Monday



God speaks to each of us as he makes us,
then walks with us silently out of the night.

These are the words we dimly hear:

You, sent out beyond your recall,
go to the limits of your longing.
Embody me.

Flare up life flame
and make big shadows I can move in.

Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror.
Just keep going. No feeling is final.
Don't let yourself lose me.

Nearby is the country they call life.
You will know it by its seriousness.

Give me your hand.



- Rainer Maria Rilke, Love Poems to God

photography by yours truly

Saturday

even breathing feels alright



And we pray, not
for new earth or heaven, but to be
quiet in heart, and in eye,
clear. What we need is here.
- Wendell Berry

Such a spring sun! People really would be happier in this city if it was sunny more often. Don't get me wrong, rain is my passion. But living in such a wet shadowland all year round, sometimes one needs light. Dark Was The Night is my new soundtrack to life. And Where We're From my present love. Now off with you - go kick your heels in the sun!

Sunday

we lay with the day


Pencils, paper, sunburns, fresh-cut grass, cellos, hot evenings....and speaking of cellos, keep an eye out for this. I fancy it'll be worth catching. As will Riceboy Sleeps. And enjoy this....

photos by Twig Hutchinson

Tuesday



Most experiences are unsayable, they happen in a space that no word has ever entered, and more unsayable than all other things are works of art
- R. M. Rilke

Such an undecided, disconcerting spring day. But here's a little something to look at (click here for more info) And for those of you enjoying this weather...a group just for you.

Sunday

Rise, Heart!




But above all, the heart
Must bear the longest part.
Let all the world in ev'ry corner sing,
My God and King.
- George Herbert

Happy Easter

Photography above by yours truly

Saturday


Creation is a life, a vocation...definitely not a career; he says. At times holding his hands to his face, as if outlining, sculpting his bones, he spoke a little of the challenge. Despite all of the sacrifice, however, he is sure. Shyly smiling and nodding, there is no question. "Must follow the heart".

I am still surprised by our little city; it holds so many hidden wonders, one of which I met yesterday: Tomasz Misztal. The Polish artist, known for his work in museums in Poland, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland and the Vatican, continues his creation here in a small workshop in SE Portland.

Above, his paintings entitled "Ecce Homo". His latest work is displayed at the OCP center, available by appointment.

Wednesday




The clouds have returned. And my thoughts are tangled up with these beautiful homes, and though it casts a great shadow....this.

photography by lille_my

Saturday

As kingfishers catch fire, dragonflies dráw fláme



Just a quick note today, and that in pencil. Go - run - out of your houses and cars. Today of all days, is for laughing in the sun. I can't help, though, sharing this beautiful thing which has come to me in all of her glory. Meet Diana (above). Isn't she beautiful?
Most importantly, to those of you who made yesterday so perfect - thank you!

Friday




You, you only, exist.
We pass away, till at last,
our passing is so immense
that you arise: beautiful moment,
in all your suddenness
- Rainer Maria Rilke

If you're going to share a birthday, who better to share it with than a king and a poet? Yes ladies and gentlemen, Henry IV King of England, originally Lord Bolingbroke, over-thrower of Richard II and father of the famed Henry the V. Of course, if you asked him, he was king of France, too.
And not to be outdone, George Herbert, the king of metaphysical poets, was born today as well.
Birthdays become more solemn affairs, as time goes by. Years like to be earned;
the question today: how best to live them?

Thursday


Whan that aprill with his shoures soote
The droghte of march hath perced to the roote,
And drowned every veyne in swich licour
Of which vertu engendred is the flour;

April comes she will. And with it a little sunshine? I continue to hope. For your pleasure: this and this.


photography arranged by this illustrious gentleman for Toast