When I was very small, 1954 or so, there were many visitors to my grandparents' riverside property --relatives (on Sundays), my cousins, Neighbors who wanted to fish in peace on the banks of our river frontage, and Grampa's surviving friends from the Old West.
I objected only to Rex Clark, an Old West Remnant who had a scary MOUSTACHE and would chase me --probably for hug but never caught me-- which brings us to a larger view of the old rusted question mark:
It is part of a counterweighted balance Grampa used in the general store --the back door of which communicated with his saloon at 4th and L street-- until 1914, when he retired from dusty streets and fusty rustics in town and went to Riverside Road to open a gasoline station-- and then, The Old West was pretty much over.
I did this with it:
I doodled only a dot. The whole scale is in the barn I built in the '80s. I masked out whatever wasn't an interrogative --easy work. If the title of this post reminds you of a song ("Old Rugged Cross"), by Geo. Benning from 1913 --now part of the Open Hymnal Project-- you are correct.
I consider the Logos --the initial Word of God-- to be an interrogative. Too many have sacrificed themselves in doubt. In the ninth hour even Jesus said,
"Eloi Eloi lama sabachthani?"*---an interrogative.
What it means is, we've still got a long ways to go before we achieve balance. Good luck everybody!
______________________________________________________________________________
*
While sabachthani
is also valid Mishnaic Hebrew, the fact that Jesus is quoting the
Aramaic Targum rather than the canonical Hebrew version probably
indicates that he was speaking Aramaic. In Mark, the word that Jesus
uses for God is actually ελωι (Eloi) rather the ηλι (Eli) used in Matthew.
Hence, the origin of H.G. Wells's term in "Time Machine".
Balance, like peace, is a long way off. Worth struggling towards though...
ReplyDeleteAgreed, dear EC. With all the enigmas I've had to navigate these past few months, this is the only mystery left over. Hopefully I'll think of more before I enjoy the privilege of turning 70 --about a week away.
DeleteUnfortunately, balance is never successfully achieved. It's all an uphill climb, which gets more daunting and perplexing as we reach the end.....
ReplyDeleteThe older I get, the more question marks surround me - now covered with rust because they've lingered for so long. It's all an enigma, Geo. I've given up searching and asking. I have enough trouble climbing.
Dear Jon, I suspect there are few constants in the mechanics of our universe, which is huge and various. This has led some theorists to conclude that we are at a confluence of 2 universes --one gravitational, the other electromagnetic. Balance can only be perceived by an electrochemical entity testing gravity. I suspect this is where our old friend Dana Bate would say, "Never give up!"
DeleteI appear to have lost my comment on your post. Briefly, I agree with Elephant's Child. Balance is something which needs constant attention, something for which we need to, "Stay awake!"
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Geo. (Incidentally,I have answered your comment on my blog.)
Thank you, Tom. I have visited "Gwynt" and thank you for the attention. I'm especially happy to be in contact with you again. When it comes to balance in our lives, I must agree that rational thought and awareness must obtain.
DeleteAs to the counter weight, we had a couple in our garage when I was a wee tyke, they worked the door. How are things going, Geo? I hope you're doing ok. Take care, pal.
ReplyDeleteThings are going as things go sometimes, Mike. You know. My mother-in-law was put on hospice today. I have admired her over 50+ years. She is 91 and unwell --still, one of the best and wisest people I've ever known. Other stuff going on in disturbing concert makes an idiot of me. I shall indeed "take care" and, in all my best, be ok.
DeleteIt is great to be back on this train ride!
ReplyDeleteTrue to your blog name and this post's headline, I'm off on another thought adventure. I love the image of early 20th Century California. That weight hook is a fascinating artifact, what a keepsake. Now I am careening from peaceful fishing to
pondering the Logos as an interrogative! I hope the conductor when let me know as we approach Balance. I don't want to miss the stop, but figure I'll be occupied watching pastiche of the mindscape whizzing by.
