In the past 10 years I have moved at least 19 times, the nineteenth time being this past week. I have never stayed anywhere for longer than a year, except Brazil. And while I only count that as one move to and one move back - I lived in four different places during my stay there.
I am tired of moving I think. I think my siblings are even more tired of me moving. "Here she goes again... the annual (or bi-annual) move..."
But I adore my new place emphatically and am abundantly happy here. Indeed, I am one lucky gal and I welcome visitors. And if we plan ahead, I will make you dinner. :)
***
I am trying to grow out my hair. A test of patience and contentment. I just had it cleaned up a few days ago - a necessity that makes it seem like it will take forever before I get it long again! But I am learning to enjoy it through these different stages as it lengthens out each month.
***
I am allergic to most perfumes. For some reason I refuse to remember this when I go out - as was the case last night. I have a several fantastic Brazilian perfumes that I love - but I end up with an itchy throat and a few sneezes here and there, which in turn makes the evening less pleasant. I need to further investigate this allergy and find a remedy.
***
Having just moved into a new place - I will be spending the next several weeks/month deep cleaning until every corner and cranny is like new. I love clean details. The details make the difference.
***
I am going to the Messiah Sing-in this evening at Abravanel Hall. Anyone who enjoys the Messiah, Christmas, singing, or to listen to others sing in an amazing way would LOVE to go to this annual event. Check it out.
***
If I were to have any animal in my house right now, it would be a penguin. I think they are fun and funny, and would make great company for a several hours as I would be entertained by watching it walk around. Along with the penguin, I would have a polar bear over just so he could be lazy on my rug in the front room and I could cuddle up next to his white furry tummy in front of the fire...as long as he didn't eat me. And he would invite a colorful parrot over that would ask if I had any gruyere cheese to snack on.
***
I do not have any gruyere cheese.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
2nd Grade; 7 Years Old
Going through my boxes of the past. Funny to learn more about ourselves and what we were like as children. My toy box was way cool.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
First Snow
We are blanketed in a descent of snow this evening.
The first lovely, beautiful snowfall of the year for the valley. And although it signals Winter is here, which I have in the past months, been resisting in my heart, I now welcome it fully. It's a comfort to see the snow gracing the rooftops in feather bed fashion. Each tree is outlined so delicately and precisely, and sugarplum fairies are lighting the street lamps to remind us that in the dark there is still light to see by and dreams to live by.
I am mostly done with my work until I don't know when. That is mainly why I was not welcoming towards Winter ... not knowing what will come next or when; and if I will survive the cold months ahead. The unpredictable future. Hard times are among many of us. But I am not afraid to live very frugally. I am fine with not buying the new clothes I would love to have this season that would fit me better, or be more fashionable than what I currently own. I don't mind not eating all of the wonderful foods that surround me at various restaurants that I sometimes crave. And I don't mind having to do without all the furnishings I would like to have in my new place I am moving to shortly.
I welcome the simple life. The frugal life. And a very simple life it will be - and that's okay.
I think of Thanksgiving and what that word really means. To be so thankful for what I DO have is such a blessing and deters the selfish or worldly desires that rise inside myself. And when I do feel that gratitude in my heart - then I don't mind about status or style or what sometimes seems so important in defining me. But I don't want my "stuff" to define me. I want to be defined by my character - by my attitude and by how I treat others. Not by what I own.
I will be thinking a lot about priorities this Winter. What really makes me truly happy. What matters most to me in life and what am I doing or how am I living to show that I really live by my priorities. I want an integritous Winter.
What will I do each day? Ha! I do not know! I have a wide open slate, but I feel the possibilities swaying back and forth around me and they are exciting. I will be adventuring for sure - not to geographical places however. I will be adventuring in books, with paints, in walks, wanderings and words; in enjoying the simplicities of life found in friendships, conversations, people and nature. I will laugh a lot this winter. A whole lot. I will learn a lot. I will focus on people and those around me and how I can strengthen my bonds with those I love. I will think of creative ways to accomplish beauty and goodness. I will shop at DI and improve upon my finds in interesting ways. I will further learn and appreciate what life is really about and what is most important.
Yes, it will be a good Winter. I have hope.
=)
The first lovely, beautiful snowfall of the year for the valley. And although it signals Winter is here, which I have in the past months, been resisting in my heart, I now welcome it fully. It's a comfort to see the snow gracing the rooftops in feather bed fashion. Each tree is outlined so delicately and precisely, and sugarplum fairies are lighting the street lamps to remind us that in the dark there is still light to see by and dreams to live by.
