Do you have 20/20 Vision?
I hope so, but if not, maybe you get by with a little help from your friends, as I do:
Eyeglasses help
So does my ophthalmologist
Artist Monet suffered from cataracts in both eyes, but still produced lovely impressionistic paintings. In a letter to his friends, he concentrated on how impaired vision still enabled him to create beauty.
My poor eyesight makes me see everything in a complete fog. It’s very beautiful all the same, and it’s this, which I’d love to have been able to convey.
* * *
Poet Lisel Mueller, inspired by Monet, wrote a poem, “Monet Refuses the Operation,” imagining how objects can be enhanced when vision is impaired. She remarks that Parisian streetlights wear halos, glass lamps become angels, and the liminal space between earth and sky merges into blurry beauty, my focus word for 2020.
Right now I’m reading Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, a New York Times Book Review Top Ten Book, National Book Award finalist, more than two and a half years on the New York Times bestseller list
Synopsis
A blind child, Marie-Laure lives with her father in Paris near the Museum of Natural History, where he works as the master of its thousands of locks. When she is twelve, the Nazis occupy Paris and father and daughter flee to the walled citadel of Saint-Malo, where Marie-Laure’s reclusive great-uncle lives. In a mining town in Germany, the orphan Werner grows up enchanted by a crude radio he’s found. His talent with these crucial instruments will eventually bring Werner to Saint-Malo, where his story and Marie-Laure’s converge.
Novelist Doerr imagines what it’s like to be blind:
Where there should be a wall, her hands find nothing. Where there should be nothing, a table leg gouges her shin. Cars growl in the streets; leaves whisper in the sky; blood rustles through her inner ears.
There are months of bruises and wretchedness: rooms pitching like sailboats, half-open doors, striking Marie-Laure’s face. Her only sanctuary is in bed, the hem of her quilt at her chin. . .
WHY READ Doerr’s book?
- Short chapters, each 3-4 pages, tops
- Sighted readers can sense a blind world: “She can hear him smiling.” 73
- “She thinks she can smell threads of dust cascading from the ceiling.” 117
- She can hear snowflakes tick and patter through the trees.” 65
- Magical metaphors: “And yet everything radiates tension, as if the city had been built upon the skin of a balloon and someone is inflating it toward the breaking point.” 110
Author Doerr’s novel is spellbinding, but he doesn’t need another review. After all, he has 34.600+ already. Unbelievable!
I am thankful for many good reviews so far, but I’m working toward the magical number, 50. If you’ve already posted a review of Mennonite Daughter, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! If not, here is the LINK.
BONUS! Matthew Whitaker, the 18-year-old jazz pianist, has been showcased on CBS/60 Minutes. Born at one pound, eleven ounces, he suffered from retinopathy, which stole his sight. A neuroscientist who’s studied his brain noted that Matthew’s visual cortex goes into overdrive when he plays music.
CBS News Matthew Whitaker
Did you get that? The visual (not auditory) portion of his brain lights up when he creates music. A miracle of accommodation!
BEAUTY is my focus word for 2020. Where do you find beauty?
If your sight, hearing, or another sense is lost or impaired, how have you compensated?
In the midst of global panic, what are you thankful for today?
I love wildlife and birds. Spent 7 hours at a beautiful park in Ft. MYERS yesterday, 6 feet away from our good friends. We talked,watched birds, bugs (ughh), alligators, meditated, read and even had a two way “conversation” with an injured bird. I talked, he listened. I know, he probably wanted food. 😢. Have never spent 7 hours doing nothing, or was it nothing. Thankful for that day and my family. Wished them all a chance for peace and reflection in these crazy, uncertain times.
Carol, thanks for the update on your Florida “residency.” I wonder if you’ll return to PA in April. You are smart to talk to birds – both benefit, I’m sure. And they don’t talk back, the best thing of all. Doing nothing is really SOMETHING, especially in these tough times when peace and reflection are needed just to survive.
Today, I’ll read and stare into space, my version of doing nothing. And meditate, the first thing I do every day.
And, thanks for being the first to comment so early, 6:00 a.m. (Give my best to hubby too!)
So happy to have had our visit early on. Who would have ever thought this mess? I continue to say that much good will come out of this,in addition to the bad and what would we do without social media? Though I did rant to my 25 year old grandson in CLEVELAND last night about so-called reporting on CNN.
Had to cancel lunch with Betty Hill Johnson on Sanibel yesterday. 😢She recently lost a very dear friend and I really wanted to see her.
My Asperberger’s granddaughter at PSU Law School is raving about her first online class with her classmates, the support of them, the professors, and the school. They are trying to work out with the PA Bar for Pass/fail for the semester. They apparently are the arbiters of that decision. Undergrad is on Pass Fail.
