I have come to greatly love this poem since it first was published in 1993. One cannot help but to listen to Maya when she has spoken one of her poems, particularly this one. Her diction is beautiful, her voice evoking, and her dream for humanity prevalent and worthy.
On the Pulse of Morning•
(also referred to as The Rock Cries Out To Us Today)•
A Rock, A River, A Tree•
Hosts to species long since departed,•
Mark the mastodon.•
The dinosaur, who left dry tokens•
Of their sojourn here•
On our planet floor,•
Any broad alarm of their of their hastening doom•
Is lost in the gloom of dust and ages.•
But today, the Rock cries out to us, clearly, forcefully,•
Come, you may stand upon my•
Back and face your distant destiny,•
But seek no haven in my shadow.•
I will give you no hiding place down here.•
You, created only a little lower than•
The angels, have crouched too long in•
The bruising darkness,•
Have lain too long•
Face down in ignorance.•
Your mouths spelling words•
Armed for slaughter.•
The rock cries out today, you may stand on me,•
But do not hide your face.•
Across the wall of the world,•
A river sings a beautiful song,•
Come rest here by my side.•
Each of you a bordered country,•
Delicate and strangely made proud,•
Yet thrusting perpetually under siege.•
Your armed struggles for profit•
Have left collars of waste upon•
My shore, currents of debris upon my breast.•
Yet, today I call you to my riverside,•
If you will study war no more.•
Come, clad in peace and I will sing the songs•
The Creator gave to me when I•
And the tree and stone were one.•
Before cynicism was a bloody sear across your brow•
And when you yet knew you still knew nothing.•
The river sings and sings on.•
There is a true yearning to respond to•
The singing river and the wise rock.•
So say the Asian, the Hispanic, the Jew,•
The African and Native American, the Sioux,•
The Catholic, the Muslim, the French, the Greek,•
The Irish, the Rabbi, the Priest, the Sheikh,•
The Gay, the Straight, the Preacher,•
The privileged, the homeless, the teacher.•
They hear. They all hear•
The speaking of the tree.•
Today, the first and last of every tree•
Speaks to humankind. Come to me, here beside the river.•
Plant yourself beside me, here beside the river.•
Each of you, descendant of some passed on•
Traveller, has been paid for.•
You, who gave me my first name,•
You Pawnee, Apache and Seneca,•
You Cherokee Nation, who rested with me,•
Then forced on bloody feet,•
Left me to the employment of other seekers--•
Desperate for gain, starving for gold.•
You, the Turk, the Swede, the German, the Scot...•
You the Ashanti, the Yoruba, the Kru,•
Bought, sold, stolen, arriving on a nightmare•
Praying for a dream.•
Here, root yourselves beside me.•
I am the tree planted by the river,•
Which will not be moved.•
I, the rock, I the river, I the tree•
I am yours--your passages have been paid.•
Lift up your faces, you have a piercing need•
For this bright morning dawning for you.•
History, despite its wrenching pain,•
Cannot be unlived, and if faced with courage,•
Need not be lived again.•
Lift up your eyes upon•
The day breaking for you.•
Give birth again•
To the dream.•
Women, children, men,•
Take it into the palms of your hands.•
Mold it into the shape of your most•
Private need. Sculpt it into•
The image of your most public self.•
Lift up your hearts.•
Each new hour holds new chances•
For new beginnings.•
Do not be wedded forever•
To fear, yoked eternally•
To brutishness.•
The horizon leans forward,•
Offering you space to place new steps of change.•
Here, on the pulse of this fine day•
You may have the courage•
To look up and out upon me,•
The rock, the river, the tree, your country.•
No less to Midas than the mendicant.•
No less to you now than the mastodon then.•
Here on the pulse of this new day•
You may have the grace to look up and out•
And into your sister's eyes,•
Into your brother's face, your country•
And say simply•
Very simply•
With hope•
Good morning.•
by Maya Angelou
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Are we always what we seem to others?
I wonder how many of us really are what we seem by others. I truly wish we could completely and utterly be ourselves, one hundred percent of the time. I know that I have strived to be just myself, but there seems to be those inner voices, those inner debates about ones worth, those heart-wrenching words others have called us by, society's expectations of our gender roles, family and friend's off the cuff remarks or statements, something a teacher wrote on a report card, not feeling supported by your employer, a comment an instructor made about your work, not feeling supported or loved by those in your life, those things we did as kids that keep coming up in conversation, and our own critical thinking of ourselves somehow creep out from within to help us mask the makeup of who we are. All because well...we're human. Duh. I know that there have been many times where I just felt I could not show the weaknesses of who I am. Who wants to. We only want to be thought of as good, decent people. But can we ever truly be? Oh, I would give anything to say that I am exactly the person and exude the nice things that people may say about me. Or the highly spiritual person others may look at me to be. But...may the truth be told and laid out so others can see that I too am just as human as the next person. But I have found that as the years are speeding by, that I no longer need or even desire to hide who I really am. Life is tough enough without having to pretend that we are something we aren't. And may I say there has been great freedom in that admission. So, if you catch me on a bad day, simply say, "thanks for just being you".
I have lied, I have stolen, I have been controlling, I have been a perfectionist, I have expected from others the same as I would have done, I have been a disappointment, I have not kept promises made, I have cut others off in traffick, I have argued with a sales clerk, I have screamed out the window to the person who stole my parking space, I have gossiped, I have failed in many areas, I have wanted what others have, I have rolled my eyes, I have kept an extremely dirty house, I have turned my eyes away from the homeless, I have not been a good doctor's patient, I have desired to not to live, I have given into people out of guilt, I have been rude, I have been drunk once, I have tried marijuana once, I have hidden dirty clothes thrown in a closet before company arrived, I have had a fender bender, I have intentionally hurt someone, I have had to apologize to many, I have denied others of my love, I have denied others of my time, I have denied others of my money, I have denied others of who I really am inside. And at this point in my life, all of 37 years, I have found that I really am not so bad. For I have sought forgiveness, received freedom and gained a greater sense of who I've been, and who I am becoming.
