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The Muses Companion – May 10, 2024
Good day, readers. Today is May 10th, the 131st day of the year 2024, with 235 days remaining. Begin somewhere; you cannot build a reputation on what you intend to do. Liz Smith Today in Literary History: On this day in 1899, Fred Astaire, an American dancer, singer, actor, choreographer, and television presenter, was born. While Astaire is best known for his dazzling performances in musical film, his influence extended into literary circles through autobiographies and biographies that explore the intersection of dance, cinema, and American culture. Notable Birthdays: Barbara Taylor Bradford (born May 10, 1933), a British-American novelist, is celebrated today. Her debut novel, A Woman of Substance, is…
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The Heartfelt Need To Call Someone My Best Friend
All my life, I have yearned for two simple, yet profoundly significant things. First, I wanted to marry my best friend—a wish that’s now fulfilled beyond my dreams. Second, I’ve longed to have a best friend who was not my spouse, someone with whom I could share the unique, unspoken bond that complements the intimacy of marriage. I have the first thing; my lesbian marriage to Amelia Phoenix Desertsong is based on the profound and often uncelebrated beauty of platonic love. We are bound not by the typical romantic ties that often define unions, but by an unbreakable friendship that often defies conventional understanding. Our relationship is rooted in a…
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The Muses Companion – May 9, 2024
Good day, readers. Today is May 9th, the 130th day of the year 2024, with 236 days remaining. Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans. Allen Saunders Today in Literary History: On this day in 1860, J.M. Barrie, the Scottish author and dramatist best known for creating Peter Pan, was born. Barrie’s imaginative storytelling and the iconic character of Peter Pan have captivated audiences for over a century, exploring themes of youth, freedom, and the escapism of fantasy worlds. Notable Birthdays: Glenda Jackson (born May 9, 1936), an English actress and former politician, celebrates her birthday today. Known for her powerful performances on stage and…
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The Muses Companion – May 8, 2024
Good day, readers. Today is May 8th, the 128th day of the year 2024, with 238 days remaining. “As the warmth of May unfolds, each day blooms with the vibrant colors and vivid promises of spring.” Rainer Maria Rilke Today in History: On this day in 1886, American pharmacist John S. Pemberton sold the first glass of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia. While not a literary event, this moment marks a significant cultural milestone, influencing countless narratives and symbolizing the blend of innovation and tradition that characterizes American society. Notable Birthdays: Amelia Phoenix Desertsong (born May 8, 1987), not only my cherished wife but also a distinguished author, celebrates her birthday…
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The Muses Companion – May 7, 2024
Good day, readers. Today is May 7th, the 127th day of the year 2024, with 239 days remaining. The tragic hero gives up everything in order to fulfill his duty. His deed is the fulfillment of duty and nothing but duty; for the sake of duty he renounces everything. But the movement of faith must constantly be made by virtue of the absurd, yet in such a way, let me say, that one does not lose the finite but gains it every inch. For example, by my own strength I cannot get the least little thing that belongs to finitude, for my strength is impotent, whether the task is to…
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The Muses Companion – May 6, 2024
Good day, readers. Today is May 6th, the 126th day of the year 2024, with 240 days remaining. “As the heart of May beats on, each day unfurls like a leaf in sunlight, revealing layers of growth and the vibrant pulse of spring.” Mary Oliver Today in Literary History: On this day in 1856, Sigmund Freud, the Austrian neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis, was born. His theories on the unconscious mind, dreams, and the psyche have profoundly influenced not only psychology but also literature, offering a new depth to character development and narrative conflict. Notable Birthdays: Robert Peary (May 6, 1856 – February 20, 1920), the American explorer who claimed…
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The Muses Companion – May 5, 2024
Good day, readers. Today is May 5th, the 125th day of the year 2024, with 241 days remaining. “May dances forward, each day a brushstroke of deeper green, a vivid celebration of growth and renewal.” Nathaniel Hawthorne Today in Literary History: On this day in 1818, Karl Marx, a philosopher, economist, and revolutionary socialist whose works have inspired countless discussions on politics and society, was born. His writings, including Das Kapital and the Communist Manifesto, co-authored with Friedrich Engels, continue to influence and provoke debate across various disciplines. Notable Birthdays: Søren Kierkegaard (May 5, 1813 – November 11, 1855), a Danish philosopher and theologian, was also born on this day.…
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The Muses Companion – May 4, 2024
Good day, readers. Today is May 4th, the 124th day of the year 2024, with 242 days remaining. “May’s vibrant tapestry unfurls, weaving bright threads of budding life into the fabric of each day.” John Muir Today in Literary History: On this day in 1929, Audrey Hepburn was born. While primarily known for her iconic roles in cinema, Hepburn’s influence extended into the literary world through biographies and fashion studies that explore her contributions to film and style, as well as her humanitarian work. Notable Birthdays: Horace Mann (May 4, 1796 – August 2, 1859), an American educational reformer and politician, was born on this day. His advocacy for public…
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The Muses Companion – May 3, 2024
Good day, readers. Today is May 3rd, the 123rd day of the year 2024, with 243 days remaining. “As May’s sun climbs higher, it scatters its light, coaxing colors to life and warming the soul with the glow of summer’s promise.” Robert Frost Today in Literary History: On this day in 1469, Niccolò Machiavelli, the Italian Renaissance political philosopher and author, was born. Known for his seminal work The Prince, Machiavelli’s writings on power dynamics and statecraft have left a lasting imprint on political theory and literature, inspiring debate and discussion for centuries. Notable Birthdays: Golda Meir (May 3, 1898 – December 8, 1978), the fourth Prime Minister of Israel…
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It’s Harder To Hide When You’re Hitching Your Ride
This evocative photograph, showcasing the rustic and weathered interior of an old vehicle, captures a poignant narrative of abandonment and the relentless passage of time that I find deeply moving. From the driver’s seat, the focus is on the peeling dashboard and a steering wheel that echoes tales of journeys long forgotten. Through the dusty windshield, a faded landscape unfolds, marked by a solitary, dilapidated building in the distance, adding to the sense of isolation and decay. The vivid colors and textures—from the rust on the dashboard to the tattered headliner—bring a tactile reality to the scene, making it a visually rich. This image is one of my favorites, brilliantly…
