July 2011

fragile vessels with invisible contents

It wasn’t a very difficult technique to learn, though it took a lot of practice. And also some trial and error and a very soapy sofa before I figured out that practicing outside made for easier failure cleanup.

There’s a trick to it, beyond getting the size right or launching them so the wind helps with the carrying.

I should have realized it sooner, but it’s almost counterintuitive.

You would think that the contents would have to be lighter than the bubble by necessity, but that’s not the way it works.

The vessels are fragile, but the wishes inside them need to be strong.

Strong wishes are heavy things.

But the stronger the wish, the longer they’ll stay afloat. Halfhearted, wistful wishes pop almost immediately.

A heavy wish, properly supported and contained, can float long enough to come true.

About flax-golden tales. Photo by Carey Farrell. Text by Erin Morgenstern.

the magic number

Math has never been my strong suit, but I do love numbers individually when they don’t require addition or subtraction or complex calculations. When they can just be what they are and not change.

When I learned them in school I gave them all personalities. 4 was the peacemaker. 6 had an attitude problem.

3 was always my favorite.

Partially because of the shape, the way it looks like a backwards E, but mostly for the things it evokes.

Trios of bears and little pigs and Shakespearean witches.

Third-time charms and trilogies and trinities and past, present, future.

It is the magic number, after all.

About flax-golden tales. Photo by Carey Farrell. Text by Erin Morgenstern.