Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Tied up with Strings

Today's Wonder of the World is...String!

Flickr photo by Pewari Naan
Don't call the men in the white suits yet, but lately I've had the sneaking suspicion that something's been chasing me.
It's string.

Yes, I know this sounds ridiculous. Allow me to explain.
First I did a blog post about The String of Pearl plant. Remember?

Flickr photo by mythlady
Ah yes, there it is. Incredible, huh?

Then I wrote Monday's post about my happy list, during which, of course, I had to sing like Fraulein Maria: raindrops and roses and whiskers on kittens... brown paper packages tied up with STRINGS!

I finished the post, reread it, and guess what book had I listed as one of my favorites.

See!

Then the very next day my Sammy brought me a length of yarn and asked me to show him how to do Jacob's ladder.

Flickr photo by Tabbi Kat
More string! (I believe that's the cat's cradle, by the way.)
After we were done, he mentioned, "Mom, you need to buy me some new shoestrings. My right one broke today."
Aack! They're after me!

So I decided just to give in to the string madness.
Maybe if I admire the wonder of strings, this craziness will end.
(That's my string theory, anyway.)
I poured myself an itsy bitsy glass of Todd's homemade wine and sat down in my favorite office chair. I took a sip, looked at my bookcase, and saw this beside it on the wall.

Strings! Strings that I played when I was in junior high. Strings that sounded like rabid cats fighting! Strings that should forever cling to my wall, where they can do no harm to anyone.

Maybe I should go outside and get my mind of strings.

Maybe I could fly a kite.

Flickr photo by Andrew Curtis
Or go shopping.
I could take my string bag I used to use in France.

Flickr photo by bearfont
Speaking of France, those French tatters could do some amazing things with string!

That's Mom and Sarah and me at at a lace shop at Le Puy en Velay. I'm wearing the black coat that makes me look like the Michelin man. And no, I'm not a giant person. My mom is petite and Sarah is ten years old. Plus I'm standing on a hill.
Why does my sweet husband like to take photos close to the ground so that everyone looks enormous? I must remember to talk to him about that.

Flickr photo by talking2myshoe
Maybe a string on my finger would remind me.

You know who else makes amazing things with string? My blogging friend Tattingchic. Have you met her yet? Hop over to see what she's been working on lately. Her projects are incredible!

I also like to see what Royal Buffet does with string.

Photo by Royal Buffet

So whimsical!

How do you feel about puppets on a string?

Flickr photo by hkoons
Do they freak you out?
But I don't mind if the King sings about them!

Before you go, let this commercial string you along.

I have no idea what he's saying, but it's fun to watch!
Have a wonder-full Wednesday, y'all!
Love, Becky

22 comments:

jama said...

I'm totally strung out over this delightful post. Thanks for making me smile, Becky!!

a Tonggu Momma said...

Loved what you did with your old violin. So... do you think that would work with the husband's saxophone? :)

Unknown said...

You used to play the violin!? You multi-talented gal, you!! That lace shop in france looks like they made some absolutely gorgeous bobbin lace!

Awww...thanks for the shout out! My cheeks are turning crimson...I'm so embawassed...

Anonymous said...

I love string--it's so useful and underappreciated.

Adrienne said...

That animation was very cool! I'm not great with string projects - knots drive me up the wall. I do like cat's cradle, though.

Unknown said...

I've been stringing along on your site ever since I discovered it. Always interesting and creative!

Linda Summerfield said...

I love the image of packages tied up with string.

Anonymous said...
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Kat said...

I swear you can make ANYTHING interesting. Even string!
Fun post! :)

lotusgirl said...

I love the video with the string. It's amazing how each image is just string.

I also gotta say I love string instruments. My daughter plays the cello. I love the sounds and vibrations that come out of there.

Ronnie said...

What is that THING on the beach. A giant robot wiener?!
And is that string on that dead person's finger a reminder to look for his loved ones in heaven?!
You are at least 6'4". You can't fool us!
And another thing...just before I clicked your blog I had written myself a note, "playing heart strings", to remind me of an idea for a painting. Hmmm. We ARE all connected. See you FRiday. :)

judy in ky said...

Now, if someone could just explain the concept of string theory to me...

Rebecca Ramsey said...

How I love you people!
Now, to answer some questions...

TM, hang up that saxophone! I bet it would look great!

TattingChic, before you call me multi-talented, you should hear me play the violin. I wasn't kidding about the rabid cats fighting.

Lotusgirl, my favorite stringed instrument to listen to is the cello. I could listen to cello music all day long.

Ronnie, that thing looks like an enormous caterpillar on its back to me. And you've freaked me out by saying that finger is of a dead person!! I looked at it again, and you're right! It does look dead! I think its the black and white that gives it the grim mood.
Oh...and 5'7" I promise!
(Unless I've shrunk.)

LarryG said...

lovely - always a pleasure when you 'string' us along ;)

Linda Summerfield said...

Congratulations on winning Sandra Everston's wonderful prize!!!

Rebecca Ramsey said...

Thank you, Linda! I'm so excited!

Querulous Squirrel said...

You cannot post the String of Pearl plant too often. It is one of my favorite. There is a new variety that is sort of oval that I don't like, so it's been harder to find the charming round ones lately.

me said...

Hi Becky...hope you are doing well!!! Hey..I've never seen the string of pearl plant. Interesting AND cool! :)

Miss you! *hugs*

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

First I want to congrats on winning the Cinderella shoes,you deserve them.They are going to a good home.
Did you look up what strings mean?You know if they come up alot.That will give you something to do.I loved the video.Even if I couldn't understand it either.I want to say ...Happy Valentine's Day Sweetie!!! XXOO Marie Antionette

CC said...

This is so funny b/c I was at a playdate with my son and the little girl's sister just wanted to do cat's cradle with me the ENTIRE time! Eventually, I was like GO AWAY! ;)

Susan said...

I remember an art project as a child, where we placed crayon shavings and a piece of string between sheets of waxed paper, ironed it and then peeled the paper off for a piece of modern art. I have always loved string. Fun post. Take care.

Renee said...

Becky laughed my head off of you talking about the picture of you. You do look tall and very pretty too.

xoxo

Love Renee