WINTER AFTERNOON -- PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Standing in a local park this afternoon I noticed a large ball of sun trying to break through the dark layers of sky. It was as if the sun was pushing against the darkness saying "it's my turn in the sky now." However she did not win the battle and her light was soon extinguished by the clouds.

I am not really fond of the constant day after day overcast that we have experienced lately here in the Pacific Northwest. But when I see how the rest of the country has been faring I know to keep my mouth shut.

But really -- I do agree with the sun -- it's her turn to shine.

MORNING BREAKING

Morning breaks soft in the fall. Chilly air contrasts with the white fire of the sun as it floods through my woods. I sit at my old work table in solitude and think about the new day. What will it bring? How can I shape it? I am on a path of simplicity. My world  opens up to me for yet another day. 

Here is a poem by Virginia Woolf that fits my mood today;

How much better is silence; the
coffee cup, the table. How much better to
sit by myself like the solitary sea-bird
that opens its wings on the stake. Let me
sit here forever with bare things, this
coffee cup, this knife, this fork, things in
themselves, myself being myself.

SUN, ROCKS, HOME AND MOVING WEST

The late day sun casts bare tree shadows on my home as I contemplate the work ahead for me. I have made a decision to move to Utah after long deliberation. Kentucky is a natural paradise that abounds with all types of fantastic wildlife. It has been a good place to nurture my interest in all things wild. Also, it is a treasure chest of folkways that I have attempted to record in part through images and a few words. I will miss this place as I am now in my fifth year of living here.


But, most of my family members are now living in the west, Utah and Oregon, and there are no more  members in this part of the country. And, I have a great love of the west with its grandeur of mountains and varied landscapes. This will be an opportunity to explore cultures of ancients, wildlife, and folks. Hopefully it will open a multitude of new views for my layperson's photography. 

Above are rocks that I have picked up along the many roads I have traveled in the U.S.  over the past twenty-one years. I think there are only about five states that I have not visited. I consider these rock fragments -- my fetishes. I use the native American interpretation of fetishes -- being sacred objects for spiritual awakening and to communicate with supernatural powers providing protection, promote healing and ensure success in ventures.

Of course -- the runway ahead can be a really long one before I take off with my dog Sal. Sales of houses are  slow and low. In the meantime I have plenty to do around the house and property -- trying to get it on the market in March. 

I will continue with FOLKWAYS NOTEBOOK when I finally make it to Utah. I plan on bringing a whole new western palette to my blog.

But for now everything is as usual with my postings. No changes. Except for me feeling completely overwhelmed!