Over the last few warm days the ice in the John Street canal has begun to melt, bringing about some interesting images. This photo captures the reflection of the old mill building. What I like about this photo is the slight water movement making the windows look like old columns and the numbers shapes and “pictures-within-the-picture”.
Hopefully you see a reflection through your own pane of glass- something that helps you discover layers, motion and beauty: your window.
This is a photo of one of the audience members for “Monologues Beyond the Erotic”. Believe me most of the audience members listen as intently has her
This is a photo of one of the readers/performance artists for “Monologues Beyond the Erotic” Readers. These women read from a script provided to them, it was not their story but a composite of many stories recorded through interviews by the author.
The interview this performance artist read focused on “Uterine Prolapse” which can be caused by lack of sex. Very interesting concept to me as I really didn’t understand prior that a woman’s choice of celibacy could mean the trade off of a physical ailment taking over.
Tonight I attended the stage reading of my friend’s (pictured here) Master’s Project featuring monologues that explore African American women and their sexual/erotic voice. It was an amazing evening being exposed to the voices and stories of Black women. I can’t get too deep into this…let’s just say I learned a lot about women’s fears, pleasures, health concerns as it relates to sexual activity — and of course I learned a lot about myself. The reality is there is much we don’t talk about—but need too. I can’t wait until this turns into a stage play.
Since tonight was about Black women, my next few posts will highlight some of the beautiful women that came to support tonights reading.
Listening to this lovely, wise and wonderful lady tell stories of a life worth living and how the South End of Boston has changed over the last fifty years was just amazing. She took us step by step through how the legendary leaders of the South End (of Boston) overcame the challenges of her time while helping to foster in social and economic justice. While she believes, we still have a lot of work to do she is proud of her contribution, as am I. The evening was full of storytellers but her smile and quiet belly laugh made my night.
What do I hope, to have powerful, funny, sentimental, joyous stories that make me laugh/cry deep down in my belly to tell! “Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile.” – Sir Wilfred Grenfell
Yes, its cold as heck in Lowell, Massachusetts right now. As a matter of fact my phone indicates it nine degrees outside right now. Adjust for a wind chill factor and it’s ten below zero. But like life, when things are freezing all around you, it may be time to get in touch with your inner beauty. I hope this photo reflects the beauty that can happen inside when you shine a little light on it.
All, I’ve been hearing today is that it is “Blue Monday”, reportedly the most depressing day of the year. Well, I say “Blue Monday” is a song not worth singing. I believe on this day, we should remember there is no blue without yellow and orange. Today, we should use those three colors and paint a picture of hope, faith, and of spirits rising. Today, lets lift our voices and sing a different tune.
As part of my third year at the 365 project I’ve decided to participate in the WordPress “Weekly Photo Challenge”. This weeks’ challenge is grounded in the word “BEGINNING”. For me this word brings forth an old quote I remember. (Hope I got this right)“…The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.” In my mind that space in between the butterfly and flower represent perfect imperfection growing into its own.
A tremendous and heartfelt “thank you” to everyone who has taken a moment to visit the Thaddeus Miles 365 blog over the last two years and my very special appreciation to those who visit my 365 blog daily. After two years of posting a daily photo, I’ve been a little perplexed about how to approach year three. I have a full time job, work with several nonprofit groups and I am generally trying to “experience life” as H. Tillman suggests “life is something that everyone should try at least once.” I need to make sure that I don’t miss out on “trying life”…
With all of this on my mind, I gave myself until today to make a decision. I’ve posted the last few days just in case … but, it’s taken me until this moment to commit to another 365 of daily photograph posts for 2014.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. This bible verse fueled my year-end reflection process over the last week. Taking those moments of purpose reminded me of how important this blog has been to my overall well-being, helping me to take the moments of silence that I believe every person needs in their life. I’ve also come to understand that my blog provides my friends, followers and those who enjoy different types of photography their own “moments of silence” and meaning-making.
I will continue with my daily photo posts but you will find me including more of my own narrative here and there. I may share my approach to taking the shot, include a reflective quote that lines up with what I see in the photo or perhaps a personal reflection on the final product after I have edited and see it posted on my 365 blog. Additionally I plan on participating in the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge.
I’m praying we will have a blessed journey together in 2014 with many joyous moment and that we will overcome and learn from our difficult times as they occur. Lastly, I hope you will continue to follow my blog throughout the year, allowing me to be a part of your life and giving me constructive feedback as you see fit.
Thaddeus Miles
2014 is my Season
Out on New Year’s Eve just walking around Boston’s First Night events in zero degree weather. Not sure who was colder- my camera or me. I came upon a fire show event.
Another photographer started pushing himself though the large group of people to get his “perfect shot”. He was in such a hurry he pushed a homeless, elderly man on crutches out of his way. I spoke up, and the photographer apologized to the elderly gentleman.
The elderly gentleman thanked me and said “young man let me share this with you, if you have patience you can live a much better life. I wish I had learned that sooner”.
Walking away, I decided I needed to capture my “perfect shot”…His face.
“Patience serves as a protection against wrongs as clothes do against cold. For if you put on more clothes as the cold increases, it will have no power to hurt you. So in like manner you must grow in patience when you meet with great wrongs, and they will then be powerless to vex your mind.”
Leonardo da Vinci
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