Many have shared very wonderful, warm, endearing and spiritual adjectives to who they think I am. I'm not saying that they may or may not be true, but if only I could maintain not so much the image, but know that I am those things positively stated and more. That when push comes to shove that I am more able to let things roll off my back more often, try not to take things so seriously or so personally, evaluate the words of others before reacting. It's not that there aren't improvements that I can make within myself. We can often fool ourselves in thinking we are being real, we are being what jesus, budha, muhammad, parents, spouses, friends asks of us, and we are holding up to the standard of a very contradictory society, and that we are being who we think others want us to be. No more! It's time to learn to be you, me, ourselves. I know there are some of you who truly are just yourselves, but for those of us who struggle in this area, we need to get over ourselves and move on from here. Simply be you, me, us, with no strings, guilt or self-depracating notions attached. Enjoy this new found freedom.•
"Touched by An Angel"•
We, unaccustomed to courage•
exiles from delight•
live coiled in shells of loneliness•
until love leaves its high holy temple•
and comes into our sight•
to liberate us into life.•
Love arrives•
and in its train come ecstasies•
old memories of pleasure•
ancient histories of pain.•
Yet if we are bold,•
love strikes away the chains of fear•
from our souls.•
We are weaned from our timidity•
In the flush of love's light•
we dare be brave•
And suddenly we see•
that love costs all we are•
and will ever be.•
Yet it is only love•
which sets us free."•
by Maya Angelou
I have lied, I have stolen, I have been controlling, I have been a perfectionist, I have expected from others the same as I would have done, I have been a disappointment, I have not kept promises made, I have cut others off in traffick, I have argued with a sales clerk, I have screamed out the window to the person who stole my parking space, I have gossiped, I have failed in many areas, I have wanted what others have, I have rolled my eyes, I have kept an extremely dirty house, I have turned my eyes away from the homeless, I have not been a good doctor's patient, I have desired to not to live, I have given into people out of guilt, I have been rude, I have been drunk once, I have tried marijuana once, I have hidden dirty clothes thrown in a closet before company arrived, I have had a fender bender, I have intentionally hurt someone, I have had to apologize to many, I have denied others of my love, I have denied others of my time, I have denied others of my money, I have denied others of who I really am inside. And at this point in my life, all of 37 years, I have found that I really am not so bad. For I have sought forgiveness, received freedom and gained a greater sense of who I've been, and who I am becoming.
Many have shared very wonderful, warm, endearing and spiritual adjectives to who they think I am. I'm not saying that they may or may not be true, but if only I could maintain not so much the image, but know that I am those things positively stated and more. That when push comes to shove that I am more able to let things roll off my back more often, try not to take things so seriously or so personally, evaluate the words of others before reacting. It's not that there aren't improvements that I can make within myself. We can often fool ourselves in thinking we are being real, we are being what jesus, budha, muhammad, parents, spouses, friends asks of us, and we are holding up to the standard of a very contradictory society, and that we are being who we think others want us to be. No more! It's time to learn to be you, me, ourselves. I know there are some of you who truly are just yourselves, but for those of us who struggle in this area, we need to get over ourselves and move on from here. Simply be you, me, us, with no strings, guilt or self-depracating notions attached. Enjoy this new found freedom.•
"Touched by An Angel"•
We, unaccustomed to courage•
exiles from delight•
live coiled in shells of loneliness•
until love leaves its high holy temple•
and comes into our sight•
to liberate us into life.•
Love arrives•
and in its train come ecstasies•
old memories of pleasure•
ancient histories of pain.•
Yet if we are bold,•
love strikes away the chains of fear•
from our souls.•
We are weaned from our timidity•
In the flush of love's light•
we dare be brave•
And suddenly we see•
that love costs all we are•
and will ever be.•
Yet it is only love•
which sets us free."•
by Maya Angelou
The Trinity: photo by michael
Posted by: kimthanh
This was a very interesting find, in an old, original Austrian farmhouse. This was hanging in the wall of the home in its original frame and position. This painting of the Trinity is thought to be what the real Trinity appears. This painting dates from 1860. It's condition appeared to be in mint condition.
If you have seen such a painting or image as such, please let us know. It would be interesting to know.
