Just a little photo from last year's feast, 31 Dec. 08.
Tiny White Flowers
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Happy New Year
So, I'm letting the year close behind me. I'm sitting in my "office," the washing machine working, the Monkees Greatest, Moody Blues 'Days of Future Past,' Joe Jackson's "Jumpin' Jive," Aerosmith (Honkin' on Bobo), and Beatles 'Sgt. Pepper' on shuffle in the other room. I've been in the kitchen, but don't feel too compelled to be in there right now. I've vacuumed the living room. I cooked the cod for lunch, and it was good.
It occurred to me while listening to DH grumping about car troubles (our car is in the shop, a bit longer than we wanted it to be), that for every grouse there needs to be a balancing observation of something good. This is mostly because I wasn't in the mood for negativity, even though taking the car in to the shop is a pain, as you feel a lot helpless when it's in other hands. DH usually does most of the work on it, but sometimes there are things that one can't do - especially since many cars are much more complicated than they used to be, and getting to certain spots to fix something can be darn near impossible without the right tools.
That said, I was looking forward to this evening, the here and now, and not the car, which I know has to be fixed, and it going to cost. My Piscean brain just didn't want to go any further into those waters, didn't want to get water-logged. Wanted to hear something positive. And of course, the moment made me think about how not to dwell too long in the negative. I realise it - yes - this is all easier said than done, and I'm sure I'll gripe at some later time at my own 'advice,' but it's how I feel right now. Bring on the good stuff!
And there is a lot of good stuff. Life, family, friends, a place to live, food to eat, an abundance of wildlife, water, air, earth, and the host of natural elements. And so much more. Beauty, for instance. The moon, flowers, babies, Snowy Owls. Compassion. And forgiveness.
This is probably why I don't do well for very long when it comes to the news and the world of politics. Too many folks doing quirky things, too many politicians losing sight of what's really important. How to live together in harmony, for instance. How to love and appreciate the many colors we are, the many persuasions and religions, the many talents we have.
So, my wish for you, dear readers, is that you hold on to that gift of openness that is available to us, the gift of love, the gift of quiet contemplation, and of hope. Give one or more of those gifts away to someone you wouldn't expect to give it to. Pass it along. It'll come back to you. Really.
You are beautiful. You are important. You are loved.
Here are some words by Marianne Williamson (often attributed to Nelson Mandela) I keep nearby. It's a good reminder for me to look at them more often:
"...Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Happy New Year~
It occurred to me while listening to DH grumping about car troubles (our car is in the shop, a bit longer than we wanted it to be), that for every grouse there needs to be a balancing observation of something good. This is mostly because I wasn't in the mood for negativity, even though taking the car in to the shop is a pain, as you feel a lot helpless when it's in other hands. DH usually does most of the work on it, but sometimes there are things that one can't do - especially since many cars are much more complicated than they used to be, and getting to certain spots to fix something can be darn near impossible without the right tools.
That said, I was looking forward to this evening, the here and now, and not the car, which I know has to be fixed, and it going to cost. My Piscean brain just didn't want to go any further into those waters, didn't want to get water-logged. Wanted to hear something positive. And of course, the moment made me think about how not to dwell too long in the negative. I realise it - yes - this is all easier said than done, and I'm sure I'll gripe at some later time at my own 'advice,' but it's how I feel right now. Bring on the good stuff!
And there is a lot of good stuff. Life, family, friends, a place to live, food to eat, an abundance of wildlife, water, air, earth, and the host of natural elements. And so much more. Beauty, for instance. The moon, flowers, babies, Snowy Owls. Compassion. And forgiveness.
This is probably why I don't do well for very long when it comes to the news and the world of politics. Too many folks doing quirky things, too many politicians losing sight of what's really important. How to live together in harmony, for instance. How to love and appreciate the many colors we are, the many persuasions and religions, the many talents we have.
So, my wish for you, dear readers, is that you hold on to that gift of openness that is available to us, the gift of love, the gift of quiet contemplation, and of hope. Give one or more of those gifts away to someone you wouldn't expect to give it to. Pass it along. It'll come back to you. Really.
You are beautiful. You are important. You are loved.
Here are some words by Marianne Williamson (often attributed to Nelson Mandela) I keep nearby. It's a good reminder for me to look at them more often:
"...Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Happy New Year~
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Still Life: Fortune Cookie
Photo note, credit:
"New York, New York- Food still life with a fortune cookie, chopsticks, bowl, saki pitcher
Photo by Jonathan Gayman
www.jonathangayman.com"
Saturday Fortunes
Opened this morning:
"You will dine with someone new soon."
"Good opportunity awaits."
And third:
"You will be presented with several good opportunities."
Just now:
"You will be successful in your next undertaking."
Should I push my luck any further?
"You will dine with someone new soon."
"Good opportunity awaits."
And third:
"You will be presented with several good opportunities."
