summer solstice #10

I spent the morning throwing bottles and after lunch I went through a stack of postcards and letters from the late 70s and early 80s. I am not sure what I was looking for but I read the haiku like messages of exhibits viewed and movies seen and was surprised by the number of images of pots mom sent on her postcards. My favorite letter was in response to a letter of mine, I must have had an argument at school with a teacher. Mom wrote that "its wonderful that you had a chance to read, absorb, think, argue and express yourself." She goes on to say "Just what Socrates would have approved of! It was he who said "the unexamined life is not worth living." She goes on to say that Socrates was convinced that young Athenians must learn to speak out and that it comes with practice.  Also I found a typed letter from my Dad. They are much fewer but easier to read. He closes the page of news by saying "we hope your health and money are holding out and that you continue to avoid jail. We all send our love."

When my Mother's friend Irene moved out of New York she gave me a book with all the handmade postcards Mom had ever sent Irene. At the time I thought it was sweet but odd. After Mom died the gift gained importance as each of the cards held another trace of her life dedicated to an artistic vision and generous touch.