Thursday, December 31, 2009

The Power of an object

When I was decorating the tree before Christmas, I heard a crackling sound. At first I didn't know what it was. Then I looked down at the remaining ornaments still carefully laid out on the coffee table, and I could see that one of my favorites—a lilac and silver heart—had cracked all over.
When I showed my “broken” heart to John, he said the reason why it had cracked was to let out more love. Hmm. I had a feeling there was a lesson in all this ...or maybe even a poem. But I forgot about it until Christmas Day when my sister-in-law Wendy presented me with a replacement: a beautiful silver heart. (Wendy and I both love hearts, so she could relate to me losing mine).

Yesterday I decided I'd photograph the two of them together to send to Wendy. Unfortunately the lilac and silver heart disintegrated when I touched it. The funny thing is: when I looked at the photo afterwards, I could see myself taking the picture of it reflected in several of the fragments. I’m not sure what the lesson is here (or if there even has to be one), but I do know I've let go of my attachment to the heart and ended up with a visual poem.

9 comments:

Godelieve said...

It's a pity that this beautiful ornament cracked. But I love the photo you made, completely with you story, the reflections,...
Thank you for all the nice comments on my blog throughout the year. I really appreciate them.
I hope I can visit your blog very often in the new year. It's always a joy to look at the beautiful art and photos, but also to read your stories behind them.

Anonymous said...

Only a true artist can take something broken and make something beautiful out of it. These photos and the story behind them are lovely.

Caterina Giglio said...

ah the broken hearts of Dec. I put one in my journal pages. letting go is the them, good bye old year, hello new year and I release all of my attachments!
Happy New Year Susan! I wish you health, wealth and lots of gorgeous creations! xo cat

Irene said...

I agree with Kriteena, only a true artist would have made those lovely conclusions. What a beautiful photo.

me again said...

There is much meaning in those fragments I think...beautiful meaning. A reminder perhaps that nothing lasts forever but true beauty can live on, in its own way. I tend to attach too much meaning/sentimentality sometimes to "things" and I have cried over broken and damaged christmas ornaments and decorations. Your lovely photograph is a forever memory of that ornament and in creating the photo, you've created a thing of beauty. I'd even be tempted to use it in photoshop, as a background or texture. I think being positive about sharing that photo here and writing such lovely words is a gift to us all :-)

azirca said...

It's awful when we break something that we treasure. Although your decoration has ended up in pieces your visual poem is beautiful and your new silver heart is vibrant and shiny. Perhaps a little glimpse into how the New Year will be for you?

Wishing you much happiness and many incredible moments during 2010.

José said...

In Holland we say: scherven brengen geluk; it means : broken pieces bring good luck. Love your writing and the pictures. Wishing you lot of luck in 2010!

Lisa PN said...

Hello lovely Susan!
I love the visual poetry created in these photos!
A few days ago, Beans (my terribly debonair yet devil of a black cat!) pulled down the tree and with it some of my favourite vintage ornaments from Dave's mother. We spent some time sharing stories as I had never met her. But i somehow feel that i know her as i have her sewing supplies and vintage fabrics and xmas ornaments.

It was a reminder that things are fine, but memories are best.

Ganga Fondan said...

During his last teleseminar, my Teacher said that nothing ever happens by accident. there are no accidents. Every leaf falling from a willow tree has meaning. Your post today reminded me of that message and reminds me today to see the details of the subtle things I try not to see. A lilac heart bursting has released a purpose so poignant and beautiful. Happy New Year blogger friend and may all your dreams come true. :)