It was an obsession of Eunice Goode’s that there was very little time left in the world, that whatever one wanted to do, one had better get it done quickly or it would be too late. Her conception of that segment of eternity which was hers to know was expressed somewhat bafflingly in a phrase she had written in her notebook shortly after arriving in Tangier: “Between the crackling that rends the air and the actual flash of lightning that strikes you, there is a split second which seems endless, and during which you are conscious that the end has come. That split second is now.” Yet the fact that her mind was constantly recalled to this fixed idea (as a bit of wood floating in the basin of a waterfall returns again and again to be plunged beneath the surface by the falling water), rather than inciting her to any sort of action, ordinarily served only to paralyze her faculties.
-- “Let It Come Down,” Paul Bowles, 1952
Thank you so much, Steve, for yesterday's post about time. I have stolen the quote shamelessly, in its entirety. Though I know you didn't consciously understand you were sending me the best birthday message possible, you were! Mr. Bowles wrote these words just a few months before I arrived, screaming, colicky and melancholy, exactly 55 years ago. Wow. Love being on your wavelength. Thank you!!
It's gloomy and rainy in Washington DC, but I have a very nice day ahead anyway, including a session with the Sufi acupuncturist, lunch at a fancy restaurant with a good friend, dinner tonight at the home of another good friend. In addition, my family got together and did a psychic reading for me for the coming year. Their divination tool of choice was a sushi deck of playing cards. Is that cool or what? I am in awe of this wonderful gift.
Another turning of the wheel, another birthday, another brief moment of awareness between the crackle and the flash. Life is good and I am grateful.
24 comments:
happy birthday!! the double nickel as we call 55! may the sun come out and shine on you today!
a sushi deck - very auspicious!
looking forward to meeting you in just about a week! and toasting to your birthday!
Thanks, Kim. Can't wait to meet you, too!
Reya!
Your birthday? We have to get together for drinks and dinner. It would be wonderful to see you!
Happy, happy birthday. So many people I like are born in February. :)
AH! A classic Bowles excerpt provides a nicely unexpected zap to start the day. 'Let it Come Down' and of course 'The Sheltering Sky' -- but really, all of his Morocco stuff are perfect human-character autopsies.
55, eh? Congrats! I'm no expert in Numerology, but for decades, having been one of the millions of people obsessed with the no.23 (gee, thanks TOPY), seems to me that you've got a double 23 there (2+3, 2+3), which is like massive-life-change times two, right?
Again, apologies to the people who really know this stuff.
whatevah! Another fab Reya post. Gracias/ch
Happy Birthday, fellow Februaryite! Looks like you have a great one planned.
Reya! I'm so psyched you enjoyed the quote so much you used it yourself -- wow! It's not only a great birthday message, but a great ANYTIME message! Zap!
Happy Bday. You're the best. :)
Thanks for the wishes and thank you, Intangible Arts, for the psychic reading. Life change times two? It is the specialite de le maison Reya.
Oy vey. Here I go again!
Steve, you're so right. ANY time, yes, but especially for a birthday.
Because I posted that last comment twice.
Happy birthday to you! Hope your day is comfortable as you adjust to one more candle on your cake. I look forward to celebrating your new age with you when time permits.
Love to you on this wonderful day, dear Reya!!!
Happy, happy B-day, Reya!
xx
We had a crazy weather day of 4" of snow followed by ice, constant rain and light flooding --oh and gusty winds. I ended up running errands all over town without my parapluie! (and on a blustery day an umbrella would be a useless article, really) So I dried my soggy self out in between in warm bakeries and coffee shops a--oddly --I ran into almost every single pal I know in town. I have never heard my name shouted so many times on the street as today --I found myself invigorated by the rain on my face and even the wind--Stopping for a nice cup of soup midday helped a great deal, too. The crazy weather did not seem to dampen anyone's mood at all! Which was strange, but wonderful.
Is is something in the Stars, Reya? Was today an auspicious day in astrology?
I will always remember your birthday as the day the weather and everyone I know was Extra LIVELY!
At first I thought you added that heart balloon via Photo shop, but it is another magical reflection--you have a way of photographing reflections that I haven't been able to master at all. (And I do try)
I was gonna take your Present over to The PO to mail, and I realized I did not have your full address... pls e mail it. Better belated than never eh?
Thank you all for your wishes.
Ched - I, too, was out in the freezing rain all day. It rained pretty hard here, and it was a little blustery, too. Like you, I found the weather thrilling, don't know why. Also I, too, ran into friends and old clients, neighbors, people I haven't seen in ages. I find that auspicious in and of itself.
I don't know enough about photoshop to add a heart - shouldn't admit it. The pic is of a valentine in the side door of Marvelous Market at EAstern Market. You can see the awnings of the market in the background, though they're reversed and reflected. Disorienting. On the right side you can see into the store itself, see a few customers and the lights.
Love to all. It was a perfect birthday.
Dennis stayed in all day. Dennis wishes for Reya a Happy Birthday!
happy birthday, reya...have a fabulous, happy, healthy, prosperous year..i meant to write this in the AM, but the day got away from me....judy
are you 55? now you get 10% off on tuesday's at ross dress for less (or cross dress for less as i call it)..i'll be there next january!
Let me add my fond wishes to the pack. That Paul Bowles quote is hitting home here too!
hoppy birdy ~r
Dearest Reya! Happy Birthday! I hope the year ahead will be filled with love and happiness, joy and harmony, peace and laughter and all and only the very best things!
xxx
Happy Birthday Reya. I turned 44 on my last birthday and someone told me that repeated numbers (doubles) meant that it would be a power year - like 22, 33 etc. So I have taken that to heart and have embraced the power. If this is true then you are in a power year as well, although you don't seem to need any extra power. You are perfect just the way you are.
Gary? So are you!
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