When I need a break from writing and learning new programs and screen time, I dip into Oudolf Hummelo and remember why I'm taking all this work on. I love looking at plants outside, huge grasses, huge agaves, black striped mesquite trees and creosote bushes.
I just discovered one of Oudolf's inspirations. Mien Ruys (1904- 1999). Her garden is still open to the public in Dedemsvaart- the Mien Ruys Tuin. I've just added it to the long list of places to visit.
I have been doing some free writing sessions for my thesis topic. Trying to wrangle it in to something manageable and absorbing. The focus will be on urban design- walking and idiosyncratic space. I realized I've been designing shade structures since I arrived in this program. I live in Albuquerque, the sun is so intense out here. There is so much opportunity to play with light and shadow here.
It's been a lonely time this fall, so interesting to be in my third year of the program. Three years of intense, absorbing work, both within Landscape Architecture, and my own art, life and yoga. I don't really have a social life- (not that I ever did, except for maybe the Philly years) but here, it has been interesting to spend so much time alone again. A huge relief in a way, and waiting it out in others. I talk to the J's at least weekly it seems, so that helps too. I feel sorry for them, a little, because they have to survive my torrent of ideas, observations and state of being... There's a Rumi line that keeps circling about loneliness. It keeps me in my studio, or in my writing.
Don't surrender your loneliness
So quickly
Let it cut more deep. Let it ferment and season you
As few human
Or even divine ingredients can
Something missing in my heart tonight
Has made my eyes so soft,
My voice
So tender,
My need of God
Absolutely
Clear.
"The trouble with you is you think you have time." Jack Kornfield. the trick is to keep everything in check, to let the stress roll off of me, not to hold it, not to let things affect my work/ vision and attitude. To take the long view, to be resiliant, deep like a well, so that if a pebble was dropped into it, it would fall silently with barely a ripple. (another zen poet, maybe suzuki roshi?)
Have a good day, poets lovers, Generals.
It's been a lonely time this fall, so interesting to be in my third year of the program. Three years of intense, absorbing work, both within Landscape Architecture, and my own art, life and yoga. I don't really have a social life- (not that I ever did, except for maybe the Philly years) but here, it has been interesting to spend so much time alone again. A huge relief in a way, and waiting it out in others. I talk to the J's at least weekly it seems, so that helps too. I feel sorry for them, a little, because they have to survive my torrent of ideas, observations and state of being... There's a Rumi line that keeps circling about loneliness. It keeps me in my studio, or in my writing.
Don't surrender your loneliness
So quickly
Let it cut more deep. Let it ferment and season you
As few human
Or even divine ingredients can
Something missing in my heart tonight
Has made my eyes so soft,
My voice
So tender,
My need of God
Absolutely
Clear.
"The trouble with you is you think you have time." Jack Kornfield. the trick is to keep everything in check, to let the stress roll off of me, not to hold it, not to let things affect my work/ vision and attitude. To take the long view, to be resiliant, deep like a well, so that if a pebble was dropped into it, it would fall silently with barely a ripple. (another zen poet, maybe suzuki roshi?)
Have a good day, poets lovers, Generals.
