Newsletter: May Edition
What's making life bright this spring?
There’s a lot of beauty out there. What do you see?
With gratitude to Mary Oliver, for reminding us to notice, to appreciate, to share…
Instructions for living a life
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.―Mary Oliver
Happy May from the gorgeous South Carolina lowcountry! This landscape and all the life it nurtures just never gets old.
What’s nurturing your life these days?
As for me, I’m outdoors more, on and around the water, walking the dog, traveling to see family, reading, and – of course – feeding the birds.
If you’re new or new-ish to Question Marks, welcome!! This is a place for exploring questions, all kinds of questions. (More here: About Question Marks)
May Memories
Many of you know that my first introduction to the lowcountry was something of an afterthought:
In May of 2013 Tom and I went to Chapel Hill, NC for the youngest Bruff’s graduation. I’d never been the Carolinas, north or south, and had only the endorsement and sweet images of James Taylor’s “Carolina in My Mind”.
We decided at the last minute to add a quick trip to South Carolina, and we left Chapel Hill on that sunny Sunday morning. We drove east to Wilmington and had lunch before meandering down highway 17 to Beaufort. It’s not the fastest route, but so picturesque and – for a girl from the dusty brown plains of West Texas – kind of exotic.
I remember going over the Intracoastal Waterway as we left Wilmington, gawking at houses and boats on the water, and wondering What’s it like to live near water like that? The word magical came to mind.
In Beaufort, we took the tour that (eventually) changed our lives, the tour that introduced us to Robert Smalls and his remarkable life and legacy. Later that day, we drove over the iconic swing bridge and out to the sea islands. Again, crossing the ICW enchanted me. “Look!” I squealed to Tom, “water and birds and boats and houses! People get to live here!”
That trip was mid-May of 2013, and now I know that we learned about Robert Smalls’ story just two days after the anniversary of his heroic self-liberation on May 13, 1862.
Four years later, we made the decision to “spend some time in Beaufort”, and try to write a book. As it turns out, we had the incredible good fortune of becoming some of the people who get to live here. And, I can tell you first hand, it’s magical. Mystical. Astonishing.
And in May 2019, Trouble the Water was introduced – on May 13, of course, right here in Beaufort. I hope the book continues to honor the life and legacy of Robert Smalls. I can tell you this: he’s taught me so much, and introduced me to many extraordinary people.
I’m grateful every day.
And I’m grateful to every one of you who have read and shared Trouble the Water.
On May 13, 1862 Robert Smalls liberated himself and 15 other enslaved persons. Now, 162 years later, his story is getting a bit of the attention it deserves. The US Navy has re-named an active ship the USS Robert Smalls. And his great-great-grandson, Michael B. Moore, is carrying the family legacy of service and running for Smalls’ congressional seat.
Trouble the Water is still finding its way into the hands and ears* and hearts of readers. Thank you! *The audiobook is narrated by Gerald C. Rivers, and y’all, he becomes Mr. Smalls! I hope you’ll listen: Trouble the Water
Maybe I'm Amazed Podcast
Last month, I had the delight of conversation with Dr. James Howell, senior pastor at Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC. It was a fun conversation and you can listen to it on his podcast here: Maybe I'm Amazed
Currently reading:
Hiking Through: One Man’s Journey to Peace and Freedom on the Appalachian Trail, by Paul Stutzman This one is a memoir, the story of a man who hikes the 2,176 mile Appalachian Trail in search of peace and purpose after his wife’s death.
Still Possible, a lovely poetry collection by David Whyte, who continues to find evocative language for “the unknowable”. This little book was published in 2022 and sent to me by a friend who knew just what I needed. I’m re-reading, savoring, listening with my heart.
A Curious Mind, by Brian Grazer This one’s been out for awhile but I was unaware of it until hearing an interview in which he shares his practice of “curious conversations.” As an unrepentant question-asker, I feel both affirmed and inspired!
The Final Victory And here’s a brand new one, launched April 30, by my friend Roger Jones. Inspired by his own cancer journey and the people with whom he paddled Dragonboats, The Final Victory is “is the heart-wrenching story of twenty brave men and women confronting adversity, facing death, and striving together for the ultimate triumph.”
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What about you? What are you exploring, reading, seeing, hearing? What’s astonishing you now?
May your May be filled with all that your heart needs right now.
I hope you’re astonished, and I hope you’ll tell about it,
Rebecca
Thank you, Becky. Your story and updates are always enjoyable. In this case you have reminded me to enjoy and appreciate the beach where I live in Murrells Inlet, something that too often slips away in busy schedules. One can't visit it at sunrise without being in awe. Lately I've been enjoying the writing of the many talented local writers in my South Carolina Writers Association short story group. Shorts allow me to take a dip, come out refreshed and inspired to dedicate time to some of my own work. Best wishes. Mike Lee.