I am mostly done with my work until I don't know when. That is mainly why I was not welcoming towards Winter ... not knowing what will come next or when; and if I will survive the cold months ahead. The unpredictable future. Hard times are among many of us. But I am not afraid to live very frugally. I am fine with not buying the new clothes I would love to have this season that would fit me better, or be more fashionable than what I currently own. I don't mind not eating all of the wonderful foods that surround me at various restaurants that I sometimes crave. And I don't mind having to do without all the furnishings I would like to have in my new place I am moving to shortly.
I welcome the simple life. The frugal life. And a very simple life it will be - and that's okay.
I think of Thanksgiving and what that word really means. To be so thankful for what I DO have is such a blessing and deters the selfish or worldly desires that rise inside myself. And when I do feel that gratitude in my heart - then I don't mind about status or style or what sometimes seems so important in defining me. But I don't want my "stuff" to define me. I want to be defined by my character - by my attitude and by how I treat others. Not by what I own.
I will be thinking a lot about priorities this Winter. What really makes me truly happy. What matters most to me in life and what am I doing or how am I living to show that I really live by my priorities. I want an integritous Winter.
What will I do each day? Ha! I do not know! I have a wide open slate, but I feel the possibilities swaying back and forth around me and they are exciting. I will be adventuring for sure - not to geographical places however. I will be adventuring in books, with paints, in walks, wanderings and words; in enjoying the simplicities of life found in friendships, conversations, people and nature. I will laugh a lot this winter. A whole lot. I will learn a lot. I will focus on people and those around me and how I can strengthen my bonds with those I love. I will think of creative ways to accomplish beauty and goodness. I will shop at DI and improve upon my finds in interesting ways. I will further learn and appreciate what life is really about and what is most important.
Yes, it will be a good Winter. I have hope.
=)
Saturday, November 21, 2009
me vs. me
It comes running out of the tunnel with confidence onto the field. Footwork is too fast to follow and it pics off every fumble and bad throw made. Touchdown. It takes advantage of another bad pass. Touchdown, and this time even nailed the two-point conversion.
Game over. Worst version of myself wins again.
I lose.
I hate it when that happens.
Game over. Worst version of myself wins again.
I lose.
I hate it when that happens.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Head and Arms
My head and arms are about to fall off. I have to teach in 73 minutes. How can I teach without a head and two arms? Especially considering that I enlighten a bunch of college kids on how to draw and color with markers by demonstration and explanation?
Two Candles
In a dark room sits a young girl in an old wooden chair. Rain has been falling outside, leaving the world damp and cold - she sits motionless. Two white candles lay on the small table next to her; "Humility" engraven in one, "Forgiveness" on the other. Her gaze is fixed upon nothing but her own thoughts of what has passed. Reaching into the dark, her hand rests upon the two candles as they roll slightly under the pressure of her palm. She picks up the candle with "Humility" engraven into the wax and holds it in two hands, bringing it close to her chest. A feeling in her bosom kindles and she feels the writing on the candle seep deeply into her soul. By the desire of her heart the candle is lit. The flame flickers softly in the dark, lighting the small corner of the room and hinting at the features of her fair face and auburn hair.
The girl sees a man sitting across the room in a chair similar to hers. Dark hair adorns the crown of his head and face. His bronze eyes are soft. He sees her lit candle and the humility she is seeking to keep close to her. He watches.
She contemplates over her flame, her single, solitary flame of humility. Her eyes glance over to the candle that rests on the table - wick still white, dusted in wax. She picks up the candle and while still holding hers upright, carries it to the man across the room. She holds it out for him to take.
He sits.
She waits.
He looks up at her, and she sees a kindness and a gentleness in his expression. A deep longing as well. She motions for him to take the candle. "Please" is in her eyes.
She stands still as he sits - no movement of his hands he makes.
With Humility she waits for him to accept the candle, to Forgive her. If he would take the candle and hold it to his bosom so as to feel and desire the sincere forgiveness that is being asked for, this candle would also ignite and the dark corner in this part of the world would be filled with light and peace; Humility and Forgiveness. The girl yearns for the man to accept the lit-less candle she holds out to him.
Watery eyes are reflected by the single flame. She waits.
