Post 40/2023. It was the last copy on the recent large print books shelves: My Travels with Mrs. Kennedy, by Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin Hill (Gale/Thorndike Press, 2022). Hill was Mrs. Kennedy’s secret service agent. The material–written records and photos–was uncovered after 50 years from a trunk in Hill’s garage.

I’m one-fourth of the way through the book. Fully engrossed. Amazed. Privy to the magical spell Mrs. Kennedy cast as she traveled the world, sometimes on her own. Buoyed by her example.

For one, Mrs. Kennedy’s love of the arts was shared by many world leaders. In Paris she conversed in French times on end with the mesmerized President de Gaulle and others. In India and Pakistan, she charmed leaders and was welcomed by thousands–including women and girls.

Mrs. Kennedy was knowledgeable about each country’s politics, art, history and culture. She wanted to learn more. The back page blurb reads, “Now ninety years old, Hill recounts the tender moments, the private laughs, the world adventures, and the deep affection he shared with one of the world’s most beautiful and iconic women.”

A few questions

I’m impressed with the influence Mrs. Kennedy wielded on behalf of the United States and ordinary people everywhere.

Questions I would ask of politicians and others in leadership: What influence does visual art, painting, fine arts, music, sculpture, performing arts, literature, photography, architecture, drawing, decorative arts, pop art, ceramic art, and graphic arts have in your life? What books are on your bedside table? One more: What insights from the arts (as well as the sciences and religion) are saving civilization?

The week in pix

Leaving it at that

I’m continuing good recovery from a kidney stone removal and treatment for related infections. We walked three miles today. Lovely fall day. Church this morning. Lunch at home. Nap. Walk. Blog. Saddened by the sudden death of Laurene, wife of my late cousin Robert in Ontario. Life has purpose, meaning, hope. Grateful for each day. Grateful for friends, family, the diverse community all around. Grateful for tomorrow. Whatever means, let me be part of making this world a more hospitable, peaceful, kinder, hopeful place, including through my prayers.

-John