I enjoyed this so much. I knew of the talented Maggie Smith, of course, for her earlier roles, but didn't come to appreciate her the way you do until the Downton Abby episodes. she stole every scene she was in. You r encounter with her in the wool shop was tender and sweet, bringing both you and her to life. I love how you opened this with that reference from The Moviegoer and "the search." I hadn't realized it till now but I too have been on that search for that "something more" that takes us beyond the everydayness of our lives, and for the people (artists, writers, philosophers, scientists, sages) who search for that as well and have tapped into it. I don't know if Maggie Smith would have struck me as one of those had I met her and experienced her the way you have, Andrew. But I see you that way and am so glad I discovered your writings here at Substack.
Thank you so much, Deborah, for this kind and uplifting response to my Maggie Smith story. I'm not at all surprised that you're a searcher too. Why else would you choose to cruise the world in a sailboat with your husband and children. Your own search reveals itself in your lovely work, which bears witness to your ongoing quest for wholeness and authenticity. It's so reassuring to know you find something of value in my work. I certainly feel that way about yours. Thanks again for your kindness, encouragement, and support.
Writing on Facebook, former schoolmate Gwenn Craig offered the following response:
“I’m sincerely not trying to place myself in Andrew’s wonderful story, but I must address my personal reaction to it. You see, he and I attended that same black Catholic high school, although he was a year ahead of me while his younger brother was my classmate. Like him, I endured that “humiliation” of climbing the outside stairs of Atlanta’s old Fox Theater back when we were both in our teens and shared that experience of seeing Maggie Smith play Desdemona in the film version of “Othello” from that high perch that they segregated my people into for many years. My parents never took us there because they had the same attitude about the “humiliation” as Andrew’s family apparently did. Andrew’s story ends on a much happier, higher note and it left me soaring and missing the indomitable Maggie Smith even more, blotting out the dark memories with the radiance of her excellent self that is described here so beautifully.”
Andrew--This is the most interesting "in memoriam" piece I've read about Maggie Smith to date. As is so with all your essays, this brings together place and time in such a compelling way. When I read along as you read, I'm rapt. And I just want more...More other stories (memoir pieces, I suppose?)
I did not know the "tidbit" you shared about Othello--nor did I know about the "bleacher seats" (cough) in the theater. (God bless your mother.) I do know about the woolens (having visited Ireland something like 14 times)--and of course, recognized all the" beauty icons" of the day. All that to say, I felt as if I was wandering the streets of SFO with you, looking at those same wool sweaters and throws. Could feel the same shocked delight at running into Maggie Smith is such an unexpected place.
Thank you for this essay and.....here's to searchers everywhere.....long may we roam.....D
Pardon the pun, Diana—I’m green with envy about your 14 trips to Ireland. I’m also really pleased that you read and listened after this piece was originally published. I revised it a touch to include William Blake, and I also re-recorded the audio because the original wasn’t quite up to snuff. (Nighttime allergy)
Not everyone wants to listen, but I want to provide the best possible version for those who do.
Thanks so very much for another extremely generous and kind response. Can’t tell you how much I appreciate your close read and thoughtful comments.
A glass of the brew to searchers everywhere! Or wine if you prefer.
I absolutely loved Maggie Smith in Downton Abbey. Every line she spoke was wonderful. My all-time favorite is “What’s a weekend?” when Matthew Crowley (if I remember correctly) brought it up at dinner. Thank you for this thoughtful tribute to a fine lady. RIP Dame Maggie Smith.
Oh yeah, I love that line too! It's wonderful that Downton Abbey made her internationally famous at 75. But I find it even more wonderful that she practiced her craft and developed her talent during the previous 50 years, even though "nobody knew who the hell she was."
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate it. Hmmm, I may feel a Downton Abbey binge coming on!
This gave me goosebumps. What a magical, but fleeting moment you glimpsed her light in person. How marvelous. Thank you for sharing, I am so thrilled you had that connection.
Eloquent and revealing, as always. Your description of going with your all-Black class to a movie theater for the first time is an important reminder of how recent that history is — and how we must rigorously reject “going back.”
It is fairly recent, Carol. Since these things are part of my lived history, I’m always amazed at how many years have passed since my high school days. Growing up during the cusp years of civil, I have a clear vision of before and after. We must never go back. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts.
