Inspiration and strength sometimes come from unexpected places: the hues of a twilight sky, a silly escapade, a song lyric.
My husband and I were on a trip
to Spain when we visited the Andalusian town of Ronda. It’s a lovely spot
suspended over a canyon with three iconic bridges. Madonna fans will recall it depicted
in gorgeous sepia tones in the “Take a Bow” video.
One afternoon, my husband and I
dined at a lovely café, leisurely enjoying lunch and two bottles of Rioja. Next
door was the bullring. No corrida de
toros that day, but tours were available. We couldn’t resist.
After a pass through the arena’s
small museum, we explored the field. Perhaps it was the joy of a pleasant day
or the wine or both. I found myself possessed by the spirits of matadors past.
I stood up and begin swooping my red jacket like a cape, daring my wheelchair
to come at me, its handles like the horns of a bull. My husband began shooting
photos as I posed, spurred on by the shouts of an imaginary crowd.
Perhaps it was silly, merely the
momentary playfulness of a tipsy woman on vacation. But when we returned home,
and I reviewed the pictures, I recalled the lyrics of a song I love. It was
“Jean the Birdman,” by English singer-songwriter David Sylvian:
Life is a
bullring
For taking
risks and flouting rules
Who needs a
safety net
The world is
open wide
Just look out
for card sharks
And the
danger signs
I printed out one of my husband’s photos with the
lyrics typed below. I posted it on my office wall.
On days when my pain flares or I’m anxious or
things are just not going well, I look at the photo.
If only in my mind’s eye, I‘m back in Ronda -- clad
in a bullfighter’s spectacular traje de
luz – and life seems full of possibilities and adventure.
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