***********************************************************************************************************
A while back Ro Ro Riot asked if I had any poetry. I do. A very little. I haven't sent any to her yet - but I am posting this short story for her - not necessarily inspired by her and I am not implying she needs this story either! I am just saying that she asked about my writing and this is something I wrote. That's all.
I don't spend a professional amount of time editing stuff I write. There are a lot of holes in this piece and I am sure I could find them and sew them up if I wanted to take the time. But I am not out to impress the masses as of yet. Just to simply write. It's a stress release and a method of rumination for me.
Moooo.
My ideas that I write out are sometimes cultivated from real-life experiences, and some are not. So don't take all of my writings too seriously or too literally - although some hit closer to home than others. Which ones are which you'll just never know! If you imagine Anne reciting Two Candles from the stage of the White Sands Hotel - I am sure you will finish the story with a broad Gilbert-smile rather than a curious sadness/wonder or whatever other emotion was evoked. I laughed when I saw the mental picture (though I think my story not dramatic enough for that carrot-head) - just like when I wrote the melancholic pancake fantasy...I was laughing so hard I was crying the whole time I was writing it. Just ask Jenn. She was there. Although that story should have been taken very literally and very seriously; I meant it in the most sincere fashion possible.
I was also laughing to (or rather AT) myself when I got a speeding ticket yesterday.
Dar n.
Oh the foolish things we do.
Anyways - metaphorically we each have candles of attributes like humility, forgiveness, kindness, sincerity, honesty, charity, goodness, etc - and whether we let that flame flicker is determined by the desires of our heart. The more we seek these attributes - and I am going to say "Christ-like attributes" because He is the Light of the world - the brighter our lives are and then we are able to share our light with others and hopefully make their lives brighter as well.
The girl sees a man sitting across the room in a chair similar to hers. Dark hair adorns the crown of his head and face. His bronze eyes are soft. He sees her lit candle and the humility she is seeking to keep close to her. He watches.
She contemplates over her flame, her single, solitary flame of humility. Her eyes glance over to the candle that rests on the table - wick still white, dusted in wax. She picks up the candle and while still holding hers upright, carries it to the man across the room. She holds it out for him to take.
He sits.
She waits.
He looks up at her, and she sees a kindness and a gentleness in his expression. A deep longing as well. She motions for him to take the candle. "Please" is in her eyes.
She stands still as he sits - no movement of his hands he makes.
With Humility she waits for him to accept the candle, to Forgive her. If he would take the candle and hold it to his bosom so as to feel and desire the sincere forgiveness that is being asked for, this candle would also ignite and the dark corner in this part of the world would be filled with light and peace; Humility and Forgiveness. The girl yearns for the man to accept the lit-less candle she holds out to him.
Watery eyes are reflected by the single flame. She waits.
***********************************************************************************************************
A while back Ro Ro Riot asked if I had any poetry. I do. A very little. I haven't sent any to her yet - but I am posting this short story for her - not necessarily inspired by her and I am not implying she needs this story either! I am just saying that she asked about my writing and this is something I wrote. That's all.
I don't spend a professional amount of time editing stuff I write. There are a lot of holes in this piece and I am sure I could find them and sew them up if I wanted to take the time. But I am not out to impress the masses as of yet. Just to simply write. It's a stress release and a method of rumination for me.
Moooo.
My ideas that I write out are sometimes cultivated from real-life experiences, and some are not. So don't take all of my writings too seriously or too literally - although some hit closer to home than others. Which ones are which you'll just never know! If you imagine Anne reciting Two Candles from the stage of the White Sands Hotel - I am sure you will finish the story with a broad Gilbert-smile rather than a curious sadness/wonder or whatever other emotion was evoked. I laughed when I saw the mental picture (though I think my story not dramatic enough for that carrot-head) - just like when I wrote the melancholic pancake fantasy...I was laughing so hard I was crying the whole time I was writing it. Just ask Jenn. She was there. Although that story should have been taken very literally and very seriously; I meant it in the most sincere fashion possible.
I was also laughing to (or rather AT) myself when I got a speeding ticket yesterday.
Dar n.
Oh the foolish things we do.
