Advent: Waiting for Light

Christmas for the Birds

Sand

Volunteering for hurricane recovery in the Rockaways was so surreal. After I moved from Shrimp Country, I just didn't think I'd be experiencing devastation like this again. The day filled me with sadness, admiration for the families who were rebuilding, and nostalgia for Shrimp Country. It was and remains an honor to be present to families who have lost so much and accompany them as they begin to rebuild.

Christmas Concert

Yeast Rolls

We call rolls "yeast rolls" in my family. As opposed to? Baking powder biscuits? But those are biscuits, not rolls. Are all rolls yeast rolls?

What are the things that are unique to your family that you've always taken for granted? Have you ever found yourself in the disconcerting position of being caught in an oddity that you thought was common to every family or region? I'll never forget how flustered I got having to explain Philadelphia-style "wooder ice" to confused New Englanders. Then there was the time I told a friend with the flu, "It's too bad you're not at home, where your mom could make you Jello," only to find out he had never heard of eating Jello when sick - a treasured ritual in our family. Puzzling!

Cranberry Relish

Mortality

Bringing these exploding seed pods into my living room was one of the most fascinating things I've ever done. I bought them for myself, along with some zinnias, to celebrate my birthday.

Over the course of several weeks, I watched the soft and bright pods become more fragile, their ribs pronounced and their skins clouded with yellow. Most of the pods opened, pulling apart and back on themselves as they threw tufts and seeds through the air and onto the floor. They were shriveled, yellow, dark, and dry.  When I looked at the pictures today, there was something poignant about their transformation; something bittersweet about their crumpled fecundity.

Power Failure

I love this picture, and I almost missed it. Lower Manhattan was behind us as we walked across the bridge, and I wouldn't have noticed the view if my friend hadn't stopped to take a picture.

Silver Over Red

The winds ceased.

We are still locked into stillness.

Barriers

In each of these photos except the last, the composition is divided sharply and clearly into broad areas. There is a division between foreground and background, between interior and exterior, and between smooth and dappled textures. The photos were taken in the woods surrounding the Auriesville Shrine, the site where three French Jesuits were martyred in a Mohawk village. The stories and scenes that surrounded the shrine seemed to be divided sharply, too; between French and and Mohawk, Huron and English; between Christian and non-Christian; between insider and outsider; between prisoner and captor.  One from the Other.

In the last picture, in the end, the Light pierces and seeps into all.

Black Forest

(I called this set of photos (taken at nearby spots on the same hike) "Black Forest" because of the sloping roof and dark wood of the cottage in the first. But though I chose the name on a whim, it stuck because I find it intriguing. What does the name "Black Forest" evoke for you? What makes the forest black - something hidden or unexpected? In both photos, there is a sense of stillness and a sense of waiting. What do you imagine will happen next?)

Morning Sun and Wind

My Scary Bike

I did it, I did it!  I conquered my well-documented fear of riding my bike on actual streets in the Terrifying City of Barreling Vehicles of Noise and Death! (Okay, I exaggerate!)

Read more about the adventure here:
http://thebirthdayexercises.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-4-i-rode-my-bicycle-and-i-did-not.html

Noisy Quiet

For more on this photo, check out my project at http://thebirthdayexercises.blogspot.com!

September Slump

It always happens this time of year: the dreaded September Slump. I've finally realised that it always happens at this time of year, and now that I know that, it seems less daunting. I'm looking forward to October. And for now, I'll leave you with a flower.

Oldies but goodies

I was just looking through some of my older photos today and found these that never made it to the blog!

In and Out of Focus

Through Leaves

Structure

Character

I love this picture because, though it doesn't show the entire church, the composition highlights the church and portrays it as an actor, not a setting. The church has a strong, almost lifelike presence. The church is somewhat of a beloved legend in this community and I've certainly felt it as something alive in the short time I've "known" it, even though it's been undergoing interior renovations and I've never attended a Mass or service inside. During this time, it is no less present and no less alive.

Twilight

End of the day, end of the summer.

Deireadh lá, deireadh seachtaine, deireadh shamhradh; is lag é an grian, is laidir é mo chroí.