Thanks, dear Tom. Enigmas haunt the windows of every trainride. And truly, it is the mind that detects and tries to solve them. When tremendous operations of the universe combined to create observers, that was indubitably their intent. We are an essential part of creation.
DeleteI like the history of this piece of weight, which I take was a balance to measure out produce or perhaps gin, at your grandfather's store. With a question of balance, you make a nice twist to the theological. But if my interpretation of the album by that name (question of balance), all will be washed away when tide rushes in. Is that the same as baptism? Would our theology be different if John starting baptizing in the ocean instead of a desert stream with that envisioned itself as a river?
ReplyDeletewww.thepulpitandthepen.com
Dear Sage, personally I think John chose baptismal waters that afforded the greatest probability of survival. When I walk down to the sea here, I follow a quiet stream --Point Reyes is a good example-- which gives onto a mighty ocean. It joins waters that rise into clouds and return inland, pile against mountains and return in rain to streams. So, to address your excellent question, theology would only differ in John wearing sunglasses and maybe a wetsuit.
DeleteI have backpacked at Point Reyes--a beautiful place! But I don't know how folks would have taken John's message if he was wearing shades (and a Hawaiian shirt with baggies) or even a wetsuit. BTW, I just preached on the dude.
Deletewww.thepulpitandthepen.com
Balance is a difficult thing to maintain.
ReplyDeleteYour narrative of your history was excellent. In fact, the whole thing was excellent. thank you.
Most kind. Encouragement welcome.
DeleteHi, Geo! I hope all is well with you and Norma. A saloon to a gas station. That truly was the end of the Old West! I'm rewriting this comment. My brother called as I was writing it; then he and Terry got into something on my computer, and I think they wiped out my comment. But if you have two from me, then you know I forgot that I posted it. Such is my life these days.
ReplyDeleteYour post brought up a lot of memories for me. I remember how excited I was as a little girl when I realized that my great grandmother had been a little girl during the days of the wild, wild west. Of course, she spent her entire life in Nova Scotia, and the wild in Nova Scotia had long moved west even when she was little. As for "The Old Rugged Cross," I always thought it was an old Baptist hymn because I heard it so much in church growing up. It used to drone on and on, but I think that was a reflection of the congregation's ability. As for "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ~ That always made me sad, to think even the Son of God had doubts. That didn't help me too much with my doubts. Now it's more of a comfort.
I'm embarrassed to say that I read your H.G. Wells post about 10 days ago, was writing a comment, got pulled away in the middle of it, and never got back. I had even watched the video twice. I need to go back and read Wells again. I wouldn't want to live in a world without books. I just finished a great memoir, ""Uncle Tungsten: Memories of a Chemical Boyhood," by Oliver Sacks. It was awesome, and it filled me with a sense of the delight and wonder great scientists feel about chemistry, physics, and math. I hope that you and Norma are looking forward to a lovely Christmas with your family. Every time I buy someone a funny pair of socks, I think of you! LOL
So good to hear from you, Louise! I'm still trying to catalogue the importance of doubt. It certainly serves to advance knowledge and dispel misinformation. To admit doubt is too often disparaged by those who do not, but doubt gives on to investigation, rationalism, deductive reasoning --in short, all orderly thought that makes our world less baffling. I suspect Jesus's question stemmed from hierophany: He was a human being but also a knowing part of a Sacred Showing --and at that point the human hurt like hell and needed to know why the sacrifice was necessary. I'd have asked the same question. Shortly, I'll celebrate Jesus's birth and think of how His teaching bettered Earth on such a tight schedule, wear a funny pair of socks, and think also of you --no doubt.
DeleteSomething calming about a counterweight, and it's probably to do with an inclination towards balance. My knowledge of other languages is poor, but enlightenment often follows abandonment in stories. Sending good wishes to you and Norma xx
ReplyDeleteGood wishes reciprocated, Lisa! Once again, your keen sense of quiddity has added to my catalogue --"...enlightenment...follows abandonment..." could easily explain the sequence in a story told over and over down millennia.
