Cataclysmic events have rocked our world. This past year we have been confronted with the relentless effects of COVID-19, the unprovoked war in Ukraine, horrific school shootings, the border crisis, continual political unrest–and more. Regardless of your stance on political and social issues, it’s impossible not to notice the lack of tolerance for opposing points of view, often leading to violence.
And so, on Friday, June 24, with the uproar following the proclamation of a supremely controversial High Court decision, I decided to do the one thing I can control: The appearance of the desk in my writing studio. I discovered I don’t need to keep an overused face mask or 4 beverage coasters–or dozens of pens.
Surveying the build-up of this and that—colorful clutter, perhaps—I proceeded to spark a little joy by tidying up. Here is the “Before” photo.
And the one “After”
In the cleaning up process, I found some quotations from books I’ve read in May and June. All very different ones. Lines from a variety of authors I think are wise and sane.
“Disappointments don’t make you a victim; they prove that you are a participant, and participation is what we are called to—not success or job titles or acknowledgement. Even in the face of outcomes you don’t want, you have unstoppable, irrevocable agency to take the next few courageous steps.” 142-143 Bob Goff, Undistracted
“Young and Old: The Dance of the Generations: focuses on creative engagement with the young. When young and old are connected like the poles of a battery, the power that’s released enlivens both parties and help light up the world.” 9 Parker Palmer, On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity, and Growing Old
:“Dreams that drift away at dawn, the song that’s almost heard, a thought that dies before it’s born without substance, wispy and ephemeral dancing in a ghost waltz one, two, three—and gone before you feel the rhythm.” “Ghost Links” in River Ghosts, a poetry collection by Merril Smith
“So maybe parenthood was meant to be educational, Robin thought—a lesson for the parents on totally other styles of being.” 164 French Braid, Anne Tyler
She slept peacefully, her breathing as soft as flour sifting.” 222 French Braid, Tyler
Epigenetics: The study of how genes turn on and off in response to environmental changes, including adversity. People say, when something cataclysmic happens: “I’m not the same person.” New word I learned in Bittersweet, Susan Cain
Garrison Keillor quips: “One reads books in order to gain the privilege of living more than one life. People who don’t read are trapped in a mine shaft, even if they think the sun is shining.”
Peaceful Pose Lake Reflection
It occurs to me just now that my Word for the Year 2022 is “Reflect.” So at mid-year, I pause to consider complex issues facing our nation and the world. I’m curious about your reflections.
What quotes can you add?
What books are you now reading?
How do you cope with the knowledge of events you can’t control?
Good morning, Marian! So, here I am reading the quotes, and I see my name and words! I am SO honored. Thank you! ❤️❤️
My house is a mess, but I think my daily walking is one thing I can control. Most days, I get in well over my goal.
Epigenetics is a word I’ve used in terms of trauma inherited from ancestors.
From your quotes, I liked Tyler’s , “her breathing as soft as flour sifting.”
Good morning, early bird! When I read your reply, I felt a bit envious, thinking you get well over your writing goal projects each day, but I think you may have been referring to walking. Either way, hurrah!
I’m happy to promote you and your poetry. May you feel a creative surge again today, Merril! 😀
Yes, I meant walking! I’m not organized enough to have daily writing goals. It’s more like uh oh, the deadline is tomorrow. 🤣
Thank you again!
My pleasure! 😀
I can’t control world events or the decisions of loved ones or lots of things at work and church. Many days my body fails me and I can’t control this, either. In moments when I feel a bit desperate because so much is beyond my influence, I turn inward and remind myself that I can surrender control of externals to God, and I can focus on having a clean, strong spirit.
You have a wonderful attitude, Holly. Readers, Holly is a fairly new commenter who writes about staying strong in spirit even while coping with chronic illness. You can find Holly here with a link to her new book: https://hollydicksonramos.com/
Thanks for visiting here today and adding wisdom to our chat! 😀
As a lover of quotes, I enjoyed this, Marian. How wonderful to see Merril’s beautiful quote!
I have highlighted, tagged with Post-it notes and reread Bob’s book Undistracted. I love how he speaks of using disappointments as an opportunity for redirection.
A quote that’s carried me through tough times and is framed on my writing desk is “Both faith and fear may sail into your harbor. But allow only faith to drop anchor.” —Author Unknown
I can let go of fear and choose faith because I know there are events happening each day that are beyond my control.
