Allegretto ~ Tempo of The Morning Body.

When still awake at 3 am, the body's tempo begins a little short come morn...this morning was a tad slower than usual, but still filled with exuberance. I was moderately fast but less so than allegro, so it had to be allegretto! My wakeup call was Schubert Schubert Quintet in C, D 956 - 4. Allegretto - enjoy!

Sunday In The Woods

It was an overcast day and I went out purposely to take some 'gloomy' shots, but all that changed. The sun broke through and it turned from cold to humidy warm...not what I was prepared for. Then once again, the sky filled with clouds, rain began to spit and cool temps descended. The weather didn't know what to do, much like how my spirit's been feeling these past few days.

I managed to shoot some photos regardless of the changing conditions. I was afforded a good chunk of quality time to read some Thoreau too_____outside, which is always a nice feeling.

Night set in quickly. Darkness arrived. I knew it was time to leave.

Water, Shadow & Stone II

Calm the winds of your thoughts, and there will be no waves on the ocean of your mind.

The Guitarist and The Ballerina

Alessandra Ferri, soloist
Sting, guitar

'Prelude' from Cello Suite No.1 in G major music by Johann Sebastian Bach.






*****
Suite No. 1 in G major
The Prelude, mainly consisting of arpeggiated chords, is probably the best known movement from the entire set of suites and is regularly heard on television and in films.
Click HERE to read more. A fine sample can be heard here also. Allessandra Ferri and Sting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KHuDHfFApo

Engaged In Contemplation

I took this shot on one of my travels somewhere along the California coast. There's something so totally mesmerizing as one sits and looks out to sea. It's mysterious. The sound of waves as they crash against the rocks parallels an unimpaired tranquillizing sound. It is pure.

When I sit, listen and watch the waves my mind is transported to an unknown place. At times resting on "blank." Some may call it meditating. I call it "letting the mind be."

Francesca

It's about LIFE, it's about LOVE.

I sat quietly in the dark tonight. Have you ever just sat in darkness, closed your eyes and meditated thoughts of the day? Have you allowed thoughts of the day filter through your being - become mindful. Have you let life breathe into your soul? Tonight sitting here I had a realization that manifested itself in the form of a thought. Love life by living it and live life by loving it.

What exactly does loving one’s life mean? And how exactly does loving one’s life count as have having lived it and not any other way? This can be explained by understanding the two main pillars that comprise that thought ~ love life by living it and live life, by loving it. Let's look at each individually and seek to understand how beautifully they go hand in hand.

Love

Love begins with ourselves. For example, if I can’t love myself, I can’t love anyone else. When a person can’t love his own self the way he is, there’s no way he can love others the way they are. Loving one’s self is not about gazing into the mirror all day in self-admiration; that’s vanity. Loving the self is about knowing your good and bad; its about accepting your flaws and working hard to overcome them and strive to become a better person; its about being steadfast and adhering to the values you have, no matter what. From this self acceptance comes love and from this love grows a strong sense of self-esteem, in which rests the seed of confidence. And confidence can do wonder's to a person’s life.


Life

Life in its purest and most basic sense is signified by the mechanism of the beating heart. As the heart beats, the person lives in the physical form of reality, but there’s much more to life than just the beating heart. For me, I can say that I fully live life if I can say yes to the following questions:

Are my days filled by doing things that I am most passionate about?
Have I made some positive contribution to the betterment of even ONE life in any way?
Have I made whole-hearted efforts to become a better person?
If the answer to all these questions is in the affirmative, it signifies that I have truly lived life.

So I love myself and I am living in the true sense. Is that all there is to it? Well, absolutely! It's that simple! They go together and become one, YOU!

If I have lived every moment of my life by filling each day with love ~ for self and others, passion (towards what I like doing the most) empathy (self-explanatory), and many other such positive virtues, I have truly loved this life. And when I love my life, only then am I living it!!!

ART and Ignatian Spirituality

As soon as you look at the world through an ideology you are finished. No reality fits an ideology. Life is beyond that. That is why people are always searching for a meaning to life… Meaning is only found when you go beyond meaning. Life only makes sense when you perceive it as mystery and it makes no sense to the conceptualizing mind.

The above statement is the thought of Fr. Anthony de Mello, S.J. I seemingly enjoy applying this thought to art. People tend to look at a work of art and search for the meaning of the piece. What is it the artist was trying to convey? One must go beyond that approach and look deeper into the art work...each artist has his/her own way of exploring the soul_ the 'spirit' of the work that is evolving. Yes, often a mystery. Thus, can we say the art work only makes sense when you perceive it as a mystery and that it makes no sense when one tries desperately to conceptualize it in his/her mind? Or, can it be said that the art work is a mystery and each one of us sees it in a different light...in which, that 'light' is the mystery unfolded. Thoughts?

