Week Two
A Summer in Europe
In week two we learn a great deal more about the Edwards brothers, we travel from Italy to France to Venice, Budapest and Vienna. We see some incredible sights and learn some valuable lessons. Now let’s see what Gwen learned.
1. Thoughts or further opinions?
2. In Chapter 5 Gwen has another “ah ha” moment …”it occurred to her that she had spend much of her life preoccupied by the perceptions of others and that for once she shouldn’t care about anyone’s opinion.”
How much is the trip responsible for this realization, or is it
3. Gwen compares Richard’s “cold shoulder” to what she thinks Emerson’s reaction to the same situation would be, she then compares Emerson to a modern day Renaissance Man.
Do you agree
4. Gwen decides to accept the attraction she feels for Emerson even if it’s only for the duration of the trip
Did this surprise you
5. The Kiss
How do you feel about this
6. In chapter 7 Gwen thinks something that pretty much defines her “….but she was a woman who knew she lived too much in her mind.”
Did she always know this, do you think since she vocalized this even just to herself that she’s contemplating change.
7. Gwen plays the violin for Emerson
What did this say to you
In reading the novel “again” I’ve also realized how analytical the novel is at times and I’m struck by (having read other novels by her) Marilyn’s versatility and her ability to talk in so many languages- the language of art, of music and quantum mechanics and emotion as well as she takes us on this journey with her, the journey of discovery and re-discovery as well.
Now Let's see some sights
Duomo
- Palzzo Vecchio
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- Leaning Tower of Pisa
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- Matterhorn
-
-
- San Marco Square
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- Szechenyi Chain Bridge
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- Schonbrunn Palace
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- The Riesenrad
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Catherine111 wrote:
I did a very bad thing over the weekend. I finished the book, so I don't want to comment too much and spoil anything for anyone. I did have two questions for Marilyn . . .
1) Do you knit?
2) Did you base Emerson and Thoreau on anyone? That is, if you can answer that question at this point in the reading schedule.
Thanks,
Catherine
Catherine, have no fear there will be more than just you who reads ahead, therefore you'll be very happy to know that later on this week I'll post a spoiler thread for all of you who have to have that instant gratification. 
Catherine111 wrote:
I did a very bad thing over the weekend. I finished the book, so I don't want to comment too much and spoil anything for anyone. I did have two questions for Marilyn . . .
1) Do you knit?
2) Did you base Emerson and Thoreau on anyone? That is, if you can answer that question at this point in the reading schedule.
Thanks,
Catherine
Deb,
First of all, thank you for the thoughtfulness you put into coming up with discussion questions. I love what you chose to ask about 
.
And Catherine,
I'm glad you got so caught up in the story!
To answer your questions -- I've TRIED to knit. I've tried more than once. I think yarn is beautiful, and I have quite a collection of it in my art trunk -- all from projects I thought I was going to make but, really, just didn't...LOL. I have several sets of knitting needles, too, most of which I've also never used. See, the problem is this whole "casting on" thing . I can never remember how to do it right. Once the project is started, I can usually follow along reasonably well, as long as it's a REALLY simple pattern, but the beginning is so hard for me. I tried crocheting once, also, and made a potholder that I was extremely proud of in junior high(!!), but it was nothing like your absolutely AMAZING crocheted chess set! I'm still in awe of that... (You should post a picture of it here so everyone else can see what I'm talking about!)
In answer to your second question, I don't think it would spoil anything to say that the original idea for Emerson began, in part, with E.M. Forster's "George Emerson" from A Room with a View. He was a very unconventional man for that time period and particularly for "Lucy Honeychurch," who was so sheltered in that novel. But I was also trying to create a modern Renaissance Man, who, despite his own skill and intellect, still had room for a little personal growth himself. As I began writing Emerson, though, I realized the story needed another character that could hold his own against him -- an equally strong opposing force -- to keep him in check, so to speak . Thoreau quickly developed from there and soon had his own set of issues. Having them as brothers allowed me to bring out a dynamic I'd noticed between other brothers I knew well (particularly a pair of siblings from my husband's family), which was that a strong bond and deep love could exist between them even though their personalities were, in many ways, quite different. They might compete and spar regularly, but still crave each other's approval. Alternately, they may play reasonably well together in the eyes of strangers but, also, have years of unresolved issues simmering just beneath the surface...
