2022 in a Word: Punctuation

“We have a language that is full of ambiguities; we have a way of expressing ourselves that is often complex and elusive, poetic and modulated; all our thoughts can be rendered with absolute clarity if we bother to put the right dots and squiggles between the words in the right places. Proper punctuation is both the sign and the cause of clear thinking.” — Lynne Truss, Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation

This year, rather than choosing one word to guide my thoughts and actions, I plan to focus on punctuation, on the meaning that is conveyed through the smallest lines and dots in written communication and through cadence, tone, and expression in verbal communication.

• I will be cognizant of and convey clear, concise meaning with full stops — period.

• I will listen for pauses in thought — for the subtlety of commas, the spontaneity of parentheses, and the urgency of an em dash. (And, as always, I will insist upon an Oxford comma.)

• I will cite sources to honor and promote the ideas of others.

• I will continue to question, to wonder, and to seek clarification.

• I will express and celebrate joy, but will continue to refrain from using gratuitous exclamation points.

Rime Ice

“How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!” —Thomas Wentworth Higginson

This week, we woke twice to magical, sparkling branches that I thought was hoar frost until I learned that this lovely weather phenomenon is actually rime ice. Rime ice happens when the water droplets of a dense fog (in liquid form) are super cooled by coming in contact with surfaces below freezing. Hoar frost is when water vapor (which is a gas) freezes onto a below-freezing surface. I love learning new words. Science + vocabulary + seasonal beauty = LOVE!

Today was a challenging day for all Americans. I needed to find some beauty in the world.

In a word, Pomegranate

“Look at all the life in this," she said. "Every pip could become a tree, and every tree could bear another hundred fruits and every fruit could bear another hundred trees. And so on to infinity." — David Almond, Skellig

On the last day of school before Christmas vacation, a very kind and very cleaver educator sent me one of the most considerate gifts that I have ever received — a pomegranate. He explained that the pomegranate or punica granatum is symbolic in many cultures, representing prosperity, ambition, abundance, and good luck — all lovely gifts for the new year. He spoke of the health benefits of this "frickin' delicious" fruit as well as the effort required to harvest its seeds: “If you have never taken the time to break down a pomegranate, you’re in for a treat (and an arduous task). But the manner in which the seeds are so tightly packed and delicately protected is a true natural marvel. Kind of like every day we get to be alive on this planet. May your pom have 365+ seeds to cover you for each day this next year! May your 2021 be the best rebound year you could have ever imagined. And may every little sweet, tart, delicious seed you harvest represent a beautiful day or memory in the year to come.” What a generous gift and, as my friend suggests, “If each seed is one of happiness for you, perhaps you may bring happiness to others. And this connected happiness becomes joy for everyone!”

The final aspect of this wonderful present was a challenge to document the process of harvesting the seeds and to share my photos. "The shared images of hilarity, frustration, and fun could (selfishly) end up being the best part of this gift. It is likely you will be left with deep red juice on the counter, the floor, your shirt, your hands, just about everywhere. And that’s part of the messy journey. The fruits of your labor are the result of your work. Lean into the process so you can enjoy the product. But don’t ever forget that the process is how you got there.”

In the final weeks of December, I always take time to reflect on the past year and to "plan" for the new by choosing one word to guide my thoughts and observations. In 2019, my word was "wonder." In 2020, I chose "focus." Thanks to my cleaver friend, my somewhat enigmatic word for 2021 is "pomegranate."

May 2021 be a year …

• of good health -- In contrast to 2020, may the new year be one of healing of bodies, minds, and hearts.

• of potential -- In 2021, I will strive to contribute, to create, to make (or to quote my alma mater "to be") the difference.

• of abundance -- May we all recognize the abundance of blessings, hope, and joy, and inspiration in the ordinary and the extraordinary.

And I promise to document “the messy journey.”

The beginning of “the messy journey.” I learned that if you whack the pomegranate all around with a wooden spoon, the seeds, called arils release more easily. (Thanks, Nan!)

Piper discovered that pomegranates are indeed “frickin’ delicious” and she will undoubtedly be by my side throughout the journey that is 2021.

