Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Still Life on a Computer



Glittering stones, amethyst, citrine, a reminder to keep things simple, and a sticker that says: Birds Matter--sit below my computer screen, overseeing my keypad.


I've come to rely on these objects, this tableau for comfort and stillness, this gathering of quiet energy.  In the past few years, I've added one stone then another.  Now they feel like mini-sentries pointing to some gateway of thought; my thoughts, and maybe thoughts of others--like guardians of time and timelessness--that have come to rest and visit in my busy, microscopic world. I can't explain why I've set my desktop with these small rocks, but when I pick them up, dust them off, turn them over in my hand, shift them a millimeter this way or that, it's as if I'm shaking hands with other universes, and I'm glad they feel welcome to be here, have stayed for such a long, uncomplicated while.

What still life is on your desk?  



8 comments:

  1. I have a similar piece of amethyst-- just got it from the Sequoias. It's my birthstone. It seems to calm me when I hold it, and I like the coolness. (and I just looked this up: The artist Leonardo da Vinci once wrote, "Amethyst holds the power to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken one's intelligence."

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    1. Margaret- That is a wonderful story about where you got your stone--your birthstone, too. I love the meaning and what da Vinci said. Thanks.

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  2. My desk is surrounded with photos of my children and grandchildren who are the joy of my life. There are lots of puppy photos (though I will probably never own a pup, I wistfully enjoy the pics), and butterflies and other little gifts presented to me to help me through the grief of loosing our middle son. For a bit of whimsy there is a plaque proclaiming, "Fat snowmen last longer." My desk is my oasis.

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    1. Michelle- I read everything and then everything stopped when you shared the loss of your middle son. I'm so sorry. Thank you for helping me picture your desk life.

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  3. I have so much stuff on my desk! But it's OK, I thrive amidst the chaos :-) Right now, among way too many other things, are my wedding rings (engagement, wedding, anniversary) because, as much as I love them (and him), they get tight when it's humid, and I take them off at night. Also, two thumb drive, my iPhone charger, Burt's Bees lip balm, a notebook, "Make a Scene" by Jordan Rosenfeld, bills paid, a ruler, two pens. I could go on, but you get it.

    Michelle, please accept my sincerest sympathies on the loss of your son.

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  4. Hi, Martha--There's something magical about all your rings. I also own Jordan Rosenfeld's "Make a Scene"--it's a great book for writers.

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  5. They are lovely. Right now I have on my desk a green vase with two little birds on it, a small metal duck, and a blown glass paperweight that my father gave to me.

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    1. Hi, Jen. Wish I could see a picture of your vase with two birds on it. It sounds lovely and so does your glass paperweight, especially because your dad gave it to you.

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