You will have a great trip. I just looked at your clip in Brussels. Such beautiful view! And so cool you stay across from where two of your French literature ‚besties‘ stayed ca. 150 years ago! ♥️🔥
Cairo really adores you. Although by now you've already arrived in Europe, I'm wishing a splendid tour and safe travels to you and your entourage. Meet many interesting folks, eat wonderful meals, and we'll await your on-the-road updates.
Awakening on my 60th, a sad birthday not because of my age, which I am thankful to have attained, but for being unwell, I am touched beyond words to find birthday greetings from you. Your warmth and encouragement mean more to me than I can say. The wisdom, beauty, and camaraderie of Patti’s Substack community are among the great gifts of my life.
I wish all of you good health, joy, and courage in the face of what is in many ways, a hard time to be alive. That we are here, sharing this space, is a blessing and reason for faith.
With gratitude and affection, always,
Robin
As my birthday gift to all of you, here is one of my favorites, a late in life poem by Wallace Stevens. It was written after his “Collected Poems” were published. Stevens looks at the book and thinks, “This is my work, here.” He imagines the little desk globes that teachers had on their desks in his childhood. Although he refers to himself as “Ariel” (Stevens was not a poet who presented himself outright, though it is always himself of which he writes) he is as forthrightly himself as he ever was.
My wish for everyone I care for is that they can look at their life and the work they’ve done and be glad for it. Here is:
Once again, this time on the actual day, happy birthday, Robin. You know how I feel about our Substack community and your contributions in particular. Thanks so much for the Wallace Stevens poem. It’s as if you are following the hobbit tradition of giving us a gift on your birthday. I was feeling somewhat dejected about my own work this morning after a string of rejections and this poem made me remember why I struggle with words in the first place. So thank you. I wish you renewed health in the coming year and look forward to your continued insights. All the best to you.
I somehow missed this post how beautiful is Cairo you must miss her when you tour. Enjoy your travels 🙏
You will have a great trip. I just looked at your clip in Brussels. Such beautiful view! And so cool you stay across from where two of your French literature ‚besties‘ stayed ca. 150 years ago! ♥️🔥
Bon voyage! Looking forward to hearing about your travels!!!
Looking forward to see you tonight at the Cirque Royale! Love, Frank.
Cairo really adores you. Although by now you've already arrived in Europe, I'm wishing a splendid tour and safe travels to you and your entourage. Meet many interesting folks, eat wonderful meals, and we'll await your on-the-road updates.
Just arrived in Cambridge … so grateful and excited to be going to your concert!
I’m waiting for you in Rome in July! Enjoy the tour
You'll be great, Patti, please take good and faithful care of yourself
👋
bye bye Cairo, see ya soon!
Roses are red, violets are blue….
We’re all sending love for safe travels to you! 😘
PS. Who takes care of your beloved Cairo? Sending warm love to her too! ❤️
Patti, I love your messages and your "Hello everybody", and your cat too ❤️
All good Wishes on a safe and exciting tour! LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Dear Patti, and fellow Meltingers,
Awakening on my 60th, a sad birthday not because of my age, which I am thankful to have attained, but for being unwell, I am touched beyond words to find birthday greetings from you. Your warmth and encouragement mean more to me than I can say. The wisdom, beauty, and camaraderie of Patti’s Substack community are among the great gifts of my life.
I wish all of you good health, joy, and courage in the face of what is in many ways, a hard time to be alive. That we are here, sharing this space, is a blessing and reason for faith.
With gratitude and affection, always,
Robin
As my birthday gift to all of you, here is one of my favorites, a late in life poem by Wallace Stevens. It was written after his “Collected Poems” were published. Stevens looks at the book and thinks, “This is my work, here.” He imagines the little desk globes that teachers had on their desks in his childhood. Although he refers to himself as “Ariel” (Stevens was not a poet who presented himself outright, though it is always himself of which he writes) he is as forthrightly himself as he ever was.
My wish for everyone I care for is that they can look at their life and the work they’ve done and be glad for it. Here is:
THE PLANET ON THE TABLE
Ariel was glad he had written his poems.
They were of a remembered time
Or of something seen that he liked.
Other makings of the sun
Were waste and welter
And the ripe shrub writhed.
His self and the sun were one
And his poems, although makings of his self,
Were no less makings of the sun.
It was not important that they survive.
What mattered was that they should bear
Some lineament or character,
Some affluence, if only half-perceived,
In the poverty of their words,
Of the planet of which they were part.
Once again, this time on the actual day, happy birthday, Robin. You know how I feel about our Substack community and your contributions in particular. Thanks so much for the Wallace Stevens poem. It’s as if you are following the hobbit tradition of giving us a gift on your birthday. I was feeling somewhat dejected about my own work this morning after a string of rejections and this poem made me remember why I struggle with words in the first place. So thank you. I wish you renewed health in the coming year and look forward to your continued insights. All the best to you.
Jim
"These are our thoughts, Voyager's thoughts,----/
and this is ocean's poem."
A bit of paraphrasing but Walt Whitman knew the exciting and complex beginning of the Journey. Be safe, & Rock on💖
Wishing safe travels and a happy reintegration to the humans of the world who love you!