AEDM #27 - Kismet

Do you notice signs? Do you make connections? I do - I believe in kismet.

On Wednesday, I took the day off to head 1-1/2 hours to attend my friend's mother's funeral. Before heading up, I stopped by the card shop to get a card and picked up a CD titled, "Tuscany A Romantic Journey." I picked it for the first track, "O Mio Babbino Caro From Gianni Chicchi" by Puccini but little did I know that this CD was picked for me, for the second track. By the time we headed out from the Mass and drove down the street to go to the burial site, the CD had cycled back around. I was at a stop sign ready to take a left turn and follow the long line of cars when I looked up and saw the most incredible site of geese in two v-shaped formations low in the sky and pointing the way. The orchestral version of "Con Te Partiro" by Sartori was playing. At that moment I knew I was exactly where I was suppose to be. Tears filled my eyes and my heart swelled. Now as I write this I am even more amazed for it is only now I realize that "Con Te Partiro" translates as "Time to Say Goodbye." 

Take a moment to close your eyes picture the geese and listen to the following track. (Note scroll down to the music player found in the right column to turn off the French music.)

I selected a variety of images for the digital collage to help me remember this day. 

Canadian Geese - remind us of the Sacred Circle, how life cycles on and about family.  The migration of Canadian Geese marks the passages of the Great Circle of the Year, and reminds us of the sacredness of the cycles of our own life.  We can also learn from the cooperative and communal behavior of these birds, who never abandon a sick or wounded member of the flock, and who know when to lead and when to seek guidance and follow.   The goose is also about traveling to distant places, it is about breaking free from one place to move on in your life in order to survive.  If you are stuck in an old pattern, goose can help you move forward bringing new patterns in.

Orchids - were selected for my friend Antoinette who is also my Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) teacher. She specializes in orchids. I had taken the photo of these orchids when in Boston last week. I kept the buds to remind us that during this time of loss there is new life yet to live and that all is not lost.

Lace - was added along with the fortune cookie message, "A chance meeting opens new doors to success and friendship" for the unexpected connections I made at the luncheon. One woman who lives close to me is preparing to open a fabric store specializing in Victorian notions (oooh think of the velvet and lace). This woman's sister who also connected with is a member of the same religious order as a dear colleague of mine and who in fact lives in the same house. The intricacy of the lace also illustrates the beautiful web of connections reminding me that we live in a small world where we are all connected.

Compass - is a familiar symbol in my work. It is a central image and design element in my True North Arts endeavor. It is interesting to see that this scan taken over six months ago, points in the direction of where I traveled - Northwest.

Keyholes - and keys are favorite symbols that I work with. This keyhole asks, "What lies ahead?

 

Michelle Ward poses the question, "What's your sign?" in this month's GPP Street Team challenge. Before I made this post, I remembered that Michelle's challenge involved sharing signs but it wasn't until I added her graphic above that it was to share a sign that reminds us of a loved one. OMG! Without planning, I answered her challenge. This all shows me that I am exactly where I am suppose to be.

Comments

[Carmen]

Kathryn!
Don't you love experiences that are so meaningful, and art that touches us in such special way, make everything elso seem so trivial.
Thanks for sharing.
Carmen

[susie]

I do believe in signs, also. Doesn't it make your spine tingle when things align and you know something special has happened for you? At those times it is easy to know what is important.

[michelle ward]

Kathryn - what a beautiful thread of connection from the music to the geese, and the messages you became aware of because you are a seeker. Thank you for sharing your collage, your definitions of meanings, and the lovely piece of music. So many signs. So many sentimental connections. It's way more than being where you are supposed to be....I think no matter where you are you would make the most of it and find value in your placement. xo

[Gina]

A beautiful and inspiring post! I, too, believe in serendipity, which seems to happen at certain times and during special events in our lives. We just need to remember to tune into the signs around us. Thank you!

[teri]

It's just incredible, isn't it, how our loved ones reach out to us from the other side? And so often it is music that touches us. I've come to understand that there are no coincidences, and that we must pay attention to the signs. xo

[Kara aka Mother Henna]

Kismet. This is the song played at our son's funeral. I feel like it is a little wave from him...being that it is posted as part of your kismet entry here and that I haven't listened to it or looked for video of it in forever. Signs, signs, everywhere are signs.
xo

[Cath]

Right where you are meant to be indeed. I could not listen to the music though - I feel a bit fragile tonight. But I may well come back to it. BTW I really like how you have explained the reason behind the elements on your page - thanks for sharing.

[Helen]

Beautyful signs and good of you to tell us about them. The key is also a sign I like to use, but I never really know what it says to me.

[Eileen]

I am one of the two women you met at the funeral. I am struck by the Canadian geese since Marie Gloire - Gloria - the woman we were returning to the earth was so thoroughly French Canadian. My mother and she have been close friends since the 6th grade even though they didn't even live in the same state for 68 of their 82 years. I'm glad to reflect on Gloria flying free. I hope my brother Tommy who died at 40 and was her Godson was there to meet her!!