Just now:
"You will be successful in your next undertaking."
Should I push my luck any further?
Monday, December 21, 2009
The Four Riders of the Apocalypse
Image note:
Albrecht Dürer, The Revelation of St John: The Four Riders of the Apocalypse (see: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eschatology)Word of the Day
A word I was reminded of while watching PBS's From Jesus to Christ:
Eschatology:
Main Entry: es·cha·tol·o·gy
2 : a belief concerning death, the end of the world, or the ultimate destiny of humankind; specifically : any of various Christian doctrines concerning the Second Coming, the resurrection of the dead, or the Last Judgment
Eschatology:
Main Entry: es·cha·tol·o·gy
Pronunciation: \ˌes-kə-ˈtä-lə-jē\
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural es·cha·tol·o·gies
Etymology: Greek eschatos last, farthest
Date: 1844
1 : a branch of theology concerned with the final events in the history of the world or of humankind2 : a belief concerning death, the end of the world, or the ultimate destiny of humankind; specifically : any of various Christian doctrines concerning the Second Coming, the resurrection of the dead, or the Last Judgment
Monday, Late
So it's been full here, very full. I've just been watching the PBS Frontline special, From Jesus to Christ, which is a rerun, but now that we have the converter box, we can see it much better. I'm just sorry I am so tired I dozed during the last half hour, off and on. Tomorrow is part two. I hope I do better then. It's a good program to watch, to get perspective on life before, during, and after the life of Jesus, and the beginnings of the Christian church.
Earlier today I dropped DD and friend off at the ferry. They spent the day in Seattle. Feeling a little sorry for DS, I suggested we go see the movie he's been interested in lately: Avatar. It's not quite 3 hrs long, but in my opinion, much better developed than many movies I've seen lately. I crave depth in movies and books, and this satisfied. As it is new, I won't say any more. Only that if you are interested in the politics of preservation, of terrorism, in ancient belief, connectedness and compassion, and in fantasy, then this movie might be for you. If you see it, let me know what you think.
Yesterday, I saw Black Nativity with DM, at the Intiman Theater. It was fantastic, full of color and music and dancing, of celebration. For more information about Black Nativity, and about the Total Experience Gospel Choir, visit:
http://www.blacknativity.org/
http://www.intiman.org/ (which is where we saw the performance)
http://www.totalexperiencegospelchoir.org/
The Total Experience Gospel Choir has been to our church, and they are wonderful. To find out more, visit the link just above.
And finally, tomorrow DD, DS, and DA and I are going to see PNB's production of the Nutcracker, featuring the Maurice Sendak artwork and influence. I've seen it several times, and it is well-worth it. For more about Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Nutcracker, visit:
http://www.pnb.org/?gclid=CI3Pgu2-6Z4CFSAtagodKHToPA
Now I'm exhausted, what with all of these Christmas interpretations running through my head. . . it's been an interesting week.
Earlier today I dropped DD and friend off at the ferry. They spent the day in Seattle. Feeling a little sorry for DS, I suggested we go see the movie he's been interested in lately: Avatar. It's not quite 3 hrs long, but in my opinion, much better developed than many movies I've seen lately. I crave depth in movies and books, and this satisfied. As it is new, I won't say any more. Only that if you are interested in the politics of preservation, of terrorism, in ancient belief, connectedness and compassion, and in fantasy, then this movie might be for you. If you see it, let me know what you think.
Yesterday, I saw Black Nativity with DM, at the Intiman Theater. It was fantastic, full of color and music and dancing, of celebration. For more information about Black Nativity, and about the Total Experience Gospel Choir, visit:
http://www.blacknativity.org/
http://www.intiman.org/ (which is where we saw the performance)
http://www.totalexperiencegospelchoir.org/
The Total Experience Gospel Choir has been to our church, and they are wonderful. To find out more, visit the link just above.
And finally, tomorrow DD, DS, and DA and I are going to see PNB's production of the Nutcracker, featuring the Maurice Sendak artwork and influence. I've seen it several times, and it is well-worth it. For more about Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Nutcracker, visit:
http://www.pnb.org/?gclid=CI3Pgu2-6Z4CFSAtagodKHToPA
Now I'm exhausted, what with all of these Christmas interpretations running through my head. . . it's been an interesting week.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Wednesday Wanderings
BEAR IN THERE
There's a Polar Bear
In our Frigidaire--
He likes it 'cause it's cold in there.
With his seat in the meat
And his face in the fish
And his big hairy paws
In the buttery dish,
He's nibbling the noodles,
He's munching the rice,
He's slurping the soda,
He's licking the ice.
And he lets out a roar
If you open the door.
And it gives me a scare
To know he's in there--
That Polary Bear
In our Fridgitydaire.
Shel Silverstein
* * *
Funny - that sounds a little like me these days.