French Friday: Santé

« Le virus nous rappelle à notre humanité et à notre condition d'êtres profondément sociaux, inséparables les uns des autres. » — Edgar Morin

Fermé (photo prise en octobre 2019)

Due to outbreak of le virus corona — le Covid-19, France, like many countries around the world, imposed a lockdown to protect citizens and to prevent the virus from continuing to spread at an astonishing pace. Le confinement was initiated on March 16th and lasted until a gradual déconfinement began on May 11th. As the French begin to ease into a new “normal” that includes continued practice of la distanciation sociale, all cafés, restaurants, and terraces remain closed until at least June 2nd. Yet, despite the closure, l’apéro (short for l’apératif) remains an important cultural tradition. During le confinement, l’apéro became a welcomed respite from isolation as friends and family shared un verre via Zoom, Skype, Facetime, or Google Meet. As further proof of the importance of this evening ritual, some French markets are now offering a un panier apéro, a basket containing beer or wine, cheese, hummus, and fruit, available for home delivery within an hour. Now more than ever, we eagerly raise a glass to each other’s health — Santé!

Fermé (photo prise en octobre 2019)

2020 FOCUS: Capture 52

“Always remember, your focus determines your reality.” — George Lucas

I have never been one for making New Year’s resolutions, yet 2020 seems to be the perfect year to hone my focus. While it may not be possible to achieve perfect 20/20 vision, I resolve to focus on my work, my relationships, my interests, and my creative endeavors. I will strive to listen intently, to slow down, to notice the beauty and inspiration that surrounds us if we just take the time to notice, to be fully present. In 2020, I resolve to focus.

For the past two years, I have participated in the Dogwood 52 Photo Challenge. The site was retired at the end of 2019, but several members have agreed to participate in the new Capture 52 project. Here are the prompts for 2020:

Post updated with images 12/20/20

• Week 1 - New Years Resolution

• Week 2 - Landscape or cityscape.

• Week 3 - Architecture

• Week 4 -The Color Green

• Week 5 - Portrait converted to monochrome

• Week 6 - Texture

• Week 7 - Love: Share the Love for Valentine’s Day.

• Week 8 - Photography Bucket List, something you’ve always wanted to try — a technique, a location, a style...anything.

• Week 9 - Pets

• Week 10 - Eggs

• Week 11 - Not Quite Right.

• Week 12 - Macro or focus stacking

• Week 13 - Your Best Shot

• Week 14 - Industrial

• Week 15 - Tell a Story

• Week 16 - Easter

• Week 17 - Red

• Week 18 - Femininity

• Week 19 - Fire

• Week 20 - Minimalism

• Week 21 - All creatures great or small.

• Week 22 - Phobias

• Week 23 - Opposites

• Week 24 - Bokeh

• Week 25 - Sunrise/Sunset

• Week 26 - Toy Story

• Week 27 - Masculinity

• Week 28 - Black and White

• Week 29 - Food

• Week 30 - Street Photography (candid/no posed images)

• Week 31 - In Your Backyard

• Week 32 - Moody Atmosphere

• Week 33 - Abstract

• Week 34 - Mask

• Week 35 - Rainbow

• Week 36 - Break the Rules

• Week 37 - From Dusk to Dawn

• Week 38 - Still Life

• Week 39 - Rule of Thirds

• Week 40 - Upside Down

• Week 41 - Trees

• Week 42 - Graffiti

• Week 43 - Silhouettes

• Week 44 - Creepy

• Week 45 - Square Crop

• Week 46 - Birds Eye

• Week 47 - Combination: Combine any 2 (or more!) prompts

• Week 48 - Multiple Exposure: Stitched panorama, double exposure, focus stacking, HDR

• Week 49 - Glass

• Week 50 - Kitchen Close-ups

• Week 51 - Frozen

• Week 52 - Christmas: ‘Tis the season...

Fika

August 3, 2017 (215/365)

"Coffee is a language in itself." - Jackie Chan

As a nod to my Scandinavian heritage, I occasionally enjoy a fika. This Swedish coffee break usually includes something sweet -- a simple pastry or a conversation with friends.