Thursday, March 24, 2011

PRINT EXCHANGE

Photo by David M Kennedy

Photograph I am holding by Dan
Milnor
http://www.smogranch.com
Today Dan and his wife Amy stopped by for a farm fresh meal. Dan and I swapped prints a few summers ago and he was dropping off my print framed no less of the Norton rider from the Bonneville Salt Flats. I love this image and know the feeling only too well. Growing up with six kids and a ton on dirt bikes I can remember having to push a few back to camp. Good times.
I have been trading prints for decades now. Some from re known photographers and other newbies and assistants. I love my collection and as it grows my son will no doubt keep the ones with memories of the artists or the musician that grace our walls. Trading is really the way to go.
It not only gets you an inspiring image but usually a great story to share with future guest.
My home is like an evolving museum full of my friends works of art. This day I was able to share a lovely afternoon with Dan, Amy and my pal David M Kennedy. I love having Dans pic on my wall. Creating a photo bond with my peers is a treat. Thank you so much.

photo by David M Kennedy

Tis my lucky day.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Are You A Bore?

Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring."
— Marilyn Monroe


Sunday, March 20, 2011

Sage Advise

"No Mystery when you dare to open your eyes
-to know the truth."







Thursday, March 17, 2011

DAVID AUSTIN ROSES

This is the Julia Child rose by David Austin
http://www.davidaustinroses.com

I am in mad love with David Austin roses. For the last ten years I tend to purchase those over the home depo or less expensive growers. Davids roses are the most fragrant. His english roses and climbers are all around my farm fences and garden. They are the most memorable gift as well.
Great for photography shoots and just very inspiring to live amongst.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Alex Shoumatoff on the Bohemian Club Style: vanityfair.com

Alex Shoumatoff on the Bohemian Club Style: vanityfair.com

QUOTE by Jorge Salas

My Dear Friend Jorge he's always got my back.

"Last month I got to hang out with Karen during a job in L.A.

For over a decade I have known Karen, I met her back in Miami when I was pretty much a starting photographer.

She flew in with Emmett and Shane, Emmett was not even one at the time I believe.

She was on assignment to shoot the women flying back to Cuba dressed with all kinds of stuff on them that could not fit in their two pieces of luggage...

Karen and I have stayed in touch for a long time and although I do not really assist anymore, it is always good to work with her. She is motivating and her energy really passes on to others, I believe.

The way she approaches things is so refreshing, never feel pressure or stress...

On set, if something is not working she keeps cool, confident, makes things flow, and keeps people happy.

The ultimate results are always amazing, she just makes "beautiful photographs"... I remember some years ago, she said to me " ask that girl to test with you" and tell her that you want to make "beautiful photographs " seems that not only she gives great advice, but she also practices what she preaches, she makes beautiful photographs.

In short, I asked that girl to do some images and we had a great time in the studio and the results were beautiful. I was so motivated after hanging out with her that I shot portraits with my dusty 4x5.

http://www.jsalasfoto.com

I often travel through Karen's website and check things out... It is inspiring and makes me want to shoot.

She also pushes people like me and others, shares knowledge and is not afraid to give out secrets, she is not afraid to share.

I worked with a lot of photographers while on my assisting years. And I have to say that they could learn from her...

Set manners and kindness makes everyone give their 100%

Once again KK it was great spending time with you ."

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

These Boots are Made for Walking

Walk about
Meander
Canyon walls
Cool temps
Mother Earth underfoot
Dark to light
Mindful
Protruding trees
Ravens soaring
1 than 2, 3 all separate yet connected by the wind
The mystery not yet uncovered
Nature supports the peaceful mind
Stout feelings
Graceful fleeting moments
A cup of tea
A gentle man and a dog
I am free and rogue

Monday, March 14, 2011

Truth is Peace

“If you wish to experience peace, provide peace for another.”

Dalai Lama

Sunday, March 13, 2011

7 Ways to HELP JAPAN


Cut and paste this link.

http://mashable.com/2011/03/13/japan-earthquake-tsunami-help-donate/

a few more helpful ideas

How to help

Several organizations are collecting donations to help those affected by the Japanese earthquake.

