This photographic journal is by Maria Pavlik, co-creator of With My Umbrella, I Can: The Magical Journey of Penelope Puddle, in B.C., CANADA. (Header shot is by NASA.) “Look and think before opening the shutter. The heart and mind are the true lens of the camera.” - Yousuf Karsh
Madly Divine
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New Year's Day was divine. A remarkable light crept across the mountaintops and I could almost dissolve into the gray mist as I walked along the Crescent Beach shore. It was a good start for me but not for some others. Japan had an earthquake. How cruel that rescuers were killed but also fortunate that people in the plane that struck them were mostly unscathed. Wars dragged on and although a page-turn of a calendar doesn't change much, I'm usually surprised and briefly disappointed by that fact. Sometimes what seems like a beginning is simply a continuation.
Although I like to think that one day humankind will solve its problems wisely to the benefit of all, it might not be in my lifetime. The Poets and Storytellers United prompt "beginnings" fit the conflicting nature of my mood at the start of 2024. Amid worldly trauma, there is still much beauty and, if we're lucky, life to enjoy.
I took my cues from a photographer focusing on the magic of the moment and a swimmer braving the chilly waters. No, I didn't dive in but the butterfly tattoo on her arm brought to mind a refreshed appreciation for Carl Sagan's words: "We are like butterflies who flutter for a day and think it is forever."
Postscript Jan. 7th: I dedicate this post to 33-year-old poet, Maksym Kryvtsov, killed in action this New Year, a soldier defending Ukraine from Russia's invasion.
Indeed - the turning of the calendar of days doesn't change reality. I lose my idealism as well... But like the butterfly - maybe there will be some kind of "transformation" in the year ahead - and we can unfurl our crumpled wings and "skim a cosmic wave" on our way "Home." :) Beautiful photo of the mountains!
A decade ago, I would've said that your poem read like a page from a journal of someone living in post-apocalyptic times. But as we both know, in our world, apocalypse is now. It feels surreal... not just the happenings, but the fact that so many continue to pretend that it isn't happening.
I like the Sagan quote. I'm sure it's true. And I'm glad we do experience it as if forever. We who are not at present experiencing war or other disaster are indeed the lucky ones. I think it behoves us to enjoy what we can while we can, even while not losing awareness of the rest.
"resurrect the divine plan from the mad manifestations"... this struck me... there is no way to explain to ourselves the level of destruction of life and planet and anything humane- that we are witnessing...and as we know, most pretending not to witness. Much to think about.
Hello, Your photos are beautiful, the views of the mountains and water are always a lovely sight to me. Love the Carl Sagan quote! Are we getting used to all these disasters happening, possibly just numb. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
A thoughtful poignant poem I hope with you the tide will turn. Living in the moment and make the best of it is something we can do. A brave woman to dive in as it will be pretty cold.
You have more hope in mankind than I but for the sake of our future generations I hope it is you that is correct. You poem is beautiful and sad and so apt.
Beautiful image, sobering words but I wish you A Very Happy New Year, with the hope that things will get better for all in 2024. Your imagery gives me such a great feeling when I see them. Thank you so much!
Gorgeous series of photos and life indeed is yin and yang and the golden middle of two extremes ~ hard to stay in the middle sometimes ~ for me that is key, though, You are filled with wisdom ~ thank you for being you ~ hugs,
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days, A ShutterBug Explores, aka (A Creative Harbor)
“Humankind will solve its problems wisely”……hah! Putin’s finger is perhaps itching on the nuclear trigger as we speak. To say nothing of poisoned air, soil and water. I could go on, but what’s the point?
"On the Web we all become small-town visitors lost in the big city." - Alison Gopnik President Joe Biden's inauguration was bursting with inspirational speeches and events. Heaven knows many who now breathe a sigh of relief also needed a good laugh. That's when Bernie stepped in with his cool attitude and awesome mittens. I couldn't resist joining so many others who included him in various ways in different spaces. I think he looks super cute and cozy on a sofa designed for the cover art of my Couch & Company story. Hope you enjoy it and explore more of the artistic side of life at Paint Party Friday . Still the kid I used to be Visit Postcards From Penelope Puddle and Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride to view more West Coast scenes. Because the state of our planet is the most pressing issue of our time, link up and learn about the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report .
