The sun is rising in red and golden waves. Every tree is but a silhouette. All traces of bark smoothed over and each branch, no matter how small, in sharp relief as if drawn with an ink pen on the canvas of the sky.
This moment won’t last long.
I know that what I am doing is inspired by the scene. Soon, the sun will break properly over the horizon and light will expose the details of the day. I have but a short time to capture the image before some other thought comes pushing its way into the scene. Try as I might to hold on, it is impossible and I have learned to accept that moment such as these come and go. I treasure them, and try not to hold on too tightly.
I ran into an old friend this week. He’s working to rehab an art house cinema. The opportunity came to him serendipitously. It’s a huge and daunting project, but rather than shy away he took hold with both hands and embraced the moment.
The renovations are just getting started, but he offered to give us an impromptu tour of the theater. Everywhere, there was work needing to be done, but my friend didn’t seem overwhelmed in the least. He was happy.
When I left the theater, I was filled with joy. Joy for my friend who was savoring each moment for as long as it would last and looking forward to the next.
It’s invigorating to be near someone who is pursuing their life’s passion, whatever it may be. They are filled with energy and vision of course but I think the real beauty comes in the fact that there is always more. The passion doesn’t come to an abrupt end when the project is done for there is always another project coming up behind, building on the last. Each magnificent in their own way.
The light of dawn has passed now and those waves of red and gold have turned to the gray of a December day. I don’t mourn the passing though. There is more than enough in this moment to keep me busy. 🙂
This resonates so deeply. I too have moments that I never want to leave or let go of. It’s probably a good thing that change happens because sometimes if it depended on me to break off and get back to my task at hand some things might not get done.
Deb´s last blog post..A different kind of tree pt2
Jamie, this is a beautifully written piece that deftly captures the fragility of time. Those moments in which we luxuriate desirous of holding on yet knowing all too quickly they will be gone. Beautiful thoughts that warmed my heart on this dark and windy December day.
Karen Swim´s last blog post..Help! – Not Just a Beatles Song
@Deb Thanks, and I know what you mean…
@Karen “luxuriate desirous of holding on/yet knowing all too quickly they will be gone” Wow! Such a lyrical comment! I’m feeling all gooey inside now! 🙂
I had a great experience on the weekend. Saturday mornings (from 8:30am to 1:30pm) I teach advanced-level English to a bunch of adults.
We hit the mid-point of the course this week and so I asked them for feedback. They all said that they’d dreaded the idea of a Saturday morning class, but my obvious passion for all things word-like made coming to class fun and exciting instead of a boring drain on their time.
As you can imagine, I spent the rest of the weekend floating – I inspired! I inspired! Woo hoo!
So, now my question to you is – did you tell your friend how happy his passion made you? Or does he read the blog and will see it here?
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome´s last blog post..It’s Your Life So Take Control of It: Joanna Young Interview
I feel like I just watched a beautiful sunrise! Your description of the scene was wonderful. It’s true – being around passionate people is inspiring and uplifting.
Melissa Donovan´s last blog post..Where to Find Inspiration for Creative Writing (Art Begets Art)
@Alex Now that’s a great question. No, I didn’t tell him how inspired I was by his passion but I will when I see him next! The theater is just down the street from my regular cafe. 🙂
@Melissa Glad you enjoyed it! Wish I’d taken a picture, but then perhaps I did in a way.
Jamie, you inspire gooeyness. 🙂 Your writing just touches me.
Alex, great suggestion and Yay! I’d enjoy a Sat morning of your teaching too. 🙂
Karen Swim´s last blog post..Drunk with Power