American Red Cross: The Red Cross is on the ground now in Japan helping with emergency relief, food and shelter. To donate, go to redcross.org. Checks can be mailed to: P.O. Box 4002018, Des Moines, IA 50340-2018. Donors also can call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767) or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Global Giving: The agency is helping other groups with emergency relief. To donate, go to globalgiving.org or text JAPAN50555 to make a $10 donation. Donations can also be mailed to: Global Giving, Japan relief, 1023 15th St. NW, 12th floor, Washington, DC 20005.

International Medical Corps: The corps is sending a team to Japan to help with medical needs. To donate, go to internationalmedicalcorps.org or text MED8088 to make a $10 donation. There's also a toll-free 24-hour phone line that accepts donations: 1-800-481-4462. Donations also can be mailed to: Development Department, International Medical Corps, 1919 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 400, Santa Monica, CA 90404.

AmeriCares: AmeriCares is also providing emergency relief and expects to be on the ground in Japan sometime over the weekend. To donate, go to americares.org or mail donations to: 88 Hamilton Ave., Stamford, CT 06902.

Save the Children: This organization helps children displaced by the earthquake, providing emergency relief. Donate to Save the Children's "Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund" at savethechildren.org or by calling toll-free 1-800-728-3843, or text "JAPAN" to 20222 to donate $10. Donations can also be mailed to Save the Children, 54 Wilton Road, Westport, CT 06880.




Friday, March 11, 2011

CLEAN SLATE


Teddy Roosevelt & John Muir in Yosemite National Park - Glacier Point

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS . . .

Nothing beats a good hike in one of our National Parks, Monument's or BLM land. I support the NPS to preserve land for future generations. Having been a US Park Ranger in Yosemite and Glacier National Parks many years ago I still feel my core energy and foundation for being of service to the planet stems from my time served sharing history and education as an interpreter and LEO Ranger.

In YNP I started as a gate and campground ranger and decided rather quickly to go onward to Santa Rosa Criminal Justice Center to get my commission. My goal was to become a back country horse patrol ranger. I took many classes and put in tons of hours for all sorts of certifications, I was an EMT, LEO CPR Instructor, aerobics supervisor, and the first woman in the history of GNP to become a back country ranger at Cutbank Ranger Station. I was really proud of my skill sets in lifesaving and my tour of duty felt so coveted as I was the first female in this position and I was told if I messed up I'd be the last!

Today I am scooting out to Tent Rocks to hike. When ever I'm needing a break from my duties as a photographer I tend to go directly into nature to find peace and if my head is stirred with details that are really less than pleasant about life this is exactly how to purge the toxic waste and re align one's energy with what is real rather than other agendas that seem futile.

Supporting the US Park systems, State Parks as well is a good thing. If your over 62 I believe your considered for a Golden Age Card that gives you a very low entry fee. Also a Golden Eagle card can save you lots of fees and give discounts for the season if you frequent these areas.

With the current internet one can research all the spots prior but I recommend just going....city people tend to talk story about this and that and hardly ever do they get out in the real world but rather live on there computers for a lifestyle. This will not do ...its an energy sucker. I know.

Bye I have to on a hike now.

"If you think your a great being, go before the great tree and tell it how great you are!"

Chief Shaman Kitpou

Tent Rocks here I come.
http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/rio_puerco/kasha_katuwe_tent_rocks.html

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Prayers sent with the setting of the Sun

photo by Todd Koons

By Wicahpi Nayea march 9 2011

Today this prayer came in from Christopher Rowkand artist and friend who has been sending love my way and kindness for some time. I thank him and the author of this piece.

How long can a soul exist, without diving down deep, to replenish it's merciful need for pure love?

