BS: Stray Cats

Subject: BS: Stray Cats
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 12:24 PM

Some of you read that an apparition suddenly manifested itself in my back yard last weekend. A statue like the ones in my childhood church stands in direct line with the window. It is of the Sacred Heart though its paint is long gone and parts have been re-made or re-stuck with screws.

The story is that it belonged to an old man whose family believed that he had hidden money in it, They cut off the statue's head when he died but...no treasure. From there he stood guard duty as a scarecrow in a field before ending up in my yard.

This was of course the ultimate revenge for my spree of tasteless gifts. Some comments were made about dressing him up seasonly. But I can't do it.

I left the Catholic Church long ago and am an atheist. The statue holds no religious significance for me. But I can't help but feel the love that he held from the man who created him and the old man who cherished him. Like an old cat tossed out by unfeeling relatives, this statue deserves a place where he will be respected and cherished.

For now, I will move him indoors. Any thoughts?

SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Stray Cats
From: Bert
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 12:41 PM

Could be a song there SINSLUV.

Subject: RE: BS: Stray Cats
From: Rasener
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 12:46 PM

And there was me thinking that the Stray Cats were on tour or something!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Stray Cats
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 01:11 PM

Let it return to the earth from whence it came, like it's maker, and it's last owner. Leave it there and let nature get to work on it Mary.
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Stray Cats
From: Jeri
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 01:32 PM

Check with local churches to see if they know anyone who wants to adopt a savior. Somebody might be willing to come get him and do some restoration work.

Subject: RE: BS: Stray Cats
From: Ebbie
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 02:15 PM

Create a niche for esoteric things, Sins, and twine ivies and other green things around. Add a bowl of water that reflects, maybe add a couple of little frogs. I like the idea of salvaging the form.

Years ago I resisted buying a cast concrete statue. It's a good thing I did because I have never landed in a permanent place since then, and lugging that statue around would have been major. It was heavy.

It was of a nude woman's form held high in two large hands; even the indentation in the buttocks' flesh showed clearly. It was well done, and there was such an air of peace, of serenity, of timelessness. I no longer even remember whether there was a head on the woman and I don't quite remember why it was so memorable to me. But it was.

Subject: RE: BS: Stray Cats
From: Ebbie
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 03:11 PM

Insert 'u', please

Subject: RE: BS: Stray Cats
From: gnu
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 03:47 PM

Oh my... that's the second time in just a few minutes. If I weren't such a demure gentleman....

Subject: RE: BS: Stray Cats
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 04:20 PM

I like Ebbie's idea. Do you have the head for it, Sins? My son has a statue of a bishop or something which he's had a lot of fun with. Painted its eyes solid white, draped a chain across its chest, hung leis on it, scarves, etc. depending on the season. At yuletide it gets draped with twinkly lights. He did have some explaining to do whilst moving one time. Had the bishop on the seat beside him, standing, sort of, from the floor. The cops thought he had someone real with him!

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Stray Cats
From: Jeri
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 04:45 PM

The statue holds no religious significance for me. But I can't help but feel the love that he held from the man who created him and the old man who cherished him. Like an old cat tossed out by unfeeling relatives, this statue deserves a place where he will be respected and cherished.

Subject: RE: BS: Stray Cats
From: Peace
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 04:48 PM

As Jeri quoted: Give it a place to rest. And be safe. Maybe you are meant to do that because you need looking out for. It's a strange universe, SINSULL.

Subject: RE: BS: Stray Cats
From: Jeri
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 05:07 PM

I suspect she wants it to find a home with a Christian, or at least someone who'd appreciate it for its serious side, or at least someone who doesn't occasionally babysit a large male dog. SINSULL needs help, but mostly the kind that involves removing sharp objects from her path and locking your car doors.

Subject: RE: BS: Stray Cats
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 05:46 PM

For now, I will move him indoors. Thank you for all the suggestions. Were it a bishop I would enjoy dressing it up for the season like George, my knight in shining armor. But this is a statue of Jesus. Too sacred to some to be played with. One does not have to believe to respect. Hmmmm.

As for me - I have managed 50+ years on my own and will continue to do so. Jeri, your keeper forgot to pack your blazer. See you Saturday.

Subject: RE: BS: Stray Cats
From: Jeri
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 06:06 PM

There is plaster cloth they make into casts. Might work to repair his neck.

It's funny, the way we feel about objects that are symbols in our memories. I do see a song in this, but it's going to have to be a more complicated, layered one than what would be the obvious themes.

Subject: RE: BS: Stray Cats
From: Becca72
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 10:24 AM

Sins, you live in Maine, dahlin'...sink half a bathtub in the yard and put him inside for protection from the elements. :-) My aunt had a "Mary on the half shell" in her yard for ages.

Subject: RE: BS: Stray Cats
From: CET
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 12:09 PM

I have to disagree with Ebbie (much to my dismay). This is a sacred object. If there is nobody to give it a place of honour, I like Giok's suggestion. Burying it would be a sign of respect.

Edmund

Subject: RE: BS: Stray Cats
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 11:04 PM

This reminded me of those people who buy Buddhas and Hindu deities in stores handling imported 'ornament.' Are these images in hopes of finding a caring believer in their next re-incarnation?

Subject: RE: BS: Stray Cats
From: Greg F.
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 01:43 PM

Didn't I once read something about golden calves and graven images...?