Ian is working on another school art project (the latest in the crustacean theme – a lobster). The forge was hot and I felt like working along side him, rather than helping him to give him a little more independence while still being there for safety and to help when he got stuck.
I enjoy making split bar crosses. It’s a sort of alchemy that makes this cross out of one piece of metal. No saws, just a slitting chisel and a steady eye and hand. And a lot of patience.
The irony is that I don’t wear crosses or display them. Some Christians do, some don’t, I’m of the latter variety. I have lots of friends who do, thankfully. A couple of pastors, etc., as well as other friends who are of the former variety, or some who just like crosses.
So I just makes them. If there are any Muslims reading this, I can make crescents too. For the Jews, I can make Stars of David.
For the Taoists, I just stare at the anvil for a few minutes and enjoy the anvil’s beingness.
How about a Buddah? Or maybe a Lotus?
A lotus. Sure. Why not?
How about a maple leaf? a music note? or perhaps a simple barnacle? (yes, that’s a shoutout to my homey Ian)
rosie. those aren’t religious icons. a barnacle???? what the heck. okay, maybe the maple leaf. maybe.
A barnacle is a crustacean.
Yes, Rosie dear, it is a crustacean, but people generally don’t worship them. Except for a small cult in Wawa.