Reward? Your “just desserts”:
Tag Archives: Weekly Photo Challenge
Weekly Photo Challenge: Symmetry
Symmetry. A very interesting concept. Is it real or imagined? I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how consciousness operates, how we impose ideas, structures, and order on the world to make it more…manageable? Less overwhelming? I think of Alan Watts who proposed that the real world is “wiggly”. More fluid, with less distinct boundaries than we tend to ascribe to it. Still, I suppose there is a lot of seeming symmetry in nature. Botany identifies symmetry frequently, for example, in compound leaf structures which are often classified as symmetrical or alternating. Do I have any photographs of a symmetrical leaf or flower? No. I don’t typically take architectural shots, either, and if I do, they’re off center on purpose. I think that means I am looking for the harmony of imperfect, wiggly things….like the Yin and Yang. That symbol seems symmetrical, but it’s really opposites in balance. I like that. Not that I don’t try to make things symmetrical in my life. I have a very orderly, Western brain. I’ve straightened pictures and lined up pillows compulsively for years. But I’m trying to break out of that habit. If I must impose symmetry in order to feel at peace, then I’m in for a lot of anxiety. It makes more sense to accept the wiggly world as it is. So here’s some man-made symmetry that I’ve photographed…imperfectly:
Symmetry
Weekly Photo Challenge: Serenity
Serenity. A marvelous theme. Placid water, still mind. Peacefulness, harmony. Keeping your surroundings still, small and simple. My partner, Steve, is working on a New Year’s resolution. So far, what I know he’s aiming at is maintaining more quiet in his life, perhaps returning to a practice of meditation and yoga.
How do you cultivate quiet in your life?
Weekly Photo Challenge: Shadowed
I really like this challenge. Shadowed. Looking at my photographs and paying attention to what the shadow adds to the picture is like developing greater awareness of the Yin side of the universal whole. I don’t always remember to do that. I am attracted to the brighter side of life by default, maybe because of my Sun sign, Leo…maybe not. Maybe just because there are so many voices encouraging us Westerners to be positive and dualistic. Shun the shadow, move toward the Light. Problem is, you’re only half aware if you do that.
Nature’s shadow is dramatic and ordinary at the same time. Sunlight is a powerful force in the ecosystem of life, and its waxing and waning effects many behaviors. We tend to think of the differences as important, but are they?
Nocturnal creatures make a habitat out of shadow; it is simply home, cover and shelter.
Natural entrance to Carlsbad Caverns, from which approximately 300,000 bats emerge nightly to find water and food.
Shadows can represent mystery in life, reminding us that what we don’t see is nevertheless present and active.
Ultimately, ‘shadowed’ is a concept. It’s a creation of the big human brain, borne of our propensity to analyze, distinguish and attach a label. Shadows are a natural phenomenon that we like to imbue with meaning. That’s who we are and what we do, and it’s interesting to ponder that.
© 2015, essay and photograph, Priscilla Galasso, All rights reserved
Inspired by the Word Press Weekly Photo Challenge.
Weekly Photo Challenge: Warmth
How did people in the northern land of Wisconsin stay warm through those hard winters in the 19th century, without electric blankets, natural gas furnaces or radiators? Wood fires, wool, fur and the sauna…naturally.
Seems pretty simple to me.
(In response to the Word Press Weekly Photo Challenge.)
Weekly Photo Challenge: Yellow
I am curious. Yellow. What does it mean to me? (Besides a Swedish film about acting, social justice, sex, non-violence and the 60s aesthetic lifestyle.) I would think sunshine would figure prominently. And flowers. Autumn leaves. A certain house in California. Well, I’ll give you a gallery, and then you’ll get the picture. Literally.
(in response to Word Press)
Weekly Photo Challenge: Twinkle
Toes. Eyes. Live humans twinkle. Is that from light cast upon them or from light within?
Carl Sagan says that “we are made of star stuff”. My mother-in-law used to say that Jim was “shiny and pink” as a baby. He glowed with the vibrancy of good circulation and white-blond hair, I guess. I remember almost putting his eye out once when that twinkle made me just so curious that I wanted to touch it.
photo credit unknown
That spark of life. The cosmic, irreproducible result that drives scientists mad. “It’s ALIIIIIVE!” No wonder we want to add that vibrant energy to our winter days, when we’re thrown into the farthest arc and missing the summer sun.
How do you remind yourself of the shimmer that is our existence on this beautiful sphere in this living Universe? Do you surround yourself with round, sparkly things?
Or do you simply look up from your life?
The lights are already hung. The magic is all around us, even now. Go outside and take a look!
in response to WordPress’ weekly photo challenge.
<a href="http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_photo_challenge/twinkle/">Twinkle</a>
© 2014, essay and photographs, Priscilla Galasso, All rights reserved
Weekly Photo Challenge: Gone, But Not Forgotten
In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Gone, But Not Forgotten.”
Well, this is an obvious one. After all, I am a widow. How can I forget the love of my life, my one and only husband, the father of my four children and the man who bought me my first Canon (an AE-1 for Christmas when I was 17)? I am in a wonderful relationship now with a new partner, Steve, and he’s featured in many of my posts. But Jim is my first love, the man who was beside me for 30 years, from the time I was 15. So much of my adult formation took place in those years, even though profound change has happened since. Shortly after Jim died, I became an empty-nester, I sold our home, and I stopped practicing evangelical Christianity. Gone are my ‘suburban mom’ characteristics…the van, the mortgage, the disposable income, the salaried position with a Christian company in my home town, the prayer groups and Bible studies, the daily involvement with my kids. My life is definitely different. I am much more independent and self-reliant now. But I haven’t forgotten how well loved I was, how dedicated Jim was to taking care of me. As his best friend said at his memorial service, he was a Prince of a man. And he was definitely Charming.
photo credit unknown
Weekly Photo Challenge: Achievement
Hoo, boy. This challenge is monumental. What is “achievement”? Stay with me, folks…
It’s rather an emotional concept to me. I was just discussing ‘success’ with Steve yesterday. I am 52 years old, currently unemployed, and trying to venture into an area of work for which I never had any formal education. I feel rather ‘late to the party’ trying to become an environmental writer/National Park Service guide/eco-activist (or whatever it is I will become) at this stage of life. My perfectionist voice keeps talking about how unqualified I am. What have I ever done to merit respect in this field?
Well, here’s what: I’ve grown. Every day that I read more about the health of our planet, every part-time customer service or education job I took, every decision I re-examined over these years is a stepping stone toward living a life I’ll be proud of. I can do better at being the person I want to be. And I can keep working on that goal until the day I die.
Maybe “Achievement” is simply growing into being the best you can be, year by year. Here’s my illustration (and inspiration): sequoia sempervirens.
Now THAT’S something to look up to!
© 2014, essay and photographs, Priscilla Galasso, All rights reserved
Weekly Photo Challenge: Minimalist
Yucca curl
scillagrace 
