tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post7589248864622915134..comments2023-12-27T22:26:20.552-05:00Comments on synch-ro-ni-zing: The BridgeRuthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204074161539605133noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-43864190410750293252010-10-14T17:22:54.303-04:002010-10-14T17:22:54.303-04:00Your photos are beautiful. I've never been an...Your photos are beautiful. I've never been anywhere in Michigan except Detroit and that was on business 20 yrs ago and I stayed in Southfield (I think) not downtown although we did visit the Ford folks in the Renaissance center. Or was it Car & Driver? <br /><br />I'm sending your post & photos to one of my best friends who was born and raised in Pigeon, MI. She says if you're unfamiliar w/ Pigeon, it's next to Bay City on the lake. She was raised Mennonite but got over it.<br /><br />I can see why she loved growing up there and why you love where you live.California Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12582691517303132274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-85087538634651852102010-10-11T05:02:45.884-04:002010-10-11T05:02:45.884-04:00When I think of all the years I lived in or visite...When I think of all the years I lived in or visited Michigan, Ruth, it amazes me that I have not been over the bridge more than a handful of times...and never to Mackinac Island. Has Atrid really beat me to it?! It's a different world up there and one that really does beckon. I can understand why you have the hankering to go back. <br /><br />Bill and I took our honeymoon into the Upper Peninsula. I wonder if you remember that? We could change into our bathing suits on the beach in broad daylight because no one was around in early September. I'll never forget it.Ginnie Harthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14014434422568561157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-5545271977805398412010-10-10T23:33:20.283-04:002010-10-10T23:33:20.283-04:00This was such a lovely post! Your photos are incre...This was such a lovely post! Your photos are incredible! I loved Macinaw Island. We visited there a long, long time ago with the kids. Such a beautiful place! I have never traveled by myself for pleasure - I think that I could and I think that I would like it for a short time.Pathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17756564685282866773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-67422330691384512592010-10-10T08:32:02.004-04:002010-10-10T08:32:02.004-04:00I continue to be swept away by your eclectic inter...I continue to be swept away by your eclectic intertwinings of words and visuals and technology... Always fresh. Always inspiring.<br /><br />It's like you have many different personalities still waiting to emerge. <br /><br />And I love to be able to hear your voice. <br /><br /><br />We spent a week or so exploring that area in 2005 and stayed mostly on on Mackinac Island itself. But fell in love with the UP and that bridge! <br /><br />I've only spent time alone once at a weeklong conference a few years ago and ... still treasure that time. I can't imagine how rejuvenating it would be to travel all alone. Is that your secret to your many intriguing personalities?CottageGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07544266302604094446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-15978616925581240362010-10-09T12:21:41.650-04:002010-10-09T12:21:41.650-04:00Oh Ruth, your pictures are just stunning! I love t...Oh Ruth, your pictures are just stunning! I love to travel and see new places both alone and with my husband. Having been a "biker chick" in my younger days, I can tell you that most bikers are genuinely wonderful people. You should take that ride some day...the feeling is awesome!♥ Kathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14591559212770014981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-57203130517178907262010-10-09T11:36:44.747-04:002010-10-09T11:36:44.747-04:00Hi Ruth, Yes I do travel alone sometimes just for ...Hi Ruth, Yes I do travel alone sometimes just for fun! I often like to explore things that Lee does not. <br />Great adventures and courage builders<br />make life thrilling.gmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04879507440579599549noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-71029930841762874082010-10-09T05:35:40.637-04:002010-10-09T05:35:40.637-04:00Claudia, my dear friend, any time you tell me that...<b>Claudia, my dear friend</b>, any time you tell me that you love one of my photos, I feel so good. Yours are just beyond anything.<br /><br />Yes, our rauf is an open-minded chap, isn't he? He's helped me learn to be more open myself.<br /><br />Oh, you subscribed! :D I wondered if anyone would do that. The link to subscribe is automatically there on the site, I didn't add it, and I wondered if anyone would, so thank you for doing it, and thank you for telling me. Your encouragement about the podcasts, my poems, and my readings means an awful lot to me. My voice has always been too breathy (I wonder if I was trying to avoid the nasal Michigan accent my brother Bennett brought to my attention when he moved home from Boston and heard as if for the first time), and this podcast project has helped me work at giving it less breath and more substance. That's one reason your observations mean so much to me. Thank you.Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14204074161539605133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-493393390071260532010-10-09T05:30:50.892-04:002010-10-09T05:30:50.892-04:00Nancy, well you are so nice to come back and read....<b>Nancy</b>, well you are so nice to come back and read. Sometimes I go on and on here to carry on the conversation, and I have no idea who will come back and read them. It is important to me to do it for myself, even if someone doesn't come back. But having you return and read and feel you've learned something is a wonderful treat. Thank you!Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14204074161539605133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-16208696504916702892010-10-09T05:28:37.700-04:002010-10-09T05:28:37.700-04:00Margaret, something is amiss with my internet, and...<b>Margaret</b>, something is amiss with my internet, and when I try to load that story, it freezes. But when you said that she murdered her mother before, it was pretty startling, especially for a children's book author. Crazy! Thank you for the link, I'll try it again in a while.Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14204074161539605133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-67817218377328058442010-10-09T05:22:15.944-04:002010-10-09T05:22:15.944-04:00Cathy, my friend, the trip with your friend is jus...<b>Cathy, my friend</b>, the trip with your friend is just the thing after such a trauma. When you've spent so much energy and grief saying good-bye, some expanse like that is needed. My sister Nancy and I did that in Paris for 2 weeks after we had taken care of our mom for 18 months (she lived in an Alzheimer's facility, but Nancy actually took care of her alone for 6 months) and then passed away. It was just what we needed.<br /><br />I'm so glad you came to tell me that the wedding is this weekend. I will picture you in that gorgeous ensemble (yes hat, yes purple shoes) and with your coon-skinned friend, dancing. You must send me a picture of that. It's great that you don't have to fuss about the wedding and can observe, absorb and enjoy. I look forward to hearing about it and seeing photos if you wish to share.<br /><br />xoxoRuthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14204074161539605133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-25780700147756328142010-10-09T05:08:04.398-04:002010-10-09T05:08:04.398-04:00Babs, so true! I think it is very interesting to t...<b>Babs</b>, so true! I think it is very interesting to think about who the approachable people are in the world around us, and whether I seem approachable to others.Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14204074161539605133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-71885588896255773612010-10-09T04:42:23.864-04:002010-10-09T04:42:23.864-04:00Margaret, oh yes, I know about fudgies. :) I think...<b>Margaret</b>, oh yes, I know about fudgies. :) I think the residents of Traverse City and Petoskey and Mackinac (or Mackinaw) came up with that "fudgy" term for the tourists who had to get some fudge before they left for home.<br /><br />I saw Will in the video, and he is a talented young man who will go far, I think. And won't <i>that</i> be a fun ride.<br /><br />Imagining you painting about an imaginary trip to Paris, after reading about my trip, while you listen to my podcast, gives me a very warm feeling, bless you.<br /><br />As for Arthur Rackham, I really do not think the illustrations in your old book are his. The ones in the book are fine, but they don't have that flourish and fairy quality of his, which captured my heart when I was in college.<br /><br />Ms. Lamb murdered her mother, and she had a successful career in books?? Whoooaaaa.Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14204074161539605133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-26206780013364157162010-10-09T04:37:03.267-04:002010-10-09T04:37:03.267-04:00Elizabeth, hello! I enjoyed this road trip so much...<b>Elizabeth</b>, hello! I enjoyed this road trip so much I think I need to do it again, maybe somewhere else. But I find that any longer than one overnight alone, and I am like you, I want a companion to share things with. When my sister Nancy and I spent 2 weeks in Paris in 1997, the first week we did everything together. Then she realized she didn't want to spend as much money as I did on meals. So the second week we did our own thing during the day and got together for dinner, and then at the apartment over wine talked about what we did all day. It was perfect.<br /><br />And I wonder if <i>you</i> had fun with your husband's motorbikes . . .<br /><br />A wonderful weekend in NY to you too, Elizabeth.Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14204074161539605133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-439264553270547952010-10-09T04:33:14.452-04:002010-10-09T04:33:14.452-04:00Gwei Mui, how adventurous and remarkable you are! ...