Also interesting to me, that I've been connecting with a few folks who are intrigued with bears like I am. When in Alaska this past summer, I didn't get to see any bears. I was always on the wrong tour, or having to leave port at the wrong time. We went on the Denali Wilderness tour, and saw 2 1/2 moose. The people who took the Tundra tour (8+ hours) saw 5 grizzlies. The guy I met in an art shop in Skagway told me that if we had time, he'd take us to a place ten miles out where two brother bears are seen regularly, fishing in the river. I settled for a ranger talk, back at the lodge, and a photo of a stuffed bear.
A few years ago, I was told that I have been a Native American woman in two past lives, one of those lives as a shaman wearing the skin of a bear. This came after I'd spent the morning working out in my journal musing on the possibilities of trading skins with the bear. Imagine my surprise when hearing the news, especially coming from someone who had no idea about my private writing/ideas. . .
The bear comes and goes from my life. Sometimes I am far away, and other times I'm in it's skin. Sometimes it comes and takes apples. Sometimes it breaks the tree. And once in awhile, it teaches its cubs how to forage from our worm bin and blackberry vines.
Sometimes I am blessed with a brief glimpse. Taken, and wanting a better look, I stumble through the dark, downstairs, where I kick and chair (it is a moonless night), and three bears take off like shots before I can look out the nearest window. Is there a message to be learned from this? Is this how spirituality works?
One summer DH was backpacking on his own up the trail. At one point he had to step off to the side, to let 13 bears rumble down trail, past him. And like shooting stars, someone can say "I just saw a bear back there, in the trees by that other campsite," and I go looking only find nothing but the space left behind. Is this how faith works?
So, I'm going to bed now, remembering one New Year's Eve, when that mother and two cubs raided the compost, and I scared them off stubbing my toe loudly in the dark kitchen. And what do I want for Christmas? To see a bear up close - well, maybe not *too* close - maybe just through the window like the big coyote last spring in our yard - but maybe that's asking too much.
This poem was in Blackbird awhile back:
There's a Polar Bear
In our Frigidaire--
He likes it 'cause it's cold in there.
With his seat in the meat
And his face in the fish
And his big hairy paws
In the buttery dish,
He's nibbling the noodles,
He's munching the rice,
He's slurping the soda,
He's licking the ice.
And he lets out a roar
If you open the door.
And it gives me a scare
To know he's in there--
That Polary Bear
In our Fridgitydaire.
Shel Silverstein
* * *
Funny - that sounds a little like me these days.
Also interesting to me, that I've been connecting with a few folks who are intrigued with bears like I am. When in Alaska this past summer, I didn't get to see any bears. I was always on the wrong tour, or having to leave port at the wrong time. We went on the Denali Wilderness tour, and saw 2 1/2 moose. The people who took the Tundra tour (8+ hours) saw 5 grizzlies. The guy I met in an art shop in Skagway told me that if we had time, he'd take us to a place ten miles out where two brother bears are seen regularly, fishing in the river. I settled for a ranger talk, back at the lodge, and a photo of a stuffed bear.
A few years ago, I was told that I have been a Native American woman in two past lives, one of those lives as a shaman wearing the skin of a bear. This came after I'd spent the morning working out in my journal musing on the possibilities of trading skins with the bear. Imagine my surprise when hearing the news, especially coming from someone who had no idea about my private writing/ideas. . .
The bear comes and goes from my life. Sometimes I am far away, and other times I'm in it's skin. Sometimes it comes and takes apples. Sometimes it breaks the tree. And once in awhile, it teaches its cubs how to forage from our worm bin and blackberry vines.
Sometimes I am blessed with a brief glimpse. Taken, and wanting a better look, I stumble through the dark, downstairs, where I kick and chair (it is a moonless night), and three bears take off like shots before I can look out the nearest window. Is there a message to be learned from this? Is this how spirituality works?
One summer DH was backpacking on his own up the trail. At one point he had to step off to the side, to let 13 bears rumble down trail, past him. And like shooting stars, someone can say "I just saw a bear back there, in the trees by that other campsite," and I go looking only find nothing but the space left behind. Is this how faith works?
So, I'm going to bed now, remembering one New Year's Eve, when that mother and two cubs raided the compost, and I scared them off stubbing my toe loudly in the dark kitchen. And what do I want for Christmas? To see a bear up close - well, maybe not *too* close - maybe just through the window like the big coyote last spring in our yard - but maybe that's asking too much.
This poem was in Blackbird awhile back:
Woman goes out into damp December
dish pan in hand,
offers water to the slumbering
blackberry vines. She slaps the pan,
imagines the bear,
come round two mornings before,
wrought iron pole of the bird house bowed
nearly double. She conjures
the great black shape,
belly full of suet, chickadee
feeder broken at his feet, perches
neatly removed, plastic tube pierced
by the tooth of his hunger. She’s seen
where he hunkers, straw of dying
grass flattened in the woods
behind her home, nocturnal swath
carved wide with his wanderings.
