walk the earth – a collaborative practice © 2017 Bo Mackison
A Miksang Photography collaborative practice. We create together in the Contemplative Creatives Journey workshops. We begin again December 15th, 2017. Here’s the offer.
DIARY WRITTEN ON AUTUMN LEAVES (a poem in six parts)
November 19, 2017 by
Gingko Leaves © 2017 Bo Mackison
DIARY WRITTEN ON AUTUMN LEAVES
(in six parts)
I. there are the dreams
Hold my thoughts
and dreams
as you scatter
take flight
for those of us grounded
II. there is the holding on
Holding on, hanging on.
No stranger to holding on
before letting go of the known.
Change electrifies the sky.
Freedom awaits.
III. there is the ride
It’s your turn to travel
On the winds of time
Gently, freely floating
Sublime.
Letting go
Trusting
Riding the winds of life.
Scatter
leaf dreams,
whirl and chatter,
small red and gold cyclones
grasp wind,
flutter,
let go.
Brilliant leaf
please take my regrets
on the wind.
Let them fall away.
Fall away, let go, ride the air,
So a new year may begin.
IV. there is the dust
Last vestige of Summer
crumples into dust
To augment the new growth
of a new Summer,
As I will augment the growth
of a new generation.
V. there is rest
Signaling change
Ever changing skies
Preparing for rest.
tenderly landing
The leafless branches
like stitches pulling together
land and sky
A thin page of the season
Leaf of gossamer
Holds my gaze, my thoughts, my love
resting, earth to earth
connecting, heaven to earth
VI. there is the quiet
Floating, flying, propelled
into unknown adventure,
Finally to find rest,
lying softly on the earth’s litter,
Cushioned among the other
discarded gowns of summer.
I envy your deep sleep,
the safety of your blanket,
As I trudge on through winter.
there is the quiet
now be
be still in the wind
be still.
Scattering of Gingko Leaves © 2017 Bo Mackison
This poem was written with my Contemplative Creatives Journey (CCJ) online workshop/community. It is a collaborative effort. Together we imagined what diary entry we might write on an autumn leaf. Then I wove together the words of 15 members of the group – this poem is the result. These collaborations are one of my favorite parts of our group and give me such deep joy when I can weave words into one offering. It’s truly a lovely creative practice.
If this sort of thing appeals to you, I hope you’ll check out my coming offering. CCJ Winter begins December 15 and is now open for registration.
Garden Door in Late Autumn
December 9, 2011 by 12 Comments
Garden Door in Late Autumn © 2011 Bo Mackison
Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile is the source of your joy. ~Thich Nhat Hanh
I am smiling at the memory of the many hours I spent in the gardens and national parks in Arizona. The waning sun often cast a golden glow before it quickly set for the evening.
The quote that I used today is one I repeat often to myself. I found it easy to be filled with joy when I was strolling along the garden paths at Tohono Chul or the Tucson Botanical Garden. A smile came readily to me. Back in Wisconsin, I find the conditions outside are not always conducive to outside shoots. And when the temps are below freezing and the skies are gray, I have to work a bit harder to reach that feeling of joy.
I find that the simple act of smiling while preparing a cup of tea, or sorting through photo catalogs brings me joy. My smile can be a source of joy — for me and for the people around me.
—————-
Bo Mackison is a photographer, owner of Seeded Earth Studio LLC. She has returned to Wisconsin from the Southwest to celebrate the Holiday Season with family and friends. Bo’s first show back in Arizona will be in early February – the Tubac Festival of the Arts!
Sunlit
October 7, 2011 by 5 Comments
Sunlit © 2011 Bo Mackison
Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change – this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress. ~ Bruce Barton
Change is in the air, and it’s not only the changing of autumn trees.Though the change in the trees has been spectacular this year.
In a few hours, I’ll be getting on a plane and traveling to Long Island to celebrate the wedding of my older daughter. There will be a wine tasting, dinner under the stars, a clam bake and picnic on the beach, oh yes, and a wonderful marriage ceremony. Another spectacular event for this autumn.
If I’m not around for the next few days, I’m either traveling, taking photographs on Long Island, drying my eyes, or eating wedding cake!
Congratulations to the happy couple, Jeanne and Judy!
——————–
Bo Mackison is a photographer and the owner of Seeded Earth Studio LLC. Bo is taking a few days off to celebrate a special family occasion.
Changing Seasons
September 21, 2011 by 3 Comments
Changing Leaves © 2011 Bo Mackison
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. ~ Lao Tzu
The more I look with intention, the more I see.
I watch as these leaves gradually change from green to orange and lose their lustrous coating. Each day I see more, even as the leaves wither and physically become less.They are no less beautiful.
When they grew in green clumps on the summer trees, I did not notice individual leaves. Now I can easily see them as individuals, notice the one with more orange than its neighbor, see another wobbling with the breeze as it loses its grip on the branch, and another has developed a fringe of dark brown.
Wabi-sabi leaves.
How many will still be on this branch when autumn officially begins?
