Monthly Archives: March 2009

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Quiet Contemplation

March 31, 2009 – 2:16 PM

I was working in Waterloo, NY today and knowing I would drive by Seneca Lake I decided to take my camera. Who am I kidding? I would have taken my camera anyway. I stopped for a quick lunch and you guessed it, a cup of coffee. The park was deserted save for a couple of individuals out for a walk. It was this desertion that I find peaceful. There was just the hint of a breeze that put a small ripple on the water. For me, these are the ideal conditions to transport me to a “contemplative place” in my life.

As I sat and ate I began thinking about Seneca Lake which is the deepest of the finger lakes at 630- feet. I started to think about how the depth and length of this lake has a pronounced influence on the weather sorrounding it. I thought of a passage from Thomas Merton’s book “Choosing to Love the World.” In this particular passage he describes the “contemplative life” and through leading such a life how he has come to influence the lives of those around him.

“When I speak of the contemplative life, I do not mean the institutional cloistered life, the organized life pr prayer…I am talking about a special dimension of inner discipline and experience, a certain integrity and fullness of personal development, which are not compatible with a purely external, alienated, busy busy existence. This does not mean that these special dimensions are incompatible with action, with creative work, with dedicated love. On the contrary, these all go together. A certain depth of disciplined experience is a necessary ground for fruitful action. Without a more profound human understanding derived from exploration of the inner ground of human existence, love wil tend to be superficial and deceptive. Traditionally, the ideas of prayer, meditation and contemplation have been associated with this deepening of one’s personal life and this expansion of the capacity to understand and serve others.”

Seneca LakeI have a hope and it is that my work, both social work and photography touch people. Knowing that someone has smiled and were transported to a “good, happy place” because of a photo I have taken is enough for me. I hope you enjoy the photos and they can take you to that same place, physically and emotionally that I was when I took them. This hope also extends to you, my reader that you can take a few minutes out of your day and be mindful of those things and people around you as well as your actions and gain a better understanding how you can impact those around you.

Enjoy a contemplative life!

Seneca Lake shoreline

By Christopher | Posted in Fun Stuff, Personal, Personal Development | Tagged , , | Comments (1)

The quiet of the morning.

March 24, 2009 – 6:48 PM

I just returned from a walk with Jack. The sun was rising and the birds were chirping. The traffic had not yet begun to increase and the streets have not yet begun to clog as people undertake the craziness that is their day/life.

As I walked I thought of a passage from Dzigar Kongtrul and his book “Light Comes Through.” In this passage he discusses what we/society have defined we need; those things we have found we “cannot live without.” In the passage he says, “The phenomenal world is much more fascinating and juicy when we stop grasping…wanting…craving. This is because the mind is present, the sense wide open, and the conceptual mind relaxed. We make tremendous space in our mind when we let go of this “can’t live without” desperation. And, when we discover the richness and contentment within our own mind, we find an answer to the lifelong question, “Where do I find satisfaction and contentment?”

The sunrise, my family, good health, my dog, and chirping birds. These are some of the things I cannot live without. These are the simple things in our lives that we miss everyday because we take them for granted. We only begin to notice them when they are gone and even then we blame others when we are as a result unhappy.

Take a minute everyday to notice what is around you. I mean to really notice it. Grab a leaf and feel it’s texture, notice it’s color, see it’s shape. In Buddhism we call this mindfulness. Be mindful of those things around you, the things we take for granted. The next time you wash dishes actually feel the the heat of the water, the slipperyness of the soap and take great solitude in such a mindless act. The way a small child’s lip curls when they smile. These are some of the things we never notice and take for granted because we allow our life and the speed in which we live it to take over . During a recent wedding which I had the privilege to document, the bride’s mother asked about one photograph. When she saw it she knew it immediately and said, “Thank you so much for getting this photo.” The photo was of the ring bearer giving two-thumbs up to the couple as they danced their first dance. This is where my photography has helped me to achieve peace and balance in my life.

