Being :: Of The Earth

Being: Conscious, mortal existence; life.

Every month we welcome two families, two people, two voices to share their stories in whatever way they chose. We hope that you find joy in their daily lives, and their simple habit of just being.

Last October, after years of dreaming, I picked up the violin for the first time and began lessons. I could write so much more about this, but all I have to say for now is how good it is for the soul to follow dreams, even in the smallest, most tangible ways (like a rented violin and a lesson here and there). Last week, at my lesson in the little stone cottage (oh dear reader, if only I could walk you through this house! Storybook, I’m telling you!), my teacher, a wonderful woman who is wise with life and music, and who speaks of fairies and trolls in the woods, took some time to work with me on my bow hold, shaping my hand around the frog, as it’s called, at the end of the bow. “You have practical hands”, she told me as she manipulated my fingers, “There are practical hands, and there are philosopher’s hands. Yours are practical.” “What’s a practical hand?” I asked. “Yours.” was all she said, with a smile and a twinkle in her eye.

Of course, I had to come home and right away google “practical hands vs. philosopher’s hands”. I’d never heard of the difference. At first, I was disappointed to know that mine were of the practical kind…a philosopher’s hand sounds much more romantic, don’t you think? But as I read on about the practical hand I saw that it was true: a maker of things, useful, and my favorite, “belonging to the earth and the things of the earth.” And so it is true, I have practical hands, or hands “full of practical wisdom”, as I like to think of them. These hands that bear equal resemblance to both of my parents, who, I daresay, also have practical hands- builders of things, growers of plenty, teachers of so very much. My hands are never polished and they are always busy. In the summer months they are often tattooed with dirt. In the winter they are dry from working with yarn, sewing with felt, and spending a lot of time outdoors in the rain. My hands create all of the things I love from food to clothing, and do all the things that need to be done like laundry, vacuuming, and the dishes. They are faithful hands, following through with what I make my mind up to do. Very practical, indeed.

I don’t agree with all I read, mind you. Apparently a practical hand is also lacking in romance, imagination, and idealism. Hmn. But, I figure that my heart, and a little violin practice, makes up for all of that.

Many thanks to the editors of Rhythm of the Home for inviting me here as your guest this month. I’ve been honored and so blessed to share my thoughts within this wonderful space. Thank you for making me feel so at home.

Thank you to Gwen of Barn Raising for being with us all this month. Gwen’s words have touched many, and we are very thankful to her for all that she has given. Join us in March with two new families as we continue our series on Being.