Life

Here is a beautiful picture that I found today. I have been staring at it for the past 5 minutes. I think it is so powerful because it has the ability to showcase an entire lifespan in four simple images. 

It is painful 

beautiful

timeless

relatable

symbolic

cyclic

spiritual

I think that it represents the passing of times, the changing of seasons, and the growth of someone (or multiple peoples) throughout a lifetime. If you notice the trees in the image, as one is maturing and then dying, the other one is acquiring new growth and finally reaching its maturity. In the final frame, dead tree is springing up a new sprout and continuing the circle of life.

The final thing that I noticed in this image is the importance of the birds. 

After the girl enters his life, there is only one bird remaining in the sky. The couple is separated from the bird because they are limited to only being on the ground.

In the final frame after both of them pass away, there are no birds in the sky because all three of them have been united in heaven and there is nothing that is separating them from each other. The three of them are finally able to be together.

I have only pointed out a few of my observations from this image. I challenge you to absorb it and see what other meaning you can pull from it. I would love to hear what you come up with. 

As I watch the leaves fall off the tree, 

Mackenzie

If I Were A Safari Animal...

One of the most exciting things about going on a safari is matching everyone you are with to a safari animal. Each animal embodies a distinct personality and there is a perfect match for everyone. It was decided among my van mates that I would be a Thompson's Gazelle, and I would prance around singing a "la la la la la" song that had a happy little tune. Here are some pictures; I hope you can identify. 

-Kenz

Promises Fullfilled

So, I promised ya'll that I would write more about the quote that I listed at the bottom of my last blog.

     "Community: it is the opposite of thinking that wherever I am, I would be better off somewhere else."

Well, I actually wrote a blog post about it! However, it's not on this blog but on the blog for the SERVE program at Tech.  "How in the world am I going to find this random blog?", you may ask. 

Here it is: http://serveatvt.wordpress.com/2011/09/23/community-is-here-and-now/ 

But please, don't just read mine and then close the page. There are many other really good posts on this site that were written by my friends in the program. 

Check it out! It will be worth it, I promise. 

-Kenz

This crazy thing we call time

A few days ago I was reading my cousin's blog and there was something that she wrote that really spoke true to me. The concept of time is something that continues to baffle me. I wish I could control it but I know I never can. I could go on and on talking about it but her words sum it up perfectly so here they are: 

Time seems to be rushing by me. Like I’m floating down a river, taking in the beauty of the surrounding countryside and unexpectedly the scenery begins to change and the river’s current picks up. The new scenery is beautiful too, but I didn’t realize I was coming to this new section so quickly. I’m suddenly wishing that I could swim back up stream to catch a glimpse of the all the beauty I’d been taking for granted (did I really think it would go on forever?), but the currents too strong; I can‘t fight it. -CJ

Random thoughts on my current life:

• I went out for Sushi downtown last night with a couple friends and now I'm very inspired to try as many local restaurants as possible. I think we all are actually. The problem with this inspiration is that it completely conflicts with my budget so I'm going to have to work out a compromise with myself somehow.

• It's been raining nonstop here for the past couple days and there isn't any bright sun in the forecast. Most people don't like this weather but I am rather enjoying it. The only problem I had with it today was that I wanted to curl up with a fuzzy blanket, a hot beverage, and some knitting needles or a book. Unfortunately class tends to get in the way of that fantasy. 

• I am very excited for this weekend and trying to be diligent with getting things done in preparation for being out of town but other wonderful things, such as writing this blog, are perpetually getting in the way. Why is it that after 1am I cannot possibly get any school work accomplished but as soon as I begin doing things on facebook, blogging, or anything else unacademic I am extremely productive. This is a phenomenon that I don't really care to investigate or change. 

• I am not a fan of doing laundry in a campus dorm. Mainly because of the whole having to pay for each load problem. This is especially problematic when you only have $.36 left on your Hokie Passport after paying for three wash loads and have to scrounge around for quarters before it's time to move everything into the dryer. 

• Having conversations with people is quite possibly my favorite thing ever. Especially when it involves making ridiculous lists, asking random passerbys to give their opinions on them, and when it's all over not having any idea that over two hours have passed. 

• When I start to get overwhelmed by everything that I am involved in right now, I just remember how blessed I am to have all of the opportunities I've been given. This is the life I've been given and it would be repulsive for me to take it all for granted, which I do everyday. I am incredibly blessed. 

Here's a quote that I recently found and really like. I will most likely write more about it in the future but for now it's just food for thought: 

"Community is the opposite of thinking that wherever I am, I would be better off somewhere else." 

-Peter Block in Community

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