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Monday, November 19, 2012

One Pass, But Many Chances

Remember seeing this little nugget?

I expect to pass through 
    this world but once. 
Any good, therefore, 
    that I can do or any kindness 
I can show to any fellow creature, 
   let me do it now. 
Let me not defer or neglect it for 
I shall not pass this way again.
                                                                 (author here)  

Hubby Always Makes My Birthday Special
                            

On my birthday, that poem came back to me for a visit like an old friend. Good stuff to mull over for the coming year. We only pass through life one time, but oh the opportunities we have to choose goodness and life! 

As I write this blogpost, the sun has almost set and the woods outside my window is a montage of black silhouettes against a blue/grey/lightly golden sky. A hawk flies in and lands on an upper branch, watching me through the window watching him. He flies off then to his evening duties and I return to mine.

Pumpkin Cheesecake on the Red Plate for My Birthday
I wonder how many people have crossed my path this past year like that hawk? Have I noted their presence, validated their worth before our ways parted? I saw the new "Lincoln" movie over the weekend and that was a striking feature in the film...how LIncoln's eyes and expression gave such care and inclusion to the people he was with. 

That's something I want to give more care to in the coming year, to ponder the word "any" in that little poem and not miss the small opportunities. Lord show me the way!



*In our home, the red plate is saved for special occasions or "red plate days." This was the first cheesecake I've ever baked "from scratch." It was delicious with a gingersnap crust. An old dog can learn new tricks!
~~~~~

MUSIC LINKS 

We May Never Pass This Way Again - Seals and Croft

    "Peace like the silent dove should be flyin'
      when it's only just begun."


From "Sunrise Mass"  by Ola Gjeilo

      Pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua 

          "The heavens and earth are full of your glory."

 

 

Monday, November 12, 2012

Artists, Friends, and Lovers

What makes one an artist? Having a studio where one regularly paints or writes poetry? A burgeoning portfolio or repertoire? Income from live performances or artwork sold? A certain inclination of mind and heart? One artist said:
There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.
                                                           Van Gogh
Friends for Life - Rachel and Lizzie





That quote reminded me of this photo of my daughter Rachel and her good friend Lizzie, taken 20+ years ago. They are still friends though several states away from each other. And they are both talented artists.


Here's a scene Rachel painted her sophomore year of high school, a street scene for a school play, Little Princess. She also played the role of Miss Minchin, the mean headmistress of the girl's school. I remember sitting in the audience experiencing that wonderful feeling all parents know when their child has explored their talents and put them convincingly on display for all to see. Several friendships that were strengthened in the production of that play still remain with my daughter today.

A couple more interesting quotes ...
Alter ipse amicus - A friend is another self
Only your real friends will tell you when your face is dirty.      Sicilian Proverb

Be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit      (unknown)

Who being loved is poor?       Oscar Wilde

My friend Lois with Me (in the red coat)
I love this photo with my friend Lois. I'm wearing a Christmas tree pin she gave me for Christmas one year. It's a treasured piece in my jewelry box because it came from such a dear friend. Every season that I get it out, it gives me such a feeling of joy. It helps me feel close to this dear friend, even though we live 700 miles apart.



Smiles ... that's a clear sign of friendship and love and artistry of spirit in all these photos. The one on my hubby's face here (from our wedding day) say's it all.

I'm thankful for friendships that have lasted years and remain strong across the miles. I am indeed, so richly, richly blessed!

For those who are displaced, friendless, and feeling abandoned today we pray:
Lord Jesus, be near to those who are weary in their need of basic necessities of life, including friendship. Show us how to be a friend to the friendless. Help us as we do our part to bring justice and peace to broken places and broken lives; through your faithful Love and generous Spirit. Amen.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

MUSIC LINKS

You've Got a Friend - Carole King sings with a younger generation of new friends; Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, Shania Twain.

Here's the same piece sung by James Taylor and Carole KIng in 2010, with notes regarding their debut of the piece in 1970. James Taylor went through some really tough years between 1970 and 2010. I wonder how his friends were a part of his recovery?

Here's is the text, written by Ms. King:

When you're down and troubled
And you need a helping hand
And nothing, whoa nothing is going right.
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest nights.

You just call out my name,
And you know whereever I am
I'll come running, oh yeah baby
To see you again.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall,
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.
You've got a friend.

If the sky above you
Should turn dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind should begin to blow
Keep your head together and call my name out loud
And soon I will be knocking upon your door.
You just call out my name and you know where ever I am
I'll come running to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you got to do is call
And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Hey, ain't it good to know that you've got a friend?
