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Thoughts and Words by Nettie ShulmanThese are pieces of writing by Nettie Shulman, illuminating a marvelous window into her expressions and experiences of the world. This small selection represents choice passages dear to both herself and impactful to those around her. | |
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A Day of Promise A Moment of Oneness Bess Scrabble on the Beach Self Awareness True To Oneself Unsafe Survival Emergency Room Reflection To the NYC Labor Chorus |
A Moment of OnenessI sit surrounded by my oasis; a small area with a tiny lake, trees, and many, many egrets. The parade of the birds is a fascination to behold. How is it all possible; The interwoven designs; the subtle hues of colors on their layered feathers and their organized relationships.There are very different body shapes; some with spindly long legs, graceful and others squat, who waddle when they walk. If two walk together, they are idential to one another. But they are all; each one of them an artistic masterpiece. Catharsis takes place; a calm settles in my bones. I read and I am routed to a sense of belonging. Suddenly, a woman appears from nowhere. She is walking around, viewing, it seems, every inch of space. We say hello and agree; we are in heaven. We marvel at the sweetness of the subtle breeze and the smell of the air. She tells me the extraordinary experience she had in the torrential rain we had two days ago. She opened the door of the place she was staying in and the air was an exciting stimulant.u We explored the kinds of air we love; the tang of October up North, the sting of wind in December and the sense of wholeness fresh air brings. We are soulmates. She is from Tibet, she says,72 years old and a widow of two years. I see a very attractive person in a natural, effortless way. Who, where and how did she land in this community, I question. She is visiting a male friend for several weeks was her reply. Something changes; her affect shows strain. Without any difficulty she shares that her deceased spouse was an alcoholic. She was in total control. She was god. All the decisions were hers; no compromises. This man she is staying with has a strong sense of self, he has expectations, choices. This is almost crushing, she explains. HIS CHOICES ARE NOT NECESSARILY HERS; SHE IS UNACCUSTOMED TO BENDING. SHE MUST LEAVE; HE IS EXPECTING HER. WE SAY GOODBYE. I AM ALONE IN MY REVERED SPLENDOR ONCE MORE, BUT SOMETHING HAS BEEN FRACTURED. THERE IS AN UNEASE, A WANTING. |
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