Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Good books in broken times

I am in the landscape and the landscape is in me. ~John Olsen
.....................................
 
If there has ever been a more perfect time to dig into a good book, or two or three, it is now.
In these last windy days of winter, in my hibernation I've discovered a new obsession. Her name is Robyn Davidson.
I first discovered the moivie called TRACKS.
Then I checked out her book at the library, then I ordered all of her books (used) through Amazon, and now I want to fly to Australia. 
I want to meet this gold dust woman. I want to see wild hump-backed camels in their blood red desert. 
I'd like to get close enough to look into their eyes. To swoon over lashes as long as the day.
I have no desire to ride one. I just want to look at them.
Not that I could afford to travel there anytime soon, let alone find this beautifully weathered nomad in the first place.
She's as hermity as they get.
But, I can dream about the day. 
Robyn was a dreamer, and look what she did.
"You are as powerful and strong as you allow yourself to be, and that the most difficult part of any endeavour is taking the first step, making the first decision." Robyn Davidson
Based on a true story that happened in 1977, Robyn made the decision to make the trek across the Australian desert with four wild camels, who she trained herself, and her beloved dog, Diggity. While immersed in her story I couldn't help but think that I was, at the exact same time, embarking on my own solo adventure. Her story is ten times more incredible, there is no doubt about that. My story was nothing more than a twenty-something free spirit taking to the high seas in Alaska's Inside Passage hand trolling for salmon or halibut. 
It was mainly about freedom. I know we were both looking for freedom.
Just in case you want to get your hands on a copy of From Alice to Ocean, I won't spoil it for you by posting any more of the spectacular images that the oversized book contain. Just a sneak peek; I couldn't resist. 
 
I've not even opened this book yet. The cover and binding is gorgeous, though.
  Here, she travels with nomads of northwest India. More desert! More camels!
 
From the title of this blog post you may have thought I was implying politics. But no. I broke a wing. My wrist was mangled in a ridiculous tumble down a flight of stairs. I just had surgery which resulted in a titanium plate being screwed to bones in my arm. I am recuperating by taking numerous naps and reading. I'm eating broccoli, pineapple, lentils, chicken with wild rice soup, prunes, yogurt and  umberdove's suggested magic potion of vanilla-sweetened red rooibos tea steaming with rice milk. That girl is right. I'm sipping four cups a day of the African goodness and can feel it strengthening my bones already, as well as nine other things that the rare bush does. Oh, and it's a nice complement to chocolate pudding. ...................................   I found an electric typewriter for ten bucks at the thrift store. I can't use my right hand at all. But, I can sit cross legged with Skye in my lap, and tap, tap, tap out a note with one hand in no time. I like the simplicity, the clicking sound of the keys, and the ding to remind me to start a new line.
 
Snail mail rules!   
 
 

15 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh....WHAT is with 2017? So sorry to hear about your broken wrist and surgery! Titanium plate....you're wonder woman now! Heal quickly, sister.

    And Australia....Mr Sage and I have always wanted to go there. To explore. To wander. To look at the strange rock shelters and pictographs. (We've even got an Australian cattle dog!)
    I am definitely going to check out Robyn Davidson's books.
    Sending healing thoughts to you.
    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sagey, you more than anyone I know, would be most smitten with the land and unique rocks and hills and vegetation in the Australian desert.
      Also, most interesting, was when she traveled for many miles through the Aboriginal Reserve. The history, the native people, the rituals, the ghosts! So harsh, so fascinating.
      Thank you for your thoughts. As always.
      x

      Delete
  2. Oh Lynn! Thank goodness you are a tough one. I know you will heal and be back to normal in no time. (Or do you now have a penchant for casts?) I know, I know...lame attempt at humor.
    Ms. Robyn must be a good read. I will take note! And don't undersell your Inside Passage adventure. I would have LOVED doing that in my 20's! I am so jealous! Alaska is truly one of my favorite places of all. Australia is just too far away and I don't do airplanes if at all possible. I hope you get to go some time.
    Hang in there my free-spirited sister!
    xxSheree

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha! Sheree, I'm going to try very, very hard to never break a bone ever, ever again! (They itch...I'm resorting to sticking a quail feather down inside my cast! A big no-no).
      Deck-handing in AK was incredible. I've got many stories to tell you from those days hanging on for dear life in the Icy Strait!
      The truth is, I most likely will never get on that plane to Australia.
      Me?? Flying?? That far?! Um, I think not. Lol
      So great to have you here.
      x

      Delete
  3. I've been obsessed with Australia ever since the 90's and watching QUiggly Down Under and Crockadile Dundee...now i have one more reason to be! Thanks for the introduction....I will look up these books...they sound like a great adventure!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alyssa-Sol You sound like a Rocky Mountain wild flower!
      You will love how adventurous this Aussie is. I adore her for her independence.
      Welcome!

      Delete
  4. Also...I just so your profile introduction and wanted to say : I also live in CO, am a flower child through and through, love the banjo but don't play, and I ADORE the sun. I have often wished my name was Sol. Anyways...nice to meet you

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yeah, I've been reading a lot lately too and thankfully not because I'm cast-bound. I read Tracks shortly after It came out. I'll have to see if I still have it, time may be ripe for a reread. Just reread Huck Finn,after learning that there are at least 4 contemporary authors who have expanded on his story. Doing those next.
    Hang in there Lynn. Hey, don't be so stingy in showing those cute curls.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, Huck!
      So, you read Tracks! Have you seen the movie? :))
      I've got a special edition of Guitar Whitey's book here for you when you make the journey out to ol' Wyom's.
      And you will get to see this head of knots & tangles in person. (I'm turning into a mustang)
      Thanks for being here!

      Delete
  6. ....and to think you composed this entire post, photos et al, pecking away with one hand on the keyboard. you ARE wonder woman!!
    excellent tea and food intake. you crack me up mentioning PRUNES. i get it.
    you DO have a lovely blue cast.

    heal well, dear friend. i hold you in my heart. xO

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Turquoise! Turquoise everything!
      Chad brought me back some Kingman turquoise beads. I hit the send button on a turquoise Boho skirt...all to match my cast! Ha.
      I can't do a whole lot these days, but seeing YOU out swooshing your half mile in snowshoes makes me smile, Bernard.
      xO

      Delete
  7. Oh no, a broken wrist! The same as before or the other one? You sound like you're doing everything you can to speed your recovery. Those books and photos and her story look amazing. Love your typewriter (and your spirit!). Spring is coming!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm a klutz! Last spring it was my left ring finger that got twisted and snapped in half by that maniac horse I was riding, remember?
      This time it's my right wrist.
      The typewriter turned out to be a beautiful distraction from moping around feeling sorry for myself. Pecking out letters and postcards using just one hand is, honestly, a blast.
      It feels like spring here, Diana!
      x

      Delete
  8. So I do not know why but I suddenly became obsessed (swooning over) camels these past few months!!! You whet my appetite to learn more about them now! A student brought a little wood carved camel back from Egypt some years ago and I had this gift tucked away,,,, until recently…. Hm….

    So you had to have titanium plates to patch your wing!!? Dear sweet girl. I'm getting those titanium implants for teeth… we are metal sisters now. :) Big big tender hugs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I guess it's our time for camels! I can't tell you what it means, but I can tell you they are worth swooning over!
      Instead of metal sisters, let's be camel sisters. 💛

      Delete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.