Monday, October 24, 2011

Soft stillness and the night

Photo:  awesomestories.com
I'm feeling nostalgic tonight for some reason.  I have been browsing through my Drafts folder here at Healing Morning to see what snippet might jump out at me to elaborate upon and birth a new blog article.  This one seems to be it.  A stanza from William Shakespeare:

How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank.
Here we will sit, and let the sounds of music
Creep in our ears; soft stillness, and the night
Becomes the touches of sweet harmony.
I ran across this weeks ago, most likely on Facebook.  It brought to mind summer evenings from my childhood, long before the advent of cable television and the internet.  Indeed, at that time, we had three television channels and were lucky if two of them could be received on our antenna way up on the ridge where we lived.  Thus, many evenings during warm months were spent outside in lawn chairs doing this simple thing....talking.  And looking at the stars.

It was such a peaceful thing.  Being with family, visiting, laughing together.  Or just being silent and gazing upward at the expanse of stars.  Some nights we would spread out a blanket to lie on, and it was then that I would imagine that the stars would drop down to touch my face.  We lived far enough out in the country at that time that city lights didn't compete in the night sky and we could see the constellations clearly.  The Big Dipper and the Little Dipper were always easily discernible...and we would attempt to identify other constellations from the Encyclopedia.

Balmy summer nights, filled with quiet conversation and cicadas humming in the background.  The scent of freshly cut grass, blooming roses and honeysuckle would hang heavy in the moist night air.  If it had been an especially good day, there might be the rare store bought treat of Jiffy Pop popcorn...that miraculous creation that we watched in fascinated delight on the stove top, the shiny aluminum dome poofing up as the popcorn popped inside.

Those days are long gone, and I remember them fondly.  The Shakespeare snippet above brought the memories to mind, soft and misty, like an old photograph whose edges have been gently worn soft with time.  Ghosting along my mind's eye, hovering there with wraith-like purpose, insistent to not be forgotten.


"...soft stillness and the night..."  The words bring a slight ache of wistfulness to go back there again, to that back yard in the country on that side of that ridge...and let the stars drop down, once again, to touch my face.

37 comments:

  1. Re connecting with nature and relationships was something I enjoyed while I was in the USA....It was refreshing and made my time there wonderful...

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  2. It's a lovely thing, isn't it, Savira? Revisiting those special places, whether they're from childhood or adult memories, it's just lovely to step back into those moments occasionally. I'm happy you had an enjoyable trip back to the U.S.!

    - Dawn

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  3. Dawn you painted a vision with your words...going back in time to a place where solitude and the beauty of a star lit sky whispered in your ear. Memories of family and happy times...cocooned in a space that brings a smile to your face and fills your heart...Balance...one foot in the past and one foot in the present....pouring from one cup to the other...perfect harmony..nostalgia...a place of the heart...my dear friend...Always...

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  4. Raven, I loved your own words. In my mind's eye, you painted me into a version of one of the cards in the suit of Cups. I can see it so clearly! I feel I brought you into that memory with me and that makes me smile, as that was the goal for this post. To paint the memory so vividly you could see and share it with me. I don't quite know why the memory was so strong tonight, but I'm glad I gave it written voice. I feel wrapped in a blanket of peace as a result and hope that same emotion is communicated to those who visit here.

    Much love to you, always, in return. <3

    - Dawn

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  5. I always like to reconnect to people, go down the memory lane in reminiscence. It is sort of rejuvinating.
    Lovely post..thanks.

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  6. I know the feeling. I think all of us have those nostalgic moments. Sometimes it can be just a smell that takes you down that road. I grew without television and our days would be spent out in the gardens hunting for dragon flies and butterflies and nigh time would be spent listening to my grand fathers stories. Loved you your post Dawn.
    http://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.com/2011/10/journey-poe-tree-hop.html

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  7. Dawn, your post took me down 'memory lane'. I look at my children and remember what I was doing at their age and things are so different now. Times have sure changed and no matter how hard you try to get it back to the 'good old days', it just never quite happens the same. I guess that is why they call it 'memories' :)

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  8. Beautiful! Thank you for pointing me to the right direction. There are those times when I get lost, caught up in all those nagging concerns of daily life, and this is a trip that cost nothing and brings such joy to the soul. I loved reading every single word :).