De Mello was a Jesuit priest and psychotherapist who became widely known for his books on spirituality. He hosted many spiritual retreats and was considered by some a gifted public speaker. I never had the opportunity to attend any of his seminars, but friends tell me they were an awe inspiring experience, that de Mello was a gifted charasmatic presenter. Click here to visit his Centre for Spirituality.
His quite controversial paradigm for Catholic dogma is mainly because many of his ideas were influenced by Thai Buddhist teacher and founder of monasteries Ajahn Chah - who, some say, was a kind of teacher to him. Despite the Church's condemnation, his works are popular especially among those interested in Ignatian Spirituality.





*De Mello died suddenly in 1987.
Painting: Acrylic on Canvas, Francesca

Broken But Working

You can hear the trickle of spring not far off as the melting tear drops of winter pour out their last cry. With the end of every season, a new one begins. A new chapter in the book of life.

As I walk around outside this time of year, when temperatures begin to warm, I feel blessed to get a close up glimpse of some pretty amazing images. Most people never notice these sure tell-tale signs of life and just walk by...usually without thought, without a glance. We must be careful not to allow our demeanour to become complacent for in so doing, we will miss the most simple yet some of the most beautiful attributes nature has given us.

A tiny tear.

A droplet

A drip. Life's life source!

Water!

The Melts

Broken But Working

Take a look at the beauty found even in the broken eavestrough. It is entitled "Broken But Working"...like so many people that are broken, and yet they still function...through their tears, great beauty is found and in their heart, new life can always be found. Can't you feel the freshness in the air...that sweet scent of spring? And listen to the sound! A trickling rhythm that boasts it's very own chorus!

"Choose to look for the positives in every situation. You will start to see possibilities for improving the situation. The negatives may diminish because you will be focusing improving things instead of worrying about all the catastrophes that probably will never happen."

Russ Stiffler, from Love and February

Photo Images: Mathieu Grégoire
Used With Permission

Don't come in...

...from out of the rain.
Stay outside.

Photo: Kurt Stuchell

At the Stone Parliament we like to bring you special things. Often beautiful, sometimes informative and always interesting! We cover music, photography, art news and other cultural event's. It's not always easy sticking only to the subject of art when life is filled with so much. We've talked about everything under the sun, from amazing music artist's to blog manners. Great restaurants, fabulous recipes to travel and we've even touched a tad on politics.

This time we found a wonderful photo that stirred some emotion. It also touches on a few of the principles of photography . To the S.P. of Art, it is the epitome of summer. Not a sunshine picture with beaches nor a photo of sun umbrellas lining the sands, teak chairs set out in rows and images of crashing waves rushing to the shore. It carries me back to my summers that were spent at a summer home on the water. Overcast days, warm rain bouncing off the lake. We'd frolic outside hearing my mother's voice calling in the distance to come in out of the rain. My sister would listen, I stayed. I never came in from out of the rain.

Photo: Kurt Stuchell

Kurt Stuchell - Museum Pods, a friend, kindly gave me permission to use his photos. What kind of mood do they create for you? They speak of summer to us, but we'd also like to make another point - they were taken with a rather inexpensive cell phone! Proves the point that we've written about in the past - you don't need expensive equipment to take great photos! Don't be afraid to capture what you feel is beautiful to your eye...let your creative spirit emerge. Studying the principles of photography won't hurt either, but relax and trust yourself...let your eyes speak through the lens.

Mad World

Some days I like to sit back and watch everyone going nowhere. It's a mad world. We often find ourselves getting caught up with the swift current of technology, dancing life in a daze, not stopping to look around. It's a double edge. If we want to stay connected, we have no choice but to give way to social media. Many of us choose to distance ourselves from the pressure of becoming part of the tech world...it's a mad world.

The other night in the company of friends, the topic of 'social media' came up. The majority felt that although it's a great tool of life now, it has crippled us to some degree and our social skills have gone mad. It's a mad world.   A pretty deep discussion took place...some felt that it has ruined us...and I find it kind of funny, I find it kind of sad.....people run in circles....it's a mad world.

https://youtu.be/etSbOs3aUqI?si=ufp38Xw1nmlUnsr1

Mad World - Gary Jules

Setting Sun

Mausoleum, Marymount Catholic Cemetery, Guelph Ontario
Photo Image captured Good Friday ~ April 6,2012

Oolong ~ Cat ~ Dog ~ Happiness

Day of unexpected pleasures.

