Creative Dreaming. . .: 2013

Monday, November 11, 2013

Veteran's Day in the United States of America

For all of the men and women who put on a military uniform that I had the pleasure of serving with, my utmost respect and prayers for you this Veteran's Day. Especially for my family, Gerald Hesley, my father, Dennis and Denese Hesley, Jan Hesley, Bill King, and Joe King. Thank you all for your service to the people of the United States of America.

TC...

© 2013 Michael G. Hesley
All Rights Reserved

Saturday, November 9, 2013

The Dance of Life

Have you ever had an argument (in your mind at least) where you are angry and upset about something and you it carry through to an unpleasant ending?

Of course, you have. Who hasn’t? So have I. We have our opinions, and others have theirs too. But, that day, you didn’t let your friend have their opinion, and you take their “imperfect thoughts” too seriously. Bam! Instant fool. Yes, we human beings can easily stand up straight with both feet stuck in our mouths.

You have years of childhood and adult programming to overcome, and too many years of teaching ‘n preaching (literally). You think, you can be accepting, positive, and not pushy. Your friends are truly kind, unselfish, and good hearted people. But yet you still give in to your egoic self, because it believes that you don’t matter anymore. At least the ego tells you that.

Matter? To what? To whom? What is your problem? Don’t want to be a victim of love and life, of government and corporations? Family or friends? Yep, the ego doesn’t want to feel small and helpless. Yet, your mind has these important (seems like) thoughts and your mouth just can’t shut up. The ego likes to win. Or as Captain Kirk said in a Star Trek movie where he cheated and won the impossible scenario, “I don’t like to lose.” And, I am one of those.

You don’t like to lose, as a paratrooper, as a fighter pilot, as a man or woman, as an airline pilot, as a father, as a boss, or as a spouse or as a child. Let’s face it, the ego doesn’t like to lose. WE don’t like to lose. Beat the drum loudly. Time goes by…

After the silence and self-reflectance, we realize, what did I have to prove? Your ego is forgiven, and you kick it once more in the ass for a reminder, and guess what? You stop trying to make your point, where your ego absolutely loves to hear itself talk and act out. Yes, its a chest-thumping, wild animal that loves to hear itself talk. You know, in our minds, we all have that craziness, whether we speak softly and appear calm, or shout it out because inside you are mad, and suffering from years of stinking thinking and programming.

So, you give in to the feeling that you don’t need to say or prove anything. Then, miraculously, the calm confidence sets in… You stop thinking that way, and more importantly, you stop talking. And you realize that the whole argument strikes you as ridiculous and absurd. Pressure is relieved, you come up for air, and you no longer feel the anger, the fear, and feeling of being attacked. And… You. Start. To. Laugh. At. Yourself.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could do that any time, any place, and in any situation? Maybe we’d all feel free, and happy, because you are learning to do one very simple thing... Freely LETTING GO at will, continuously, and without regret. Wouldn’t that be wonderful? Now your Self is in charge, and you are no longer at the mercy of the world. It would be nice if our noisy mind’s thoughts no longer have to exit through the mouth. A perfectly boring world. Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe so. But, a peaceful world in your heart and Soul.

But, sometimes, we oblige our egos and dance “one step forward, and two steps back.”

I took ballroom dancing lessons for almost two years. We had to leave our ego's at the door. That's how we learn and let go. Just like with dancing lessons, mistakes are made, we learn, live, love, and forgive ourselves and others. The Dance of Life.

Take care.
:-)

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Kirkland's Juanita Beach at Night

Juanita Beach in Kirkland, Washington at night. I've walked on the old road bridge, now a footbridge, for seven years and I guess I was open enough for once to see this sight. I set my Nikon 1 V1 camera on the railing, and snapped about 15 pictures. Interesting how I saw it that night.

I think this one is the best...

Juanita Beach at night - Kirkland, Washington

Technical stuff: I took this picture on April 26, 2013 at about 9:03 pm with a Nikon 1 V1 at ISO 100, 18.5 mm f/1.8 (EFL 50 mm) at f/4.0, and 30 seconds. I edited it with Lightroom 4.4 and Nik Color Efex Pro 4.0.

Take care...

© 2013 Michael G. Hesley
All Rights Reserved

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Sea-Tac International Airport

Sea-Tac International at Sunset with an iPhone 4S, edited with Snapseed.
Words just don't describe how I saw it...

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Sculpting Souls

With foolish notions,
and mixed emotions,
and setting a lofty goal, proudly,
I set out to sculpt my own Soul.

There were no books,
and no teachers nor lessons;
but I saw golden examples
of man’s best intentions.

The perplexing answer
seemed outside to be…
What should I do? “Fix it,”
my self said to me.

But my Self said, “It isn’t out there,
it’s your attitude and emotions.
So, humbly bare your heart, and
stop your self's commotions.”

My Self said, “Be still,
let silence be your guide.
Listen to your Self, and forget
your precious personal pride.”

“You’re going around in circles,
and of that there is no further need.
Meditation and calming your self
is now your Selfless deed.”

So, I stood aside with
silence and patience,
and I felt the resistance
that’s been shaping me.

I saw that ugly map,
where I was trapped,
that was always just
outside of me.

I saw the Sculptor and
felt the tranquility. What's
The Sculptor? Our Souls,
as mine kindly sculpts me...

© 2013 by Michael G. Hesley
All Rights Reserved

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Sunrise Departure from Vegas

Sunrise departure from Las Vegas International on December 13th, 2012.

Taken with a Nikon D700, 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 at 62 mm, f/11, 1/200 sec, and ISO 400.

My kind of easy morning.

TC,
Michael

Copyright (C) 2013 by Michael G. Hesley
All Rights Reserved

Creative Dreaming. . .