political thought

Politics has never been my favorite subject though I sometimes think there is a political pundit living inside me. I get a kick out of hearing the exact views I’ve shared with friends and family later expressed by paid commentators. During this highly controversial election year, when choice is not so clear, I find myself sifting between rhetoric, truth, the ridiculous; the circus of the absurd is part of the daily discourse and I’m all in when it comes to expressing my thoughts.

Both the Democrats and Republicans held conventions in weeks past; both parties had some hiccups on their respective day ones, both groups pressed on. While I have my thoughts about what I saw and heard, there is one message magnificently spoken by First Lady Michelle Obama that resonated with me -- “When they go low, we go high!” 

This quote is timeless, a seven word lesson for adults and children everywhere and one we really must master if we wish to avoid the consequences that eventually befall those who lack the courage, intelligence, and confidence necessary to walk the high road. Being able to rise above the negative allows us to stay on purpose, shows others that regardless of what they say or do, we will hold onto dignity, class and integrity; values that too many who run for both local and national offices abandon the moment they toss their hat into the center ring. 

Perhaps in a past life, I was a politician of some kind. In this life, I do have an opinion, respect the fact that others are entitled to theirs, and am keenly aware that we must pay close attention to what everyone is saying, more importantly to what they might be hiding or actually don't know a thing about, especially now as we prepare to go to the polls. This is no year to stay home, be sure to vote and…

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cool

Though I have traveled through Egypt for 14 days and actually got used to daily temperatures that rose well above 110 degrees, somehow I cannot acclimate to the heatwave that has spread into its second (or is it third?) week! I stepped outside at 6:00am the other day; my glasses immediately fogged up, the intense moisture in the air a cloaking steam bath. During these oppressive days, I move as quickly as I possibly can from one air conditioned location to another in an effort to not be overcome by the heat that rushes into my nose sending my sinuses and head into chaos. I’ve had to suspend my morning walks, which I’m not too happy about, climbing onto the treadmill instead, which doesn’t lend itself to taking photos. Thankfully I have a huge portfolio of images and when I came across this one, it cooled me off just looking at it.

I just want to immerse myself in the pool, stand under the water, feel the droplets splashing over me, cooling the heat of the summer. Maybe I should find a sprinkler to jump through, though that means a trip into the oven that our great outdoors has become. On second thought, perhaps not, so as I contemplate my options…

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a sunday thought

If we could see the miracle

of a single flower clearly, 

our whole life would change. 

                     - Buddha

Be still, pay attention and…

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beautifully resting

have to admit that mentally and physically, I am exhausted so much so that my brain does not want me to write…I pay attention to brain and body which has requested a rest so my photo today is entitled, “beautifully resting”…

…which is what I’m doing. Not sure for how long, however pictures will be posted, so don’t go away just…

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wonders

always be on the watch for the 

coming of wonders. 

- e.b. white

so stay positive no matter what is happening in your immediate world or the world at large and…

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habits

Not sure when, if ever, I have caught a 6:00AM train back to DC from Jersey visits much less the regional train (every possible stop between departure and destination) at that hour. There were several vacant seats, the quiet car was early morning people still not quite awake yet quiet, and I decided to sit on the sun coming up side of the train, something I rarely do. I sat with my thoughts after an emotionally draining few days; no headphones, no magazine, no emails, just me and the window, no camera capturing views. I reflected on my past, was forced to come to terms with some choices I and others have made. 

There is some truth to the statement, the apple does not fall far from the tree. I fell from the tree, made the choice to roll away while maintaining connection over the years; but the soil I was rooted in influenced and is still hindering some needed growth. This revelation shocked me, an independent woman who embraces and builds on the lessons learned from both her downs and ups. As the shock subsided, it was replaced with an immediate knowing that change was necessary which, under the circumstances means detangling my roots and finding clear ground to set myself down in. At the same time, it also means being grateful for the nourishment received from the roots on the land previously occupied, ensuring that there is a healthy connection from that plot to my new one, and making very sure that I’m so firmly planted once untangled that when I return to the old soil, it’s clear to all, including me, that I’m just visiting! 

Learned habits take root and are especially hard to break when they are encouraged, bring what in reality is temporary gratification, and eventually form part of our persona. Just because we’re adults does not mean we aren’t susceptible to a bit of root rot caused by any number of things, so if that’s the case, get to pulling and…

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tutu

I walked past this fallen bloom then found myself going back to gaze at it as it lay on the concrete. So delicate it was, fragile really; something about it reminded me of a tutu. As a very young girl, I took then came to seriously dislike ballet. I eventually began to love the art of the dance once I saw professional companies gracefully bringing stories to life as I sat mesmerized by the beauty and precision of their movements. There is a thrill that comes over me as I sit in the darkness waiting for the lights to come up so the dancers can take the stage. I actually enjoy all types of dance and this tiny flower reminded me that it’s been awhile since I attended a performance. 

Twirling away now to see whose dancing in the city, so…

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fish out of water

At first glance, this may seem to be a fish swimming in an aquarium; I assure you, it is not. As a matter of fact, the brass sculpture is pictured on a poster in front of some lush green leaves outside of a museum so I’ve titled this photo fish out of water. 

Sometimes I can relate. I find myself wondering how the heck I’ve arrived at a particular place/situation or better yet, why am I still in/dealing with said place/situation. Fortunately, I’ve rectified the latter when it comes to “place.” However, a few weeks ago I seemed to wade into situational waters that continue to be dicey; the curves in the stream don’t slow leading me to spots with pebbles being thrown from the shore. All I can say is that I’m grateful for my survival instincts that tell me when things are headed for disaster so gracefully, if possible, get out; the ability to quietly tread yet still make progress if land is not in site; the creativity that allows me to change direction in a split second if that will keep things moving in the right direction; and for my years of experience that have prepared me to do any or all of the above hopefully with a successful outcome.

Swimming upstream may create waves of fatigue, uncertainty, and even discord along the way. However, there is sureness, integrity, and a renewed strength to be found once you get where you’re going, so find comfortable strokes that work for you, be steady as you go and when you come up to take a breath…

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the invasion

July in Washington, DC signals hot humid weather, pre sunrise and post sunset so I was delighted when the air was cool for several hours yesterday morning as I walked around the Tidal Basin then sat for chit chat with my bestie. I actually started feeling chilly as we enjoyed winding down, the grouping of chairs and tables placed rather randomly in a lot that will soon be the site of yet another high rise. 

It seems that no open space is safe in the District; a building a minute gobbles up the respite found in any location with natural surroundings. Trees a plenty, unobstructed views of the sky, minimal traffic, and low rise structures coupled with a lower cost of living are some of the things that brought me back here 16 years ago. Gone is that era. I don’t love seeing my place of birth being transformed into a concrete & glass jungle and fortunately my immediate neighborhood is protected from the crane invasion. Turning into my street from either end of a four block stretch, I am ushered home by a canopy of shading tree branches that also evoke a fairyland when snow covers them in winter. No matter what is being built or how nuts the traffic is every or anywhere else, my four blocks is sacred territory void of the invasion. It’s the reason I will hold onto my current residence even as I search for my dream home with gorgeous views of calming waters.

I stood up to turn my green adirondack chair towards the warmth of the sun and there on the arm was a big ladybug, bright red and running! She was moving so quickly, I had to laugh then wonder where she was on her way to. My advice to her is to hurry on over to Haines Point or Rock Creek Park where no building is allowed. At least she’ll be able to commune with undisturbed nature, undisturbed by the invasion. 

One can only hope so…

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