When I mentioned yesterday that maps are a current theme I thought I would share with you what brought this to the forefront of my thought.
Recently, I ran across images from a book by a woman named Marian Bantjes. She has compiled what looks to be an interesting investigation into her own personal map-making along with other images that she created, both pleasing and intriguing. She titled it I Wonder.
I am not familiar with the entire contents of said book, but I do have images of the maps that caught my attention. I found her name places amusing and more than once I did that inner nodding in recognition.
I think I've been to a few of these places, walked more than one of these streets, been temporarily lost on a road or two. You might want to click on this one to see the names. Perhaps you'll recognize a road or two yourself.
I got to thinking about making my own map, though I have been visiting the Valley of Indecision a little less frequently as of late. Ditto for the Sea of Misgivings. And (I say in no small measure), I've been trying to stay off the Road to Mischief. If you stay on that road too long it leads directly to a place called Mayhem. Oh, yeah. And no more running down the avenue. You know, the one of Astonishingly Stupid Decisions? I'm trying to stay on the roads less traveled now.
My current map would have a rather bucolic look to it compared to what it would have in the past. Perhaps a vintage map showing me where I've been, reminding me where I no longer want to go. It could come in handy. But, I've set sail on this river of Letting Go and if I spend too much time looking back I might miss all the signs pointing me to the cool places up ahead.
Check it out: www.bantjes.com
How fascinating. I have had quite a bit of contact recently with a movement called psychogeography which examines all manifestations of the link between self and place - your post immediately made me think of their work.
ReplyDeleteThis is rather like setting out in a bold new world, isn't it? Unchartered courses and new realities. It brings to mind the Columbus and Magellans of the world. The Tahitians and was it Father Brennan and his wooden boat said to have gone west and found a new land? Space travel and the deep seas. All those possibilities that we have yet to discover.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your journey on the River of Letting Go, Teresa. I can't wait to see where it leads you.
Alan, Good to have you back from Munich. That movement sounds intriguing. I have often given thought to what is our true Home, what leads us to where. And thus. Thanks for visiting and for that idea worth checking out.
ReplyDeletePenny, When I was a child I was so taken by all the discoverers, especially Magellan. There was something about his name.... Space travel and the deep seas! Yes!
I can't, either! :)
A few years ago I was planning on spending a year along "Resurrection Bay" in Alaska, somehow I thought the name would fit the mood, and the time there would help me to make changes. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I never made the trip - I hope to go their someday.
ReplyDeleteMe, again. These two map posts brought to mind another I read about being lost quite some time ago on a blog I visit called From the House of Edward. Pamela is a gifted writer and a generous soul who exudes beauty. Anyways, this one is about being lost and I think you might enjoy her perspective, as well as the painting.
ReplyDeletefromthehouseofedward.blogspot.com/2010/08/being-lost-mist-had-rolled-in-after.html
Teri, So many people I know have visited Alaska, and some live there. I believe that area is very interesting, although when I travel I tend to go any direction but north, being from Minnesota. It sounds like a good place, though. I hope you go someday and it brings all the resurrecting you might be looking for. I'm reminded of Wendell Berry's line at the end of Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front: "Practice Resurrection."
ReplyDeletePenny, I used to read her blog when I first started blogging, but had completely forgotten about it. Thanks so much for the reminder. I loved reading her post and she is a very good writer. I stayed to see her list of Christmas books as well. Some interesting choices there that I will put on my own wish list. Thank You!
I have loved this post and the last. I am truly a map person. I am happy when I have a map when travelling,or when not travelling; and when travelling with friends I leave the money to them and I am the map person. Thank you , the latter post is wonderful.. it has quite set me off on a new journey!
ReplyDeleteJoan, With your creativity I can see where you might be going with this. These open the door to the imagination, don't they?
ReplyDeleteThis is indeed fascinating! Wow, I'm going to read it again and look more closely at the maps. Your post title reminded me of my word for this year--Yield. How could I map that? Very cool post.
ReplyDeleteI traveled a long time in the Desert of Resentment but just this year boarded a little canoe in the River of Letting Go. A much nicer view of things!
ReplyDeleteFantastic!!
ReplyDeleteOne morning, a friend called to see whether I had solved a problem I was struggling with. "Yup," I said. "I told God last night that whatever happened was okay with me." I was willing to do whatever God wanted. And I meant it.
