Just so you know, for the next week, in preparation for Thanksgiving and being barefoot, pregnant, and in the kitchen A LOT, I'm going to post a week's worth of old but awesome posts. Even though it isn't next week yet, we'll start with this one, written by my amazing blog partner and sister, Suzette Saxton. Enjoy!
XO, Bethany
There are things in life that we have no control over that leave their mark - death of a loved one comes to mind - and then there are those subtle things that make just as big an impression.
Take opera. My exposure to it consisted of Pretty Woman, when Edward Lewis (played by Richard Gere) said, "People's reactions to opera the first time they see it is very dramatic; they either love it or they hate it. If they love it, they will always love it. If they don't, they may learn to appreciate it, but it will never become part of their soul." I made a point of listening to a smattering of opera after that - nothing happened. I figured I was one of those who would never have it in my soul. Many years later I bought a collection of classical music, and tacked on at the end, almost as an afterthought, was a very short opera piece by Puccini. I was so stunned by its beauty I found myself crying. That one piece unlocked a window in my soul, and I have loved opera ever since.
Another involves Flaming June, a painting I think you all know I love, as I use it as my Google icon. (Sweet Cynde even sent me Flaming June emery boards!) On a recent trip to the museum I found myself face-to-face with an original 4x4 inch oil study that was part of the planning stage for Flaming June. To see the actual brushstrokes of Lord Fredrick Leighton ... I stood riveted to the spot as a long line of patrons accumulated behind me. When one of them finally cleared his throat, I gave up my place and moved to the back of the line to await another turn.
Other life-altering moments that come to mind include a recent camping trip I took with my children, The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, and sunsets in general, which never fail to spur spiritual growth. This past weekend I swam in a million-year-old crater pool. Once I got used to the fact that I was floating atop 65 feet of water, the experience was profound.
I want to know about those subtle, life-shaping moments that make you who you are.
Suzy
Take opera. My exposure to it consisted of Pretty Woman, when Edward Lewis (played by Richard Gere) said, "People's reactions to opera the first time they see it is very dramatic; they either love it or they hate it. If they love it, they will always love it. If they don't, they may learn to appreciate it, but it will never become part of their soul." I made a point of listening to a smattering of opera after that - nothing happened. I figured I was one of those who would never have it in my soul. Many years later I bought a collection of classical music, and tacked on at the end, almost as an afterthought, was a very short opera piece by Puccini. I was so stunned by its beauty I found myself crying. That one piece unlocked a window in my soul, and I have loved opera ever since.
Another involves Flaming June, a painting I think you all know I love, as I use it as my Google icon. (Sweet Cynde even sent me Flaming June emery boards!) On a recent trip to the museum I found myself face-to-face with an original 4x4 inch oil study that was part of the planning stage for Flaming June. To see the actual brushstrokes of Lord Fredrick Leighton ... I stood riveted to the spot as a long line of patrons accumulated behind me. When one of them finally cleared his throat, I gave up my place and moved to the back of the line to await another turn.
Other life-altering moments that come to mind include a recent camping trip I took with my children, The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, and sunsets in general, which never fail to spur spiritual growth. This past weekend I swam in a million-year-old crater pool. Once I got used to the fact that I was floating atop 65 feet of water, the experience was profound.
I want to know about those subtle, life-shaping moments that make you who you are.
Suzy
Originally posted 10/10/09
8 comments:
I love the caverous pool swim. That must have been wonderful. I think some of my most profound life-shaping moments have been in the 'little' details. The bubbly smirk from one of my children when they were around the age of 8 months, or the carefree way they'd leap from the couch knowing I'd catch them. The unexpected aid from a stranger at the ice rink when I had two hockey bags, a diaper bag, a backpack, my purse, and four hockey sticks dangling from my arms--yeah, and the baby in the infant carseat. lol
Beautiful photos! Awesome post, thanks Bethany.
Wow, awesome photos! I think taking pleasure from the simple things in life keeps on young and happy.
I've seen that place! I don't remember what its called though! But someday I really really want to go swimming there! or even scuba-diving!
I wasn't big into opera either, until one day I heard the song "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" by Phantom of the Opera.
From that point on I fell in love with musicals and operas!
I have felt those powerful emotions with drawings and paintings, but usually they are digitally drawn. But still, sometimes they can be completely amazing!
Wow, thanks for sharing. I've had moments like that too--like when I bought the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Christmas album "Spirit of the Season" and popped it in the car's CD player. I didn't understand a word of "Mitt hjerte alltid vanker" but it had me in tears--not such a great idea when you're driving around town.
Music is such an amazing inspiration! And the little things, like peeking in at my 2- and four-year-old playing together without fighting. Warms my heart!
Great photos, Bethany. You are my muse.
I don't listen to a lot of classical music, but there are certain pieces that have moved me immensely.
I get lost in certain paintings, especially from the Renaissance period.
Staring into the ocean also gives me chills.
I love these simple pleasures that affect me in a profound way.
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