The talking wind: poetry by kim
Speak to me of my life•
Make it so I can understand•
Whisper the love that has embraced me•
Whisper the kindness of this one's sweetness•
Speak to me of my life•
Make it plain for me to see•
Show me visually where I have done wrong•
Show me visually how I may make it right•
Speak to me of my life•
Make it so that I can hear•
Sing to me the grace that I may grasp•
Sing to me the grace that I need and must extend•
Speak to me of my life•
Make it difficult or make it easy•
Speak to me of my life•
Make it so that I will always show love in the most possible ways•
Speak to me of my life•
Make me embrace the one that I am and grow in understanding to the one I will become•
Oh, you the spirit that takes shape as the wind•
Blow through this complicated being and cleanse me within•
Oh, you the spirit that takes shape as the wind•
Come sweep your loving and feather-soft hands across my furrowed brow•
Soften the wrinkles that show of my concerns in life•
Come swish your gentle body through this fragment of a figure so that it may be ready•
Ready to take in the love of others, the pain of others, tears of children, the loss of memory of old age, the broken hearted, the homeless wanderer, the rapist, the victim, the abandoned, the one in the darkness of their soul•
Blow through me so that I am no longer entrapped by my selfishness •
Blow me out so that I too may become like the spirit who takes shape as the wind •
So that I may bring peace to others, extend grace to others, to endure and love others, to help others in their very moment of need and most of all make time for others at all possible moments•
How quickly life can leave us and sometimes without a moment to say goodbye•
Oh, spirit that takes shape as the wind•
Please speak for me when I am gone so others will know I have loved, I have enjoyed, I have laughed, I have thought of them•
Oh, spirit you are marvelous in all your ways: through the wind, through my dreams, through my words, through my eyes, through my heart and most of all through my life•
Oh, spirit you have given me a wonderful and marvelous life•
I shall cherish it to the end•
Oh, spirit draw near and close to Michael always•
I whisper to him of my love in moments of despair, in moments we shared•
But when my time has come I know he will be in great pain•
Oh, spirit speak to his heart, his mind and comfort him of my love for him, forever more•
Blow your spirit through him of who we were together and what he will become•
I know you make me arise so that others will know that I have lived and loved in and through them•
Shalom,
Kim
Make it so I can understand•
Whisper the love that has embraced me•
Whisper the kindness of this one's sweetness•
Speak to me of my life•
Make it plain for me to see•
Show me visually where I have done wrong•
Show me visually how I may make it right•
Speak to me of my life•
Make it so that I can hear•
Sing to me the grace that I may grasp•
Sing to me the grace that I need and must extend•
Speak to me of my life•
Make it difficult or make it easy•
Speak to me of my life•
Make it so that I will always show love in the most possible ways•
Speak to me of my life•
Make me embrace the one that I am and grow in understanding to the one I will become•
Oh, you the spirit that takes shape as the wind•
Blow through this complicated being and cleanse me within•
Oh, you the spirit that takes shape as the wind•
Come sweep your loving and feather-soft hands across my furrowed brow•
Soften the wrinkles that show of my concerns in life•
Come swish your gentle body through this fragment of a figure so that it may be ready•
Ready to take in the love of others, the pain of others, tears of children, the loss of memory of old age, the broken hearted, the homeless wanderer, the rapist, the victim, the abandoned, the one in the darkness of their soul•
Blow through me so that I am no longer entrapped by my selfishness •
Blow me out so that I too may become like the spirit who takes shape as the wind •
So that I may bring peace to others, extend grace to others, to endure and love others, to help others in their very moment of need and most of all make time for others at all possible moments•
How quickly life can leave us and sometimes without a moment to say goodbye•
Oh, spirit that takes shape as the wind•
Please speak for me when I am gone so others will know I have loved, I have enjoyed, I have laughed, I have thought of them•
Oh, spirit you are marvelous in all your ways: through the wind, through my dreams, through my words, through my eyes, through my heart and most of all through my life•
Oh, spirit you have given me a wonderful and marvelous life•
I shall cherish it to the end•
Oh, spirit draw near and close to Michael always•
I whisper to him of my love in moments of despair, in moments we shared•
But when my time has come I know he will be in great pain•
Oh, spirit speak to his heart, his mind and comfort him of my love for him, forever more•
Blow your spirit through him of who we were together and what he will become•
I know you make me arise so that others will know that I have lived and loved in and through them•
Shalom,
Kim
Seinfeld wannabes: photo by jim
Posted by: kimthanh
Speaking of my travels, this experience and now the photo just gave me great joy as I am a huge fan of Seinfeld, as I'm sure many of you are as well. When I asked our friend Jim if he'd take us to the Seinfeld restaurant, I had no idea we'd be walking a thousand miles of New York pavement to get there. But it sure was worth it!!! As many of you know, this corner is used in the show. They actual location inside of the restaurant was never used. But of course, as Seinfeld fans you would already know this. It was still a kick in the pants to see it despite the August New York humidty.
Somewhat of a world traveler: photo by kim
Posted by: kimthanh
I have been blessed beyond words in my life. Between having been adopted, having grownup in a large family, having been asked to marry an amazing and talented man, and having been able to travel beyond California.
Thanks to my parents, Michael's family, one of Michael's old employers and finally a an anonymous person, I have been fortunate enough to see a bit of the world. My parents have taken me to Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Hawaii, Austria, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and finally Paris, France. I was able to travel with Michael to New Jersey (his 20th high school reunion) and then on to New York to visit our close friend and his old college roommate. Then with Michael's family I've been able to experience Virginia and the backwoods towns of Mississippi. Michael's old employer treated me to Vancouver, BC so that I could accompany him while he was on doing a press check there. Then anonymous treated us to a cruise to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerta Vallarta. Oh what fun I've had seeing a smidgeon of the world.
I feel extremely fortunate to have visited all of those places, experienced the various cultures, the terrain, the people, the customs, the amazing food, and the sights and sounds. I could never say thank you enough to all of those who have made it happen. And in keeping up with my taste for travel, foods, and cultures, I needed to photograph what I had experienced. The first time I went to Europe with my parents, I think I was too excited that I was going that I didn't think to take many photos. And I'm sure at that time in my life, they probably would not have turned out very well anyway. It's only been in the past five years that I finally have come to where I am now. And that isn't saying a whole lot. I have so much more room to grow and understand when it comes to photography. But for now I have a good foundation.
But fortunately I was able to return to Europe years later and capture somethings that I had seen and not seen in my prior trip. I know I can't take the photos with me when I'm gone, but just having the pure joy and reminder of those experiences is enough to sustain me in the here and now.
This photo is of Venice, Italy for those who may not have had the chance to travel.
I hope one day you are able to do a little or a lot of traveling before you leave this beautiful and rich world.
Shalom,
Kim
Canoe on Lester Beach: photo by michael
Posted by: kimthanh
I love how my husband, Michael and I have such similar taste when it comes to home decor, most movies, art work, and photography. He has a great eye for photographing subjects as well.
