“Writing is making sense of life” (Nadine Gordimer).
Last night I thought of this post from so so long ago, and thought, yes, time passes but something remains. Long time Nine Cent Girl readers, I hope you will indulge me with a reread. Those of you new to my blog, here is a glimpse into how it all started. We all have our stories. As always, I’d love to hear more of yours.
This week I thought so much. Not unusual. In fact, my mind is often jam-packed with ideas even in sleep. Yes, yes, I understand this is far from optimal. And yes, yes, I do occasionally exhale and attempt a break even as the complexities of our complex world complicate my thoughts further. One tries to find the simple. After all, one wants a piece of peace while observing the morning light filtered through the fluttering curtain lace. But then we have a week like this, filling one with questions and what if’s and mystery. Still, we endeavor to dust off uncertainty and say yes to the unknown. Somehow we dance our way to find a way.
This week, across the globe, citizens are coming together with eyes on Italy. Not to argue politics or report disasters but to celebrate Olympians, who, despite odds, are showing what is possible on snow and ice, in wind and storm, with or without cheering crowds.
American’s are stealing our hearts not only by grabbing the gold, but through their dignity in defeat. After her horrendous fall, the skier Lindsey Vonn, told us she has “no regrets” and goes further to remind us “the only failure in life is not trying.” After his free skate Ilia Malinin acknowledged he “blew” it, but added, “You learn more from failure than you do from winning.” Their courage inspires the whole of us.
Oh, how we need this coming together. The six rings form into one fabulous symbol to remind each one of us what resilience and passion looks like. What camaraderie looks like. What hope looks like. What global unity looks like. And it’s joyous to watch!
Nine Cent Girl 