Saturday, May 6, 2023

The Art of Ghosting.

 

(Photo of me by Linda Troeller)

In just this past week alone, I have heard the word invisible four times in four days. 

I've mostly heard this from my female friends--women of a certain age. But, I did hear it once on a podcast about spies during the Cold War era. 

I remember a time when moving through one's world unseen and unnoticed was actually a kind of superpower, the stuff of James Bond novels, and the purvey of television shows called Topper. (You'd definitely have to have reached a certain age to get this reference.) Oh, but if you're an old movie aficionado, you might be familiar with the wonderful 1937 film version with Cary Grant and Constance Bennett as the socialite/sports car driving ghosts.

These ghosts had a grand old time circulating with the living, encouraging them to loosen up and have a little fun. They also enjoyed drinking cocktails--lots of cocktails. They created an endless supply of comedic scandals, while conveniently appearing or disappearing when it suited them.

This got me thinking. What's so terrible about being invisible?

Creative friends, do you feel invisible sometimes? Well then, congratulations! You have discovered your superpower.

Your assignment for this week is to consider the creative potential inherent in invisibility. To hone your new talent, take some time this week to imagine you are a detective or a reporter or even a spy. Being invisible gives you the perfect opportunity to observe and collect information about the world around you. Pay attention to overheard dialogue, faces in repose, interesting sartorial choices and all the little verbal and nonverbal tics that reveal character. Notice light and color, taste and smell and enjoy this opportunity to move seamlessly between the seen and the unseen worlds.

And as always, have fun.

Love,

Jamie  

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