IN LIFE AS IN THE DANCE : GRACE GLIDES

ON BLISTERED FEET.
---Alice Abrams

Monday, June 25, 2007

Manic Monday - Grace


The Charities, figures of Greek mythology known as "the Three Graces."

In Greek mythology, a Charis is one of several Charities (Greek: "Graces"), goddesses of charm, beauty, nature, human creativity and fertility. They ordinarily numbered three, from youngest to oldest:Aglaea (Beauty), Euphrosyne (Mirth), and Thalia (Good Cheer). In Roman mythology they were known as the Gratiae.

My grandmother had this statue in her living room and as a child, I was fascinated by it: most likely because they were "nekkid." Both of my parents appreciated the fine arts and I was exposed to it early in life. We had a statue of David in the yard sans fig leaf so the body as a work of art was presented to me in a no nonsense style. But my folks instilled in me a sense of modesty about my own person.

As far as the Graces, I've always felt that it was not erotic or sensual but pleasing in a sense of comfort and compassion. And me? I have no physical grace! I have always felt awkward, klutzy, if you will. I stumble and misstep frequently. I thought my first pair of bifocals was a death warrant! I do not have the form or grace of a dancer. But the grace I can count on is the grace of God. That is what has gotten me this far, through some of the darkest of my nights. I have faith that grace will see me through to the end. That is obviously the reason for my "blogging name."


In Life as in the dance; Grace glides on blistered feet...
---Alice Abrams

And to my dear, wonderful, precious friend Mo, for the kindness you extended to me on your site, in regards to my birthday Tuesday, I thank you! It's true, I haven't been very graceful in accepting my 60th but it will be what I choose to make of it! So thanks to Mo and all of you bloggers for cheering me up! I love you...
Gracie

19 comments:

Gattina said...

I have seen this picture this morning on another blog so I first thought I was wrong, but then your text is completely different ! I love this statue too, it's really very graceful ! BTW now (or tomorrow) I can tell you : Welcome to the club of 6+0 !! The 5 is over. For me I did this step already 3 years ago and still feel no difference, lol ! It's not the birthdays which counts, it's your head ! As long as you are young in there you will always remain a teenager for the rest of your life !
To change the date it's very easy. When you have finished writing you see underneath "Post options" besides "labels", if you click on that you can change the date and even the hour !

Shaz said...

Excellent post Gracie x x x

Durward Discussion said...

We share a love for that statue as you will see. Hope you have a wonderful milestone birthday.

Carrie said...

Excellent post, Gracie! :) Greek & Roman mythology has always been a favorite of mine.

Oh, and Happy Birthday (soon!) *HUGS*

Callie Ann said...

Happy almost birthday sweet Gracie, I have a semi live message on my blog this morning. Hope your feeling good today. They are having a bad forest fire in Lake Tahoe this morning. It's burning a bunch of house's so I am asking you to pray for the people that everyone makes it out safe. Love ya girl.

Maggie Moo said...

Grace is a perfect name for a beautiful woman such as yourself...

8)

Happy MM.

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

happy birthday honey! i almost did "david" for mine! then i did the ship instead. i love the statue you chose... great choice.

smiles, bee

Marilyn said...

I've always liked that statue too.

Happy Monday, and Happy Birthday.

Sarge Charlie said...

Happy birthday my friend. I have seen lots of good post about you today, Comedy is cool, working mom is cool

easy to move post, save as draft, edit. post options, change date.

Anonymous said...

EXCELLENT POST!! I studied greek mythology in college and LOVED it!! Happy MM.

Constance said...

Happy Birthday again, Gracie ! You have a graceful heart - and that comes thorugh very gracefully !

Sandee said...

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Gracie
Happy Birthday to you...

And many more! ♥ ♥ ♥

Excellent post Gracie. Have a great MM and a wonderful 60th birthday. :)

Mo and The Purries said...

Gracie, you're like the Three Graces and the Nine Muses, all rolled into one incredible woman!
I know some people are confused about WHEN your birthday is (sorry about that) but I sincerely hope it's the thought that counts, and heckfire, after 60 years you deserve a Birthday Week!
Much love to you, my sweet friend!
♥ ♥ ♥
love x3 'cuz I knows you like things in threes!
~mo

Travis Cody said...

I think modesty and an appreciation for the beauty of the male and female forms can co-exist. Kudos to your parents for instilling both in you.

Happy Birthday darlin!

Janna said...

Good post! It is SO important to be exposed to the fine arts early in life. It sets a good foundation for later appreciation.
Thanks for doing Manic Monday, and happy 60th! :)

Jantics and The Jannaverse

Desert Songbird said...

Where would we be in life without our "grace-filled" moments?

Happy Birthday, darling Gracie. May your life be filled with Peace, Love, and Joy.

Linda said...

What a great post and a lovely statute. I think it's great that your parents exposed you to fine art when you were a child as it has obviously made you more open-minded as an adult.

As for being graceful, I'm not very coordinated myself but I am certainly grace-full just as you are.

Have a blessed birthday tomorrow and I will have something special for you over on my blog then. After all, it ain't a birthday without cake and I'm sure Bee would second that!

Alice (in BC Canada) said...

Beautiful post, Gracie. Interesting stuff.

Happy Birthday!!

You are invited over to my blog for a visit.

Katie said...

hi gracie! missed monday but happy tuesday! :)