<b>Gwei Mui</b>, how adventurous and remarkable you are! Just reading the places you have traveled and backpacked fills me with imagined stories and visuals. I've learned a great deal about you from this, and I'm impressed. I hope you had a chance to read the brief Op-Ed piece I posted in a previous comment, by a man of color who rides the train from NYC to Providence every day. It surprises and disturbs me.<br /><br />I sorely wish we had more train service here in Michigan. A commuter rail from Detroit to Grand Rapids, passing through Lansing, would do very well I think. Don and I need to take the train up, into and through Canada.Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14204074161539605133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-20173393551571783172010-10-09T04:15:24.519-04:002010-10-09T04:15:24.519-04:00Susie! Did you read what Margaret's husband di...<b>Susie</b>! Did you read what Margaret's husband did, the joke he played driving over the bridge? Wow! I get the same feeling usually, and so when I drove in 2007 by myself, I worried about it some. But it was fine, maybe better because I was driving, not riding, and I had to focus on that. Of course you can never not think about the poor woman in a Yugo who was blown over the side, so incredibly tragic. Did you see the Dirty Jobs guy climb up the cables to the top of the bridge? Yikes!<br /><br />Please forgive me for giggling and telling Don about you hiding under the bed when your Uncle Tom rode up on the Harley. It's just too cute to imagine. I agree, they're beautiful. One time we were near Chicago and stopped to fill up at a gas station. I sat with my mouth hanging open at a beeeautiful bike parked at one of the pumps. It was blue. Soon, out walked a man, African American, at least 6'7*, in baby blue leather head to toe, and he was beeeautiful too. Don said, "That's so-and-so." And darned if I can't remember now which Chicago Bull he was.<br /><br />Call when you get the Mustang convertible, and we can be Thelma and Louise, except for all the bad stuff!<br /><br />And who the heck can spell or pronounce any of the Mackinaw-mackinac-michillimacinacs anyway?Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14204074161539605133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-60538238269630600802010-10-08T14:39:54.736-04:002010-10-08T14:39:54.736-04:00Hi again! That photo of the Mackinac Bridge hangin...Hi again! That photo of the Mackinac Bridge hanging in mid-fog is extraordinary. <br /><br />I'm glad rauf agreed on the gender of bridge, in the end. It's all about connecting and conciliating, very feminine things.<br /><br />I subscribed to your podcasts on iTunes. Your poems are exquisite but the vocal dimension makes them especially touching and complete. You have an extremely broadcastable voice, soft but clear, not nasal at all. <br /><br />Gorgeous stuff, all your internet material.Claudiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07168756659741926721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-50345156878133906772010-10-08T13:28:07.158-04:002010-10-08T13:28:07.158-04:00Hello again...oh, I just have to say how lovely it...Hello again...oh, I just have to say how lovely it is to revisit the comments pages after enjoying your initial post. Not only do I learn from and enjoy you, but you have such wonderful friends who comment and I learn from them! A day off, a slow start, hot coffee and this. What more could I ask?Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17278124618377552168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-5944885925087344132010-10-08T10:42:02.460-04:002010-10-08T10:42:02.460-04:00Here is a bit I found regarding the Lamb siblings....Here is a bit I found regarding the Lamb siblings. Sounds like a soap opera to me! Not sure how to post a link on a comment bar. I'll give it a try. <br /><br />http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/a-double-life-a-biography-of-charles-and-mary-lamb-by-sarah-burton-536308.htmlMargarethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-80071830739463025492010-10-08T09:05:28.949-04:002010-10-08T09:05:28.949-04:00Ah, Michigan, so beautiful. A road trip alone how ...Ah, Michigan, so beautiful. A road trip alone how brave and cool. Good for you. Life's to short not to follow that feeling. <br /><br />This summer my friend and i went on a road trip, not sure if i told you this. You see, my friends mom, who i also loved dearly, passed away. Now i have been friend with this gal, since we were babies. We grew up next door to one another. Anyway, "Road Trip", our hearts and minds cried out. We had no agenda, we had a Garmen and a desire to cruise the coast... of Michigan that is. So away we went. What an adventure,such fun. One of the sites we visited was Mackinaw,we biked and hiked the island,such beauty. <br /><br />On and on i go. My son's wedding is this coming weekend.It will be a fancy affair, at the Colony Club in Detroit. Mother of the groom is spared the dramatic and ugly last minute details. I have only to worry about my hair. I was going to have it done, but it's just not me i will wear it my usual curly and unruly fashion.<br />I will be wearing a very over the top purple ruffly top,with lots of big fake jewelry, and a black tea length chiffon skirt. <br />I have been thinking about buying purple shoes and a Dynasty type big hat for the wedding. What a hoot that would be. I'm sure i will probably shy away from that idea,for sure??