bouquet of irises

Buy yourself a bouquet of irises, and watch them bloom in the rain. `~ Me

The other day I bumped into a friend at Trader Joe's on my way out of shopping.  She had a bouquet of irises, and I knew that on my way in I had said to myself to remember to buy one.  I added it to my basket, and walked out with them in hand.  My friend and I talked a bit outside before heading to our cars.

During the week, I kept them inside my house on our round dining table, but today I was prompted to take them out into the rich, wet green of our backyard.  I placed the vase on the deck edge, and the blooms looked gorgeous against the green in the falling rain.

I have different shots, but this composition serves the iris group best.  I most appreciate the connection shared with my friend also enjoying the process of her blooms.  Special.

Charles Bradley's soul and goodness...again

Couldn't have been more fortunate to have been on the center rail for Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires' set at the Baton Rouge Blues Festival 2015.  This was the second time seeing him in Louisiana, and given that I was beyond moved by him at the Internation Fest Louisiane 2013, my heart swelled even more.  He truly, truly LOVES his opportunity to sing and connect with people, and in the audience that energy is felt very strongly.

Arrested Development, yes, Arrested Development, performed before him and were fantastic!  At the end of their set the ENTIRE crowd emptied the floor.  As my jaw hit the floor, my husband and I went right to the center rail and planted ourselves there for an hour waiting for Charles Bradley.  :)))))  Best spot in the house!!!

I have lots of good photos, but the one I've selected here is what stays with me the most.  Charles Bradley is about LOVE, appreciating opportunity, overcoming life challenges, people connections and appreciation....deep SOUL.  Whenever he holds his hands over his heart I feel it in my heart, too.  Look at this moment and know that CB, "screaming eagle", is true, and really wants you to know how much that you are loved.  He generates beauty.

After the set, he was hoisted off the stage by Doug, who I think is his manager, so he could hug any fans ready to receive him near the rail.  His hugs are strong and memorable, and it's a wonder to feel his tears and embrace.  When he got to my husband, to my right, he held him tight and they exchanged kind words in appreciation of one another. Before holding me he said, "I saw you out there!"  Gah, my heart jumped and I really squeezed him.  He really is beautiful.

As he continued down the line to my left, I asked Doug, if there was a setlist.  He kindly replied that he'd look for me.  In minutes, there it was, in my hands.  Thank you SO much Doug!!  I risked hanging around a bit more to ask for Charles Bradley to sign it, and a Blues Festival organizer saw me and insisted I go beyond the rails to wait for him.  I didn't want to be too much.  Charles Bradley talked a bit with a musician as Doug held a white jacket on a hanger embellished with a silver eagle.


Once Charles was done, he came over to me very kindly and shared goodness with me once again.  I introduced him to my husband, and the love fest continued.  I let him know that my brother is the one who introduced me to his music.  He smiled and shared some stories about his mother's words about sharing love, and then talked about how he usually passes out roses to his fans and the end of the shows.  "Why did God make yellow roses?  Because he loved them.  Why did he make white roses?  Because he loved them.  There are red ones to represent our shared blood as human beings....some people believe in God, and some people don't.  In the end when you close your eyes you will know that we are all part of the same Creation."


Charles Bradley, you are one very special man.  Thank you for sharing your gifts with us.  I'm very grateful and inspired.

Breathing in

Breathing in, I calm my body and mind.

Breathing out, I smile.

Dwelling in the present moment

I know is the only moment.

~Thich Nhat Hanh, Being Peace

Texas journey

We traveled through northern Texas to visit good friends for a few days, and there was a story to and from in the repetitive view of  long roads, open ranch spaces, and the modern immersed in the old and abandoned.  With many, many hours spent looking out the window as my husband drove, I documented more than a few of the scenes.  I really like the entire set of images processed bw, all 52 of them, and here I attempt to pick the images which best summarize the views.

Jack solo time

I was surprised today when offered to ride Jack without a lead line from the start.  :))  I'm learnin' and growin'....

The most lovely of moments was upon arrival to the barn and all of the six horses stalled inside, minus one, were napping.  They made me stop in their moment of peace and silence.  What beautiful, large creatures centering themselves for a needed rest.

Thi is sweet Jazz.  I was standing near his stall while Jack was being saddled, and he snuggled his lovely head into my back and left arm.  My whole person was filled with a good feeling, and I reached my arm around him.  :))

See you, Jack!  Thank you!

Big Sam's Funky Nation!!

Back in Baton Rouge and topping off the Arts Council's Fest for All this past weekend was Big Sam's Funky Nation!  Toot, toot!!  It had been way toooooo long since our city rocked out to their awesome sounds, and folks really had a great time.

I jumped into the last hour of his set, took some shots, and danced a good groove!

With the Tambourine Lady

You just have to participate with Big Sam!

End of show satisfaction.  Check out that smile!

Viva NOLA!!!

