All you have to do is close your eyes
And just reach out your hands and touch me
Hold me close don't ever let me go
More than words is all I ever needed you to show
~ “More than Words” by Extreme
Last night, NBF and I went to see the Sema ritual of the Whirling Dervishes of Rumi. Ever since I was a little girl, I have wanted to witness the turning of these followers of Rumi. It is a beautiful and spiritual ritual which can only be truly appreciated in person.
“The Sema ceremony represents the human being's spiritual journey, an ascent by means of intelligence and love to Perfection (Kemal). Turning toward the truth, he grows through love, transcends the ego, meets the truth, and arrives at Perfection. Then he returns from this spiritual journey as one who has reached maturity and completion, able to love and serve the whole of creation and all creatures without discriminating in regard to belief, class, or race.” ~www.whirlingdervishes.orgI was entranced by the music being played, the singing of prayer, and of course the physical manifestation of worship through the whirling and bowing of the dervishes. I have to admit that I am well-aware of my tendency to gravitate toward activities which others may interpret as ‘dorky’. I was more excited to see the Whirling Dervishes than I am to go to Green Day tonight – and that is coming from the point of view of a seventeen year Green Day fan.
I am currently reading a fascinating book called ‘Four Queens: The Provencal Sisters Who Ruled Europe’. It is a non-fiction account of the lives of the 4 sisters from Provence who became 4 of the most powerful women in 13th Century Europe. The most famous of the sisters was Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of France AND of England, Mother of King Richard the Lionheart. She was great at ruling, poor at staying on good terms with her husband. If you want to read a fantastic biography about her, I strongly suggest “Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Life” by Alison Weir.
See? That is exactly what I was referencing before. I get so excited about stuff that many would consider academic and dull. But I am telling you, there is nothing dull about the past. It is compelling and filled with adventure and intrigue and nefarious plots. It’s better than anything a modern fiction writer could create.
All of that being said, I am looking forward to seeing Billie Joe Armstrong belt out some tunes tonight while Ali-Son and I push our way through a sea of rabid concert-goers. I will NOT be wearing flip-flops this time! As an added note, I wish he would go back to blue hair. The black just doesn’t do it for me. ;)
PERSONAL NOTE: Thank you so much for embracing my inner-dorkiness and liking me for me. You bring me joy.
CONFIDENTIAL NOTE: Destroyed any more barns lately? Ha ha ha ha ha ha
