“I am pleased enough with the surfaces – in fact they alone seem to me to be of much importance. Such things for example as the grasp of a child’s hand in your own, the flavor of an apple, the embrace of a friend or lover, the silk of a girl’s thigh, the sunlight on the rock and leaves, the feel of music, the bark of a tree, the abrasion of granite and sand, the plunge of clear water into a pool, the face of the wind – what else is there? What else do we need?”
– Edward Abbey
- Sources: Quote – Thank you Whiskey River. Photograph by Lucem @ Make a Wish
- Related Edward Abbey Post: To Be Everywhere At Once Is To Be Nowhere Forever
Funny, I never defined those moments as ‘surface’, for they are the moments that have touched me the most. I realize of course that but for the definition of the word, I’m basically saying “yes”. Full stop.
Yes, I took it a bit differently. Surface may mean everyday, routine, mundane, light, surface, insignificant – yet are what is really important. So, Yes. Period.
It is the simple things that reach inside and touch our souls. What is already here truly is enough. Well, except in the case of one certain someone…maybe the flavor of an apple may not be enough. How’s the diet going? 🙂
Don’t ask. Regressing.
That is lovely.
It is Julie, thanks.
Funny. I was thinking exactly the same thing yesterday – but in different words, of course. “Surface” can sound so negative. I like this use of it as a positive – living in the moment, really.
Yes, surface caught my attention too. But I inferred from his words that surface equates to light, small but significant, cherish the moment…
What else do we need?
To be mindful of these gods
Exactly…
we need so very little in life, think about it.
Yes. And seemingly yearn for so much…:)
Makes me feel alive reading that…lovely.
It does do that Vicki…powerful
I love that Mounts Bay pic. It certainly does look idyllic. I’m sure the sun used to shine in Cornwall when I was a child, so I’m sure it can manage it again this time when I visit. The movie sounds like it’s a real ‘must see’. I’ll watch out for it. Your gull photo is stunning. They look like they’re made of porcelain. 🙂
Mounts Bay Sylvia? Think you intended your comment for another post. (Or I’ve completely missed the point…:))
absolutely lovely, thanks for sharing it
It is Ophelia. Thank you
“one of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats”, Iris Murdoch. Small treats like the grasp of a child’s hand in your own, the flavor of an apple, the embrace of a friend or lover, etc. Yes–what else is there?
Love “small treats”. Great quote Carolann. thanks for sharing…
It is always the so-called little things that make the biggest difference. This is lovely David.
I’m figuring this out Bonnie. Thank you.