This was taken on Lester Beach, at D.L. Bliss State Park, in Tahoe. As you can see it was a perfect mountainous day.
I just love what his eyes captured and the amount of texture, color and lighting. That's my hubby! What a proud wife I am.
Lil Cowboy-Ponderosa Ranch
Posted by: kimthanh
I always try and ask permission from parents before taking a photo of a child because I want to honor their protective and parental right. But this lil cowboy's parents were too busy with their other kids to ask them. Digital cameras unfortunately have a delay before the clicking of the photo. So I had missed a few great shots of this cutie. But then I found my opportunity, once again, as he was so intent on picking up those rocks, that I was able to take this great shot with him in the foreground, the horses and the old-time firetruck in the background.
Kids are so amazing and beautifully innocent. Why do we have to grow up and become aware of our surroundings and ourselves? Staying innocent would certainly seem to make our lives a little freer.
Innocence is a virtue that only children are able to remind us of where we've strayed.
Monday, March 28, 2005
A face of homelessness: photo by kim
Posted by: kimthanh
I just love this photo. It speaks volumes. The sign itself speaks volumes. This was one evening that I will always remember. My friend Michelle is standing with Terrell in the photo. He had proposed to her while we stood talking to him for a half hour or so. I really love Terrell and enjoyed talking with him. We found out a great deal about him in that little amount of time. Though he was tipsy he was able to carry on quite the conversation with us.
I have not forgotten his name, his story nor his face. He has been inbedded in my heart forever. I think of him quite often in fact. I hope some day that I will be able to see him again. Where ever we may end up. I would like to find out what happened to him. He had dreams, he had a life, a girlfriend, a child, a job until he found himself with nothing one day. Now he drinks, dreams his dreams, hopes to marry someday and find the person he used to be.
His story may have been what stopped me the other night hanging out in downtown Chico, with some friends. I spotted this gal, Lisa, at the corner of 2nd and Broadway. You couldn't miss her. I walked passed her and then without a second thought returned to talk with her and find out her name, her situation and if I could do anything. She is pregnant with twins, she has two other children living with her gramma, until she can get back on her feet. She said she hasn't seen the doctor, so I'm not sure how she knows she has twins or whether she meant that she has not been to the doctor since finding out the pregnancy.
I was reminded of Terrell as I spoke with Lisa. She is beautiful. She told me where she hangs out and I told her I would be looking for her to check on how she was doing. She liked that.
She said she didn't need anything and that she was happy I stopped by. Someone had already brought her some pizza.
Please pray for Lisa and Terrell's situations.
Shalom,
Kim
Sunday, March 27, 2005
What does easter mean to you?
Unless We Too Have Risen : C. F. Blumhardt "So many people claim to believe in the Resurrection, and yet it means so little to them. It has no effect in their lives. It is not enough to celebrate Easter and say, that Christ is risen! Indeed, it is useless to proclaim it at all, unless at the same time we can say that we too have risen. The long passage of time has brought with it a temptation to keep on speaking about Good Friday without being moved by it. We hear about Christ's death, and we sit there bored, as if we were reading a newspaper. In fact, we would find a newspaper a good deal more interesting."
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Kitsa and me: photo by michael
Posted by: kimthanh
Many may already know we were given a cat. Her name is technically Kitsa now, but I was in such a rush to get a name tag for her that I ended up going with Pumpkin, as we both had talked about, though not truly confirmed in Michael's mind. Well, come to find out once I put the name tag on her, I soon began calling her Kitsa. Why? I really don't know but it ended up just matching who she is. So, now I will someday have to return to have a new name tag made with her correct name. She responds very well to Kitsa, but never to Pumpkin. So if she were lost out in the wide world, she wouldn't know her name was Pumpkin. Poor thing.
And on another note, being a childlless couple at this time, I have fortunately become quite attached to her. Though I always claimed I was a dog lover, not cats. Well, I was pondering mine and Kitsa's relationship the other day and soon realized how easy it is for couples to begin treating their pets as their children. Of course, I used to scoff at this idea. Well, the day has come and I would say I'm pretty close but not quite there with her in that way. But I could simply be kidding myself. It wouldn't be the first time. Ha! Ha!
Cabo pelican: photo by kim
Posted by: kimthanh
Cabo has many pelicans roosting and flying everywhere. It seems they see great opportunities because of the continued enclave of cruise tourists weekly, as well as the non-cruising tourists.
This was the only one perched on these boats that were tied up close from the ramp in which we were exiting the cruiseship.
Puerta Vallarta Jungle Snack: photo by kim
Posted by: kimthanh
To reach the destination where we ate this amazing and delicious 'snack', we took a bus ride and then we hiked a rather mild route through the dense jungle, crossed a great water hole, then to the hideaway restaurant with a great swimming hole with rock slide and rocks to jump from.
The food was sooo fresh, tasty and the best fish I had ever eaten and it was cheap! The salsa was hot, and a cold coka cola was available for our american palette.
Since my trip to Paris, France with my parents and one sister, Carrie, I have been taking photos of my meals. Some find it funny that I would photograph a dish or my meal, but often times it's because I just want to remember what it was I ate in those amazing restaurants, patisseries or street markets. And often times I have found that the dishes end up being so perfect as a subject to photograph.
Just the textures, the colors, the drinks, the utensils and plates only enhance the still life.
Food is a wonderful thing!
Bon Appetit!
I'm a purist
Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. I hope you are enjoying the writings and the photos. If you wish to use any of my photos, I ask that you send me a comment or email me with your request.
I don't mean to sound protective, but being only an amateur photographer, I feel I need to keep them under lock and key. Perhaps when I become a professional (cough, cough) then I will share my photos for free.
Until then just let me know if you have any requests for my photos and I would be very happy to pass them on to you.
