Neuropathy has come to call so I am sitting out its visit on Turtle Row. It has become increasingly difficult for me to type–now referred to as “keyboarding”–so I am investigating voice recognition software, thanks to a very dear friend.
Fortunately, I am able to continue my study of ancient authentic traditions as well as the world of re-enchantment, introduced by two of my readers. In particular, I am enjoying Thomas Moore’s The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life and recommend it highly.
Of late, I have been remembering William Blake’s “Auguries of Innocence,” always appropriate when looking for the miraculous in the mundane. Here is its opening quatrain:
“To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour.”
You may read the rest of the poem here but the enchantment of the opening quatrain is everlasting.
Regular posts will resume June 3.
KM Huber's Blog 
I’d forgotten there was more to Blake’s poem than the first four lines. Thanks for the reminder, and for the Thomas Moore recommendation. I hope your condition improves soon.
LikeLike
So sorry to hear about this. Good for you continuing to write. And thanks for the Thomas Moore recomendation.
LikeLike
Oh no! Hope everything improves soon. I do like the idea of being on turtle row, just reading…
LikeLike
Dear Karen,
I am so sorry to hear of your Neuropathy. Nothing worse than pain and then the frustration of not being able to do what you love. Write. I am so glad that you’ve looked into voice recognition. Julia Indigo had the same problem and had to switch over. A lot of writers love it! I think Diane Capri uses it too. Please tell me, do the doctors know what’s causing the neuropathy? Any hope/light at the end of the tunnel? I know that your sweet doggie is a source of comfort to you. Looking forward to June 3rd! 🙂
LikeLike
We use Dragon NaturallySpeaking here at my college’s resource center. It is expensive but works pretty well after a brief ‘training’ period. The initial results are often hilarious (most common: urine for you’re in) but can be clarified with less than an hour’s worth of honing. I know several writers who have had to employ word recognition software; the good news for writers is that it doesn’t seem to have affected anyone’s creative output.
Best of luck with your current set of struggles–or challenges. Moore’s book is a treasure, and Blake’s poetry even more so.
LikeLike
Rest, heal and take the time for Oneness. And know that you are loved and thought of…. I don’t know if there is anything I can do to help, but you never have to hesitate to ask, Karen. Never. Including taking up your eights, if you need. 😀
LikeLike
So loving, Eden.
Karen, I’m grateful for the net, how it opens a network between hearts. But it also saddens me that such a depth of feeling is left floundering when “knowing someone” is so real on one level, without allowing a practical “bring over a caserole/walk the dog/chat” connection. I hope you know you are appreciated and loved, even by people you might pass you on the street without recognition.
You are both in my thoughts.
LikeLike
Not many people I know can do such magic with words. Once again, you have taken something not nice that is hurting you and turned it into something very enjoyable to read. I love the poem, and it puts things right where they belong, the sand, flower, hour and hand is just where we must put so many things in life. Love and (((HUGS))) to you as you let your body mend. Thanks for a beautiful post!!!
LikeLike
Sorry to hear about the neuropathy, Karen! *hugs* Hope it gets better soon.
Great quote. I’ve always loved that poem. Take care.
LikeLike
I am so very, very sorry to hear about the neuropathy, Karen — I actually an a few posts behind as I haven’t been on-line much in the past few weeks. Sounds like you are in the midst of numerous transitions right now, my friend. Please know you, Cooper & EmmaRose are in my heart and prayers.
Love,
Lura
LikeLike
Hope things are going OK and I’m glad you are at least being helped by being re-enchanted!
Take care,
Diana
LikeLike
Karen, I love that poem snippet. I don’t usually read poetry, but every once in a while there is a bit which is really worth it.
I hope the neuropathy backs off soon and the voice recognition software works for you. I finally had time to read your last post and I wish you the best with Cooper. I don’t know how you do it. I still cry over my last dog, who died two and a half years ago. He had kidney failure (he was born with a congenital issue), and it was so difficult watching him deteriorate despite our best efforts.
LikeLike
hang on there karen – I have always appreciated that opening verse but I also like the verse
joy and woe are woven fine – a clothing for the soul divine – under every grief and pine -runs a joy with silken twine. I was a great fan of Blake, he was in my baggage wgen I took off on my wanders:0
i have voice recognition on my machine but havent trained it yet – put on for when i can’t use my wrists – must train it – do you find it works well?
all the best
LikeLike
Karen, I’m sorry to hear about the neuropathy. I hope it improves very soon.
Thanks for sharing Blake’s beautifully phrased insight. See you in June.
LikeLike