Beyond Coincidence

wilB:  I spent last Saturday getting my first tattoo at Autograph Tattoo by an extremely gifted artist, Thor Robbins. I chose to get a Hawk feather - a symbol that means so much to me on many different levels. Mostly, it is a symbol of my absolute love for all things nature. It's is also a symbol of the struggles during the past 10 years and how I've been able to rise and sore into the sunrise of freedom. The actual feather that inspired this tattoo is a Hawk feather that my best friend and brother Ken gave to me as a gift a few years ago. You can see it hanging on the light post being used as a reference. After about two hours the tattoo was done. I checked my phone and found a text from Ken with a picture of a hawk feather.  The message said, "Dude: it's a sign.. I just found this today!!!"  How amazing is that? Turns out he found three that same afternoon.  Coincidence? I don't think so...

Mourning Crow:  Last Saturday my friend, brother and spiritual counselor set out on a journey of self-expression by getting his first tattoo.  He chose a single Cooper's hawk feather that symbolizes a lot to him personally.  Hawk feathers are typically hard to come by.  They're not easy to find and a good one (not weathered or torn) can be a rare find.  I wanted to be present for my friend's tattoo session but was unable due to parenting constraints. As I walked outside (self-loathing in my parental constraints) I looked down and there on the ground... a perfect Cooper's Hawk feather exactly like the one Wil was getting tattooed on his arm at that very moment in time.

          Obviously, I was taken back. I took a picture and immediately sent it to Wil. Later in the day I happened across two more Cooper's hawk feathers and forwarded them to Wil! What a rare find on such a symbolic day.  I took it as a sign of approval on my friend's tattoo.  These feathers hold a deep symbolic and personal meaning to both of us. To find multiple perfect feathers of the same kind, while my friend is getting specifically that same tattoo... Well, that my friend is beyond coincidence.  

Took the long way home

 

Took the long way home and I stopped to smell the flowers.

Cucumbers

A few months back I watched Ken plant a small garden in his yard. It has been a pleasure watching this little patch of earth come to life. Last week the first few cucumbers were ready for the picking. He sent me home with one of the most spectacular little guys. Somehow the conditions were just right and it grew into a circle. He will be sending me home with some tomatoes soon.

This weekend I hope to:
-see a movie
-catch a sunrise at the beach
-hit up the Art Market (I'm all out of honey.)
-catch some sun by the pool
-maybe even a sunset at the beach, with an Ice Cream Sunday. Yes, that sounds lovely!

Whatever your plans this weekend I hope you enjoy.  I made this mix for you.

Dancing between the shadows

Ever had one of those weeks? Pressed somewhere between a rock and a harder place. Faced to make decisions that you don't want to make. Chosen by fate to be that piece of the puzzle? We've all been there. From the dissapointments as children, to the break-ups of adolescense. Some of us, I'm sure, have been faced with even harder decisions.

In the midst of all that "decision making".. Remember, that some things you cannot change. Some decisions are not ours to make. Sometimes even our involvement, although well meant and heart-felt, only makes matters worse.
  

With situations and circumstances like that we have to learn to simply let go. Trust, Believe, Hope that... "Every little thing is going to be alright."

Sometimes the Light dances between the shadows... and we don't have to do anything to make it happen...

I'll use my eyes instead

Last Saturday before leaving for a sunset walk along the beach I was asked.. "Wil, aren't you going to bring your camera?" I said "No, I'll use my eyes instead." It's a line from a song called Cameras by Matt & Kim.  During the past two weeks that's precisely what I did - I used my eyes instead...

It's good to put the camera down and really take in what's around you. Instead of worrying about F-stops and shutter speeds; I was able to take in the views and enjoy the company of my friends. Saying those words... "I'll use my eyes instead" (out-loud) made me miss the click of my camera. A click that captures the memories we share. 

Sometimes, we have to take in what's around us without looking through a lens. Be it the camera or the pen, the keyboard or the guitar.. it's about balance between passion and necessity. 

*The first two photos are from May 1st and the last two are from May 15th - same roll of film.