One thing you may not know about me is that I am a purist. I struggle with photographers cropping their photos, particularly the professionals. What you see is what I took. What cropping has been done has been VERY minute. I am a believer of taking exactly what I took. Of course, sometimes I will not get the exact photo I thought I had, but I ALWAYS strive to take what I have observed. So, what photos you see on my blog are originals and taken how I saw them.
I hope you will continue to enjoy them and my writings.
Please let me know if you have suggestions to make it even better. Any and all suggestions are welcome.
Thank you for visiting and your support.
Enjoy!
Shalom,
Kim
I don't mean to sound protective, but being only an amateur photographer, I feel I need to keep them under lock and key. Perhaps when I become a professional (cough, cough) then I will share my photos for free.
Until then just let me know if you have any requests for my photos and I would be very happy to pass them on to you.
One thing you may not know about me is that I am a purist. I struggle with photographers cropping their photos, particularly the professionals. What you see is what I took. What cropping has been done has been VERY minute. I am a believer of taking exactly what I took. Of course, sometimes I will not get the exact photo I thought I had, but I ALWAYS strive to take what I have observed. So, what photos you see on my blog are originals and taken how I saw them.
I hope you will continue to enjoy them and my writings.
Please let me know if you have suggestions to make it even better. Any and all suggestions are welcome.
Thank you for visiting and your support.
Enjoy!
Shalom,
Kim
Friday, March 25, 2005
Emerald Bay: photo by kim
Posted by: kimthanh
Tahoe is a very special place for me because I had the great opportunity to work for one of the State Parks, D.L. Bliss, on the West Shore of Tahoe, for five consecutive summers. I was a park aid and LOVED it. Besides, the outdoors is one of my ways of connecting with who I am, and with god, there was no better place for me than this area called the Lake of the Sky.
Emerald Bay, in particular, is very special to me because it is where Michael proposed to me 14 and a half years ago. Actually we were on another area of the bay called Eagle Falls. So, this June, we will have been married 14 years.
And so, Tahoe has become our place to play, camp and relax.
Sailing Cabo: photo by kim
Posted by: kimthanh
This day out on the ocean was so magnificent! The sky was cloudless, the air was warm, but cool enough when on the water.
Lots of photos were taken out on the catamaran, but this is one particular photo I liked.
Local Cabo Woman: photo by kim
Posted by: kimthanh
I love this photo. This was taken on our way back to the cruise ship in Cabo. She is not the original local that I wanted to photograph, but we were in a hurry, I guess, when we passed by this really amazing, and apple doll-faced local. I was convinced by the others that we could get her photo on our way back to the ship, but as it turned out she wasn't at the port by the time we returned later that day. I was so disappointed but then this little local was walking passed us and I HAD to stop and get her photo.
I had to pay to take her photo, but she and the few she was in company with only wanted a dollar. So snap away I went and this is what I got. I just think she is adorable.
Fort Point: photo by kim
Posted by: kimthanh
This was a fun day and knowing I got a great picture of the bridge just sweetened it even more.
Fort Point was closing for the day at this point and I wanted to be sure I got some good shots in before we drove away.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Running Feet: photo by kim
I captured only the bottom half of this child running because it is what seemed to connect him and me.
It was as if I was catching a glimpse of myself running along in the ocean water.
Its image speaks of being so carefree and days of such glorious innocence.
It was as if I was catching a glimpse of myself running along in the ocean water.
Its image speaks of being so carefree and days of such glorious innocence.
For the love of reading
I don't remember quite when I really 'decided' that I enjoyed reading for readings sake. But I know that I have my mom to thank in that area. She always allowed us to read a half hour in bed before we had to turn out the lights. Since I have had my health problems, this has allowed me the unguilty pleasure of going to the library or to Barnes and Noble's bargain section and picking up books galore!
The list on this blog site is only a smidgeon of what I've read this past year. But I had forgotten to write out my list in the early part of the year, so I can't remember all that have passed through my fingers at this time. But I have enjoyed a wide variety of topics. I definitely am a reader of autobiographies, memoirs and non-fiction. I enjoy some fiction, mostly the classics, but I tend to reach for non-fiction as I like to peer into other's lives and see what has made that author who she or he is.
But I also have been able to explore more books on cultures, history, specific people groups, as well as rereading some of the classics that I haven't picked up in years. Grapes of Wrath just won me over once again. Steinbeck's writing just evokes an inner light that melts with my heart strings. I just finished Animal Farm last night. I had not read it since high school and reread it with new and experienced eyes and mind. That was a great and quick read. If you haven't picked up the book, Blindness, by Jose Saragamo you are missing out. He is a Nobel Prize author and I can see why. In truth, I thought the book was bit hard to read initially, as I had to be sure to catch all the characters, nuances, and literary language. But it didn't take long for me to appreciate the magnitude of the book and the essence of it's meaning. This is one book that I read very slowly so that I could really savor all that was being written.
Schindler's List is one I had yet to read but I am so glad I did. The movie was great don't get me wrong, but reading word for word the heartbreak, the pain, the stigma, the corruption, the incomprehensible era of our times just doesn't get any better. The literary journey is just a gift for me. I love being invoked, evoked, provoked and filled with the words of other's minds, lives, experiences and personalities.
My next book, now that I've just finished Anne Lamott's newest release, Plan B Further Thoughts on Faith, is Jose Saragamo's Journey to Portugal. Anne Lamott is a must read author. I really enjoy her humor, her authenticity and style of writing. Her new book can be found at Barnes and Noble for 30% off the retail price plus % 10 more if you're a member of B&N. Pick it up today!
So, what have you read lately or in the past? Anything that you would recommend? I would love to know. I am so excited. I have a handful of books that I picked up for a dollar each, somewhere and soon look forward to being captivated by each of them.
