Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Thank You

Thank you – to acknowledge someone for doing something for you, because it’s the right thing to do.  It might seem so simple, but it will mean so much.  We most likely will never know the ripple effect of this seemingly small gesture that not only conveys appreciation and admiration, but an acknowledgement of personal virtue.  The smiles these brief encounters generate must be treasured because they are the mortar of human relationships.

Remember to say thank you because it’s one of the easiest ways of motivating and inspiring each other.  A bit of kindness really does go a long way, especially in today’s world.  This thank you is for you, dearest friends.  Cheers! – paerki



A Night At The Opera

On Monday, the cultural season officially began, and the place to be was The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington National Opera to see Anna Bolena.  The evening had its challenges, and as for the opera, there were some limitations there too – Shalva Mukeria (Percy) was a bit nasally, Oren Gradus (Enrico VIII) at times could barely be heard above the orchestra, but Sondra Radvanovsky’s strong voice could be heard in the rafters, and her mad scene – sublime.  She was excellent!  Regardless of the hits and misses, it was well executed. Each performer has my admiration.

To my opera mate, year after year, I look forward to our opera dates, appreciating our conversations before and after, savoring your insights.  I welcome your knowledge of this most beautiful art form.  So thank you, my dearest friend, for always thinking of me.  You hold a special place in my heart, and I am eternally grateful for our friendship.  I can’t imagine not knowing you, for you have made me a better man.



Walking

Walking is one of the single best things you can do for your health.  It’s healing to the body, mind and spirit.  What I like most is it improves mood, while relieving stress.  A 30 minute walk, two to three times daily can make all the difference in the world when it comes to your outlook on life, and as I like to say, personal experience tells me so.

To my gal pal, you might not always be able to keep up with me, and there are days when I prefer to walk alone, but know when we do walk I appreciate our time together – I really do.  I enjoy our banter and silliness that we do so well.  You truly are a gift for my soul, and I can’t imagine you not in my life.  Fate has brought us together, and it will keep us together, for this I’m certain of.  Thank you, for being in my corner.  Anyone to have you as a friend is the luckiest person in the world.



Comfort Food

On a cool Tuesday evening I was cooking up some comfort food in the kitchen with a friend, and it was time well spent.  Shortly after, we were sitting in the terrace garden-that-could enjoying the fruits of our labor.  The conversation and wine added to the delight.

Cooking with friends is one of the best things you can do because it’s the perfect way to grow and enhance a friendship, and if comfort food is on the menu – you just know it’s going to be special.  Thank you, my dearest, for a beautiful night, one more for the record books.  Until next time...



REMEMBER TO SAY, THANK YOU!

What would life be like without memories? It’s fair to say, there would be no life at all. Memory is our communication, reason, coherence, our action and more importantly, our feeling. Memories create our path in life, developing our psychology and leading us emotionally.

One of the best ways to create and store memories is with video. These simple effortless little snippets of time create diaries and become perpetual time capsules, which justify our walk on earth, telling all with great enthusiasm… I was here! I mattered! I lived! Please, don’t forget me.

Share your views, thoughts and opinions in the written word. Snap photographs so that your eyes can travel back in time, remembering the happy and sad moments that made you the person you were, are and became in life. But, whenever possible, capture video to enhance the memories you leave behind, so that others may pass the essence of your life on to future generations.

GENERAL

Conservatory (Aug 2012)

Mural - Mural On The Wall

All are beautiful in my eyes, as they are striking masterpieces that enhance many communities, especially those challenged by poverty and abandonment. They fill in the gaps for neighborhoods lacking funding and manpower, providing just a bit of hope when the odds are less than favorable. More importantly... Continue Reading

Conservatory & Botanic Gardens (Sept 2012)

A Happy Life Begins At Home

My home is very important to me. My life between these four walls of privacy I value like no other. It’s immeasurable, and absolutely priceless. It’s an oasis with a cocoon-like feeling, shielding me from the outside manipulative forces of violence and pollution. It allows for creativity, free thinking... Continue Reading

Browns Orchards (Sept 2012)

Yielding To Signs

Sunday was the perfect day to be outdoors. The sky was a bright baby blue and absolutely stunning to look at, especially when it became the backdrop for seagulls and blackbirds, effortlessly soaring and plummeting in between wind gusts. It was magical, a hypnotic visual sensation of which I couldn’t... Continue Reading

Gail's Masterpiece (July 2012)

City Of The Silent

Underground in permanent stasis they speak no more. Many have departed this life, leaving behind a legacy for all to enjoy, cherish, honor and, with a little luck and ingenuity, replicate. For me, this quiet region of slumber still has a pulse, and you can feel it when you walk these hallowed grounds... Continue Reading
I love photographs! They have this amazing ability to tell stories of fun places, special moments, memorable events, and exciting places. They give us reason to pause and remember friends, family, coworkers and so many others. One photograph can conjure up a flood of memories taking us on a journey. They help us remember the past, enjoy the present and ponder the future.

