Conspicuous Anonymity: A Prescription of Bubbles

For your current state of mind, I would like to offer you a prescription of bubbles...

In human civilisation, the act and indeed, art of gifting exists hand in hand with other needs such as a survival and companionship.

We gift to connect.

These connections may assume different forms. Historically, a sacrifice or votive offering to a God or deities to ensure a good harvest, fertility or abundance was a form of gifting, albeit a symbolic or superstitious act of giving. In these cases, a bloody carcass or a basket of fruit would be given in praise with the hopes of reciprocation for good or better times to come. Depending upon the straits and preoccupations of the individual or tribes or simply groups of people, these acts of gifting were often accompanied by dance and song which may have augured positive change.

For a moment, just ponder how you have been gifted at various points in your life?

This week at work, I have been given two very different gifts. I hasten to add that both gifts were precious to me for a number of reasons.

One gift was a week's worth of tea bags that had been collected and wrapped in a ribbon from a friend who had been in Ireland for a wedding. The tea bags were Barry's Tea and were in sachets. The kinds of tea bags you get in hotels and bed and breakfast establishments. She had seen them and thought of me. I was very touched with the gift. The decision to give me seven tea bags for a week's worth of oral sustenance and to satiate my hydration needs was very moving. The friend, because ultimately everybody who gives you a gift is a friend, regardless of their connection to you (family, spouse or work colleague) has bothered to think of you and has chosen to carry a handful of tea across an ocean to hand it to you in a ribbon. A present of the moment, born of a feeling of positivity generated by the currents of optimism and hope surrounding the wedding. The marriage of two people and the nice nature of my friend had seen both the humour and use value of Barry's Tea. I loved this gift.

Another gift I was directly given came about after a random comment to another friend, in connection to the act of creativity. I had mentioned origami to be told that a friend could only make swans. Being the inquisitive person that I am, I asked to see the swan. A little while later, I was given a perfectly folded simulacrum of a swan. The intricate details of the wings etc astounded me and again, I was touched by the gift. I was also told that the swan was called 'Barry'.

Both of these gifts were very different but they both served to make me feel special or elated in some way. They were both creative gifts. To me, valuable gifts because of their emotional impact and the positivity that surrounded the acts of giving.

What are the other gifts that you remember from your life?

Personally, I remember lots of books, money and vouchers (I give them as much as I receive them). A well chosen book can initiate a series of memories and or a sense of space. Money and vouchers are in many respects an open-ended invitation to change a moment, an opening to experience a transitory feeling. Possibly, to see something different or to put an object on a shelf or on your body that may bring someone to mind.

I really like receiving creative gifts, although I am grateful for everything I am given.

Also and rather mysteriously, there are indirect gifts. For me, these are works of art or creativity that were created for the world outside my home such as street art. Seemingly 'out of place' engagements with the world outside. Visual messages or the warm hue when something tranquil and meaningful is needed. The works are not always to everyone's liking but they serve a purpose.

Also the current trend for leaving poetry and prose on lampposts etc can be inspiring. These can be messages such as the 'Dear Stranger' positive affirmations and reminders that despite your state of mind, you are never truly alone, even if you can't or won't connect at that moment.

Nature provides gifts too, if you are open to receiving them. Depression often shuts people down but the sudden appearance of an insect or flower may breach the darkening skies and provide light. After all, who can look at a moth or butterfly or bumble bee and not be truly astounded by their sense of purpose or possibly, joy of existence? I doubt there are many card carrying union members among the birds in the sky as they tunefully herald in the dawn of a new day?

I am thankful for everything that has been given to me from a place and state of positivity, regardless of how I have felt in myself at the time of receiving. For example, the poem I was given as a young man by a friend on about a butterfly, handwritten in pencil on a card. I still have the card somewhere, the pencil is probably fading but the sentiment of happiness still shines.

Dear Reader, what can I give you? You who have loyally read to the end of this blog. I can give you a prescription of bubbles. You can exchange them whenever you want to see something moving in a different direction. They will be transient, but they will exhibit multiple colours and elicit a succession of emotions in you. They will rise and burst. They will change, just as you will change. Please ride the watery spherical trail with my love and to those who continue to give, my eternal thanks.

P.S. A smile can be a gift in the right moment too.

Barry Watt - 4th August 2024.

Photos.

Barry's Tea. They really are.