Report From PIA – November 29
This morning my husband and I hung bells on the arbor that he finished last week. We designed the arbor to be tall enough, and strong enough, to hold my bell collection. Three of these bells were made from old gas tanks by Provincetown sculptor Michael Kacergis, and the others have been collected over time.
Hanging bells was a good way to start the day. “Make a joyful noise,” I thought, wondering if I should write these words from Psalm 100 on the top of the arbor.
There are many ways to bring joy into a garden. An abundance of flowers usually delights, and a row of big, blooming sunflowers is a source of pleasure. Spirited garden ornaments or garden décor (paper lanterns, tiny white lights, and ribbons) are also expressions of happiness. Gardens are the perfect place for joyful celebrations.
Throughout the day I thought about other ways that we “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord”. Doing things that bring us pleasure sort of fits the bill, but I can’t help thinking that those things that bring happiness to ourselves, and others, better constitutes a joyful noise.
Thoroughly appreciating life is a good way to delight in our days (“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,”), and protecting the beauty and the abundance of the earth qualifies. Saying something that positively connects people is making a joyful noise, as is using words or making music to bring other people happiness.
I like how my bells look as they hang on the arbor, and I love the reminders that they trigger.
Let’s talk, sing and plant with joy.
I originally planned to plant a trumpet vine on this arbor, but now that the bells are up I realize that the trumpet vine would eat the bells for breakfast. I think I'll use a climbing rose and some clematis instead.
The bell on the left, and the two on the right, were made by Provincetown artist Michael Kacergis.
When next to a large house, you need a large enough structure so that the arbor is in balance with the building..
