"A lumbering soul but trying to fly"
Pen-pals, Steinbeck, and trying to fly
Everyone needs a pen-pal. Mine is named Brittany and we both love the book East of Eden. She likes it for all kinds of smart reasons, I like it because a lot of it sails over my head, and we share a deep appreciation of the characters Lee and Samuel.
For brevity, today I’ll share just one gem about the author of said book.1
Throughout his life Steinbeck signed his letters with his personal “Pigasus” logo, symbolizing himself “a lumbering soul but trying to fly.”
If someone like John Steinbeck can say that about himself, I think all of us are safe to do the same, and find a lot of peace in it.
Here's to your big dreams, and to really living. See you in the next one…
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From the forward of my edition of East of Eden (John Steinbeck Centennial Edition)
Adding E of E to my reading list! Have you read Travels With Charley? It’s one of my faves!
I’ve never read East of Eden, but really enjoyed the mellow pace of The Winter of Our Discontent. I’ll have to give EoE a go.