People can be so cold.
They'll hurt you and desert you.
Well they'll take your soul if you let them.
Oh yeah, but don't you let them.

You just call out my name and you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again.
Oh babe, dont you know that,
Winter spring summer or fall,
Hey now, all you've got to do is call.
Lord, I'll be there, yes I will.
You've got a friend.
You've got a friend.
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend.
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend.
You've got a friend.


Friday, November 9, 2012

Chant, Shimmer, and G.K.


The following quote from G.K. Chesterton was on my Facebook wall this morning. It's worth repeating here ...
"ARCHITECTURE is a very good test of the true strength of a society, for the most valuable things in a human state are the irrevocable things—marriage, for instance. And architecture approaches nearer than any other art to being irrevocable, because it is so difficult to get rid of. You can turn a picture with its face to the wall; it would be a nuisance to turn that Roman cathedral with its face to the wall. You can tear a poem to pieces; it is only in moments of very sincere emotion that you tear a town-hall to pieces. A building is akin to dogma; it is insolent, like a dogma. Whether or no it is permanent, it claims permanence like a dogma. People ask why we have no typical architecture of the modern world, like impressionism in painting. Surely it is obviously because we have not enough dogmas; we cannot bear to see anything in the sky that is solid and enduring, anything in the sky that does not change like the clouds of the sky." ~G.K. Chesterton: 'Tremendous Trifles.'
I note that Chesterton doesn't mention music. If I had the opportunity to sit down for tea and a chat with G.K. I might venture for his consideration that music may be even more irrevocable than architecture. It has the possibility to last longer, and it can be heard in multiple places around the world simultaneously. He might remind me that a composition is always different, living and breathing its life in the hands of the artists who are currently bringing it to life.

His wider point certainly gives me pause to reflect.

The Chesterton FB page includes this photo and this comment:













 November 9th: Feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran Basilica: St. John Lateran is Christendom's earliest basilica. Ordered by Rome's first Christian Emperor, Constantine the Great, it became the Popes' own cathedral and official residence for the first millennium of Christian history.

A lovely combination of art and architecture in my current home area is the Cree Shimmer Wall on the new Convention Center in downtown Raleigh. 

 From the Convention Center's website:

The Cree Shimmer Wall is a 9,284-square-foot piece of art adorning the side of the Raleigh Convention Center. This spectacular piece is made up of 79,464 light and dark aluminum squares that change shape and disappear as the squares flap in the wind. The piece looks high-tech, but it's not.


Raleigh is called "The City of Oaks."  This piece of public art reflects that theme so beautifully. Perhaps this piece of public art is one example of impressionistic architecture that Chesterton didn't get to consider and enjoy. I wonder what he would say about it?

It is at our peril that we fall into the trap of thinking these ancient forms have nothing to do with us today. Equally perilous is the notion that there aren't any new art forms of similar merit. Surely artisitc blunders and ho-hummers have existed all along. That which is worthy will endure long beyond it's creator's lifetime. The important thing is to recognize beauty, skill, and merit wherever it is found, delight in it, and grow in character and thought from encountering it.

I'm looking out a second story office window at golden trees with leaves gently dancing in the morning sunlight and breeze. Reminds me that the fingerprints of the Greatest Artist have been present through the ages for our joy and inspiration.

~ ~ ~ 

MUSIC LINK

The Shimmer Wall brings to my mind this morning the opening theme to the 1995 BBC production of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," with its fluttering melody reminiscent of a hunting call. Shared here for Annie and Callie who stayed up late for a P&P marathon on their last visit:

Pride and Prejudice Opening Theme - by Carl David


Here is an exquisite example of Byzantine chant. With video showing numerous examples of remarkable religious architecture and art in this genre that extends back many centuries:

Psalm 148:1 - Byzantine Chant






Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Ubi Caritas


The ancient prayer Ubi Caritas has found it's way into hearts of Christians around the world through several beautiful musical settings of the text. It is often prayed or sung at worship services on Maundy Thursday (Good Friday in some Protestant traditions), particularly at the service or remembrance of foot-washing. Yet it is also appropriate to pray and sing year round.

Click on the highlighted link here to listen while you read this prayer. . . 


Ubi Caritas - Paul Mealor (composer) sung by Tenebrae




Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
   Where charity and love are, God is there.

Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor.
   Christ’s love has gathered us in one.

Exsultemus, et in ipso jucundemur.
   Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him.

Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum.
   Let us fear, and let us love the living God.

Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero.
   And may we love each other 
      with a sincere heart.

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
   Where charity and love are, God is there.

Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor.
