I remember listening to a book review and interview a fews years ago on NPR radio while shaving for work. I was surprised. A previous slave, now free, as a land owner with slaves himself? At that time I had a bright student who was African American. I discussed this with her. She and her parents had known of such a thing, but weren't inclined to learn more about it. But I am inclined to learn more about it. While my trips to the South aren't included among my favorite, I have found some pleasant things: Mississippi has that "southern hospitality" I had heard about. And I like the Spanish Moss that grows on the trees in South Carolina. The water fowl I saw while eating fresh Georgia peaches on the banks of Lake Providence in Lousianna was amazing. I once knew the name of those amazing white birds as well as those unique water-rooted trees, but I've forgotten both. Argh. Across the road was this great Cotton-plantation and village museum that I toured. The Vicksburg Historical area is rich in Civil War history. And I want to return to drive more of the Natchez Trail. Virginia with it's Mt. Vernon, Monticello, & Colonial Williamsburg is a favorite place. I try to be open-minded and glean the good. Still, I prefer New England and the Atlantic.

Also, I've bought a book by fellow runner/historian Martin Dugard, "Farther Than Any Man: The Rise and Fall of Captain James Cook" It promises to be a good read. (I've checked out Dugard's website, he's an adventurer.) I have spent some time along the North Pacific Ocean, in particular Cook's Inlet in Alaska. I saw 26 amazing blue ice glaciers, the same one's Cook had seen, in these waters. Since that time, I've taken an intense interest in Cook's life.

Taking our granddaughter to an "Infants and Toddlers" Library program was a joy. The youngest there, she thrilled to be with other little kids. She just lit up. The libarian in charge of the program told Nana G and Papa Ras, "She notices everything. She doesn't miss a thing. She's so smart!" Yup. I'm not the only one that notices how bright this kid is. We're blessed.

I recently read to my class "Esperanza Falling", a fine story about 1930's Migrant labor in the San Joaquin valley of California. I've been there a few times too and am well aware of our dependence upon their produce, and the migrant labor the produces it. I taught migrant school, day as well as high school kids, so the book has always been a favorite. But now that I'm a grandparent, the book and it's telling of Abuelita, the grandmother that got left behind in Mexico, and Esperanza's life in a new country... takes on a new and profound tenderness. Yes, books, travel, PBS, all contribute to my learning. But having a grandchild, I find, heightens and embellishes life. Ennobles life.
Be well, do good...


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