She wants to catch him at his vandalisms,
wonders if she were to yield
her last basket of apples—
mealy, sweet—if giving brings more
than a bearish appetite.
In this slim, growing bleak
and darker time, she greets
a star swelling with secrets, a body
pressing on through darkness.
--Ronda Broatch
Just another way of looking at the world. . .
. . . through the eyes of my cat. This is how I feel, sometimes. Especially today.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Tuesday Musings
I am envious of the writing time of others. Yet, when faced with a significant amount of time in which to write - that is, alone time - I spend it doing other things. Sound familiar?
I tell myself it's okay when I'm photographing, because that's creative, and fills a need. I love photography, and especially close-up work and textures. Those are poems, in a way. But I miss writing a decent poem. I feel like it's been a long time.
And perhaps it feels that way because I haven't had an acceptance in what seems like months. Many near misses, please-send-more-work-our-way and thank-you-for-thinking-of-us. Seeing the poem "Rejection Letter From Gertrude Stein" by Marjorie Manwaring, on Martha Silano's blog Blue Positive, makes me feel that, at least I'm not alone.
So, this post is going to be short. I'm going to head up to bed, and write in my journal. No idea what will come of it, but something is better than nothing. Right?
I tell myself it's okay when I'm photographing, because that's creative, and fills a need. I love photography, and especially close-up work and textures. Those are poems, in a way. But I miss writing a decent poem. I feel like it's been a long time.
And perhaps it feels that way because I haven't had an acceptance in what seems like months. Many near misses, please-send-more-work-our-way and thank-you-for-thinking-of-us. Seeing the poem "Rejection Letter From Gertrude Stein" by Marjorie Manwaring, on Martha Silano's blog Blue Positive, makes me feel that, at least I'm not alone.
So, this post is going to be short. I'm going to head up to bed, and write in my journal. No idea what will come of it, but something is better than nothing. Right?
Monday, December 14, 2009
Monday Monday
Bah-da bah-da-da-da
Bah-da bah-da-da-da
Bah-da bah-da-da-da
Bah-da bah-da-da-da
Bah-da bah-da-da-da
Monday, Monday, so good to me
Monday mornin', it was all I hoped it would be
Oh Monday mornin', Monday mornin' couldn't guarantee
That Monday evenin' you would still be here with me
Monday, Monday, can't trust that day
Monday, Monday, sometimes it just turns out that way
Oh Monday mornin' you gave me no warnin' of what was to be
Oh Monday, Monday, how could you leave and not take me
Monday mornin', it was all I hoped it would be
Oh Monday mornin', Monday mornin' couldn't guarantee
That Monday evenin' you would still be here with me
Monday, Monday, can't trust that day
Monday, Monday, sometimes it just turns out that way
Oh Monday mornin' you gave me no warnin' of what was to be
Oh Monday, Monday, how could you leave and not take me
Every other day, every other day
Every other day of the week is fine, yeah
But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes
A-you can find me cryin' all of the time
Monday, Monday, so good to me
Monday mornin', it was all I hoped it would be
But Monday mornin', Monday mornin' couldn't guarantee
That Monday evenin' you would still be here with me
Every other day, every other day
Every other day of the week is fine, yeah
But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes
A-you can find me cryin' all of the time
Monday, Monday, can't trust that day
Monday, Monday, it just turns out that way
Oh Monday, Monday, won't go away
Monday, Monday, it's here to stay
Oh Monday, Monday
Oh Monday, Monday. . .
* * *
So, short and sweet. I'm coming down with a cold, and it seems I'm getting nothing but rejections. Sneezed my head off half the day. Missed a Christmas party this evening. Wondering when my next acceptance will be, whether I should, once again, rearrange my ms.
That's the whining part.
There's also a good part.
I have to remember that today I also received a great message from a friend in Africa, and we talked about inclusion and gratitude. He's living with the Maasai, and has been for a few years now, after realizing he needed something more than his good job as an architect/interior designer. He felt a pull in another direction. . .
And I had energy today, for teaching weight-training, and I felt pretty darn good, even though I'm testing the peri-menopausal waters. More than. I got five hours in, designing the new weight-training routine, and am almost done with it. Before Christmas, and in time for the other instructors to get used to it before we launch it.
I remembered my VISA bill, even though it's 2 days late. I still remembered it. I still need to pay it, but it is no longer near the bottom of my pile. It's in plain view.
I had my spinach salad and am (today) getting enough water.
There is a roof over my head, heat in the wood stove, and my clothes are drying quietly behind me.
And, once again, I'm hopeful. For many things. Some very personal, bordering on selfish, and others more global. I've been thinking about volunteering. Been thinking about going somewhere, someday, out of my comfort zone, to help others. Not sure what that's going to be, but I think I'd like to visit Africa. Friends from Grace go a few times a year, as part of the Kossoye Project (their project), and at one time lived there awhile. They are in their late 70's. And I think how rich that must be, how challenging, and how it must widen the heart a little more. Heck, other of my body parts are doing that, why not continue that with the heart and mind? I can already feel it.
