On Buddha's birthday

She prays

On the evening of May 25, the Tam Bao Temple held a "Buddha Birthday Celebration". The Tibetan monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery participated in the event following their week of creating a mandala sand painting. There were hundreds in attendance, both temple members and visitors, and the atmosphere was reverent, welcoming and lots of fun, too. There was truly a community spirit shared by many. These photos capture the monks chanting then sharing words about living with compassion and thoughtful actions. Following the ceremonial section, talent performances were given by members of the temple for all to appreciate. //


There a four Buddhist nuns in this image, and I really gravitated toward their presence during the  night.  When I first arrived with my daughters, all monks were already on a stage facing a display which included a young Buddha with one hand pointing up and the other down.  The monks were organized with the head Tibetan monk, Thay Dao Quang of the Tam Bao Temple, and another in the closest row to the Buddha, then the Tibetan monks, then four female Buddhist 'sisters', as I had heard one called during the week.  There was one sister with whom I was more familiar from my daily visits.  She had always been busy working outside every time I saw her,  yet she always showed so much kindness to my girls with her laughter and gestures.   This was the first time seeing her in a different context and I felt in awe of her ways.  She is not clearly visible from this perspective, but she is standing in prayer with the others.  They were very beautiful together.

In wanting this profile view, I stood from within a small pine tree along their side and zoomed out to full length on my lens.  With a 6.3 aperture and ISO 1600 (using older body), I knew that the shutter speed would be too slow to keep the camera steady.  I went for it anyway because I really liked the way they looked at that moment.  There's a bit of blur and technical challenges, but I feel that it works with the texture effects of the tree and the black and white processing.  That is what I felt, a tenderness towards the nuns, and I hope that is delivered through the image.

His name is Karma

After the pouring of blessed sands into the Mississippi River, the Tibetan monks, with Thay and members of the Tam Bao Temple, spent some time taking group shots.  A few of the monks stepped aside to take a photo with the bridge in the background, and I stepped near asking if I could take their picture, too.  They graciously agreed, and I took a couple quick ones when surprisingly I see a big smile and peace sign from one of them.  I felt so much joy at that moment, and of course my photographer voice inside my head kept telling me to get it right despite my excitement.

I'm thrilled with this image, after cropping out much space to the left and bottom of the frame, because I feel like I know him in that moment.  Sincerity, kindness, joy, happiness, connection, love.  It's hard to look at him and not smile.

I printed out the photo and took it back to him in the evening 'Buddha Birthday Celebration' at the temple.  At first I gave a set of photos from the sand pouring to Lobsang, a monk who had escaped Tibet at the age of 10 with his family.  Then later on I had an opportunity to give it to him myself as he sat with other monks in the rear of the building.  He smiled as he held it, and I hoped that the image and gesture spoke to him of my appreciation for what he gives to the world.

Another chance to reconnect and find out his name came right before we left.  I asked him kindly and he said, "Karma".  He spelled it for me when I asked, I shared mine, and then we shared an embrace.  Always in that will be appreciation and some unspoken understanding of kindness and oneness in my heart and mind.  A blessing of the best kind.

Thank you, dear Karma.
ཐུགས་རྗེ་ཆེ་།

Pouring of blessed sands into the Mississippi River

Tibetan Monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery visited Baton Rouge as guests of the Tam Bao Temple and created a sand mandala during the week of May 20-25. After its completion it was deconstructed. The morning after, May 25, they performed a ceremony in which they poured the blessed sands into the Mississippi River for global healing. // http://www.batonrougebuddha.com/

in the moment of creation

in the moment of creation

the paths of enlightenment
and transformation are born

Sand mandala by Tibetan monks in Dalai Lama's honor

This sand mandala was created by Tibetan monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery in honor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit to New Orleans.  I was with my ten year old daughter's class on a field trip to the Audobon Zoo, and we scooted out early to take a look and experience the mandala's dismantling ceremony.  The sands had been blessed by His Holiness upon its completion earlier that day, making the creation very sacred and special.  Following its deconstruction ceremony, we walked with a thousand other people and the monks to the Mississippi River where they were dispersed for world healing.  

