Limn: to depict or describe in paint or words; to suffuse or highlight something with bright color or light
“Limning the Ordinary” explores the ideas of finding beauty in the ordinary, slowing down enough to truly see, and allowing light to limn even the darkest days.
If you tend to think deeply, lean toward reflection and contemplation, and are seeking a slower pace in our frenetic society, I hope you will find hope and meaning here, as we focus our lens on finding the sacred in unexpected spaces.
Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God,
But only he who sees takes off his shoes;
The rest sit ‘round and pluck blackberries.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
I saw the moon limned on a stone floor one night.
I was four years old …
… the fifth of six children.
We lived in India, where my parents served as missionaries for three years. We children were frequently hungry. Maybe the food was too spicy or maybe we were picky or maybe there just wasn’t enough.
That night, my older siblings stole downstairs for bread. I followed them and stood still as stone at the foot of the stairs.
Something bright shone into the window.
At first, I thought it was a thief with a flashlight, peering inside. Dad would warn us of “Hankyman” — his word for a thief/robber/ne’er-do-well. I froze, thinking for a moment it was Hankyman.
Then my eyes adjusted and I saw it was moonlight.
Moonlight, floating before me on the floor, so bright.
This was mystery. It was magic. It was a limning of the ordinary.
Such generous suffusion is everywhere.
I am glad you are here
Really, thank you …
… for visiting, for stopping by.
The world is a busy place and we are busy people.
But sometimes it takes a conscious slowing down to catch a glimpse of mystery, to stand in silent wonder, or just to take a breath.
Here, with Limning the Ordinary, I hope to offer such a space …
… sometimes with a few words, maybe a poem.
Other times, with a longer narrative.
There will be photos.
And (if I stick with my goals and improve in the craft), maybe some sketches or paintings down the line.
I hope you will find hope, a little respite, a depiction of light …
… a limning of the ordinary.
I won’t beg you to subscribe …
… but I would be honored if you choose to do so.
May your day be suffused with grace.