I enjoyed this so much. I knew of the talented Maggie Smith, of course, for her earlier roles, but didn't come to appreciate her the way you do until the Downton Abby episodes. she stole every scene she was in. You r encounter with her in the wool shop was tender and sweet, bringing both you and her to life. I love how you opened this with that reference from The Moviegoer and "the search." I hadn't realized it till now but I too have been on that search for that "something more" that takes us beyond the everydayness of our lives, and for the people (artists, writers, philosophers, scientists, sages) who search for that as well and have tapped into it. I don't know if Maggie Smith would have struck me as one of those had I met her and experienced her the way you have, Andrew. But I see you that way and am so glad I discovered your writings here at Substack.
Thank you so much, Deborah, for this kind and uplifting response to my Maggie Smith story. I'm not at all surprised that you're a searcher too. Why else would you choose to cruise the world in a sailboat with your husband and children. Your own search reveals itself in your lovely work, which bears witness to your ongoing quest for wholeness and authenticity. It's so reassuring to know you find something of value in my work. I certainly feel that way about yours. Thanks again for your kindness, encouragement, and support.
I loved Maggie Smith! Great actress.
Thanks, Clee. Wasn’t she wonderful!
She was!
Writing on Facebook, former schoolmate Gwenn Craig offered the following response:
“I’m sincerely not trying to place myself in Andrew’s wonderful story, but I must address my personal reaction to it. You see, he and I attended that same black Catholic high school, although he was a year ahead of me while his younger brother was my classmate. Like him, I endured that “humiliation” of climbing the outside stairs of Atlanta’s old Fox Theater back when we were both in our teens and shared that experience of seeing Maggie Smith play Desdemona in the film version of “Othello” from that high perch that they segregated my people into for many years. My parents never took us there because they had the same attitude about the “humiliation” as Andrew’s family apparently did. Andrew’s story ends on a much happier, higher note and it left me soaring and missing the indomitable Maggie Smith even more, blotting out the dark memories with the radiance of her excellent self that is described here so beautifully.”
Andrew--This is the most interesting "in memoriam" piece I've read about Maggie Smith to date. As is so with all your essays, this brings together place and time in such a compelling way. When I read along as you read, I'm rapt. And I just want more...More other stories (memoir pieces, I suppose?)
I did not know the "tidbit" you shared about Othello--nor did I know about the "bleacher seats" (cough) in the theater. (God bless your mother.) I do know about the woolens (having visited Ireland something like 14 times)--and of course, recognized all the" beauty icons" of the day. All that to say, I felt as if I was wandering the streets of SFO with you, looking at those same wool sweaters and throws. Could feel the same shocked delight at running into Maggie Smith is such an unexpected place.
Thank you for this essay and.....here's to searchers everywhere.....long may we roam.....D
Pardon the pun, Diana—I’m green with envy about your 14 trips to Ireland. I’m also really pleased that you read and listened after this piece was originally published. I revised it a touch to include William Blake, and I also re-recorded the audio because the original wasn’t quite up to snuff. (Nighttime allergy)
Not everyone wants to listen, but I want to provide the best possible version for those who do.
Thanks so very much for another extremely generous and kind response. Can’t tell you how much I appreciate your close read and thoughtful comments.
A glass of the brew to searchers everywhere! Or wine if you prefer.
I absolutely loved Maggie Smith in Downton Abbey. Every line she spoke was wonderful. My all-time favorite is “What’s a weekend?” when Matthew Crowley (if I remember correctly) brought it up at dinner. Thank you for this thoughtful tribute to a fine lady. RIP Dame Maggie Smith.
Oh yeah, I love that line too! It's wonderful that Downton Abbey made her internationally famous at 75. But I find it even more wonderful that she practiced her craft and developed her talent during the previous 50 years, even though "nobody knew who the hell she was."
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate it. Hmmm, I may feel a Downton Abbey binge coming on!
A touching tribute, Andrew. Thank you .
Glad you liked it. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your kind response.
You are welcome, and I hope you have a great week!
This gave me goosebumps. What a magical, but fleeting moment you glimpsed her light in person. How marvelous. Thank you for sharing, I am so thrilled you had that connection.
Thanks so much, Jenn. She was really something!
Eloquent and revealing, as always. Your description of going with your all-Black class to a movie theater for the first time is an important reminder of how recent that history is — and how we must rigorously reject “going back.”
It is fairly recent, Carol. Since these things are part of my lived history, I’m always amazed at how many years have passed since my high school days. Growing up during the cusp years of civil, I have a clear vision of before and after. We must never go back. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Best opening line I've read in quite some time. Invites you right in. And thanks for pointing us to Wordsworth!
Glad you liked that opening line, Mikels. Wordsworth got to the heart of things, didn’t he? Thanks for reading and weighing in!