Note:  When Big Sam pointed at me while taking a shot, I was very much reminded of Big Sam's 2010 visit to Sunday in the Park Baton Rouge.  That time it was sun glare shooting across the frame. This time my focus didn't grab his hand.  Next time?  :)))

Big Sam's Funky Nation - Sunday in the Park 2010

http://irenekatophotos.blogspot.com/2011/02/big-sams-funky-nation-sunday-in-park.html

Soothe

I found the soft colors and textures of the sky and fallen camellia petals very soothing during an evening walk.  If only they could be woven into a blanket just right...

Take the long way home

Following an appointment I took a bus home instead of having my husband drive in the traffic.  I chose to get off a stop a bit further from home to have the "scenic" walk.  I'm fortunate to have caught a few cool frames en route.  (Taken with iPhone4s, again)

I think that I have a shot of this mailbox when it was functional somewhere in my files.

LOVE this shot out of the set.

Backyard walking inventory 3.17.15

While outside this morning, I soaked up the eruption of green and life that's happening in our backyard.  With cell in hand, (retro iPhone 4s...yes, I'm advancing) I snapped a few during a little walking tour.

Water play

#lightforafriend

Something as simple as splashing a stick into the lake with the sun joining in for the play session opens up an invitation for immersion.  Reflections, ripples, sparkles, and droplets holding the light for just that moment...sharing a sweet gift.

Fascination

Today I was quite fascinated with Jack's mane in the wind and sun.  We led him to eat some of his favorite grasses through a small area since the fields were very soaked and muddy.  There's always something to learn about a horse and yourself when in shared company.  Needing to get in close to guide him along his course, I better understood and trusted our relationship with one another.   What a sweet creature, and what a treat to share the apple I picked out for him at a farmer's market at the end of visit.

Know of the River - Sweat Lodge Blues

Very recently I was happy to find out that blues musician, the talented and dear Alabama Slim, was touring in France as part of "Music is My Home", special project of jazz musician, Raphael Imbert.  He performed with Leyla McCalla and Big Ron Hunter, also talented Music Maker Relief Foundation musicians, as well as the French group, Cie Nine Spirit.  Love the collaboration and creation!

Nearly two hours into one of the concers, Alabama Slim put down his guitar, stayed at the mic, and Raphael Imbert introduced Leyla McCalla's return to the stage for "Sweat Lodge Blues".   Its mesmerizing and mantra like quality spoke to me, as well as the imagery and emotions invoked.  It takes me back to the river spaces and textures I know and enjoy to explore.  So good for the soul...

I've listened to it many times and jotted down the lyrics for the first two verses and refrain.   Which lines resonate with you?  Each tells their own story...

http://www.lairedu.fr/music-home/?t=6394  (Click to see concert promotional image, hover over center, click and wait.  The whole 2 hour concert is very well worth the view and listen.  This link enters you at "Sweat Lodge Blues" 1:46 and the final set including Match Box Blues.  Very nice!)


Sweat Lodge Blues

Sweat like a river
Spring like a river
Sing like a river
Cry like a river
Pray by the river
Mourn with the river
Dance by the river
Love with the river

Stones in the river
are stones in the river
Boats on the river
and birds flying over

Follow the river
and learn from the river
and know of the river
and flow like the river flows.

I love the river
I sing by the river

She growls like my father
She swings like my mother

I know the river
her soul is a mirror
She could be a lover
She could be a killer

"Why" goes the river
but wide is the river
Shaped on the river
but lights coming over

Follow the river
and learn from the river
and know of the river
and flow like the river flows

Sweat like the river
Sweat like the river
Pray by the river
Pray by the river

Stones in the river
Stones in the river

Follow the river
and learn from the river
and know of the river
and flow like a river flows


Please be sure to visit the artists' pages linked above to learn more and appreciate.  Thank you, and thank you for this project and outreach, Raphael Imbert.

Jack love

How fortunate to spend time with a beautiful horse.  I was with a dear friend, and when she stepped away to get a lead line so I could ride, I laid my head against big, lovely Jack's head.  He accepted and we shared each other's warmth under the gorgeous sun and bright blue sky.  I could have stopped that moment forever because it was so true and free.

My place is of the sun

Good medicine

As seen this morning after dropping off my daughter at school.  I took a quick shot from my car window after slowing down for a healthy dose of these Live Oaks.

The collection of photos below were taken during a walk through the Ford property before arriving home.  So fortunate.  :))

Slow down...

Slow down...

I'm so not ready for the bright red and green bows and decorations of Christmas overriding the pretty colors of change around us.  When our area finally reaches a visual place speaking to us of the seasonal beauty of Fall, shopping clocks tell us to speed ahead to something other.

Not me.

I'm stopping to soak it in.

Cypress LOVE

During this fall season, you can usually hear me missing and wishing for the beauty of the changing colors and cooler air of the Northeast.  Lately, our own changing cypress trees have been speaking to me with their rusted needles mixed with greens.  One tree in particular on Dalrymple Drive on the LSU Lakes is absolutely gorgeous, draped with Spanish Moss dancing with the cold, water breeze.  This morning I went out to spend time with it and brought my camera along.  Once I stepped into its shadow and looked up at the light streaming through its textures, I lifted my arms up high in celebration of its pretty ways.

Here are a few shots taken during our first session together.  I'm not there yet in terms of the light balance and feel, and hope for some future time.