~Marilyn
MarilynBrant wrote:And Catherine,I'm glad you got so caught up in the story!
To answer your questions -- I've TRIED to knit. I've tried more than once. I think yarn is beautiful, and I have quite a collection of it in my art trunk -- all from projects I thought I was going to make but, really, just didn't...LOL. I have several sets of knitting needles, too, most of which I've also never used. See, the problem is this whole "casting on" thing
~Marilyn
Catherine,
PAAALLLEEEESE do post that pic for us to see!!! I would love to see a crocheted chess set. WOW!
Marilyn,
I am laughing really hard, yes, out loud and hard. Are you sure we aren't "kith and kin" in another life?
" I think yarn is beautiful, and I have quite a collection of it in my art trunk -- all from projects I thought I was going to make but, really, just didn't." I have boxes and cases of the stuff. My two daughters love to come and visit...they always either bring an extra suitcase or make sure they have extra room so they can raid my sewing room for yarn, fabric, .... you name it. I buy patterns and yarn to make this perfect...whatever... and there it all sits on the shelf in the original bag (receipt and all). Now, I will admit, I do actually knit and crochet though...left-handed at that. Decided one day that I wasn't going to get up from my chair till I figured out how to cast on. Lol... I can still remember my son's last sweater I made (original design, I was so proud).... the sleeves were 8 inches too long... the kids couldn't quit laughing. NO, I didn't take a picture. Lol but the sweater was beautiful....I ripped it all out and made a blanket out of the yarn.
Now to our dear sweet Gwen...I love, absolutely love how all that math just keeps rumbling around in her head...she sees new things, hears things and then it all boils down to mathematical principles and equations...she seems to be the most comfortable communicating in those terms -- sometimes. Then I think....boy MY math is rusty! All of it translated into music. Music and math are synonymous in my head, so all that part made a lot of sense. I can remember writing music for theory and music composition in college and doing the whole process very logically and mathematically....the music was very boring....LOL... Finding the marriage of creativity and art with the mathmatic precision and logic needed for balanced music is an art form unto itself. It can't be taught...it has to have a large modicum of innate intutition. Then that can be taught and trained. As an aside, did you know that back in the 70s and early 80s the music schools were heavily raided by silicon valley to recruit for programmers and gaming programmers? Now, go fig?!?!?!
BTW loving the balance of techincal, artistic info and just plain fun in the book!!! All the info and techinical keep me on my toes, and the plain fun keeps me running to the necessary room down the hall. Can't beat that!
Muse
Mountain_Muse wrote:Catherine,
PAAALLLEEEESE do post that pic for us to see!!! I would love to see a crocheted chess set. WOW!
Marilyn,
I am laughing really hard, yes, out loud and hard. Are you sure we aren't "kith and kin" in another life?
" I think yarn is beautiful, and I have quite a collection of it in my art trunk -- all from projects I thought I was going to make but, really, just didn't." I have boxes and cases of the stuff. My two daughters love to come and visit...they always either bring an extra suitcase or make sure they have extra room so they can raid my sewing room for yarn, fabric, .... you name it. I buy patterns and yarn to make this perfect...whatever... and there it all sits on the shelf in the original bag (receipt and all). Now, I will admit, I do actually knit and crochet though...left-handed at that. Decided one day that I wasn't going to get up from my chair till I figured out how to cast on. Lol... I can still remember my son's last sweater I made (original design, I was so proud).... the sleeves were 8 inches too long... the kids couldn't quit laughing. NO, I didn't take a picture. Lol but the sweater was beautiful....I ripped it all out and made a blanket out of the yarn.
Now to our dear sweet Gwen...I love, absolutely love how all that math just keeps rumbling around in her head...she sees new things, hears things and then it all boils down to mathematical principles and equations...she seems to be the most comfortable communicating in those terms -- sometimes. Then I think....boy MY math is rusty! All of it translated into music. Music and math are synonymous in my head, so all that part made a lot of sense. I can remember writing music for theory and music composition in college and doing the whole process very logically and mathematically....the music was very boring....LOL... Finding the marriage of creativity and art with the mathmatic precision and logic needed for balanced music is an art form unto itself. It can't be taught...it has to have a large modicum of innate intutition. Then that can be taught and trained. As an aside, did you know that back in the 70s and early 80s the music schools were heavily raided by silicon valley to recruit for programmers and gaming programmers? Now, go fig?!?!?!
