The Red Thread
A tribute to a wondrous
woman
The last time I saw my friend Rob we talked about stories
and the red thread. The concept has stuck with me and needs to be addressed.
In essence from Google research the Red thread is this:
From Sparknow...
“principle #1 | the red thread
In China and Japan there is a legend or proverb that says an
invisible red thread connects those destined to meet, regardless of time, place
or circumstances. (1)
The thread may stretch or tangle but never break. As a child
grows, the thread shortens, drawing closer those people who are destined to be
together, binding families and friends forever.
The term survives translation into both French (le fil
rouge) and German (der rote Faden). In both cases it signifies a connecting
thread that runs through plots, themes and places.
Which brings us to stories; and our first principle is that
each storied experience goes deeper and reaches further when there is a visible
red thread running through it.
In a piece of research or communication, the red thread
carries records, experiences, texture and personal testimony from the earliest
framing and gathering stages right through to the end product.”
The Way It Is
There’s a thread you
follow. It goes among
things that
change. But it doesn’t change.
People wonder about
what you are pursuing.
You have to explain
about the thread.
But it is hard for
others to see.
While you hold it you
can’t get lost.
Tragedies happen;
people get hurt
or die; and you
suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can
stop time’s unfolding.
You don’t ever let go
of the thread.
~ William Stafford ~
Joseph Campbell used
to say: “Follow your bliss.” I might say, “Follow that blood-red thread.”
From Wiki:
The red string of fate (simplified Chinese: 姻缘红線;
traditional Chinese: 姻緣紅線; pinyin: Yīnyuán hóngxiàn), also
referred to as the red string of marriage, and other variants, is an East Asian
belief originating from Chinese legend and is also used in Japanese legend.
According to this myth, the gods tie an invisible red cord
around the ankles of those that are destined to meet one another in a certain
situation or help each other in a certain way. Often, in Japanese culture, it
is thought to be tied around the little finger.
According to Chinese legend, the deity in charge of
"the red thread" is believed to be Yue Xia Lao (月下老),
often abbreviated to Yue Lao (月老), the old lunar matchmaker god, who
is in charge of marriages.
The two people connected by the red thread are destined
lovers, regardless of place, time, or circumstances. This magical cord may
stretch or tangle, but never break. This myth is similar to the Western concept
of soulmate or a destined flame.
References
28/09/2014
Sparknow
The Red Thread ~ Dr. Scott Eberle
Wikipedia - Red string of fate
Thats all my research, now I need to put it all into visual form, a tribute to my friend, who is gone. Funny thing, I have a very particular RED pen I wanted to use and I couldn'y find it, so I wound up
gardening and thinking, I will buy a new red pen for Rob first thing in the morning.
So I have begun ....