I started reading Ann Patchett's new book Tom Lake over the summer. My mom had just finished it, and my dad was looking forward to reading it next, when I snaked it from him.
Ann is one of my favorite authors, so I felt almost guilty that I was having a tough time getting into the book. I gave it back, unfinished, so my dad could read it on an upcoming flight. He asked if I’d liked it and I admitted I hadn’t gotten too far into it. A few days later, he sent me a message, asking if I’d ever read or seen Our Town. I hadn’t. So, on a recent trip home for a root canal, my dad and I watched a 1989 production of Our Town with Penelope Ann Miller as Emily. I’ll try not to fully spoil the end, but Emily gives a speech in the third act that moved me so deeply, and I found myself repeating it for days “do any human beings ever realize life as they live it? Every, every minute?”
Tom Lake revolves heavily around Our Town, and now I’m reading the book with more understanding and loving it! Anyway, that is the inspiration behind this little book pendant. Another piece to remind you to live life to its fullest, a theme I continue to come back to, I guess i want to keep reminding myself.
Sterling silver and opal. Etched with the words:
“Let’s really look at one another…it goes so fast. We don’t have time to look one another. I didn’t realize…
Oh earth, you’re too wonderful for anybody to realize you! Do any human beings ever realize life as they live it- - every, every minute?”
Approximately 1.25" long and just over 3/4" wide on a 22" textured cable chain with handmade clasp.