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  9. Absolutely stunning! Your words transported me back to my own childhood, those magical moments of gazing at the stars, amazed by the heavenly wonder . . .
    May the stars always swing low to touch your face . . .

    Blessings!

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  10. I have found in this maddening world of technical distractions I have to claim those moments again myself. Chase some fireflies, drink some lemon-aid, and find the innocents that is never completely lost because it lives inside me. Embrace simplicity for that moment and let nothing stop me. To soft still moments, Dawnie...Aliens!

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  11. Dawn, this was such a touching post. You expressed so beautifully your feelings and memories, stirring my already stirred pot...Jiffy Pop. I love this <3
    Sending my love,
    Leah

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  12. Janu, I agree with you - occasionally revisiting happy memories is a treat for the heart and spirit! Thank you for visiting.

    - Dawn

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  13. Rimly, what a beautiful memory you shared! My GrandDaddy used to read to us in the evenings, although it was a rare treat. I can still remember the deep timbre of his voice. I think both of us probably benefited from growing up with little to no television! For me, it forced my mind to turn to books and writing at a very young age and I've always been appreciative of that. Thank you for visiting today. :)

    - Dawn

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  14. Mary, the beautiful thing is that even though going back as an adult shows us a different perspective, the heart always remembers the childhood experiences in gentle detail. I love that you walked with me down Memory Lane! I guess I just needed a moment out of time and I'm glad it's been evoking similar happy memories for others. I appreciate you visiting & leaving such a lovely comment!

    - Dawn

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  15. Janie, you just made me smile, as you always do with your gentle, profound and very wise insight. "...this is a trip that cost nothing and brings such joy to the soul." That was just so Janie! And it was beautiful. I'm glad this gave you your own moment out of time, my sweet friend. You give so much to all of us, and you deserve soft moments of your own. I love you.

    - Dawnie

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  16. Martha, "..may the stars always swing low to touch your face" - what a lovely thought! Thank you, my friend. I'm happy you enjoyed the trip down Memory Lane as well. It's fun to do that occasionally, yes? It softens the heart and gives us that indefinable something that kind of pats us on the heart. :)

    - Dawn

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  17. Tinker, "...find the innocence that is never completely lost because it lives inside me.." - oh my word, that's just so perfect! Somehow, despite the challenges of this Earth School, I've managed to hold onto my own innocence. My own simple, childlike delight is never far from the surface and I like that about myself. I also like/love it about you, sister-mine, because we know that like attracts like! I never cease to smile at the serendipity of it all, and how we find one another again, each trip down here. I love you, darling girl.

    - Dawnie

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  18. Leah, I wondered who would make a comment about Jiffy Pop! LOL...you know, the other day in the grocery store, I found it is still stocked! I didn't buy any that day, but I will the next time I get groceries. I know my inner child will be just as delighted now as she was way back then, watching the shiny silver dome poof up! I love it when you visit, because it reminds me to visit you in return and I know my heart is always going to be happier for it.

    Much love to you, sweetheart.

    - Dawn

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  19. I, too, can remember a childhood spent looking up at the stars. Ahhhh....such a simpler time. We used to lay out on the grass when it was cool and just gaze away.

    Thanks for the memory.

    xo

    Jo

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  20. Jo, when I was writing this one, I was smiling through the whole thing. It evoked such warm memories of a time when all was right in my world, I was content and well aware I was loved. Somehow, as we age, we lose that sense of sureness about all those things. Even better reason to occasionally recall those warm memories, I think, and share them with others. I'm so glad this prompted happy memories for you!

    Hugs back!

    - Dawn

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  21. How delightful to read through this post and soak it in...my visits to your lovely corner of the world always refresh my spirit! I felt as if I was there with you...lying on the grass, smelling the scents of summer, gazing up at the stars...

    Thank you gorgeous girl, for sharing this beautiful memory with us. Big hugs :)

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  22. Hi Bec! You made me smile with your comment. It's nice that my own childhood memory is one that speaks to others with the same rosy glow. That, and the fact that you felt I brought you with me into the memory - that's always the goal. Now I'm off to visit your world in return, for my own wordy treat. :)

    Hugs back to you, chickadee!

