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Monday, April 14, 2014

Inhale the...What?



Sometimes my daughter and I head out to one of our favorite sandwich spots one town over, where we’ll order something to split, have it wrapped to go, and take a ride to the sea.  We park, when we can score a space, in one of the four spots available by a cement wall overlooking the ocean.  There, the view rolls out over hunchback waves.  To the south, land curves like a ballet arm, to the north, massive rocks sprout from the sea.  Minot Light flashes 1-4-3 in the distance.


For years, a snippet of graffiti marked the wall in front of where we park, instructions, scrawled in black spray paint to “Inhale the imagery.”  Now, normally I'm not a fan of "street art."  But this was different, the words a reminder to look up, to look out, to make sure the expanse of sea and soul never becomes routine.  The phrase remained on the wall so long; it fused with local culture, fading from an obnoxious tag into a kind of home-grown philosophy.  Someone uses it as a Twitter handle.  It's the title to a local photographer's website.  Bottom line? People liked it.  



 
   
That said, the words became a piece of our family lore for another reason.  Many years ago, our learning-to-read daughter noticed the paint and read out loud, “Inhale the imaginary.”  For years, we giggled when we pulled up to the scene and remembered her slip, the story so much a part of our family DNA that when we arrived one day and discovered someone had washed over the phrase with paint, we turned to each other and cried, “Oh no.” 

We visit that place a lot, and somewhere along the line it occurred to me that while all those years ago, our daughter misread the line, as a would be fiction writer, the one she came up with was equally as important.  Not only do I need to open myself to the imagery, to what is beautiful in every day life, but to whimsy and fantasy, too--to inhale the imaginary. But I've come to realize it takes one to feed the other.  Paying attention to what's in front of me makes me cognizant of detail and nuance and helps to make the fiction more real.  

I laugh when I think that someone sporting a can of black spray paint could have had such a positive influence on me, but I'm not the only one. 

The next time we visited after the "paint-over" discovery, the words were back.  This time, spray painted white.

Go ahead.  Take a deep breath...




27 comments:

Dianne K. Salerni said...

I think it's fascinating that one line of graffiti could become so infused in a community. Fascinating and wonderful.

And as for the overzealous official who ordered it painted over (can't you just picture this un-imaginative and humorless person?) ... electronic raspberries: pbbbbt.

It says a lot that somebody put it back.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I wonder if the person who wrote it even understood the depth of his words?
I stepped back and enjoyed both images and imagination this weekend!

Liz Blocker said...

This is so lovely - I love the original phrase, but I think I like your daughter's phrase even better! "Inhale the imaginary" is just gorgeous, for any writer especially. Thank you!

Robin said...

What a great reminder on so many levels. Breathe in that imagery. Allow it to assault your senses on every level. Take it in and remember what it tastes, feels, smells, sounds, and looks like. And, as a writer, use that information to spit out the imaginary onto the page.

Of course, I also like that you share this wonderful memory with your daughter. What are we, if not our memories???

Anne Gallagher said...

Amen.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Love this! I wonder who originally wrote those words and what moved them to do that at the moment, on that day? I wonder if they know the impact they've had on so many people?

I think I like "Inhale the imaginary" better. :)

Su-sieee! Mac said...

"Inhale the imaginary" is something I've been relearning to do. Not easy chucking away unnecessary straight jacket thoughts. Thanks for a great reminder.
The View from the Top of the Ladder

Jan Morrison said...

I like to inhale the imagery and exhale the imaginary! Your posts never fail to inspire me...thanks so much.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Love the family story. It's funny how things become a fond memory or tradition in a family.

Leandra Wallace said...

Wow, I can see why you guys love to go there, it's beautiful! And that is such a great line, and so neat that it's influenced so many who've seen it.

mshatch said...

Ha! @ Dianne's comment - I totally agree!

And I thing inhaling the imaginary is a great idea :)

JJ said...

Your daughter was correct. However, the reality of that scene takes one's breath away. Sometimes, I miss New England.

Ann said...

Beautiful prose Liza. Love the photos and very jealous you have this at your doorstep. I do so miss the sea when I am in the US. I miss my inhaling.

Mary said...

'Inhale the imagery' I like .."Inhale the imaginary' ... even better! I enjoy your writing. Thanks for stopping by.

Michael Di Gesu said...

HI, Liza,

What at touching story... Lovely IMAGERY...ALL AROUND!

Bish Denham said...

I love, love, love this story! Gives me chills all over. Both phrases are so poignant and real and beautiful. I'm glad someone one repainted the words.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

It's awesome that kids say the most profound things without even realizing it. This was an altogether beautiful post.

Thank you.

xoRobyn

Rachna Chhabria said...

Inhale the imagery is such a strong phrase.So is Inhale the imaginary. Love the pictures.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Breathe in everything life has to offer.

Found you through a feature on Robin's site today. New follower.

Sandra Cox said...

What a beautiful sentiment: both of them:) And what peaceful 'imagery'.
I'm your newest follower:)

mail4rosey said...

If it's going to be graffiti, it might as well be inspiring. :)

I love the pictures. I'm stopping by from Robin's (Daily Dose). She's saying good things about you over at her place today. ;)

Empty Nest Insider said...

This is such a wonderful story! I also liked your daughter's creative version better. It is fascinating that someone re- wrote the message after it was painted over. A true example of kismet! Beautiful photos too!

Julie

debi o'neille said...

what a beautiful memory you now have with your daughter, and a place to see the words and again. Great story. I popped over to your blog from Robin's, and I'm glad to be here. For the moment, I am your newest follower.
Deb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com

J.L. Campbell said...

I cam over from Robin's blog. Nice pictures. The last one is vivid. It's wonderful that this place holds such good memories for you and your daughter. Looking at the pics, I understand exactly what is meant by 'inhale the imagery'.

A.L. Sonnichsen said...

I love this story. You're right- it's important for us as writers to stop and inhale both the imagery and the imaginary.

What a beautiful special spot you and your daughter have. *happy sigh*

randi lee said...

Gorgeous pictures! Thanks for sharing, they made me smile this morning. New follower via IWSG here :)

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Oh what gorgeous pictures, but you really got me with words, too. I love your hunchback waves, which is inhaling the imagery.
And I may need to put a post-it with Inhale the Imaginary by my desk. :)