<br />Sorry so long, i've just had a minute to write again since the beginning of the school year:)<br />p.s. i am trying to talk my friend into wearing his coon skin cap and raw hid jacket to the wedding. Wouldn't he just be the darling of the ball. ( fun to think about)cathyswatercolorshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03318863061595720021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-45037236177229730412010-10-08T08:58:48.576-04:002010-10-08T08:58:48.576-04:00I have always found the most unlikely looking peop...I have always found the most unlikely looking people to be the most helpful. I don't know why it is, but the 'smart' gentlemen have never been at all helpful in my experience. They were always the most stand-offish and unapproachable.Babs-beetlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10309239308633895951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-9577149002497923742010-10-08T07:40:19.045-04:002010-10-08T07:40:19.045-04:00One of my blog friends said the illustrator for th...One of my blog friends said the illustrator for the 100+ year old book was Arthur Rackham. I will have to look him up. Also, the strangest thing. I googled the Lambs and it said they were a very successful brother and sister writing team. They lived in England and she murdered her mother. And the siblings had a long career together... Kind of strange - I didn't have time to look into it further but I will later today.Margarethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-18916200604560116352010-10-08T07:26:33.024-04:002010-10-08T07:26:33.024-04:00Appreciate your comments on my blog. My old book s...Appreciate your comments on my blog. My old book simply says "illustrated" with no names. Isn't that strange? And I must correct the word Mackinaw... It should end with a c. It is just pronounced with a w. I sound like a "fudgy". Are you familiar with that term? It is what the locals call tourists. (I never quite got it). Will's video is on YouTube as well I think it can be googled. (Will Bednar Going Down Hair) should do it. I'm going to enjoy my coffee later this morning and listen to you read your poem. While I listen, I will be painting for the "Imaginary Trip to Paris" online class. My daughter, Chelsea is doing it too (chelseabednar.blogspot.com). I know you have a "thing" for Paris. :)Margarethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-22541060121230289142010-10-08T07:22:58.491-04:002010-10-08T07:22:58.491-04:00What an amazing trip!
I think I loved the photo of...What an amazing trip!<br />I think I loved the photo of the wild turkeys best --out of a most stunning selection!<br /><br />Yes, I have travelled quite a lot by myself --but mostly in Europe.<br />To be honest, I prefer to have a companion...though I never had any problems.<br /><br />My husband used to have such fun when he had mororbikes.<br />Greetings for a wonderful weekend!Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03964291132366262298noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-86567049794161006042010-10-08T07:07:27.846-04:002010-10-08T07:07:27.846-04:00Oh! Hello. It's nice to see you.
I hope you h...<b>Oh</b>! Hello. It's nice to see you.<br /><br />I hope you have a road trip in your near future and that you will share it with us.Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14204074161539605133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21312708.post-85321509624414429002010-10-08T07:00:35.538-04:002010-10-08T07:00:35.538-04:00Vagabonde, oh, so the Pont des Arts is une passere...<b>Vagabonde</b>, oh, so the Pont des Arts is <i>une passerelle</i>. As you say, it is logical that it is lighter, smaller, and therefore feminine. But a lot of the gender designations are not logical. Here is a segment of the article I mentioned in my comment response to Claudia:<br /><br /><i>There are many inanimate nouns whose genders in the two languages are reversed. A German bridge is feminine (die Brücke), for instance, but el puente is masculine in Spanish; and the same goes for clocks, apartments, forks, newspapers, pockets, shoulders, stamps, tickets, violins, the sun, the world and love. On the other hand, an apple is masculine for Germans but feminine in Spanish, and so are chairs, brooms, butterflies, keys, mountains, stars, tables, wars, rain and garbage. When speakers were asked to grade various objects on a range of characteristics, Spanish speakers deemed bridges, clocks and violins to have more “manly properties” like strength, but Germans tended to think of them as more slender or elegant. With objects like mountains or chairs, which are “he” in German but “she” in Spanish, the effect was reversed.</i><br /><br />My dear friend, I sit agog at your litany of travel. No matter that I have read countless times of your travels at your blog, you surprised me with each of these destinations, and the frequency too. I read your comment aloud to Don, and we both just shook our heads in wonder. I feel privileged to be a witness and friend of yours. <br /><br />I love your story about the French woman, and that you joined her. I don't think 100 books could contain all the experiences and family history you have.Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14204074161539605133noreply@blogger.com