Sun and Shadows

Photo copyright Wings, 2014; all rights reserved.

I know, I know. I've written a lot about interstices lately, and it's mostly difficult stuff. [Some of it, while seeming not to be directly on point, in fact is, and is difficult in the extreme.]

But this is different.

This is a meditation on imagery, via one of Wings's photo entries in his recent show. It's much more pleasant, even if not exactly easy; it does require some thought.

And it's up now at The NDN Silver Blog.

Go take a look, and use the social-media buttons at the link to share if you're so inclined.  Thanks.

Shells

Photo copyright Wings, 2014; all rights reserved.

For those who missed it this morning (which would be most folks not on Facebook and Twitter, probably), here's today's entry at The NDN Silver Blog: "Conchas (Shells)."

As always, it's in no way limited to the piece shown. I Include some history, some language notes, a bit about the role colonialism plays in the use of the word, and, of course, information about its central role in Southwest Native art (specifically, silversmithing of Native jewelry). I think the one thing I did forget was a pronunciation guide: It's KŌN'chah, not kahn-chah (or, worse yet, kahn-choh).

At any rate, if you're interested in Wings's art, particularly with some historical context, check it out. And, also as always, social-media shares from the link itself are welcome [particularly now; lots of expenses looming, and sales are slow all over the area.] Thanks.

So, time to get down to the business of Summer . . . .

Photo copyright Wings, 2014; all rights reserved.

This guy certainly has. He's watching from a safe (i.e., not too far to swoop in if needed) distance while the little ones stretch their wings.

For me, I think that means playing in the dirt today, otherwise known as "gardening." I have a lot to get done out there, and after last night's rain, the soil should be just about perfect.

Besides, it'll be good for my head, both figuratively and literally. Figuratively in the sense that I haven't been able to spend nearly time so far this season with my hands in the earth, and my mood needs that connection with the soil right now. Literally in the sense that three times this week — every other weekday, in other words — I've awakened with a vicious migraine, and maybe this will help.

Drums, Buffalo, Independence: NDN Fourth

Photo copyright Aji, 2014; all rights reserved.

For those not on Facebook and Twitter who haven't seen it yet, this is today's featured item over at The NDN Silver Blog.

The particular drum plays a relatively short song in the larger post. Most of it is devoted to a new view of today, and what "independence" sometimes means for us. The white buffalo and the drum itself both are central to that meaning.

More here. Shares, tweets, etc. always welcome. Meanwhile, pray for rain; no fireworks mean the animals will thank you.




All content, including photos and text, are copyright Aji, 2015; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

"A Different Kind of 'Throwback Thursday'"

Photo copyright Wings, 2014; all rights reserved.

A lot to do, so for today, it's just a quick referral to my latest post up at The NDN Silver Blog.  

Around here, you can't find a throwback that goes back much farther than this. More at the lined piece, including one to more information about the place and its history and present.

Expect a lot more of these referral posts. We have a lot to do on a daily basis, and it's pretty clear that my time is better invested in Wings's work than it is in "think pieces," so that's where I'll be focused for a while.

Benediction

Photo copyright Wings, 2014; all rights reserved.

I had intended to post this last night, but didn't get a chance.

Spirit apparently had one final gift in store for Wings last night — or maybe I should say set of gifts.

This is just one in a series of a half-dozen shots he got of a rapidly-changing sunset. The clouds and colors are just that; this isn't smoke, although the fires are still burning. A storm was on the way (so much for "red sky at night," huh?), and before he could get to the clouds in the northwestern sky, the amazing effects had already melted back into the deep purple cloudbank. Still, he captured these.

And later, it rained. Oh, how it rained: thunder, lightning, wind, huge loud drops, even hail, off and on throughout the early hours of the late part of the night.

And now, we have more of it. I think the monsoon season is early again this year; in fact, I fear that we're looking at a permanent shift.

But for now, we'll enjoy the rain and what it brings, and this unexpected set of gifts to coincide with his birthday.

It feels like a benediction.

Happy Birthday . . .

Photo copyright Wings, 2014; all rights reserved.

to the love of my life.

The photo is from Saturday afternoon, right here at the picnic table outside. The Bullock's Orioles were chattering to us in the tree directly above our heads.

According to the rest of society, today's a milestone. You wouldn't know it. He looks like he did the day we first met, all those years ago.

Wings, I love you. Chi miigwech for allowing me to share these last nine celebrations of the day you were born — and the rest of your life, as well.