DeleteWith all these erudite comments following an eruditer post, I hesitate to post my silly thought, which is that my first reaction to "Eh?" was that you were joining us Canadians in one of our favourite sentence-endings . . .
ReplyDeleteAll my experiences with Canadians have been positive and rewarding, Jenny. In my travels to other countries there have been language barriers of varied severity, but none so easily overcome as this American learning Canadian. Once you get "Eh?", you're all set.
DeleteGeo:
ReplyDeleteIs there any metaphysical significance to your sporting a mustache now and the fearful looking one on your grandpa’s old-west friend from way back when? :)
Out of curiosity.... how did the young you see it as scary? Was it the first time you saw a mustashed fellow (facial hair being far less common in the 1950s), or did he have an overall scary countenance? For me, most fellows with mustaches seemed more jovial and avuncular and less stern that their clean shaven counterparts.
PipeTobacco
Dear Prof., I don't specifically know what the deal was with Mr. Clark --facial hair was a contributing factor, another was a pocket knife he would pull out and chase me with. He had a strange sense of fun and I learned to stay away from him. I was only generally stigmatized; my own hirsute adornment doesn't frighten me because I never chase myself with a pocket knife.
DeleteAchieving a state of balance and mindfulness in this crazy world would be awesome, eh?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I see your birthday is a week away, eh? By golly, so is mine, friend Geo :)
Happy Birthday to us, eh? Much love sends this travelling cat.
Lovely Cat, I shall think of you on our birthday --along with several other friends of this blog. I trust it will be a happy day for all. I may be slightly biased, but believe the world makes more sense with us December Kids in it.
DeleteAs our birthdays are fast approaching, let me wish you a very happy birthday, dude. May you enjoy a day devoid of worry and sadness. Nothing but uplifting thoughts! (If you must drink a beer or glass of wine to achieve this miracle, sobeit! I will do the same.)
ReplyDeleteAs for maintaining balance in this crazy world, it's kinda like riding a bike. You've simply gotta stay in motion... or keep one foot on the ground.
"It is the dim haze of mystery that adds enchantment to pursuit." Antoine Rivarol
Give Norma a hug for me. (Keep one for yourself, too.)
Dear December Kid, I will indeed raise a glass of wine south-eastward toward the miracle of you. I wish you and Smarticus wellness and the best of futures. "...enchantment to pursuit." Thank you for that. I ask only that you return the toast --I'm not quite out of the woods and it's balance isn't it?.
DeleteI most definitely return the toast. All the best of health and happiness to you and Norma. The new year's gonna be a GOOD one!
DeleteBalance is of dubious value as one approaches his octogenarian years. I am spending more and more time sitting or lying. And I'm not lying about that. I may be about to adopt one of the several canes and walking sticks I have about the house juist to maintain my balance. Be that as it may, may I recommend a book SWMBO passed on to me and I have now finished. "Loving Frank" is the slightly fictionalized story of Frank Lloyd Wright's illicit romance with Mamah Borthwick. But there is much to think about in it, from Wright's ideas on design to Borthwick's latent feminism. Anyway it's a good read. But enough. Happy birthday, in advance, dear Geo, and many more.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear Bruce, especially for birthday wishes but also for reigniting my thoughts about F.L. Wright. For many years I've visited friends in Corte Madera and Larkspur and always admired the Marin County Civic Center off Rte.101. Another friend in Santa Cruz cautioned me to take care leaving his street via what locals called "The Frank Lloyd Wright Wrong-about". I understood once I got involved in it. But I'd never heard about his private life until now. I'm appalled that a household worker could have been capable of arson and murder. Understandably, any account must now, after a century contain vagaries but I will keep an eye out for the book, "Loving Frank".
DeleteI strive, really strive, for balance in most things. Sometimes I lie to myself when the scale starts tipping, but it is because my head was never screwed on tight enough. This leads to falling down, but so far I have been able to stand again even if I wobble a bit at times.
