My centre

[vaneramos]

How easily I forget. A couple friends have reminded me during the past day or so. You may or may not realize who you are. One said having me on his friends list "always ensures a dose of calm." Reading that, I was at first bewildered; I feel like a mess right now. It reminded me to return to my strength. For some people that might be god, magick, love, exercise; you tell me.

My strength comes from writing, nature and community. I probably have other sources (I know a certain cub who has taken the edge off my loneliness), but these are the three I understand best. At this passage of my life, that means visiting the Eramosa River regularly and sharing it with my friends through photography.

This week's cold weather and troubles with my neighbours had deterred me. I have been tired and stressed. I can't see the river from my windows, only the busy, bitter and formidable street. I hadn't gone for a walk since Saturday, with my daughters.

This afternoon I fought against my weary complacency and went. How long ago Saturday seems! And how the river has changed!






The air and water were still. Anxiety peeled away.

As I turned toward home, I heard a choir of Canada geese approaching. They appeared over the ridge in waves by the hundreds, winging their way downstream, uttering a rhythmic hymn to the darkening sky.

The Eramosa is one of the most important things that makes this a home rather than just a place where I live. Many quieter and safer places would seem lifeless by comparison. The negatives don't seem so unbearable today.

Comments

[leafshimmer.livejournal.com]

What beautiful images. thanks for sharing.

Nature is infinitely healing, isn't She? Even today, when so many were complaining about the extreme chill of the air, I found deep beauty in the bright blue skies and cascading sunshine.

Oh, and in a certain image of an upturned peach with rosy cheeks, framed in leather. *wink*

Hope you can get a good night's rest tonight. It's no wonder you feel strung out being as deprived of sleep as you are right now.

hugs, Shimmer

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

What a flattering way you have with words, my dear. I'm all flushed.

[ruralrob.livejournal.com]

That first one is a real winner. For some resaon your river is blacker than any body of water around here I know - makes for some lovely contrasts at this time of year.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Yes, I've noticed that unusual blackness. I don't know what makes it that way, but it's striking.

[poetbear.livejournal.com]

brrrrrrr! getting ready to freeze! beautiful picture of the snow, though as always. ~paul

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Paul. The temperature has plummeted since yesterday. It's a bitter morning here.

[poetbear.livejournal.com]

apparently, it's bitterly cold in Moscow too. have you gotten a
chance to look over myTown.ca? it's kind of hard to navigate, but
i'm posting a bit of poetry there every few days.~paul

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Yes, I found your page the other day. I recognized "Four-way stop." I don't really "get" the site. I still haven't found any photography. Do you receive any feedback on your posts?

[poetbear.livejournal.com]

no, and i've been meaning to ask Norla about it. she's one of the editors. i'll probably have to ask her son, he lives up here and is a friend of my son. i have never been able to navigate the site worth a damn. i'm going to email her today and ask her to explain a bit about the way it's set up. she assured me that they publish pictures somewhere in there, but i couldn't find them either. for one thing, she said they used them in their haiku workshop. i wrote a tanka this morning after seeing your sunrise picture. she hasn't responded to it yet, or i haven't seen it.
but i've been in bed all morning. if i learn more about it, i'll email you and let you know.~paul

[zombietruckstop.livejournal.com]

Absolutely gorgeous.

The entry.
The photographs.
You.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Aww, you make me blush. Hugs.

[mattycub.livejournal.com]

I would echo your friend's sentiments: the way you write, the pictures you post, have a calming effect on me. Your centerdness is inspiring. I'm glad to be getting to know you better.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Likewise, and I'm glad my work has that effect.

Don't forget to send me your postal addy so I can send you a card! I have decided to start using prints of my own photos, so let me know if you have a particular favourite.