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| Venice Reflections, oil on board, 20 x 16 inches |
I love the word élan. When I make private affirmations of inner
qualities I like to think I have, I include it. The dictionary
describes élan as: energy, style, and enthusiasm
. The thesaurus gives synonyms
such as,
flair, style, panache, confidence, dash, éclat; energy,
vigor, vitality, liveliness, brio, esprit, animation, vivacity, zest,
verve, spirit, pep, sparkle, enthusiasm, gusto, eagerness, feeling,
fire. I love all those words too!
And this is how I want to live the rest of my days . . . with
élan.
Although it is a bit unpredictable and maybe not following
precaution, I am planning to sell off possessions and leave the
United States in September, not knowing when I might return. I know
that I will begin in Venice, Italy for a month. I have Venetian
friends that look forward to my arrival and they are helping to find an
apartment. After that, I don't know. Spirit will take me.
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| The Gondoleer, digital photo |
Once, when I was living in Venice, I was walking with my friend
Lycia. We were heading toward a canal to cross a small stone
ponti
(bridge). Two men were by the canal, arguing heatedly and pointing
fingers. In that moment, my élan emerged and without thought, I
grasped both of their hands in mine and held them together. They
looked up at me in shock. I let go, smiled and walked on with Lycia.
She asked me if I understood them. I answered no, not really. She
said, “That was a Jew, arguing with an Arab man!”
It was élan that allowed and propelled me to enter the space of
the two arguing men and act as I did. I hope to always have this
quality . . . if only for surprise.
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| Night In Venice, digital photo |