Wednesday, February 23, 2011

RUINS ARE NOT EMPTY

VERNACULAR  HOUSE RUIN
Ruins are not empty . . .
They are sacred places full of presence . . .
The life and passion of a person leave an imprint on the ether of a place . . .
 Love does not remain within the heart, it flows out to build secret tabernacles in a landscape.


words from:
John O'Donohue

23 comments:

  1. They are full of energies.

    Thanks for the word "arborglyph". I used it in my latest poem and it caused quite a stir in the bloggyhood.

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  2. Tess -- Yes, ruins are full of energies.

    I went back into your post and read the comments about arborglyphs. It's a fun word. Thanks -- barbara

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  3. Thanks for sharing this and the fantastic quote. I fully believe that our energies go out into the world in all kinds of ways and certainly ruins are not empty. The whole concept of our energies and how they affect not only us but also our surroundings and the universe in general just fascinates me. Wonderful post!

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  4. I always love your posts, every house has a story or 2..
    ~Ronda

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  5. What a haunting image, Barbara! The vines own it now, don't they? They and the lingering echoes of the former residents...

    Thanks so much!
    Elora

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  6. Yes, there is a serenity or chill to hallowed or harrowed places ... And then there are places which are truly empty, sad because the lives which inhabited them were too narrow to leave an imprint. I get that vibe from the massive tracts of subprime mortgage housing which were built in furious commotion five years ago and are now foreclosed, sinking in overgrowing yards. - Brendan

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  7. That's a fascinating old house, love the vines climbing up the walls. I'm sure every old house holds the presence of the past; somethings just everyday life and some quite interesting stories if those old walls could talk.

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  8. Daphne -- Your comment reminds me of the dynamics of energy -- that it cannot be created or destroyed -- it can only be transformed from one state to another. Gives one pause to think about the vibes we leave behind or send out -- barbara

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  9. Elora -- yes, the vines own it now. Thanks -- barbara

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  10. Rhonda -- I agree completely with you -- thanks for the nice comment. -- barbara

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  11. The quote fits so well. Sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for the link.

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  12. Brendan -- Perhaps the energy vibes that the subprime housing losses leave is sadness. Do you ever think about the energy that is left in a home and what it might mean to the next occupant? I know I am getting a bit of "fourth dimension" on you but I like to explore all thoughts. barbara

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  13. Mama-Bug -- Old houses, if they have not been restored, can "talk." They have wear marks that together form a language to be read. Thanks -- barbara

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  14. Birdman -- Glad that you like it -- thanks for stopping by -- barbara

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  15. Jayne -- thanks for the thumbs up -- barbara

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  16. Sheri -- John O'Donohue is one of my favorite authors -- he has written several books. barbara

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  17. Oh, yes -- there's an energy there!

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  18. I bet it is also filled with nests of critters, such as birds. Abandoned places like this make a nice home for woodland animals.

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  19. vicki -- thanks for stopping by -- barbara

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  20. Janet -- Yes, that is what comes with ruins -- they make good homes for the wild critters. -- barbara

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  21. I love this. I agree, these old ruins hold much more than the materials with which they were built. I often refer to a ruin as my 'dream home' when I find one locally. They are more dream than home usually, and I enjoy spending time with them. A beautiful post, Barbara.

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