Prophetic Imagination

True credit for this post goes to Rev. Jen Crow for planting the seed shared here. I am merely passing the tale along for others to read. Her Sunday sermon was about the possibilities of imagining with purpose. Recently I have been doing some "visioning" in alignment with my job search. I believe that the concept is "if you can see it, you can possibly be it." I am not sold on the concept yet, but open to the magic if it should find me. How is that for noncommittal?

This particular story is a true one of Colorado native Scott Harrison. It is his Carousel of Happiness. The beginning of the tale starts in his days as a Vietnam Marine vet. As many soldiers carry charms or keepsakes to give them solace during their dark journeys, his was not the usual photograph or letter. For Scott it was a small music box that played Chopin's "Tristesse." He carried it with him through his bleakest days and said that it took him to a beautiful place in the mountains where a carousel was spinning. Harrison was one of the fortunate who managed to survive those jungles, yet brought home many of those same horrible visions.

Flash forward to 1986 when a friend told him of a vintage merry-go-round for sale and Scott jumped at the offer. The piece itself had been damaged by fire and wear - only the frame and motor were able to be salvaged. He brought it back to his native Colorado. And at that point he began to pursue a new calling of hand carving the animals for the ride. Mind you he had never done such a task in his life. But he wanted it to be a momentous keepsake for all. Instead of standard horses, he meticulously carved bright, whimsical and unconventional species. There are rabbits, pumas, St Bernards, kangaroos, mermaids - a colorful menagerie to choose from. In addition he decorated the canopy with tiny fairies that fade in and out of view as the ride revolves.

This entire outpouring of joy is now a beacon for the residents of Nederland CO. It debuted in 2010 where rides are a simple $1. I hope to ride it one day. Prophetic Imagination indeed!