I looked at the clock on the wall of my daughter and son-in-law’s home. The frame was worn and burnished down to the natural wood in many places encircling Arabic numerals and diamond-shaped tic marks at 5-minute intervals on the clock face. I clicked a photo at 2:20 p.m. in the afternoon and noticed the markings of the Grand Hotel in Paris, 1968. The clock had a certain mystique to it and I wondered about time gone by long ago when leather suitcases, boats, planes, and field glasses might have been the craze.
What is it about an old timepiece or old photograph that can pull one into the scents, sounds, and sights of yesteryear? I recently participated in a weekend writing workshop and was asked to bring an old photo that would evoke memories to write about. I carried a worn photo of my four brothers, their hands waving and smiles on their wonderful and then-younger faces. I wrote about a fishing trip we shared with our parents when I accidentally dropped the prized stringer of trophy bass off the side of our boat into the forlorn depths of the lake. I could smell the raw scent of waterdog bait and worms, hear the soft splash of waves against the hull of the boat, feel the melting heat of Arizona sun on our faces, and taste the disappointment of fins forever gone as we all watched the fish pursue “greener pastures” or in this case bluer-greener waters. That particular fish story aside, what resonates most when I look at my four brothers in this photo is a sense of each of their unique and gracious personalities and hearts. They are men of strong character who bring good to the world.
There is something about this time of year when graduations and departures and trips and new beginnings all seem to bubble up in various social gatherings that bring people together. I am reminded of the power of an encouraging thought or word—the impact sincere communication has to lift the soul—the healing release of shared laughter. I am reminded of joy on the faces of offspring as they master something meaningful and important in their lives. Perhaps a graduation, perhaps a calling, perhaps a destination, perhaps a conquering, perhaps a courage. Whatever it is, we rejoice for them as they rejoice. And of course, in their sorrows of life, we sorrow, too.
And in nature and creation . . . strength and wonder and miracle are very close. While hiking recently with my husband near our home, a gorgeous Great Blue Heron perched on the tall red cliffs as evening neared. In the silhouette and form of that bird’s lavender bluish-gray body towered a graced simplicity. To me it epitomized renewal, hope, peace, and stillness. I am convinced that blessings abound in the journey of our “everydays” and in the smallest nuances right before our eyes!
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Wishing you a meaningful Memorial Day weekend as we remember all men and women who have died serving in the American armed forces to protect liberty and justice for all.
In gratitude to them and all of their loved ones. ♥