To gain entry into Cloud Cuckoo Land, Aethon must correctly answer a riddle. “He that knows all that learning ever writ, knows only this.”
The correct answer is “nothing.”
Recently finished a wonderful novel entitled “Cloud Cuckoo land“. The author interweaves stories – past and present, that left me with that elusive feeling – of being fully aware of our impermanence and-how beautifully rich and sad our stories are.
“You can cling to this world for a thousand years and still be plucked out of it in a breath.”
The book centers around a tale of a man who wishes to be elsewhere – dreams of becoming a bird so that he may enter the land of honey cakes and bliss. Well – he gets there and still – that old restlessness creeps in. I suppose it’s wholly human to take it all for granted – to slide into the self belief of knowing something.
I mostly engage with other parents or guardians these days -usually just observe and learn alot – whether I’m holding on too tight – as in being overly protective and the myriads of ways a person “parents”.
A few days ago- a little girl of about 3-was toasting an inflatable marshmallow over a pillow fire at the library. Her manner was a little spastic – whacking the plastic stick with its attached marshmallow against the upright cushion depicting a fire – and she seemed to be having a swell time doing so. Her mother then chided her – saying;“that’s not the way you toast a marshmallow ! Here …” she grabbed the stick and proceeded to show her the “right way”- maneuvering it slowly and steadily – while being illumined by the fluorescent lights above.
Is there a right way to pretend toast your fake marshmallow ?
Also this week – my husband suggested we finally get some rings – after all , we’ve been married for six years. I did not want to go to a traditional jewelry store so – I unenthusiastically searched online – for something alternative to the custom of diamonds and such but -in the end, decided to let it go- thinking I’d just well leave it up to him-since my desire to seek something out was seriously waning.
The following day, a birthday package-from my aunt-arrived, and within it-was my great grandmothers opal ring . The ring is a perfect fit for my ring finger and- I couldn’t imagine wearing anything else. Meanwhile – my mother in law was over and heard about the coincidence – the intention to get rings and one showing up. She then offered her exboyfriends band to my husband – of which he plans to get it melted down and stripped of any flair or engravings- and sized to fit.
In the end – the universe procured a ring for each of us – just like that. Sometimes – if the desire just isn’t there and it isn’t a matter of urgency – why not just let it go.
But – the mysteries of this world are infinite and- well, I don’t know anything.
And – finally , I’m happy to report that I’ve found the letter S missing from our alphabet puzzle. I’d periodically do a frenzied search for it – wishing to account for the missing piece but- the search area included – everywhere . Potentially in a sock drawer – under a vanity … a dresser -or – wedged under a cushion. And- well- that too; had to let it go. Then- in a moment of clarity – it came to me and there it was.
The letter S – for “SUN”.
So, I guess all it takes is letting go and voila – sunshine !
But – again , I don’t know anything.