BTW loving the balance of techincal, artistic info and just plain fun in the book!!! All the info and techinical keep me on my toes, and the plain fun keeps me running to the necessary room down the hall. Can't beat that!
Muse
Muse,
Catherine's crocheted chess set is gorgeous -- I saw photos of it on Facebook and thought it was incredible. If she doesn't post a picture soon, I will be forced to snag one from her page and show it off for her. (That's a hint, Catherine! )
And LOL about the sweater you made for your son and all of the projects still waiting for you in your sewing room... We must be long-lost sisters!! I've gone through various artistic phases: fabric painting, baked clay jewelry, beads, all styles of paint - oils/watercolors/acrylics, and hand-stamped cards. From the perspective of several decades, it seems I was most likely to complete a project if it involved paint...and least likely if it involved yarn or thread, LOL. Alongside my fantasy knitting projects, I had this cross-stitch turtle that took me almost 25 years to finally finish. I started it when I was in elementary school and then hid it in the closet for two decades! I only finished it when I knew I was expecting a son and thought, "Hmm. Maybe he'd like a little turtle pillow." Thus, that's the one and only cross-stitch project of my entire life. At least I knew better than to think I could quilt...
You wrote: "Finding the marriage of creativity and art with the mathmatic precision and logic needed for balanced music is an art form unto itself. It can't be taught...it has to have a large modicum of innate intutition."
Yes!! You said it so well -- I love this. That's the part that's so tricky to try to express. It's one thing to understand the complexity of music innately; it's another to be able to translate it well enough into a language that makes some sense to others. You're right, it's a combination of both the art and the math, and it needs the intuition to connect them. In dancing terms, I think it's like somebody having an innate sense of rhythm. You can teach anyone to dance who has rhythm -- any style is theoretically possible to learn. But if the sense of rhythm isn't there, it's always a struggle. You can't communicate in either the nonverbal language of pure movement or the numeric language of 1, 2, 3, step left, step right. And, ideally, you need both.
Anyway, very interesting fact about the recruiting of programmers from music schools... Would not have guessed that!!
It's late here -- time for a final bite of Sachertorte before bed. (I brought enough to share.)
~Marilyn
MarilynBrant wrote:
Mountain_Muse wrote:Catherine,
PAAALLLEEEESE do post that pic for us to see!!! I would love to see a crocheted chess set. WOW!
Marilyn,
I am laughing really hard, yes, out loud and hard. Are you sure we aren't "kith and kin" in another life?
" I think yarn is beautiful, and I have quite a collection of it in my art trunk -- all from projects I thought I was going to make but, really, just didn't." I have boxes and cases of the stuff. My two daughters love to come and visit...they always either bring an extra suitcase or make sure they have extra room so they can raid my sewing room for yarn, fabric, .... you name it. I buy patterns and yarn to make this perfect...whatever... and there it all sits on the shelf in the original bag (receipt and all). Now, I will admit, I do actually knit and crochet though...left-handed at that. Decided one day that I wasn't going to get up from my chair till I figured out how to cast on. Lol... I can still remember my son's last sweater I made (original design, I was so proud).... the sleeves were 8 inches too long... the kids couldn't quit laughing. NO, I didn't take a picture. Lol but the sweater was beautiful....I ripped it all out and made a blanket out of the yarn.
Now to our dear sweet Gwen...I love, absolutely love how all that math just keeps rumbling around in her head...she sees new things, hears things and then it all boils down to mathematical principles and equations...she seems to be the most comfortable communicating in those terms -- sometimes. Then I think....boy MY math is rusty! All of it translated into music. Music and math are synonymous in my head, so all that part made a lot of sense. I can remember writing music for theory and music composition in college and doing the whole process very logically and mathematically....the music was very boring....LOL... Finding the marriage of creativity and art with the mathmatic precision and logic needed for balanced music is an art form unto itself. It can't be taught...it has to have a large modicum of innate intutition. Then that can be taught and trained. As an aside, did you know that back in the 70s and early 80s the music schools were heavily raided by silicon valley to recruit for programmers and gaming programmers? Now, go fig?!?!?!