Within, without.... How long can a lost soul wander about, laying claim that may preface the story, laced with yesterday's blame... How long can one's soul resist healing from one's inner spirit sharing this human vessel. The soul screams out....Demanding it's repeal on all laws of attraction within the Universe that failed to protect, and serve while that soul was in the infancy stages of becoming extremely relevant. To say we attract that of which we universally, subconsciously submit... Does not apply here. Not when we are without the means to stand guard...

How long can a wounded soul, that bears such a prevalent spirit, commanding attention the moment you come near it.. Refuse to allow the healing to begin? The anger buried deep within, the toxic recipe mixed with sin..Has not ruined this sacred soul, but merely divulged information, that is not so very secret after all.

It should be said many times over, the human soul bears such sacred power. With a GOD given ability to permanently expel our deepest, darkest, most disturbing, and desecrating emotional demons. Should we chose this path, we do so wisely, with extreme graciousness, and humility.. For each step, in every stride, we take the ride that leads us only forward day by day. This Is the gift, the rebirth of the human soul, a new beginning, to take back control, as it reaches out to dance once more.. with the beautiful spirit that will lift off... and soar...

Together, reunited, they seek out a new dawn, to abolish the past.

Healing and love is the song,... sung in the key of true forgiveness.. Make it last....*

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Lets Put Our Heads Together

Landon and Wendy 2011 copyright karen kuehn

Life has a way of making you look dead on with your maker.
Sunday I ran over to my farm friends dairy to do some snaps with baby Landon and everyone wanted a picture with him. Mom, Grandpa and grandma.
Grandpa with his model T
Grandma is going through chemo
and mom nursing.
I just randomly snapped and took in the feeling of my friends to make a few memories.
For me life is shouting at my back door saying waste no time.
Embrace only the TRUTH
Pursue a life of health and happiness.
The De Smet's are wonderful neighbors.
They always do what they say and come through.
Living off the land and nurturing animals makes for good people.
They are true to form.
I am fortunate to have them in my life.
Welcome to the world baby Landon.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Mariposa Grove Yosemite NPS


I have spent many months and years in Yosemite National Park.
I first started going there when I was a small child. My grandfather loved this park.
I loved everything my grandfather shared with me.
Fishing, camping, canoeing in Montana, collecting sea shells. He was by far the best person ever in my life. I miss him. He was a great example of a man.
Honest and truthful he always had my back. He was someone to be proud of and he made me feel like a million dollars.
Yosemite holds a special place in my heart. We stay in the Redwood Cabins.
Mr Maze was in the Navy with my grandfather and he d rent places to us for weeks at a time.
I always thought I d move back there one day.
A native American sayings I have always kept upon the tip of my tongue is
"If you think your a great man go before the great tree and tell it how great you are."
Chief Shaman Kitpou The Tribal Laws of the Children of the Light.
National Parks are so important to our country.
We must not use abuse them so future generations can enjoy the many splendors they gift us.

RESPECT is KEY.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

MEANING IN LIFE

POWERFUL SPIRITUAL ENERGY

Today while burning off my pastures I looked up and a bald eagle was flying so close to me overhead. Being so connected to the land I felt the power of this totem and had to stop everything to take this spirit in and embrace the message. Seeing and realizing the bigger picture in life reflecting at me I have decided to share this divine creatures symbolism.

Because the Eagle soars so close to the Grandfather Sky, it is believed that Eagle hears the voice of the ~Great Spirit~ and is thus a link between the Divine and the Two-Legged (humanity)

Bald Eagle feathers are treasured and revered amongst the Native People, for they are recognized as containing a very powerful Medicine energy/magic). While speaking in Truth, seeking to bridge differences, or in asking for guidance and Illumination for a course of action, the Eagle feather is held during ceremonies to draw in such spiritual illumination.

As a means to speak with spiritual clarity and Truth, the Speaker will hold an Eagle feather, either as it is attached to a ~Talking Stick,~ or held in the hands. This serves as a connection to the Divine, so that all words that are spoken, are spoken from Higher Intent, and also as a means of asking that the Ancestors and the ~Great Mystery~ speak to and through, the Holder of the Feather.

