Week #5

Foggy Morning In The Backyard

Last week I listened to Krista Tippett interview Stephen Batchelor regarding his work with Secular Buddhism. If you aren't familiar with Krista and her podcasts, I recommend that you check them out at On Being. During the course of the interview, Stephen Batchelor shared that one of the most profound practices he took away from the years he spent in Zen monasteries was this Tibetan death reflection.

Death is certain.

The time of death is uncertain.

What shall I do?

 When I first heard him say these words I thought to myself what a  morbid statement but in fact, over the past week, it has become just the opposite. Like a gentle prayer the words have drifted in and out of my thoughts. They've become a reminder that my time on this earth is limited. They have acted as a focal point, a check-in, to make sure that my actions align with what is most important to me. They have released a renewed commitment to be fully present in my daily interactions with my family, my co-workers, and strangers I pass on the street. Life in it's whole is more vibrant and alive. So I ask you - what shall you do?

Peace

Week #4

Early Morning - Mt. Diablo

It's official - I'm a crazy person with a camera! Here in Northern California we had a glorious rainy week. Wednesday I was driving to work, sitting at a red light, waiting to enter the freeway when the quality of the light through the fog and the streaks of lights on the pavement overtook me. Before I knew what was happening I had rolled down my window and had my camera up to my eye. With only a few moments to try to capture in my camera what had captured my eyes and heart I clicked away. Soon the light changed, I laid the camera carefully down on the seat next to me and rolled the window back up. 

A few minutes later I found myself again fighting the urge to pull out my camera to capture the incredible images before me. The hills were glowing with the hint of the new day sun . I might be crazy but even I don't stop and pull over on Highway 4 to take pictures. I saw a road that meandered around the side of a hill off to my right and quickly took the next exit. Not knowing where I was heading I carefully starting climbing the hill on a road that was not much more than a paved path. I parked the car and looked down the valley. Sunrise on Mt. Diablo. So maybe I am a little crazy but it is so worth it!

Week # 3

Winter Hills

On Friday night I watched Willie Nelson receive the Gershwin Award for his contribution to the American Song Book. It was wonderful to see and hear so many tributes to this artist. Throughout the show Willie remained grateful and humble as he made his appreciation known to each of the artist honoring him. Near the end of the show Willie came down and performed with his sons and some of the other artists. As I was listening to the music I noticed that his guitar was not only scratched and banged up, but it was literally worn through in parts, leaving a large hole on the front.  Willie is an great artist not because of the instruments he plays but because of his artistic vision and his ability to touch each of us with his words and music. What a powerful reminder that it isn't about the "gear" but it is about an artist's commitment to their vision. Reminder to self - don't get distracted. One camera, one lens, one year!

Week #2

Newspaper and Hand

I've been thinking about ways to improve my photography this year and I've decided to only use one lens for all of my work. I'm going to use the new Fuji XF 35mm F2 that also happens to be my Christmas present from my wonderful husband. This lens along with my Fuji X-T10 should carry me through the year.

Valerie Jardin is a talented street photographer and teacher that talks quite a lot about the "power of limitations".  You can read her articles at the Digital Photography School . I'm hoping that by using one lens I will, slow down, take care to compose the shot, get it "right" in the camera, and develop muscle memory with my camera.

I'll check in as the year progresses with my thoughts and learnings as I move forward with one camera - one lens.

A New Beginning - Week 1

Miles and His Mom

Yesterday, while at the Farmer's Market, I met Miles. Miles is the son of one of our favorite vendors. While we were buying our apples, Miles said to me " I am selling something too".  I of course, being curious,  asked him to show me his wares. Miles was selling some of his original art work. After a few minutes of hearing all about his different works I chose the bright yellow ray with the smiling face. After negotiating a price of $1.25 I was the proud owner of "Smiling Ray".

This wonderful Miles original will be hanging up in my office this year to remind me that we all are original and creative. Thank you Miles for this beautiful reminder!