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Big Jim and James Dean

We never know how a loved one will let us know that they are "still around."  Big Jim is always creative!  On May 22, 2007, I had the privilege of participating in a Spirit Card Circle with Rev. Hoyt Robinette.  While Rev. Robinette gave readings from the billets, spirit was busy in his Snake Basket creating the Spirit Cards for everyone.  You may see a Spirit Card from last year by clicking here.

I was quite surprised at the image on my Spirit Card.  At first I thought it was Big Jim, but on closer inspection, I realized, "it's James Dean!"  As a young girl, for whatever reason, I felt drawn to James Dean - even though he died five years before I was born.  When I showed the Spirit Card to my mom, she agreed the image is of James Dean and told me he was an idol of Big Jim's.  Then it started to make sense.

Big Jim was four years younger than James Dean.  James was a personification of the restless American youth of the mid-50's.  The two had much in common - both were only children, they loved motorcycles, from reading the biography I found online of James Dean and knowing Big Jim, I recognize there was much more than met the eye with both of them.  Plus, they were similar in their traits as "rebels."  Daddy always did like for me to "figure" things out. 

As for the card itself, note the colors across the face - like the sunset image that my mom took that was featured in the May 17, 2007 newsletter.  A subtle reminder that he was there...