“Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in” – Leonard Cohen, Anthem
“The perfect is the enemy of the good.” – Italian proverb
“We asked for signs
The signs were sent
The birth betrayed
The marriage spent
Yeah, and the widowhood
Of every government
Signs for all to see
I can’t run no more
With that lawless crowd
While the killers in high places
Say their prayers out loud
But they’ve summoned, they’ve summoned up
A thundercloud
They’re going to hear from me” – Anthem, cont’d
My country is suffering and divided. There is a crack, deep and wide, in our governing system. So many people have forgotten the good that was intended by the democracy we tried to create. It is terrifying to contemplate a future with an aspiring dictator. I’m hoping that our vote next week is a bell that can still ring for justice, for freedom, for government of the people, by the people, for the people.
There is a Japanese art called “kintsugi” where broken pottery is mended with gold, filling the cracks, drawing the pieces back together. Its spiritual significance is that if we choose to embrace our struggles and repair ourselves with the precious metal of love, we can become more beautiful for having been broken. My friend uses this idea in her garden, where she mends broken glass with small, colorful chips. Her garden is a riot of colors – dahlias, vegetables, and ornaments. Many of her decorations have become cracked and worn over time, left to the elements.
I spent this last week at my friend’s house, caring for her dog Bodhi, while she traveled.
Bodhi is an older rescue dog. She has only one eye, with a cataract. She doesn’t hear very well, and she is currently battling bladder stones. She becomes very anxious when she is left alone. Even with these imperfections, she is a sweet presence of love, always wanting to be beside me, stretched out in the sunlight on the warm carpet, and even more thrilled when she is allowed to jump onto the bed with me.
All week long, I have been thinking of the lyrics of Cohen’s Anthem. I have been thinking of “The Gifts of Imperfection” (a book by Brené Brown); I have been pondering the state of the Union. I have been willfully ringing the bells that still sound in my community: justice, equity, transformation, pluralism, interdependence, and generosity. And I have been trying to pour Love into every crack, every heart, every word, every action I engage with. I do this with faith that the Light will pour in.
scillagrace 
Wonderful examples. And Bodhi is so cute but sorry to hear about all that she’s going through right now. 🥲
Thanks, Teresa! Yes, she certainly stole my heart. ❤
Priscilla, thanks for these beautiful photos. I feel your pain about how divided our country is. I have lived through a dictatorship and saw the signs on the wall during his first term here. I hope our votes will cast a light through.
Oh, Egidio, I am glad to know we’re hoping together! May you not have to experience that kind of oppression again!
Thank you.
I don’t live there now, but have and I with all my heart wish with you. “I’m hoping that our vote next week is a bell that can still ring for justice, for freedom, for government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
Bodhi is a lucky dog, the shot is lovely. I also enjoyed the other photos, for some reason the shovel spoke to me.
Thanks, Ritva – your heartfelt wishes are much appreciated – the positive energy is helpful!
With you 100% Priscilla. Having participated in the Womens March, in Portland on January 21, 2017. It was hard to believe my country would make such a poor decision then. If it happens again, I am not sure how to keep my faith and belief. All I want is to never have to see his face, or hear his obnoxious voice ever again. Maybe I’ll just put on headphones and listen to music 24/7!
I understand, Lindy – it’s hard to imagine carrying on, but we will be there for each other, for our kids, doing whatever we can until the Earth turns again. Keep being kind and showing up for women!
What an amazing post Priscilla. I am so worried about where our country could be going if he gets in. Thanks for saying it in black and white. I was uplifted by your beautiful images. Maybe they will continue to bring joy into our lives.
Thanks, Anne! Beauty and joy is ours to claim, no matter what. May we all be free – together.
💕❤️
Priscilla, thank you for opening up about what’s in all our minds right now. You are suffering hard from the cracks in your country, and so are we in Europe, and we’re fearing what will happen too, if he comes back. We don’t understand how it even can be possible to consider him as a candidate for leading your country – or any country.
It feels so good to hear you and read the comments from people who stand up for democracy and freedom. I agree with Anne – I don’t ever want to hear him or see him again.
Thank you for lifting my spirits and for little Bodhi, kintsugi and your creative friend. ♥♥♥
Thank YOU, Ann-Christine, for your kind words and solidarity! All of the comments tell me: Love wins! ❤
Love and light ♥