east of the sun, west of the moon

i had to say goodbye to a good friend yesterday. i think life is hilarious and that the heart is a funny organ, and that it will break no matter what you do, so you may as well use it up. fully. its the equivalent of trying to bend over in a snow suit after a really big meal. what can you do except bend anyway and love?

youve heard them before but here again are two of my favorite quotes, the first by goethe, the second, martha graham.

"until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. all sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. a whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. boldness has genius, power and magic in it."

and,

"there is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and since there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. the world will not have it. it is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. it is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. you do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. you have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you and keep the channel open. no artist is pleased. there is no satisfaction whatever at any time. there is a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than others."