Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Farewell Borders Bookstores ...








Borders Bookstores are closing: Fini, c'est tout.  It makes me so sad.  Borders was one the few stores that I actually enjoyed visiting.  My grown-up "candy store" of sorts, for I so love books.  To browse through shelf after shelf of stories waiting to unfold was a favorite treat of mine, and Borders was one of the coolest places in which to do this browsing.  Borders has such a warm and cozy, inviting atmosphere, and no matter where I happened to be in the country there was usually a Borders Bookstore somewhere nearby. 

I will be so sad to see Borders close their doors for the final time here, one day soon .... Sigh.  But you see, aside from my love for books ... real, feel the weight of  a tangible object  in your hand books ...  I am sad to see what just might be the beginning of the end of books being readily accessible for anyone to have access to pick up and easily read.  I have to wonder:  Does the closing of one of the largest book retail chains in the United States also signal the beginning of the end of "the book" as a physical entity that can stand alone, be seen and be held?  Will all books soon be relegated to the realm of digital ones and zeros like so much else in our modern technological society? Heck, I'm all for technology --being an electrical engineer myself --  But this trend towards digital everything does scare me just a bit. 

If retailers such as Borders can no longer afford to stay in business, will publishers then begin to curtail their creation of physical books?  Will digital books become the new norm, and perhaps eventually the only choice?  And what about those who can't afford the fancy digital readers and other related technologies:  Are they just out of luck?  At such a point, does a large segment of the lower income population just become 'persona non grata'?   The gap widens further? ... I don't know?  I don't have all the answers; I'm just trying to look ahead ...  Just consider my musings here some food for thought, maybe?  Sometimes, I think our technology wows us and moves us ahead at such a rapid pace that we do not stop to spend enough time considering the long term impacts of where we are headed at the speed of light.  Maybe, we're blinded by that light?

Anyhow, farewell Borders ... Know that you will be deeply missed!



[.. And yes, FYI ... I have some electronic books, "e-books", on my IPod Touch.  I have recently read Voltaire's "Candide" and Bram Stoker's "Dracula" this way ... electronically.  It was nice to have these books readily available wherever I happened to be, but I do have to admit that something was missing in reading these books the electronic way.  For one thing, I love holding a book and watching my progression visibly as I read through the book.  Knowing in a glance how near I am to the end ... savoring the pages that I have already read, or quickly flipping through the pages to revisit a favorite passage.  I suppose, however, that the convenience of the electronic book outweighs the tradeoffs? ... Still, I think that I will remain partial to the "real" thing for the foreseeable future ... especially when it comes to curling up with a good book late at night by the fire on a cold winter night or in cool patch of grass on a hot summer's day.   How about you? ]





Monday, July 25, 2011

Tragic Shooting in Norway ...

I haven't written on the recent shootings that occurred in Norway, on July 22nd, at the Capital of Oslo and on the nearby Utoya Island. On this day, one Anders Behring Breivik, set off a bomb in the Capital Office Building where the Prime Minister had offices. This was supposedly a diversion for a planned mass shooting. For shortly after the bomb blast, Breivik began randomly shooting people at a youth camp on the island of Utoya, sadly many of the victims were merely young teens. I just have a hard time processing such senseless loss of life, especially young adults ... and so very many ... 76 was the final count, I think, but even one is too many. Surely only a very sick individual, with a deranged mind could justify killing as such? It truly boggles my mind! May God, our Creator, Bless those affected by this tragedy: those who lost their lives, those who were wounded physically and emotionally, and all who were touched by this senseless tragedy.

How many of us thought, perhaps not as a first response, but in our post processing of this horrible news: I am so thankful that it was not here, that it was not me, my family, friends ... those that I love. But the sad thing is it could have just as well have been. How many parents send their kids off to summer camps, with the good intent of broadening their children's horizons ... never fathoming that a horrible mass shooting could occur at their child's camp. So what can we do? Pray ... There is a power in prayer, in a united collective consciousness for a greater good. Pray and pray often for souls such as the young man behind these shootings. That these unwell individuals will be identified and helped before they are able to unleash their madness upon the innocent in our world.

I wrote an apocolyptic poem around this time, but at the time I was not aware of this tragic shooting in Norway. I am trying to sort through my words in order to see where they lead and if there is any connection or insight to be gained. But mostly, I am just praying, as always. This world needs a lot of prayer!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Joys of Music ...

Let the music carry you away on angel's wings, to a place of peaceful repose ...





"Joyful Repose, The Music knows"

@Copyrighted Image, 2011.  All Rights Reserved:  Isabelle Black Smith. 
 
 

  (All of My Photographs (enlarged canvas sizes) are available to license via my Flickr website:  isas_fallingstar .
Hope to have an artist website set-up soon to sell individual prints and cards.)







Tuesday, July 19, 2011

For Friends Who Are Hurting Right Now ...

This is a poem that I wrote for some friends who are hurting right now ... Love you each and every one!