I love, love this quote about choosing love over fear. Bob Goff has a huge following and many top-notch reviews, deservedly so. I don’t usually write reviews for public figures like Bob, but I do capture quotes I like in a WORD doc on my desktop. So encouraging!
Thanks for checking in with a new quote, Jill. 😀
I’ve enjoyed all of Bob’s books, but this one really came along at the perfect time.
Finding choice words is providential, I firmly believe. Thank you again for sharing your quote.
“I’ve learned it’s hard not to become friends with someone you have some fun with.” Bob Goff, Live in Grace, Walk in Love
It’s good to hear from one of my favorite Southern Lady friends and thanks for adding another pearl of wisdom from Bob Goff, Carolyn! 😀
Marian, your “before” is my “after.”😅
Thank you for these quotes. I love Jill’s response to them. The quote that means the most to me these days comes from Isaiah 40:31:
But those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Boy, oh boy, Linda Marie. Strength is also my most needed grace these days. Thanks for writing much-loved familiar words as your offering today. 😀
Marian — Like many of your other readers, I, too, am a lover of quotes. So reading this post was like refreshing food for the soul. Thank you.
I know you love quotes. Your work is sprinkled with meaningful quotations, always just the perfect segue into a riveting chapter. Thanks, Laurie! 😀
O M goodness – the FIRST thing I did before reading your post but prompted by it, was take a photo of my desk. I now have a Before picture – a task ahead of me that is huge and which needs very serious attention. It is actually quite chaotic –
I loved all the quotes thank you! Lovely to see Merril there – a beautiful excerpt from her book. They were all lovely, and all the comments too. So thank you! And well done! I truly must get my study tidy – a very dear friend is coming to stay for a few days on Saturday and is soon off thereafter to Scotland – to be closer to her ancestors and family. Leaving South Africa – she’ll be sorely missed. So she (her name is Sheila) is a very good prompt to me to make order out of the chaos –
are you basking in the glow of a tidy study … I know I shall be –
Well, Susan, I’m not basking in the glow of a tidy study because I must have “stuff” for reference–Post-it pads, charts, and my cheat-sheet for passwords–at my fingertips. Actually, a little messiness doesn’t bother me.
I’m glad Sheila’s visit has persuaded you to tidy up a bit. I’ll bet she’s more pleased to see you than a cleaned-up desk. I chuckled when you told us you took a “Before” picture. But why not, if it goads you on, so be it. Do enjoy your visit! Thanks for adding spice to our conversation here! 😀
Great post, Marian. Quotes are one my very favorite things to collect. I’m currently using many in a new visual Journal I’m keeping about our upcoming move. Here is one that is helping me with getting ready for another transition: “respect your body when it’s asking for a break. Respect your mind when it’s seeking to rest. Honor yourself when you need a moment.” from Notes Creator.
You are blessed to have both visual art and literary outlets. I’m sure you are happy you got rid of lots of stuff when you down-sized a few years ago. Moving again will require effort and energy. I hope you have plenty of help.
I can relate to your quote about respect. My body needs more respect than it used to–haha! And my mind as well. That’s what naps are for!
It’s always good to hear from you, Joan. Thanks for checking in! 😀
Congratulations, Marion! This is what I need to do so badly! Covid has not helped matters as I’ve become more sloppy with less company coming. When company comes things often get shoved into my office and the door closed! You have inspired me to get on it! I love the “peaceful pose” sculpture!
Creative souls who entertain (or not!) can’t be bothered with neatness.
Every once in a while I go into clean-up mode. I find tidying up also relieves stress even if it takes effort. Thanks for sharing your thoughts today, Elfrieda. I (and many readers) can relate! 😀
Quotes are collected in files on my laptop, in clipped pieces of paper floating through my desk [they get rounded up every so often!], jotted down in journals, and used as jumpoff points for writing my own piece. I sift through them from time to time, wondering what prompted that one to be saved?
For the last several years my word to live by was “journey”. As a new chapter opens to me now, the word is “pause”. Slow down, take stock, take a deep breath. And another.
