Sunday, February 1, 2009

"A Quiet Sunday"
5:23pm


A couple more scenes from yesterday's Faire:
The colorful benches are new, for the last couple of years, we sat on hay bales.


Yes, that's a sword she's balancing on her head. (I bet she wouldn't try that heavy axe that's behind her!)

Neither Julia nor I are sharing the 'Super Bowl' frenzy that is going on. Oh, I hope the team from Arizona wins, but I'll be content to hear about it tomorrow. We've had quietly productive pursuits today. I framed a couple of pictures and changed out the pictures on one wall. A few remained from the previous arrangement, some were retired and two new ones were added:


I bought a red frame for the new Set picture

9:07pm

I went to Wikipedia to hunt for something else. I got distracted by an old timey thumbnail photo in the sidebar, and learned it was of James Joyce, so honored because today is the 87th anniversary of the day his "novel Ulysses was first published in its entirety." I've never read anything by this author, whose "method of stream of consciousness, literary allusions and free dream associations was pushed to the limit" and regarded by some as "usylessly unreadable". Apparently he demands the reader know as many languages as he did to get all of his puns, which is quite some punishment to inflict upon the unsuspecting.

But his schnozzola made for an interesting draw:

Monday, February 2, 2009 A

"Nightmare"
5:58am

What a nightmare!

First, I am walking in a very bad neighborhood, with all sorts of graffiti, then I'm in a tall hotel. There's some kind of argument, (or maybe heated discussion), then I have to go to the toilet. I'm on the toilet, doing my thing, when I come to my own conclusion in the argument. "In the end, it's the insurance companies who will rule the world."

As I finish the last poop, part of the building falls. The bathroom is now on its side. I'm still okay. But then this falling starts a domino effect. Eventually the whole building falls. I start trying to work my way outside. I hear voices, others are doing this. So I climb up, floor layer through floor layer. Eventually I can see daylight. I have only a tiny bit more climbing. I throw my purple clad pillow over the sharp edges, hoist myself up and over, and see the ground below. I have only one leap left, and I will be on the ground. It is a verdant jungle, full of life and fresh air.

I woke, needing to poop, of course...

What does it mean? The fall of our current civilization? When I told Julia the dream, she pointed out that I might have heard an argument in my sleep. We do have loud and occasionally argumentive neighbors. The green jungle is a good sign, though.

Monday, February 2, 2009 B

"Strength"
10:48pm

_Strength_

It is not just 'size of muscle'
that determines strength -
(Muscles are visible,
and certainly get a job done:
Lift, carry, move, throw,
not all work, it can be fun.)
There is the invisible strength,
that which urges, surges forth -
From the depth of our being,
an exultation so freeing,
a pride that brings power -
This is true source.
Animal-fierce,
roaring inferno,
heat of the hunt,
relentless force,
this is the core,
strength's center.
But what wraps around it?
What surrounds and bounds
the beast?
A gentle hand embraces,
caresses and,
from the heart, loves.
Beast then purrs low and deep,
strength quietly coiled,
ready if needed, sure,
re-assured and content.
The touch of love
tames the savage,
keeps him close.
He'll serve well.

- Joan Lansberry

Thursday, February 5, 2009

"In This Source"
5:23am

Just a sober and humble attempt at understanding...

At the point
of here and now,
reason and hope meet.
It is not with hands of flesh,
that you open the books of mystery,
something reaches beyond,
beyond all that's ever been said,
to the unseen words behind the words.
Create we the gods in our own image?
we do,
and in this source, nearer to the Source,
we may have understanding.

What am I trying to say? If someone sees vengence everywhere, he will see a bully god by whatever name he gives that god. But if his heart is attuned to Ma'at (truth, beauty and balance), he will see a just god, friend to mankind (if the man is 'kind' and able to perceive it), by whatever name he calls that god.

I also took time for a quick drawing this morning:


Source image this wise and happy face

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