Episode Twenty One: Le jardin secret

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Shownotes:

I'm fascinated by the French concept of "le jardin secret", the secret garden, that part of one's self where one permits all freedom of thought, without worrying about what others might think.  It's a metaphorical or imaginary place where one can retreat, recharge; where one can preserve one's identity and sense of self; where one can express one's most secret desires and emotions.

I'm finding, more and more, that this podcast, this little pillow cast, this diary, has become, in many ways, my own secret garden.  Well, not so secret, because I find myself compelled to share many of my most intimate thoughts with rather a large number of strangers.  In the end, I'm not sure if, through this process, I'm preserving my identity or sense of self, or figuring out what it really is.

Ultimately, it's a pretty self-indulgent process, and I thank you for indulging me, by downloading my musings and manias and listening to them.

Okay, I know what you're really here for is a link to that yarn.  Since I wrote and recorded this episode, I've discovered that Clara Parkes at Knitter's Review has -- well -- reviewed it, last spring, in fact.  I read the review this morning (it is rather excellent, if you're interested in the yarn, I'd highly recommend reading it), and chuckled all the while, especially at her suggestion that one might want to keep smelling salts at the ready.  Indeed.

Oh, and don't get the idea that I don't like Serge Gainsbourg at all -- in fact, although some of his music makes me uncomfortable, there are more songs that I really love, including: "La javanaise" (originally written for Juliette Greco, but there's a lovely version by Indonesian singer Anggun); "Le poinçonneur des Lilas"; "Les petits papiers";

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Audio:

Water/wave sample under intro created by pushtobreak  from The Freesound Project

Sound of finches in the garden during winter in Australia recorded by oen from The Freesound Project

Music featured in this episode:

Aventura
"Un beso" (mp3)
from "God's Project"
(Premium Latin Music)

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Comments

[KC]

I LOVE your pod cast. I listen to many but I save yours for last, I savor it like a bite of the very best chocolate. Your descriptions make me feel like it's my own memory drifting through a dream. Thanks!

[katherine]

Thanks so much! It makes me feel good to hear that, and I appreciate you taking a moment to write and let me know.

So often it's hard to know who's listening and what they like, or if you've managed to connect with them -- and hey, having my podcast compared to a bite of chocolate isn't too shabby!

[Jan Smiley]

Katherine,

I was catching up on a couple of past podcasts while walking a few minutes ago. I realized that I don't think I've ever told you how much I enjoy your podcast. They always entertain me, make me think, make me take a deep breath and be present, or some combination of the above. Thanks for taking the time to put out a great podcast. Fondly, Jan

[katherine]

Thanks, Jan -- your kind words mean a lot to me, and I appreciate you stopping by and taking a moment to write.