Dr. Saxton Pope, Ishi's physician and friend wrote this in 1916 in a memorial to Ishi, "His were qualities of character that last forever. He was kind; he had courage and self-restraint; and though all had been taken from him, there was no bitterness in his heart." (quote from a children's book, ISHI, by Kathleen Allan Meyer, published in 1980).
Whenever I find myself looking at my life in terms of all that has been lost, I look at this photo of Ishi and think again.
I'll be taking a two-week break from blogging and reading blogs, starting tomorrow.
Thank you for stopping by and reading my blog, small change, (via In a Dark Time).
I enjoyed seeing your luminous artwork here on your blog!
I've had the same thoughts about Ishi - how he lost so much and yet had the courage to go on.
Have a good break from blogging and I'll watch for your return.
I'll miss your comments and posts.
Have a fab break, and enjoy your quiet time!
Also liked the story about the Dennis Wilson drawing. I am sure it looks so much more interesting with the water stain..
Thanks tor alerting me to the fact that Ursula Le Guin has done a translation of the Tao te Ching. Don't you just love her? Especially the one which I remember vaguely about people struggling on an icebound planet like antarctica.
I live in Melbourne Australia but I have been to Washington. Once travelled from San Francisco up to Vancouver, took that marvellous boat ride through those San Juan islands. Hope I got the name right, it was a long time ago.
Yes, I heard that Joni had a new album out. I can understand your excitement and wanting to hear it. I have not heard it yet. But the tought of it made meI put on "blue" which is just about my favourite woman artist album. That album just never loses its magic. It is so graceful and carefree like a silk scarf blowing in the breeze and so redolent of all that was best in the spirit of the 60s.
Unfortunately, Joni and I parted company at " the hissing of the summer lawns", just could not connect with that in comparison to the "blue" period, and alas we have never connected again. How is the new album?
Listening to "blue" made me think - what are my other favourite women albums? the ones that emerged in order were, "Tapestry" by Carole King, the Aretha Franklin which has "Natural Woman" on it. "Sweet Harmony" by Maria Muldaur. At this moment I would have to say they are my top four.