flipturn

For today's picture, I captured one of my favorite things: a flip-turn. I stuck my camera in a plastic bag and tried to capture an SIU swimmer slap the wall with his feet on one of his many flip-turns. Although it is not the best picture, the gesture is there. These swimmers are so practiced at this that it is simply a joy observe.

Plus or Minus 154 years

Yesterday I was at Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge. I found this gravestone interesting. I wonder if Elizabeth could imagine how the world would change in the 154 years since she died. I wonder how the world will be in 154 years. It would probably blow my mind.

graffiti

I love graffiti. There is not much of it around Carbondale, but keep your eyes open and you can find it. This piece of artwork is on a metal door of a utility building close to Morris Library. I like the Mohawk and the cigarette along with the bored expression on the punk’s face. Could this be homage to Sid Vicious?

Is there any graffiti that you would like to share?

For Special Guests

Special Guests are wonderful.

Lennon/McCartney

For a moment today I realized how to let go. This insight came in the form of a Beatles’ song while I was thinking about my frustrating morning, “Let it be. Let it be. Let it be. Yeah! Let it be.”

I love the idea of equanimity, and up until noon, it was mostly just that: a concept. I can’t express what I felt, but it was liberating.

Today’s picture is of one of my favorite people: Steve. He is in his morning routine. What a lovely setup he has, a sunny window, a green plant, a computer (with my blog on it!), and beautiful artwork. It is a nice, inspirational scene. Hope you enjoy it too.

The Zen of Picture of the Day

I take a picture everyday to remind me to be aware of not only my environment, but also of time. A photograph captures a moment and that is what I try to do with meditation: to be fully present in the moment without ego, fear, and expectations. This is hard because I worry about the past, plan for the future, etc. When my mind is running around everyplace like a spastic child, it is difficult to be here calmly. With practice both picture-of-the-day and meditation will come easier. After that, the writing.

Thanks for all the encouragement and feedback! I encourage you to try meditating for a few minutes or taking a picture every day for one week! Let me know how you like it.

Patriotism (mine)

With today’s Picture of the Day, I want to express my deep gratitude to the people of my country who helped Barack Obama become the 44th President of the United States. I was one of millions of people who went door-to-door because I strongly believed that Barack Obama could lead the United States with optimism, foresight, intelligence, and humility.

What is patriotism? Pride? What does flying the flag signify? I’m still not sure. Is it to support our military and the people who have given their lives in battles? That is how a recent flag raising ceremony that I attended was conducted. It did leave me with a feeling that there is so much more to our country. No disrespect for the military or those who serve. I asked my husband who was in the military if that was the purpose of the flag.

And I believe that I got my answer today as I walked down a stairwell viewing the flags of the United States, POW-MIA, and Illinois. I projected my meaning onto the flags and I was proud: proud that enough people cared and believed in democracy to elect Barack Obama as our new president. To me the flag represents the ideals that Barack spoke about in his brilliant speech. These ideals are: “hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true.” That is what the flag represents to me, especially on this wonderful day.