Frank McCourt

Frank McCourt has died in New York at the age of 78. He was one of my greatest inspirations as a writer

Frank McCourt

Frank McCourt has died at the age of 74. He was one of my favorite writers, and a huge influence on me, as well as an inspiration. He did not publish Angela's Ashes until he was

Frank McCourt

Frank McCourt, the author of Angela's Ashes, 'Tis, and Teacher Man, has been reported by his brother to be near death in a New York hospice.

McCourt has always been one of the most inspiring authors and speakers to me. I met him in a very curious fashion one day on the Santa Cruz Pacific Garden Mall, of all places, completely by accident. He was walking out of Palace Arts as I was walking in (we did a simultaneous walk in/walk out), and I apologized for bumping into him! He was quite sweet and gracious. Then I trailed him a little as he walked down the Mall (he was with a friend); people recognized him and he talked to everyone who talked to him, very graciously.

Here's a great video of him talking about writing and stories (there's a tab on the video to watch the full talk if you wish):

Been Away a Bit

I have been away from blogging for a bit, due to simply being a bit lazy. But that's summer for you. Still, I am looking ahead towards work, towards a creative writing course to teach that is full and waitlisted. And really, I've just been enjoying my summer and getting used to a somewhat empty nest. And all that is as it should be.

Scars

I am well recovered from my surgery in June, though it took surprisingly longer than I thought to clear even the moderate anesthesia from my system. Now I have a very ugly scar on my previously rather nice shoulder. I have plans for a small tattoo over it, but am not sure what. I feel it will take getting used to. I keep thinking of how many people bear scars, psychic and physical, and how they become part of our landscape. God knows, I have got both, and I think the grace comes in learning how to bear everything with equanimity. I'm not perfect--when I took off the bandage on my shoulder, I was really sad. I can feel the scar tissue when I dance and need to find ways to keep the skin supple there. But I am glad my tumor is gone--my arm has never felt so wonderful, free of pain and numbness--and that I am okay. I still have work to do in this life, and am grateful I am here.