to live content with small means;
to seek elegance rather than luxury,
and refinement rather than fashion;
to be worthy, not respectable;
and wealthy, not rich;
to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly...
to listen to stars and buds, to babes and sages,
with open heart; await occassions, hurry never... this is my symphony.
-william henry channing
Deetjens Big Sur, California Photograph
Deetjens Big Sur, California Photograph
i stumbled upon this poem a few days ago, while making a collage with old magazines soon to be discarded. i have read it countless times throughout the week. it speaks volumes to me, each and every line. is there a better way to live other than to be content with small means?
tonight i began to ask myself where and when in my life have i felt a sense of being overwhelmingly content, when have i truly felt that it is ok to hurry never. of course it happens to all of us at many different times, but i wanted personal imagery to pair with this poem.. if nothing else, but to serve as my own reminder of the little things.
big sur was the response that came to me and specifically the photographs i took at deetjen's. i love its historical charm and understated elegance.. and the way this magical place allows you to just . slow . down. so, here's to listening to stars and buds and hurrying never..
[photographs taken at Deetjen's in Big Sur, California March 2009 and February 2010]