It's been a Monday. In various ways. And that's okay.
Every other day of the week is fine, yeah
But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes
A-you can find me cryin' all of the time
Monday, Monday, so good to me
Monday mornin', it was all I hoped it would be
But Monday mornin', Monday mornin' couldn't guarantee
That Monday evenin' you would still be here with me
Every other day, every other day
Every other day of the week is fine, yeah
But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes
A-you can find me cryin' all of the time
Monday, Monday, can't trust that day
Monday, Monday, it just turns out that way
Oh Monday, Monday, won't go away
Monday, Monday, it's here to stay
Oh Monday, Monday
Oh Monday, Monday. . .
* * *
So, short and sweet. I'm coming down with a cold, and it seems I'm getting nothing but rejections. Sneezed my head off half the day. Missed a Christmas party this evening. Wondering when my next acceptance will be, whether I should, once again, rearrange my ms.
That's the whining part.
There's also a good part.
I have to remember that today I also received a great message from a friend in Africa, and we talked about inclusion and gratitude. He's living with the Maasai, and has been for a few years now, after realizing he needed something more than his good job as an architect/interior designer. He felt a pull in another direction. . .
And I had energy today, for teaching weight-training, and I felt pretty darn good, even though I'm testing the peri-menopausal waters. More than. I got five hours in, designing the new weight-training routine, and am almost done with it. Before Christmas, and in time for the other instructors to get used to it before we launch it.
I remembered my VISA bill, even though it's 2 days late. I still remembered it. I still need to pay it, but it is no longer near the bottom of my pile. It's in plain view.
I had my spinach salad and am (today) getting enough water.
There is a roof over my head, heat in the wood stove, and my clothes are drying quietly behind me.
And, once again, I'm hopeful. For many things. Some very personal, bordering on selfish, and others more global. I've been thinking about volunteering. Been thinking about going somewhere, someday, out of my comfort zone, to help others. Not sure what that's going to be, but I think I'd like to visit Africa. Friends from Grace go a few times a year, as part of the Kossoye Project (their project), and at one time lived there awhile. They are in their late 70's. And I think how rich that must be, how challenging, and how it must widen the heart a little more. Heck, other of my body parts are doing that, why not continue that with the heart and mind? I can already feel it.
It's been a Monday. In various ways. And that's okay.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Invisible Man, the Art of Liu Bolin
Another powerful piece by Liu Bolin
Note:
"PIC BY CATERS NEWS - The amazing art of LIU Bolin, "THE INVISIBLE MAN ". In this series called ?Hiding in the City?. LIU uses his body as an art medium by hiding himself in different. city locations from China to the UK.. Liu Bolin was born in 1973 in Shandong, China and graduated from the Sculpture Department of Central. Academy of Fine Arts with a master degree.....SEE CATERS COPY"
Liu Bolin - The Invisible Man
The artist as the opening through the fence. . .
Liu Bolin
To see more, click on the photo, or the link below:
"Posted via email from Ryan Feeley's posts
Liu Bolin
This artist is amazing, and his work just caught my attention the other day, when I saw a link on Yahoo to the ABC news clip.
The concept of the artist being a part of the work is interesting to think about. I think we are always a part of the work we do, but most of the time we keep ourselves out of the picture, so to speak. Let the attention be drawn to what we create, and not on the creator.
And, it's true we often get lost in the work we create. Lost in completion, lost in revision, lost in the process. A piece of us remains when the work is done. But how often do we see physical evidence of the artist's presence? And so far as to have the artist camouflaged so perfectly as to blend in smoothly with the work?
In the case of Liu Bolin, the artist is the work, blending in almost seamlessly with his chosen backgrounds or subjects. His attention to detail is impeccable, and he paints himself to fit just so into the bigger picture. It is work that catches my attention, and makes me think about the art we make on another level. And to me, that's how we keep going - pushing the boundaries and experimenting constantly. Keeping it fresh, and working to keep our voices and our visions our own.
Warming up with knits and Sylvia
This is a great photo. I've been looking for stuff for my knitting blog, and have found tons. While looking up the Poetry Mittens, this image popped out at me, especially as the note mentions a famous poet. . .
This knitter/photographer says:
"Inspired by my all-time favorite line on Gilmore Girls: "Hey, did anyone ever think that maybe Sylvia Plath wasn't crazy, she was just cold?"
Excellent question~
WIP: Hope Poetry gloves: Back
Another Poetry Mitten:
Knitter's note:
""Oh Wind, if Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?" - Percy Bysshe Shelley, Ode to the West Wind"
Ahh - perfect~
Poetry Mittens!
