The Border is to be On The Way

When things get difficult, according to the Moomins

“I love borders. August is the border between summer and autumn; it is the most beautiful month I know. Twilight is the border between day and night, and the shore is the border between sea and land. The border is longing: when both have fallen in love but still haven't said anything. The border is to be on the way. It is the way that is the most important thing.”

— Tove Jansson (1914-2001)

Hi all,

This quote has been sitting in my notebook all month and the month is almost over. I like August and I like twilight even more.

August is a border for me too, one between two countries and three homes. Every move to another country is a puzzle. Each step feels like a question: will the ground crack or will it hold?

So rediscovering Tove Jansson’s work has come at the right time. The Finnish Swedish-speaking author, essayist, painter and illustrator rejected Walt Disney I believe, and built her own empire best known for her children‘s book and the beloved Moomins: rotund, upright Hippo-like creatures. A recent revival has reminded many of their cherished childhood books but the author herself provides enough material for those looking for insights into a creative and authentic life.

Young Jansson was praised as “an artist with two native languages” — words and images.

…

See the full article and photos on Substack:

https://hadassa.substack.com/p/the-border-is-to-be-on-the-way