If you look on this sight where and click on Nobel Prize-it will take you to their sight for some educational information, as well as NP authors. There you can find who they are and what they have written, and pick up one of their books for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!
May you find the joy of reading in whatever form. Just be sure to keep reading to help stimulate the mind and gain new literary experiences.
Shalom,
Kim
The list on this blog site is only a smidgeon of what I've read this past year. But I had forgotten to write out my list in the early part of the year, so I can't remember all that have passed through my fingers at this time. But I have enjoyed a wide variety of topics. I definitely am a reader of autobiographies, memoirs and non-fiction. I enjoy some fiction, mostly the classics, but I tend to reach for non-fiction as I like to peer into other's lives and see what has made that author who she or he is.
But I also have been able to explore more books on cultures, history, specific people groups, as well as rereading some of the classics that I haven't picked up in years. Grapes of Wrath just won me over once again. Steinbeck's writing just evokes an inner light that melts with my heart strings. I just finished Animal Farm last night. I had not read it since high school and reread it with new and experienced eyes and mind. That was a great and quick read. If you haven't picked up the book, Blindness, by Jose Saragamo you are missing out. He is a Nobel Prize author and I can see why. In truth, I thought the book was bit hard to read initially, as I had to be sure to catch all the characters, nuances, and literary language. But it didn't take long for me to appreciate the magnitude of the book and the essence of it's meaning. This is one book that I read very slowly so that I could really savor all that was being written.
Schindler's List is one I had yet to read but I am so glad I did. The movie was great don't get me wrong, but reading word for word the heartbreak, the pain, the stigma, the corruption, the incomprehensible era of our times just doesn't get any better. The literary journey is just a gift for me. I love being invoked, evoked, provoked and filled with the words of other's minds, lives, experiences and personalities.
My next book, now that I've just finished Anne Lamott's newest release, Plan B Further Thoughts on Faith, is Jose Saragamo's Journey to Portugal. Anne Lamott is a must read author. I really enjoy her humor, her authenticity and style of writing. Her new book can be found at Barnes and Noble for 30% off the retail price plus % 10 more if you're a member of B&N. Pick it up today!
So, what have you read lately or in the past? Anything that you would recommend? I would love to know. I am so excited. I have a handful of books that I picked up for a dollar each, somewhere and soon look forward to being captivated by each of them.
If you look on this sight where and click on Nobel Prize-it will take you to their sight for some educational information, as well as NP authors. There you can find who they are and what they have written, and pick up one of their books for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!
May you find the joy of reading in whatever form. Just be sure to keep reading to help stimulate the mind and gain new literary experiences.
Shalom,
Kim
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
We're not much different than the 'Animal Farm'
"'Comrades!' he cried. 'You do not imagine, I hope, that we pigs are doing this in a spirit of selfishness and privilege? Many of us actually dislike milk and apples. I dislike them myself. Our sole object in taking these things is to preserve our health. Milk and apples (this has been proven by Science, comrades) contain substances absolutely necessary to the well-being of a pig. We pigs are brainworkers. The whole management and organisation of this farm depend on us. Day and night we are watching over your welfare. It is for YOUR sake that we drink that milk and eat those apples. Do you know what would happen if we pigs failed in our duty? Jones would come back! Yes, Jones would come back!....surely there is no one among you who wants to see Jones come back?'" An excerpt taken from Animal Farm by George Orwell
I felt this passage carries on the idea of America being the land of the free, the keeper of the pot of gold, and yet we have made some grave mistakes in how we use our resources and 'feeding' ourselves first, in order to be the givers that look good, while the rest of the world awaits for America to 'save' them because that is the kind of precedent we have set and continue to play out. Our ego is as huge as our errors.
god continues to bless america despite it's egocentricism.
thank god for grace.
shalom,
kim
I felt this passage carries on the idea of America being the land of the free, the keeper of the pot of gold, and yet we have made some grave mistakes in how we use our resources and 'feeding' ourselves first, in order to be the givers that look good, while the rest of the world awaits for America to 'save' them because that is the kind of precedent we have set and continue to play out. Our ego is as huge as our errors.
god continues to bless america despite it's egocentricism.
thank god for grace.
shalom,
kim
Labyrinth of Life
May a candle be lit for every life that lives in want of food, shelter, affection, medicine, clothing, reprieve from their current conditions, a warm body, love, dignity and acknowledgment.
May their light within never be extinguished because of a lack of such things.
Those in want somehow find joy and faith while those of us with much are searching for meaning.
written: 3.2.05
Shalom,
Kim
May their light within never be extinguished because of a lack of such things.
Those in want somehow find joy and faith while those of us with much are searching for meaning.
written: 3.2.05
Shalom,
Kim
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Tahoe Pine: photo by kim
Oh, I wish I were in Tahoe right now! 'Tis home to me by far. I just love the smell of the pines, the mountain air, swimming in the Lake, sitting around a campfire-taking in the smell, the flicker and the fanning of the crackling flames. I love snuggling with my hubby in our shelter-far from the mosquitos and June bugs.
The morning air and dusk are absolutely my favorite times of the day when in Tahoe. I remember one summer (of many) when I went hiking on one of the trails by myself, and a thunder storm welcomed me as I approached the edge of the woods. I heard the crackling of the thunder clap, I inhaled the smell of the moisture, and welcomed the rain that came pouring down. I was naive to be out on the trail by myself and had not told a soul I of my where abouts, but I knew that nothing, nothing could happen to me at that moment, as I felt the presence of god joining me in the incredible show of a mountain thunderstorm. The pinetrees welcomed the droplets, the golden mantle squirrels scurried to find their shelter, the pine needles underfoot softened my rumbling footsteps as I ran through the woods toward the water's edge, to observe the storm crossing over the Lake from one end to the other. It was amazing and beautiful.
