Today is the Epiphany.
Perhaps it is because I have only had one cup of Earl Grey but I am blinking drowsily. Truth be told, I am sliding into Winter Brain, although the temperatures are calling me a blatant liar with a high of 52°F forecasted for today. The sun has just broken out behind weeks worth of clouds and I am tap-dancingly grateful for this has been one of the most unlikely sleeper seasons on record. As there has not been enough cold in the Alps, there isn’t the pull to create the Mistral winds that fold back the blanket across the sky. I am keeping an eye on the one magnolia blossom that opened her bloom three months ahead of schedule, hoping that her sisters won’t follow suit. They must be tempted…like I am to take my camera and chase after these bright lights with a butterfly net before they disappear again.
But I think that I will stay put and watch it from my window instead, just as I have been following the saga of the swallows that are fighting over the bird food ball that we have tucked into a crook of the olive tree. For despite the weather, my body knows what January means and so the blue of this second room on the first floor of Anthony’s house feels just right. No, not blue for sadness (like the brilliantly voiced character of “Inside Out” – if you haven’t seen it already, it’s amazing) but blue for calm.
On a few of my friends blogs, “reinvention” has been the new buzz word and it has left me subtly surprised. For although “Necessity is the Mother of Invention” (thank you, Plato) and some of us have no choice but to start over from scratch (I’ve done it), I am dubious when it comes to anything whispering of “a whole new you.” We need who we already are. I am more inclined to peaufiner or keep adjusting if I can, working on both the personal projects and modus operandi that are already en route. Quietly. In the past, there have been midnights which were ushered in with the banging of pots and the trill of my Dad’s old trumpet. Not this year. Granted, I am also really aware that tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of the terrorist attack at Charlie Hebdo.
So what is the Epiphany? As in the religious signification, not the spine-tingling realization nor the galette des Rois almond pastry with a surprise hidden inside that is served in France today. Let’s see…it is several things…but to (over) simplify, it is ancient, a celebration of the Adoration of the Magi in Western Christianity and of Jesus’ baptism for Eastern Christianity or sometimes both together. There are many different manifestations of this holiday all across the world and until very recently, it was often considered as important as Christmas itself. However, in Medieval times, there also existed Twelfth Night, which was then a period of rollicking tomfoolery as portrayed in the eponymous play by Mr. William Shakespeare, a time when holiday greenery was burned in case evil spirits were lurking there. Perhaps it is best to go to the source? I am drawn to the etymology of the word from the Greek, epiphaneia which is the verb “to appear” and signifies “to reveal” and also “manifestation.” Interesting.
So, we have something or someone existing, something brand new arriving. Yes, I start to see what my friends mean. Old customs and current traditions are often closer to each other than we think. Then as now, we keep on keeping on, each in our own beautiful way, like the fluttering of the birds or the peace that a blue room brings.
Speaking of new, a sneak peak of one of the first additions to the new old house, below, in the adjoining bath to this blue room…can you imagine? I can. 🙂
If you have missed the introduction to Anthony’s house, you can find it here.
And here is a lovely song that I heard on FIP yesterday:
Well…if you feel like sharing…where are you at right now?
Do you feel like hibernating or jumping out of a cake?
Do you have goals or just some clear ideas of things to look forward to?
Because…as you can see…(and this is the follow-up from the previous post)…
…the door is open. All we need to do is walk through…
Cheers,
Heather
I had not heard about the street violence, Silke. We seem to be right on the edge in so many ways. As you say, we shall see how it goes. Let's just try and stay positive and be positive for now. Ben, that furry beauty, is a perfect example…he is napping on the couch across from me, as content as can be.
Oh my gosh I love that quote and everything that you wrote here wonderful Sister (plus a Hallelujah for that last phrase). I love you!
Thank you Edgar for this little gift.
Small steps are the longest lasting…you know that more than I!
Happy New Year to you as well, DA.
Bisous.
Maria, I saw a photo from National Geographic where a definitely not-so-young man was one of those to catch the cross, a gorgeous golden icon. So much fortune is coming to him!
And I moved your comment up, hoping that Susan would see it but yes, she does write "Greeker than the Greeks"!
Yowza! Oh, I need to read more about James Joyce's concept of epiphany as your description was a little too close to home…eh, oui, in a way that did not strike me as cynical…off I go to discover.
And thank you again so very much for the fine compliment.
And Maria, yes she does! Susan, I just now (finally) took a look at your beautiful and fascinating blog and am now following on bloglovin'.
Oh what I wouldn't give for that wind!! I can take the cold but these grey skies are just not my cup of tea at all. As for summer? Too hot for this pale skinned red-head but autumn? Voila!
It sounds like you have had a wonderful holiday time, Leslie. I knew that Bob and Henry would keep you on track. 😉 And how great to have family moments to hold onto as we roll through winter. Good luck with your preparations. You will do great.
But it is so incredibly important what you do, Lorrie. I know with all of my heart that you are an amazing teacher. Sending you a bolt of energy to keep you going as you get back to work!
Ahhh, you and Carolyn said the same thing and how wonderful! Yes please just keep being true to your wonderful self, friend.
xooo