Here are some images that I found somewhere on the internet..

They reflect such lightness and freedom within themselves, that you get the internal feeling to fly away. The visual poetry..

Their aesthetic sensibility, mood, tone, and the spirit very much remind me of the following classical movies:

Frantisek Vlacil’s “The White Dove” (Czech)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0175743/

Mikhail Kalatozov’s “The Cranes Are Flying” (Russian)
http://www.criterion.com/asp/release.asp?id=146&eid=218§ion=essay

François Truffaut’s “The 400 blows” (French)
http://www.criterion.com/asp/release.asp?id=5&eid=286§ion=essay

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In this festive holidays season most of you are probably out and about meeting and greeting friends, doing some shopping and trying to find your way safely out of the stores, or simply contemplating.

Since most of you whom I know are all over the world and I cannot physically be there to stop by, I decided to record a greeting, which will reflect what I would like to wish everyone of you. I hope you will like it!

And while looking, you can listen to “Visko Pradzia” (eng = “The Beginning of Everything”) by Lithuanian band Dumaz:

More Information about Aušra

http://www.karalyte.com/2008/12/ausra-capskyte/

People who have the courage to search for themselves, who are not afraid to be themselves, and who are honest with themselves should be celebrated – they are the ones who achieve the personal fulfillment, shine it to all the others, and inspire. Ability to reject the society’s stereotypes is not what everyone can do since not all of us can live in isolation (Nolde experienced great isolation and rejection from the society at the end of his life). However, one could also find the fruits of the struggle: the complete revelation that one is living the life in the way one truly sees it and believes is right. That feeling in itself is inspirational.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? … Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. … And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Marianne Williamson

“I’d say that the quantity of boredom, if boredom is measurable, is much greater today than it once was. Because the old occupations, at least most of them, were unthinkable without a passionate involvement: the peasants in love with their land; my grandfather, the magician of beautiful tables; the shoemakers who knew every villager’s feet by heart; the woodsmen; the gardeners; probably even the soldiers killed with passion back then.

The meaning of life wasn’t an issue, it was there with them, quite naturally, in their workshops, in their fields. Each occupation had created its own mentality, its own way of being. A doctor would think differently from a peasant, a soldier would behave differently from a teacher.“

Milan Kundera Identity

The only place I’ve seen (so far) that naturally embodies this idea and spirit in the reality nowadays is Le Viaduc des Arts in Paris (12-eme). It is a bridge style viaduc, which creatively combines the best of two worlds – the garden on the top of the “bridge” and the artisan ateliers. While observing the artisans working in their open ateliers one can really feel the energy inside – the passion and love they are creating with. The walk alongside this viaduc or on top of it (“in the air”) is definately not ordinary.

If you are in Paris I highly recommend seeing it – of course, among all other things. If you are a runner the garden on the top is a perfect place to go running while observing the beauty of the inspirational city!

Photo © ARDDS


Photo © EuropeForVisitors.com

Here is some information on Le Viaduc des Arts:
http://www.viaduc-des-arts.com/index.php?page=96&nom=artisan&lang=en

http://europeforvisitors.com/paris/articles/viaduc-des-arts-photos-10.htm

(Paris)

Before stepping fully into the new season and new deeds, I decided to reflect back on the summer’s experiences and ground them strongly. I have found that doing such always gives inner strength and inspires for greater things. I tried to select the pictures that reflect the variety of experiences and remind the summer sun’s smile. The latter was rare this year – however when things happen rarely we tend to appreciate them much more. Enjoy!

Jarde de Luxembourg, Paris

Photos © Karalyte.com

“Two people in love, alone, isolated from the world, that’s very beautiful. But what would they nourish their intimate talk with? However contemptible the world may be, they still need it to be able to talk together.”

“They could be silent.”

“Like those two, at the next table?” Jean-Marc laughed. “Oh no, no love can survive mutness.”

Milan Kundera Identity