'Tis my home by far and yet I am only able to visit this place I love so once (or maybe twice) a year, but always feeling the same, in love and one with this incredible beauty called Lake Tahoe.
Save Lake Tahoe. Save one of California's most precious destinations for all.
The morning air and dusk are absolutely my favorite times of the day when in Tahoe. I remember one summer (of many) when I went hiking on one of the trails by myself, and a thunder storm welcomed me as I approached the edge of the woods. I heard the crackling of the thunder clap, I inhaled the smell of the moisture, and welcomed the rain that came pouring down. I was naive to be out on the trail by myself and had not told a soul I of my where abouts, but I knew that nothing, nothing could happen to me at that moment, as I felt the presence of god joining me in the incredible show of a mountain thunderstorm. The pinetrees welcomed the droplets, the golden mantle squirrels scurried to find their shelter, the pine needles underfoot softened my rumbling footsteps as I ran through the woods toward the water's edge, to observe the storm crossing over the Lake from one end to the other. It was amazing and beautiful.
'Tis my home by far and yet I am only able to visit this place I love so once (or maybe twice) a year, but always feeling the same, in love and one with this incredible beauty called Lake Tahoe.
Save Lake Tahoe. Save one of California's most precious destinations for all.
Baby, The Rain Must Fall
I am a true lover of the falling rain. The rain breathes life in all things. It breeds mosquitos that help make up the feel of summer (though I could do without), the rain speaks of loves lost and loves gained, it wreaks havoc on those who forget how to drive when the roads are slick, it drowns out the sound of the frogs who are enthralled with the downpour of a winters rain, the rain delays tennis matches, delays baseball games, makes parents think their children will catch a cold by playing in the rain or jumping in the puddles, the falling of the rain creates a an orchestra of beautiful music whether it hits the siding of your house, the speeding of the windshield, the tin siding of your outdoor storage shed, or the toys you forgot to bring in before it began to rain.
The rain makes me think of countries that so desperately need it for production of food and survival, the rain makes me think of the monsoons that destroy year after year those in its path, the rain makes me think of how amazing the idea of moisture, that turns in to water droplets that come from a darkened sky or sometimes comes down through a sky bespeckled by the sun shining through the clouds, and yet I think we take for granted the very essence of what the rain really evokes in the cycle of life, despite all of it's downfalls (no pun intended here).
So whether you love it or hate or prefer the blazing sun, we could never do without it regardless.
The rain makes me think of countries that so desperately need it for production of food and survival, the rain makes me think of the monsoons that destroy year after year those in its path, the rain makes me think of how amazing the idea of moisture, that turns in to water droplets that come from a darkened sky or sometimes comes down through a sky bespeckled by the sun shining through the clouds, and yet I think we take for granted the very essence of what the rain really evokes in the cycle of life, despite all of it's downfalls (no pun intended here).
So whether you love it or hate or prefer the blazing sun, we could never do without it regardless.
Cayucos Wave Out: photo by kim
The beauty of the ocean in 3-D. It has an amazing smell, the feel of the wave on your feet, the tassling of your hair and upon your face of the windswept salty air, the sand beneath your feet-getting caught bewteen the toes, the sound of the waves crashing, along with the sound of the wind passing by your ears, and finally the abundant life below the foaming liquid with great mystery and pure inspiration, in order for us to grasp understanding. I love how you don't need 3-D glasses to experience and observe up close and personal the beauty of this natural phenomenon.
In observing the amazing crashing of the waves-landing on shore and then return back out to sea, have you ever stopped to observe the sheen, and the life that gets left behind once the wave has gone back out? I wanted to see what I would capture as the wave return back to the sea and this is what I captured.
In observing the amazing crashing of the waves-landing on shore and then return back out to sea, have you ever stopped to observe the sheen, and the life that gets left behind once the wave has gone back out? I wanted to see what I would capture as the wave return back to the sea and this is what I captured.
Monday, March 21, 2005
Moving on from a tomboy
Well, at the age of 37 I still get the question of what year in high school am I. Quite a compliment I might say! Though the years, the sun and life have added years to my once supple and unblemished skin. The crows feet have landed when I smile these days, and I have now begun to wear foundation, to cover the uneven tones now clearly visible to the naked eye.
Gone now are the days of my tomboyish charm to only now be replaced by a somewhat womanly way of thinking - floral patterns, the color pink, regular appointments at the hair salon, limiting my days of grandma underroos (though no thongs, thank you), more conscious about 'looking good' out in public (though haven't quite made it to actually doing it on a regular basis just yet), carrying a purse instead of a backpack, purchasing a little coin purse with my first name initial, and actually carrying myself a bit more like a lady than a tomboy, meaning sitting with my legs crossed or tucked in more often then spread eagle.
Gone are the days of my need for climbing places of great heights, needing to act like 'one of the boys', having less and less males as friends (which perplexes me somewhat), desiring to wear boxy t'shirts, wanting a man's figure and not what I have, wanting to have been born a boy but now realizing that I just need to embrace what little feminity I do have and let it shine through in all its glory. Thank goodness my husband loves me regardless!
Who knew I'd be having this sort of identity crisis? I thought I would be able to have the best of both worlds but soon realized the two worlds crash and are not capable of coinciding with one another in true harmony. Whatever that means...
But I'm needing to finally take it like a woman and allow myself to become the woman that I am and was made to be. It should be interesting as time goes by.
Gone are the days of excuses for doing extreme and stupid things (jumping off roof tops, off tops of trees, skiing down the Black Diamond slopes instead of the Blue Diamond slopes I was actually rated for). There's a loss of innocence, loss of reason to hang out with 'the guys', loss of the impish tomboyish grin and twinkle of the eye. Now only to be replaced by the feminine allure of my girlish grin and coyish posture.