Slow down.  Notice and enjoy life and  be a part of  your life. Don’t just “go through life.” It is a wondrous opportunity that I can share my photography with others and help them notice the things I did through the lens of my camera.Sunrise in East Otto

By Christopher | Posted in Misc., Personal, Personal Development, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments (1)

Ariana and Evan

March 22, 2009 – 3:53 PM

Ariana and Evan are the children of my nephew Ryan and his wife Natalie. Ariana has a smile that stretches from ear to ear and is completely endless. Evan on the other hand is more reserved and contemplative. One has to work hard to gain his trust. He had decided he will not give trust away that easily to those who simply ask. Bribes also did  not interest him and subsequently did not work.

The weather was not as warm as we would have liked at around 40-degrees but both kids were real troopers. Evan struggled a little more as his cheeks became quite red and he had a few tears in his eyes. On the other hand Ariana’s smile warmed up the entire area.

I really enjoyed this shoot. The kids were great and had a fantastic time.

I hope all my readers enjoy the shots and if you’d like to see more there’s a link to my site at the end of the post. It would be great if you’d stop on by and look at my other work.

Ariana

Evan

Ariana

Ryan, Evan, Ariana & Natalie

For many more shots from Saturday’s shoot visit my website at www.christopherkijowskiphotography.com. Navigate to “clients” and click on the link for “Ariana & Evan.”

If you’d like to book a portrait shoot, give me a ring or drop me an email and let’s get something scheduled. Thankfully the weather will be getting warmer and we will continue to patiently await the first burst of color on the trees.

Ariana

By Christopher | Posted in Black & White, Family, Uncategorized | Comments (2)

Paul

March 21, 2009 – 4:41 AM

My wife Nancy and I visited her father in the nursing home last night. It’s not that much easier for me to visit. The sights, sounds and smells transport me back to the time my grandmother was there.

It might have appeared to have been easier for me and truth be told I believe that I have developed a more intact form of denial. It’s difficult to see him so unresponsive to almost any stimuli.

Paul

I wanted a picture of my wife holding her father’s hand. She reached for his hand and he would not comply. She returned to feeding him and I put down my camera and returned to reading the paper. Minutes later out of the corner of my eye I noticed him reach out and take her hand in his. I doubt this was reflex but one of those mildly lucid moments I’m sure he has on an inconsistent basis.

In a previous post I included a photo of his hands titled, “Hard working hands.” It was touching to see Nancy’s hands in her father’s because I would describe hers as hardworking. My wife is a hairdresser who has her hand deep in wet hair, water and chemicals on a daily basis. Her hands, especially in the winter resemble those of someone who has worked outside for decades. When we exchange backrubs she must apply generous amounts of hand cream as they have a texture consistent with 10-grit sandpaper. It makes me happy to see my wife with her father. The love of a father and a daughter is something special.

Father & daughter

By Christopher | Posted in Black & White, Family, Misc., Personal | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

It’s beginning to feel like Spring

March 16, 2009 – 4:22 AM

It’s Sunday and it’s warm in the middle of March. It’s Western New York so anyone who lives in this area knows that being warm in mid-March means nothing. In fact it’s kind of freakish. We have had snowstorms around St. Patrick’s Day before. This year looks to be different, thankfully.

I try to be more positive and look for the good things, the things that make me smile and feel good. Today it happens to be the sun and spending time with quality people in my life. Of course we’re also going to include food and have our first cookout of the year.

Nachos & apple dip

Dave, Carole and Terry have been friends of ours for years. We have attended the weddings of all their children and I had the privilege to photograph their daughter Sarah’s nuptials last summer. This was the wedding that kicked it all off for me and for that and their support I am truly grateful.

hamburgers & hotdogs

Macaroni salad not my favorite so we’ll just let that one get passed right around the table. There’s something about cold macaroni. Ughhh. Now, if the noodles were hot and smothered in cheese. Mmmm.

macaroni salad

Let’s not forget the main course. Now we’re talking. This say summer. Hamburgers, toasted rolls, cheese, relish, onions and steak sauce. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

the main course

I’m not sure what this was…it looks like desert. It wasn’t but boy was it good. It contained angel food cake. The problem with angel food cake is I think I can eat it all night long and not gain any weight.

We had fun. Good friends, good food and good company. What more can anyone ask for?

Cake

By Christopher | Posted in Family, Fun Stuff, Misc., Personal, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Comments (2)