A zombie makes preserves

[vaneramos]

We were to have a party at the Book Shelf for OOTS volunteers last night. My revelation about the Bible had galvanized my work on the novel, inspiring me to write. I went downtown an hour early, bought a pint of cider and worked in the Green Room until my friends arrived.

We hung out together for three hours. I'm especially fond of Denise and Mat, with whom I usually share the Tuesday evening shift, but I so enjoy this entire group. They are rapidly becoming important to me. I had another pint of cider and finger food on the party tab, then Mat bought me a half pint of Keith's.

The idea most on my mind this morning was the Holy Spirit. It will play an essential role in Pilgrim's Cross. This morning I researched avidly. When I used to study the Bible I had only my own collection of reference books. Now I can follow my whim along any path of curiosity. It's hard to believe this information network I have come to take for granted is younger than my children. From the Holy Spirit I skipped to St. Augustine, who I knew little about until today, to Montanism and Manichaeism, two early Christian cults I had never heard of.

After lunch I became convinced I had let the morning slip away, and sank into utter despair. Feeling horrid, I proceeded to let the next two hours slip away.

The refrigerator contained a four-quart basket of peaches demanding attention before I go away. I finally hauled my spineless body to the kitchen and proceeded to make peach chutney. Going through the motions.

Having finished that and seeing the afternoon was fine, I went back to the Arboretum to record some of the scenery that so enchanted me on Sunday. Fewer people were about.

A large sundial bears the inscription, "Horus non numero nisi serenas" (I only count the hours that are serene). Strolling around, my psyche fell back into alignment. I remembered what I had actually spent the morning doing. No more profound words came to me, but I wandered contentedly, familiarizing myself more with the light in the Manchurian cherry, and the statuesque trunks of the grey poplar.

After dinner I used the remnants of the peaches to make peachstone jelly.

Another image is posted in texture.

Comments

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Those are my two favourite trees from the Arboretum this week: Manchurian cherry and grey poplar.

[artricia.livejournal.com]

You probably *would* really get something out of Graham Greene, considering what you're doing with Pilgrim's Cross.

That first image is breathtaking. You inspire me to find better adjectives.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

It makes me want to breathe quietly for fear of disturbing anything. That's my favourite bench beneath the Manchurian cherry.

[ubermunkey.livejournal.com]

I like reading of these moments when you remember to be good to yourself.
You are indeed worthy of love and much goodness.

namaste
connor

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Heading north today, I remember love and goodness.

Until next week, be well. I will think of you.

Love,
Van

[daisydumont.livejournal.com]

i'm glad the biblical research was rewarding. there's vast amounts of that kind of scholarship that i've never, ever looked into and probably won't. but it's broadening, really, to see how widely divergent people's interpretations are. that's why i finally decided there was no way to pick the one, true system!

i love the first photo, with the daylight beyond the shadow.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

That light is in the Manchurian cherry, the bench where I like to sit.

I'm enjoying the reading, especially since I don't have to make sense of it!

[rsc.livejournal.com]

All right, the combination of the light/dark effects and a reference in your post made me read that as "Manichaean cherry".

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

A dualistic tree, how interesting!

[clairenolen.livejournal.com]

wonderful picture and i'm happy to hear that the day was productive and good.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thank you, it turned out well.