I’ve just finished Truman Capote’s The Grass Harp. The story was a speedy read but my heart now feels the same way my stomach does when I’ve eaten too much desert. I’m having to take slow, deep breathes.
Why are tales set in small southern towns distinct in the mouth-watering flavor of honeyed sadness they leave behind? I’m sure there is plenty of commentary in scholarly journals devoted to deconstructing the cultural, sociological, and historical underpinnings of what some lit-wag has likely tagged “shoofly pie” narrative resonance or some such thing. BOLLOCKS, I say, preferring simply to savor the effect and idle away a respectable amount of time before tucking in again.
So, while I’m waiting, let me share what I’m still tasting.
Capote’s Judge Charlie Cook is one of a sundry band of oddballs who take up temporary residence in a China tree in the woods. The Judge muses to his fellow misfits as he catches a wind-blown leaf and presses it to his cheek:
A leaf, a handful of seed – begin with these, learn a little what it is to love. First, a leaf, a fall of rain, then someone to receive what a leaf has taught you, what a fall of rain has ripened…love is a chain of love, as nature is a chain of life.
Now, first let that sink in. Go ahead, it’s ok to reread . Have you ever said or heard it said that “timing is everything in relationships?” This idea of progression though — the continuous carrying forth of love’s lessons and blessings — that’s way groovy, ideally, at least.
But what made the list totally awesome this year was the inclusion of the great Jesse Epstein! Jesse’s work mainly deals with body image and perceptions of beauty - a subject that definitely needs more discussion. Her film 
TakePart Gang: 
Nicole Hughes: 
Andy Kondrat:
Jon Popham: 
Gina Telaroli: 
Well if you’re a tad bit nerdy like me, you probably know that it’s 
