Power – Ebb Then Flood

Branches

February 14, 2020February 13, 2020 by Ebb Then Flood

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‘Branches’

Branches.

They have spread and influence.

This picture is only of branches.

No trunk or visible roots.

A friend and former legal colleague of mine was announced as a judge recently and will take her place on the bench (in court, that is) soon.

It’s a position with spread and influence for sure, imbued with all the decision making powers that can right wrongs and change lives.

But it can be lonely at the top of the legal tree.

Lonely anywhere at the top, really.

I suppose that any time we get to rarified, or even isolated, places, it is crucial to remember your trunk and your roots.

The sort of life experiences and foundations that took you to where you are now.

In the soon-to-be judge’s case that will include all the clients she battled hard for in difficult situations, who will be looking back at her in the faces of those she must now make decisions for and about.

You will hopefully have your own trunk and roots system to sustain you and call upon, as you spread out and upwards, or merely when you find yourself alone.

Touch wood…

Trinity

January 25, 2020January 25, 2020 by Ebb Then Flood

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Three,of course, is a prime number – only divisible by itself.

The sculpture piece pictured here, with its three conjoined hands, speaks of unity and that which only itself can divide.

A flesh triangle of simple form and strength, against a spiky palm backdrop.

“We are all in this together, come what may” it says to me.

Winged Taurus

October 26, 2019 by Ebb Then Flood

lf bulls can fly…

Well, they are bigger than pigs – “and pigs can fly” as the saying goes – and that is not a likelihood either.

But myths (and mythical creatures) do not need likelihood, let alone certainty, to hold sway or have power.

For mythology is magic, and magic transcends reality.

So, if bulls can fly, clouds are pierced by horns and hooves will trample stars.

And mankind will continue to be shat upon massively from great heights…

Not One, A Thousand

September 2, 2019September 1, 2019 by Ebb Then Flood

IMG_0105 (4).JPG — **Red Lanterns, Penang, Malaysia 2016**

” You are not one, you are a thousand. Light your lantern.”

-Rumi

A multitude of hanging lanterns covers a ceiling in Penang, one of my favourite cities.

Spectacular and uplifting (or down dangling ,take your pick)!

If it is not too much of a cultural mish-mash to attach a quote from a Persian poet and philosopher to a Chinese icon such as these lanterns, I’ll tell you why:

Sometimes the world is just overwhelming, and we feel that we are insignificant in the face of it.

But when we project our true selves and passions, we can connect with those around us .Somehow,and this is sort of mysterious, we become “bigger”and grow. As we ourselves are lit up and inspired, we have the power to inspire others too.

Soon the whole ceiling is covered…

Wooden Flower

June 27, 2019 by Ebb Then Flood

Contemporary Pasifika carved artwork catches the sun on a building exterior in Auckland yesterday.

An enclosed flower at the centre of the design ,lines radiating outwards.

Abstract symbols that spoke to me yesterday of gratitude and hope.

That may or may not be what was intended by the carver.

Beauty in the eye of the beholder ,and so forth.

In the same way ,the power of symbols lies in simple representations, over which we overlay the complex realities of our own lives.

Condensed and visible symbols help us more easily make sense of our world.

If you could express who you are ,or maybe just the day you are having, as a symbol, what would it be?