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| All smiles in Barcelona! |
Those who know me, know that I am a very impatient person when
it comes to making things. If a craft project has more than two steps (one of
them being, “read directions”), forget it! Gardening has always struck me as
endless waiting for a merely possible result. Even with things I love to do, like
cook, my favorite recipes are Rachael Ray’s 30 minute wonders. Now, contrarily,
I refuse to go the fast food route. That is just cheating! I want to do the
work (and reap the compliments), I just want that work to be finished lickety-split.
But I have always been fascinated by huge projects that took
years, even centuries, to complete. You know, The Pyramids. I-95. That sort of
thing. Especially when the people who began the work die before it is done. I
think about my load of unfinished business-- church odds and ends, partial
essays--and cannot imagine anyone taking up the projects after I am gone
to the great beyond. It will all land in the trash I am sure, and I certainly
can’t blame my loved ones for pitching it. After all, it is “my thing” and not
theirs.
Which is why I was so struck by Sagrada Familia, the Catholic cathedral-in-progress we visited in Barcelona. This
architectural wonder was conceived in the
late 19th century to honor the Holy Family. It is a gorgeous blend
of traditional and modern elements, from stained glass windows that are just
blocks of light-catching colors, to the altar crucifix - which hangs from a huge chandelier, and incredibly detailed sculpted exterior. Architect Antoni Gaudi plotted everything out meticulously, and made copious
drawings. These came in very handy when his colleagues and students took over
in 1926, following Gaudi’s untimely death in a traffic accident. They embraced his vision as their own. Construction has continued (despite destructive fires set during the Spanish Civil War), and the church will not be completed until 2026.
Indeed, the day we were there scaffolding could be seen in several places.
Magnificent music from the organ rang out over done and undone alike. We fell
in love with Sagrada Familia, exactly where it is right now. It is a living
work of art, and if we never make it back to Barcelona, our not seeing the
finished product will in no way detract from its profound effect on us.
So. Back in the USA, where entire developments of McMansions
spring up within months. Beautifully made? Built to last? Who cares? We want it
done yesterday! As for me, inspired by Gaudi’s gradual masterpiece, I will try
to slow down and take my time on my next creative endeavor, be it an essay or a
stew. I will learn to appreciate the value of each step, and take pride in the
process. Life is so unpredictable, after all, that even a “rush job” may not
ever get a chance to be finished. Therefore, what’s the big hurry? Answer:
there really is none.
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| Just the ticket! |
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