An intriguing morning

This was actually a morning last week. On mpr Kerri Miller talked to E.L. Doctorow and then to Anne LaMott. What a pleasure to listen to such profoundly articulate individuals. That just reminded me of how startlingly inarticulate many actors seem when speaking extemporaneously (Tom Cruise, for example). I suppose it has to do with the professionalism of the writer's ability to bring forth thoughts in a rational manner.

When I was in high school my English teacher (Mr. Tom Reiter) recommended "Ragtime" to me. I was utterly, head over heels in love with "Wuthering Heights" and he was trying to point me in some new directions. I wasn't ready for Doctorow, however. I don't even remember why because I really didn't get far with the book. Now after hearing him speak he is freshly added to my mental list of writers I really want to read - along with John Updike, John Irving, Donna Tartt and Barbara Kingsolver, among others.

And then came Anne LaMott, who, in her frankness, her unapologetic selfness, and her genuine ownership of her faith, makes me feel a little braver, a little more willing to own my own truths without needing to excuse or hide them. It made me think about the fact that I've got an ongoing struggle with my sense of selfworth which goes WAY back. Certainly back to middle school days - I have distinct memories of not trusting people to like me. Note: there is a substantial difference between not trusting others to like you, and not liking your self. I've always liked what I am. But that not trusting others to like me... really hits the nail on the head and has shaped a lot of behaviors for me over the years.

But I digress. It was a wonderful, literary morning. It made me excited about reading, and excited about thinking.