drop the “I”

 

 

 

 

 

“Go back to knowing that it is simple. The fun is in the busy-ness as long as it’s fun for you. And when you see that it’s just more of the same stories, all about ‘me’, drop it. You can observe what goes on benignly, but keep going. From the position of observer, take that last step. Who’s the one observing ? Go there. Who is that ultimate, absolute observer, where ‘seeing itself’ arises? Let attention rest there. Let it be ok that nothing has happened. Let the show be over, let the movie, the story of ‘I’ as an individual person, be over. And see what happens. Truth will reveal itself, absolute clarity of how this matrix works, will show itself to be no more than a matrix. And somehow, a capacity to enjoy what ever is unfolding is always there. You don’t have to be perfect, you don’t have to have good health, you don’t have to do it before your body dies, it’s got nothing to do with anything: it’s right now, place your attention behind any stories, any concepts. From there, freedom arises, beauty arises, love arises. But don’t take my word for it, do it. And prove me wrong, I’d be delighted. I’ll take on that challenge any day. Do it and find out.

So blessings on all of us, who are pretending to be human.”

 

~ Jac O’Keeffe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

main streets, side streets, backroads

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“A street that you have never visited is a book that you have never read! You never know what you are missing.”

Mehmet Murat ildan

 

Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts

exploring the small town life

on foot

praise

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Praise the light of late November,
the thin sunlight that goes deep in the bones.
Praise the crows chattering in the oak trees;
though they are clothed in night, they do not
despair. Praise what little there’s left:
the small boats of milkweed pods, husks, hulls,
shells, the architecture of trees. Praise the meadow
of dried weeds: yarrow, goldenrod, chicory,
the remains of summer. Praise the blue sky
that hasn’t cracked yet. Praise the sun slipping down
behind the beechnuts, praise the quilt of leaves
that covers the grass: Scarlet Oak, Sweet Gum,
Sugar Maple. Though darkness gathers, praise our crazy
fallen world; it’s all we have, and it’s never enough.

~ Barbara Crooker
Praise Song

So where did autumn go?  It seems to be slipping quietly by this year.  There was a beautiful wedding..but then there was a funeral.  The sweet and the bitter.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I am striving for authenticity in my images. This first photo was taken after nights of horrible insomnia..those circular thoughts going around and around in my head. Pushing myself out the door for some long walks in the woods seemed to help (I finally found some trails where hunting is not allowed), exploring and gathering what’s left of autumn, “our crazy fallen world”

There are projects left to finish, a few new ones in the works and a busy holiday season ahead.  One day at a time, as they say.

Grateful to have the whole family home soon.  I love when the house is full.  Will be busy feeding lots of hungry mouths…should sleep well this week.

Wishing all who celebrate, a very Happy Thanksgiving.

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Assessment

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“Life is maybe like deep-sea fishing. We wake up in the morning, we cast our nets into the water, and, if we are lucky, at day’s end we will have netted one– maybe two– small fish. Occasionally we will net a seahorse or sometimes a shark– or a life preserver or an iceberg, or a monster. And in our dreams at night we assess our Catch of the Day– the treasures of this long, slow process of accumulation”

~ Douglas Coupland

Random stuff:

Autumn seems to be taking it’s time this year.  The color is arriving bit by bit, the weather fluctuates from crisp to summer-like.

I am taking my daily walks around town lately as opposed to our woodland trails. It’s hunting season and I’m not fond of the sound of gunshots.

I’ve always been attracted to the culture of small towns. Thinking I may set my focus on small scenes and vignettes of life downtown.

Staging and creating still life images has always been fun but lately I’m striving for authenticity. THIS POST by my friend Shawna inspired me.

Traveling a bit soon, to Washington DC, then on to North Carolina. My son, Andy is getting married next month. Very excited to welcome Lilian to our family.  So looking forward to having a daughter-in-law.

 

I’d like to thank Rural Magazine for inviting me to share in their Fall Issue.  Have a look if you’d like..

Mozart