A few moments made me smile more than others.  First of all, my daughter's interest in the creation itself and then the ceremony really touched me.  The photo of the mountain like structures above is shared because she was captivated by their presence in the midst of the intricacies.  She had spotted them before me, and I was very appreciated of her eyes and view.  The monks' chants and playing of instruments swelled my person and transported me.  As I watched and listened, I was moved to wonder.   I giggled out loud when the kind woman coordinating and announcing to the large crowd explained how we were to move to the river with the monks.  I'm not sure if she was concerned that we would kick into Second Line mode dancing and pulling out white handkerchiefs to wave in the air, or just didn't know that New Orleanians know quite well how to proceed through the streets following a group of musicians.  I found subtle similarities, and really appreciate the ritualistic intersections.  Finally, it was quite the visual juxtaposition with the monks wearing their high, golden arched hats walking in front of and through the Mardi Gras World warehouse to get to the river.  I really soaked it up, and wished that I was one of the credentialed photographers right there in front with them to capture it all.  My minds eye has keeper set of images.

Also to note that I've written this entry on May 27 following the week of this same group of monks visiting Baton Rouge and pouring the sands of another mandala into the Mississippi River again.  Looking back at these photos and now knowing them a bit more, I truly appreciate the newness of this experience.  How fortunate to witness it two times over a one week period.

http://dalailamanola.com/resources/mandala 

http://dalailamanola.com/resources/drepung-loseling-monks 

The Imagination Movers rock the Pontchartrain Center

It was a great show with the Imagination Movers back in their home stomping ground! In their usual high energy, fan connected ways, they rocked the Pontchartrain Center with fan favorites and a couple of great covers, too. After the show they were kind enough to spend time with fans talking it up, signing shirts and taking pictures. Thank you, Movers, for being such giving people and keeping it real!!

Velo Louisiane 2013 Bicycle Ambassador Award

Despite Velo Louisiane scheduled downtown events being cancelled due to bad weather early in the day, a group of Bike Baton Rouge members and cyclists met at a Kelli Gilbert's home, Velo LA planning committee member. They honored Mike Bitton with the first ever Bicycle Ambassador Award for his commitment and invaluable efforts given to the Baton Rouge cycling community. It was a great gathering in his recognition and in support of cyclists on our roads. Learn more about efforts building a strong bicycling culture at http://www.bikebr.org/. Thank you!

 Mark Martin, of Bike Baton Rouge, presents Mike Bitton with the Bicycle Ambassador Award.  This is the first time this honor has been given by the local Baton Rouge bicycle advocacy group.

The efforts of Kelli Gilbert, committee member of Velo Lousiane, were recognized by Mike Bitton.  After scheduled events to be held downtown were cancelled due to rain, she held the Velo Louisiane gathering at her home.  She's been proactive in planning and supporting bicycling awareness and actions.

Little cycling feet, big thanks to Velo Louisiane!

Meeting photojournalist, Steve Schapiro

The Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. wall.  

Photo taken by Natalie of West Baton Rouge

Steve speaking with Lisa and Natalie of West Baton Rouge.

Thank you for the inspiration and meaning, Steve Schapiro!!

Just got in from hearing and meeting photojournalist Steve Shapiro at the West Baton Rouge Museum.  It was a wonderful night, and so very well done by the museum with jazz music, delicious finger foods, wine, and welcoming staff. I also met spoke a bit with his very kind wife, the friendly and talented Maura Smith.  Wow.  They are so people centered and oriented towards emotional connections.  Before his talk, his wife introduced me to him, "I want you to meet Irene.  She's been taking photos since she's been 12," and then I got to thank him for his work and contributions.  He smiled and was very appreciative of my excitement.

