XVII - 'Twas a fulfilling day

'Twas a Fulfilling Day

Today was a day full of inspiration.
I attended a spoken poetry event where various artists performed. The theme was celebrating 50 years since Martin Luther King's iconic speech which began with perhaps the most quoted line in history, "I have a dream". Each poet gave their version or understanding of this speech. So you can imagine the mood of the place. We were all united in an appreciation, awe and understanding of the various social issues this speech touches. Issues that still exist, but are tougher to see for the rose tinted eyes.
I was nearly moved to tears by the poem "third world girl" by the last poet and performer, Jean 'Binta' Breeze.

After such intellectual stimulation, I was welcomed by a link on my friend's wall (on facebook obviously), that introduced the viola organista. An instrument designed by the master, Leonardo Da Vinci, it combines the harpsichord, the organ and the viola. It was brought to life by Slawomir Zubrzycki, a Polish concert pianist and a skilled instrument-maker, by patiently interpreting Da Vinci's  plans, and I am so grateful.

Here's the video. The sound is magnificent. Its sad that the creator himself was never able to hear the actual sound of the instrument.

*If you'd like to read more about it, then please click on the instrument's name above. Cheers! :)

XVI - The yellow Brick road once more

The Yellow Brick Road Once More:

I tend to click A LOT of pictures when the day is kind, and before the gloomy winter weather set in I was able to get quite a few of them; mainly of my next door neighbour, the eclectic Bricklane. Thought I'd share them with you. Enjoy. :)

A peek of the iconic White Chapel

I found this so typically English, like an image out of a Dickens novel.

The central essence of Bricklane

One of the many spray painted walls

This artist is all over the place, and he/she is certainly marvelous

I really miss the blue skies...

XV - A revelation

A Revelation

I’ve realized, after observing the last 8 years of my life, that I am more comfortable being the admirer. 

Regardless of how many talents I develop, there seems to be something that always keeps me from excellence. I am the jack of (almost) all trades. Perhaps its my lack of will, my easily dampened confidence, my quickly silenced enthusiasm. I know the passion remains, but it is underneath the calm surface, overflowing only sometimes during the rains.

I had always thought that perhaps I have just not found the correct field yet, but I must accept that I am an admirer of the art and its genius. There is no shame in this. "Reaching out" comes with a certain amount of stress and vulnerability that usually affects me negatively.

Even romantically I find myself attracted to men with some passion and drive. I am a part of the individuals in the background. The people who form the support and encouragement for the artist struggling with their inner and outer demons.

In academics, in music and now in anthropology, I contribute with my limited means and keep the field alive, but I can only marvel at the accomplished thoughts of the people around me. Perhaps it’s in this acceptance that I can finally find peace and excel in admiring instead. 

xoxo

XIV - Autumn in the countryside

Autumn in the Countryside

After a brief visit to Keswick in the Lake District I finally understood what it was that inspired all the greats of the English canon. No wonder people chose to go on walking tours. The sights around Derwentwater Lake and the pure serenity of the place could calm the most tangled minds. 

I grew up in the hills surrounded by trees and nature all around me. (Sometimes even creeping into the house in the form of insects, bats and sometimes snakes. So being in east London, I did realize I the lack of  interaction with Mother Nature, I just didn't realize to what extent. 

I just sat on the shore of the lake and listened to the rustling of the leaves, the call of the birds, the gentle breaking of the waves. I ended up skipping lunch.
Music is the food of Love, and here my Love was being fed by the music of Mama Nature.

You cannot imagine the country side without the presence of these adorable creatures

The different shades of Autumn on a single tree

Its like as if God accidentally dropped his paint palate creating this magnificent landscape

The next morning there was snow fall on the mountains in the background

~ I know I must return ~

XIII - Small Talk

Small Talk

I've realized that one of the hardest things to do in life, especially if you're someone who tends to over-think, is NOT to be socially awkward. Most conversations with acquaintances begin and end with small talk. No matter how confident or charming you are, you reach a point when you've said all that can be said and then what follows is the best of the worst experiences, the awkward silence...

(Can you hear that? Its the sound of someone breathing.)

But then, every once in a while, you'll come across a person with whom even small talk is essential, because you'll want to share as much with the person as possible. The many others in the party don't appear to be staring at you with judgement anymore, mainly because now you aren't as nervous as before. That stain at the corner of your skirt probably isn't visible anyway. Even the silence is comforting. 

Such people are tough to come across, and all the past socially awkward moments are worth the find.