This weekend sunshine streamed down and heated my bones. I went for a walk along East Beach near my little bungalow. When I am around the ocean, I feel a wonderful sense of being cleansed. I think water carries messages and delivers them...it is the ancient way. The tides rule our bodies, our worlds. I sometimes contemplate life, talk to myself and ask God for wisdom and guidance. I also ask the Universe for signs that mama is thinking about me. I do. I always will look for signs. Mama and I were close. We believed in the same things. We watched Mother Moon wax and wane. Our souls still sing together but I needed to see and feel something. I'm selfish. Mama send me anything and I will know it's you.
I walked happily along the beach picking up rocks full of holes. Holy rocks - ok thank you. I picked up some worn abalone shells and some sea glass. Then, I saw a shape in the sand. I reached down and began pulling it out. I couldn't believe it but it was a silver box - a sterling silver cigarette case with the inscription, Non Sine Causa. This is Latin, meaning Nothing Without Cause. I am unsure what this means beyond the literal translation but if you have some insight, I'd be delighted to hear from you. In the meantime, I know mama sent me a message! Salud.
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Comments: 47
Just kidding, good story though, reflective, and spiritual.
I feel the same way about the ocean, and I shared that passion with my mother. I am sure that your mother has sent you a sign. I bet that gave you a sense of peace.
Your Fan,
Charles D
Your words about the "water" and "tides" echo a scene in the move "Prince of Tides" as one character explains to another how the moon and the tides govern so much of life.
Nothing without cause...
I first took to mean nothing happens without meaning. A sort of cause and effect. Maybe a reminder that we need to cause meaning in our lives or there will be nothing in them.
OK, I accepted the challenge and here is the story behind the story:
"Non sine causa" is the moto on the Justice family crest, translated as you have indicated, "not without cause." This is an old Scottish crest from very ancient times, some say before the Norman conquest (hey, that's even before my days!).
A bunch of Justice family folks made it over here to the Colonies and a few of them made it to San Fransisco in the 1860s.
So here's my theory: a wealthy Justice descendant sailed his yacht down your way, anchored offshore, got drunk and dropped his silver cigarette case into the shallow harbor waters.
Years later you found it and given your wonderful story it has all been "non sine causa".
A hearty flagon of ale to the Justice family!
Cheers,
Colonel Possum
One more thing....
This is such a moving article, I have just featured it Numero Uno at the Old Hippie's Corner (OHC).
Non sine causa,
Colonel Possum
Love the image. (((Mariana)))))
Love will find a way.x
Lovely story. I like to think it IS a sign from your mama. Rather than the traditional message in a bottle, she sent you a silver cigarette case with a Latin inscription. Classy lady!
If when your feeling down and I can't put a smile on your face (I hope this never happens) take your silver box and go for another walk on the beach and maybe something else magical might happen.
keep laughing
The Funny Guy
Funny Guy: You are one in a million! First, you will always make me laugh - oh I am still laughing about your first article and the loaves of Italian bread - seriously...I love what you said very much and you know that's kind of what mama would have told me anyway...seriously, she would tell me to take the box for a walk and she'll leave something else for me. I know mama - you know how you have a common thread connecting you and special folks in your life! A golden thread or a silver rope - it's there - will remain and you can feel that person around you - she loved way out stuff - it's old old stuff really - she grew up on the shores of the Atlantic down in Venezuela so she was connected to the sea...! I am going to do what you say Funny Guy & will let you know what happens! Salud.
Marcia, you are so right - how classy - now, that was my mama - she had the type of humble class only gracious women have - they carry it with them through perils and circumstances...you know the type of woman I'm referring to! I'm so lucky! Salud.
Bluey, oh you're so right - Love Will Find a Way! Thank you so much and it's good to see you - I have to go and visit you now...more comments later! Salud.
Kevin - hello and thanks so much for dropping by for the visit! It's always a thrill to see you as you are one of my favorite Gatherites!~ You are soooo helpful always!
Thank you for what you say Kevin and also Robb - yes, the ocean is magical!!!
Miz Jan H. I love your icon thank you so very much!
Miz Donna thank you so very much - I thought of what you said half the night - what a great insight you have!
Thank you so much Connie! Ok yall I'll be back to comment on each of you in a bit!
Salud.
And to paraphrase someone I never quote "You can't always get what you want....but sometimes you get what you need." I wish you you peace, dear girl.
I know someday, my Mama T won't be with me physically, although she'll always be part of me and by my side in spirit. Your Mama is with you, too.
Love you, dear friend.
A lone tear slowly is pulled by the gravity that sometimes our souls here. Not such the case when our "spirit" crosses over. Gravity holds no spirit. Isn't it great that she can be with you in the blink of an eye or at a heart's beat?
Wonderous story, dear heart~
Lots of love, light, and blessings~
Mama T
Miz elizabeth e. Thank you very much for what you said and you know any of us who've lost someone knows about these feelings - I grew up with this so I knew how mama thought - and thoughts and love don't die ever...appreciate as always dropping by - I love YOUR stories very much, elizabeth - (Bob)...lol Salud.
Kathleen, thanks for dropping by - I really enjoyed your story about Money and kids very much!
Sonali, hugs back to you always
Terry - I believe as well...Salud
Chris, dear what a wonderful memory your son will have his whole life! I too love to look at the stars and learn new constellations (same old ones I just forget!)...nice to see you Chris! Salud.
I read this again tonight. It just makes me feel good.
Cheers,
Colonel Possum