This is the coolest (or warmest?) thing! Where was I when this all took place? Apparently not knitting, or I would have been all over this at the time. What a fantastic thing - to hold a poem in (and on) your hands!
Photo note:
"8/06: Dorothy Parker Poetry Mittens for Kelly's 21st Birthday; used 1995 Piecework magazine pattern for number of stitches; size 1 needles and Norwegian Rauma yarn from Arnhild's Studio in Iowa"
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Invisible Man
 ‘camouflage 36’ liu bolin is a young beijing based artist who has exhibited primarily in china until last year’s solo show at paris’ galerie bertin toublanc and a group show with the gallery in miami. he recently finished up a show at eli klein fine art in new york showcasing a variety of his pieces including some form the series ‘camoflague’. this series is an exploration of human nature and animal instincts which features chinese citizens painted to blend into their surroundings. the subjects are covered head to toe in paint, camouflaging themselves in front of the chinese flag, a billboard or downtown beijing. |
To learn more about this amazing artist, and see a video, click the link below:
Yahoo!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Heal the World
Well, it seems I'm on a roll. This doesn't help stem the tear factor, but maybe that's not what we need to do. Maybe there's something healthy and healing in our tears, something that flows into compassion and action.
We Are the World
It's just been one of those mornings. It was sparked by one Facebook post, and I've ended up searching for all those songs and videos that ask for all the compassion we can muster. After all, we are the world, and no difference made is too small.
So, what are we going to do this Season?
Song lyrics and notes (from http://digitaldreamdoor.nutsie.com/pages/lyrics2/weareworld.html):
There comes a time when we heed a certain call (Lionel Richie)
When the world must come together as one (Lionel Richie & Stevie Wonder)
There are people dying (Stevie Wonder)
Oh, and it's time to lend a hand to life (Paul Simon)
The greatest gift of all (Paul Simon/Kenny Rogers)
We can't go on pretending day by day (Kenny Rogers)
That someone, somewhere will soon make a change (James Ingram)
We're all a part of God's great big family (Tina Turner)
And the truth (Billy Joel)
You know love is all we need (Tina Turner/Billy Joel)
(CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Michael Jackson)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Diana Ross)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Michael Jackson/Diana Ross)
Well, send 'em you your heart so they know that someone cares (Dionne Warwick)
And their lives will be stronger and free (Dionne Warwick/Willie Nelson)
As God has shown us by turning stone to bread (Willie Nelson)
And so we all must lend a helping hand (Al Jarreau)
(REPEAT CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children (Bruce Springsteen)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Kenny Loggins)
Oh There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Steve Perry)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Daryl Hall)
When you're down and out there seems no hope at all (Michael Jackson)
But if you just believe there's no way we can fall (Huey Lewis)
Well, well, well, let's realize that a change can only come (Cyndi Lauper)
When we (Kim Carnes)
stand together as one (Kim Carnes/Cyndi Lauper/Huey Lewis)
(REPEAT CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children (Everyone)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Everyone)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Everyone)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Everyone)
(REPEAT CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children (Everyone)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Everyone)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Bob Dylan)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Bob Dylan)
(REPEAT CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children (Everyone)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Everyone)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Everyone)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Everyone)
(REPEAT CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children (Everyone)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Everyone)
Oh There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Ray Charles)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Ray Charles)
(REPEAT CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children (Stevie Wonder/Bruce Springsteen)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Stevie Wonder/Bruce Springsteen)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Stevie Wonder)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Stevie Wonder)
(REPEAT CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children (Stevie Wonder/Bruce Springsteen)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Stevie Wonder/Bruce Springsteen)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Bruce Springsteen)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Bruce Springsteen)
(REPEAT CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children (Everyone)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Everyone)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Everyone)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Everyone)
(REPEAT CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children (James Ingram)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (James Ingram)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Ray Charles)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Ray Charles)
(REPEAT CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children (Everyone)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Everyone)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Everyone/Ray Charles)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Everyone/Ray Charles)
So, what are we going to do this Season?
