I’m spending a lot of time on planes now. For the most part I don’t mind it, and sometimes I rather enjoy it. Last night I flew from the East Coast to Seattle. Six hours of time without a (good) book to read allowed me to write in my journal. I’ve just completed a journey through parts of Holland, Germany and the Czech Republic. My mind has been occupied with sorting all the experiences I had…trying to create some cohesion in the face of such wide disparity. No success so far.
I thumbed through the older pages in my journal to see if there was a clue about my journey hidden away and I came across something I had written several months ago: “We walk in the light cast by our searching soul.”
This is a time of change for me (time zones, homes, artistic direction). Birthdays are good markers for reflecting on what has come before…and to clarify our goals and desires for the coming year. My trip to Europe amplified so many questions for me. What direction will I take? Will I find answers to questions that have haunted me for years…questions of the nature of humanity and our propensity for destruction that exists as the twin to our capacity for love? Can I create even more solitude in my life and how do I balance that with working to create a more public face for my photography?
Though I have learned that change is the best way to move forward it can still be difficult. Often we can find direction in observing where we’ve been and how it’s led us to where we are. The path might surprise you. The unexpected turn can seem perfectly aligned when viewed from a distance. Embrace change, it’s our only constant.
Re-reading that one sentence gave me hope and a bit of added strength. When darkness envelops, even the tiniest spark of light offers warm, courage, and a direction, even if for only a few steps. We all have that spark within. So my birthday wish is that we all nurture our sparks so that they become flames and the flames create beacons. Those beacons will light our way and could ease the path for many others.
Shine your light.
And perhaps more eloquently:
“Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.” ~ Golda Meir
Light streaming through the windows of St. Vitus' Cathedral, Prague, Czech Republic
your photography and your words are always honest, and i must say that i find your authentic way of writing and photographing to be refreshing and inspiring. there is always temptation to “photoshop” images and experiences, but you have the courage to showcase pictures that are honest reflections of how you life….what you are.
may this birthday give you the necessary pause to embrace your talent, wisdom, and goodness.
thanks for this post.
Dear Honey,
If I could see “me” the way YOU see me, I’d be a fiery light for compassion, truth, and love. I’ll keep trying.
As I have said so many times, you inspire me and I am very grateful. You are welcome for the post. : )
K
Wow, I missed a lot of posts.
Happy Birthday! I didn’t know you were in the area.
Looks like you had a great trip. I am so envious. The message is so poignant. This is a great message for me at this time as I am fighting some demons that conspire to keep me from my beloved nature.
Thank you for such a wonderful reflection and I sure hope we can do lunch soon!
Wil
Dear Wil,
I was in the area….but am back in Seattle. I was there just long enough to rest from my trip…..get a migraine….and fly back to Seattle. But I’ll be on the East coast in late November…all the way through the holidays. Lunch? YES! How about shooting??? Let’s get some good work done!
K
PS…thanks so much for checking in on the blog…and for the birthday wishes.
Dear Keron,I am proud of you for who you are,what you have done in your life and the person you aspire to be.Our family is so blessed because you are in it !!
Most of us plod thru life never searching for the meaning of anything except how to get thru one more day.I’m sorry to say that I fit in that category.I wish I had had the opportunity and courage to do as you have done and not be afraid of the “what if’s” that creep into the corners of your mind with every step you take!
Maybe in my next life……not enough time left in this one.
love you,
Aunt Rosie
PS. I want to get a copy of this picture……….breathtaking !
Thank You Aunt Rosie,
Those were truly lovely things to say. I’ll bring you the picture!
K
Dear Keron….Belated birthday wishes and thanks for the lovely thoughts and images….both for the mind and the fabulous stained glass window…….you have amazing vision!!!! Hope to see you soon, love, meg xxxxxxxxxxxx
Hey Meg!
Thanks so much! Miss you both… a LOT! Hope to see you in early December. I’ll know very soon.
k
Happy belated birthday Keron! With elevated awareness more questions come up as well as more opportunities. Making conscious choices when searching new directions are so difficult because of the plethora of options a creative, talented and caring mind sees. Much more so than an unaware being. There is always the option of playing out one talent and passion at a time and revel in the joy of creation….Documenting your life that you live so intensely alone would be inspiring to so many. Maybe just being who you are is already enough. Just as seeing the world through your eyes is inspiring and joy bringing…as is your beautiful photograph of St. Vitus.
Dear Candida,
Thanks so much for reading the blog! My journey through Germany was inspiring in many ways…and I kept thinking of you when seeing the beauty and culture that was all around.
So in a very real way, you were with me. See you soon in CA. K
I love the Golda Meir quote…but I love your words more. The question you ask about creating a balance between the need for solitude and at the same time putting on a public face – is one I struggle with daily. And change is a constant – as scarey as it so often is.
Beautifully penned…and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Marcie….thank you so much for checking in on the blog and for your very kind remarks. It has been a solitary and Happy Birthday! I am finding that the effort to articulate my thoughts with the photographs is V E R Y rewarding. Then, when people respond, the joy is exponential. It makes me feel very much part of a conversation that we are ALL having. with gratitude, keron