Anyways - metaphorically we each have candles of attributes like humility, forgiveness, kindness, sincerity, honesty, charity, goodness, etc - and whether we let that flame flicker is determined by the desires of our heart. The more we seek these attributes - and I am going to say "Christ-like attributes" because He is the Light of the world - the brighter our lives are and then we are able to share our light with others and hopefully make their lives brighter as well.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
a warm meal
It's this time of year that I long for a hearth and a home cooked meal. A warm meal. Yum.
To end a day with a plate of hot food to warm the belly and to satisfy the brain is a wonderful thing during the winter months. And nothing quite beats a hot meal that is prepared with TLC from the home kitchen.
This winter the evening meals that I would like to prepare are as follows: a creamy chicken pot pie, several varieties of delightful soups, pot roast with delicious vegetables, beef/steak stroganoff with a secret ingredient, awesome pot stickers, a loaf of bread that I will give away as I do not eat bread, stuffed peppers if I can find a real good recipe, Grandmas fried chicken (it's not what you are thinking at all - it's waaayyy better), an authentic Indian curry.
It should be a good winter, culinary-wise anyways. And I think when I turn 29 I should throw myself a "single shower." I need better cookware - and since I am still single I don't have the benefit that most of my sisters and many friends did of having everyone else buy you pyrex, pots, pans, mixing bowls, spatulas and the likes just because you are getting married. What about us? What about me? I still want and like to cook. I still have to eat. I still have to fill my kitchen cupboards with cool stuff. I am still poor. Dur. Taxes and cookware. Us single people really have it hard. Do I hear an amen? A shout out?
Hmmmm ... I think I just figured out what I may want for Christmas.
To end a day with a plate of hot food to warm the belly and to satisfy the brain is a wonderful thing during the winter months. And nothing quite beats a hot meal that is prepared with TLC from the home kitchen.
This winter the evening meals that I would like to prepare are as follows: a creamy chicken pot pie, several varieties of delightful soups, pot roast with delicious vegetables, beef/steak stroganoff with a secret ingredient, awesome pot stickers, a loaf of bread that I will give away as I do not eat bread, stuffed peppers if I can find a real good recipe, Grandmas fried chicken (it's not what you are thinking at all - it's waaayyy better), an authentic Indian curry.
It should be a good winter, culinary-wise anyways. And I think when I turn 29 I should throw myself a "single shower." I need better cookware - and since I am still single I don't have the benefit that most of my sisters and many friends did of having everyone else buy you pyrex, pots, pans, mixing bowls, spatulas and the likes just because you are getting married. What about us? What about me? I still want and like to cook. I still have to eat. I still have to fill my kitchen cupboards with cool stuff. I am still poor. Dur. Taxes and cookware. Us single people really have it hard. Do I hear an amen? A shout out?
Hmmmm ... I think I just figured out what I may want for Christmas.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Congrats
Congrats to siblings number 7 & 8!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
How many emotions can a human being feel during a single day?
10, 20, 30? 100? 1,000? 100,000,000?
Today I have felt: quiet, open, searching, anticipation, desire, pleased, happy, disappointed, embarrassed, curious, amazed, reflective, placid, sad, semi-resolved, small, steady, silly, okay...
?
...so at least 19.
10, 20, 30? 100? 1,000? 100,000,000?
Today I have felt: quiet, open, searching, anticipation, desire, pleased, happy, disappointed, embarrassed, curious, amazed, reflective, placid, sad, semi-resolved, small, steady, silly, okay...
?
...so at least 19.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
SLC
Back in SLC. Flew in a few hours ago. Am I happy to be back?
Yes.
Why? Why would I want to leave the coast, the green, the ferns, the lush, the gardens and the adventures of what Portland is? (keep Portland weird!)
???
Well, I must say that I am not done with Portland yet. There are things I still want to see that I did not. Experiences that I want to have that I did not. So Portland 2010 or 2011 is a "we are go!"
But I am happy to be back to my responsibilities here in Utah. There is plenty going on, plenty that I am looking forward to and lots of adventures to be had right here. Plus, I hear the sound of rain (which is actually the leaves). So I can't miss Portland that bad. Not yet anyways.
But if you are writing a report for "Why Portland, Oregon is cool," you can use this picture below - just save it to your desktop. "Portland is cool because on the street they have tables set up with real live flowers in vases." Now you can eat your .99 taco with real style and class. Doesn't that just make you smile?
Yes.
Why? Why would I want to leave the coast, the green, the ferns, the lush, the gardens and the adventures of what Portland is? (keep Portland weird!)
