This week has gone by so quickly I haven’t had much time to sit and write. And I’ve actually been thinking about quite a lot this week.  So here goes.

1. Northern Lights

A few days ago it was rumored that the Northern lights would be visible in our area due to a huge solar flare, so I eagerly awaited night in order to see them. But I was tired by 10:30 and went to bed. I did look out the window to see if I could see them, but our house is surrounded by houses and trees, and the only good shot of the sky I have is south-facing. And the moon was so bright I don’t think I could have seen anything else but that.

I heard they could be seen on Mt. Washington, and in other parts of New Hampshire, but near the coast we could not see them. I’ve always wanted to see them, as I have never had the chance to. I’d love to get a nice photo someday. Maybe I’ll eventually get to travel to Alaska and see them at some point in my life.

This article discusses the event and shows some images that were taken.

2. Paul Verlaine

The moon was extremely full at the beginning of the week and was deemed a “Supermoon.” I often feel that the moon has tremendous power over us, and it’s evident especially when it’s so full. People forget how to drive, they act stupid, they start acting crazy. It’s strange but true. For me, the moon has had an odd effect on my productivity. I started writing my book again, but with renewed interest. I think I suddenly have a clearer vision of what it is I’m writing about, and where I need to take my story. I can’t give all the credit to the full moon for getting me to see all this, but I have to admit it happened during the supermoon. So I can’t discredit its potential role.

One of the scenes in my book is going to take place during a full moon, and so I was doing some researching on moonlight. I came across the poem Clair de Lune, which is the french term for moonlight. The poem is written by Paul Verlaine. I had heard of the song of the same name by Debussy, but didn’t realize the poem had inspired the music.

The poem is beautiful but with a sad undertone. Which I like.  I decided to read more about Verlaine. It seems he was a French poet and had quite an interesting life, but it didn’t end so well. He went through bouts of alcoholism, depression, and poverty. I keep seeing these themes crop up for many people I know in the arts, and for writers and creative people throughout history. What is it about being creative that makes people head into the darker aspects of life? Why do so many talented people end up turning to alcohol or drugs? It makes me wonder if a bit of unhappiness is all that one needs to create fine works of art and literature. In my own experience, I write better when I’m not quite happy. During times of conflict or change is when my writing is at its best.  I’ve never experienced depression myself but I know that it has a profound effect on people. I’ve had my days where I just feel out of sync with things, but nothing like what most feel for months at a time. I wish I understood more about why this happens.

J. K. Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books when her life was not that great. She was a single mom, not making a whole lot of money, and all of a sudden she had an idea on a train. And the rest is history. Some of the best works of art and literature, music even, have come about in a similar fashion.

It’s funny how one little poem about moonlight sent my thoughts in an entirely different direction.

1. Boyhood

Last night I went to see “Boyhood,” a film directed by Richard Linklater that was filmed over 11 years using the same main cast. It is at its core a simple film about the life of a boy growing up in Texas with his single mom and sister, and their interactions with their dad.  You get to see them as they grow up, literally, on screen and off, and how they change both as people and as actors. I thoroughly loved the film, though it was a bit long.

I  recommend seeing this film if you can. I enjoyed it and hope to buy it when it comes out on DVD. I loved the very last scene. Almost sums up what the film is really trying to say.  And the subtlety of the whole thing is beautiful. It presents ideas and observations about life but doesn’t preach anything. It doesn’t keep reiterating the same themes or statements, but rather lets things resonate within you without blatantly saying it. Things happen without anything actually happening. A quietly moving film.