Song lyrics and notes (from http://digitaldreamdoor.nutsie.com/pages/lyrics2/weareworld.html):
There comes a time when we heed a certain call (Lionel Richie)
When the world must come together as one (Lionel Richie & Stevie Wonder)
There are people dying (Stevie Wonder)
Oh, and it's time to lend a hand to life (Paul Simon)
The greatest gift of all (Paul Simon/Kenny Rogers)
We can't go on pretending day by day (Kenny Rogers)
That someone, somewhere will soon make a change (James Ingram)
We're all a part of God's great big family (Tina Turner)
And the truth (Billy Joel)
You know love is all we need (Tina Turner/Billy Joel)
(CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Michael Jackson)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Diana Ross)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Michael Jackson/Diana Ross)
Well, send 'em you your heart so they know that someone cares (Dionne Warwick)
And their lives will be stronger and free (Dionne Warwick/Willie Nelson)
As God has shown us by turning stone to bread (Willie Nelson)
And so we all must lend a helping hand (Al Jarreau)
(REPEAT CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children (Bruce Springsteen)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Kenny Loggins)
Oh There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Steve Perry)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Daryl Hall)
When you're down and out there seems no hope at all (Michael Jackson)
But if you just believe there's no way we can fall (Huey Lewis)
Well, well, well, let's realize that a change can only come (Cyndi Lauper)
When we (Kim Carnes)
stand together as one (Kim Carnes/Cyndi Lauper/Huey Lewis)
(REPEAT CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children (Everyone)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Everyone)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Everyone)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Everyone)
(REPEAT CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children (Everyone)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Everyone)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Bob Dylan)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Bob Dylan)
(REPEAT CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children (Everyone)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Everyone)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Everyone)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Everyone)
(REPEAT CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children (Everyone)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Everyone)
Oh There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Ray Charles)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Ray Charles)
(REPEAT CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children (Stevie Wonder/Bruce Springsteen)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Stevie Wonder/Bruce Springsteen)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Stevie Wonder)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Stevie Wonder)
(REPEAT CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children (Stevie Wonder/Bruce Springsteen)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Stevie Wonder/Bruce Springsteen)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Bruce Springsteen)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Bruce Springsteen)
(REPEAT CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children (Everyone)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Everyone)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Everyone)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Everyone)
(REPEAT CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children (James Ingram)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (James Ingram)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Ray Charles)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Ray Charles)
(REPEAT CHORUS)
We are the world, we are the children (Everyone)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Everyone)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Everyone/Ray Charles)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Everyone/Ray Charles)
Happy Christmas from John and Yoko
A friend just posted this on her Facebook site, and I thought it would be a good thing to share it further~
Monday, December 7, 2009
listen... (III) - A poem by e.e. cummings - American Poems
listen... (III) - A poem by e.e. cummings - American Poems
listen
beloved
i dreamed
it appeared that you thought to
escape me and became a great
lily atilt on
insolent
waters but i was aware of
fragrance and i came riding upon
a horse of porphyry into the
waters i rode down the red
horse shrieking from splintering
foam caught you clutched you upon my
mouth
listen
beloved
i dreamed in my dream you had
desire to thwart me and became
a little bird and hid
in a tree of tall marble
from a great way i distinguished
singing and i came
riding upon a scarlet sunset
trampling the night easily
from the shocked impossible
tower i caught
you strained you
broke you upon my blood
listen
beloved i dreamed
i thought you would have deceived
me and became a star in the kingdom
of heaven
through day and space i saw you close
your eyes and i came riding
upon a thousand crimson years arched with agony
i reined them in tottering before
the throne and as
they shied at the automaton moon from
the transplendant hand of sombre god
i picked you
as an apple is picked by the little peasants for their girls
Monday Photo
It's been cold here, for us. In 20's, and this morning the low I saw while driving was 19. 
My neighbor, who might have a better temperature gauge in her car registered 15. Cold, and sunny. 
So, I've been out taking photos of the apple, alder and maple leaves on our lawn.
I've ordered a camera for Christmas off of Ebay, and tested the battery today. Now I know it works, back in the box it goes until the 25th. . .
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Flowers in December
Isn't this beautiful? Contemplative, mysterious, December.
Photo note:
"beautiful track....flowers in december by Mazzy Star"
Tuesday Musings
Wow. It's been a whole week, almost, since I wrote last. I'm long overdue, and yet, there is something wrong with this picture. Outside, it is sunny and blue, the last of the fall colors are glowing, and the stark winter hues are coming through. So far, so good.
And yet, I'm inside, on the computer, gulping down a bowl of left-over noodles and chicken while trying to get caught up while the quiet is still in the air. Nobody else home, and just the sound of the fish tanks a few feet away. I've paid most of my bills (thank god for online bill-paying), I've taught my two Pilates classes for the day, neither of the kids have called home sick, I've caught up with a dear friend, and made it to the bank before forgetting to do so. At least there are some pluses to balance out any minuses.
Confession: I researched cameras for two days, found one on Ebay. . . and it should be here on Friday. I usually take days or weeks researching, but this time I didn't, feeling confident that this will work for me just fine. It's one to leave in my purse when I ache for something decent to capture what I'm seeing. The cellphone camera just doesn't cut it most of the time.
Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit
My kids learned in montessori years ago that that's what you're supposed to say when you wake up the first morning of a new month. Say those three words before anything else comes out of your mouth. All month you'll have good luck. I keep thinking of this the day of the 30th, and by morning all the other business my brain is working on during the night piles up, and before I know it, I'm up peeling kids out of bed, making breakfast, and trying to rearrange my position on being up too damn early.
Does it count if I say it now? Right here in front of the computer, with no one around to hear? A tree falling has to make noise. . . and three rabbits in rapid succession couldn't hurt anyone.
