infinite worlds

"The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself." 

 ~ Henry James

this quote perfectly describes what i feel every time i photograph.  when i explore with my camera i discover a multitude of new, astonishing and mesmerizing worlds.  so wonderful... and so addictive.  and, in truth, you don't even need the camera.  all you have to do is really look at the infinite worlds around you.

Pipilotti

"The task of art is to contribute to evolution, to encourage the mind, to guarantee a detached view of social changes, to conjure up positive energies, to create sensuousness, to reconcile reason and instinct, to research possibilities and to destroy cliches and prejudices."

this is the opinion of artist Pipilotti Rist.

anything to add?

Pema

in looking over my last post, i realize i'm sounding a bit too doom and gloom.  while life has certainly been difficult these past months... that's life.  no one is immune from the bad.  and always, along with the bad, comes a bounty of good.

when we first learned Lou had cancer, and would face such daunting treatment, i had a major panic attack.  i could barely breathe.  having seen both my father and my mother through cancer, treatments ranging from chemo to radiation to surgery, hospice and, ultimately, death, i was terrified.  i truly feared i would not be able to hold up for the man i love the most in this world.

that's when my BFF of all BFF's, my BFF to thank God for, sent me an amazing little book, The Pocket Pema Chodron, a collection of over 100 short selections from the writings of the acclaimed Buddhist nun.   everyday, after meditating, i would read one excerpt.  this daily ritual, along with a mind clearing walk, allowed me to make it through each day, with its enormous ups and downs, and still look forward to the next.

from the book ~

"Fundamental richness is available in each moment.  The key is to relax: relax to a cloud in the sky, relax to a tiny bird with grey wings, relax to the sound of the telephone ringing.  We can see the simplicity in things as they are ... [this richness] is available always to everyone.  In raindrops, in blood drops, in heartache and delight, this wealth is the nature of everything.  It is like the sun that shines on everyone without discrimination."

this book helped open me to the moment, however good or bad, whatever it might bring.  so many wonderful lessons in this tiny book.  i recommend it to all.

spring

at long last, i return.  it has been a brutal winter... too much illness, too much death. 

with spring's arrival, things are beginning to look brighter, and my life is returning to a steadier, calmer rhythm.  

i have learned much during this dark, cold winter... hard, valuable, primal lessons that will serve me well as my life continues its steady progress toward its inevitable end.  lessons we try so hard to avoid, to push aside, but that always seem to find us wherever we may hide.

lesson one, regarding grief and mourning...

"it hurts just as much as it is worth."

 ~ attributed to writer Julian Barnes