BTW loving the balance of techincal, artistic info and just plain fun in the book!!! All the info and techinical keep me on my toes, and the plain fun keeps me running to the necessary room down the hall. Can't beat that!
Muse
Muse,
Catherine's crocheted chess set is gorgeous -- I saw photos of it on Facebook and thought it was incredible. If she doesn't post a picture soon, I will be forced to snag one from her page and show it off for her. (That's a hint, Catherine!
And LOL about the sweater you made for your son and all of the projects still waiting for you in your sewing room... We must be long-lost sisters!! I've gone through various artistic phases: fabric painting, baked clay jewelry, beads, all styles of paint - oils/watercolors/acrylics, and hand-stamped cards. From the perspective of several decades, it seems I was most likely to complete a project if it involved paint...and least likely if it involved yarn or thread, LOL. Alongside my fantasy knitting projects, I had this cross-stitch turtle that took me almost 25 years to finally finish. I started it when I was in elementary school and then hid it in the closet for two decades! I only finished it when I knew I was expecting a son and thought, "Hmm. Maybe he'd like a little turtle pillow." Thus, that's the one and only cross-stitch project of my entire life. At least I knew better than to think I could quilt...
You wrote: "Finding the marriage of creativity and art with the mathmatic precision and logic needed for balanced music is an art form unto itself. It can't be taught...it has to have a large modicum of innate intutition."
Yes!! You said it so well -- I love this. That's the part that's so tricky to try to express. It's one thing to understand the complexity of music innately; it's another to be able to translate it well enough into a language that makes some sense to others. You're right, it's a combination of both the art and the math, and it needs the intuition to connect them. In dancing terms, I think it's like somebody having an innate sense of rhythm. You can teach anyone to dance who has rhythm -- any style is theoretically possible to learn. But if the sense of rhythm isn't there, it's always a struggle. You can't communicate in either the nonverbal language of pure movement or the numeric language of 1, 2, 3, step left, step right. And, ideally, you need both.
Anyway, very interesting fact about the recruiting of programmers from music schools... Would not have guessed that!!
It's late here -- time for a final bite of Sachertorte before bed. (I brought enough to share.)
~Marilyn
Okay. I will post pictures of my crocheted chess set.
I should probably explain the reason behind the chess set. I am part of a group on Ravelry who are admirers of author Deborah Harkness. We decided to do a group charity project with handmade items to celebrate her work. The items will be raffled as a basket to raise money for her local library, The Hastings Library, a branch of the Pasadena Public Library. There will be more information about the raffle on Deborah Harkness’s Facebook page, when the time for the raffle approaches. She has been very supportive of our efforts and has volunteered to visit the library as a photo op to promote the raffle and bring a signed copy of A Discovery of Witches to include in the basket.
Here is “Hamish’s Chess Set.”
The board turns into a pouch to carry the pieces.
Catherine
ReadingPatti wrote:
Week Two
A Summer in Europe
In week two we learn a great deal more about the Edwards brothers, we travel from Italy to France to Venice, Budapest and Vienna. We see some incredible sights and learn some valuable lessons. Now let’s see what Gwen learned.
1. Thoughts or further opinions?-That beauty can be found in the most simplest of things. Like a flower or a sunrise, sunset. That you need to just experience what you are seeing and not prejudge what you have heard or learned before you got there.
2. In Chapter 5 Gwen has another “ah ha” moment …”it occurred to her that she had spend much of her life preoccupied by the perceptions of others and that for once she shouldn’t care about anyone’s opinion.”
How much is the trip responsible for this realization, or is it-I think it is combination of the trip, her relationship with the boyfriend and meeting Emerson. She now knows that she does not need to live up to these preceptions. Gwen finally realizes that she can live her life for herself.
3. Gwen compares Richard’s “cold shoulder” to what she thinks Emerson’s reaction to the same situation would be, she then compares Emerson to a modern day Renaissance Man.
Do you agree-No, Emerson seems a devil may care kind of guy. He does loves literature but he also likes to live in the moment.
4. Gwen decides to accept the attraction she feels for Emerson even if it’s only for the duration of the trip
Did this surprise you-Yes, and know. I think Gwen was ready for a new relationship. Richard disappointed her by not giving her a ring. She was not sure where their relationship was going.