***Thus, One who flies with the Eagle, has a responsibility along the Good Red Road, to operate from Higher Intent, to develop the latent abilities of Illumination, and then freely share this Illumination with Others. Obviously, this is no small task, or one to ever be taken lightly, for the ramifications are very far reaching, as are the Gifts and blessings for the Self
and Others, which ripple outward from this particular attribute.

The Path to Illumination is one often fraught with boulders and stumbling blocks that serve as a schoolroom for the developing soul. A broad range of experiences (both pleasurable and exceedingly painful), are met by the one beside whom Eagle flies as it is from the depth of experience that true wisdom is forged and from wisdom, comes the Illumination of the Soul, or
~Enlightenment.~ However, as while encased in the Robe of Physical Life, there exists the possibility that the personality center may arise that Eagle soul may examine his/her current level of growth and integration. In some instances, one such manifestation of the Personality Center may be a sense of self-aggrandizement or self-importance, as these are individuals who
have an intuitive grasp on mysteries that elude other less observant and/or intuitive individuals. This ~arcane knowledge~ often gets the Eagle individual noticed, and where the soul has not sufficiently integrated the lower vibrations of the personality center, arrogance may surface. Or the converse may be true wherein the Eagle Soul has not acknowledged the
splendor and beauty of his/her soul. In this instance, what is obviously apparent to Others as to the Gifts and Quality of Being that exists in the one beside whom Eagle soars, will be non-apparent to the Eagle Individual, and the lesson then becomes acknowledging and embracing the Light of their own Spirit.

Soul of Bald Eagle will possess an innate ability to ~see,~ dream, feel or ~know~ secret or hidden spiritual truths, both of the other realms and planes of ~Being,~ and the hidden truths of ~Others.~ Such powerful insight and perception (think of the eagle’s powerful vision and ever-alert and intense eyes), comes from both a plethora of past life experiences whose
memory bubbles just below the surface of conscious recollection, and partially from present lifetime experiences which serve as lessons in developing and honing the gift of ~Insight.~

For the one who is able to find the splendid dance of balance between self-love and humility, celebration of Self and celebration of the All, the dance is a beauty to witness, as the Eagle Spirit unfurls the wings of their Soul, like their winged Totem dancing upon the Wind as they fully embrace and inherit the brilliant Gift of true Illumination.***

Intuitive

The Eagle, as he soars amongst the clouds and floats upon the unseen currents of air, dwells in close proximity to Grandfather Sky. From his connection to the Grandfather, Eagle also seeks to rekindle his connection to the creative force of the ~Great Spirit.~ As such, Eagle intuitively understands that we are never far from Home, or completely dis-connected
from the Source of All That Is.

Bald Eagle is one of the Totem Animals that dwells simultaneously within two realms. Such dualistic Totems symbolize the need for Balance between two points, or the requirement that the Soul whom Eagle flies beside, learns to dance between two planes. In the instance of this Totem, Bald Eagle is considered to be a Water or Fish Eagle, as the primary source of the Bald Eagle’s diet consists of fish that the Eagle will capture in fresh water rivers, streams and lakes. Yet he also exists in the realm of Air, living on the wing and soaring above the mountain peaks.

Earth Medicine teaches us that each elemental clan symbolizes various aspects of our walk along the Red Road. Water represents our emotional and spiritual Self, while Air represents our intellect and conscious mind. Hence, Eagle must dive into the water with precision in order to retrieve her meal of fish, which she will clutch firmly in her razor sharp talons, then to rise once more to greet the sky. Within this behavior of Bald Eagle, lies the clue as to the nature that it represents within all two-leggeds who have the Soul of Bald Eagle.

Water, as intuition, psychic attunement and emotions, represents your Soul’s ability to intuitively assess situations, individuals and circumstances with an immediate grasp. Yet water also symbolizes a depth of emotion and feeling that is nearly fathomless. Love is given whole-heartedly and without restraint, a trait that can often lead to your being hurt by souls
who have not reached sufficient maturation and integration with their own Emotional Centers. Then, it is imperative that one learns the value of appropriately timed detachment (as represented by the Air), and the quality of discernment so that the beautiful nurturing and loving energy that flows so effortlessly through you is not "wasted" on those who have not earned this most precious of Gifts, and shared instead with those of a similar depth and maturation who are able to reciprocate what has been received.

