Old school business lunch Chicago-style.
spark and awe
an exploration and streaming from the inside out
* redwoodraven holds the copyrights to all of images and words unless otherwise has been expressed. feel free to contact me at redwoodraven7@gmail.com
* redwoodraven holds the copyrights to all of images and words unless otherwise has been expressed. feel free to contact me at redwoodraven7@gmail.com
My photos have been included in a new book!!!: “A Room With A View: Compilation of iPhone Shots From All Over The World”. The editor is the wonderful @mifjuz and includes the work of stellar Instagram photographers! I am so proud, and humbled to be included in such a beautiful collection. Gratitude and love to Millo and all of the featured Instagram talent:
@spybou @galgibaga @murcielaguillo @nicky127 @gorgonzolat
@tenebrogg @harrington69 @mauricioherrero @journeyofnow
@cryingjune @mifjuz @skeide @thomas_k @dimitriskarathanos
@nimnom @vitchub @mikhomisho @nialloleary @kainxs @vershu
@saturninofarandola @avantgraph @trochou.
The link to the book webpage is http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2351179.
CLEARCUT
It has been one year exactly since I exited the doors of the corporation I worked for for over thirteen years. While being laid off was one of the most traumatic experiences of my life, I wouldn’t wish it to be otherwise. Once I had worked my way up to a position of high financial responsibility in an office rife with politics and dishonesty, my spirit began to suffer. My body as well.
In the past year, I worked on a small organic farm, from spring through halloween. I listened to birds’ wingbeats and song. I watched seeds become massive photosynthesizing machines, and tiny fluffs become magnificent meat and laying birds. I employed my body in challenging new ways - nurturing and harvesting the whole lot. On Saturdays, we built a display of our bounty, exchanged food for money or food stamps, and communed with the locals. The outdoor kitchen was a challenge - but kept us acclimated and in-tune. I watched as a young family raised their children without plastic toys or television. I admired their creative, original thinking, and strength of character.
I have also spent time with family. Real, good time. Not a quick trip through town. Instead: easy, spontaneous. I helped my eldest brother with his business. Took my niece to the beach. Stood still, down-trail from a wild bobcat near the ocean while she sat and watched me. Saw three owls in the wild. Snowshoed to the top of the ridge behind the family cabin, through blizzard and the remains of the big fire. Shared time in the snowy woods with A, building fires and playing cards. Stood by while my younger brother won big at the blackjack tables. Knitted for my mother while sitting in my best friend’s house in the city. Hiked the crazy staircases of Bernal Heights and watched the moon rise. Listened to my mother play piano, tell stories, laugh.
Since then, I’ve been more focused on trying to figure out what’s next. Unfortunately, the farm plan fell through. Though, I did learn a great deal from those few months of business start-up experience. A grant-writing course I took is nearly complete. And I’ve been taking a very large amount of photographs.
The best thing about 2011 is my freedom. I’m not quite sure where it’s going next… but I’m excited to unfold it.
Jonathan Swift
“
Instead of dirt and poison, we have chosen to fill our hives with honey and wax; thus furnishing mankind with the noblest of things, which are sweetness and light.
”
rain for a soundtrack. cold seeps in through windows unsheltered (to capture as much light as the grey will allow). i put on my wool slippers and boil water for tea.
it’s been a quiet couple weeks since my dream of a farm (and being my own boss) died. the farm partnership failed before the seedlings could reach light. in the emptiness of mourning and doubt, i have accomplished little. sleep trouble. anger. lethargy. tears.
i know it will pass. don’t need anyone to tell me that.
the hard part is seeing the light. relating to the ideas of confidence, purpose, drive. i just don’t relate right now. my momentum was blind-sided. my hope was snuffed. my purpose kicked in the gut.
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