Always writing with all the senses, Kate. Splendid. And Murakami, yes! Added to the list. Will have to watch "Drive My Car", too. I am in the middle of War and Peace, so it will be a while!
Beautiful writing. Having lived in Switzerland for five years (half of that time in a ski resort) I can totally picture the scene. The period costumes, the music, some yodeling thrown into the mix... the flavours of Swiss cheese
Ah, we have more than one dwelling location in common! How wonderful to live in the mountains...I'm jealous. That is the dream. We are in Basel, but I get there whenever I can.
Loved the perspective of your limited visual view opened up through your imagination and beautiful prose. As a reader, I'm watching with you from your hotel vantage point, but also seeing you from the street and I'm also there in the ballroom with the uncomfortable costumes, cheese, and music.
Ah, lovely Kate. These posts are great. The little segue into Kyoto and back was magical.
Drive My Car is an excellent film. The short story is worth your time. The collection it is from (Men Without Women) is perhaps not his best, but I enjoyed all of the stories of course. I found it impressive that a story so short became a film so long. Everything is stretched out. Not in a bad way, but in a subtle manner that you allude to. Thanks for putting the trailer up there. It was good to relive some of the film just now.
I have never seen "Drive My Car" but you've inspired me to do so. But because I am a film score nerd, I have listened to its all job score and it is FANTASTIC.
"I walk the empty streets, peeking in at the gatherings as if they are miniature dolls in a train set. The aura of that light fills with the oils of their meal. I melt into my oversized hat and scarf, hiding from their gaze." I loved the writing, Kate! And I must check out Drive My Car. Thanks for the rec!
I really enjoyed your beautifully evocative piece - reminded me of snowy holidays in Germany and Switzerland years ago, seeing people through lit windows of homes and businesses and imagining what their life was like. I love that feeling when away from home, the idea that for one tiny moment you have "interfaced" with someone by total chance, will never do so again, and they don't even know it. And of course, others will have done the same with you.
"Drive My Car" looks like a must-watch. My husband likes Murakami and we went to see the film "Norwegian Wood" years ago. I remember enjoying it very much. I can't remember the plot very well however that might have something to do with the emphasis you speak of - the intimacy, the slower pace, etc. Not as showy but no less compelling than movies that place the emphasis elsewhere. Thanks for the recommendation.
Yes, yes, I know these scenes! It's like you're in those little Christmas displays. In fact, we've made it a habit to purchase some locally made Swiss scenes at the Christmas market each year that you can light from the inside with a candle. It reminds me of that feeling.
I also saw NW and have the same distant, ambiguous but warm memory! Drive My Car is fantastic. Enjoy and thanks for the comment, Jules!
Those decorations are so lovely - and cosy! 😊 I've still got a little Christmas table cloth that I got in Switzerland. I think the best thing was from a florist in the Harz mountains - an angel on a bicycle! 😄
“The cloak of invisibility allows me to both stand back to judge and seamlessly enter the scenes.” A great line that mimicked the reflective inferiority in this piece: invisible hiding and watching, judging the affair and its participants as “children” yet fondly embracing the spirit and imbibing in the historiographic cultural eloquence of event. Just a lovely piece. Thanks for this DKW!
“A partner is present, but he is like a weightless paper doll and he flutters away in the wind from our circular motion, drifting outward toward the walls and disappearing through them.”
Ravishingly beautiful scene, Kate. This line especially pulled me into such a state of reverie. 💙
Always writing with all the senses, Kate. Splendid. And Murakami, yes! Added to the list. Will have to watch "Drive My Car", too. I am in the middle of War and Peace, so it will be a while!
Thank you, Alexander!
Take your time, but definitely save that film in your queue. Think you would love it. I've yet to read the story as well.
Beautiful writing. Having lived in Switzerland for five years (half of that time in a ski resort) I can totally picture the scene. The period costumes, the music, some yodeling thrown into the mix... the flavours of Swiss cheese
Ah, we have more than one dwelling location in common! How wonderful to live in the mountains...I'm jealous. That is the dream. We are in Basel, but I get there whenever I can.
Thank you, Veronika!
Oh, hello to Basel 🫶. My daughter and grandson live in Arlesheim.