I found reading your comment very soothing, Ginger. Thank you! I constantly need to remind myself to pause, slow down and take a deep breath. Pilates classes help with deep breathing. So does cleaning up my work space. 😀
I laugh when I read the Parker Palmer quote because it describes my life right now: living intergenerationally with my daughter and my grandson and my husband. I experience the power of young/old connection daily!
I spent much of yesterday absorbed in Dora Dueck’s book, Return Stroke, sobbing when Helmut dies and sighing with pleasure at the rhythms of “King James” (“from thence they sailed”) and soaking in her wisdom of hindsight and presence. One quote Dora quoted is this: “The common idea that success spoils people…is erroneous, on the contrary, it makes them, for the most part, humble, tolerant and kind. Failure makes people bitter and cruel.” (p 184)
Thank you Marian.
Thanks for sharing wisdom from Dora Dueck, such a well-respected Canadian Mennonite author. I need to read this book, which apparently reveals the author’s struggle with grief.
Although it may get harried at time, living with three generations has its benefits, as I recall from my own childhood, with a second “home” just down the hill. It’s so good to hear from you again, Dolores. ;-D
I know just what you mean about tidying up a living/working space to feel more in control. I’ve begun that process in my study, and it has helped already.
I’ve been collecting favorite metaphors and similes, rather than quotes. There is one from poet Dwight Roth about the experience of visiting a cemetery:
“Friends and neighbors
inscribed on these stones
A card catalog
of stories one can no longer check out.”
At the moment, I’m reading Mennonite Daughter: The Story of a Plain Girl by an author I expect you know well.
Liz, I too like simile and metaphor in writing, one reason I included “She slept peacefully, her breathing as soft as flour sifting.” from Anne Tyler’s French Braid. Thanks for including the image from Dwight Roth, so relatable to those of us who remember using card catalogs in the library.
You made my day when you said your are reading my memoir. 😀
Of course, I want to know what you think of it when you finish. Right now I’m working on a second book, which I thought would be a compilation of blog posts, but my developmental editor has goaded me to fashion it into a second memoir. So, back to the drawing board I go.
I’ll write a review of your memoir when I’ve finished it. I’ll be very interested to see how the second memoir takes shape. I remember your writing post about it in the thinking-about-it phase.
You are kind to care and follow my journey, sometimes an uneven one with fits and starts, which you must surely be familiar with. Thanks for the follow-up comment here, Liz.
Hi Marian, how lovely and tidy your desk is. I cleared mine on Sunday and it’s already a tip again. To much to do and no time all the time. That is my excuse and I’m sticking to it [smile]. I love the quotes and the adorable statue.
People who admire your lovely writing and delectable recipes can easily overlook a messy desk.
I’m glad you liked the quotes and the photo. I bought the statue when my two children were living at home. Although they didn’t read together like that, it stands as a metaphor for their continued love of reading now as adults. Thanks, Robbie! 😀
Hi Marian, it is wonderful that your children still enjoy reading. I hope mine will continue to be readers into the future.
With your track record, I guarantee it, Robbie!
These are all amazing quotes. I especilly like the Bob Goff one and I love Anne Tyler. Garrison Keillor never lets us down either does he? (my daughter’s favourite) Here is one I just came across in a Neil Gaimon book I’m reading. In his intro to the book of short stories he says, “We authors, who trade in fictions for a living, are a continuum of all we have seen and heard, and most importantly, all we have read.” I really like that one! Your desk looks so tidy.
Thanks for sharing all of this. The Neil Gaimon quote reminds me Tennyson’s lines,
“I am a part of all that I have met;
Yet all experience is an arch wherethrough
Gleams that untravelled world, . . .”
And thanks for the compliment, Darlene. My desk doesn’t look as tidy as shown on the “after” photo. Why, I’d never get any work done if I didn’t have my books and notes in easy reach. ha!
Oh my, what a difference! I didn’t think the ‘before’ shot was bad, but compared to the new cleaner version – what an improvement! I think you’ve inspired me to take a shot at my own messy desk!
I LOVE that statue photo of the two reading by the river! Lovely!
Thanks for checking in with a comment today. Sometimes I see you on Melodie Miller Davis’ blog. I appreciate seeing you here too, Trisha Faye. 😀
That’s where I ran into you, via Melodie’s blog, so I started following you too.
