Hardly a day passes that I don’t appreciate living in a safe place, having a roof over my head and desk of my own to work at. Corner of a bedroom, back wall of a sitting room, attic in the middle of unopened boxes, it’s never been easy to find that elusive perfect perch. So typically I try to fit in flexibly and quietly wherever I can.
As part of “setting out” on this pilgrimage, I am reconstructing this stage set home of ours yet again and claiming more of my own space. No sooner said than the thought of the blank page and the expectation of “no more excuses” overwhelms. Then while unpacking I come across a well worn copy of The Heart Aroused by David Whyte.
“Following our path is in effect a kind of going off the path, through open country. There is a certain early stage when we are left to camp out in the wilderness, alone……out there in the silence we must build a hearth, gather the twigs, and strike the flint for the fire ourselves. This can be a frightening time.”
So frightening time or not, I am getting on with striking the flint and fixing a vital point of reference for the journey. Do you long for the luxury of your own hearth?
I have my hearth waiting for me to light the fire. My latest idea is in the kindling box and today I will go out to the studio, light the match and begin to fan the flames of creativity…sometimes it may not go as planned but the heat from the process is enough to warm the artist within. Love this analogy!
I so relate to your post today….My hearth is build and the match is lit but with fear and trembling I touch the fire to the wood…..I love visiting with you…You always seem to stir something deep inside….
Oh what a lovely and timely post. I have just been studying gypsy culture and, of course, a portable hearth is essential for the wanderer. Your posts & photos are always so inspiring & evocative—thank you for giving us pause to ponder in the hustle & bustle of modern life.
I am 44 and in my first 34 years I moved 17 times. Home has always been arbitrary for me and was rarely a fixed point. Even now, it's odd to feel that the life I've made is my home. But it's also comforting. To realize you have become part of a place is wonderful. Because I didn't know anybody when I moved here, everyday was an exercise in striking the flint and seeing where the sparks landed. Some I let flame, others I stamped out but it's all been a beautiful journey.
Just can't wait to see where this takes you!
I do long for that beginning on a new journey I hope will start soon…the scary excitement as I build a new hearth sounds about perfect.
I am usually looking at your photos and posts on my phone but am on my computer right now. What a sight! Your photos, what you see, so much to love! This is feeling like a weird, challenging, promising, scary, good year for me. I know it's only just begun but my writing feels like it finally has put on some legs and is ready to run.