Stay well, safe, and in touch.
Fondly, Carol
Sorry for being so loquacious!
So many lovely ways at and of seeing things – Monet is an inspiration as is the poet Mueller …
All the Light We Cannot See – I hope I’ve still got it on my book shelves, I read it some while ago and it’s a book I will re-read .. I remember being entranced by it so thank you Marian for these lovely excerpts. There’s another book of his that I read – I think 2 others, but the one I’m thinking of is ‘About Grace’ … I doubt I’ve still got it … given to my brother I think …
Beauty is all around – I’m grateful I have eyes to see.
I’m grateful for vision too, Susan, though it isn’t as sharp as it once was. Several have read Doerr’s book, but you are the first to mention it. It reminds me of another book I’ve read: Jacques Lusseyran’s And There Was Light.
Our libraries are closed these days, but I have plenty on my Kindle these days. Though I like print books better, eBooks will work in a pinch, which is what we are certainly in these days.
You got we interested in “About Grace.” Maybe I can put it on reserve in the library. Thanks for all of your good thoughts, Susan.
It is well know that losing one of our senses helps us develop others further. My favourite case is Beethoven, as I simply find it extraordinary that, despite his deafness, he is still one of the greatest musicians that ever lived. I love Monet too. In France, they train young blind people to create perfumes, as they have a highly developed sense of smell: it makes perfect sense.
Fatima, I like your word play on “sense.” Yes, I think there was a movie (or, book) about a perfumer who enlisted blind people to test the quality of perfumes.
Thanks for mentioning Beethoven too. I remember that John Milton wrote a moving poem “On His Blindness,” which I can now, with compromised vision, appreciate even more.
We spent 7 hours yesterday at a beautiful park in Ft. MYERS with good friends, 6 feet apart. Sat and talked, watched birds, bugs, (ughh),alligators, beautiful clouds and sky, read, and even had a “conversation” with an injured bird, I talked he listened. (I know, he probably wanted food!). I am so thankful for a day like this of just peace and reflection. Never had a day like that in my life! I am thankful for my family & wished them all a Chance for peace & reflection in this crazy world.
ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE is a wonderful book. Great to read your thoughts on it.
Sorry, I replied twice!
Not a problem, Carol!
🤪😍
Out of all of our senses, I think I’d struggle most with losing my sight. It’s inspiring to read stories of people who, without eyesight, are able to live a normal life. As someone who can’t see anything without glasses, I’m in awe of those individuals. All the Light We Cannot See is a must read. Today, I’m thankful that I’m healthy and my family is as well.
I’m thankful you are well and healthy too, Jill.
I wonder if the city of Charlotte has closed their offices. Perhaps you are working from home, which I think you may have mentioned on Facebook or another blog. Like you, I’d crash into other cars without my glasses as I’m so very nearsighted. We writers get along somehow, so thankful!
I´m thankful for my computer and being able to connect with family through the internet. And for interesting blogs like yours. We feel like we are being under house arrest but we are doing fine. Reading and writing. Keep safe and healthy.
I don’t remember reading about global sickness like this, except for the Spanish flu, a plot line in Downton Abbey. My Grandma Longenecker mentioned it just after she had her second child, my Aunt Ruthie. Of course, I’m trying to trace down the diary entry. Ugh!
I’m glad you and Paul are doing well, staying healthy and having delightful things to do, in spite of the global reach of this disease worldwide. Thanks, Darlene!
Good morning, Marian! I remember being so involved in All the Light We Cannot See. It’s funny that I don’t remember short chapters–that would not be a consideration in choosing a novel for me. 🙂 It is a beautiful book.
I really don’t want to lose any of my senses. I see how my mother struggles being almost blind from macular degeneration, and I think not being able to read has contributed to her decline.
I am thankful that I have my husband home with me, my cats, and yes, my Internet connection to the world and my blogger friends. (And books and streaming movies and shows. . .).
Another Doerr reader, Merril! I guess I was too involved in memoir writing when the book first came out, but I’m savoring it now.
My heart goes out to your mother, and all who love her. I have been diagnosed with macular degeneration as well. However, the treatment (eye injections) is fairly new, so probably it was not available to you mother when she could have benefited. My treatment has slowed down the progression, but I’m concerned about being able to renew my driver’s license in a few years. My doctor insists that reading/writing is not a cause. It’s age-related, he insists, not something I enjoy hearing.
Yes, you have cats, good food, books, the internet, wine, streaming movie . . . the list goes on. Did I tell you that I’ll be doing a post on cats April 1, no foolin’!
