The Eye of the Lens
From the person I consider to be the most talented photographer of my generation.
For my fellow introverts, this one's for you......
“As a young person, and I know it’s hard to believe that I was shy, but you could take your camera, and it would take you to places: it was like having a friend, like having someone to go out with and look at the world. I would do things with a camera I wouldn’t do normally if I was just by myself.”
— Annie Leibovitz
Koufax
A Hall of Fame pitcher (inducted at age 36, the youngest ever) for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Koufax was known for both his wizardry on the mound and his devotion to his faith. He famously sat out game one of a World Series because it fell on Yom Kippur. Sandy "walked the walk" as they say.
His quote (below) reminds us that sometimes the answer we're looking for is counterintuitive. Keep your eyes open to discovering the unexpected solution.........
"I became a good pitcher when I stopped trying to make them miss the ball and started trying to make them hit it." - Sandy Koufax
Memories
The lyrics to my favorite song by two of my favorite troubadours.
"Time it was and what a time it was. It was a time, a time of innocence, a time of consequences. Long ago, it must be. I have a photograph. Preserve your memories. They're all that's left you."
- Simon and Garfunkel
Hunger
I first came to know Roxanne Gay after reading her 2017 memoir Hunger. Even the most delicate and complicated topics can be dissected and rewoven by a talented writer......
“Salvation is certainly among the reasons I read. Reading and writing have always pulled me out of the darkest experiences in my life. Stories have given me a place in which to lose myself. They have allowed me to remember. They have allowed me to forget. They have allowed me to imagine different endings and better possible worlds.”– Roxane Gay
Pedal to the Metal
When we were kids, our nickname for my mother was Mario Andretti (not for her spaghetti-making prowess but for her driving proclivities).
Today's quote is inspired by her "pedal to the metal" attitude about work and about life.
"If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough" - Mario Andretti
Round Heads
Born in Newark and educated at Columbia, Allen Ginsberg spent much of his life rambling the streets of NYC's East Village.
His "Beat Generation," wrote eloquently, piercingly, and critically of the culture of their day. But in the end, he was always open to the notion that his was not the only opinion.
“Our heads are round so thought can change direction.” - Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997)
The Danger of Silence
At the end of this week, those in the Jewish community will celebrate Rosh Hashanah. As a preamble, this week will feature the words of Jewish scholars, musicians, poets, etc.
Our leadoff batter is Nobel Peace Prize winner (1986), Elie Wiesel.
"We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented."
Knocking at the Door
This morning's quote is a reminder you have far more agency and power than you might imagine.
"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door."