  Christ’s love has gathered us in one.

Deus ibi est. Ubi caritas amor. Amen.
   God is here, love and charity are here. Amen.

Ubi caritas amor. Amen.
   Where charity and love are. Amen.


Christ Washing the Disciples Feet - Lucas Cranach the Elder [PD]


Here is the entire prayer, in Latin, English, and French. 


Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor.
Exsultemus, et in ipso jucundemur.
Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum.
Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero.
Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Simul ergo cum in unum congregamur:
Ne nos mente dividamur, caveamus.
Cessent iurgia maligna, cessent lites.
Et in medio nostri sit Christus Deus.
Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Simul quoque cum beatis videamus,
Glorianter vultum tuum, Christe Deus:
Gaudium quod est immensum, atque probum,
Saecula per infinita saeculorum. Amen.

Where charity and love are, God is there.
Christ's love has gathered us into one.
Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him.
Let us fear, and let us love the living God.
And may we love each other with a sincere heart.
Where charity and love are, God is there.
As we are gathered into one body,
Beware, lest we be divided in mind.
Let evil impulses stop, let controversy cease,
And may Christ our God be in our midst.
Where charity and love are, God is there.
And may we with the saints also,
See Thy face in glory, O Christ our God:
The joy that is immense and good,
Unto the ages through infinite ages. Amen.

Là où sont la charité et l'amour, Dieu est présent.
L'amour du Christ nous a rassemblés et nous sommes un.
Exultons et réjouissons-nous en lui.
Craignons et aimons le Dieu vivant
et aimons-nous les un aux autres d'un coeur sincère.
Là où sont la charité et l'amour, Dieu est présent.
Ne formons donc tous qu'un seul corps :
Ne soyons pas divisés de cœur, prenons garde.
Cessent les querelles méchantes, cessent les disputes.
Et que le Christ soit au milieu de nous.
Là où sont la charité et l'amour, Dieu est présent.
Qu'avec les bienheureux, nous voyions
Votre glorieux visage, ô Christ Dieu,
Joie immense et divine;
Pendant la durée infinie des siècles.
Ainsi soit-il.
Here is the Durufle setting sung by the Atlanta Symphony Chorus.

 

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Peace, Hope, and Safety


With storm Sandy's destruction still reverberating throughout much of the Northeast section of our country, and the tensions of this election day 2012, I am reminded of Felix Mendelssohn's beautiful hymn, Verleih' uns Frieden / Grant Us Thy Peace, a setting of a Martin Luther hymn text.

The text in German:
Verleih' uns Frieden gnädiglich,
Herr Gott zu unsern Zeiten!
Es ist doch ja kein andrer nicht,
Der für uns könnte streiten,
Denn du, unser Gott, alleine.

English translation:

In these our days so perilous,
Lord, peace in mercy send us;
No God but thee can fight for us,
No God but thee defend us;
Thou our only God and Saviour. 

The English text used by many choirs for Mendelssohn's setting is translated this way:

Grant us Thy peace, almighty Lord,
Thou source of every blessing.
Feeble and frail, trust we Thy word.
All things in Thee possessing;
In Thee is hope and safety. 

This second translation is not as faithful to the original, but I have come to love these words. The last line is the one that comes back to me so often when things seem spinning out of control in this world. I pray these words today for those grieving loss from recent storms, for those who have lost loved ones in the service of our country, and for our nation as we make important decisions today at the ballot box:  in Thee is hope and safety.
 
Here is a very lovely rendition (in German) from La Chapelle Royale Collegium Vocale
with the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris:  Verleih' uns Frieden.  

 
The Kiss of Peace and Justice, [PD]
The person who compiled that video uses an interesting painting as the visual, The Kiss of Peace and Justice, by Laurent de la Hyre. This painting from 1654 is on permanent display at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Wikipedia says about this French Baroque painter, "He was an innovative artist who used his superior skills as a storyteller to portray rarely depicted subjects." The theme of a kiss between peace and justice alludes to this verse from Psalm 85 ...

Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;
    righteousness and peace kiss each other. 

Centuries ago Augustine reflected on the thought that all desire peace, but not all always desire justice and wrote:

"Mercy and truth have met: justice and peace have kissed each other." Do justice, and you shall have peace; that justice and peace may kiss each other. For if you do not love justice, you shall not have peace; for those two, justice and peace, love one another, and kiss one another so that the one who has done justice may find peace embracing justice. They are two friends: you perhaps desire the one, and not the other: for there is no one who does not desire peace: but all will not work for justice.

Ask everyone, do you desire peace? With one voice the whole human race answers: I wish, I desire, I want, I love peace. Love also justice: for these two, justice and peace are friends; they kiss one another: if you do not love the friend of peace, peace itself will not love you, nor come to you. 

For how extraordinary is it to desire peace? Every bad person longs for peace. For peace is a good thing. But do justice, for justice and peace kiss one another, they do not quarrel among themselves.

Deep thoughts for a dreary Tuesday, but good to think about in light of what is happening in our country and around the world. 

Here is the Mendelssohn anthem sung in English. I find this rendition compelling because it is sung by a fine choir of high school youth:  Grant Us Thy Peace

May this sung prayer be a source of peace of mind for all my friends and family today.