5. The Kiss- Gwen was open to this and she want to know what it felt like.
How do you feel about this-I think Gwen was ready for a new relationship.
6. In chapter 7 Gwen thinks something that pretty much defines her “….but she was a woman who knew she lived too much in her mind.”
Did she always know this, do you think since she vocalized this even just to herself that she’s contemplating change.-Yes, Gwen was ready for a change. This trip only got her to a point where she could start to make the changes she needed in her life.
7. Gwen plays the violin for Emerson
What did this say to you-That she trusted him. That she wanted him to accept her for who she is.
In reading the novel “again” I’ve also realized how analytical the novel is at times and I’m struck by (having read other novels by her) Marilyn’s versatility and her ability to talk in so many languages- the language of art, of music and quantum mechanics and emotion as well as she takes us on this journey with her, the journey of discovery and re-discovery as well.-
I like this statement. Sometimes we all have to take a journey to get a new view on our lives and that we can be open to that change when it comes.
Thanks Patti
love your answers
Catherine,
OMG!!!! Talk about awesome!!!!!!!! That is dedication and love wrapped up in that set.
Muse
Catherine111 wrote:
MarilynBrant wrote:
Mountain_Muse wrote:Catherine,
PAAALLLEEEESE do post that pic for us to see!!! I would love to see a crocheted chess set. WOW!
Okay. I will post pictures of my crocheted chess set.
I should probably explain the reason behind the chess set. I am part of a group on Ravelry who are admirers of author Deborah Harkness. We decided to do a group charity project with handmade items to celebrate her work. The items will be raffled as a basket to raise money for her local library, The Hastings Library, a branch of the Pasadena Public Library. There will be more information about the raffle on Deborah Harkness’s Facebook page, when the time for the raffle approaches. She has been very supportive of our efforts and has volunteered to visit the library as a photo op to promote the raffle and bring a signed copy of A Discovery of Witches to include in the basket.
Here is “Hamish’s Chess Set.”
The board turns into a pouch to carry the pieces.
Catherine
dhaupt wrote:Week Two
A Summer in Europe
In week two we learn a great deal more about the Edwards brothers, we travel from Italy to France to Venice, Budapest and Vienna. We see some incredible sights and learn some valuable lessons. Now let’s see what Gwen learned.
1. Thoughts or further opinions?
I'm glad Gwen is finally getting to know the Brits, but I'm awfully sorry to see the "Britsicles" go.
2. In Chapter 5 Gwen has another “ah ha” moment …”it occurred to her that she had spend much of her life preoccupied by the perceptions of others and that for once she shouldn’t care about anyone’s opinion.”
How much is the trip responsible for this realization, or is it
Although she is still with a small group of people she knows, these are not her peers--they're the S&M club--and she has now stepped out into "the world" where she is a much smaller piece in a much bigger puzzle. I know she feels that everyone will be looking at her if she acts silly, but she can also rationalize that this trip is the perfect time to break out of her shell. After all, in a few weeks she will not be seeing these people on a daily basis. I think Gwen's feeling so strongly attracted to Emerson is the bigger reason for this change. If she were attracted to another man just like Richard, she wouldn't have to change. Since she is attracted to something/someone different, I think she realizes that there is another side of herself she hasn't yet explored.
3. Gwen compares Richard’s “cold shoulder” to what she thinks Emerson’s reaction to the same situation would be, she then compares Emerson to a modern day Renaissance Man.
Do you agree
He is learned in and a lover of the arts, sciences and philosophy--sounds like a Renaissance Man to me!
4. Gwen decides to accept the attraction she feels for Emerson even if it’s only for the duration of the trip
Did this surprise you
Momentarily, I thought she might follow the S&M club's advice and have a "fling." But it seems she's going to simply be "friends." I wonder with her physical and emotional reactions every time he gets near her how long that will last.
5. The Kiss
How do you feel about this
FINALLY! " . . . and that was a bloody fantasdtic kiss."
6. In chapter 7 Gwen thinks something that pretty much defines her “….but she was a woman who knew she lived too much in her mind.”
Did she always know this, do you think since she vocalized this even just to herself that she’s contemplating change.
