Thursday, February 24, 2011

By Instinct & Vision


By Instinct & Vision
Photograph by: Karen Holmes

"The creative mind plays with the objects it loves."
-C.G.Jung

Led only by instinct and a small "for sale" sign oddly-hung on an aged and splinted Canadian barn door, my grandmother would enter into the deeply-shadowed barn without reservation. Somehow her tiny frame would drag out into the bright sunshine a long-discarded, caked-with-dirt desk that had seemingly said good-bye to a productive life years before. Even in the barn's darkness, she was somehow able to see that there was more life to be had! As the worn-out desk made the journey to her studio workshop a vision of hope would grow. Under the care of my grandmother's skilled hands and love, once tossed away items were rejuvenated... the desk dazzled with a rich cherry stain polished to new life. My grandmother believed in the simplicity of fresh starts and healing... of recognition and restoration of something tempered by age and refreshed by love.

Today... I wish you the gift of seeing the world through my grandmother's kind and caring instincts and vision...




4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, how I watched those same hands you described work over her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and each time those hands gave new life to all she touched, you captured her magic and her love in your words. I remember the Canadian border crossings squeezed in with one of her "finds" and the joy her pieces gave to others as they came into her shop enroute to their new home. This made me slip on her mink hat today. Thanks for the memory!
Each day I wait for your posts, just like years ago, when throughout the world, I waited for your letters and care packages. Thank you for your written words they are a gift. And even more,thanks for sharing them with the world, because YOU have stories to tell and we need to hear them, and your pictures to excite our senses!
With love, Sister Bird!

karen - Simply Inspired said...

*baby bird: beautifully said...thank you so much! we were indeed fortunate to have our gramma...i am glad you are enjoying "visiting" me here and taking a little daily break. stay warm -xok.

Birdie said...

aww what a sweet post, there is something about our grandmothers we will always remember ... the kindness, the love, the knowhow of so many things .... thank you for this loving post, have a wonderful weekend, love.

karen - Simply Inspired said...

*birdie...thank you... i am glad your grandmother is also a sweet treasure for you. wishing you a loving weekend... -xok.

About Me

My photo
I have always been inspired by my Grandfather's particular generosity and encouragement, along with his love for others and nature. His spirit lives on, and the influence is quietly with me as I write and share. This is my small offering that I pray will bless others and allow them to become Simply Inspired. warmly, karen -xok.

Each day provides its own gifts.

- Marcus Aurelius

Thank you for visiting with me here...welcome.

please be courteous

Unless otherwise indicated, the photos and writings are by Karen Holmes. You may link; however, the material on this blog is copyrighted and requires consent for duplication. For permission to use information from this site, please contact Karen Holmes via email. Thank you for your consideration.