I am struggling to write this post. Any encouragement I can get will be good for my soul at a time when I’m just tempted to watch The Office on Netflix. Then again, if I don’t put a post out, I won’t have to encounter the disappointment that follows from contact with reality.
One reason I am struggling, is that iCloud has not been syncing my photographs or contacts. In fact, at last count, I have 13,749 contacts. I even tried using my best technological knowledge and unplugged my computer and plugged it back in. Secondly, I hate being confined, even if it is for my own good. And others.I’m with Patty Smith who opens her book, “M Train”, with the line, “It’s not so easy writing about nothing.”
I don’t know. Many of you say I’ve been doing that for years.
The part of writing that most confounds me most is the writing part.
Samuel Beckett said, “There are two moments worthwhile in writing, the one where you start and the other where you throw it in the waste-paper basket.”
Nevertheless, I’m starting. And since I can’t come up with anything, let’s talk about my latest peregrination.
Last week I was strolling down what is now my favourite street in Vancouver – Main Street.
Yes. Even though Vancouver is a beautifully blustering city with a population of 631,486 as of the 2016 census, it has a Main Street. It’s kinda in the middle of the city. The middle part.
Now, there is nothing more in the world I LOVE, than to wander the streets with my camera – and VISA card.
Cause if money can’t buy happiness, explain shoes.
And after that, there is nothing more I love than a creative, intriguing window display.
Notwithstanding these fantastic window displays, I was also captivated by what they had printed on their store window as their philosophy of being.
Reconfigure, embellish, reimagine, patch.
These four words reminded me that we don’t have to copy the customs of the world, but instead take a new and fresh interest in everything we do and think, reminded that we are called to move in this world like a reed, not a rock.
We need to put effort into discovering fresh sources of novelty, into studying it properly with our eyes wide open.
At its best, art is a tool that show us how little we have understood and how little we have noticed.
When was the last time you looked at anything solely and concentratedly for its own sake?
The way to develop the habit of really seeing, is to pause when something is beautiful or good or catches your attention.
Pause – then totally immerse yourself in the experience of savouring. It’s not natural to us – it’s learned behaviour and a choice.
Actions develop into habits, which in turn ultimately harden into character.
Reconfigure, embellish, reimagine, patch.
These four words reminded me that we don’t have to copy the customs of the world, but instead take a new and fresh interest in everything we do and think, reminded that we are called to move in this world like a reed, not a rock.
We need to put effort into discovering fresh sources of novelty, into studying it properly with our eyes wide open.
At its best, art is a tool that show us how little we have understood and how little we have noticed.
I always enjoy and benefit from your views on the world you live in. The beautiful photos
synced with your internal musings cause me to revisit opinions, be more forgiving of
my unmet aspirations, and goals and just enjoy the process.
In simpler terms,
Keep writing about nothing,
Karyn, A worthy effort, even without having writer’s block!
Thanks for the newsletters Karyn; they always put a smile on my face.
And those store fronts… wow is right. Thanks for the bringing the world into my home
Did I thank you enough? When you staged my home for Odell, I was very inspired and flattered by your reverence of my art collection. It SOLD right away in May.Now happily ensconced on the BC coast. Sally
I wanted to reply to your latest blast-out (even though your emails go to my “clutter” box and each time I have to put it where it belongs in the In-box!
I wanted to say that I love your writing – it’s quirky, fun and inspiring!! Even though we have not used your services for a very long time (you did one out in High River over a century ago I think it was), your ability to take what exists and turn into something totally different inspired me to use my own creative ability. I was the kid who always did a thorough clean and repositioning of my bedroom every season when I was growing up. I used to stand with my head between my legs (if you can believe it) so that I could see the room from a different point of view and know where to place things creatively.
My husband, my daughter and I are still selling real estate but I am slowly moving towards semi-retirement and want to do only a few things with the team moving forward, one of them being the staging which we have been doing in varying degrees ourselves in the last few years. It is people like you who were way ahead of the curve that even got us thinking about how to present homes to the marketplace in the best possible light!!
Don’t bring the curtain down on your business – you’re great and I wish you continued success!!
Way to go! Loved the window pics. I wish I could wear those clothes.
Nancy
Wonderful post Karen!!Sandy
Hi Karyn,
I always enjoy and benefit from your views on the world you live in. The beautiful photos
synced with your internal musings cause me to revisit opinions, be more forgiving of
my unmet aspirations, and goals and just enjoy the process.
In simpler terms,
Keep writing about nothing,
Cheers and all good things,
Kathleen
I love your blogs. Not only do they make me want to be a better person, they want be to more like you! An insightful peregrinator.
Love the photos along with the words.
Thank you m’dear.
Martha Willson
Karyn, A worthy effort, even without having writer’s block!
Thanks for the newsletters Karyn; they always put a smile on my face.
And those store fronts… wow is right. Thanks for the bringing the world into my home
Cheers,
Carollyne Coulson
Beautifully written!!
Keely’s iPhone
I loved this
Debbie
Did I thank you enough? When you staged my home for Odell, I was very inspired and flattered by your reverence of my art collection. It SOLD right away in May.Now happily ensconced on the BC coast. Sally
I wanted to reply to your latest blast-out (even though your emails go to my “clutter” box and each time I have to put it where it belongs in the In-box!
I wanted to say that I love your writing – it’s quirky, fun and inspiring!! Even though we have not used your services for a very long time (you did one out in High River over a century ago I think it was), your ability to take what exists and turn into something totally different inspired me to use my own creative ability. I was the kid who always did a thorough clean and repositioning of my bedroom every season when I was growing up. I used to stand with my head between my legs (if you can believe it) so that I could see the room from a different point of view and know where to place things creatively.
My husband, my daughter and I are still selling real estate but I am slowly moving towards semi-retirement and want to do only a few things with the team moving forward, one of them being the staging which we have been doing in varying degrees ourselves in the last few years. It is people like you who were way ahead of the curve that even got us thinking about how to present homes to the marketplace in the best possible light!!
Don’t bring the curtain down on your business – you’re great and I wish you continued success!!
Denise Chaulk, Realtor