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Saturday, June 13, 2009

Vigil lyres

Did you know the instrument to play during a vigil is the lyre? I had
heard that singing wordless songs was helpful to the dying process,
but nothing about a vigil. I'll have to look into that.

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Sent from my mobile device

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Work is love in action. ~Kahlil Gibran

The harmony you seek is less important than the harmony you bring. ~unknown

May blessings of love and hope rain on you, clearing the dust from
your sandals and refreshing you to welcome with open arms and heart
all the wonderful things in store for you.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Midweek sunshine music lunch

Maybe its because its been rainy and overcast for the last 6 days.
Maybe its because everyone's had a hard work week so far. Maybe its
because I missed breakfast this morning. Today's lunch is extra
special.

This afternoon I have 2 meetings dwtn Mpls so I decided to head over
early and grab lunch too. Peavey Plaza has music over the lunch hour
in June and food vendors are setup to feed the hungry who are escaping
from offices for awhile. I grabbed a generous pizza of spinach and
artichoke and with my bottle of water I headed down to find a spot to
listen to the soulful stylings of a singer/keys and guitarist doin'
covers.

What an escape it is! In the concrete construction jungle a green and
watery oasis is just below street level. Souls are grouped with others
to reconnect. Others are enjoying a little solitude. The music gives
this time a needed distraction for some and others, a muse to reflect
on or a voice to frustration. A place to be ourselves. An oasis.

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Sent from my mobile device

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Work is love in action. ~Kahlil Gibran

The harmony you seek is less important than the harmony you bring. ~unknown

May blessings of love and hope rain on you, clearing the dust from
your sandals and refreshing you to welcome with open arms and heart
all the wonderful things in store for you.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Basilica bells

I live in the Upper Midwest, the Twin Cities to be exact, and on occasion I can hear church bells pealing.  Not a recording of bells playing hymns (on different carillons no less):, but bells in real towers with ropes and someone pulling them from below.  When they get going, it's a joyful racket! 
 
Today was a lucky day in Minneapolis.  I was downtown and getting ready to leave when I started to hear them.  The irregular rhythm of larger bells oscillating slower than smaller bells.  It always causes me to pause and breathe -- to take note of what's around me.  In reflection, I imagine my European ancestors did the same and looked forward to the ringing of the bells as a means of telling time. 
 
Although today was a dreary wet day (and I'm not complaining -- we need the rain) hearing this peal added a little sunshine to my day.  At least it reminded me of the first time I had heard the bells of the Basilica.  It was in the Sculpture Garden a couple of years ago with a colleague of mine.  It was a warm sunny May day and late afternoon.  Even from across the highway its message was clear.  "Stop and smell the roses."
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