Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Mind the Gap!


"The gaps are the thing. The gaps are the spirit's one home, the altitudes and latitudes so dazzlingly spare and clean that the spirit can discover itself like a once-blind man unbound. The gaps are the clefts in the rock where you cower to see the back parts of God; they are the fissures between mountains and cells the wind lances through, the icy narrowing fords splitting the cliffs of mystery. Go up into the gaps. If you can find them; they shift and vanish too. Stalk the gaps. Squeak into a gap in the soil, turn, and unlock - more than a maple - a universe."
- Annie Dillard
(found at Whiskey River AGAIN ;-)


When Jamie Ridler asks us what we would like to pay attention to for Wishcasting Wednesday today, I would have to say...
The Gaps!

I look for them between the in and the out breath. The pause between each giggle. The moment just after the nib has come out of the ink, before it touches the object of my intention. Always, always chasing the gaps... seeking the silence ... knowing the secret is there. In each form there is a counter form. A perfect letter blossoms out of the gaps, the space, the counter form. Therein lies the secret. To so many things it would appear ...


Speaking of gaps. I was in another land last night, sometime just before midnight. A land of Dr Seuss and pants-pinching-plants in French Forests. That must be what distracted me terribly. So engrossed was I in being lucky, that I completely forgot to mind the gap. Unfortunately, while I wasn't paying attention, two wonderful and talented blogging friends ...slipped right through it.

First there was Lisa, from Art, Lettering and Life. Lisa is a calligrapher whose talent I covet immensely. If I can develop half of her technique in the coming years, I will become quite an accomplished calligrapher. Yet it was Lisa who awarded me some sunshine...Truly lucky am I!

Then there was Rue, at Rue & Hyssop, who speaks so expertly of moons and runes and rituals. Her journey of self discovery always leaves me with some thought-provoking insights. As she says... "Although Bacchanalia doesn't get it's day or two on the calendar, I think it's a wonderful option to celebrate in lieu of St. Patrick's Day. I just can't drink green beer. But wine and revelry - absolutely" 
Yes! A girl after my own heart ;-) Thanks Rue for tagging me!
Some of my most cherished finds have come from paying attention to those gaps. 

This antique wooden crucifix complete with 'benitier' (for holy water), was waiting, patient as a saint, in the shadow of the rich and almighty antiques of a distinguished brocanteur. 

His (for Crucifix is masculin in French) red velvet finery was long past its day. But I loved him none the less. Gently and reverently I removed his holey robes before restoring him with the white purity he deserves, and a few simple words worthy of a crucifix ...  

'Pour qui est bon, le monde est bon'
For the good, the world is good 
(Hindu expression)

Keep an eye on my Etsy shop 
He'll be filling in one of the gaps before the week is out!
True to word he went into the shop tonight, 
and promptly disappeared to fill a gap for someone else ...
Thank you Sister!



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22 comments:

  1. yes, many interesting things happen in gaps. I like the space between art and life (if there even is one!) and where they merge - intrigues me.

    Amelia.x

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  2. Beautiful, the post, the cross, the quote, your thoughts. I've been reading some books by Siddha yogis that say God/the Self lives in that place between the in breath and out breath.

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  3. Ah, what a wonderful post. Mind you, unlocking a whole Universe might be more than a lass could cope with in one go - what with dealing with all the stuff going on outside the gaps too. Seriously though I learn so much from blogs like this - taking the time to share with another soul's thoughts and realising that yes, I should be paying attention to this stuff. I should 'mind the gap'. Thank you! Now I am off to practice drawing noses...

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  4. Lovely piece and lovely sentiments, Ange. I like the union of the two religions - more of it.

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  5. As Ange wishes for herself, so I wish for her also.

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  6. Excellent post Ange...just love it. I am going to keep an eye on Etsy...I love that cross! I smiled when I read this post...have a look at mine 'Sister Disciples'...what does this say about us now? Where is that moon??? Is it a full one or is this a Virgo thing? The mind boggles!!
    Jeanne :)

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  7. As Ange wishes for herself, so I wish for her also.

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  8. Wonderful thoughts and writing Ange. Thank you for the mention and praise. Love your lettering on that cross!

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  9. This post gave me the chills because I think a lot about gaps--the one between my own front teeth that braces didn't even change and that I decided to accept and love as well as the ones in life where surprises occur. In fact, shhhhhhh, don't tell anyone, but I am writing a novel, and the novel is all about gaps.

    I love that cross! Beautiful, beautiful work, sweet one. xo Gigi

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  10. What a beautiful post..I had to read it a few times just to feel its warmth. Thank you for sharing..Cate

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  11. The verse with the crucifix, an awesome pairing. And lots of wonderful food for thought. I must practice paying attention to the gaps. ~Lili

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  12. Hi Ange
    Oh I understand too well the wonder of the gap... and how moments like those need to be noticed and looked for when least suspecting. Your cross is lovely Ange.. so glad he has found a new home already.. I'm sure he will be treasured...

    Well I love Lisa's work.. always a delight to visit her blog but I'm not familiar with Rue's so will pop over there now.. Anyone who can speak of the moon will certainly brighten my day [or night] xxx Julie

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  13. Just what do you mean? Your calligraphy is beyond beautiful. It is a work of art!
    This post has got me to thinking, Ange. About GAPS!!! When I was young I used to lie as still as I could in the darkened room, fearing that if I moved an inch, I'd fall through the gap of eternity.

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  14. What a wonderful post. I really enjoyed reading this. That cross is beautiful. :)

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  15. A perfect colour and phrase for your cross!

    Raising a glass to you!

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  16. Great post Ange and I love the cross!

    Gaps should never be filled as they are there for a reason.

    Bisous, L x

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  17. hi ange
    i like the world from both perspectives... inside and outside the gaps. each space has its beauty if you are open to it.

    awesome post
    ~laura

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  18. What a beautiful gap-filler your cross is, Ange and someone has been lucky enough to 'borrow' it for awhile until it passes on elsewhere. XXXX

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  19. So many gaps in a lifetime; important to make goos use of them.
    Very well written;loved your white cross.
    Rita

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  20. ~no words left to be spoken...simply beautiful! as ange wishes for herself so I wish for her too...always...much llll3ve and brightest blessings~

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  21. One of my favourite gaps is that moment right before i snap a picture. That moment between realisation and reaction is glorious. But there are so many others i love, too many to list. The gap between a blank film and the emerging image. The gap between the word and the pen. The gap between the last line or note and the applause. The gap between 'i love you' and the embrace. The gap between opening your blog and reading it. ;) Beautiful post, Ange.

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  22. A very unique wish! As Ange wishes for herself, so I wish for her also.

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Can't think of a famous quote that says 'communication makes the world go round' so you 'll just have to get my clumsy way of putting it instead ;-) Your comments are precious. Thanks for dropping by!