Friday, December 9, 2011

Frost-breathed inspiration


Frost-breathed inspiration. Ice on the windshields, the kind that begs the scraper. Walking out front to frost on the bones seems to wake my soul more quickly.

Vince Guaraldi and watching the Charlie Brown Christmas special. Dylan Thomas's treasure, "A Child's Christmas in Wales." Cutting down our tree in 60 degree rain then swilling hot chocolate from Styrofoam cups.

The storytelling of John Jeremiah Sullivan. The power of William Carlos Williams's words. The Roots's new album, "undun," which may rewrite expectations for all hip-hop albums to follow. The buoyant beats and lyrics of TV on the Radio. Listening to this Black Keys song in the truck with our girls dancing along...



The unconsciously quotable, tears in your eyes laughter at Chevy Chase and Randy Quaid in Christmas Vacation.

Any chance to savor Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout.

And the lights on the Christmas tree. Plugging in the tree lights first thing in the morning, still dark outside. Standing in the dark room in front of the kaleidoscope that resides amongst glass balls and fir branches, I have no definite age.

2 comments:

Karen Taylor said...

Loving the sound of Oatmeal Stout! I am a stout fan - and ale (watch out for the beer-belly later in life though!) I love the way the cat is lounging on the couch looking longingly at the stout, paw outstretched...! Another great post Michael - now I want a glass of stout!

Michael Valliant said...

Thanks, Karen! Oatmeal stout is an absolute favorite of mine. I try to keep some on hand throughout the winter, just because :)

Hope all is well!