“Telling it slant” was a saying of Emily Dickenson’s. She meant that most of what is said is more interesting if it’s inferred, particularly through the use of metaphor.

I thought of this saying this morning and this afternoon, when I was out riding. At both times the low angle of the sun cast light in such a way as to create shadows. The light itself was diffuse. In places the sky was blue gray; in others, it was orange where it was shining through the low-lying clouds. And oh yes, the snow was still clinging to the boughs of the trees. Pete observed that the other day, when the snow first fell, it was light and fluffy. What remained was heavier snow. He further said that if it gets cold that the snow on the boughs will lose moisture and again be fluffy.

Bill loading the new bookcase in the Valley Hotel

I often wonder if the trees, their limbs bent over like arches, feel any discomfort. Just in case, I make it a habit of knocking snow off them, either with my gloved hand or with my riding crop. The horses are now very used to this. If I wanted a wild and crazy ride, I’d ride an Arab and prepare, in knocking the snow off the branches, to meet my maker. Some riders like being catapulted forward, as if shot out of cannon. Me, I like a slow, sustained rocking horse canter. Raudi and sometimes Hrimmi do the rocking horse thing. Tyra, she’s now just learning what this is all about. And, as I have discovered, the best way to learn is by going uphill, while following other, faster horses.

I felt virtuous, first riding early this morning. Then I felt virtuous again, riding this afternoon. Getting me and the horses ready for an outing takes time. The time in between, it’s worth it.

My day was split up because I had to go to town. I consider the book project to be my job. And being my own job, I get to make my own hours. If I was on the clock, I’d dilly dally because I would be working for someone else. The way it’s now working, I’m putting in the hours required to get the job done.

Pete and I met Bill S at the Valley Hotel where he installed his new bookcase and then filled it with books. Once we have signage, and as I said yesterday, the word FREE, the books will go.

I also met with Nan Potts at the Meeting House. It was in talking with her that time slowed down. Neither of us indicated that we were busy and had other things to do. Instead, we talked books and book project. Once again, I erred (and in a good way) in my judgement. There was a picture book on the table that I was thinking of ditching called America the Beautiful. The cover was scuffed, and I was thinking about pitching it. Nan saw it and said it was a book her father once owned. I offered it to her. She also took a beautiful Currier and Ives book, full of lithographs and illustrations. And in addition, she left with a carton of books on the subject of writing.

So, all n all, a good day, telling it slant.

Next: 23. 1/23/21: Shadow’s Dog Blog