Story
Stone by Stone Previous Story
Everything looks different without boundaries.
The sound a hammer makes when it strikes a steel chisel is unique—it’s a dull, metallic, muffled clang as the chisel bites deeper into stone or mortar. As I rounded the corner of the country studio, I heard the familiar sound, then caught sight of the hammer swinging high and squarely driving the chisel a fraction of an inch deeper.
Dario, the young stonemason in the dusty black T-shirt, struck deliberately into the old wall joints, squinting for protection at each commanding hammer strike. As cracks appeared, he pried, rocked, and dislodged the next stone and lifted it away from its stronghold.
We had felt limited by the wall—though admirably sturdy and well-built, it nevertheless blocked us, closed us in; or perhaps it was a sense that something was being kept out. In any case, we decided to take it down, let in light, open the view, and connect to the countryside that rolled into the distance on the other side. Stone by stone, the wall came down and let us see the landscape washed by the sun-filled morning. It was so surprisingly open that we felt exposed and vulnerable at first, but exhilarated by the expansive view.
That experience helped us realize the importance of knowing how to build strong walls—walls that define, protect, and last. But it also seemed important to know when walls have outlived their usefulness and need to come down, stone by sturdy stone.
You might enjoy visiting our other websites:
"Harmony with Nature" Video - Music from "Stone by Stone"
Uncommon Promise Video Channel
Under the Tuscan Thumb Blog
The UP Side Lowdown by Cheryl
Dario, the young stonemason in the dusty black T-shirt, struck deliberately into the old wall joints, squinting for protection at each commanding hammer strike. As cracks appeared, he pried, rocked, and dislodged the next stone and lifted it away from its stronghold.
Taking down the walls
We had felt limited by the wall—though admirably sturdy and well-built, it nevertheless blocked us, closed us in; or perhaps it was a sense that something was being kept out. In any case, we decided to take it down, let in light, open the view, and connect to the countryside that rolled into the distance on the other side. Stone by stone, the wall came down and let us see the landscape washed by the sun-filled morning. It was so surprisingly open that we felt exposed and vulnerable at first, but exhilarated by the expansive view.
That experience helped us realize the importance of knowing how to build strong walls—walls that define, protect, and last. But it also seemed important to know when walls have outlived their usefulness and need to come down, stone by sturdy stone.
You might enjoy visiting our other websites:
"Harmony with Nature" Video - Music from "Stone by Stone"
Uncommon Promise Video Channel
Under the Tuscan Thumb Blog
The UP Side Lowdown by Cheryl
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