There it was ... a bright dollop of sunshine in a tangle of forest greens, browns and silvery grays. The yellow door snuggled against a tree said Fairy Hall and, in tiny faint lettering beneath, No Trolls . Oh, how I'd love to know what goes on inside Fairy Hall. I wanted to tap on the door but, a giant by comparison, I didn't want to cause a scare. I often take the Sandy Trail with its gravelly path, woodsy stumps, well-trod stairs, rabbits, birds and squirrels. I know every twist and rustling sound. But I hadn't noticed the small door before. This unexpected bit of whimsy magic tucked into the forest floor made me curious about what else was in the mysterious thicket I'd yet to explore. When I continued on my way, the trees leaned in ... as if they had something to say. Later, I found another fairy door (below), welcoming but only to a select few. See OUR WORLD to explore more sights from around the globe and SIGNS, SIGNS . Still the kid I used to be
Rain puddles vanished and a blast of scorching heat settled over B.C. recently, including in my region which reached 105 ° F at one point. Records were broken. (About 145 miles northeast in Lytton it was over 120 degrees; the entire village caught fire.) The air outside felt like a thick wall of hot steel. All fans were on duty indoors. The weather foretold of the wasteland that will arrive sooner rather than later if carbon emissions are not majorly reduced. Dozens of mostly elderly didn't survive the wake up call. At this writing, the heat is far less intense, thankfully. A sweet sense of normalcy has returned and the slight morning chill sits on my shoulders like a delicate shawl. In my neighbourhood, the birds are singing again and searching for treats. A different kind of wave also hit us all. I was relieved to get my second shot "to knockout Covid" on Canada Day . It was a perfect way to celebrate July 1st. Explore more at OUR WORLD . Still the kid I used
There is so much trauma, but a few glimmers of hope can be grasped.
ReplyDeleteIndeed - the turning of the calendar of days doesn't change reality. I lose my idealism as well... But like the butterfly - maybe there will be some kind of "transformation" in the year ahead - and we can unfurl our crumpled wings and "skim a cosmic wave" on our way "Home." :) Beautiful photo of the mountains!
ReplyDeleteA decade ago, I would've said that your poem read like a page from a journal of someone living in post-apocalyptic times. But as we both know, in our world, apocalypse is now. It feels surreal... not just the happenings, but the fact that so many continue to pretend that it isn't happening.
ReplyDeleteI like the Sagan quote. I'm sure it's true. And I'm glad we do experience it as if forever. We who are not at present experiencing war or other disaster are indeed the lucky ones. I think it behoves us to enjoy what we can while we can, even while not losing awareness of the rest.
ReplyDeleteHey...I wasn't done. I love the photos and I tapped your puddle!!!
ReplyDelete"resurrect the divine plan from the mad manifestations"... this struck me... there is no way to explain to ourselves the level of destruction of life and planet and anything humane- that we are witnessing...and as we know, most pretending not to witness. Much to think about.
ReplyDeleteOugh, it's awfully cold to be in the water now!! It may be the only safe place on earth. Killings and shooting are several each evening any more.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteYour photos are beautiful, the views of the mountains and water are always a lovely sight to me. Love the Carl Sagan quote! Are we getting used to all these disasters happening, possibly just numb. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
A thoughtful poignant poem I hope with you the tide will turn. Living in the moment and make the best of it is something we can do. A brave woman to dive in as it will be pretty cold.
ReplyDeleteAs sobering a new year poem could be ~~ a brilliant write.
ReplyDeleteYou have more hope in mankind than I but for the sake of our future generations I hope it is you that is correct. You poem is beautiful and sad and so apt.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful image, sobering words but I wish you A Very Happy New Year, with the hope that things will get better for all in 2024. Your imagery gives me such a great feeling when I see them. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteLove your poem, and I love the idea of God tinkering and that Carl Sagan quote!
ReplyDeleteI love your Beginnings poem!
ReplyDeleteGreat poem, great photos, I admire that woman setting out to swim on New Year's Day.
ReplyDeleteMarvellous.
ReplyDelete...Madly Divine, I'd say so!
ReplyDeleteNope, looks way too cold for a swim! Great photo of the photographer!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous series of photos and life indeed is yin and yang and the golden middle of two extremes ~ hard to stay in the middle sometimes ~ for me that is key, though,
ReplyDeleteYou are filled with wisdom ~ thank you for being you ~ hugs,
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Beautiful captures and a poignant poem.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful and poignant post today.
ReplyDeleteI love winter, but I'm not bathing outside wintertime
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the music too! I am with you in working toward healing our one blue ball home. But to lose a poet to war is such a loss unimaginable.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blog
ReplyDeleteProfound and deeply moving. A fitting memorial to Maksym Kryvtsov and all who are impacted by conflict. Thank you for the thoughts and music.
ReplyDelete“Humankind will solve its problems wisely”……hah! Putin’s finger is perhaps itching on the nuclear trigger as we speak. To say nothing of poisoned air, soil and water. I could go on, but what’s the point?
ReplyDelete