On a cold and rainy day I love sitting in my living room with a roaring fire, a glass of wine, classical music playing in the background and my many photographs scattered about me. I love sifting through what I call my special collection, which refers to my favorites. They remind me of the saddest and happiest moments of my life. They remind me of challenges and overcoming.

My large collection of images are a testament to a life lived. Life happens all around us so it’s important to collect special memories, and what better way than with a photograph.

Photography

Artscape (July 2012)

A "Seagull" Of Memories

When I see gulls (known to many as seagulls), I think of the shoreline. I have wonderful childhood memories of playing in the sand in Ocean City; building sand castles, and coming back later in the day to watch the waves crash into my creativity, only to go back the next day to repeat the process. Continue Reading

Peabody Institute (Sept 2012)

All Paths

The Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw said, "There is only one religion, though there are a hundred versions of it." It’s an interesting reference, and one I find intriguing. I am eternally curious and often entertained by religiosity and less inclined to follow any one particular faith because of... Continue Reading

Baltimore Book Festival (Sept 2012)

A Culture Of Hate

Weekends fly by so quickly, or so it appears. However, this particular weekend seemed unusually long, and I think it had something to do with the gruesome events that took place on Saturday in Tucson, Arizona. I am shocked by the horror that unfolded, a young man throwing his entire future away, and all in the name of... Continue Reading

Roxy (July 2012)

Goodbye. Hello.

Where did the time go? It flies by more quickly than I would like, especially as I get older (as I am led to believe by my friends of advanced years), thus justification for making each moment count. Each day really is a gift, and we must always remember this by showing our gratitude, perhaps with a... Continue Reading
There are many people in the world affected by disease. I never thought I would be one of the many. However, at any given time life can change. Mine did! There were many twists and turns, but I made it through and you can too. I am a Celiac on the move living life one meal at a time. Learn more about my life as a Celiac. Celiac Disease is a lifelong, digestive disorder affecting children and adults. In short, I have an allergy to gluten, and the treatment is a lifelong scrupulous avoidance of it.

No matter what, know this: You are never alone. There are people out there who’ve struggled, endured, made it through and are sharing their message of survival. No, they might not be at your side, but their spirit is out there in words, attempting to help others on their journey. Let’s all unite by sharing our individual stories, remedies for healthy living, food and recipes to keep us strong, and let’s find the laughter too because it can be some of the best medicine. Always remember, there is power in numbers. Check me out: A Celiac On The Move

VIDEO

Patterson Park (July 2012)

Thank You For So Much Beauty

Do you realize how much beauty you bring to the world? Do you know how awesome you are? Really?! Do you?! I am in awe of your work. I love your use of rich and vibrant colors, some even electric. The faces are what really capture my attention; they are delicate, soft, eloquent, inviting and remarkably beautiful. Continue Reading

Field Of Sunflowers (Sept 2012)

Photo Favorites

Wow! This post marks my 1000th blog entry. I can hardly believe it, but my fatigued fingers and burned-out bantam brain proves it so. It’s not my intention to come off sarcastic or even casual about what I consider a true milestone. I’m actually quite enthusiastic, finding it all just a bit... Continue Reading

Jones Falls Trail (Sept 2012)

It Comes Down To Love

I understand religion to a degree. What I don’t comprehend is most followers, churches splintering, radical extremists and the everyday person who lives in fear. As always, we believe what we want to. Sadly, too many of you are being intimidated by the guy in the cheap suit, speaking from a bully pulpit... Continue Reading

Westminster (July 2012)

Aim And Snap

Take more than a step until you’ve walked a mile. Dare you advance more? As you migrate, look up – now down! Turn left - now right! What do you see? What do you feel? Don’t take too much time negotiating what your mind demands and your heart desires. This is not rocket science. Just aim and snap... Continue Reading
"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony

  © Blogger templates The Professional Template by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008 - Enhanced and Redesigned by PAERKI

Back to TOP