Trisha Faye, I appreciate how we can make connections with lovely people we’d never meet otherwise. Thanks for the follow-up here. 😀
The Bob Goff quote is excellent and I definitely don’t have enough contact with kids. In a few weeks, I’ll give a show and tell about Monarchs for kids at the local library. That should be fun.
Marian, would you like to drop by my place for about a month and motivate me to go through my piles. (I didn’t think so.) Your post motivates me, so thank you.
When we moved 6 years ago, Cliff’s brother Larry collaborated with him to vote “up or down” on items he wanted to keep from the garage at the old place. Larry helped him to get rid of at least half of his stuff, but now we have another accumulation.
Elaine, you have never lost your sense of wonder. Kids at the library will instantly sense that as you lead them into the Magical Land of Monarchs. I can hardly wait for that to happen. Have an assistant take some pictures. I see a blog post about the experience in your future. How exciting! 😀
I love quotes. Like good jokes that I hear and laugh at that moment, I don’t remember good quotes that sink into my soul. So I just take the quote for that moment, and let it sink in. My favorite ones that you share here are from River Ghosts, French Braid and Bittersweet. And lo and behold I’ve read all three of these books. They’re so good that I just may re-read them.
Congrats on your clean desk. I think having order in our abodes helps us feel like we have SOME control over something, even if it’s just our home. Mine is always neat. I rise at 5:15 a.m., stretch, put on a load of laundry, and am sipping my tea and meditating on the front porch by 6 a.m. It helps coping with life’s craziness. Wonderful post, my friend. xo
Your morning regimen is inspiring. I get up about 5:30 a.m. on blog days, but can barely pull myself out of bed at 6:30 other days. Yet, I do have a routine, and that helps: get up, fix breakfast, meditate. . . .
Thanks for joining the conversation here once again, Pam! 😀
Cleaning up a desk is a relief from burdens, any burdens. When we accumulate things in the spaces we write, designs, or being creative it stifles our creativity and obfuscates the mind. To keep cluttered living areas and bedrooms is even worse.
I’m guessing your lovely designs succeed because you are clear-headed and work in an uncluttered space. It’s always good to hear from you, Valentina. Thank you! 😀
Readers: You can be inspired by checking out Valentina’s website here: https://valentinaexpressions.com/
Call it desk envy. Brava to let us see the mess first. 🙂 Regarding quotes, give me this one, Parker Palmer, On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity, and Growing Old, especially since that has been kind of a theme on my blog recently (the energy and enthusiasm of children & grandparents!)
You have been a busy lady, launching another book, your memoir, and then organizing and co-directing Cousin Camp. Pause a bit to take a bow.
Thanks for checking in here today, Melodie! 😀
I agree that the world seems to be as intolerant as it’s ever been. I find it heartbreaking when some are made to feel less than because they’re different in some way. Differences are what make life interesting. Being unique used to be a good thing.
I really like the simile by Ann Tyler: “She slept peacefully, her breath as soft as flour sifting.”
Yes, Pete, we writers like the turn of phrase that make language come alive. Anne Tyler is so good with that.
I agree that differences make life (and people) interesting. You highlight that on your blog, and so do I. Thanks for checking in here and always spreading the “good.” 😀
Pretty nice change with the desk, Marian. Did you find a better spot for most items or did you end up tossing things?
Reflection is important! We are often too busy to do it. I think we all prefer to control more outcomes in our lives, so letting go can be a tough one, too. My main quote in life is to not regret anything on my death bed. 🙂
You ask a good question. Yes I did toss some things, but I have a little pull-out shelf belong my desk top that I’ve designated as a place for thumb drives and such, so there’s that for better storage now.
I like your quote. You’ll never regret having Mark as your partner to roam about with. And as tough as it sometimes is, you are living the dream many are not brave enough to embrace. I hope things are going well these days. I’ll have to check your blog now to make sure – ha!
Thanks, Liesbet! 😀
I bet you feel good every time you walk in that room now Marian! It’s such a productive way to spin away the negative. I was given a Julia Cameron book “The Artist’s Way” for Christmas. I have been using it for journaling and storing quotes. I only have a few so far, but one I like is Pablo Picasso’s “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” I also have to comment on your sculpture. It is beautiful and sits in such an idyllic location. I love that they are reading. ♥
Well, Melanie, I have regressed. If you saw me now I’m wearing a shoulder halter to keep me from slumping over a stack of diaries, an old songbook, and other stuff. I don’t feel bad about it though because I’m making progress with revisions on My Checkered Life.
