Edge
There is a precipice at the edge of sanity.
Cold, hard and sharp
it stretches out a panoramic view,
a brilliant abyss.
Dragons dance and demons whisper
sweet and warm,
secrets of
damning
delight.
Strings, then threads are cut
with a witless edge.
Weaving time without a hem.
The silence calls, beckons,
invites the comfort of
oblivion.
So simple to take the step —
a leap of bounds,
letting
go.
I’m back in school for the summer. This time as a legitimate Anthropology major! The grand poohbahs of our illustrious higher institute of local learning finally gave way to to onslaught of well-prepared documentation offered up by some very determined professors and here we are.
I have three to four more anthro classes to take to finish out my degree (along with three other classes I sorta missed on my first go round in college), so I will be throughly immersed in research, interview and surveys for the next year. It sounds sarcastic when I write it out, but I really do love this stuff, and that brings me to my point and, as Ellen DeGeneres says, I do have one.
I am conducting a survey about food metaphors and similes. I’m trying to get a cross range of what the different types of food references people make in their specific cultures. Things like “cool as a cucumber” or “Her skin was like milk.” or “He has a pig on his head” (that one is apparently from Persian culture). I put the survey up on my FaceBook page, but the responses have been minimal and not exactly what I was hoping to receive – at least so far.
The best ones I have seen have come from people who were born out of the United States.That got me thinking. How could I expand my survey where it would reach more people outside of the States? Then it hit me – WordPress! It reaches so many people from so many cultures around the world, I just might stand a good chance of getting some really cool responses.
So, if you are so inclined and you would like to participate in my research paper, please feel free to take the survey. It’s entirely voluntary, completely anonymous and only for my university paper. If you do take it, please answer ALL the questions the best you can – I really do want to hear other cultures take on food! If you prefer not to take it, that’s okay too – I’ll see you in just a little with the weekly photo challenge! Thanks!
Link: http://augustastate.us2.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_5pcsMpGkaFLDz5X
I am an art snob.
So what am I snobbish about? Signatures. Yep, signing of one’s name in a large and can’t helped to be noticed spot in an otherwise perfectly fine piece of work.
Being part of the Post a Week Photo Challenge has been fun. I’ve seen some amazing photographic images and had the opportunity to exchange comments with people from all over the world. The interpretations of the conceptual themes being thrown to us have been inventive, creative and exciting. There is but one thing that grinds on me though. Those dang signatures.
Signatures that distract from the beauty and design of the images. There have been many photos I would loved to have “liked” or commented on, but held back because the creator had splattered their signature or logo so conspicuously that the whole of the work was compromised.
A photograph is a delicate thing even when it shows harsh subjects. It’s a balancing act of light and emotion. There’s nothing like trying to sink into an image that portrays comfort and having your eye jarred by a contradiction of an inelegant copy write symbol.
I understand the want to make sure that intellectual property is protected. There are thieves in every walk of life and with all the photoshop programs out there it really doesn’t matter. They will take what they want. It doesn’t matter that Olin Mills is stamped in every corner.
A wise professor and accomplished painter once told her students that we, as artists, have a decision to make. Do you want it to be about your art or your name?
Join me. Become an art snob. Let your work speak for itself. It says volumes.
I attended a funeral today. A friend lost her valiant, last battle against breast cancer.
Jewish funerals are usually pretty cut and dry. The rabbi may say a few words, but for the most part, they follow a certain rhythm of traditional prayers and solemnity. Family members rarely speak.
Today was different.
Her son sang a psalm to honor his mother that I shall not soon forget.
Alberta was a woman with a voice. The kind of voice that brings to mind Ethel Merman. It was unmistakable.
Alex recalled his mother’s love of singing with that voice. But unlike her grandfather, a professional opera singer, Alberta was not bestowed with so much melodic talent. Nor was she the best at remembering the words to what she sang, be it prayers in service or popular music to her children.
She sang for the joy it brought to her soul. If she could not recall the words, she filled in with la-la’s. She just kept singing.
Alex said he tried to find the perfect song that would summarize his mother. And like with many things, inspiration and revelation come from unexpected sources. Alex found his mother’s song playing in his car by random shuffle.
From Wicked – Defying Gravity:
So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky!
As someone told me lately:
“Ev’ryone deserves the chance to fly!”
And if I’m flying solo
At least I’m flying free
To those who’d ground me
Take a message back from me
Tell them how I am
Defying gravity
I’m flying high
Defying gravity
And soon I’ll match them in renown
And nobody in all of Oz
No Wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down!
For all the struggles Alberta faced in her life, this truly was her anthem. She was a woman who loved her family, community, friends and life. And she kept on singing.
It would do us all good if we just kept singing.
Keep belting them out Alberta. Nothing can bring you down now. Fly free.
I think with age comes a certain amount of bravery. Not necessarily the kind that will carry one through battle or make one suddenly go bungee jumping, but a kind that allows for a certain new approach to life. My Mom always said once you reach a certain age, you just don’t give a damn about some things anymore. I believe I’m reaching that age.
My sister can’t fathom that I am on Facebook. I am notoriously private and shy. But I’ve decided in my approaching advanced age, that if I can’t take a few chances then I’m not really in the world.
So, in light of that declaration these last few days before I have to return to work I’ve been doing some writing and daring to publish it on my tiny little blog.
I can’t figure out how to get more than one at at time published on one page, so I’ll leave one up and then change it out in a couple of days. I’ll also publish friends and family if they will give permission. So, I bravely ask that you check out the Writings page.
And also check out the photos page, there’s a great image done there!
I found lots and lots of stuff on the internet and in my own library about wit, wisdom, knowledge & inspiration. But when it came down to it, I found myself drawn to just two of my favorite quotes about wisdom and the philosophy of life.
“Whatever you are be a good one.” ~Abraham Lincoln
“Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day.” ~ Harry S Truman
What more do you need?
Awesome.
halfcnote 