FILIGREE

One of my favourite words is “FILIGREE”, defined in the World book encyclopedia as:
” A lacy, delicate or fanciful pattern in any material, ...ornamental work.”

Sometimes when I see something exquisite, yet impractical, I immediately think of “FILIGREE”. Generally this word is used in conjunction with lacy, delicate or fanciful patterns and ornamental work, but my first exposure to it was as an analogy for the little trills and turns in piano playing. In that context it was associated with accents or flamboyant playing to make the melody stand out.

Since then I have associated FILIGREE with unusual things, such as:

- The sprinkles of light and clouds in a beautiful sunset
- Pretty coloured rose petals
- Intricately decorated cakes
- Classical music pieces which precise and playful finger work

All these associations have reminded me of the creativity and imagination surrounding the design of the universe and our world. For me it’s as if the Creator has used FILIGREE to make our world stand out and to enhance our existence.

Then, of course, there is filigree in aspects of writing, where authors use beautiful words to elaborate on their descriptions.

I know that many of my associations with this word aren’t necessarily correct on a literary level, but I love playing around with it anyway, in unorthodox ways.

Life would be so boring without FILIGREE. Imagine if we didn’t decorate our homes or ourselves. Imagine if everything was standard with no frills or if there was no creativity in our designs. FILIGREE in our lives adds to our identity. People’s mannerisms and idiosyncrasies are what makes them stand out, what gives them dimension and makes them interesting and special.

So what is it that makes you stand out? What FILIGREE do you put in your life? Have a look at yourself in the mirror and see what makes you unique. Examine the FILIGREE in your psyche; is it really necessary or is it something, by choice, which sets you apart?

Have a wonderful, FILIGREE- filled day!