calamity jane

One Great Thing

—

by

Calamity Jane

Today is my birthday. 35. Half-way to 70. I’m getting that tattoo I told you about, of a stinging nettle.

We leave New Orleans in 6 days, and packing is mostly done. We are now to the moving sale and deep cleaning stage. While going through my drawers I re-discovered this traditional Inuit poem/song, which has come through to me in my life several times. It is one of the most beautiful things I have ever read.

…..

I think over and over again my small adventures

my fears

those small ones that seemed so big.

……

For all the vital things

I had to get and to reach.

…….

And yet there is only one great thing

the only thing.

……

To live to see the great day that dawns

And the light that fills the world.

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Comments

15 responses to “One Great Thing”

  1. Clara Avatar
    Clara

    Happy birthday! Thank you for giving us the gift of this beautiful poem, and your inspirational writing on this blog…seems like we should be giving YOU something today instead of the other way around!

    Reply
  2. Anisa Avatar
    Anisa

    Happy birthday! And, “Half-way to 70” – hahahaha! Best of luck on the move “way up North.”

    Reply
  3. Motherfunker Avatar
    Motherfunker

    You are beautiful CJ. Happy Birthday! X

    Reply
  4. Arrowleaf Avatar
    Arrowleaf

    Happy Birthday! I need to add that poem to my notebook, thanks for sharing. Are you driving north or flying?

    Reply
  5. homeschoolingpenny Avatar
    homeschoolingpenny

    Happy Birthday, CJ! Hope the tattoo doesn’t hurt too much! Best wishes!

    Reply
  6. drtgrlpdx Avatar
    drtgrlpdx

    When I turned 40 (YEARS ago!) I was bitching and moaning to an elderly lady friend who said (as she put one hand on her hip & the other hand wagging a finger at me), “Honey, you just wait ’til you hit 70, then you KNOW you’ve hit something.”

    I swear I’m going to make that into a pillow some day!.

    Happy Day to you & good luck on your move

    Reply
  7. meily Avatar
    meily

    thanks for the poem/song. I have a feeling I will keep on loving it more and more.

    Reply
  8. Fine Avatar
    Fine

    Happy Birthday!

    Reply
  9. Kylie Avatar
    Kylie

    To one of my favourite friends in the world, Happy Birthday. Hope the Moooove is smooooooooth.
    Kylie.

    Reply
  10. holliwithani Avatar
    holliwithani

    Happy Birthday! I must say I’m totally excited about your Tattoo – ust post pictures when it’s all ready to show off.

    Happy moving and transitioning too!

    Reply
  11. dixiebelle Avatar
    dixiebelle

    Happy birthday. Beautiful poem.

    When I turned 35, I thought about having a ‘half way there’ party, as I figured if I get to live to be (at least) 70 that would be good! I have two tattoos, one I love and the other not so much, but hey, at least that one I can’t see very often!

    Good luck with the move.

    Reply
  12. Ms Lottie Avatar
    Ms Lottie

    Happy Birthday! Hope you stay sane during the move.

    Reply
  13. Valri Avatar
    Valri

    Happy Birthday and best wishes for many happy days ahead!

    Reply
  14. Erica / Northwest Edible Life Avatar
    Erica / Northwest Edible Life

    Happy belated birthday, fellow Taurus. Nice tat.

    Reply
  15. heather Avatar
    heather

    Happy Birthday! Looking forward to having you home in AK! With all this snow you’ll make it in time for nettle picking. Let’s make it a date?

    Reply