The Ordinary Made Extraordinary

I came upon these little notes taped to a door while I was up in Saranac Lake. I found them so interesting. Even mesmerizing. Perhaps this was because it was a peek into someone’s personal life.

If only one note was posted such as--I’m doing an errand. Be back by 3 p.m.--well, that wouldn’t be so very interesting. What makes this door filled with notes interesting is that they all say basically the same thing. And there are so many of them. We have a collection of repeating patterns--the accumulation of the detritus of an ordinary day. Many days. Many memories.

But wait, there’s more. There’s the fact that they all say basically the same thing--this man is doing an errand and he will be back at a particular time. Isn’t that reassuring? But why does he save these notes and keep them collected on one door? What does this mean? I found these notes in a private/public space so I can’t help but think that they are mostly just for the man who wrote them. I wonder if it’s meant to remind him of the routine of his days? Or perhaps something existential about being here now. Telling himself that he was here. Then he went out for an errand. But then, he returned.

It’s the reassurance of his return that pulls at my heartstrings. That’s why I find the collection of notes so poignant, beautiful and yes, artful.

Creative Friends--you live your life. You think it’s ordinary, nothing special. But, consider this--if you were to collect the found art of your everyday life and honored it--the repetition, the patterns, the strangeness, the heartbreaking familiarity--well, then I think you would see that your ordinary life is actually quite extraordinary.

Love,

Jamie