Macular degeneration also tends to run in families, so I’m at risk–taking eye vitamins and trying to eat healthy food. My mom did have eye injections several years ago. Unless something has changed, that is for the wet version, and it did stop that. I don’t think it’s gotten any worse in a few years, but it’s already really bad. I hope the treatment does halt yours. ❤️
Yes, I am aware Mac D. does run in families though my mother didn’t contract it. You are probably taking PreserVision with “eye” vitamins, a good thing.
The injections have helped although one eye has had scarring and will not improve. I hope you keep your vision entirely as you are taking precautions early. 😀
I had lens exchange surgery three years ago so now I see clearly at all distances. The one drawback? I used to love being able to remove my glasses at Christmas and look at the tree. Without glasses the lights looked like they had star filters. It was beautiful and I miss being able to do that!
Arlene, your comment proves that life involves a series of trade-offs. Hold on to your vision (in real life). Your vivid imagination will grant you star filers in other ways. I hope I don’t sound flip in saying this, but impaired vision can eventually lead to lack of independence.
I’m glad your lens exchange surgery worked well for you, Arlene – yay!
So glad you’re reading All the Light We Cannot See. I read that awhile ago. So beautifully written! I recommended it to many people.
Wow. So glad cataracts didn’t stop Monet. As a writer and someone who crafts, I really need my eyesight as well as my sense of touch.
I find beauty in a child’s laughter and in the friendships I have. And of course in God.
You have achieved good balance, L. Marie, as I can tell in your blog posts. You pay attention to the good in life: children’s laughter, friends, and God at the center.
No one has mentioned touch, but I believe even hearing and sight-impaired people enjoy textures and the “feel” of a loved ones’ hand. Thanks so much! 🙂
I want to read this book. Now, if the library was just open. Seriously, I’ll put it on my list of want-to’s, it sounds like one I would definitely enjoy.
My vision is getting worse and worse. I used to only wear glasses for reading and computer work. Now if I get up to get medicine in the night (especially for husband, recovering as he is), I have to put my glasses on to make sure I have the right bottle. 🙁 Reminder to self: set up eye appointment for some time!
Blessings to you, Melodie. Strength too, as I know your world has tilted, taking care of Stuart and also trying to stay healthy yourself.
I have mentioned my compromised vision in a comment to Merril. At this time, I can type, read, and drive. But I can’t count doing all these things always. I guess that’s a strong reminder to be thankful for blessings day by day and not jump too far ahead. Thanks for weighing in on this post, and I hope you get to read Doerr’s book very soon.
Your post reminds me how often I take my sight for granted, such as it is. Thanks for the reminder.
And I looooovvvveeedddddd the poem. Really. A lot. Can you tell?
;-D YESSSSS!
I know the feeling, Janet. Until I was diagnosed with macular degeneration, I assumed that glasses with stronger prescriptions would take care of my vision. Still, there is treatment for which I am so thankful!
I did not know you had that diagnosis, Marian. I’m sorry. And thankful you are able to get treatment for it. My mother drives a local friend to treatments for macular degeneration, so I know a bit of how that goes. Be well.
Yes, before 2006 (or, thereabouts) treatments were not available and patients with this diagnosis went blind. Vision in my right eye is sketchy, but I hope to preserve vision in my left eye. I want to remain independent, especially where driving is concerned. Otherwise, I remain healthy, thank God.
I hope you and Woody are staying well too!
This is a lovely post, Marian. Thank you. I find myself grateful for the beauty all around me also. I think I will write out what I am grateful for this morning and make a Wordle out of it. Remember those?
Thanks for re-minding me of the power of gratitude and of visuals. I wonder if are willing to share your wordle, perhaps on Facebook or Instagram. You may start a trend during times that feel “out of joint.”
I’m glad you enjoyed the post, literary (like you), Shirley. 😀
I think we take many of our senses for grantedas much as we shouldn’t it is only when we lose one of them that the others seem to gain momentum isn’t the human body wonderful 🙂
Yes, Carol, I’m thankful every day how wonderfully made me are. Just today I got the results from a colon test my doctor ordered. I can be grateful it was good (negative).
Thanks!
Phew that is good news… Stay well and safe I am cocooning myself here.. X
😀
I’m guessing I never had 20/20 vision. I started wearing spectacles at age 5 but who knows if I could see clearly before that? I’m grateful for how glasses have allowed me to overcome what in a different century could have been an almost insurmountable problem. I have a copy of Doerr’s book but have yet to read it. Now might be the time.
I can’t think of a better time to begin Doerr’s book, Ally.
You were diagnosed early with vision problems. When I was in 7th or 8th grade one of my teachers noticed I was squinting at the blackboard, called my mother, who took me to the eye doctor. For a long time, my PA driver’s license was printed in red: Must wear glasses! Indeed I do. 😀
Marian — You’ve given me two gifts today. The title of a book to add to my reading list, and the name of a young musician to learn more about. Thank you!
