From the introduction to Kokinshu, anthology of Japanese poetry commissioned by Emperor Daigo around the year 905: “Poetry in Japan begins with the human heart as its seed and words as its leaves. It arises when people are inspired by what they see and hear to give voice to the feelings that come forth from the multitude of events in their lives…”
keeping it simple....reflecting on life with pictures and poems in the Japanese tradition of Zen
1688. soft as silk
1687. wake up!
Making the bed this morning, still half asleep. The blanket’s talking to me: Wake up! Wake up! Take my picture! 😘
1686. damp, damp, damp
1685. waiting room
Yesterday’s story….that’s it.
1684. farewell
1683. party hats 🥳
1682. meditation
1680. rain & shine
1679. turtle thoughts
All those turtles made me think of that fun old song, “Old Macdonald Had a Farm”— with a moo-moo, quack-quack, cluck-cluck, oink-oink sounds. Then I thought to myself: what sound does a turtle make? Click on the link and take a listen:
1678. in my dreams
Walking on my way home just down the street from where I live, a sweet fragrance caught my attention. There was a Japanese Snowbell tree with its profusion of pretty white blossoms swinging in the breeze just like little bells. In East Asia the flowers and fruits from these trees have been used to treat toothaches, sore throats, and coughs…and also in traditional fishing to stun fish and make them easier to catch!
1677. kickball
Yesterday, out for an after-dinner walkabout, I spotted a bunch of kids playing kickball on the street. I walked over, stopped awhile to watch, recalling my own school days long ago when we played kickball in the school gym. Just like that girl, I could still see myself kicking the ball sky high and running the bases—they were bowling pins. Then I called out to these kids, “Hey, I used to play kickball!” A voice shot back, “Wanna play now?”
1676. blown away
Blown away! Heavy winds all day. That skeleton needs a little meat on its bones. It doesn’t pay to be too thin.😉
1675. it’s spring
1674. redbird
“RedBird Sings Her Own Song - 8x10” - Origami Composition
If I could be the bird in the tree for just one day, let me be red. (This is a follow-up to post 1665. Thank you, my friends, for your encouragements.)
1673. seeing double
Three days of rainfall and the dry creek bed has filled up. It’s prettier than a painting. Standing on the old stone bridge, taking a picture….if I lean over far enough, could I see my own face and take a selfie? I’d better not.
1672. digging in
Nothing like a little catnip to start your day. Looks like Mikey is liking it!😻
1671. mellow
Perfect for staying in, listening, feeling, reading, dreaming….and watching a mellow, super good movie, Perfect Days. Think I will.
1670. armageddon?
1669. hey, look….
1668. momma’s hands
1667. sleeping in….
1666. tractor
Early morning, the sun is up and already 80 degrees. It’s hot and this farmhand is dressed for the occasion: a trucker cap to shield his head and face, full-length sleeves and trousers covering his arms and legs down to his socks and heavy boots, and a red bandanna. Looks like it’s going to be a long hard sweaty day. I’ll bet a shower at the end of the day is gonna feel great!
1665. getting started
That’s a line from an old Broadway tune, I Can’t Get Started. Lately I’ve been feeling pretty stuck creatively with my art. Thoughts pop up of what I’d like to do, but then Inspiration and Motivation just aren’t kicking in. It’s a bit frustrating, and puzzling too.
I was going to say more here about my inner process but decided to keep this short and simple. So here’s a start I’m working on now. It’s a thought about a bird—if I could be a bird in the tree….I’m crossing my fingers and digging in. Wish me luck!🍀
1664. hmmm…
On yesterday’s walk about, I turned a corner, looked over and said to myself, look green flowers, hmmm. These are dogwood flowers and Google says that “dogwoods are white, pink, or red.” Hmmm… 🤔
1663. a moment in time
Flower Power! Pretty flowers opening themselves to life just as it is. I’m flower sitting this week for a friend. I brought her potted cyclamen home with me and put them on the sill of the front window. From time to time, I just stand there looking out thru the window watching with the flowers all the people and cars and trucks and birds and bunnies passing by….and the sky and the trees, taking it all in. That’s all.
1662. white tulip
Earlier this Spring, week after week two times a week I passed by this flower, a single white tulip, all alone in the open flower bed. I couldn’t help but wonder how or why it was there. Who would plant just one tulip bulb? Was it lonely or was it enjoying the solitude? I saw the shadow and thought about that old song,”Me and My Shadow.” Now the tulip is gone and so is its shadow. Will they be back again next year? I’ll have to wait and see.
1661. smile
1660. remember to play!
1659. winging it!
1658. leaves and shadows
The modern man stops his walking to read a message on his iPhone….and the shadows shake. Just a thought.😘