The Spell of the Bells

 OUTSIDE LIES MAGIC!

In exploring the environs of my home, I noticed old bells hidden in small towns. I say hidden because people pass right by them, and they fade away as if they were invisible, inconsequential, incognito. But they're brimming with vitality, and if you listen, you’ll hear their voices. Stories to shiver through you — make you more alive.

THE BELLS

The plaque says:

This bell rang for school, community, and religious activities. It was placed in the bell tower of the Elwood schoolhouse, which was erected in 1896. An addition was made in 1917. The school was closed in 1963. The monument was erected in June 1983.

THE DISGUISE

Come along with me as I discover one of the bells. You coming? Super! Here goes—

Three, Two, One — Action!

HAPPY EXPLORING!

See you next post – on Thursday or Friday.


(This post is a follow-up on my post last week about the book Outside Lies Magic. If you missed it, go check it out to see more of what I’m talking about today. J)

Outside Lies Magic!

OUTSIDE LIES MAGIC.

Doesn’t that shiver your senses? Harvard professor, John R. Stilgoe isn’t talking about spells, rather about the magic of noticing. His book, Outside Lies Magic, in a sense, embodies what my blog is all about—exploring for the pleasure of noticing. And that’s real magic!

“Exploration encourages creativity, serendipity, invention,” he says.

Here, read a portion of the book flap and see what I mean —

NOW THAT'S FASCINATING, INTRIGUING, ENERGIZING!

Here’s a quote from the book:

 “Exploring sharpens the skills and makes explorers realize that all the skills acquired in the probing and poking at ordinary space, everything from noticing nuances in house paint to seeing great geographical patterns from a hilltop almost no one bothers to climb, are cross-training for dealing with the vicissitudes of life. Exploring ordinary landscape sharpens all the skills of exploration.”

Hey, I have an idea! How about you try it? Go out and explore Stilgoe style. Then come back and tell me about the MAGIC you discovered. I can’t wait to hear what you found!

I LOVE THIS BOOK!

I’LL TALK WITH YOU NEXT POST! SEE YOU THEN!

P. S.

Hello everyone,

As I am a bit of an eccentric, I enjoyed areas of this book that some might find less interesting. I wanted to add the rest of the jacket copy so you have more of a feel of the book, just in case you’re not as eccentric as I am, and so you won’t feel misled. :D

Here it is:

“Exploration encourages creativity, serendipity, invention, he writes. And while sharing his insights on how to explore, Stilgoe provides a fascinating pocket history of the American landscape, as striking in its originality as it is revealing. Stilgoe dissects our visual surroundings; his observations will transform the way you see everything. Through his eyes, an abandoned railroad line is redolent of history and future promise; front lawns recall our agrarian past; vacant lots hold cathedrals of potential.

            From the electrical grid overhead to fences, malls, and main streets. Stilgoe offers a fresh understanding of the links and fractures in our society. After reading Outside Lies Magic, your world will never look the same again.

THANKS FOR LISTENING! ENJOY!