I have never been to the Pacific Northwest! On September 29th, I will be heading to Puget Sound to lead a retreat (oxymoron?) with Amber Vanderpol and her team. This is a smaller retreat (my favorite kind) with only a limited number of spaces left. It is at the stunning Palisades Retreat Center. Here is the link for more information or to register. I would love to see you there!
So I read Annie Dillard’s Holy the Firm as it was already on my shelf and I knew she wrote it while on an island in Puget Sound. I read about all the tough questions Dillard was asking and where she landed with the answers. But I am wondering if you have a book that is either about the area or takes place in the area – a book that will give me a good sense of the location. Fiction or non-fiction – it doesn’t matter, but it should be living. What would you suggest?
Teaching from Peace,
Nancy
Are you familiar with Denise Levertov?
http://www.poetrynw.org/emily-warn-the-almost-wilderness-remembering-denise-levertov/
Your post is bringing back fond memories of how beautiful fall is in the PNW. Seattle was the first city I moved to after growing up in MN. I still have vivid memories of my first ferry ride, breathing in that fresh salty air and being greeted by mountains on all sides. Aw, enjoy your time out there.
Warmly,
Karin
Dear Karin,
Why,yes! I have enjoyed only a few of her poems but now I will happily delve into her work. And thank you for sharing such a lovely piece!
Warmly,
Nancy
Brian Doyle, who just passed away, wrote about and lived in this area–essays and fiction. He was the editor of several publications in the area as well. My favorite essay (which I teach) is "Joyas Voladoras."
Thank you for your suggestions, Jan! I just read the essay and I am so glad I did. I may use this one, too! While it isn't really addressing the area I am asking about, I am better for having read it – https://theamericanscholar.org/joyas-volardores/#
Teaching from Peace,
Nancy
Mrs. Collier, I enjoyed that essay very much! It was a joy to read aloud to my children. Thank you.
I love the Pacific Northwest, although I've never been to Puget Sound. Fun fact: Annie Dillard once told me that Holy the Firm was her favorite of her own books. 🙂 That was after I told her that it was mine, although Pilgrim is a close second. Her first fiction book, The Living, is set in that area as well. It is about earlier settlers who came to the area and settled. You may have already read it!
I'll be interested to see what others suggest. I've tried to think of suggestions, but nothing comes to mind. I hope you do have a wonderful trip–it's so beautiful out there.
Thank you, Polly! The Living looks interesting – maybe I'll try that one next. It's still quite amazing to me that you talked to Annie and were blessed to learn from her at your college.
Warmly,
Nancy
Oh, I wish she'd been one of my professors! She had actually left before I got there, so I never was her student….but Richard Dillard was my mentor. I once read an interview where she said he taught her everything she knew, which I thought was rather humble of her; then I met him, and she might be right. A brilliant teacher.