ReplyDeleteHappy, happy Birthday, George, and welcome to the 70’s. These are good years because we finally know everything, even if we can’t remember it as quickly.
Dear beautiful Arleen, your head is quite where it needs to be --that thinky thing on top of me agrees. Today I repaired a tire on our 6-year-old car, then wobbled panting into the pumphhouse. She asked, "You OK?". I replied with a dismissive wave and said "Haminahaminahamina". Then entered the pumphouse of solitude lest I fall down outside.
DeleteHi Geo,
ReplyDeleteYou seem quite well balanced to me plus very smart and well read, as do many of your readers, which is one of the reasons I like your blog so much. Not only are your posts entertaining and enlightening, so are the comments on your posts. It's a very balanced blog. Happy Birthday, Geo, and I'm sorry to read that your mother-in-law has not been well. Take care XO
Dear Consigliere, My wonderful mother-in-law departed this life a few hours ago. Thank you for caring. It helps to know we have some strength of company to deal with the loss of one of the most beautiful, best and wisest people I've ever known.
DeleteI am so sorry to read this Geo. My heart goes out to you and to Norma. She made your lives richer, and you must feel that the world is diminished with her departure.
DeleteMost kind, dear EC. Norma was with her mother at the end and has (uncharacteristically) talked through the evening of details, events --I listened. Yes, with tears in my eyes. I have known her mom for 52 years --she was always a stabilizer, a true fixed point in a chaotic universe, a quality she passed on to Norma. She did indeed enrich our lives.
DeleteI too had a rather unremarkable beginning. I was named after an uncle that drowned at the age of 9. It is sad that he and I never knew one another. I am thankful for so much of my life. There is richness in every moment if we but take the time to notice it before it passes. Time waits for none of us. Memories preserve bits and pieces of that time for us.
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Irish Cherokee! And thanks for a most encouraging comment. Memory is indeed important in navigating the moment in which we live our lives.
DeleteHey Geo, sorry I've been so absent, but that is the nature of my brain :-)
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I've heard it from a very reliable source that your birthday is this month! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear comrade!! And may your holiday season be everything (and more) for you and yours.
Dylan
Thanks Dylan! I sure hope this coming year has fewer challenges than the one I'm climbing out of. Your good wishes are gratefully accepted and reciprocated.
DeleteAs humans we shall never have balance. However, a few individuals obtain balance even if the majority find them to be anti-social, insane, non-conforming, rebellious or even one of several sacrificial lambs that have been thrown into the mix to keep us in a place that benefits the many rulers of the world. The word of God....that's a huge question mark for me snce HE, SHE or IT has yet to talk to ALL Humans in the same voice. If God is not all inclusive why should men be? Sigh. Me thinks peace and love and God and the Son of God and rusty question marks and the whole of the universe is within each of us and the sooner we recognize fairy tales designed to keep us questioning what is simply here and simply now the human race will be happier. Problem is people will try to fix you and me before they will fix themselves. Just look at the world today and how vile people are! How quick they are to condemn those who don't share their same beliefs. They claim they are balanced yet act unhinged. Geo your posts always take me away into a world of amazing thought and so I start these rants I can not finish. Forgive me. Sometimes my brain damage gets in the way.
ReplyDeleteFor me the evolved reality is this: The only real imbalance we face is the imbalance we create. Of course, this reality is non-comparable to life experience, self pity and or theology degrees. Let go or be dragged comes to mind when I think of the doctrines of men. Happy Birthday Geo! ♐ 🎂 🍨
Thank, LMC, for a forceful and succinct description of a problem that affects us all. Sometimes, I wonder what would happen if all churches succeeded in converting all other churches at once. Now THERE'S a rant not worth finishing. So long as people are polite in Walmart, I'm satisfied. Thanks for birthday wishes --I hope my next 70 years will be as instructive as the 70 I'm celebrating. All my best wishes to you!
DeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, esteemed Susan. For the 2nd time in 3 days, I raise my glass to the southeast. Do you hear the psychic clink of glasses? I am now 70!
Delete