Gwen is what I call a "parser." She parses, disects, analyses every situation to death so that by the time she has decided to act, the time for action is often over. Yes, I think she has realized this before and perhaps, even, vocalized it to herself. Again, she is parsing. She has already decided to "let loose and not care what anyone thinks," but now she's rethinking her rethinking. I just want to shake her and say, "Get on with LIFE, girl!"
7. Gwen plays the violin for Emerson
What did this say to you
How appropriate that she chose "Simple Gifts." And the fact that this is a song her dad taught her, says that music is not just notes to her: music is emotion and passion.
Just wanted to pop in quickly and say that we were having big lightning storms here tonight!! A couple of trees in the neighborhood snapped like twigs in that wind... Thankfully, we didn't lose power but, to be safe, I had to shut the computer down for several hours. I've just turned it back on but it's nearing midnight and the rains are threatening to start again. If that happens, I'll add more tomorrow .
~Marilyn
ReadingPatti wrote:
That beauty can be found in the most simplest of things. Like a flower or a sunrise, sunset. That you need to just experience what you are seeing and not prejudge what you have heard or learned before you got there.
I like this statement. Sometimes we all have to take a journey to get a new view on our lives and that we can be open to that change when it comes.
Patti,
I just wanted to say how much I loved both of these comments that you made about the book and how you drew broader meaning about life from them. I really agree with what you'd expressed about how journeys give us a new view on our lives, which we need so we can welcome change. Lovely .
~Marilyn
Catherine wrote:
I should probably explain the reason behind the chess set. I am part of a group on Ravelry who are admirers of author Deborah Harkness. We decided to do a group charity project with handmade items to celebrate her work. The items will be raffled as a basket to raise money for her local library, The Hastings Library, a branch of the Pasadena Public Library. There will be more information about the raffle on Deborah Harkness’s Facebook page, when the time for the raffle approaches. She has been very supportive of our efforts and has volunteered to visit the library as a photo op to promote the raffle and bring a signed copy of A Discovery of Witches to include in the basket.
______
Catherine,
I remember reading on FB that the chess set was for a charity event, but I hadn't realized it was connected in any way to Deb Harkness. I've had A Discovery of Witches in my TBR pile for a while now and am so looking forward to reading it! Glad to know you enjoy her writing so much. One thing I know for sure, whoever manages to get that chess set you made will be incredibly lucky!!! It's amazing just as a piece of art -- the board and the pieces -- but the transition to a pouch blows me away! SO creative and cool. My husband and son both play chess and I showed them the pictures, too. Crafts don't usually impress them, but THIS ONE really did .
~Marilyn
seattle07 wrote:Marilyn, thanks for posting the links for math and music.
Still loving the book and enjoying the characters. I feel like I’m travelling along with Gwen-enjoying the sites and getting to know the other characters better. I like how some of the chapter titles are similar to A Room With a View.
Hooray, they kissed! I thought that it was a pretty romantic scene. I was also glad that Gwen took charge of the situation and told Emerson that it couldn’t happen again.
Gwen trusts Emerson and also wants to share/prove that she has musical ability. She’s enjoyed his piano playing and wants to share some of her musical background. She’s also willing to risk embarrassment-maybe she’ll be joining the group sing-alongs by the end of the trip!
-Seattle
Seattle,
You're welcome for the links .
I'm so glad that you noticed that about the chapter titles!! I didn't parody many of them, but I did get a kick out of mimicking that set of chapters from A Room with a View that begin with "Lying to..."
Thrilled you thought the kiss was a romantic scene -- I tried to make it so!! And I like your predictions about Gwen regarding music. We'll have to see about group sing-a-longs, won't we?
~Marilyn
Mountain_Muse wrote:
5. The Kiss
The Kiss, what can you say. Even after 34 years of marriage, to the same man, mind you, an unexpected kiss can melt me at the knees and curl the toes back to the ankles. I swooned with Gwen, and then felt that guilty pleasure with her... I loved how she realized that Richard's kisses had never had that effect on her..... HEY GIRL, time to wake-up and smell the roses. Personally, I like my husband's kisses to still go ZING!
6. In chapter 7 Gwen thinks something that pretty much defines her “….but she was a woman who knew she lived too much in her mind.”
