grandly simple

I had seen the film Ashes and Snow mentioned here and there in
the blog world, but had never actually watched it, until last week,
when my dear friend Lorenzo surprised me with my very own copy.
As I opened the box, I could tell by the DVD cover, that this was no
ordinary film. The disc was packaged in a special brown cover,
handmade in Nepal, and sealed with natural beeswax. It was tied
with thread stained with tea leaves and a pretty little red bead.

When I popped the disc into the player, I wasn't quite sure what to
expect, as I settled down into my favorite corner of my TV viewing
nest. I was gently drawn into a languid pool of soft sepia. The
exquisite photography was paired with simple music, and the rich
voice of Laurence Fishburne, periodically reciting a man's touching
letters to his wife.

I was completely swallowed up by this magnificent work of art. This
was not just a movie; it was a spiritual experience. I can't remember
being this moved by art, since I saw the Frida Kahlo exhibit. I was
transfixed by its poetry; I couldn't move, much less laugh or cry.

The 60 minute film is the creation of Gregory Colbert, a Canadian
born photographer and filmmaker, who traveled on expeditions to
India, Burma, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya and many more to
document the incredible interactions between humans and animals.
Ashes and Snow attracted over 10 million visitors in NYC, Santa
Monica, Tokyo and Mexico City, making it the most attended
exhibition by a living artist in history.

I now have a new remedy for stress. I can pop in this ethereal piece
and watch it whenever I need to be transported to another world.
Thank you, dear friend. You knew I would swoon from the beauty.
My woolly socks were blown completely away.