One Great Thing

« Combating Conformity from Alaska to New Orleans to Bahrain

One Great Thing

May 11, 2012 by Calamity Jane

Today is my birthday. 35. Half-way to 70. I’m getting that tattoo I told you about, of a stinging nettle.

We leave New Orleans in 6 days, and packing is mostly done. We are now to the moving sale and deep cleaning stage. While going through my drawers I re-discovered this traditional Inuit poem/song, which has come through to me in my life several times. It is one of the most beautiful things I have ever read.

…..

I think over and over again my small adventures

my fears

those small ones that seemed so big.

……

For all the vital things

I had to get and to reach.

…….

And yet there is only one great thing

the only thing.

……

To live to see the great day that dawns

And the light that fills the world.

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Posted in The Leftovers | 15 Comments

15 Responses

on May 11, 2012 at 9:12 am | Reply Clara

Happy birthday! Thank you for giving us the gift of this beautiful poem, and your inspirational writing on this blog…seems like we should be giving YOU something today instead of the other way around!
on May 11, 2012 at 9:17 am | Reply Anisa

Happy birthday! And, “Half-way to 70″ – hahahaha! Best of luck on the move “way up North.”
on May 11, 2012 at 9:39 am | Reply Motherfunker

You are beautiful CJ. Happy Birthday! X
on May 11, 2012 at 10:16 am | Reply Arrowleaf

Happy Birthday! I need to add that poem to my notebook, thanks for sharing. Are you driving north or flying?
on May 11, 2012 at 10:45 am | Reply homeschoolingpenny

Happy Birthday, CJ! Hope the tattoo doesn’t hurt too much! Best wishes!
on May 11, 2012 at 12:07 pm | Reply drtgrlpdx

When I turned 40 (YEARS ago!) I was bitching and moaning to an elderly lady friend who said (as she put one hand on her hip & the other hand wagging a finger at me), “Honey, you just wait ’til you hit 70, then you KNOW you’ve hit something.”

I swear I’m going to make that into a pillow some day!.

Happy Day to you & good luck on your move
on May 11, 2012 at 1:26 pm | Reply meily

thanks for the poem/song. I have a feeling I will keep on loving it more and more.
on May 11, 2012 at 2:40 pm | Reply Fine

Happy Birthday!
on May 11, 2012 at 5:10 pm | Reply Kylie

To one of my favourite friends in the world, Happy Birthday. Hope the Moooove is smooooooooth.
Kylie.
on May 11, 2012 at 5:59 pm | Reply holliwithani

Happy Birthday! I must say I’m totally excited about your Tattoo – ust post pictures when it’s all ready to show off.

Happy moving and transitioning too!
on May 11, 2012 at 8:40 pm | Reply dixiebelle

Happy birthday. Beautiful poem.

When I turned 35, I thought about having a ‘half way there’ party, as I figured if I get to live to be (at least) 70 that would be good! I have two tattoos, one I love and the other not so much, but hey, at least that one I can’t see very often!

Good luck with the move.
on May 12, 2012 at 12:35 am | Reply Ms Lottie

Happy Birthday! Hope you stay sane during the move.
on May 12, 2012 at 9:21 am | Reply Valri

Happy Birthday and best wishes for many happy days ahead!
on May 12, 2012 at 9:52 pm | Reply Erica / Northwest Edible Life

Happy belated birthday, fellow Taurus. Nice tat.
on May 14, 2012 at 6:55 am | Reply heather

Happy Birthday! Looking forward to having you home in AK! With all this snow you’ll make it in time for nettle picking. Let’s make it a date?