I forgot how much I enjoy silence. The world is noisy; silence rare. And too often I turn on the radio or TV, just for company, or to drown out my tinnitus. I seldom really listen. One afternoon I walked home through Mellon Park and suddenly heard silence. The dogs that run loose while owners stand around talking were not there. It was just me and the squirrels and trees--not even traffic sounds and I can't recall the tinnitus. Totally wonderful.
The next day, driving out of the garage after the cardio rehab, I had a similar experience. I could only hear a soft purr from the car and a rhythmic slap as the tires hit expansion joints. What a joy it would be to permanently get rid of that noise in my head.
Another pleasure: Saturday night, Steve's cactus produced it's occasionally, yearly blossom.
We don't know anything about the cactus. It's a cutting from a large plant that belonged to Steve's father. The cutting was dormant for many years then suddenly began to grow. About seven years ago it began to produce one or more flowers one night each summer (with the exception of last year). The flower opens only once. Although various flying insects visit it, no fruit or seed is produced.
Night blooming cirius. :) JA Jance's newest mystery is built about these.
Yes, you give me hope for the gift of silence again. Wow....I can't imagine how it would be without the ringing/hissing in my head.
Posted by: Mage Bailey | August 20, 2010 at 05:44 PM
Beautiful. Does it have a scent?
I have occasional tinnitus too, but it bothers me only when there's near silence--like late at night. But I know what you mean about the sounds of silence. I wonder if the newer generation really knows what it is...?
Posted by: Alice | August 23, 2010 at 07:28 PM
RYN: Yes, better words are needed, but these are all my damaged brain could produce. Shallow, I know. Mea culpa.
Has the silence stayed with you? I so hope so.
Posted by: Baileyz | August 27, 2010 at 08:38 PM
Tinnitus never goes away, but mine seems to have louder and softer times. Often, when I concentrate on other things I can ignore it altogether. I dont want to think about the times it gets loud and demands my attention. I dont know whether it was there during those two experiences or silence I so enjoyed. Coming out of the parking lot on Friday it was definitely there within the silence. But I looked for it.
Posted by: ruthe | August 29, 2010 at 06:47 PM