Abq-riogThis is an Albuquerque Journal photograph of what the Rio Grande looks like down here in Albuquerque where the water is scarce and birds can wade across.

The Prompt: Connect

Again this week's prompt comes from the Zen by the Brush book by Myoshi Nancy O'Hara. 

Breathe a full circle.
Let go of expectation;
And then–true nature.
            – Myochi

Again, first task is to sit for a meditation on that for 5-10 minutes or however long you feel is good to you.

The Drawing

This was my second drawing on my sumi-e board and it took three attempts, of which the second permanently damaged the board. That was unexpected!

O-1 O-2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my first attempt, my breath didn't last but half a circle when the water/ink ran out. I had to wait for the board to dry. I resoaked my brush. The second time I freaked out and over-circled. This must be my true nature, judge-y. Anway, waiting for the final attempt, the board never fully evaporated. 

My Haiku

…inspired by the drawings. 

The path I cover:
Circle of water rippling
Concentric traces.

The Reflection

This isn't unrelated to what is going on in my life. A job opportunity I've had in the past has come around again. I'm figuratively in the early stages of retracing a circle of my past. Or I can think of it this way: the past is always within the present.

Now you try it.