Joe Pallen

Blog

  • A word, a sound, #4

    Mountains and Waters:  dynamic energy

    Do you ever feel like you’re walking along, the is air calm and warm, and then a word, a sound, changes everything? The breeze becomes cold flowing from the core, rippling to the surface.

    This kind of energy has been flowing through me on and off the last few days as I’ve considered some changes. What does one do with this energy?

    Walking on, when I got to the light I stopped. I looked back at the person I barely noticed passing. Did I say, “Good morning?”

    The light changed and I walked on still shivering. Passing another person I said, “Good morning.” They replied with a kind smile. I heard them say to another behind me, “Good morning.”

    Branches sway cracking
    ripples inward outward flow,
    Silent lion roars

  • Light in Dark, #3

    Image - Snow melt
    In lightness and darkness: snow melt

    This photograph is part of the investigation I am currently exploring titled “In lightness and darkness.” It began when the sun started showing up much after my morning walk and drive to work. Instead of putting the camera away because of the darkness, I brought it with me to investigate what this time of day had to offer.

    The experience I had taking this picture was different than most of the other photos I’ve taken so far in this investigation. Along with a beautiful experience, I found myself having thoughts of judgement: “Who in their right mind would leave a couch out here!” “It looks terrible! What an eyesore!” And yet, at the same time, the experience had a beauty of its own.

    Could I have met this water swollen couch on the corner as it was, without judgement, in the same way I would meet a beautiful deer walking down the street?

    Does the camera judge when the shutter is activated? Or does it become part of the action and receive the light of the moment?

    These are questions I will keep in mind on my walks light and dark.

    Rising weathered bones
    below high cliff water trickles
    springing winter bud

  • Sitting quietly, #2

    Image - Sitting quietly itself
    Sitting Quietly Itslef

    A friend shared a book he was reading titled “Haiku” and I found this:

    *”Sitting quietly, doing nothing,
    Spring comes, grass grows of itself”

    On the internet I found that haiku attributed to Matsu Bashio along with a commentary on doing nothing, just to be. However, I find the winds are not always still and to ‘just be’ not so easy.

    I had just finished shoveling snow and raking the roof when I noticed the potted bamboo under the weight of the snow sitting quietly. The snow on the bamboo sitting quietly. And the barrel and dirt sitting quietly. It was then it occurred to me that the winds will always blow and that the practice is to sit quietly and ‘just be’ within them.

    Right after I took this photograph, I pondered about changing the title to “Sitting quietly”.

    *Reginald Horace Blyth (1952): _Haiku_, Tōkyō: Hokuseido pg.20

  • Jerry, #1

    Image - Jerry
    Tea with Jerry

    I had a wonderful lunch with Jerry on Friday. I had never met Jerry before and he gave me a couple of wonderful gifts.

    I was on my way to the coffee shop for some tea and reading during my lunch. I even thought I would work on this site (I brought my computer). However, when I sat down, Jerry said, “Hello.” He mentioned he was researching dirt bikes for a ride he wanted to go on. He shared much more about the ride and research, his work on metal sculpture and being a mechanic (look at those hands) and other stories from his past, but this was not the only thing that struck me. Another was the radiant energy of his joy and the kindness he expressed. In that moment I let go of my “to do” list and listened, instead of clinging to the plan I had in store for the hour. There was a lightness the rest of my day .

    Number two, I got this wonderful portrait.

    The thunder silenced
    joyful splashing playful waves
    nothing up or down

    Thank you Jerry,

    Joe

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