Did she always know this, do you think since she vocalized this even just to herself that she’s contemplating change.
You can't affect change until the light-bulb goes on. Based on how chapter 7 is rounding out, change is on the burner and definitely has a few bubbles in the bottom of the kettle.
7. Gwen plays the violin for Emerson
Ahhhhhhh. Emerson has given Gwen freedom far beyond any romantic notions. Emerson has awaken a sleeping beauty. He has set free so many emotions, thoughts, and expanded her willingness to open that door to explore beyond the safety of her small world she established when her mother died and finished slamming when her dad passed on.
Emerson, as evidenced by Gwen's conversation's with his brother has got under HIS skin like no one else seems to have been able to. Emerson says he will never settle for one relationship -- big bet with the bro -- Bro sees a big win in this game of chess -- for himself in their battle of who's right, and ultimately knowing that Emerson may have found the right person and the right fit for his self. Hmmmmm
All that to say, the Gwen that Emerson saw playing that violin, and the gift he gave her with the private and very personal opportunity to re-awaken that wonder of one-ness with music and joy from her youth was a ultimate romantic gift, for it was a gift of selflessness, a gift of caring, a gift of helping someone re-discover joy. I think Emerson is just discovering true joy for himself, also. He's giving from a deep well that does not require money or property, for that is not what Gwen needs. He is giving discovery, release of self enprisonment, and ultimately joy and true freedom to live life at its fullest.
I feel that Gwen got a glimpse of that during those brief moments. I know how she feels. I can remember going into a store of grand pianos one day and swooning in joy. As I was the only patron in the place the owner, after visiting for bit offered me carte-blanc to enjoy his inventory. I could not resist. Each instrument had a unique voice, some bright and tinny, some dark and somber. I came upon one beautiful fruitwood 7 foot grand and sat down, the tone was warm and gentle with a gentle stroke to the keys. Every chord I played resonated through the instrument and up my arms and into my being. It was ecstasy. I closed my eyes and started playing, just composing music as I sat. The piano drew the music from deep within and soared from the deep low notes to the high tones that rang with clarity. I don't know how long I sat and played, Time did not exist. Finally, I heard a noise behind me and paused. There was a group of people behind me in the store listening and I realized that the piano had also been miked to the outer mall. The music stopped and much like Gwen, I quietly thanked the owner and withdrew.
That was not a performance it was a love affair between two souls - mine and the grand's.
Marilyn, I do believe there is more than a little of you in this book. For only someone who has lived and felt some of what you write about can even begin to express the emotion and thought process behind the love affair between musicians and their instruments, artists and their canvas, or try to type out what a mathematician's mind is actually thinking. You are phenomenal!!
Muse
Muse,
*sniff* Thank you so much...
Your comments made me a little teary (in a very happy way ). I loved what you wrote about Emerson's gift to Gwen, and I can't tell you how much I appreciated your sharing that experience you had with the piano, too. I was right there in the piano store with you as you described it and could feel that soaring sense of communion. Just you and the music.
There's a famous psychologist -- very well known in the Chicago area -- called Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (and, yes, I absolutely looked up the spelling of his name!) who's done a lot of research in the areas of creativity and happiness. Are you familiar with his work? He wrote a book called FLOW about achieving that state of absorption in an activity, so much that time feels irrelevant. You can't believe how many minutes or hours have actually gone by when you're in a state of flow, which sounds exactly like what you've described. I've had that happen for me when I'm playing, too. In that state, it's just like you said, time doesn't exist...
This is from the Wikipedia page on his work:
In an interview with Wired magazine, Csíkszentmihályi described flow as "being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you're using your skills to the utmost."[9]
To achieve a flow state, a balance must be struck between the challenge of the task and the skill of the performer. If the task is too easy or too difficult, flow cannot occur. Both skill level and challenge level must be matched and high; if skill and challenge are low and matched, then apathy results.[7]
The flow state also implies a kind of focused attention, and indeed, it has been noted that mindfulness, meditation, yoga, the Alexander Technique, and martial arts seem to improve a person's capacity for flow. Among other benefits, all of these activities train and improve attention.[citation needed]
In short, flow could be described as a state where attention, motivation, and the situation meet, resulting in a kind of productive harmony or feedback.
~Marilyn
