Monday, Monday

Last night's vivid dream: In line at the airport (Boston-Logan) where I purchased an expandable belt as a gift for someone. In an effort to take a picture of it, fully expanded, I sought the help of a woman who broke the belt by pulling it too taught. I then almost missed the flight, being the last person to board the plane.

Inland Hurricane: Storm in Southern Illinois

On May 10 an unusual storm hit southern Illinois. These pictures were taken nearly a week later in my hometown of Marion.

Fifth Third Riverbank Run, 2009

Equanimity

Equanimity is the experience of allowing thoughts, emotions, and actions to function in harmony. Equanimity is a path toward enlightenment. A key to equanimity is to create space--allowing breath, experience, time, and feelings to co-exist without engaging in clinging or escaping.

Architecture in Puerto Rico

I love all the colors, shapes, and textures of the buildings in Puerto Rico. Here are several examples, ranging from the Forts in Old San Juan, to the town square in Mayaguez.

Fort San Felipe del Morro, Puerto Rico

We recently revisited Puerto Rico--our new favorite spot. The island is small, only about the size of Connecticut, but the culture, people, terrain, history, and beaches are more than memorable! Here are some photos, mostly taken in Old San Juan at El Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the 16th century citadel on the northwestern point of the islet. On the day of our visit, many children were out flying kites.

The Waking

The Waking
BY THEODORE ROETHKE

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.

Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me; so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.

This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.


Theodore Roethke, “The Waking” from Collected Poems of Theodore Roethke. Copyright 1953 by Theodore Roethke. Reprinted with the permission of Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc.

Source: The Collected Poems of Theodore Roethke (1961)