Thursday, April 07, 2011

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do



Church bells and sirens are my two favorite sounds which kind of sums up my entire life. One foot firmly planted in crisis and tragedy, one in the promise of Heaven. I think the bells were the real reason I converted to Catholicism, that sweet mystical sound that suggests a homecoming, a calling back. As a person who is deeply fragmented, I love the idea of peace, of being home. When I was young, I often wanted to be someone else, the girls that always seemed beautiful and content, the ones that didn't seem frazzled and unkempt, like me. I swore I would become that kind of person. I didn't. I went the other way. I became more like myself over the years. For a long time, I saw this as a tragedy.

But as the great Miles Davis says, it takes a long time to sound like yourself. I've found this to be true in my writing life and true in life itself. So many awful costumes to shed, so many goals that will never be obtained. But ultimately this is such a good thing, a miracle really. Everything that is not essential falls away. One spring I looked out the window and saw white flakes drifting out of the sky. I didn't know if it was snow or petals. It turned out to be both, one of those strange seasonal anomalies. I thought if only life could be like this and then realized it was, at least for that moment. I love the world, the sirens, the snow, the flowers, but ultimately like everyone else, I cannot stay.

Cocktail Hour
Working on some spring concoctions -- next up, a hibiscus jalapeno margarita. When I perfect this gem, I'm doing a video to show you guys how to do it.

7 comments:

Paul said...

"I became more like myself over the years". Great line Michelle.

the walking man said...

I think anytime after Tigers opening day the bells will be ringing again. That's been the traditional end of the cold. Ding Damn Dong PD!

Charles Gramlich said...

Snow and petals on the same day. I like that a lot.

Andy said...

That is a picture of what was once the local A&P Supermarket on
E. Grand Blvd. Things sure went down hill fast.
Ah, and Miles Davis at the Eastown Theater....Great even if he had a sore throat for thirty-three (33) years.
Old too soon, wise too late.
Great post!

Laura Benedict said...

A *perfect* little bit of gorgeousness. You're amazing.

I was thinking about blossom rain today. A story, perhaps. Or maybe it's too precious.

xoxo

Laura Benedict said...

Oh, and worst things ever?

Digital bell towers! Ew.

Anonymous said...

"I think the bells were the real reason I converted to Catholicism"

A-pealing imagery, Michelle!

Get it? Pealing/Appealing?

Like a pun?

Ah, Michelle, you bring out the best in me!