Even before the sun, you were there.
They were out early collecting water. I notice the small hairs, the tiny points of leaves and petal...
They were out early collecting water. I notice the small hairs, the tiny points of leaves and petal where water accumulates. Do we use this in water collection?
I dream of a newborn needing to be fed. And when I take her in my arms...
I dream of a newborn needing to be fed. And when I take her in my arms her face appears like a felted delphinium bud and I am so confused. She must be fed.
When a female human is born she is born with all the egg cells she'll ever have...
When a female human is born she is born with all the egg cells she'll ever have. Which means the mother of that female human gives birth to the cells that can become her grandchildren. I know this is no mystery in many cultures. I know. But it was never once thought of in my own. And that reality changes everything for me.
They met this way.
They met this way.
Rudderless
So excited that this image has found a home with a woman that has supported my vision quietly and steadfastly for years. Thank you Susan Britton Pettingill. I am truly honored this is in your hands.
Rudderless
The coffeecake is long since gone. But now he sits in the sun not entirely happy...
Dear Anonymous,
The coffeecake is long since gone. But now he sits in the sun not entirely happy I have my camera out. But he is kind. Tells me about baking berry crisps. He has his standards as a baker and my coffecake has made it through the gauntlet. He recognizes the flavor of unsalted butter. He recognizes the favored 'crumb'. Tells me he had brought me a package of blackberries but someone swiped them. Tells me he only drinks on days ending with y. Tells me the last time he 'dressed up' was at his partner's funeral.
He wears the hat offered by you this winter. A fleece sweatshirt too...
Dear Anonymous,
He wears the hat offered by you this winter. A fleece sweatshirt too that had been handed to him about that same time. He has managed to hold onto them. Nothing short of a miracle out here. I notice. He smiles.
And socks are distributed and there are not enough coffee cards but they eye the stack of clean and beautifully folded tshirts. And they settle. And they choose. And there is dignity in the offer (thank you Dear Anonymous) and there is dignity in the receiving.
Just that. That's all. And that is a lot.
And he stays by so I may photograph and I am so taken by his eyes that I fumble with my camera. Is it on? Oh, settings? Is it focusing? All the while those eyes...
Clematiscized
Clematiscized
Impossible for me to walk by without touching. My bad. Lambs' Ear Blossom.
Impossible for me to walk by without touching. My bad. Lambs' Ear Blossom.
Color happens. Color I could not see when I had my head buried in a paint box.
Color happens. Color I could not see when I had my head buried in a paint box.
The danger of the unexamined.
The danger of the unexamined.
What it is that happens before you have an idea.
What it is that happens before you have an idea.
It didn't matter what you were. Or where you came from. Or why you were there...
It didn't matter what you were. Or where you came from. Or why you were there. Or what it is you do. Or don't do. Or got sidetracked from doing. The baffling beauty of your light, of your being as you are, had me falling out of the car and racing to you.
In Times of Bitter Storytelling by David Lash
When I came across a certain blossom this morning the words of a friend spoke into my hearts' ear. And I am learning to listen. Thank you David Lash for your wisdom.
In Times of Bitter Storytelling by David Lash
It's a brief season made briefer by our house being on fire.
It's a brief season made briefer by our house being on fire.
I have met extraordinary young men in recovery. Men who literally shine in the world...
Dear Anonymous,
I have met extraordinary young men in recovery. Men who literally shine in the world as people, employees, sons, fathers,husbands,friends. Men I respect, admire and am proud are in this world, holding it, as I get older and older.
The same men were often in this kind of place. Disenfranchised. Addicted. Overwhelmed. Struggling with self worth. Struggling with sanity. Struggling with who they are. Struggling with what they have lost. Struggling with the daily hustle, mental health and the extreme siren call of heroin, or alcohol, or meth or whatever. The same heart that I see in them now was in them then. Only there was more journey to journey. And each of them carries their own story.
Not going to pretend everyone will experience stunning and dramatic 'recoveries' or even anything we might label 'recovery', but the point is...we don't know. I certainly don't.
Thirsty? Here's water.
Need a coffee? Gotcha' covered.
And this is not necessarily the story of this particular young man. But I can say each day he waits politely until everyone leaves, tries to hustle a second coffee card and when I turn him down with a smile acknowledging his solid attempt, he smiles back. A slightly wicked and sweet smile and says 'Love ya'.'
What were the odds, swee'pea?
What were the odds, swee'pea?
I didn't expect to disturb her as she walked out, her hair up in a towel.
I didn't expect to disturb her as she walked out, her hair up in a towel.
The card that Mike received as part of a gift after a weekend when he overdosed...
Dear Anonymous,
The card that Mike received as part of a gift after a weekend when he overdosed and was good as dead had no one intervened with Narcan. He is hanging onto it. Closely.
Says it helps him.He is grateful for it, thank you Dear Anonymous.
In a world where a policeman came through and said,
'I'm sick of all your needles. I'm sick of all you addicts. You should all die.'
When this is what is said out loud to you.
Mike is clear this is not ALL police.
Not at all. And he was very clear about this.
But words can cut like knives.
Homeless. Not heartless.