Only the shadow knows
What point of view shapes a shadow?
Hi,
The lines create exciting patterns. While the tree's trunk interrupts the flow of the line, it doesn't stop the line. Life is like that, too. We have interruptions, real or imagined obstacles—life continues.
“Don’t step on me.”
We shouted and chased each other across the blacktop playground. Rather, we chased each other’s shadows, trying to step on an arm, a head, as the figure grew larger or disappeared.
I played the same game with my children—and my grandchildren.
Something magical hides behind a shadow that is and isn’t a real thing. Not quite a reflection, but certainly an image that resembles our size and shape.
Peter Pan looks for his shadow with the twinkling help of Tink(er Bell). Can you sew on your shadow as Wendy did for Peter?
Poets, writers, musicians often use the metaphor of shadow in a more sinister way. They morph into secrets, deceit, and uncertainty.
I am more inclined to the positive and playfulness of shadows. Like the games we played making shadow puppets. The lamp reshaped our fingers into rabbits and birds or more adventurous forms of unknown characters that slipped into dreams before falling asleep.
Do you remember (if you’re old enough) the afternoon soap opera Dark Shadows? Who could forget the terrifying Barnabas Collins and the grip he held on his wealthy family? If you go back and watch the trailers, the drama appears more comical than spooky. Not so in 1966.
Shadows spill across the pages of Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings. In the trilogy's final book, Sam says, “above all shadows rides the Sun and Stars forever dwell.” And if you can recall your high school English class, you might still recite these words from Macbeth.
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
What is a shadow? Point of view and perceptions form the world we see and experience.
Walking alone on the beach with waves tempting my toes into the water, I see joy and the marvel of my shadow stretched across the sand and others’ footprints.
Creativity can elude us, but I started looking for it in all the best places.
Even though Valentine’s Day has a dark origin, I choose to use the day to remind those I love and care about how they bring joy to my life.
A few musical stories of shadows from Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. in Me and My Shadow; Lindsey Stirling, Shadows; and, Enya, Even in the Shadows.
When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too. —Paola Coelho
Find a little wonder this week.
With gratitude,
Kathryn
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