???
Well, I must say that I am not done with Portland yet. There are things I still want to see that I did not. Experiences that I want to have that I did not. So Portland 2010 or 2011 is a "we are go!"
But I am happy to be back to my responsibilities here in Utah. There is plenty going on, plenty that I am looking forward to and lots of adventures to be had right here. Plus, I hear the sound of rain (which is actually the leaves). So I can't miss Portland that bad. Not yet anyways.
But if you are writing a report for "Why Portland, Oregon is cool," you can use this picture below - just save it to your desktop. "Portland is cool because on the street they have tables set up with real live flowers in vases." Now you can eat your .99 taco with real style and class. Doesn't that just make you smile?
"Portland is cool because ferns grow on the trees downtown."
That works too. I am sure you'll get an A.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Flat As A Pancake
I wish someone would beat me until I was flat as a pancake. A really flat one - maybe a crepe. Then I could be tossed out into a storm that is all windy and turbulent. I would be whipped and beat by the wind, carried far far away until I was thrown into the waters off the coast of Hawaii. There the storm would halt. I would readily dissolve into the ocean water, and rise up a new being. Then I would have a banana smoothie.
That's what I wish.
That's what I wish.
Hibiscus
I am bone tired.
So I am just going to say that the herbal Hibiscus Tea that I had at the Portland Classical Chinese gardens yesterday was great.
The teacup was so tiny.
I loved it.
So I am just going to say that the herbal Hibiscus Tea that I had at the Portland Classical Chinese gardens yesterday was great.
The teacup was so tiny.
I loved it.
Hibiscus Tea is very bitter, but I have discovered that I like bitter.
I never add honey to my herbal teas.
I never add honey to my herbal teas.
And the dumplings were the best I have ever had.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Starbucks
Somewhere near the West Hills in Portland is a Starbucks. Cities and Starbucks belong together I have decided. They are reliable, always there.
I am in the city today - this rainy day. The sky is gray, gray, and grey. And my mood led me to this comfy couch flanked by lamps that give a certain warmth to this otherwise ambivalent day.
There is a girl in her 20's sitting in a chair right in front of me. She just loaded up her purse, jangled her keys, stood up - white coat with furry hood is going on... adjusting shirt - and with the click of her heels, she is out the door...driving away in a maroon Rodeo.
There is a guy sitting across from me to my right - sitting in a rather comfy looking chair. He must be a student as he is studying a text book about photosynthesis and is writing notes in his spiral notebook. Very college like. Let's call him...Adam. He looks like he could be an Adam. He has dark hair - very dark. It comes past his shoulders with plenty of soft curl. Dark eyes, light stubble, red zip-up hoodie - black jeans, Nike shoes, and a number 2 pencil in his hand. He seems like a simple-basics person. Right-handed.
Two ladies are conversing in a nook over in that corner. Lady A, whom we shall call Claudia, is presenting product to Lady B, whom we shall call..... Sarah. With an H. Beauty products are the focus of their conversation as they are all lined up on the table...and it looks like Sarah is a client - or soon will be. They are at a table with two small lamps that have blue, blue lamp shades that are glowing. Claudia has an accent. From where, I am not quite sure. Sarah - does not.
Three ladies are at a circle table. I have heard the words stage, art, and have seen a childrens book on their table. They are planning something. "Wholesale cost" was just mentioned.
The chair that was left vacant by the girl that drove away in the maroon Rodeo is now occupied by an older gentleman. I bet he is retired. No wedding ring. Blue jeans, blue-collared shirt with a green v-neck sweater over the blue-collared shirt.
Adam is zipping up his back pack. Checking his iPhone. I think he is leaving.
The older gentleman, whose profile reminds me of an English Lord, is enjoying his beverage. Coffee no doubt. He even has the pouchy stomach of an English Lord. Regular white sport socks with basic brown shoes that could have been purchased at a basic shoe store. Let's call him Evan. An umbrella is on the side table next to his chair. No newspaper, no book, no company, just him. He rarely takes a sip. Maybe it's still too hot.
The three ladies, Sue, Angela and MaryAnne, have just left. They seemed pleased with how the time was spent at their little round table.
Claudia and Sarah and still vibrantly conversing over the beauty products.
Evan just took a sip, placed his cup back down on the side table, leaned back in his chair - put his right hand up to the side of his head and crossed his right leg over his left.