Every single photo that he shared from Heroes, he was able to discuss with an emotional layer.  Background, timing, what it meant to him, and what he wanted to show about the individual.  Muhammad Ali, Andy Warhol,  Jackie Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Ray Charles, Samuel Beckett, Martin Luther King, Jr., Barbra Streisand, James Baldwin, Truman Capote.   His discussion of some of his photos during his talk and slideshow literally made me tear up because for each photo, no matter that they were taken nearly fifty years ago, he was able to reflect his insights about the subject and person.  When he segued into more photo talk he announced that entry and shared his art, vision and reason.  He's not just been in experiences and with significant US cultural icons, he has understood them and represented their spirit with intention.

After the talk as he stood by his table with no others around, he asked me how he did.  What a humbling moment to hear such an acclaimed photojournalist asking such a question.  I told him how much I appreciated his reflection and ability to speak of each photo and each subject with respect and understanding.  He let me know that those photos were very much intended and he knew what he wanted to share about the individual before taking the photo.  I also asked him is there a photo that he has NOT taken.  Yes, indeed.  He first mentioned not having photographed Barack Obama, which is something that he'd like to do one day.  He then discussed, please forgive me for not remembering who he spoke of, but an actor friend had visited his home and had his shirt off.  His abdomen was very rippled, firm and very impressive, and his presence very beautiful and confident.  He knew not to take a photo of the moment because of the subject's pride and privacy, but it was such an image.  I understood, and am so glad that I asked the question.  I'd guess that photographers know the photos that they have consciously chosen not to take because of what they understood AND respected about the subject.  I really appreciate knowing and learning from his answer the beauty of instinct and integrity as photographer.  Unfortunately, I did not have my checkbook to purchase one of his books, but he did graciously sign the promotional postcard provided by the West Baton Rouge Museum.  "For Irene, Best, Steve Schapiro".


My favorite Steve quotes and/or recollections.  I will add to these given more writing time.  :)

-"It's still a mystery to me as to what makes a photograph iconic."

-three components of a photograph.  Emotion, information and..... .  In response to a question to the changes that the digital age has possibly brought, he discussed that emotion in a photograph is not missing.  Information is most important.  Gone are the days of spending two to four weeks with your subjects to document them with photography.

-Every photo has intention.

-Consciously keeping two points of focus in an image tell the whole story.

-Interested to see each individual photographer's point of view of one moment in time in reference to his "Vote" image.


Visit http://steveschapiro.com/ to learn more about Steve's photography and bio.  Learn more about the West Baton Rouge Museum, too.

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Purple secret

Where no one goes, a collection of gorgeous purple irises bloom.  It was so lovely to cross paths with them during a walk home from work today.  I usually expect to see the intentional garden patch, possibly planted by the property owner years ago, before exiting into the farm fields.  Today the deep purple blooms surprised me with a "Wow!"  Despite being in a hurry, I still took a few minutes to get closer to their layers and curves, colors and form.  They captivate me, and prove their ranking as my favorite flower.

I so wished for my close up lenses to get a good one of this glowing green visitor.  How often will you get such compatibility of image elements?

Classic Fleur De Lis

Kite Festival

It was a gorgeous day to head out to West Baton Rouge for the 2013 Kite Festival!

 Mr. Curtis Calloway approached me to take my picture using my camera.  He was very kind and pleasant, and excited to receive his new Canon DSLR to use on an upcoming cruise.

The woman in pink approached me and asked for a photo using my camera.  I found out that they don't always get together.  Hopefully she'll contact me for the photo.

Repentance Park Night Fountain

I attended Repentance Park Ribbon Cutting on April 2 with my 2 daughters, and my 5 year old was so excited about the space that she begged me to take her back that same night. My 10 year old was inspired by her happiness running through the water, and decided to join in. Despite the cool air, they both had such a great time!

