©Marty Lederhandler
Yes, it’s strange that I would have a boxing picture (of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter) on my blog. I don’t enjoy violence or violence as sport…..but here are the reasons that it appears.
While reading the NYTimes Lens blog (my favorite photography blog) I saw that Marty Lederhandler had passed at age 92. He’s an AP Legend and I wanted to spend some time with his work….so I came across this photo. A very few close friends know that I had the nickname “Lil Larry” as a teenager. It was more of an endearment, but there it is. Why “Lil Larry”? Because my boyfriend at the time playfully said that I was always ready to fight about something. I think he meant that in a good way…..that I was strong willed. I looked at the photo and recalled that time and smiled. Then I looked at the caption on the photo and was very surprised to see that it was taken on October 27, 1962, the night of my birth. It could have been the instant of my birth for all I know, as I was born at 10:25 pm.
I’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed lately with many personal projects, change, mundane complications with computer and car, care and concern for aging family members, larger issues of the political climate and rancor, the lack of meaningful progress in so many issues that matter to me, and the unrelenting pace of activity in the world….so I’ve been walling myself off a bit. At the same time, I’ve been kicking myself about it. Now I have a new perspective and the inspiration is that boxing photograph.
Spring is a time of rebirth, the time after the quiet of winter when new shoots seek the sun and the pulse and purity of life glistens. Winter and introspection give way to the body’s desire to rouse itself and seek warmth. So “Lil Larry” is back! I’ve arrived in California to work with Dominique and Debra Barbier and bask in the warmth of friendship, common purpose, and California sunshine. I’ll suffer through the first three days of accomodating my seatbones to a saddle and smile all the way through it. There is work to be done and new growth to be nurtured, maybe even change to be effected.
I won’t be taking any photos of boxing, but I will continue to explore new avenues of growth. I can only hope that one day someone will see a photo of mine and be encouraged to press on, to gather up their strength, tap into all the swirling pace of the world and make their voice heard. Thank you, Marty Lederhandler, for the inspiration and the reminder that there’s a huge world out there….moving along at a furious pace. After a time of rest and contemplation, all we can do is jump in and start swinging.
Click here for more about Marty Lederhandler: http://digitaljournalist.org/issue0202/ml03.htm
Love it, love it, love it…. You are such an inspiration. If only I could think, create, like you do… you’ve reminded me… it is time to slow down and smell the roses… to find those images that just have to be taken, to work through the obstacles, to climb over the rocks, to not just settle…..
You sound happy – so glad things are going so good for you.. maybe this is the time for change… positive change….
Yes….positive changes! Yes there are obstacles and rocks and all those things. But what else is there to do but to go forward? It is much easier with great friends……. In gratitude, K
take note…your pictures have been seen and definitely inspired…
Thank you. This morning I woke to raindrops on wisteria and sun shining through…..marvelous light scent. I’ll be posting some pics soon.
How grand the story and the parallels you draw here. I’m an avid boxing fan, who happens to hate violence and I think you’re an example of what I mean … some impacts are great with the mind and the pulse, not the hand. Life puts us up against the ropes at times, and most of us just flail; but fighting through it, as I’m sure you will, with purpose, is why you’ll prevail.
Enjoy the sun!
Hey Dave….thank you. It makes me so happy when my writing resonates with others. Thank you for taking a moment to write. K
K.
I’m so impressed with your tenacity and big big heat and your capacity to love what you’re doing and share it with all of us.
Very happy for you.
Your work is delightful, intelligent, thought-provoking and so engaging.
You’re your work.
Your new paths took a lot of work, i’m sure, but that’s you. I love what Dave said about your parallels with boxing. You’re a champion.
xoxo Anne
Hello Anne…thanks for checking the blog. How was your trip???
It’s easy to love what I’m doing while surrounded by friends and soulful beings (including the horses). Please please come ride with us. : )
Keron
My dear Keron,
I love your work,I love,among other things about you……. your tenacity,your honesty and compassion. The love of your art comes thru with every picture you take.I will never travel the world as you have, but thru your artwork, I am able to see it as you do. The world is a much better place because you are in it !!Thank you for continuing to share your corner of it with all of us who are lucky enough to know you, know of your work and love who you are and what you stand for.
Dear Aunt Rosie,
Thank you so much for your beautiful remarks, though probably undeserved. : ) I’m very happy to know you’ve checked in with the blog. Now we need to check in ~ in person!
much love,
Keron
Keron, what a lovely post. Home is a topic we all struggle with. Certainly more than place. You have captured it so well.
Dear Marilyn,
Thank you so much for sending a message! How are you both? I think of you so often and love getting the facebook updates. Now…how about more on YOUR blog?
warmth and hugs, Keron
Just Brilliant.
Wow! Thanks! ; 0)