I was dusting the shelves in my china cupboard the other day when I stopped to look at Grandma's dishes. Tracing the fine lines of crazing as I remembered her, I began to think how the crazing seemed to add to their beauty for me. Caught up in the notion, I looked up the meaning.
Crazing: To develop a network of fine lines on the surface. It happens most often with age and with change--such as temperature, humidity, and location--or from too vigorous movement. Crazing is most likely to happen in areas where tension and yielding have been localized. (from Ebay)
At this point I was completely off task and lost in my imagination. How many faces do I know that are covered in fine lines brought on with age and change? How many of us wear the effects of movements in life that came too vigorously or in less than optimal environments? Movements that came in response to loss or changing circumstance. Tension and yielding happen to us all. The more we experience them, the more likely we will show it.
Society says these lines, this physical crazing, should be minimized. So much money is made by companies who have convinced women that any sign of tension and yielding is unattractive. Look again at the definition of crazing. These fine lines are only on the surface; by their very definition they are a visible statement that no matter what life gave me, I did not break. The lines come at the cost of fully immersing yourself in life experiences. The tension and yielding are stress and struggle, yes; but they are also smiling and deep belly laughing. These lines don't just happen, they are earned.
Grandma was ninety-nine when she died. If I am given the gift of a long life like hers, I will be delighted if my face shows as much crazing as the dishes in my cupboard. I will proudly claim each line as evidence of years of fully engaged living. The joys and sorrows that made me the woman I am will all be visible on my face. I may be crazed, but I will be beautiful.
Inspired by the writing prompt--No one ever asked me. Because once again I have found a topic where my opinion runs contrary to that of the general public's.
You know what? I'm with you! I have never fretted about wrinkles. They mean I have lived.
ReplyDeleteBags, however, are another story.... :)
I have never seen a bag when I have seen your face. And I mean that in every sense of the word!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh I love this post! Ain't it true?? Who cares about wrinkles. I love wrinkles...I don't want to look young and inexperienced my whole life. Thanks for writing and sharing this post.
ReplyDeleteGlad you like it. I hope more people start thinking like we do!
DeleteBrilliant post. Our "fine lines" are a map on our skin of the places we've been, the people we've met and the times we've had.
ReplyDeleteAnd my map becomes a little clearer every year!
Delete"Crazing"... a new word for me to love. Thanks to you May! I love your ability to seek and learn more and then apply it to life. Your insight and way of teaching what's important in life is truly a gift to us who read it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol. Your words mean a lot to me.
DeleteI've never heard of Crazing before! I wish more people would allow this message to resonate with them.
ReplyDeleteOnly seems right that i would introduce you to something called crazing, right?!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely crazing. I learned something today. I never read anything about those little lines that old China can have. I wish I could be better about my crazing. I guess I am getting better but I'm not at peace yet. :)
ReplyDelete