Into the fall

[click on images to enlarge]

Quote of the day:

I want to express my age and be authentic. Why do so many people follow somebody else's idea of what is attractive? Diane Keaton

I once knew an older woman from China who taught me to run my fingers through my hair with strong, firm, deep, massaging strokes one hundred times each morning. Sometimes I remember to do it. And as I massage my scalp I feel my eyes opening and waking and I find myself sighing deeply as if releasing the tentacles of stress that have begun to nestle and settle into my brain.

This time, my travels took me on more than just a journey of conference meetings, presentations and networking. I was faced with some difficult news from a most dearest friend. And a sadness has been accompanying me these past few days. [I think that Dean might term it melancholy.] A sobering sadness that pushes me face-to-face with life's realities, my own mortality, and a reminder that time is running out. Is it autumn? So soon? Dear, darling friend. My heart is bursting with love and each tender memory of our friendship rises to greet me hour by hour, moment by moment, interrupting me even in the midst of whatever it is I am doing or saying.

[Reflections on a bean ... I met two beautiful young people ... there we are, the three of us ... can you see? And he e-mailed me a picture he took, there and then, with his iPhone but, alas, I must have given him the wrong e-mail address for I never received it ... too bad, too bad, for their kindness was healing for me that day ... and we disappeared out of the reflections and into the night, our separate ways ...]

Comments

[tamarika]

Oh my goodness, David! How could I have forgotten you???? Absolutely - next time I come (and there *will* be a next time because I adore Chicago) - I will definitely connect up with you!

[david]

Gosh -- next time you're here, let me know so we can actually meet!!

[tamarika]

Hello Jean,
It is good to hear from you about the "Bean" and especially your understanding of the other. Once again we are "twins." Your advice is good. I have decided to take it! Hugs and smiles to you.

[Jean]

I love the bean and your photos. Anish Kapoor is a good thing in the world, I think. I once had a temporary job in the London university art department where he trained. So much love and pride there for him.

Oh, dear Tamar, your words touch my heart because I am dealing with similar news, perhaps similar feelings. It is very hard. And the only thing that really helps, I am finding, is not to spend too much time on my own with it feeling sad and weak and hiding from the world - which is always a temptation - but to get out and feel as much love and connection as possible for other friends, old and new.