Julie Cameron is so inspirational. I remember reading her book some time ago. Now I see her appearing every now and then on my Instagram feed. Love your nod here, Thanks! 😀
Dear Marian, I wish my “untidy” desk was as tidy as your “untidy” desk. I often have to remind myself to focus on one task when all else is in chaos. It helps. Thank you too, for your words of wisdom and wonder. Words can have a marvelous effect on the soul…both those we take in, and those we speak out. Blessings.
I think in your case what you call chaos leads to creativity. I love you stories whether they come from a tidy or untidy desk. (Chuckle!) Thanks for the reminder to mind our words, Jenn. 😀
A profound reflection on what is in our power to accomplish. Wonderful quotes!!!
I’m glad you could relate to them, Rebecca! 😀
That picture of a gleaming desktop has inspired me, Marian. I left mine in a moderately tidy state when we left home for Tulsa where we are enjoying a week with family. I have noticed that my desk, a much smaller one than I had for the last 30 years, accumulates a lot of books and papers over the course of a week. Usually, I can see the desktop by the end of the week.
I too am a lover of quotes. I usually jot mine down in long hand after I read a book.
Thanks, Shirley, for pulling yourself away from your Tulsa family to visit us here.
At the moment my desk is untidy, and I’m hoping that the build-up is moving me forward on My Checkered Life, now turning into a second memoir. Today I wrote a particularly difficult passage longhand, which seemed natural at the time. I remember our mentor Linda Joy saying that handwriting sometimes helps writers access feelings they may otherwise miss when they stroke computer keys. I hope she’s right!
Enjoy precious time with family . . . and safe travels home!
It’s a good thing when we can still feel control with some things. I’m envious of your clean desk. Mine definitely looks like picture #1 lol. 🙂 x
You’d be mistaken if you think my desk still looks like Picture #2. I’m into my next book’s editing phase, which requires a lot of stuff. The mess doesn’t bother me because it’s helping me with revisions.
My impulse to clean up that I describe here helped me vent over the last political upset in our country. I agree with you, it’s a good thing when we can still feel control with some things.”
Enjoy your weekend, Debby, and don’t worry about messy desks – ha! 😀
Lol Marian. I’m comfortable in my messy desk. And oddly, I know where to find everything! Yay for you and your next book!!! 🙂
Marian, quote lovers should not miss your post, so I’ve shared it where I can. I especially loved Parker’s book and this quote was among my favorites. And you hit on one of my favorite Bible verses there at the end. My desk is messy; my office is messy. I still cannot sit comfortably in my office chair so I spend my days in my recliner with a laptop across my legs. Not the best way to get anything too large done. I keep hoping to mend eventually and get back to my office and use my studio for the first time! Thank you for this somewhat poignant and thoughtful post. I came away refreshed!
Hey, Sherrey, you are so kind to SHERRE! That’s SHARE. I love quotes obviously and am happy many of the authors resonate with you. I need to sit in a recliner with my legs propped up. For some reason, this summer my feet are swelling, perhaps with the heat, but more likely from too much time spent sitting in front of my computer screen.
When readers say “I came away refreshed!” my heart sings. Have a wonderful weekend, dear friend. P.S. It would be refreshing to see the inside of that sweet studio retreat once again. ((( )))
Well done, Marian. I bet you are very pleased with your clean and tidy desk. I too tend to turn to cleaning and tidying up when everything else seems to be out of control. Vey inspirational quotations too.
This is funny, Maria Fatima! My neat and tidy desk has reverted to something reasonable so I can work on my next project. But it helped to have something productive to turn to when disturbing news shows up I’m glad you enjoyed the quote too! 😀
Its normally spring which reminds me to have a clear out but having just returned from 2 months in the Uk I find myself clearing out everything my writing space being the first last Monday it must be something in the air…I didn’t find as many quotes though…like others I love the “She slept peacefully, her breath as soft as flour sifting.” maybe thats the cook in me…I wish everyone would be more tolerant of others and realise how richer our lives would be if we embraced the differences in the people we meet…I hope you have a lovely productive week, Marian 🙂