Yesterday, supposed storm of season.

Music

Lemon Oolong Tea

Friend

Photography

Those that have been reading the blog are aware that I began studying guitar since mid September. Could be the reason I've not been blogging much. Time is precious and how we appropriate it in our day is always a 'fun' challenge.

Friends ask 'where do you find time?'...truth is, like anyone else, I have to make time. Not easy some days, I admit. You have to find your passion.

My 'passion' for learning the guitar was tested yesterday. Well ok, I really didn't brave the snow storm, but would have if it hadn't missed us. My point is: To accomplish anything, we must be dedicated..disciplined too. Nothing's achieved overnight and my goodness, I never thought practicing guitar chords could be so painful. I've lovely little callus's on my finger tips to substantiate my daily ritual of 'the practice session' and who knows, maybe someday that phrase could change to the 'goat rodeo sessions!'  

My teacher tells me he sees progress and that's good news.  I'm loving every bit of this musical journey!!

Rain Pain and Love

The previous post was about November rain. Seems this November brings rain in the form of tears...tears that come straight from the heart. A month that has stormed in with an unexpected trial of life with an upheaval of memories of our dear Sarah Amelia. In the last days of her life she also suffered lung pain, but many of us never realized just how severe this pain could be. It's that cliche that declares 'you don't know until it hits home.' You may think you know, but not until you witness the effects up 'close and personal' ..it really tugs at the spirit of the human soul.

It's about pain and suffering. It's about love. It's about not being able to be in the place your heart dwells. It's about life. It's about physcial, emotional and psychological pain. I believe most of us have suffered at least one if not all three at some point in our lives.

As I write, a very dear and close friend is suffering from a 'spontaneous pneumothorax' and from my past nursing experience and recent research I know and understand that the pain associated with this is one of the most excruciating and debilitating types a human is asked to endure. Loved ones witnessing this suffering are held captive by their inability to take the pain away. They suffer too. This morning I wondered which pain is worse. It should be simply stated that 'physical' pain is far worse, but I would challenge that right now. They're different forms of pain, one no less nor greater than the other. Equal in their own right pehaps. A reminder of how FRAGILE we are...oh how fragile we are. We watch as he lays with 1 1/2" diameter tube protruding through the most tender of skin. A tube forced in by surgically incising an area as it enters between two ribs in order to drain and remove air buildup...as each day goes by, as each x-ray is completed we wait and hope for good results. One day becomes two and so on. We pray. We encourage. We cheer him on, but inside our hearts the rain does fall. His pain is our pain. We endure together. He is not alone although there are moments when this feeling of isolation sets in. We must be ever present to let him know how much we love him.

How fragile we are.

Edge of Light

“When you have come to the edge of all the light you have
And step into the darkness of the unknown
Believe that one of the two will happen to you
Either you'll find something solid to stand on
Or you'll be taught how to fly!”

Richard Bach
American Writer, author of 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull', b.1936

FEELINGS

What I thought would happen today, did not. Would I be able to take a short nap to help shake off this sore throat and cold that's been lingering for a few days? No, it did not happen.It was all about my piano today which for me means an almost perfect day.

I'll be able to play with some sound of sense now. The tuner called and had time to come over. Excitement!

Image Above ~ The Piano Tuner ~ The Movie ~ To be released in 2013

"Based on Daniel Mason's novel,
Edgar Drake is sent to war-torn Burma in the 1800's to repair an eccentric military man's piano. Drake falls in love with a Burmese woman and her country, but as the officer wins over locals through music and medicine, things grow treacherous when his troops begin to suspect him of treason. "
Read more HERE.

The Tuner

And after 'the tuner' left I sat down and played for a couple of hours...in my own insane heaven.

Please click to view photos on black background on flickr, but more importantly do yourself a favour..take time to listen to Helene Grimaud play one of my cherished pieces by Bach.

mystical

“Truth is the torch that gleams through the fog without dispelling it.”
Claude Adrien Helvetius ~ French Philosopher, 1715-1771

*Stumbled across this photo a few months ago saving it for further posting - not sure of the name of it nor did I write down the site - sorry, but I think you'll agree it's effective for this day. Least here. We're experiencing some wondrous fog. Wish I had a field of sheep to go along with it, but I'll take the fog gladly. Beauty!

Frozen Tears

I heard something beautiful today...it was a comment someone wrote on a friend's fb wall which reminded me of a beautiful piece of music.

Words that sound 'poetic' stay with me forever and these two words have that kind of 'staying power.'

