Saturday, March 16, 2013

Thoughts on Training


What do we do when we are left alone to our own thoughts?
When the drive to push forward must come from within, and from within alone.
This is the time when we are truly tested.
The challenges are both internal, and external.
When we lose our place. Lose our certainty.
When there is no one there pushing you to do what's right.
When the thin glass house you were inside of shatters around you, and you're the only one who sees the walls come down.
You lose your identity, and your purpose.

I cannot get the words out of my mind:
"それはかんぺきでわない、だからかんぺき。"
 It is not perfect, therefore it is perfect.

In the past year I have seen how fruitless my efforts have been.
I have also seen how amazing and inspiring I am.
I have seen myself floating, isolated, and alone.
I have also seen myself surrounded, praised, and loved.

All of our interactions in our lives can be seen from many angles and perspectives. It is how we relate and witness these exchanges that define who we are.
I've had the rug ripped from beneath my feet, and at the same time, been offered the opportunity to learn how to fall.
It is important when we realize that the opportunity is there. We realize that it is not about why we fell down, how it happened, or whose fault it is. But that we stand back up, and feel the ground underneath our feet for the first time.
Feel the cool, wooden floor, for the first time.
Most people are supremely and entirely focused on trying to remain standing on those two feet; never allowing themselves to become vulnerable.
Certainly now that we have our feet against the solid ground, we may come out with a few splinters. But in this way, we will learn that we are never in control. And no matter how hard we choose to fight it, that there is no way to outsmart the ground.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Rockview, Santa Cruz


Went for a walk at low tide last week. Brought my camera, and was happy to catch this moment.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Operation: Mushroom Hunt

Disguise.
They're hiding somewhere in there..

Enemy spotted!
Threat neutralized.




The body count is high.

A quick fika.

The squad.



Preparation.


Up close and personal.


Disposing of the evidence.

Blending in with their surroundings.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

STOCKHOLM




Waiting for the train.

First stop - Drop Coffee.


They roast their own beans! (thank goodness)

YUM! Hadn't had a legit latte in weeks!

I had to.

Yes, there are Vikings.

Not quite Will Smith, but I'm digging it.

The streets are strewn with cobblestones.








This is just unspeakable amounts of awesome.

The "Old City"






Wish I had someone to call..

Under the radar.





Can this get any more Swedish? Is that an Ikea in the background?

Cute poster!




Someone has been busy!
Awesome sunset.

An old Coca Cola and toothpaste factory! They seem to go together hand in hand if you really think about it..

A cruise ship destination.




Jeez, I can't go anywhere without running into one of these!


Coffee stop number 2!


The dude on the right actually knew about the local Santa Cruz Verve coffee! What a boss!

Yummy! That chocolate was the best!

Relevant



Aesthetically pleasing, and informative.



Planning dinner


Add caption
Lettuce from the garden!


Obscenely delicious


c.1976