Life's Observations ~~~

Calle Juarez in Puerto Vallarta

How often is our observation of life blocked by that which surrounds our moment. One such particular moment for me came on November 7^th, our first day of six weeks in Puerto Vallarta. I was returning from an evening stroll along PV’s famous ‘Malecon’. The picture to the right stood out with it’s striking detail. Though I was sadden by the reality of a young boy playing or communicating on his cell phone. “How times have changed”, I thought to myself.

It was a couple days later while walking down the same street, that the full illumination was literally brought to light. ‘Darkness’, easily “blocks” our ability to fully observe or understand the significance. But it is not alone. Our calendar and ‘to do’ list often prevent us from enjoying the most simple and beautiful aspects of life. And as ‘Jupiterfab’ has revealed in this and many of his ‘Modern Society’ paintings, technology, though powerful and resourceful, can so block our awareness of life’s wonder.

Writing from our balcony, enjoying the sounds and sites of Vallarta. None greater than our -- árbol de aves – that is, our bird tree. Where countless birds with intense colors … hummingbirds, orioles, finches, doves and more have provided a refreshing joy while observing their using this tree as a momentary place of rest in their journey. The irony of their refreshment, providing me with the same.

Life will not fully return to those pre-techno days. Nonetheless, I choose to be intentional … to have moments when I set down the cell phone, pick up the tin can, and be refreshed from that which blocks our observation to enjoy a simple and tranquil moment. 

 

Cell Phones down - in Sheffield, England

Bogota, Columbia

 

Bogota, Columbia

The inspiration of this blog came from two things ... 1) Juniperfab, an artist from Italy who currently lives in Mexico. He paints with great detail and in regards to 'Modern Society'. He writes, "The project wants to create reflection and inspiration for each of us to find a balance between real and virtual life."

Please visit his site in order to view more of his amazing art and how he captures our fascination with technology. www.jupiterfab.com/en/murals-about-modern-society 

2)  I learned long ago the value of 'simplicity' --- the value of 'wonder' --- A favorite author, Ravi Zacharias writes 'Recapture the Wonder' https://www.rzim.org/read/just-thinking-magazine/chapter-one-of-ravis-new-book-recapture-the-wonder --- Those values have been further appreciated as I sit on the patio of our condo enjoying the árbol de aves.

 

                                                               A new song ...

                                                           An old favorite ...