Ode to thy tomboyish ways. To ye with thy tassled hair, dirty hands, skinned knees, and freedom of spirit. Thy ways have received the whirling of winds, the crackling of thy leaves under thine's footing, The trees awaited for thee to be climbed, hugged, and to be thy source of thy foundation from the ground ye below. Ode to thy tomboyish ways, thee sun shined on thy days and the moon brightened the start of dusk as thee roamed from here to there. Ode to the days of old, but may thee sun shine even brighter to thy new ways and look thee back with a gush of thine's satisfaction.
Moving on as a woman...
Gone now are the days of my tomboyish charm to only now be replaced by a somewhat womanly way of thinking - floral patterns, the color pink, regular appointments at the hair salon, limiting my days of grandma underroos (though no thongs, thank you), more conscious about 'looking good' out in public (though haven't quite made it to actually doing it on a regular basis just yet), carrying a purse instead of a backpack, purchasing a little coin purse with my first name initial, and actually carrying myself a bit more like a lady than a tomboy, meaning sitting with my legs crossed or tucked in more often then spread eagle.
Gone are the days of my need for climbing places of great heights, needing to act like 'one of the boys', having less and less males as friends (which perplexes me somewhat), desiring to wear boxy t'shirts, wanting a man's figure and not what I have, wanting to have been born a boy but now realizing that I just need to embrace what little feminity I do have and let it shine through in all its glory. Thank goodness my husband loves me regardless!
Who knew I'd be having this sort of identity crisis? I thought I would be able to have the best of both worlds but soon realized the two worlds crash and are not capable of coinciding with one another in true harmony. Whatever that means...
But I'm needing to finally take it like a woman and allow myself to become the woman that I am and was made to be. It should be interesting as time goes by.
Gone are the days of excuses for doing extreme and stupid things (jumping off roof tops, off tops of trees, skiing down the Black Diamond slopes instead of the Blue Diamond slopes I was actually rated for). There's a loss of innocence, loss of reason to hang out with 'the guys', loss of the impish tomboyish grin and twinkle of the eye. Now only to be replaced by the feminine allure of my girlish grin and coyish posture.
Ode to thy tomboyish ways. To ye with thy tassled hair, dirty hands, skinned knees, and freedom of spirit. Thy ways have received the whirling of winds, the crackling of thy leaves under thine's footing, The trees awaited for thee to be climbed, hugged, and to be thy source of thy foundation from the ground ye below. Ode to thy tomboyish ways, thee sun shined on thy days and the moon brightened the start of dusk as thee roamed from here to there. Ode to the days of old, but may thee sun shine even brighter to thy new ways and look thee back with a gush of thine's satisfaction.
Moving on as a woman...
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Cayucos Beach Bird: photo by kim
Some times it's the simplest of beauty that can take your breath away. And often times these are just fleeting moments. To capture such a moment was truly a blessing.
Local Cayucos Fisherman: photo by kim
Too many times we walk past someone or something that could have a story or simply be of a moment's interest. I asked to take this fisherman's photo because I just thought he was so cute, and through my eyes, had great portrait appeal. I also found out, by talking with him that he was a local fisherman and a Philippino. I could have simply walked past him, but I am so glad I didn't. He made my day in many ways.
Friday, March 18, 2005
Thoughts from a simple minded idealist
"Nonviolence is the law of the human race and is infinitely greater than, and superior to, brute force. " -- M.K.Gandhi
When will we ever just be able to get along with one another?
Life can be so cruel already without man's intentional decisions to cause harm on one another. When will it all stop?
You'd think we would have had enough with all of the blood that has been shed from the beginning of time until now, and yet more bloodshed, continued hunger, poverty, continued wars, continued ownership of land for oil, continued killing off of species, of indigenious peoples, all because we are so DAMN prideful and greedy beings. This has got to stop!!!!
When will it stop? Why won't it stop? It HAS GOT TO STOP!
When will we ever just be able to get along with one another?
Life can be so cruel already without man's intentional decisions to cause harm on one another. When will it all stop?
You'd think we would have had enough with all of the blood that has been shed from the beginning of time until now, and yet more bloodshed, continued hunger, poverty, continued wars, continued ownership of land for oil, continued killing off of species, of indigenious peoples, all because we are so DAMN prideful and greedy beings. This has got to stop!!!!
When will it stop? Why won't it stop? It HAS GOT TO STOP!
Friday Night Quote
"The things about newer friends is that they have so little reference. You might give them the synopsis of the life you've led up until the point they met you. But it doesn't quite sink in, not really. How could it? Your past is only a story for them." Excerpt from: The Interpreter a novel by Suki Kim
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Pouring Forth
Pouring forth from the depth of the soul:
In the desert with blowing sand, in the rain barefoot, in creativity with artistic passion, in voice with much to speak of, in welcoming arms willing to share their lives, in words for those willing to take in, in photos of unseen captivity, in love til death do us part, in rhyme with no reason, in poetic justice for those living unjustly, in the forest under a safe canopy of brooding arms, in the heart that is restless for much adventure and misadventures, in the eyes that they may see and do all that is of me, for me in the past, the present and and all that I was created to be and am becoming.
In the desert with blowing sand, in the rain barefoot, in creativity with artistic passion, in voice with much to speak of, in welcoming arms willing to share their lives, in words for those willing to take in, in photos of unseen captivity, in love til death do us part, in rhyme with no reason, in poetic justice for those living unjustly, in the forest under a safe canopy of brooding arms, in the heart that is restless for much adventure and misadventures, in the eyes that they may see and do all that is of me, for me in the past, the present and and all that I was created to be and am becoming.
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