Image Source (TBD)



"Four Simple Words"



Four simple words: I BELIEVE in YOU!
I BELIEVE in YOU; Honestly, I do.
The smile on your face truly
Makes the world a brighter place.
The song playing in your heart
Makes the world want to sing along.
I know you can't hear it right now, your song,
So I'll sing it for you until you can
Find your own words to sing along.
Slow the pace for awhile. One step at a time.
We're in no hurry; No need to worry.
I'll be right here by your side.
Arms and heart ever open wide.
I'm not going anywhere anytime soon.
So close your eyes, relax and just breathe.
Let the fear in you begin to subside.
Make room instead for hope to reside.
Life's a journey to be certain:
Ups, downs, even some hurtin'
And the occasional slippery slope.
That's when  ♥ TRUE FRIENDS ♥
Step in to fill you up with HOPE.
Hope to wash away the rest of that retreating fear.
Loving arms to draw you close and hold you dear.
So chin up! Let me see a whisper of that smile
I've come to know and LOVE?
I BELIEVE in YOU; Honestly I do!
There's nothing you can't BE ...
There's nothing you can't DO.
Keep the FAITH ...
One day soon you'll BELIEVE in You too!
Remember it's just four simple words:
I BELIEVE IN ME (TOO)!


@Copyrighted Poem, 2011. All Rights Reserved: Isabelle Black Smith.




Image Source: TBD

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Strange Days ... Photography

Think this photo says it all.  I seem to be going through a black and white phase in my photography.  Perhaps a metaphor for where I am at in my life these days.  The need to simplify ...



@Copyright Photo, 2011.  All Rights Reserved:
Isabelle Black Smith.

"Strange Days" ...



Thursday, July 14, 2011

Free Speech at Risk in the Blogsphere?







I am thinking of launching a "Click on my blog everyday just to piss off the Obama Media Czar" Campaign  (link to be enabled)  ... What do you think?????  See how many hits I can generate for my Blog in terms of visibility by inviting all my friends, friends of friends, and so on to join me here each day ... whether they read extensively or not.  I may like being mysterious, but there is nothing like a good cause to bring me out of the shadows.

I am thinking about doing this because I feel as if my blog is no longer being placed in the most favorable viewing audience.  You see, I have written a few political pieces, in the past, that do not paint the "Annointed One" in an entirely favorable light.  Because of these 'political pieces' my blog --which contains SOOOOOOOOOOO much more than politics-- has now been relegated to the Blogspehere Basement

It used to be that my blog was posted next to other artists, musicians, photographers ... poets, per my more recent posts and Blogger's "commitment to connect bloggers with similar interests".   But, the latter doesn't seem to be the case any more? ... Doesn't seem to matter what I post nowadays (i.e., since the appointment of Obama's Media Czar):  If you 'click' on the next blog, I remain ever-fixed next to some extreme rightwing blog that is ranting and raving.  So much for free speech, I guess???  Does 'Big Brother' really get to have that much unchecked power in our "Free Society"?  What do think????

And to be fair ... When Obama, his adminstration or his party does something outstanding and good for the country:  I write about that too.   But the latter still seems to have no impact on my placement here in the blogsphere ... no good deed goes unpunished, I guess?

If you haven't read this novel "1984" ... now might be a good time to give it a run through, preferably before the next election.  If you do nothing else: read the background on this work provided in the link above.  And I am wondering if it is legal, ethical, constitutional to have tax payer dollars used to fund monitoring, and in essence regulation/manipulation of free speech (by determining what venues opinions and ideas are allowed to air in),  in order to improve a sitting U.S. President's overall media image?????

Through My Looking Glass ...

I LOVE Alice from "Alice In Wonderland"!! She was my first true heroine ... Of course, I took the base story and ran away with it in my imagination, but Alice will always have a special place in my heart. ♥






"Through My Looking Glass"


Fluid, thought provoking reflection ...
Introspection?
Truth lies in imperfection?
Two sides to every truth.
Two sides there are to this mirror.

Looking glass, show me what truly matters.
Save me from a life torn in tatters.
If the mirror is fluid it won't really shatter?

Take a stand ! On which side are you?
Do you believe in Wonderland ...
Do you ... do you do?

Close your eyes, make a wish and cross over:
A much more gainful game is there moreover.

Follow the white rabbit.
It's a course of habit;
He'll show you the way.

Silly truths from days of innocent youth
Are in need of new equations for their proof:
Long hidden secrets revealing their truth.

Too much to bear? 
Just release your care ...
Time for a tea party in company of
Mad Hatter and the March Hare.
Truth be told, they have much more fun in 'there.'

Smoke the pipe of the wise caterpillar
That'll rattle your brain!
Get back up on your feet again.
Set you on path to figuring out  just who you are ...
Sadly there'll be no silly wishing upon a falling star.

Truth is allusion, spewing confusion,
And illusion is truth.
If you don't like what you see,
Then take Cheshire cat's lead and  
Apparate a new spoof.

