Humans are funny creatures, full of paradox. Change is very hard for all of us, even the most adventurous, and we want it only under the “right” circumstances, meaning when we want it and for what we want. We like to control it all.
But still, change is good, and I’m celebrating a little shift in things around here. Just as the dog days of August bring on the requisite languishing and desire to hide inside away from all that HEAT, I’ve suddenly gotten my second wind. This summer hasn’t been at all what I planned and I can hardly believe we’re into August now. But thankfully my creative mojo has finally awoken from its long nap. Bonus points because my blogging desire is back as well, and looking for a challenge. Of course nothing delights me more than creating abecedariums, so I’ve set myself a task to blog my way through the alphabet for the rest of the month. On whatever random topic inspires me that happens to reference the letter of day. Summer really should be filled with random surprises don’t you think?
Because today is also Thursday, I’m inspired to kick off my abecedarium with 3 “A” things that delight me, so I can play along with Nerd in the Brain’s Three Things Thursday.
Let’s begin simply, with August.
I have a charming little litho-printed accordion-fold perpetual calendar by artist Rima Staines entitled the Wayfarer’s Year. Proceeds from the sale of this went directly to funding the Hedgespoken off-grid travelling theatre project.
Here’s a peek at a couple months, including August.
While I’ve never actually gone fishing, looking at this reminded me of the fabulous quote from Pablo Neruda:
“We need to sit on the rim of the well of darkness and fish for the fallen light with patience.”
Here’s a piece I did a while ago.
The quote reminded me that that Perseid meteor showers are upcoming with peak times August 11 and 12. I’ve been thinking about the night sky quite a bit, particularly since I’m working on a talisman for a client. One of the botanical elements I’m using is Star Anise. And so there we have my second of three As.
It seems every time I work with a botanical my understanding deepens, and I’m really enjoying listening to Star Anise. I’ve always sort of associated it with autumn and winter – that rich, heavy scent seems so well suited to those times, and yet, suddenly now I’m loving it even in the heat of summer. A lovely surprise.
And finally, I had a dream the other night about a Rose Angel. I was discussing the dream with someone, and she mentioned how the Victorians were somewhat obsessed with pink-winged angels. I didn’t know that, but here’s a wonderful old vintage image. Pink wings AND roses. Score! I think this may well be the start of an obsession for me as well.
So there you have it – the first entry in my Random abecedarium. Now I’m tagging you. What “A” thing is inspiring you? What plans do you have for August? What magic are you fishing for? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
The A that is calling to me is Adventure. I feel like I have played it too safe all my life, always cautious and hesitant to go for the gusto. I seem to know quite a few people lately who are fairly adventurous, at least by my standards. I’m more referring to going more exciting places, taking some calculated risks. It remains to be seen if I follow through but it is very much on my mind lately. I want to see more beautiful places!
Oh good for you Candace! Here’s to all manner of wonderful adventures and lots and lots of fun!
Hi Deborah. This a good Blog to read. I love the idea of daily random postings but it’s a big time commitment to produce this kind of quality right through the alphabet!
I will sign up for the emails and see how you manage – good luck.
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Thanks for your encouragement Barry and I’m delighted you’ll be reading along. Here’s to a wonderful August!
Hi Deborah … three things for A – I’m used to A for April .. now the brain has to get into gear … A for artichokes … I do love to eat them! A for Arabesque … I can see your pink footed angel happily posing with her angel as she dances Arabesques; then A for Aspiring to clear the necessities of life, and be free for an August uprising of settlement …
Enjoy the weekend … cheers Hilary
Oooh, most excellent “A” connections Hilary! I’ll happily pass my artichokes to you though – I’m always disappointed that such a delightfully odd looking thing doesn’t taste as wonderful as I imagine.
I love organizing things alphabetically – and I love your choices for the letter “A”. and I love the Neruda quote along with your artwork. Hmm, what I would chose for A? Maybe Art, Or accept.
Alphabetical organization – now that’s a lovely A choice Vickie. And of course I’m not surprised by Art as well. I’ve been thinking about acceptance as well. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.
Ooohhh another abecedarium! Love it. If I wasn’t already doing August Break I just may have joined you! I’ve been experiencing angels myself the last few days as I just finished a week with Laurel Bleadon-Maffei and the Illuminating Soul Group. Such powerful beings they are. A is also for our first born, Amanda, and the Amazing Adele, who we just saw in concert. Looking forward to the rest of your randomness this month! Been missing you and noticed you weren’t posting quite as often. Hoping all is well with you!
Oh how fun about the angels Janet – Laurel is a dear friend of mine and I’m sure the experience was wonderful.
I love your choices for A as well. How fabulous you saw Adele – I’m sure that was a concert to remember.
Oooohhhh…the pink winged Angel with roses looks LOVELY!!! What a fun new quest you will be on.
Indeed Elda!
I always LOVE your abecedariums! and there really has been something going around, a lackluster energy at the beginning of the summer and now … ENERGY! I am tapping into it as well and blog posts are being written to publish in the near future.
August is my anticipatory month … because it means FALL is just around the corner and Fall is my favorite time of year. Here in South Carolina, August can be hotter than June and July but so far this month, it is a bit cooler and very wet. We need the wet though it does make it more humid than it usually is.
Looking forward to the rest of the alphabet!
I agree with you Cynthia – the energy has really shifted hasn’t it? Although Spring is my favorite season, I do love autumn as well. I love perusing all the office supplies and getting something new and fresh and colorful to tide me over until the leaves start turning and showing us their fabulous shades. Enjoy your cooler temps and needed moisture!