|
Wow. These are uncertain times, aren't they? They were uncertain a few months ago, but now that uncertainty is dialed way up. It hits us in every area - job, free time, friend time, alone time, travel, dreams of the future, school, art and music. It has hit us here at the Lab, too, and finally, thanks to a friend who created a brilliant little art work ("Answering Service" - dial 888-691-3111 and explore!) we've started a new notebook for our Notes on the Lab of Life, and here we are.
Please have a listen, and of course, share if you're so inclined. Take care, stay safe, and wash your hands. A lot. Here's the transcript of the piece, written and recorded by Silvie Zamora. ~ The crash of hailstorms, the blast of hurricanes, the violence of tempests, the fury of winds, and the malice of thunderbolts. There are means to impede these “powers of the air,” they thought back in the Middle Ages, and one of those ways was to ring a bell. A consecrated bell, a big one, hung from a belltower. Cut to today, this morning at 11. In fact, every morning at 11 (or a couple minutes before or after) the bell tolls. It doesn’t go to eleven, by the way. Not every day, anyway. Sometimes 12, sometimes 9 or 10. Today was 13. I had taken to rushing to the nearest window, and breathing in the sound. I wanted to find the source. To thank this person for those few seconds of peace. The ceasing of whatever important thing I was doing, so I could just stop and be. I imagined a monk, signaling the beginning of a daily meditation with that beautiful, resonant G flat tone. We couldn’t tell where it was coming from. Whichever window you opened, there it was. Last week, after days of guessing, my husband raced out the front door and down the street in an easterly direction. He came back triumphant. He had found her. And the next day, he took me there to watch it happen. It was the house with the lawn signs proclaiming NO 5G, and STOP THE ALIEN TAKE OVER. There were pictures of aliens, the green-headed kind, heavier on top, with big, black eyes. You’ve seen them. You can get masks, party balloons, and all manner of tchotchkes with them emblazoned on them. And there was a bell. Not the kind that swings, the kind you strike with a mallet or pull on a rope that causes the clapper inside to strike the sound bow. To use the proper term, it was hung dead. She came out of her house cheerily. We asked if we could video her. She declined, with a big smile. She rang the bell. We looked at her many alien images, bumper stickers, lawn signs, all warning of doom. And we listened to the sound that for centuries was used to call to worship, to commemorate weddings, to memorialize/remember the dead, to drive away all the spirits of the tempest, the powers of the air. She told us, “They say let freedom ring, but nobody rings bells anymore.” I don’t know what she wishes her bell ringing will do. Is she hoping to bring people, searching for the source, to the portent of her lawn signs? Is she calling us to prayer for ourselves? Is she hoping, in the words of a French prayer in the ritual of consecrating bells, to “put to flight the fiery darts of the enemy of men?” The crash of hailstorms, the blast of hurricanes, the violence of tempests, the fury of winds, and the malice of thunderbolts. To calm the storm without and the storm within, I’m very grateful for a few seconds of pause, with my own breath, with a beautiful tone that floats on the powers of the air.
12 Comments
3/12/2025 03:24:33 am
Rental agreements can vary based on different ownership structures. is a common question among new landlords and tenants. A leased property refers to real estate that is rented out under a legal agreement for a fixed period.
Reply
3/12/2025 03:31:39 am
They are ideal for both small residential projects and large commercial jobs. Removing tiles can be difficult, but a simplifies the process. These machines use powerful mechanisms to lift tiles efficiently without excessive manual labor.
Reply
3/12/2025 03:39:12 am
Dubai is known for its stunning gold jewelry, and anklets are a popular choice among buyers. The depends on the gold rate, weight, and craftsmanship of the piece. Whether you want a delicate chain or an ornate design, Dubai has plenty of options to explore.
Reply
3/12/2025 09:55:51 pm
If you appreciate luxurious and unique fragrances, It's a brand you must explore. Their scents are known for their richness, longevity, and distinct compositions. Every fragrance from this house has a regal touch, offering a sophisticated experience that stands apart from typical designer perfumes.
Reply
3/12/2025 10:29:39 pm
Selling a commercial property can be challenging, especially when trying to attract the right buyers. Understanding Buyer for commercial real estate property is essential for maximizing your property's value.
Reply
3/12/2025 10:48:10 pm
Many cannabis users wonder, and the answer is yes. Like any edible product, these gummies have a shelf life and can degrade over time. While they don’t necessarily become harmful after expiration, their potency and flavor may decrease.
Reply
3/24/2025 03:09:57 am
Every detail in these paintings tells a story of love, companionship, and the special moments shared with a furry friend.
Reply
6/12/2025 10:20:33 pm
Color matches are spot on, and transitions are seamless. Whether going subtle or bold, it looks like it belongs.
Reply
9/12/2025 12:03:06 am
The calming nature of this strain makes it a great option for stress management. Its balanced effects allow for comfort without excessive sedation, while the earthy aroma adds to the experience, making it both grounding and refreshing.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Silvie Zamora
|
RSS Feed