I collect neatly formed bird nests found after wind storms. A bird’s architecture reveals a close attention to detail and intricate weaving without foregoing creature comforts like soft downy linings. Big dreams and lofty inspirations grow from the nests we build. Wise parents know that deep roots make for strong wings.
Nest Cake © Yvonne Cornell, 2013
[…] A character in my new favorite book of the year, Americanah, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie muses out loud “. . . Third Worlders are forward-looking, we like things to be new, because our best is still ahead, while in the West their best is already past and so they have to make a fetish of that past.” This statement stopped me in my reading because of the possible truth of it. Is “vintage” a fetish because we believe our best has indeed past? Linger here with me . . . there are admissions that the high fidelity sounds of a vinyl record are more layered; audiophiles insist it is better. Film demanded the use of printed paper to retain and assemble in books; on-line services are popping up every where to print the images of instagram and smart phones. Books and collectible magazines are making comebacks with glorious full color printing and luscious paper stock. Kinfolk magazine features preparing food for small personal gatherings of one to a few in our homes and the great outdoors rather than a trending foodie hangout. A reconditioned Corona or Remington typewriter sells for the price of a new smart phone. Is this a permanent trend in western style towards the vintage, restored, shabby chic and obsolete. Are we fixated on our past because it was indeed our best? Perhaps we’re trying to grow up, and like a young adult who is freshly minted into the world, we sometimes revert back to the comforts and nostalgia of home. Home sweet home, maybe it is the best, in the west. If true, we owe it to ourselves not to be couch potatoes. To aspire to look forward, one foot in the past lest we lose our bearings. Deep roots, strong wings. […]