Every week Nerd in the Brain does a Three Things Thursday post and invites others to play along sharing things that made them smile. Take a peek at what’s delighting me, and play along too if you’re inspired.
I feel like I’m smack in the middle of a week filled with magic – literally and figuratively.
August 31 through September 11 Chicago celebrates the Fringe Festival – an uncensored, unjuried, performance event that returns 100% of ticket sales to the artists. There are 50 different events, with each performance held multiple times, and the best part is it’s right in my neighborhood – everything is in very close walking range. Everything we’ve seen so far has been great, but I’ve been especially delighted and confounded by two performances – one with a mind reader and one a magician. I suspect between all the conjuring and sleight-of-hand and brain seering, some magical dust must have been sprinkled on me.
How else can I explain that I found a portfolio of mine filled with wrtings and scribbles and IMPORTANT amazements, quotes and bits of poetry, dream fragments and a variety of fabulousities – all of which I had totally forgotten about?! I had that happen before, so I think I conspire with myself to hide and forget these things just for the sheer magnitude of pleasure I derive when I find them again.
Part of what I recovered were some one-sheet double-sided zines I created at one point. I loved that format, and it was a treat to see what I was writing about back then – what rabbit holes I had fallen down and what I was exploring. This stuff literally feels like a treasure chest to me – and because I’d forgotten everything there is the delight of rediscovering everything as if it’s fresh and new. How magical is that?
Another treasure I got my hands on this week is the limited edition Ferdinando Crippa I Taroocchi 1978 deck. I’m utterly charmed by this seemingly simple artwork and the artist’s interpretation of the archetypes.
Given the fact it’s such a magical week I’m not inclined to stop at just three things that have delighted me. I have a couple bonus fabulousities to share.
I was thrilled to discover there’s such a thing as The World Nomad games, designed to promote and celebrate nomadic cultural and sporting traditions of central Asia. The opening ceremony of the games included a performance by 1000 musicians dressed in national attire playing the komuz, the national instrument of Kyrgystan. You can see (and hear) more here.
And finally, to close things on a perfectly sparkly note, have a peek at the work of artist Sigalit Landau. She’s created fabulous works by immersing objects in the Dead Sea until they become encrusted in salt. Pure magic and pure gorgeousness. See more here and here.
Those are some of the things lighting up my week. What about you? What magic or sparkling things have captured your attention? Ever found something you’d forgotten about and been transported back into the land of delight? What’s on the fringe in your world? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
We have a Fringe in San Francisco and it’s way fun! I didn’t realize you had one there, too!
We’re part of the lucky ones aren’t we Carol?!
How fabulous is it to find 1000 musicians playing together on one piece – wonderful. I have to share that Deborah – and I love the sea salt pieces – we were there once and the saltiness covered the skin in seconds.
Enjoy the rest of the Fringe and thanks for sharing the magic 🙂
Fil
The thousand musicians playing together really moved me Fil – and I suspected you’d really appreciate it as well. This is exactly the sort of thing I think should be shared widely.
I hadn’t realized one got salty so quickly in the Dead Sea. Perhaps some day I’ll get to visit myself.
The Dead Sea pieces fascinate me. It makes me wish I lived closer to the Great Salt Lake or the Salton Sea, both salt water lakes, too, although I’m not sure their salinity is as high as the Dead Sea but it would be fun to experiment.
Both the lakes are less saline that the Dead Sea, but there is another one that is greater – Don Juan Pond in the Antarctica. I’m guessing you don’t want to venture there though. 🙂
I’m happy for your Sparkly and Magical week!
Thanks Mary. Here’s to another one for all of us – sparkles and magic galore.
Congratulations on finding that portfolio. Sounds FUN and magical!!!
Thanks Elda – it IS a fun treasure.
OMG – I LOVE this game! Your magical findings just sprinkle the dust all over! Most of my magic comes in the form of artful things. This week I discovered: 1. Artist Laura Waite who, like me, uses words in her art. I am inspired! 2. My heart was delighted by an outpouring of support from friends and family this week. 3. Can I borrow your Sigalit Landau artist? Her creations are amazing. Thank you, Deborah, for putting the focus on the shiny things that delight our senses and make our lives magical. <3
It IS a wonderful game isn’t it Michelle?! I love your appreciations. Your mention of Laura Waite had me googling, and I found both Laura Waite and Laura Wait – two new-to-me artists who captured my fancy. Here’s to all manner of magic and wonder filling our lives – and the joy of sharing it all.
The 1000 musicians playing as one is absolutely magical. What a concept to have them perform at an opening. One gets so used to “splashier is better” efforts and to see this is just so very special. Thank you, Deborah for once again causing a complete shift in my thinking.
As for for three magical things, I’d love to play along! One) I heard from a friend I’ve seen maybe 4 times in the past 35 years. She was retiring and reached out to ask me to her retirement party. Truthfully, as I’d only know her, I was a bit reluctant to go but I fired back a reply that I’d be there. I had SO much fun reconnecting with her and sharing stories about what she was like in her youth. Two) I met the most delightful fellow at one of my mom’s 94th birthday celebrations. He’s 90 and a retired Dean of English. Taught for 34 years and been retired for 31. Full of wit and humour. Such a refreshing chap. Three) My daughter who is now back home for a few months, took it upon herself to tidy up the garden. Normally, all of that work falls to me and I felt such a release watching her toiling away quite happily.
Wishing you many, many more encounters with shiny things.
Oh what a wonderful gathering of delights Kelly! Old friends, new friends, birthday celebrations, homecomings, and gardening beautification – sounds perfectly magical indeed.