Quarter Turn comes to an end

It’s fourth grade again, and the school librarian has my full attention as she wheels in the old school TV on its tall, squeaky cart.

She locks the brakes in front of our tables, turns down the lights, and starts a movie: the 1977 animated version of The Hobbit. And I was riveted. Everything else faded to black for me, for as long as our library time lasted.

I’d already read the book several times (but hadn’t yet dropped the school’s only copy into a hot bath). I’d spent hours flipping through Michael Hague’s illustrations.

But I’d never seen the movie, and I was transfixed.

No matter how many times I’ve read, watched, or listened,The Hobbit is an adventure I’ve never tired of. And unlike other much-loved stories, I’m never sad at the end.

Never sad when Bilbo gets home to Bag End.

Because it always feels, somehow, that his adventure is only just beginning.

And I think that’s how we should feel when we come to the end of an adventure we’ve loved.

Today is about the end of Quarter Turn.

From idea, to reality, to routine, Quarter Turn has been an adventure that’s taught me far more than I’d have ever expected.

And it’s so easy to get torqued up about the perception of “quitting.”

But the fact is, the writing adventure has only just started.

What about yours?

I’d love to hear; send me a note any time if I can help or just cheer you on!

• You think this is silly, and then you get to the end. Maybe real art just sneaks up on you. (1 min watch)

• Never forget to just go out into the morning, and sing. From Mary Oliver.

• 10 Japanese Concepts for Self-Improvement and a Balanced Life

• A Few Lessons On Showing Up

• When in doubt, just aim for “good handedness.” (4 min read but the best part might be just the first paragraph)

🧠 and ❤️

Lauren