Learn more about this park created by Baton Rouge's Downtown Development District and Mayor Kip Holden.  "Repentance Park is Complete"

Repentance Park Ribbon Cutting

I attended the Repentance Park Ribbon Cutting with my two daughters on the afternoon of April 2. It was nice hearing about the history of the project and the space, and then enjoying the celebration with a run on the lawn and lunch near the fountain. I'm very appreciative of all of the improvements being made to Downtown Baton Rouge, and this is a wonderful addition welcoming families and visitors to enjoy.  We're very excited!

Camellia perspective

I scooted home through the back fields today for lunch, and was surprised to see a pretty scattering of camellias.  At first I looked from my standing position but found myself slowly losing altitude as I moved closer and closer to the ground.  The bed of petals provided a much more lovely perspective despite the wet soil.  Wishing that time was endless at that moment I enjoyed imagining setting up a little house within the cover of one of the plants.  It looked like the space was just waiting to welcome some company.

Also seen today was the further greening of the fallen tree on the back edge of the field. Apparently it still has life in it as it works with its roots barely attached and the sun. I'm curious how long its functions will withstand its struggles.

An embrace of light

*Dedicated to a special friend and woman from my childhood who is very ill and being cared for in an ICU.  Sending warm light and love her way.*

I continue to be very fond of having about an hour on Monday evenings to myself, and I find myself looking forward to the walks on the levee with Sparkle.  The weather has been gorgeous, and the late day cool, breezy air welcomes me to my elevated levee view of the Mississippi River and downtown Baton Rouge.  Yes, I said "cool, breezy air" while still being in Louisiana.  A gift indeed, especially with the longer daylight hours it's wonderful.

On this given day, we walked on the both the bike/walker path and the river side flats.  Water continued to sit while flowers bloomed and trees greened a bit more.  I was very taken by the placement of the sun through the gathering of trees and vines, and realized that in just one week it was sitting just a bit higher than before.  Possibly I wasn't the only one aware as there were a good number of cyclists, runners and walkers making the most of the experience.

I had fun experimenting with the water reflections and the sun, hit the ground for some florals with great background bokeh and even tried a few sun placement shots between a horseshoe like tree split as I was walking back up the incline to leave.  As usual, time had passed very quickly and I had a handful of minutes to make it in time to pick up my daughter.  I squeezed in a couple silhouette shots of people as I made my way to the car, and started making plans in my head to do more of the same during my visit next week.

As I pulled out of the parking lot, instinct told me to turn and look one more time.  The sun was sitting softly like a golden ball of light within the ends of a tree branch.  Quickly I stopped the car and positioned myself in  the open car door to watch.  It was beautiful and timeless in a breath, and it changed before my eyes inviting me to soak it in before it disappeared.  I took a series of shots, and was lucky enough to have a sampling of people walk through the scene, too.  I felt it in me that this was something, and held it well without distractions to always remember.  Oh so to return to be able to do it again and again.


When feeling out a title I went through cycles of 'Just one more look', 'Stay with me', 'Instinct'.  'Embrace of light' was born out of the moment you stop as a photographer because you see, know, look for and wait for the right light.  We inherently know that that particular combination of light and nuance will not last forever and we take the best advantage to embrace and appreciate in our actions with our eyes and camera.  In that moment with the sun, I took it in with both self and tool, nearly making my wish to extend the experience true.  This is the gift and art, the action of embracing light.   On these things, I will think, process and share.

Contemplate

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” - Rachel Carson

Ritual

I will stop, look and watch, even standing on my tippy toes, to watch the sun give us her last glimmer of light.  Whether through a clearing of trees or the florals covering the view, I take pause to participate in the daily ritual shared between Earth and Sun.  

In these images I know the place, time, weather and mood when I turned to face the dimming light.  It was beautiful with the blooming Japanese Magnolias, and I loved the changing pink hues and silhouettes against the golden sky.  