Laurie, I hope you and Len celebrated to the hilt yesterday. (I think one of you is Scottish – “hilt,” rhyming with “kilt”!)
And I equally glad you found some nuggets here to enrich your life while we are in this odd zone. Thanks for commenting. 😀
I’m thankful today, Marian, for people like you, who always give me something to ponder, to cheer my day, to encourage me even as they go through their own griefs and trials. You are a blessing to many! One of these days I will write the review of your book!
YOU are en encouragement to me too, Elfreida! I imagine your reading this blog post to Hardy, as you say you often do. Yes, we are going through griefs and trials now, as North Americans – all over the world, in fact.
Thank you for your willingness to write a review. One misconception is that reviews should be long and fancy. In my opinion, short is better: Just 3-5 sentences is long enough. And you could say what you’d say speaking to me face to face: what you think about the book, how your experience may be similar (or not) to my mine.
Good health to you and your family! 😀
I Absolutely love that poem and I adore that book … one of my favorite reads. Thanks!
Joan, several readers have mentioned this book in comments today. The copyright is years ago, (2014 in fact). I’m not sure why it hasn’t come up on my radar until now. I have a large print version, and still trying to finish it. Reading this story takes me away from the gritty news of the day to a world I can only imagine.
I hope you and Bill stay well. Enjoy your pets, your art, and your reading, etc. these strange days. 😀
I also want to tell you that your title is really clever!
Thank you, Elfrieda!
I mean the title of the blog post “2020 Vision”!
Yes, I believe I understood that. 😀
Fascinating about Monet, Marian. Perhaps his impairment was his best asset? And how are you enjoying one of my most favorite books of last year – All The Light You Cannot See? 🙂
So many of my friends here have already read it, including you. I’m nearly finished and will log it into my “favorites.” WOW” is all I can say! That man can write – so much sensory detail and historical research. .
I like the idea that Monet’s impairment may be his best asset. Stay well – and as contented as possible being cooped up-ha!
Thank you, Debby! 🙂
Enjoy! I look forward to your review. Yes, you too. Stay safe my friend! 😉
😉
This week’s post is so full of mind blowing interest it stops me worrying about about what I can do little about but breathe. , watch and wait .🙏
While I’m doing that, that book looks interesting . I confess that I have still not read your book it is still on my list . I think I’m savouring it for the right moment .
I am fortunate I have all my senses it’s anxiety that can rip me apart and to piece myself together I write , read , walk and listen to the ocean and it’s roar.
I’m not one for surprises Marian , they put me on edge but last night at 6 0 clock I had a parcel . I was so surprised it was address to me . It was a beautiful bouquet 💐 for mother’s day off our son Cameron . The surprising thing is , it’s not his thing and that makes it all the more special . Sadly he’s had to cancel their wedding that was in a few weeks time 😢 but he’s not alone many people all over the world are in the same boat .
Keep safe and carry on 😘
Cherryx
Oh, Cherry, how good to “hear” your cheery voice from across the waves.
First of all, you raised a good son! Cameron is so sweet to send his mum a spring bouquet. His fiance is getting a good husband, that’s for sure!
Oh, Cherry, how good to “hear” your cheery voice from across the waves.
First of all, you raised a good son! Cameron is so sweet to send his mum a spring bouquet. His fiance is getting a good husband, that’s for sure!
I’m glad you have all of your senses and hope that your self-care including walking, listening to the ocean and breathing (especially)will help abate your anxiety! ((( )))
I thoroughly enjoyed that novel!
You are the 4th or 5th blog friend who’s mentioned having already read this. Yay for you, Fiona!
“All the Light We Cannot See” sounds extremely well written. I’m glad you enjoyed it. And over 34,000 reviews!? That’s incredible. One day, I’d like to read this book as well. 🙂
Speaking of vision, I urgently need to see an eye doctor as my prescription glasses are a few years old and my eyes refuse to work well with them. Plus, the frame is broken. Hopefully, I manage to figure this out this summer, under the current circumstances.
If I had to pick a sense to lose, it would be extremely hard. I’d never pick my sight, though. But… at this very moment, not being able to smell would help tremendously as our camper is engulfed in smoke from a campfire. Although, the accompanying headache and nausea would probably still show up if I were to lose my smell right now…
Oh, my Liesbet. I’m glad we have a safe place on our blogs to reveal our vulnerabilities. I hope the smoky smell has abated, and that you can find a way to update your spectacles. Maybe I can do more to help down the line 😀
I loved this book, Marian. Thank you.
I’m late coming to this, but got through it (large print edition), to join you all! 🙂