For nature, crescent, does not grow alone
In thews and bulk, but, as this temple waxes,
The inward service of the mind and soul
Grows wide withal.
(Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act I, Scene III)
Right about now, on this Fat Tuesday, the party day known as Mardi Gras is either reaching a feverish crescendo or winding down to a hungover whimper in cities along the Gulf Coast and in various other Catholic strongholds around the world. I've never understood this headlong, headstrong, mad, crowd rush to feast and drink before a fast. It's not particularly beneficial to one's health and could actually harm someone who is serious about fasting. But then I don't imagine there are too many individuals caught up in the crescendo who flip the coin of feasting to reveal the need for fasting and its companion: Reflection.
I'm glad that I've reached the ripe old age where I have an excuse to escape the partying and parades and settle down with The Good Book, some Shakespeare, or a good blog like Cosmos English Writing Blog. My Japanese blogger friend knows a thing or two about taking a step back from the mad pace of life and finding the tenderness, the sweetness we often miss when we grow up, get caught up, and start to "grow wide withal."
One of my favorite places to turn back and wane my temple is Torreya State Park. We traveled from the west, when the weather was at its best, and took a chance to hike and camp there a few weeks ago. Daughter came, traveling from the east (she wouldn't miss it!) to grace SAM and me with a visit, toting her guitar and musical talent along to sing a song or two and maybe inspire...
A post about Torreya, a place to build a story, after hiking, whilst sitting around the fire.
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| One of several headstones found near a trail in Torreya State Park |
ReplyDelete"Hold it a fashion and a toy in blood,
A violet in the youth of primy nature,
Forward, not permanent, sweet, not lasting,
The perfume and suppliance of a minute; No more."
I think Shakespeare nailed reflection pretty good in that scene.
How wonderful to have your daughter and her guitar at your campsite! Yes, I'd sooner read a book that party hard. Cool birds too.
ReplyDeleteThis looked like the best thing to do! For any occasion, actually! Be out in nature!!!!! yes! How great to have your daughter there too!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you that my husband is from Louisiana and starting two days prior to Fat Tuesday he kept bringing it up. As he was leaving for work on Tuesday morn....he again reminded me of the day. I searched Google for a great recipe to make for the BIG EVENT , but I started getting nervous I might botch it, so I found us a Bubba Gumps and I tell you....it was amazing! Right across the inlet from the Jupiter Lighthouse. it was so gorgeous...we sat outside by the water and the weather and temperature were just perfect! one of those just kinda magical evenings! There were no signs of Mardi Gras there, but the shrimp and seafood menu items were great. I ordered something called Cap't Dans Drunken Shrimp. oooh-la-la!!!!!
xoxo-Julie
Dear Walk2write,
ReplyDeletenow we are in Lent (I am not Catholic, but keep it - without eating too muchh before :-)
So nice to see your daughter playing the guitar for you! Our son and daughter-in-love sing a lot.
I wish you a beautiful week-end - and am sure you read a good book!
We visited New Orleans quite a few years ago to watch Illinois play in the Sugar Bowl. We went to Bourbon Street to walk around on New Year's Eve--definitely a mistake! I kept trying to think of a word to describe the scene, and debauchery came to mind. I don't understand Fat Tuesday either, except that I guess it gives people plenty to atone for on Ash Wednesday:)
ReplyDeleteWow, how I feel flattered you mentioned my blog!
ReplyDeleteYou were fortunate to have such an intimate place to "wane your temple" with your loved ones and musics and books. I could hear her strumming wth her fingers. Actually my husband resumed taking guitar lessons just for fun. He is not talented, to say the least, still I like him playing:)
Fireside guitar songs
ReplyDeletea pretty girl's voice
makes for sweet reminiscing
and here I thought for sure you were a party animal... But then thinkin on it I would like camping out a whole lot better too. :)
ReplyDeleteMr. Geo, I agree. Mr. Shakespeare was truly adept at expressing what most of us can only dream of verbalizing.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I don't know where our daughter got her musical talent from. If it's genetic, it must have skipped a generation!
Julie, I think you guys down in S. Florida were more fortunate than we've been with the weather this year. Nice weather has been the exception rather than the rule here this winter. Lucky you (sigh) to be able to dine outside on the Big Day. That shrimp dish does sound delish!
Britta, thank you! I think the Mardi Gras celebrations around here have little to do with holy-day preparations. The Gulf Coast seems to attract a fair number of hearty partiers, most of whom have no particular religious affiliation.
Rose, you were brave to visit NOLA at that time of year! I'm not sure when it's a good time of year to visit it except maybe the middle of summer when most visitors abandon it because of the heat and humidity.
Cosmos, it's always a pleasure to visit your blog, and I hope that visitors here will take the time to stop by via the link I've provided. Good for your husband! I've been thinking about taking some lessons myself but want to find the right teacher (someone with a lot of patience and maybe some earplugs:) Daughter and SIL gave me a guitar for Christmas, and so far I've only been aimlessly strumming it.
TC, I love your poetic comment!
Troutbirder, nope, my party days are safely tucked away in the past, and I can't say that I miss them at all. I figured you were a happy camper.