I'm essentially done shopping for DS. He's easy this year, and I am on the ball, and done with the big stuff. DD was easy, too. I purchased her major gift two weeks ago, in front of her, but I'm sure that was meant to be. I should really retrieve the box of Docs from her bedroom floor, so that she has the opportunity to forget for a brief time what they look like, wrap them up. I'm easy, too. I bought my shoes for my DH to give me, and I ordered said camera. . .
Everywhere I go, there are Christmas trees cut and waiting. It seems almost criminal to me. My apologies to my dear readers who love to extend the holiday spirit, purchasing their trees the day after Thanksgiving. But growing up with my Austrian grandparents, and having a DH who is of similar mind, our tree is gotten no earlier than a week before, and sometimes just a day or two before Opening Day. My grandmother remembered arising on Christmas Eve morning to a tree decorated and glowing. Her parents cut the tree the night before, then trimmed it while she slept. How wonderful to wake up that way! How special that must have been. Magical, like the tree in the Nutcracker. Our tree will go up in the last minute, and stay until the 6th of January - the 12 days of Christmas.
Now I feel almost sadness walking past the rows of cut trees, thinking how dry they'll be three or four weeks from now, and how used to the tree people will have gotten by the time Christmas comes.
Two things I want to do this season - see the Nutcracker again (for DD's sake), and also see the Black Nativity for the first time. I've heard such wonderful things about it, and would love to experience the colors, music, movement and emotion of it. I hope to make that happen.
What are your favorite things to do this month? What traditions to you hold dear, whether it be centered around Christmas time, Hannuka, Kwanza, or whatever you celebrate? Will you share it with many, or quietly with one or two? I'd love to hear your stories.
So, now it's time to consider the dishes in the sink. Be well today, enjoy the weather, and do a good turn for someone in need.
Blessings~
And yet, I'm inside, on the computer, gulping down a bowl of left-over noodles and chicken while trying to get caught up while the quiet is still in the air. Nobody else home, and just the sound of the fish tanks a few feet away. I've paid most of my bills (thank god for online bill-paying), I've taught my two Pilates classes for the day, neither of the kids have called home sick, I've caught up with a dear friend, and made it to the bank before forgetting to do so. At least there are some pluses to balance out any minuses.
Confession: I researched cameras for two days, found one on Ebay. . . and it should be here on Friday. I usually take days or weeks researching, but this time I didn't, feeling confident that this will work for me just fine. It's one to leave in my purse when I ache for something decent to capture what I'm seeing. The cellphone camera just doesn't cut it most of the time.
Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit
My kids learned in montessori years ago that that's what you're supposed to say when you wake up the first morning of a new month. Say those three words before anything else comes out of your mouth. All month you'll have good luck. I keep thinking of this the day of the 30th, and by morning all the other business my brain is working on during the night piles up, and before I know it, I'm up peeling kids out of bed, making breakfast, and trying to rearrange my position on being up too damn early.
Does it count if I say it now? Right here in front of the computer, with no one around to hear? A tree falling has to make noise. . . and three rabbits in rapid succession couldn't hurt anyone.
I'm essentially done shopping for DS. He's easy this year, and I am on the ball, and done with the big stuff. DD was easy, too. I purchased her major gift two weeks ago, in front of her, but I'm sure that was meant to be. I should really retrieve the box of Docs from her bedroom floor, so that she has the opportunity to forget for a brief time what they look like, wrap them up. I'm easy, too. I bought my shoes for my DH to give me, and I ordered said camera. . .
Everywhere I go, there are Christmas trees cut and waiting. It seems almost criminal to me. My apologies to my dear readers who love to extend the holiday spirit, purchasing their trees the day after Thanksgiving. But growing up with my Austrian grandparents, and having a DH who is of similar mind, our tree is gotten no earlier than a week before, and sometimes just a day or two before Opening Day. My grandmother remembered arising on Christmas Eve morning to a tree decorated and glowing. Her parents cut the tree the night before, then trimmed it while she slept. How wonderful to wake up that way! How special that must have been. Magical, like the tree in the Nutcracker. Our tree will go up in the last minute, and stay until the 6th of January - the 12 days of Christmas.
Now I feel almost sadness walking past the rows of cut trees, thinking how dry they'll be three or four weeks from now, and how used to the tree people will have gotten by the time Christmas comes.
Two things I want to do this season - see the Nutcracker again (for DD's sake), and also see the Black Nativity for the first time. I've heard such wonderful things about it, and would love to experience the colors, music, movement and emotion of it. I hope to make that happen.
What are your favorite things to do this month? What traditions to you hold dear, whether it be centered around Christmas time, Hannuka, Kwanza, or whatever you celebrate? Will you share it with many, or quietly with one or two? I'd love to hear your stories.
So, now it's time to consider the dishes in the sink. Be well today, enjoy the weather, and do a good turn for someone in need.
Blessings~
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