delayed gratification

 

Tove Jansson*

Dear Y'all,

I have two things, from beloved author Tove Jansson for you.  I will send you the next one soon.  I want to spread out the loveliness, to make it last.

Making it last is why- when I first started reading her books, the three volume edition of Moomin comics that the library acquired 15 years ago or so, and then the wonderful Moomin books, and then, then the amazing books for whatever an "adult" is-  I did not rush to finish all her books in 1 or 2 years.  I was very sad to have read the last (as in, the only one I hadn't read yet) Moomintroll book, so I have to take care not to read what is left too quickly!  

I am not sure exactly how many are left to me now; I have for certain, two on my shelf, and one that I know of but do not have.  I guess, if there are say 5 more, and I live another 25 years I should read one every five years?  Ah, but even as I write that to you, I see the flaw: what about the unexpected early death!??  What about missing out entirely on the few that are left??  Well, this is the rush and roar of our gambling, gamboling lives, isn't it?  Here today and 5 books unread tomorrow!  Still, I don't want to be one of these manic over achievers, so, maybe I will read just the two books I have before the end of the year.

But, I digress:  Here is Tove Jansson from Sun City, & yes, you should run (but be careful of that bus when you cross the street!) to your library or bookshop so you can read the whole delicious thing.

There has to be time to think, thought Mrs. Morris, an opportunity to reflect.  The time that writing requires, a mute communication, would leave space for deliberation.  Almost everything we say is marked by haste and thoughtlessness, habit, fear, and the need to impress one another.  So much needless triviality, exaggeration, and repetition, so many terrible misunderstandings.

PS  

Do you suppose that I am only pacing myself like this because I want to feel superior in my emotionally intelligent plan for delayed gratification?  C'est possible.

*  I don't need to tell you that you want (desire deeply) to read a book by a woman that looks like this!

Lynx Boa (Self Portrait), 1974, Tove Jansson.

(See also, related:  Dodo: 4/28/2025)

The Ghost of Goody Two Shoes

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Dear Diamonds & Rust,

I know what you are thinking:  What will I stop saying because I know it is only something I say, out of habit?  I am trying to remove the oblivious and unconscious references to things as 'good' or 'bad.'  It's exhausting and unrewarding, tedious and futile, but I am doing it anyway.  It could be a favorable pursuit.  I am worried that language is running the show, that words are the sticks and the stones, and that the physical objects are lying around inert, waiting to be named.  Rise up you inanimate objects!  Rise up!  Claim your rightful place in our world, our hearts, our consciousness!

Consider what it is to feel safe, to feel comfortable, to be content.  The very young like to have their things about them- the special books and furry bears, toys, dolls, blankets.  We are not so old as to eschew these comforts ourselves- we only make do with the idea that we will get through this dinner, this boring lecture, this journey of hardships, because when it is over, we can return to our slippers and chair, or our coffee cup and books.  Plus what, it might not be as bad as we expect, it might even be a good lecture.

So just what is delayed gratification?  An endless stream of promises?  Who can live on only the promise of tomorrow being better?  Isn't that just something we like to say to reassure one another?

Still, I can't bear to see you sad, so I say once again, I know tomorrow will be a better day, a good day. 










PS
Diamonds and Rust.