Greetings from San Cristobal. On the evening of June 21, the summer solstice, the planets Venus and Mars showed up with the crescent Moon anchored by the sunset clouds. The beauty of this world is just outside the door and perfectly poised for our viewing pleasure. Franz Kafka put it more eloquently than I did.
“You do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait, be quiet, still, and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked, it has no choice, it will roll in ecstasy at your feet.” Franz Kafka
Zoom in on this second shot to see planet Mars on the upper left edge of the picture. I didn’t see it with my eyes or through the lens at first. It was a pleasant surprise when it magically appeared (pardon me) out of the blue.
Sometimes I poke my camera through a window, a window in a building that I’ve passed many times, and find a surprise before me. A broken window helped me access this scene in a gas station on US 285 in Colorado. It reminds me of the upright piano in my grandparent’s house where I lived growing up in Wales. Our upright piano was more ornate, with two candle holders on either side. I was always encouraged to tap on the keys. My grandparents were very tolerant. I never did learn to play the piano.
This week, just outside the back door, the daylilies are blooming. On the other side of the house, outside the front door, the Apache plume has filled out and glistens in the morning sun. Here’s a shot of the Apache Plume in the afternoon rain.
Looking outwards or looking inward, there’s plenty to discover. I find sitting still offers me a perspective that suits me well, plus I’m good at spending time doing absolutely nothing. Ask my wife!
As always, thanks for looking. G
8 thoughts on “Planets, Crescent Moon, Sunset Clouds. 06-28-2023”
Wonderful work, Geraint!
Thank you so much, Peter. G
I’m pretty sure Kafka was talking about my dog. 😉 We are on a cross country trip and taking enough time to see things. It started with an evening electrical storm on the horizon in Loveland, CO and tonight a red winged blackbird singing over a pond in Virginia. Plenty in between too. I saw your Mars from Kansas, providing perspective over a billboard. Is there life on Mars? Kansas? Great photos and commentary, as always.
Thank you so much, Gary. I’ve had that Kafka quote with me for 30 years. I look forward to a visit when you return, to meet your dog and be regaled by stories from your trip. Safe travels. G
We saw your crescent moon and venus from Minnesota. Is there life on Venus? In Minnesota?
Hahaha. You’re funny! I hope you saw it, ‘cause I’d be worried if you didn’t, unless you’re referring to it being obscured by fire smoke. Thanks Larry, G
Great pictures. Totally agree with Kafka. Also leisure by WH Davies. I think he would have approved of your work Geraint.
Leisure
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this is if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
Thanks so much, Elizabeth. Here’s the post I made at the end of May this year. I like WH.
https://geraintsmith.com/rainbow-mountain-clouds-bighorn-sheep-05-31-2023/
G