| THE EPISTOLARIAN |
This week, my mind wandered back to the flying escapades shared with my dad. A grand odyssey unfolded over four years, undertaken in a World War II-era biplane, as we followed the footsteps of Lewis and Clark and traversed the vast expanse of our country.
These adventures, a blend of exhilaration and grit, had us perched in an open-air cockpit, exposed to the relentless sun, buffeted by the wind, and occasionally adorned with splatters of oil from the large radial engine. Amid these soaring moments, we found ourselves suspended above the Earth, witnesses to fields of blossoms, quaint farms, and the ever-shifting hues of rivers, mingling as the Ohio flowed into the Mississippi, and eventually, the Misouri.
But like clockwork, every few hours, our lofty journey necessitated a descent for refueling, a task that fell squarely on my shoulders—to replenish the biplane's thirst for oil and fuel. Prior to this chore, a ritual unfolded. I'd tether a slender cable from the pump station to an exhaust pipe protruding from the engine—a grounding of sorts for our airborne vessel.
Reflecting on these experiences this week, I sense a parallel between the biplane's need for recharging and my own inner yearning for a similar renewal. Yet, there's also the realization that life can sometimes feel like an excess of static energy, humming just beneath the surface. In such moments, the lessons of grounding come into sharp focus. Much like the biplane needing to connect with the Earth before being refueled, we, too, must discharge that excess energy, grounding ourselves before we can truly recharge.
Life isn't just about the heights we achieve. It's the often overlooked moments, the pit stops The simple act of fastening a cable, for instance, not only averts catastrophe but also ensures the voyage continues seamlessly.
In this season of release and harvesting the fruits of our labor, ensure you pause and anchor yourself both physically and mentally.
Seal of the Week: The Tortoise and the Hare
This wax seal features an engraving from Aesop's fable, "The Tortoise and the Hare." At its center, the hare's swift movements are contrasted with the tortoise's steady pace. Encircling this depiction is the French phrase, "Droit Chemin," which translates to "Straight Path."
This phrase echoes the story's message: the value of persistence and consistency over mere speed. Beyond its visual appeal, the seal embodies the enduring lesson of patience and determination.
An Etui For Sale
I have listed one of my favorite small etuis.
It was meticulously crafted in the heart of Paris in the 1820s. This timeless seal boasts a set of 5 interchangeable tiles, each exhibiting a dual motif that adds a unique touch of artistry and symbolism to your sealing needs.
It's listed on my site here for any interested collector.
Front Side of the Tiles
1. "Mercredi" - Celebrating the midweek allure of Wednesday.
2. A mischievous Devil dancing with Cupid, symbolizing the eternal play between love and temptation.
3. "Lion and Mouse with Net" - Drawn from Aesop's Fables, it eloquently portrays the message that acts of kindness, regardless of size, can bear unexpected gifts.
4. A spirited Horse with the rider and the inscription "Je Suis Libre" – a nod to the timeless sentiment, "I am free"
5. The swift Greyhound paired with the letter and echoing the same sentiment, "Je Suis Presse".
Backside Details
1. A whimsical Man in a Hat, possibly portraying a 19th-century jester, with the uplifting motto, "toujours gai" or "Always happy".
2. The fleet-footed Greyhound paired with the letter and the directive, "Va Vite" - urging one to "Go Quickly".
3. An Oil Lamp surrounded by the French words, "Je Meurs si L'on M'oublie", translates to "I die if I am forgotten", an ode to the indelible impact of memories and nurturing our relationships.
4. "Mardi" - The charm and mystique of Tuesday captured in one word.
5. "Fox with Stork" - An Aesop's Fable that serves as a timeless reminder to treat others with the same kindness and fairness we wish for ourselves.
Not only does this seal serve as a token of the past, but its cap is also masterfully designed for smooth swapping and pressing of tiles, ensuring functionality without compromising on its historic beauty. Whether you're sealing letters or adding a classic touch to your collection, this Palais Royal Seal is bound to impress.
To more relaxation,
Kay