What do you think of when you hear the words 'frozen tears?'

For me it encapsulates a lot of emotion.




Void,
frozen in time,
waiting to breathe life back into me,
waiting for tender words
shatter the silence,
wipe the frozen tears.
Tears
frozen upon my face.
You are missed.

Frozen Tears from Winterriese by Franz Schubert

On 'Winterreise'

Winterreise is also known as Winter Journey which is a cycle of 24 poems by Wilhelm Müller and best known as the song cycle set for voice and piano by Franz Schubert. It is the second of Schubert's two great song cycles on Müller's poems, the earlier being Die schöne Müllerin. Both were originally written for tenor voice but are frequently transposed to suit other vocal ranges - the precedent being established by Schubert himself. These two works have posed interpretative demands on listeners and performers due to their scale and structural coherence. Although Ludwig van Beethoven's cycle An die ferne Geliebte (To the distant beloved..and was thought to be the first true song cycle) had been published earlier, in 1816, Schubert's two cycles hold the foremost place in the history of the genre.

Listen to Die schöne Müllerin(Part 1 of 8) HERE.
Listen to An die ferne Geliebte (1st Song)HERE.

We left the music behind and the dance carried on....

It is one of those nights. Come with me. Run your fingers through my soul. For once, just once, feel exactly what I feel, believe what I believe, perceive as I perceive, look, experience, examine, and for once; just once, understand.

 

 The thundering waves are calling me home, home to you
The pounding sea is calling me home, home to you.

On a dark new year's night
On the west coast of Clare
I hear your voice singing
Your eyes danced the song
Your hands played the tune
T'was a vision before me.

We left the music behind and the dance carried on
As we stole away to the seashore
We smelt the brine, felt the wind in our hair

With sadness you paused.

Suddenly I knew that you'd have to go
Your world was not mine, your eyes told me so
Yet it was there I felt the crossroads of time

And I wondered why.

As we cast our gaze on the tumbling sea
A vision came o'er me
Of thundering hooves and beating wings

In clouds above.

As you turned to go I heard you call my name.
You were like a bird in a cage, spreading its
Wings to fly
"The old ways are lost" you sang as you flew

And I wondered why.

The thundering waves are calling me home, home to you
The pounding sea is calling me home, home to you.
The thundering waves are calling me home, home to you
The pounding sea is calling me home, home to you.
The thundering waves are calling me home, home to you
The pounding sea is calling me home, home to you.

Down The River, Into the Brain: Is technology making us stupid?

Take A Wilderness Trip to find out!

Outdoors and Out of Reach, Studying the Brain.

Before the hiking and rafting trip, Art Kramer was concerned about a big grant. "Time is slowing down," he says on Day 3.
Photo: Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

A couple of professors did a little research leaving their cellphones behind and headed into the wilds where e-mail is inaccessible and laptops would be powerless. It was a trip into the heart of silence!



"Five neuroscientists spent a week in late May in a remote area of southern Utah, a primitive trip with a sophisticated goal: to understand how heavy use of digital devices and other technology changes how we think and behave, and how a retreat into nature might reverse those effects..." Read the New York Times article HERE.

From a Big Montana Sky - Stunning!

It's no secret that STONE PARLIAMENT OF ART loves storms. Seems dark skies follow us, bolts of lightning light our way and thunder is our lullaby. We'll take it, we love it.
Tonight South Western Ontario is currently under a tornado watch and I'm foolishly sitting at the computer blogging in the middle of this storm, but the night is perfect to share these photos that we received from Jason Persun. A big Montana Sky!

Many are familiar with Jason's work since we've featured his photos here before. His work is incredible. It's unimaginable that each picture he captures seems better than the last, but that's how we feel. Not sure how that works but he's like a magician behind the lens with a magic touch. When he clicks, the sky smiles, the heavens wink and magnificent vistas appear. I'm sure it's not that simple because he works very hard at his craft. He is gifted and we're so proud to showcase this series. He emailed these photos and we didn't get permission to post them, but I'm sure he won't mind. He has a heart of gold and readily/freely shares his knowledge and expertise with anyone who asks. Those new to Jason's work, he's been a friend of S.P. of Art from our early days and has remained loyal and true. It's been a pleasure meeting him and although he's always on the move and we cannot keep track where he is sometimes, his caring good heart and thoughtfulness always drops in when you least expect it! So Jason, if you land in on da blog and happen to see yourself under " a big Montana sky" -- We thank you!
If any of our subscribers haven't seen his work, you can check it HERE.









Images: JASON PERSUN ~ A Big Montana Sky.