Tuesday, May 24, 2011

COUNTING TODAY


At the moment, I'm sitting on a bench watching the river. The water is flowing along briskly thanks to recent rains—a rich golden-green, rather opaque, whispering as it goes and full of mystery. Yet every so often, when the sun briefly appears from behind the scattered clouds along with bits of sky, the stream's surface is all shot through with light and flashes of brilliant blues, like the intense swirls of color in a piece of the extraordinary glasswork art by Dale Chihuly.

I could sit and watch this interplay for hours. 

Why is it that such beauty is always so fleeting…so ephemeral? And yet our days and lives are played out in a series of such transitory moments.

"Begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life," wrote Seneca.

Today my life is counted on a gold-green flow.
———————  
    

18 comments:

Bernie said...

What a beautiful description of the river and how you view it. So enjoyed hearing the contentment in your words.....:-)Hugs

Anonymous said...

I used to lament being in a state of impermanence. But I see now how that brings stagnation. Like your beautiful river, I believe that things must be transitory to allow for transformations.

It is humbling to be afforded such moments (no matter how brief) when nature reveals her beauty. I think your appreciation and gratitude will bring you more moments like this.

The Weaver of Grass said...

If that were a painting Grizz I would say that was not the colour of water! Exquisite - you are SO lucky to live so near your river.

Grizz………… said...

Bernie…

Thank you. And you're right, in many ways I'm quite content—not complacent or resigned, but truly at a pont of joyful peace. I hope you're there, too, in your own way and place.

BTW, it's always great to hear from you. Take care.

Grizz………… said...

Mila…

I think transformation is good and necessary—but I also know I need the anchor, the grounding, of home—a physical place and territory where I can measure and judge change. I need to be part of somewhere.

I have no doubt that nature will continue to reveal beauty…mostly because I've learned it is always there, in some form, everywhere, if only we take the time to see with open eyes and heart. We make that choice; nature fulfills.

Grizz………… said...

Weaver…

I love to photograph the river, as you know…and it's always different, always a surprise to me in the swirls and combinations of colors, the way light becomes transformed.

I am very lucky to have this river at my doorstep.

Chris said...

i love sitting by rivers or streams and just reflecting on thoughts. beauty is ephemeral, but if you look carefully, you can see it in everything, and all those little bits of beauty weave together to form a mosaic

Grizz………… said...

Chris…

You are exactly right—"beauty is ephemeral," but we can (must!) remember to weave "all those little bits of beauty together to form a mosaic," for later, because beauty sustains, strengthens, heals. We live in only one place, the here-and-now; today is our life, the only space we have, to make of it what we will. Beauty is how we go on—beauty in sight and sound, scent and taste and touch; beauty in word and deed, mind and heart…beauty in love.

Thank you for your lovely, insightful comment.

Gail said...

HI GRIZZ

your picture and beautiful words to describe how yu experience and appreciate the beauty around you, is SO inspiring and so naturally purposeful. ZI love your "vision", and the mind and spirit within.
Love to you always
Gail
peace....

Grizz………… said...

Gail…

It's been storming here all day—rain, hail, thunder and lightening. Distracting. I've been working on a single piece since 8:00 a.m. Fourteen hours, minus two short meal breaks; usually it takes me a couple of hours.

Thank you for your comments. I do appreciate you very much—both as a reader and friend. Please take care.

The Solitary Walker said...

Grizz, I must say it yet again - you have taken this blog to such high levels recently (hope the river doesn't reach these high levels, else you're in trouble!) The mix of text and pictures is quite delightful, and the pleasure in reading your instalments ever greater.

The blooms of columbines glowing 'like a struck match', the river 'a gold-green flow'. Lovely, lovely. You are such a true poet and keen-eyed chronicler of the riverbank, my friend!

The whitetail and nuthatch were really cute.

Grizz………… said...

Solitary…

I do strive to constantly improve this blog in every way I can—and I hope it shows. I always want vistors to consider their time here well spent. So please know I appreciate your comments more than you might think…and truly value a review from someone whose opinion I trust. Thank you.

Hildred said...

I am so in agreement with Seneca - each day to itself and all the glory thereof.

Grizz………… said...

Hildred and Charles...

Yup, life doesn't come with guarantees. We can plan for tomorrow, and remember yesterday, but the only place we "live" is today--and I want to make the best of it.

AfromTO said...

I know I would hit my head but boy do I want to dive into that water. Always a visual pleasure your water shots.

Grizz………… said...

AfromTO…

Actually, you'd probably be safe, depthwise—at least this time around. With the river a bit high, and seeing as how the shot is aimed at the pool's center, I'd guess the depth at maybe 6-7 feet. More current than normal, too. Yeah, you could dive into that, and would be welcome to do so. I'd take the shot.

Hey, you know me and water images…

AfromTO said...

I never hear of you swimming in that river of yours?to be so close and not go for an evening swim seems a waste.

Grizz………… said...

AfromTo…

Actually, I have taken a few intentional swims in the river—though at normal pool, you have to look for water chest deep (I'm 6'1") and most is waist deep. Still deep enough for a swim, of course. Getting into the water from this side along our property is kinda tricky, too.