BetterMost Community Blogs > Cellar Scribblings
Cellar Scribblings
serious crayons:
--- Quote from: Jeff Wrangler on April 05, 2019, 01:37:54 pm ---I don't think it's in doubt, but I gather from the Wikipedia article about him (which I read very quickly because I'm at work), that biographers have argued about that. But I'm also finding that as I grow older, I'm becoming even more unwilling than previously to assign that term to anyone who lived before the twentieth century (Whitman died in 1892) unless the evidence is overwhelming, as it is, say, for Oscar Wilde.
--- End quote ---
I'm not sure what the evidence is in Whitman's case. In those days obviously it wasn't much talked about or openly practiced. But people were still gay, so if there's strong enough reason I'm inclined to go with it. Remember the historian who argued that Lincoln was gay because of his friendship with that guy -- deeply affectionate letters, bed sharing? As I recall there were solid arguments against it (like, people often shared beds back then) so while I don't assume Lincoln was gay I don't entirely rule it out.
I've probably told you that when I toured Louisa May Alcott's house a few years ago I emerged pretty sure that she was a lesbian. But as far as I know, that topic hasn't been deeply examined. Paul may know more about that, due to geographical proximity.
Jeff Wrangler:
--- Quote from: serious crayons on April 05, 2019, 02:17:31 pm ---
When lilacs last in the dooryard bloom’d,
And the great star early droop’d in the western sky in the night,
I mourn’d, and yet shall mourn with ever-returning spring.
Ever-returning spring, trinity sure to me you bring,
Lilac blooming perennial and drooping star in the west,
And thought of him I love.
--- End quote ---
That line strikes me as an odd thing to say about a deceased President, even an assassinated one.
serious crayons:
--- Quote from: Jeff Wrangler on April 06, 2019, 10:44:39 pm ---That line strikes me as an odd thing to say about a deceased President, even an assassinated one.
--- End quote ---
Maybe Whitman decided "And thought of the late president of the United States whom I voted for both times" didn't have quite the right rhythm. :laugh:
But I can imagine it might have been true. People who hated Lincoln really hated him, so it seems possible that at least some of the people who liked him went so far as to love him. It's also possible "love" was used more loosely then, not as connected to romantic feelings, just as two men could share a bed.
But here's another good reason to read Whitman in a church. Parishioners can fill in their own "him," and it can be Jesus if they like. Or anyone.
CellarDweller:
Hiya BetterMost friends.
I hope that everyone is doing well.
I'm currently baking 5 stromboli to bring to a birthday party today at 3:00. 2 are done, and 3 are in the oven now. They should be done in about 20 minutes. Once they cool, I can slice them up.
I'm seeing a lot of nice posts about BayCityJohn on the forums and on Facebook. I was really shocked when I got the phone call from Fritz last night. Yet, a part of me kind of expected it, I guess. He had been having health problems, and was looking at a future kidney transplant, or a future on dialysis.
I send all of his loved ones love, peace and good vibes.
The weather here in NJ is finally spring-like. Blue skies, sun, and somewhere in the mid-sixties, temperature wise. Yesterday was the same, and it feels good to have the windows open, and feel the fresh air coming into the apartment.
*side note* I'm enjoying reading the posts here, so please don't think my post should change the direction of the posts. Please continue, if you are so inclined! :)
serious crayons:
--- Quote from: CellarDweller on April 07, 2019, 12:20:21 pm ---
I'm currently baking 5 stromboli to bring to a birthday party today at 3:00. 2 are done, and 3 are in the oven now. They should be done in about 20 minutes. Once they cool, I can slice them up.
--- End quote ---
That sounds great! What do you put in yours? What kind of bread substance? Do you have to keep them warm?
--- Quote ---*side note* I'm enjoying reading the posts here, so please don't think my post should change the direction of the posts. Please continue, if you are so inclined! :)
--- End quote ---
Thank you for your generous hosting of it, Chuck! ;)
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