Feeling insignificant? Ever so small? 
Want to be up to the ceiling tall?
Nibble some psychedelic mushroom
And watch yourself bloom ...
Big enough to fill up the entire room.
Nibble right to grow up, Up and UP ...
Nibble left to change it up,
Back to earth you'll swiftly fall.

Everything is backwards in Wonderland
Thinking logically: it's impossible to understand.
Just  take it on faith,  let go your wraith
And watch the white knight mount his steed,
Riding backwards, speaking the same, into
Yesterday's forlorn sunset.
Everything you have need of lies within
Your seemingly simple hand.

Find your inner strength; Best your courage!
Take on the Bloody Big-Headed Red Queen
And her champion the Jabberwocky.
Check and mate, time at last to meet your fate.
For you see, it's never too late ...
Vorpel sword in hand,
Step forth with gesture grand
And slay the forked-tongued beast.

Vorpel sword brandished: Red Queen  is  jubilantly banished.
Crown returned to rightful head, White Queen sits in place instead.
 Mirrored-world  is freed from dread; they'll be no more "Off with their heads!"

Before you leave:  Roll up your sleeve,
Remember what had been written there and
Take heed of what the dormouse said:  Don't forget to "Feed your head."

Close your eyes, make a wish and cross over:
A much more gainful game is there moreover.

Freed at last, captive no more,
You are ready to sail for distant shore.
Chrysalis completed,
Destiny meeted,
Spread your wings and fly, Fly, FLY!
Freed at last, no more need of 'how' or 'why'.
Feet once bound unto earth now touch sky.

Farewell my mirrored-world of Wonderland ...
I think, at last, I finally understand.
Until we meet again ...

Fluid, thought provoking reflection ...
Introspection?
Truth lies in imperfection?
Two sides to every truth.
Two sides there are to this mirror.











@Copyrighted Poem, July 2011.  All Rights Reserved:  Isabelle Black Smith.


Song:  "White Rabbit", By Jefferson Airplane



Thank you for the share on Google+, Serina Oehler.  : )

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Are Dandelions Beautiful?




 

"Are Dandelions Beautiful?"

Strolling through a field of green in the vastness that is "Discovery Park",
My little girl innocently asks with sweetest upwards glance ...

"Are Dandelions Beautiful?"

So I pause for a moment and take a long deep look.

Simple, understated elegance.
Placement due to happenstance.
Abundant, strong, resilient, enduring.
Intricate, delicate fractal pattern alluring.
Color of the radiant midday sun.
Row after row, scattered in a nearby run.
Painted twist upon a sea of canvas green.
Bursting forth in vivid yellow, standing
Up TALL, shouting, wanting to be seen.
Pick one up early to have a bit fun.
White ball of delicate cotton spun.
Close your eyes, make a heartfelt wish.
One, two, three and blow, sending tiny
Wisps spiraling about in spherical swish.
Tickle your nose, giggle, falling gracefully
To land upon tiny bare toes ...
All my love from me to you send.
Happiness in innocent world ...
May it never end.


@Copyrighted Poem, July 2011.  All Rights Reserved:  Isabelle Black Smith.







Spend Some Time with Your Kids ... (Photographic ART)

They help you to see the world in a whole new light! 


Painting with my daughter middle daughter Beth. She has such a great artistic eye. Lots of FUN on this joint collaboration : )




@Copyrighted Image.  All Rights Reserved:  Isabelle Black Smith.


Title:  "Orange Embers Awaken"



Sunday, July 03, 2011

Happy 4th of July!!

I needed a break ... Just to go away and disappear for awhile.  Sorry to disappear without notice.  I'm still not ready to come back, but I wanted to make a post in honor of the 4th of July, Independence Day.  Also wanted to post in honor of an old friend, from days long ago.  He is someone I went to high school with, named Troy Hxxxxxx.  I had a dream, with a message and you in it a few nights back.  So I am sincerely hoping all is well in your life and that you and yours are healthy.  Keeping you in my special thoughts and prayers for whatever grace, guidance and healing you may be in need of at this moment in time.  God Bless and keep you and yours!

And to the rest of you, who may pass this way:  Here's wishing you a very Happy and Blessed 4th of July celebration!! May you be filled with Peace, LOVE & Gratitude, with Hope for the future of our country.  God Bless the U.S.A.!!  We are truly blessed, all of us living in this land of the free, home of the brave. Even during these tough economic times, let us not forget to take a moment and find a way to express a sincere thankfulness for all that we are so fortunate to have.


Peace & LOVE ♥


~M





"Painted Sunet ... a.k.a.  HOPE" watercolor finish
@Copyrighted Image, 2011.  All Rights Reserved.






P.S.  Yes, I still do believe the universe will deliver my prayers, well wishes, good intentions for me, silly as that may seem to some. The recipient need never read my actual words.  But who knows?  Maybe, sometimes they actually do read my words for themselves.