    - Dawn

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  23. Back again Dawn. Hey you took me back to my childhood in the country also. And the great thing about Africa travel is being able to get away from light pollution, throw a sleeping bag on the ground, no tent, and sleep in a billion star hotel.

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  24. Jim, you indulged me! I'm full of smiles. And oh my word, I can only imagine what the night sky looks like in Africa. Now I'm hoping that you've taken photographs of that experience! If you haven't, then I am officially requesting that you do in the near future. :) So good to be in touch again, my friend.

    - Dawn

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  25. Dawn, you are a wonderful writer who spins tales with her magical words. We had a similar childhood, minus the high tech gadgets, but lots of outdoor fun and childhood games. Enjoyed revisiting my childhood with you.

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  26. Sulekkha, I miss that outdoor fun from childhood! Right now, I'd love to be out in the woods, seeing all the beautiful fall colors in the trees, breathing in the fresh air. Alas, I'm inside and working, but I took a moment to pop over here to read your comment. I am smiling to see that you enjoyed a brief trip back to childhood with me! It's a lovely exercise for the heart, I think. Thank you for visiting, beautiful girl!

    - Dawn

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  27. Oh, I love your sweet memory from childhood. And how wonderfully written, this recollection of summer nights under the stars on balmy evenings.
    It sounds like my own home place, far from the madding crowd, way out in the country where the stars are so brilliant you feel like they just might reach down and touch your face!
    I love the way you engage the senses in the piece with cicadas humming, the smell of fresh-cut grass and roses and honeysuckle, the taste of popcorn… Masterfully done!

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  28. Debra, it sounds like many of us grew up in a similar fashion. Looking back, I wouldn't have had it any other way, as I think my mind was enriched by every old-fashioned facet. To this day, I really can recall those nighttime scents, fresh-cut grass, roses and honeysuckle all intensified by the sultry, damp southern night air. I miss being there. And I'm so glad you enjoyed this snippet from my past! Much love to you, chickadee!

    - Dawn

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  29. We all must have some little experience with stars at childhood, its an amazing experience. As the Channels of TV growing up day to day our experience about stars growing up .... but in the mean time, we are not forgetting our childhood ... the sweet memory.

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  30. You painted a lovely picture in that post. I could 'feel' it and I wanted to be there too!

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  31. Manoj, I agree! Childhood memories are sweet ones. Gazing at the stars, for many of us, was the beginning of inspiration, firing our imaginations and prompting questions that would lead us further in our lives. Thank you for visiting! :)

    - Dawn

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  32. Claire, thank you! I'd love to revisit that time and place again myself occasionally. Memories allow us to do that, and sometimes I'm able to physically go home to that property for brief real time visits. I'm glad you enjoyed this one. :)

    - Dawn

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  33. What a lovely picture you paint with these words Dawn. Nature brings us back to what is pure and true. I am remembering through your memories and I like the feeling. Thank you!

    http://lyricfire.typepad.com/lyric-fire/2011/10/lyric-fire-look-at-my-fabulous-life-episode-10-.html

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  34. "Nature brings us back to what is pure and true." I love that, Tameka! And I agree. Those memories are some of the happiest and most content for me. Anytime I go home for a visit, I feel that same sense of contentment and well-being. Thank you for visiting and I'm happy you enjoyed this trip with me! :)

    - Dawn

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  35. We just celebrated Diwali in India.... thatz exactly the festival of getting together n celebrating... Relatives n family members, friends all come together to celebrate.

    n yeah goin in the memory lane is a beautiful feeling.

    Nice read as ever Dawn !!!

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  36. Jyoti, I saw the most beautiful photo last night - it was a picture of your whole continent taken from space, probably by a satellite. It was just breathtaking, the way the whole continent was illuminated by all the lights and celebration! I imagine all that festivity and families coming together blessed the whole planet with the heightened energies. Thanks for visiting, sweetheart!

    - Dawn

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  37. yeah this time is amazing... its festivity all around :)

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