With each successive incarnation, the Soul learns how to move swiftly from one realm to the next, to know when to utilize the psychic/intuitive gifts and depth of emotion, and when to soar above and revisit the condition of the encounter or experience with detachment. This is one of the primary factors in the Life Path of one with this Totem.

Ultimately, the Soul will reach the Zenith of this Life Lesson, and the Eagle’s desire for reuniting with the Great Spirit will be fulfilled as the Eagle Soul learns to love and nurture the Self.

Courage

Wherever Eagle soars, the Native People have recognized this splendid bird as a symbol of strength & courage. The builders of the American Constitution likewise acknowledged this majestic creature’s aura of strength, and established it as the national symbol of America.

In the wild, the Eagle is the undisputed king/queen of the skies with no other bird equaling the Eagle in either size or hierarchy. And it is in watching the heart stopping dives as the Eagle pummels downward to capture their meals of fresh fish, that one truly begins to understand the connection between these mighty birds and the keyword for this Totem of Courage.

***Like their totem Ally, the two-legged who has Eagle flying beside them, will often exhibit great depths of inner strength and courage. Often times, they will encounter situations in their flight along the Red Road of Physical Life in which they will need to call upon that courage in the face of overwhelming adversity. Does this mean that the Eagle Soul feels no fear? Hardly, yet once the fear has been felt and acknowledged, the Eagle Soul will then establish a plan of action in order to confront and resolve the situation as these are the problem-solvers that will find a possibility in what appears to be an impossible scenario. In facing their fears we witness the Eagle demonstrating the literal meaning of Courage.

Whenever faced with situations, people or circumstances in which fear is felt, one with this Animal Spirit might call upon Bald Eagle to bring the Courage to face what must be done. In so doing, they are not only recognizing and giving thanks to the role of this Totem in their Life, they are honoring their own Divine Essence of the ~Eagle Within.~***

Rising Above

Much as the Eagle soars majestically, held aloft on the Four Winds and leaving the ground far below, so does the Soul who has Bald Eagle as their Power Totem, possess the same ability to Rise Above the mundane.

***In many respects, this keyword is linked to the preceding one of Illumination, for it represents the Soul’s ability to integrate the lessons of the physical world, to leave behind the trappings of the past and the darker shadows of the human mind, so that one might soar on the winds of illumination and awareness. Only once the ~Lower Personality~ has been
thoroughly embraced, understood, resolved and integrated, will the Soul have the freedom to Soar. The road “there” is not an easy one to take, nor for the faint-hearted, yet it is a Journey that all of us must make in order that our Soul may evolve beyond the need to incarnate into flesh.

This process is begun by uncovering those habits, beliefs and actions which are either self-destructive or cause pain for another, and is the crucial first step in the Journey of integrating the personality to the Soul. Many lifetimes may be spent in this first step alone as to face one’s own Inner Truth in complete honesty may be painful and require a good deal of detachment, it also requires that we embrace those aspects of ourselves that we may see as less than desirable. Yet once the Soul has acknowledged these ~Truths~ then the greatest step has already been taken.

Next in this process (once our ~stumbling blocks~ have been identified), is to evaluate what lessons they have presented in our life. This is then initialed by once again evaluating the Self in honesty, by asking if these lessons and issues have been resolved, for if they have not been, they will simply re-present themselves again and again, becoming exponentially
larger, until we are “forced” to confront and resolve them. For some who chose to evade and fool themselves, this can ultimately manifest physically with the individual either becoming so ill that they are left under the surgeons knife, in the hospital, or they ~transition,~ only to come back in the next life and face those very same lessons yet again.

