Thread the Needle

Another holiday for today is a double entendre:  it’s “Thread the Needle Day.” My first thought was sewing, which is something I enjoy and don’t do often enough. Turns out it also means to walk a delicate line between two things, or more precisely, to find a path thru opposing views.

Now, if I was in more of a literally creative mood (or more honestly if my craft area was set up) I would come up with some awesome project that tied the two ideas together. But alas, it’s not, and I’m already behind on a few other projects. So I’m going to leave you with this image.



Let’s take a walk down this path together, remember a memory of something fine and strong….and if you feel so compelled, share.

Arrangement of Parts

[This is the second post for today. At least two more will follow. I hate odd numbers, so I can’t stop at three. Although “one” is an odd number. But if I posted twice every day I’d overwhelm my followers, and right now I only have seven. I can’t afford to upset anyone! Although seven is an odd number, too…. Again, it’s (more than) a little longer than usual, so pace yourself. Sit back and let the random wash over you. Read it twice if you have to.]

I want to explain the structure I’m going to impose on my blog posts. I realize you probably don’t care, (and if we’re honest with ourselves, we’d know that some of you wouldn’t even have noticed), but as long as you read them regularly, it directly affects you. For those of you who know me well (probably almost everyone who reads this at this point), the idea of structure shouldn’t come as a surprise. I’m autistic and ADHD. I need it to survive. So stop arguing.

Since there are several structures already in place, I’m not going to invent one. I’m going to steal one. Rabbit trail:  Before I tell you about it, I’m reminded of a quote I heard once:  “Good poets borrow, great poets steal.” It’s been attributed to T.S. Eliot (however I recently discovered a blog post in which someone tracked it’s origins check it out at http://nancyprager.wordpress.com/2007/05/08/good-poets-borrow-great-poets-steal/). I’m a poet. Among other things. It applies.

Back to structure. Drum roll please:  [dramatic pause] I’m going to use week days. Starting right now (not including what I’ve already posted) I want to have something to write about every day. Before you freak out at the thought of so much to keep up with and stop following me, take a deep breath. Ok? Good.

This doesn’t mean I’ll be able to write every day, or that my thoughts will be limited to these topics. After all, this is “Random Rambles.” Truth is, to be able to write well, I have to work at it every day. This blog offers a small amount of accountability for doing that. For July I have a goal to write every day, telling you about something that happened “on this day in history,” or participate in (some silly, some serious) holiday celebrations. When July ends, I want to have some idea of where to go on those days when I need inspiration and my shower muse doesn’t want to get wet. And don't forget, if you want to follow a specific thread of posts, click on that label at the bottom of the page to bring them up.

Sunday will be “altar stones,” thoughts regarding my relationship with God. I’ll explain the title the first time I post one. Those will include thoughts on the sermon from that morning, insights I get from my own personal Bible study, and things I want to share about when and where I’ve seen God the week before.

Monday will be “word lust,” when I’ll share a word, it’s definition, and my thoughts. I may also update you on the progress of my novel “Coming Home.” Tuesday will be “technique Tuesdays,” exploring new art concepts I’m learning. I’ll try to have photos of projects I’ve completed as well.

Wednesday will be “local business,” in which I will either introduce to someone I want you to know, or share a piece of my world here in Pullman. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail. I’m looking into making a habit of this, possibly charging a small fee.

Thursday will be “book review,” my thoughts on something I’ve finished reading (occasionally my preconceptions of something new I’m starting). I’m always open to suggestions (although I’ve promised myself not to buy any more books until I’ve read all the ones I own!) so please leave a comment about one. Also feel free to comment on a book I’ve reviewed if you’ve read it; I love hearing what other people think. I’d like to review one book a week. I know what you’re thinking – yes, I can read a book a week. However, I’ll also be telling you about some from my “Books I’ve Read” list.I started it about ten years ago, so there are plenty of options.

Friday will be “photographs,” so I can share some of my own, as well some that I’ve found inspiration from. One of these months I might try my own version of the 30-Day Photography Challenge. Finally, Saturday will be “wellness journey” posts (more on that in today’s next post). That’s it. Thoughts? Questions? Concerns?

Pictures Are 1000 Words but Memories are Priceless

“Everyone has a photographic memory, but not everyone has film.”
~ Steven Wright

Life is a series of moments, only a few of which become memories. Capturing those moments in photographs ensures those memories will outlive a lifetime. And while it may be truth that anyone with a camera can take a picture, it’s also truth that photographs aren’t taken; you must ask, quietly, to borrow them.

Today I want to introduce you to someone who, when we first met sixteen years ago, would not have been able to ask for anything quietly. She was exuberant and genuine, her passion for life exposing the film of my memory to the bright colors of laughter and friendship.

Today she is no less an exuberant, genuine, passionate person; in fact, she has found in herself a rare gift, as photographer, for capturing those many paradoxes and tiny con- tradictions that make life interesting. She is a wife, a mother, a sister, a daughter…. and still (I’m blessed to say) a friend: Sonya Kassen, owner of Wobble Monkey Photography.

Sonya officially started this business in February 2010, embracing the wisdom of Tony Benn who spoke an essential truth: “Most things in life are a moment of pleasure and a lifetime of embarrassment; photography is a moment of embarrassment and a lifetime of pleasure.” It is this pleasure that she hopes to capture in every shot.

“I believe in capturing lifelong memories in a manner that involves fun and laughter,” she writes on her company page. “My goal is to make the experience an enjoyable one.”

Sonya’s distinctive style and energy can be seen from every angle. She specializes in capturing the unique beauty and strength of individuals with disabilities, as well as real estate photos (a great advantage when listing your home for sale), and creating ads for local businesses. In addition, she has a great eye for the beauty of nature and animals, and the magic of life’s special occasions, such as weddings and graduations. She even brings new life to those Christmas card classic shots of families, infants, and children.

Ansel Adams, one of the world's greatest photographers, said that “You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, [and] the people you have loved.” I highly recommend that you call Wobble Monkey Photography, and let your most precious asset – those moments that combine to create your life – become a part of Sonya’s photography. Your life will bless, and be blessed, beyond measure.

(To learn more about Sonya and Wobble Monkey Photography, check out the tab "Familiar Faces" above. You'll find her contact information and a direct link to her website.)