I hit a low point today. I felt I could not go on. It was like knowing that a free garden, calm and full of rest, lay on the other side of a wall. I knew where the gate was, I could walk through it whenever I felt like it. I was withholding release from myself. Then I had a coffee and a cake, went back to the desk, forced a solution, and kept going.
— Helen Garner, One Day I’ll Remember This: Diaries 1987–1995
- Portrait via Inside Story. “Garner Territory” by Zora Simic: “In one of the most remarkable entries, in the thick of torment, Garner envisions a new life for herself… “Sometimes we know what we want even when we think we want something else.” Another friend declares, “I think these diaries are the best thing she’s ever written.” I agree; they are her life’s work, and the ideal mode for a “writer who works off and is nourished by the events of daily life.” •
- Post Title & Inspiration: Aldous Huxley: “It’s dark because you are trying too hard. Lightly child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly. Yes, feel lightly even though you’re feeling deeply. Just lightly let things happen and lightly cope with them.
Hope you are feeling ok, pal….
All good Lori! Thanks for checking in!
Her honesty is so clear and the way she accepts when her course of action isn’t particularly laudable, but gets the job done one way or another. So relatable!
Well said Mimi 🌷
always keep going, even if it’s just a baby step
And that’s the punch line!
the Aldous Huxley quote is the STAR.
AGREE!
All … Garner’s thoughts…coffee and cake…Aldous Huxley’s sweet wisdom…we all need all of this! May everyone find ways of peace and goodness in our lives…gently…
Lost my sharing…but isn’t that part of all of “this”!
We all need Garner’s thoughts…coffee and cake…Aldous Huxley’s wisdom…
May we all find more peace…more satisfaction just being…proceeding gently…
So agree Valerie!
I find myself more fascinated by Zora Simic‘s (great name btw) portrait than Mrs G. I also now know what makes me feel a bit uncomfortable looking at her photo: She resembles a bit too much an acquaintance from my music circle. A woman of 83yrs who thinks she knows it all (better than those who are true professionals), who disses w/o words nearly everybody and seems totally unaware of the fact that nobody really likes her…. So maybe I shouldn‘t ‚bother‘ with Garner any longer as obviously my impression is flawed. I wd however like to read more by Zora 😉
That’s TOUGH Kiki!!!!
Thank you for introducing me to this honest writer. Love her thoughts/words.
Me too Bela. Me too.