If indeed, one can honestly affirm that those lessons have been thoroughly
acknowledged, learned and absorbed, then the unfolding of the Soul begins and with it, the ability to rise above the mundane. This, as stated earlier, is a very involved process and must always be approached in conscious awareness, yet the freedom of the Soul on the wing, able to rise above those things that have caused one so much pain, anger or torment in the past, is a glorious unfolding to behold.***

Connection to Spirit Guides and Teachers

As an Animal Totem, the Eagle has long been revered by the Native People for the proximity in which he/she soars to the Great Spirit. Because of the Eagle`s ability to fly so near to the roof of the sky, to view all that which lies below from a viewpoint similar to that of the Great Mystery, this mighty bird is believed to be a conveyor of messages between the
Blue Road of Spirit and the Red Road of Physical Life.

***Like their Spirit Animal, the two-legged beside whom Eagle soars, will have an aspect of him/herself that will be attuned to the voices of the Ancestors. This ability to tune into other realms and hidden knowledge, may be seen by those lacking in such sensitivity and attunement as "day dreaming" or "spacing out." The truth of the matter is that the soul of the
Eagle individual is in a near-constant state of receptivity, though they may not be consciously aware of the messages they are receiving from Spirit Guides, Totems and Teachers, the messages are coming through none the less.

The more that the Eagle Soul can learn to tune into his/her feelings, intuitions and visuals received, the greater this perception and ability to tune into ancient wisdom becomes. For some, the knowledge received will be expressed as "automatic writing" or trance channeling, others will express this ability via creative artwork in the form of beautiful illustrations that convey a deep spirituality, for others still, such knowledge and connection to
the ~Higher Self~ is expressed via deeply stirring music.

Regardless of the medium through which such a connection to both the Spirit Guides and Higher Self is established, the end result is that these are the souls that carry profound messages for the rest of Humanity. Through conveying such messages in their non-judgmental and beautifully presented manner, the messages and knowledge passed along is received on a deeper level, and thus both the Messenger and the Recipient benefit from this
beautiful Talent.

Creativity

The Eagle is recognized in Earth Medicine as a Winged One that is a symbol of Creation. In particular, the Thunder Eagle (or Thunderbird) is revered as a powerful Spirit that heralds great change and unlimited happiness that arises through the fountain of the Divine Creative Spark.

Eagle’s place in Native American culture is quite significant, as very few Totem Animals are believed to possess such a broad and all-encompassing range of Medicine. For Eagle, the greatest creation is Life, either in the saving of the life of another (as through the strong healing emphasis associated with this raptor), or in the act of procreation. Like the legendary Phoenix, the Eagle is a Animal Totem of Transformation and Regeneration, a Spirit in a continual creative process.

***The two-legged who is blessed to have this Spirit Animal fly beside him/her, will be an individual that has entered onto the Good Red Road to express themselves creatively. This Divine Spark of Creativity may manifest in a multitude of channels, from music to making intricate and stunning jewelry, producing beautifully illustrated paintings to conceptualizing impressive architectural designs. Whatever medium this creative genius asserts itself, these will often be amongst the most skilled of artisans, poets and musicians.

Indeed, the entire existence of the Eagle individual will seem to be a creative process, and life will be seen with a sensitivity that is both esthetic and deeply spiritual. Herein lies the key for the Eagle Soul, as the art they create will contain deeply spiritual overtones and undercurrents, their music, writing or art will transcend their captive audiences to a higher vibration where all life is celebrated with a deep reverence and joy.

The irony perhaps is that often these souls are not fully aware of the talent they possess, as like the white crown feathers of the adult Bald Eagle, the two-legged beside whom this raptor travels will mature into his/her supreme talents. Such profound creativity must be reclaimed with a willing heart, yet one that is willing to fully embrace the responsibility to convey the realms of ethereal beauty, mysticism, music and art that is often invisible or unheard to the average two-legged. Yet when the Bald Eagle Soul has fully embraced both his/her talents and the responsibility to pass along their ~Vision,~ the physical world is not only made more esthetically appealing, the spirituality inherent in the visions conveyed will call to Others to reach for that sense of Beauty, Peace and Illumination within.