These words were needed. You yielded to the lilac and thereby found the secret door. It is present in every single bud on earth, but so rarely found. But you did!
I've always loved the mystery and scent of lilacs and of course, T.S. Eliot.
I trust few of my memories. Some are indelible, like hiding under the bleachers reading books during a netball camp one summer (what were my parents thinking?), or feeling like Suzanne when I find a treasure in the garbage.
Speaking of colour, I bought a vintage winter coat the other day and I was so happy with it. "Arctic Ice" is what the woman who sold it to me called it - but days later I was on the subway and I recalled the dreadful "seafoam" that was so popular for bridesmaids at weddings in South Africa in the 90's. It made me laugh - I was wearing a seafoam coat! I struggled and then I decided to embrace seafoam.
Thanks for this Jason. I’m obsessed with how a moment in nature - with a plant, a tree, a hedge - can open up a portal to some other world. I think of that world being the past but maybe it is more present (or future) than I know, just on the other side of whatever I am seeing, ever emergent. You have given me a gift with your own story and description of this “communion” or “focus” or “encounter” with an “other.”
Again and again - you pull me into your of portal of words, images, memories and sweet nuggets of information. I waited until I could really sink into your story -- thanks for the warning...I delayed reading until this afternoon that so I could truly submerge myself in this pool. Holy catfish -- that nugget about the Greek text for truth!! Deep bow of gratitude for all you reveal and shine a light upon.
These words were needed. You yielded to the lilac and thereby found the secret door. It is present in every single bud on earth, but so rarely found. But you did!
T.S Eliot:
"Now that lilacs are in bloom
She has a bowl of lilacs in her room
And twists one in her fingers while she talks.
'Ah, my friend, you do not know, you do not know
What life is, you who hold it in your hands';
(Slowly twisting the lilac stalks)
'You let it flow from you, you let it flow,
And youth is cruel, and has no remorse
And smiles at situations which it cannot see.'
I smile, of course,
And go on drinking tea."
I've always loved the mystery and scent of lilacs and of course, T.S. Eliot.
I trust few of my memories. Some are indelible, like hiding under the bleachers reading books during a netball camp one summer (what were my parents thinking?), or feeling like Suzanne when I find a treasure in the garbage.
Speaking of colour, I bought a vintage winter coat the other day and I was so happy with it. "Arctic Ice" is what the woman who sold it to me called it - but days later I was on the subway and I recalled the dreadful "seafoam" that was so popular for bridesmaids at weddings in South Africa in the 90's. It made me laugh - I was wearing a seafoam coat! I struggled and then I decided to embrace seafoam.
Thank you for another very beautiful newsletter.
Thanks for this Jason. I’m obsessed with how a moment in nature - with a plant, a tree, a hedge - can open up a portal to some other world. I think of that world being the past but maybe it is more present (or future) than I know, just on the other side of whatever I am seeing, ever emergent. You have given me a gift with your own story and description of this “communion” or “focus” or “encounter” with an “other.”
Thank you, Jason. As always.
Wonderful account of a hidden inner beauty revealed...
💚Never alone💚
Again and again - you pull me into your of portal of words, images, memories and sweet nuggets of information. I waited until I could really sink into your story -- thanks for the warning...I delayed reading until this afternoon that so I could truly submerge myself in this pool. Holy catfish -- that nugget about the Greek text for truth!! Deep bow of gratitude for all you reveal and shine a light upon.