I'm reminded of something I learned in a Native American Studies class in college that always left me exercising my brain and spirit.  Each sunrise, each sunset was celebrated as the original.  Rituals created a time space and oneness with nature, a sense of respect to the sacredness of the act.  What if I was able to tap into their ways and consciously practice such a life?  Maybe in that moment of stopping to feel the setting sun, I receive a gift of knowing a tiny part.

Meeting aerial photographer Fred C. Frey, Jr.

Above Baton Rouge: A Pilot's View Then and Now

The above binder holds the prints made by longtime aerial photographer, Fred C. Frey, Jr.  I was very fortunate to visit him in his home with a neighbor of mine who is friends with him.  She thought it would be a great idea for me to meet him to learn about his childhood days playing in the farm fields where I like to walk and photograph.  It was wonderful spending time with him and his sweet wife, and we discussed everything from his Korean War days, the development of Baton Rouge, to the space of the Ford Property.  I learned many interesting historical facts and really enjoyed listening to his stories. He mixed humor into his words which had me attentive and laughing throughout.

I became most excited when after lunch he opened the binder to show me more aerial images.  There were many sharp and detailed black and white photos documenting the before and after of regions throughout Baton Rouge over a forty year period.  The pair you see above made me stop because of their visual impact.  The scene in the bottom image shows the city from above the Mississippi River looking North towards our capitol building.  The top image shows the city from the same view after the development of Exxon.  It's a strong image of shadows and light, and I fell in love with it.  When I asked if I could take a picture to post in my blog, he paused, looked over the binder, then handed it to me saying, "Here.  Take it home with you so you can look at them."  What?!  These are the man's prints, his work, made in his darkroom using precious and gorgeous Hasselblad negatives.  I looked at him in disbelief, and he convinced me that he really wanted me to take them to view.  "Show them to whoever you'd like," he continued with a smile on his face.  Wow.

Looking at it right now sitting carefully above me on a high shelf, I'm still so surprised to have them in my hands for safe keeping and enjoyment.  I think that I most appreciate that he entrusted me, and that we'll meet again so I can return it to him.  When I do see him, we may just be discussing the history of the Ford Property in more detail.  During our many conversations, I had expressed the wish to collect stories, photos and documents about the the space. I felt like he understood and saw some value in the possibility.  Before I left he looked right at me and said that he'd like to work with me on that.  Another moment that stopped me in my tracks yet propels me forward more motivated and open to learn.  I am so very grateful.

Morning delight

Our mornings have been cool, bright and beautiful with stunning blues and dashes of budding greens in the trees.  I usually step outside for nanoseconds to breathe it in, then jump back inside of our busy morning routine getting ready for school and work.  Today I just had to run outside after I saw a surprise fog suddenly appear on our street outside of the kitchen window.  I ran to the front door to see if it was in fact Mother Nature treating us to a late morning fog, which I so love.  It was indeed, so while running to grab my camera I scooted the girls to take a look, too.  It really was lovely, with the misted air picking up the filtered sunlight through the trees.  I love the magic, and it becomes a source of beauty to power the day.

Time change sunset on the Mississippi

I enjoyed my first sunset since the 'spring ahead' time change over the weekend.  Usually I walk a dark levee while waiting for my little one who is in gymnastics, so the golden skies and late day sun on the Mississippi was a welcome change.  I was first greeted by a crucifix, which was not there the week before, as I crossed River Road to climb the levee stairs.  I assume that there had been a death in this location.  The extended sun light pulled me over the levee and to the river with Sparkle to be near the tree and vegetation line.  Greening had slowly begun, so the area is still overcome with dried vines and grasses waiting to burst with growth and life.  Before having to leave, I was able to cross an open area towards a parked tugboat.  Peering through the brush, I hoped that timing would help me capture the setting sun through its tinted windows.  It wasn't to be, and walked away catching glimpses and appreciating the play with golden light once again.