“Infuse your life with action.
Don’t wait for it to happen.
Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope.
Make your own love. And whatever your beliefs, honor your creator, not by passively waiting for grace to come down from upon high, but by doing what you can to make grace happen … yourself, right now, right down here on Earth.”
~ Bradley Whitford
April is the “Action” Issue. It is a little bittersweet for many, as we normally celebrate sports and sporting events in the spring. The weather is warmer, the flowers are in bloom — beauty is unfolding itself everywhere we turn. The outdoors beckons us to come out and play. Many thought we would be back on track by spring of 2021, celebrating and participating in our beloved events. A few are able to take place, like The Masters at Augusta National, though with few patrons allowed. Since its inauguration in 1934, the Masters (Masters.com) has only been cancelled 3 times, in the years 1943 – 1945 during World War II.
I had an amazing brunch, prepared by award-winning Chef Jeffery of Rose Hill, with my dear friend Kitty Yundt. We reflected on the horse racing events we participated in 2, 3, 4, 5 years ago, and on how much we missed being part of them. With Sissy and Wade Brodie as our amazing hosts, Kitty and I would plan our coordinating outfits and the decorations and food. We would watch as the horses were brought out and guess which would win the race. We would grasp the rails and lean over in anticipation as we watched them cross the finish line. We even planned Kentucky Derby parties. Started in 1875, the Kentucky Derby (KentuckyDerby.com) is always held on the 1st Saturday in May, except that it was delayed in 1945 due to a wartime ban on horse racing, and again in 2020 due to COVID-19; it has never been cancelled.
This month you will read stories and learn facts about those who have chosen to take action. The Cabinet of Curiosities tells the story of how Court Tennis came to Aiken. Our Editor Robin Warren writes about the Boston Molasses Disaster and its sticky aftermath. Our Southern Cribs section will get you ready to spring into action with articles by Kim Cordell, Katherine Slayton, and City Arborist Aaron Campbell.
While looking for an adjective for action, I ran across the word conscientious and its definition: wishing to do what is right, especially to do one’s work or duty well and thoroughly. I think this is a great word to try to “Be” this month. In my experience, what is right sometimes means taking action one step at a time, the next right thing, and following it through. When trying to adapt to the challenges of a pandemic, we rested, brainstormed, protected, voted, prayed, hoped, and vaccinated, and through it all we must keep taking a step forward. I really relate to the quote by Bradley Whitford. I think the most powerful line is “by doing what you can to make grace happen.” And sometimes this is simply being at peace with yourself.
So, my friends, I wish for you a month of action, adventure, peace, and grace, with hope that the words of Bella’s writers may resonate and provide knowledge and betterment to your life.