Me? I am just sitting here. Rather mellow. Really mellow. In a state of mellow observation. I am blogging about the people around me, nonchalantly watching the people come and go.
I am in the city today - this rainy day. The sky is gray, gray, and grey. And my mood led me to this comfy couch flanked by lamps that give a certain warmth to this otherwise ambivalent day.
There is a girl in her 20's sitting in a chair right in front of me. She just loaded up her purse, jangled her keys, stood up - white coat with furry hood is going on... adjusting shirt - and with the click of her heels, she is out the door...driving away in a maroon Rodeo.
There is a guy sitting across from me to my right - sitting in a rather comfy looking chair. He must be a student as he is studying a text book about photosynthesis and is writing notes in his spiral notebook. Very college like. Let's call him...Adam. He looks like he could be an Adam. He has dark hair - very dark. It comes past his shoulders with plenty of soft curl. Dark eyes, light stubble, red zip-up hoodie - black jeans, Nike shoes, and a number 2 pencil in his hand. He seems like a simple-basics person. Right-handed.
Two ladies are conversing in a nook over in that corner. Lady A, whom we shall call Claudia, is presenting product to Lady B, whom we shall call..... Sarah. With an H. Beauty products are the focus of their conversation as they are all lined up on the table...and it looks like Sarah is a client - or soon will be. They are at a table with two small lamps that have blue, blue lamp shades that are glowing. Claudia has an accent. From where, I am not quite sure. Sarah - does not.
Three ladies are at a circle table. I have heard the words stage, art, and have seen a childrens book on their table. They are planning something. "Wholesale cost" was just mentioned.
The chair that was left vacant by the girl that drove away in the maroon Rodeo is now occupied by an older gentleman. I bet he is retired. No wedding ring. Blue jeans, blue-collared shirt with a green v-neck sweater over the blue-collared shirt.
Adam is zipping up his back pack. Checking his iPhone. I think he is leaving.
The older gentleman, whose profile reminds me of an English Lord, is enjoying his beverage. Coffee no doubt. He even has the pouchy stomach of an English Lord. Regular white sport socks with basic brown shoes that could have been purchased at a basic shoe store. Let's call him Evan. An umbrella is on the side table next to his chair. No newspaper, no book, no company, just him. He rarely takes a sip. Maybe it's still too hot.
The three ladies, Sue, Angela and MaryAnne, have just left. They seemed pleased with how the time was spent at their little round table.
Claudia and Sarah and still vibrantly conversing over the beauty products.
Evan just took a sip, placed his cup back down on the side table, leaned back in his chair - put his right hand up to the side of his head and crossed his right leg over his left.
Me? I am just sitting here. Rather mellow. Really mellow. In a state of mellow observation. I am blogging about the people around me, nonchalantly watching the people come and go.
Portland Trip: Saturday "Bontei"
Saturday Jenn and I attended the Opening Reception and Gallery Talk of Marc Peter Keane's Bontei Trays at the Portland Japanese Gardens. It was for these brief hours that my entire trip to Portland was born. The goal was to meet Keane face to face. The goal was accomplished.
Marc Peter Keane, a landscape architect, is a top Japanese garden designer in the world. He lived in Kyoto for almost 20 years and has designed gardens in Japan for private residences, companies, and temples. His Bontei trays are just now on display in the Portland Japanese Gardens - which was the cause for the opening reception and gallery talk.
We arrived at the gardens at 4:30 and made our way to the Garden Pavilion where the reception was being held. Jenn and I were definitely the youngest of the group! I decided it best to meet Mr. Keane before his Gallery Talk which would begin at 5PM. I wasn't sure what to say or how to introduce myself, but Jenn helped me through it by practicing with me before I made my way over to his presence. I am usually very comfortable with meeting someone with whom I have never met - I converse easily. But for some reason I was a little more nervous about this one. But once I had the chance to approach Mr. Keane, it was all old hat from there.
His suit was quite interesting. If you pay attention to it in the following photos you'll see the influence of East Asia. It was in the browns, almost like a wood grain. Oh - and he was very kind, very polite - and in fact gentle and a gentleman.
When he found out I had come from Salt Lake City just for this event he seemed quite pleased, as I had traveled the furthest (besides him). As I mingled with other attendees at the reception word spread. Once lady said, "Oh, you're the one who came all the way from Salt Lake!"