Kathleen,
Loved the perspective of your limited visual view opened up through your imagination and beautiful prose. As a reader, I'm watching with you from your hotel vantage point, but also seeing you from the street and I'm also there in the ballroom with the uncomfortable costumes, cheese, and music.
Thank you, David! Thanks for sharing the post as well.
It’s great/useful to hear the feedback about the perspective and its effect on the reader.
Loved this piece, Kathleen, your writing is so flavorful, like a well-cooked meal. A very sensory experience, I lose myself in it.
A meal would be a good addition!
Thanks so much, Claudia. :)
Ah, lovely Kate. These posts are great. The little segue into Kyoto and back was magical.
Drive My Car is an excellent film. The short story is worth your time. The collection it is from (Men Without Women) is perhaps not his best, but I enjoyed all of the stories of course. I found it impressive that a story so short became a film so long. Everything is stretched out. Not in a bad way, but in a subtle manner that you allude to. Thanks for putting the trailer up there. It was good to relive some of the film just now.
Kyoto made it feel more Murakami 💙
Great, I shall read the short story. I lost my collection of his stories in a move somewhere.
Thank you!
Oh no, what a shame. Well, perhaps someone, somewhere found that treasure trove!
I have never seen "Drive My Car" but you've inspired me to do so. But because I am a film score nerd, I have listened to its all job score and it is FANTASTIC.
What a cool way to encounter a film, through its music. Found this related article: https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/eiko-ishibashi-drive-my-car-original-soundtrack/
Definitely worth a watch when you have time!
Thanks for the lovely words on Notes. ☺️
"I walk the empty streets, peeking in at the gatherings as if they are miniature dolls in a train set. The aura of that light fills with the oils of their meal. I melt into my oversized hat and scarf, hiding from their gaze." I loved the writing, Kate! And I must check out Drive My Car. Thanks for the rec!
Thank you, Jeffrey! 💜 Think you'll love the film.
I really enjoyed your beautifully evocative piece - reminded me of snowy holidays in Germany and Switzerland years ago, seeing people through lit windows of homes and businesses and imagining what their life was like. I love that feeling when away from home, the idea that for one tiny moment you have "interfaced" with someone by total chance, will never do so again, and they don't even know it. And of course, others will have done the same with you.
"Drive My Car" looks like a must-watch. My husband likes Murakami and we went to see the film "Norwegian Wood" years ago. I remember enjoying it very much. I can't remember the plot very well however that might have something to do with the emphasis you speak of - the intimacy, the slower pace, etc. Not as showy but no less compelling than movies that place the emphasis elsewhere. Thanks for the recommendation.
Yes, yes, I know these scenes! It's like you're in those little Christmas displays. In fact, we've made it a habit to purchase some locally made Swiss scenes at the Christmas market each year that you can light from the inside with a candle. It reminds me of that feeling.
I also saw NW and have the same distant, ambiguous but warm memory! Drive My Car is fantastic. Enjoy and thanks for the comment, Jules!
Those decorations are so lovely - and cosy! 😊 I've still got a little Christmas table cloth that I got in Switzerland. I think the best thing was from a florist in the Harz mountains - an angel on a bicycle! 😄
It takes you right there... :)
Lovely, immersive, ethereal. As always, you transport your readers and get them feeling contemplative, Kathleen!
What a wonderful set of adjectives 🙇🏼♀️ thanks Nadia!
“The cloak of invisibility allows me to both stand back to judge and seamlessly enter the scenes.” A great line that mimicked the reflective inferiority in this piece: invisible hiding and watching, judging the affair and its participants as “children” yet fondly embracing the spirit and imbibing in the historiographic cultural eloquence of event. Just a lovely piece. Thanks for this DKW!
Love this comment, Brian! Quite poetic itself. Thanks you ☺️
I love the exploration of the town with your imagination, Kate - I'm quite familiar with similar sorts of reveries ;)
Ah, reverie!! Thank you, Troy 🤗
“A partner is present, but he is like a weightless paper doll and he flutters away in the wind from our circular motion, drifting outward toward the walls and disappearing through them.”
Ravishingly beautiful scene, Kate. This line especially pulled me into such a state of reverie. 💙
Thank you, Michael! That scene needs a score 🎶
💙
Gorgeous!
💜💜💜