Some 50 years ago, Jane Yolen, one of the world’s great illuminators through the medium of what might be called children’s literature, said to me, “You write like a dream.” It was a kiss from the universe, encouragement to pursue not just writing but my imagination—a pursuit which has come to manifest itself as an attempt to live in what I call the spirit of the universe, a spirit I find playful, loving, deep, writing being just one expression of that aspiration.
Jane died recently of Alzheimer’s at 87. I, too, in year 83, am losing my marbles, as they say, though whether caused by an affliction other than ordinary aging has yet to warrant investigation. I certainly seem able to write and draw in the spirit of PLD without having to make my way through any particular cognitive obstacles. In fact, daily writing in my journal by hand, then converting what appears to word-processed form on the laptop, seems a bit easier all the time as my elderhood gravitates toward ever-greater simplicity in diversity, as they say.
For instance, a recent lightbulb appeared with the wink that there are basically two states of being: delight and ignorance.
Such gratitude for you, Jane, awakener to so many of your life’s acquaintances. I’ve been privileged to be one.