The current world situation depresses me as I absorb the news. I am appalled by the lack of attention paid to the natural environment as well as the cruelty that exists in this country and throughout the world. In my inadequacy to change the trajectory, I seek ways to feel better about the present and the future.
One way that has helped me is to recognize the beauty that is around me. I love this time of the year with the abundant wildflowers in the meadows and woodland areas. As I frequently note, baby animals make me smile. I am mindful of other forms of beauty in the commitment of people to find meaning in their work and relationships. I appreciate the splendor of written words as well as music.
I cannot live in an “either/or” world so I seek wisdom to balance both views. Focusing on goodness does not make me oblivious to the tyranny of the moment. I was reminded recently by a colleague, John de Graff, of the complexity of the world in which we live. de Graff produced a documentary about Katharine Lee Bates’ writing of the poem that was set to music, America the Beautiful. She acknowledged the coexistence of beauty and strife in her words, even though most of us do not get beyond the first verse of praise for America.
Bates drafted the poem while visiting Colorado’s Pike’s Peak in 1893. She was inspired by the “purple mountain majesties” to the west and the “amber waves of grain” on the eastern plains. She wanted to celebrate the nation’s natural beauty. She also recognized the values of the US that she hoped would prevail. Verse two includes, “God mend thine every flaw, Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law!” Verse three notes, “O beautiful for heroes proved. In liberating strife, who more than self their country loved, And mercy more than life!” These verses illustrate to me the desire for a better world.
I celebrate the beauty around me and the principles upon which our country was founded. As is true of countries as well as individuals, however, we can do better. I dislike the political paralysis I feel. At the same time, I desire to thrive in a “both/and” world that acknowledges good and strives to address evil. I need grace. I seek the transcendence Katherine Lee Bates intended in her poem.
Karla, me too. I have just completed work on a book that is replete with similar sentiments. At some point, I will send it to you and Deb to look over because I briefly discuss the two of you as champions of “service living.” I hired an editor to work with me on the manuscript (She specializes in making academic writing more accessible to a general readership), and the manuscript has passed muster with her. I’m still not quite so sure. I have asked Eric Blehm, my former student and now New York Times best-selling author to take a critical look at it. More than anything, the book is a 43-year overview of my growth and development as a human being while serving the park and recreation profession. I have yet to secure a literary agent or a publisher, though I have sent a proposal to one literary agent and one publisher. We will see how that goes.
On another matter, because you mentioned John de Graaf, I am considering nominating him for the Pugsley Award next year. I think he deserves it because of the treasure chest of documentaries he has made over the years, many of which are related to our field. I am also waiting to hear from the AAPRA’s Pugsley Committee this week about whether Bob Manning made the Pugsley grade or not. I nominated him as well.
I am writing you from the airport in Albuquerque. I am on my way to State College, PA to visit Geof Godbey, Tom Goodale, Deb Kerstetter and Frank Guadagnolo. All of them are infirm, save perhaps for Deb, unless she is worn out by taking care of Frank, whose degenerative disease is eating away his musculature. I don’t know how many more of these visits I will get to make. Oh ya, if you knew him, Ralph Smith passed away about a week ago. These are the days of our lives. Like you, I am prone to depression now. My only salvation is sending “My View” columns to the Santa Fe New Mexican. They have printed many of them–too many, in their opinion, as they have told me to restrict myself to sending in one every three months or so. I will send my latest to you via email after I send this to you.
Okay, my dear friend. Keep on keeping on. And remember, as you are fond to saying, to travel hopefully.
Hugs,
Dan
Amen and amen