Early September and hot. Around here it’s always hot the first few days of September, just like it’s always cool the first few days of August. I think the cool weather in August is nature’s way of reminding us to get our shit together when we still have just enough time to do so. And I think the hot weather in September is her way of reminding us what she’s about to take away just before she does so. Be grateful, she’s saying. Ok, ok: I’m grateful. True, I still don’t have my shit together, but at least I know when to give thanks.
I passed the morning with the chainsaw, gratefully sweating puddles beneath chaps and helmet, clearing behind the pigs for future pasture. I’d burn a tank of gas, then pile brush, then refill, and repeat. The pigs snurffled about, unafraid of the saw’s roar, nosing the fallen trees, sampling of the leaves.
Snurffle. I made that one up. I like it.
I’m reading The Power of Myth, which is a book-length interview with Joseph Campbell, by Bill Moyers, who is perhaps the preeminent living interviewer. That I know of, at least. It’s a good book, you should read it if you haven’t. And then today when I came inside to drink some water and rest up a bit, I looked at Brett’s blog for the first time in a little while, and she had just written about Campbell. Coincidence, maybe. Or not: I’m not sure I believe in coincidence the way I used to.
Anyway. I like the Campbell quote Brett used:
If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it’s not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That’s why it’s your path.
I read that, then had me another drink of water, then put my chaps back on and picked up my saw and walked up the hill. Step by step.
Nice. Yes, Campbell is a good one to go back to again and again. And thanks for the intro to Brett’s blog – just beautiful.
Thank you, Ben…
I love that quote. Might have to write it up and post it on the fridge. Or above a door, maybe.
I agree. Seems like a good addition to my chalkboard wall. Thanks for sharing it, Ben. 🙂
Love the power if myth… I’d totally forgotten about it, too. I’ll bet my teen would enjoy it, thanks for the reminder!
Oh, great quote! I love this time of September, love this hot fall!
Thank you for mentioning that book, I’d like to check out the documentary.
The pleasant warmth is very welcome for us here playing in the Mad river, but I imagine clearing that brush in chaps, you are ready for some coolness. We slept outside a couple nights in central Vermont and got a bit cold. Trees are starting to turn both in the Adirondacks and in Green Mountains. It’s the best time of the year.
Brilliant quote 🙂