"Oh that," she said gently. "Sweet surrender."
"Yeah," I said. "It's sweet . . . now."
Surrender. The place that those of us on a spiritual path call home.
I think I dreamed that map once.
Galen, Yes, Yield, it's a great word, too. Definitely a signpost worth responding to. Maybe we need to think about a "street view." :)
ReplyDeleteLinda, Oh, that does not sound like a good place to be at all. I believe I may have passed that way myself now and then. I'm so glad you're in that canoe on the river with me. Some fine views, indeed.
Michael, Thank You! It's not always easy to live in the state of Surrender, but everything is so much nicer and more trustworthy when we do. Yes, a spiritual home.
I would not be at all surprised if you dreamed that map....
What a marvellous idea. I think I'll map out my life.
ReplyDeleteI'll probably start with Mt Hubris. Hee Hee Hee
And I think I'll just stay out of this.... ;)
ReplyDeleteI've been to Mayhem. I didn't stay long, it was way too intense for me. Love the map and look forward to hearing more about your journeys.
ReplyDeleteThis is great! I recognize many of those streets...Procrastination Circle and the Circle of Distractions in particular. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI just laughed when I looked the maps over and found "Hubris Falls". The woman has a sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteAnd I saw xkcd already has been mentioned and linked. Wonderful, wonderful maps of every sort of trekking terrain, there.
And so funny that you're trying to stay off the Road to Mischief. I've been trying to find it - might you have directions?
DJan, Mayhem is to be avoided, if at all possible.
ReplyDeleteCherylK, Oh yeah, been down those once or twice. Or three times. Good to hear form you.
shoreacres, re: the Road to Mischief. It can be a ton of fun, depending on one's traveling companions, but that Mayhem is just around the corner, and sometimes you don't see it in time.... ;)
OMG! These are great! Meandering about these maps would be quite a trip--LOL! I am constantly delighted by what people do with their limitless imaginations. :)
ReplyDeleteA map of life is a wonderful concept. These displayed here are very intriguing. A map of my life would have many different roads leading in lots of different directions all circling back to the present. Some very interesting thoughts here. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGod Morning, Rita (I think I'll leave that), I thought these might appeal to you and I love your pun! The imagination is a wonderful thing and limitless, indeed. I love that people are sharing their great ideas with all of us.
ReplyDeleteAnd Good Morning to you, Bill! I want to get back and reread your post. I absolutely love "the old man in the woods", and all it implies. You could include that stop on your map!
It took until this afternoon for me to remember - on my "About Me" page on my blog, I have several of what I call "Basic Life Choices". Sweet/Salty. Ocean/Mountain. That kind of thing. One choice is Map/Compass. I chose compass.
ReplyDeleteInteresting.
Hi Shoreacres, Both maps and compasses intrigue me.It would be hard for me to have to pick one. I once thought of collecting old compasses. They seem like they would have many stories to tell and I love all they imply.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting!
Sounds like you've found a good road to travel.Just keep your eyes on your internal map and enjoy the ride. I'm sure you have heard, the destination is nothing compared to the journey.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning, Annie, I think my inner compass has become my most valuable tool in life and in my travels. And traveling without a "destination" is the only way to go. Thank you so much for your comments.
ReplyDeleteVery thought-provoking!
ReplyDeleteHi Janice, Thank you. Nice to hear from you. Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteI need to set sail on that river too methinks!
ReplyDeleteHi Kitty, I've read your posts and know you've been going through a bit of a struggle. My best thoughts are with you as we move down that river of Letting Go. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. It's good to see you again.
Fascinating post, Teresa. I loved looking at these maps. As to how one must navigate on the map, I can only wish you the very best and offer no advice of my own. I'm still trying to figure out my own maps.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your comments, George. It's really all we can do: Figure out our own maps.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Ah yes I have to stay out of the past so I can keep my eye on the future. Now if the present parts I don't need would go away it would be a wondrous trip indeed. Ha.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, May all those present parts you "don't need" fall away and clear the way for those you do. Have a good morning at the market with your pottery!
ReplyDeleteEspecially Useful To Souls Like Me Who Have A Rusty Moral Compass!
ReplyDeleteTony, Mine has needed some polishing from time to time, too. No time for that now. Full steam ahead! I have a suspicion the Universe will do the polishing as we go.
ReplyDelete