Fortress in the sand

Lately, my head and heart have been a lot of places but here. I have been thinking a lot about Mexico, Rajasthan, and Indonesia.

This week I have been to two performances that have changed my life (and I do not say that lightly). My little world rocked, tumbled, and fell and a lot changed what I thought I knew about humans and human nature.

On Monday, I went to see the Manganiyar Seduction and let’s just say I found myself wanting to live and stay in Memorial Hall forever, listening and watching, wanting to dance.  It was entirely magical and most of all it reminded me of how magical the place they call home really is. . . Rajasthan is out of this world and I’m ready to go back one of these days (soon). It was the India I imagined as kid (camels, turbans, bright colors) and I felt like I was living in a hot, fairyland in the desert.

This week, despite all of the life-altering performances, has been challenging to say the least. Thankfully all I needed was Wednesday. And some Amirah, some sun, and some fancy water. 

Warmer days

Warmer days are coming. . .

“Always there comes an hour when one is weary of one’s work and devotion to duty, and all one craves for is a loved face, the warmth and wonder of a loving heart.” – Albert Camus

[Photos: Parangtritis Beach, Indonesia. Summer 2012//Grace Farson]

I’ve been thinking. . .

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what my life would look like if I gave everything away, practiced true non-attachment, and started over. . .

What if I lived a beautiful, simple life without clutter? Just how little can I survive on?

After reading Pilgrim at Tinker Creek and a bit of Thich Nhat Han’s writings this week, I’m ready to make some real changes . . . I don’t really know that it will look like just yet, but I’m excited to try and live life a little simpler//a little less chaotic, but still full, meaningful, and busy.

In a sense, I like the word busy. I like life when it’s busy. Busy shouldn’t be a complaint, but rather a privilege.

Approaching life with mindfulness. That’s the goal. . .

Break is still treating me well. I’m more than happy these days. . .

Plus:

This video has rocked my world//invaded my dreams//inspired me beyond words:

+ I like their life and think their blog is pure magic.

[Photo//Video: Sunset on Gili Trawangan Island, Indonesia//Grace Farson + The Goodwin Project//Avocados and Coconuts]

Blue

More from a blue weekend in Wilmington.

Break is full. It is a pleasant place to be at, but I thought wrongly when I assumed I’d have all the time in the world to take care of business back in Chapel Hill//Carrboro. Eleven hour work days and oddly spaced breaks = life right now.

That said, it feels good to not worry about essays, projects, performances. . . yes, even for just a week.

I’m happy I stayed. I stayed and felt no real need to leave. I guess I’m changing. . .

“Consciousness itself does not hinder living in the present. In fact,it is only to a heightened awareness that the great door to the present opens up at all. Even a certain amount of interior verbalization is helpful to enforce the memory of whatever it is that is taking place. . . ” – Annie Dillard, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek

[Photos: Wilmington, NC. March 2013//Grace Farson]

Desert victory

The desert can be such a wild, unforgiving place. Amirah lent me her copy of Tracks to read and I’m loving it.
It all reminds me of my short stint in the desert [*with camels] back in June, 2011. It seems like ages ago now, but it was a truly lovely and rewarding experience.

On another note,

Fall break has officially started and I am beyond excited to relax and unwind and BE!

“You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
call to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting –
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.” – Mary Oliver

[Photos: A stop along the way. The Thar desert, India//Grace Farson]

Hatteras through the clouds

After spending a short weekend on Hatteras Island, I cannot help but believe it still shines regardless of the weather. It rained almost every second we were there, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying ourselves thoroughly. For me, anytime at the beach is good time.

“Look at that sea, girls–all silver and shadow and vision of things not seen. We couldn’t enjoy its loveliness any more if we had millions of dollars and ropes of diamonds.” – L.M. Montgomery

My Hatteras highlights:

A long, productive road trip//Staying up until 5 a.m. talking and laughing with Kelsey in a big, soft bed//Waking up to the sound of rain and realizing that there was nothing I had to do //Talking wedding plans with Alex and Kels// A refreshing swim in the rain//Kels’ wedding shower and meeting all of Alex’s Hatteras folk//Playing in the ocean//Crab cakes, collard greens, and sweet potato fries//The Olympics//Knowing I’ll be back someday soon. . .

[Photos: In and around Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. //Grace Farson]

kuta beach, bali