I had just finished reading his book, "The Art of Setting Stones". A wonderful read. I had a copy with me, and asked Mr. Keane if he would sign it.
He pulled out a brush - I think it was a calligraphy brush - to sign my book. His signature was like a painting on the inside cover, as all signatures should be. I was explaining to him my experience I had with this particular book of his. I told him I could only read a chapter at a time. I had to let each chapter settle; I had to mull over what I had just experienced. Each chapter was so rich, that to allow it the proper space to expand, it needed time.
He told me that's exactly how it should be read.
A Drawing by Marc P. Keane - there were several of these around the pavilion; each one so fantastic. I wish you could have seen them all in person.
A better look at the front of his suit?
During the Gallery Talk, he went to each piece and talked about it. He answered questions and filled my mind with running thoughts and insights. It was fantastic how much thought and mindfulness went in to each piece, each Bontei Tray he created. I wish so desperately that I could share all that I soaked in during those few hours. I should be typing it all out right now. But it wants to sit inside me for a while longer. What I learned was very special and important for me and requires a certain setting in order for me to share properly my thoughts and Mr. Keane's words.
After the Talk I mingled among the folk. Met some great personalities and had some light lemon water with ordourves of roasted pumpkin (which was also served before the talk). Before leaving, I talked with Marc again, to thank him for his words and how each piece expanded in beauty as he spoke (I think I might have used the word exploded...lol). He told me about a program he does in Kyoto each year. An intense two-week workshop on Japanese Garden Design. It's attended from people all over the world. He said if when I send in an application, to write a brief note reminding him of who I am, and he would see to it that I got in!
It was a pleasing evening and worth the trip. Now I still have three days of soaking-in to do in various gardens and parks around Portland.
Thank you, Marc Peter Keane -
for opening my mind and placing wonder inside.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Portland Trip: Friday "Oh Glorious"
Okay - many of you are wondering if I have more than just a computer and a camera in my life because of how frequently I post. Yes, yes I do. I have my friend Jenn for starters.
And today we went to Cannon Beach. I am staying in Hood River, which is in the gorge, for a week to study gardens, parks, architecture, art - etc. You know, like Chicago! So we are going to jump to Oregon real quick, but I'll be taking you back to Illinois every once in a while. Let's keep this real-time.
Last time I was here at Cannon Beach was April 08. Seeing it in the fall is incredible because all of the sea side grasses were full and thick.
Haystack Rock.
It was a bit windy - a storm was brewing out in the waters beyond. It was exciting to watch!
Foam, foam and foam was everywhere! It was so beautiful, almost unreal. The waves were so frothy and rolling and rumbling.
So I frolicked. As I do when at Cannon Beach. Next time could someone frolick with me? PLeaSe?
See all that frothy sea foam! It almost looks like snow. Now you are going to see a series of shots in the froth. These plethora of pictures are for my mother - as all mothers want to see a lot of pictures of their kids in froth. Plus, my mom would play in this with me.
You better believe it.
It was an incredible evening on the coast. So much so.
I think you may know by now how much I love the coast - the shoreline. I have talked about this before. I am so happy here. I try to hit a coast/beach consistently and so far - I haven't done too bad. Which coast will I see next?
The water was higher than it was in the spring of 08. Naturally the sea does that. Of course. Before I could walk out to Haystack.
Shall we watch some of the sea foam recede? Okay.
Awesome.
This man was on the shore as well. I asked him if he was a local. He was. I asked him if the high quantity of foam and froth was typical in the fall. He said it was because of the storm. I asked if the storm was coming or going. He said it was happening right at that moment. We looked out at the sea together. The waves were breaking at an incredible distance and at incredible heights. It was majestic. He said he had never seen anything like this before, that it was just amazing. And as we both stood there in our black rain boots, we smiled at the ocean and at each other because we were both on that beach at that time to witness this storm, this event, this rarity. It was such a human moment. And I love those moments.
I live for those moments.
(this is me living for those moments?)
Actually that was me thinking...... of Anne of Green Gables. You knew it, right? Of course with all of that lovely grass and sand how could I not reenact the scene where Anne and Diana are running through the grasses and sands themselves? Oh yes, I did. All I lacked was a great dress with poofy sleeves...
Um. Yeah - I eventually did make it down through the grasses and sand. Lol.
Foam on the boots - sand on the face.
Thanks Jenn - for such a free reeling evening!
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