“You have not grown old, and it is not too late
To dive into your increasing depths
where life calmly gives out its own secret.”
Photography
People deal too much with the negative, with what is wrong.
Why not try and see positive things, to just touch those things and make them bloom?
— Thich Nhat Hanh
Experiment to me
Per me un esperimento
Is every one I meet.
è ognuno che incontro.
If it contain a kernel?
Che nasconda un gheriglio?
The figure of a nut
L’aspetto di una noce
Presents upon a tree,
Appare sopra un albero,
Equally plausibly;
egualmente plausibile;
But meat within is requisite,
ma la polpa all’interno è requisito,
To squirrels and to me.
per gli scoiattoli e me.
by Emily Dickinson
Somebody was saying to Picasso that he ought to make pictures of things the way they are–objective pictures. He mumbled that he wasn’t quite sure what that would be. The person who was bullying him produced a photograph of his wife from his wallet and said, “There, you see, that is a picture of how she really is.” Picasso looked at it and said, “She is rather small, isn’t she? And flat?” — Gregory Bateson
Monochrome Madness will be posted later today for your viewing pleasure on Leanne Cole’s blog.
If you would like to participate and submit a photo in the upcoming weeks, please email your monochrome image to leanne@leannecole.com.au and include a link to your blog or website if you have one. It doesn’t have to be WordPress blogger, it can be a Facebook page, a Flickr page, etc. Include your name or your blog name. The image size should be low resolution, so the largest size should be 1000 pixels or less. The deadline for submission is before 6 p.m. on or before Tuesday, Melbourne Australia time. The earlier the better for Leanne. If you should miss the deadline your photograph will be posted the following week. The complete instructions are posted on Leanne’s blog should you have any questions or need help. The first MM of every month will have a theme. The next theme will be “bridges” for MM 2-22. There will be two galleries during the theme week, one for the theme and one like there normally is for those that may choose not to do a theme. ✽
② ● ⑲
On the day when the lotus bloomed, alas, my mind was straying,
and I knew it not. My basket was empty and the flower remained unheeded.
Only now and again a sadness fell upon me, and I started up from my
dream and felt a sweet trace of a strange fragrance in the south wind.
That vague sweetness made my heart ache with longing and it seemed to
me that is was the eager breath of the summer seeking for its completion.
I knew not then that it was so near, that it was mine, and that this
perfect sweetness had blossomed in the depth of my own heart.
Love, whether newly born, or aroused from a deathlike slumber,
must always create sunshine, filling the heart so full of radiance,
that it overflows upon the outward world. — Nathaniel Hawthorne
The theme this week reminded me of the sculptures in the Prayer Garden
by local artist Barry Eisenhart. Each sculpture symbolizes one of the universal
powers (abilities). Below are 9 of the 12, most of which were captured back in January.
Life – Based on a wave, the circle of life is fragile, represented by the thin, delicate point of connection. The protective cradle holds two circles, representing cells that form life.
Order – These elements represent the sequential order and inherent structure of life, showing the beauty of balance
Will – The ability to choose between two options. The center represents a strong inner force
Zeal – This flame represents our ability to ignite passion and enthusiasm.
Imagination – A nutshell breaks open and expands like a tree growing upwards. Ideas are represented by bubbles multiplying — a reminder that all things are possible.
Understanding – A companion to imagination. As we begin to understand ideas, things settle and our focus becomes clearer.
Wisdom – The intertwining represents working through, evaluating, discerning and resolving — finding a pearl of wisdom in our center
Release – Spiraling up and letting go, working through and bringing to the surface things we need to release.
Love – Two hearts are intertwined, signifying eternal harmony and unity
“Love is the dancing cry of the soul, calling the body to worship
Like a shining whirlpool, or a spinning mayfly
So is love among the skies.
I leap across the mountaintops, madly singing the song of all songs
I float through the ether, intoxicated, thrilled
I think only of your love, your calling to me
And I dance the thousand dances of love, all returning to you.”
Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī
” As my words turn to silence,
Your sweetness surrounds me. ”
– Hakim Sanai, The Walled Garden of Truth
“Our hours in love have wings; in absence, crutches.” — Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Maverick Mist 