With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. –Max Ehrmann, “Desiderata”
On a recent visit to the park, I observed the little girl pictured above and her older brother chattering and interacting with the ducks. Based on their conversation, they visited the park frequently. They “knew” the birds personally, gave them names, and as you can see, fed them from their hands. I couldn’t resist photographing such a precious sight.
Ann Gardner, “Breathing,” 1996. Sand cast glass, silver leaf.
Where there is a woman there is magic. If there is a moon falling from her mouth, she is a woman who knows her magic, who can share or not share her powers. A woman with a moon falling from her mouth, roses between her legs and tiaras of Spanish moss, this woman is a consort of the spirits. –Ntozake Shange, Sassafrass, Cypress & Indigo
About the image: Today’s image features the artwork of sculptor Ann Gardner. The piece, entitled “Breathing,” is part of the American Studio Glass collection, on continuous view at the Huntsville Museum of Art. The sculpture is so fierce and feminine that I couldn’t resist pairing it with Shange’s words.
“Lanai“
“In the Mountains,” Li Bai (Chinese Poet, 701-762)
You ask me what my idea is, staying in the green mountains?
I smile but have no reply, my heart at peace in itself.
As the peach blossom on the flowing water goes into the unknown,
there is another heaven and earth, not among people.
About the images: Photos from a trip to Maui, Hawaii many moons ago. The photos were shot from a yacht early one evening.
Raven’s Joy I
For today’s #WordlessWednesday, I’m sharing three photos my Raven shot with her “not iPhone” while on a walk yesterday. 🙂 She texted the photos to me with the message that she “thought to flower up [my] day.” I smiled from the inside out at this beautiful tribute to my love for photographing nature.
Raven’s Joy II
The message was timely. I spent much of yesterday fretting about an “unfairness” over which I have little control, and Raven’s joy served as a powerful sign of God’s presence.
Raven’s Joy III
Thank you, Raven for sharing your light and joy!
“Purple Hibiscus Unfolding”
It is the fire that consumes me;
It is an inexplicable love,
It is the rain that calms me;
It is a melody from above.
It is the wind that humbles me;
It is everywhere and nowhere,
It is the sand that fuels me;
It is the artistry of nature.
I’m consumed by what I am,
I’m calmed by a riotous noise,
I’m humbled through arrogance,
I’m fueled by what is in poise.
I’ve much cherished the mystifying,
I’ve heard the unreal symphonies,
I’ve been moved by the inevitable,
And I’ve hailed the epiphanies.
–Rainer Maria Rilke, from Sonnets to Orpheus—
[Translated by David Hills]
We’ve finally had some consistently beautiful weather–sunny skies and breezy, warmer days–so yesterday I took a break from the mental work and took a photo-walk with my photographer friend, Amanda. We “found” purple tulips.
Purple tulips were my sister Lori’s favorite flower, so this experience was truly a hug from God.
