I think you know how to do much more than just wrap words around the small or mundane. Perhaps you focus on a small window through which one might see a big picture. Loved this reflection on the true wonder of a place. I have always thought that cameras (especially those on smart phones) can never really capture a place. Of course they can't. You reminded me of Ed Abbey, who said (paraphrasing), if you want to see a park, you've got to get out of the damn car. We should compare AZ notes sometime. I want to go back for an even more off-the-beaten-path experience.
Looking through a frame, real or imagined, has its place. In Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott asks the writer to imagine the view through a 1" by 1" frame and write about what appears there. This is good advice for the writer. However, when a traveler, it is best not to do that -- not to imagine the frame -- which is one reason why I virtually never take photos on a trip. When you look at, say, the Grand Canyon through the imagined ubiquitous frame of the photo and take a mental snapshot, you lose the authentic moment. This goes to Walker Percy's point, I think, about trying to match the 'real ' with the photo stored in your head. This sort of viewing leads to missing the sight for the sake of capturing an image that you probably won't look at more than twice. In that vein, perhaps, I recall a visit to the Grand Canyon as a 12-year-old in a group of bussed tourists; upon approaching the prescribed rim, a woman in the lead took a two-second look, took a photo, turned on her heels (probably not scabbed), and announced: "Same Old Crap". It is a mistake to sightsee through a camera. Also a mistake to travel with a group of 'check the box' strangers. Let Ansel Adams take the photos for you ... (This is not a comment on *your* photos, which, by the way, are terrific, as is your spectral video.
The tension of the subtly different "ways" to look at the world as a writer, a tourist, a traveler is such a strange one. Sometimes I want to be completely immersed but if I don't jot things down, I won't remember, but then if I'm too analytical, I'm not getting the full experience, rinse, repeat. But it's all wonderful grist for the mill. And a great way to not turn into the "Same Old Crap" Lady. Yiiikes!
As someone who lived in Grand Canyon for many years (I was a river guide there), it's not always easy to "see" it through someone else's eyes...or words. But you've captured the otherness of it~~the beauty beyond the place itself~~so gracefully.
I think you know how to do much more than just wrap words around the small or mundane. Perhaps you focus on a small window through which one might see a big picture. Loved this reflection on the true wonder of a place. I have always thought that cameras (especially those on smart phones) can never really capture a place. Of course they can't. You reminded me of Ed Abbey, who said (paraphrasing), if you want to see a park, you've got to get out of the damn car. We should compare AZ notes sometime. I want to go back for an even more off-the-beaten-path experience.
Yes yes! In true tourist fashion, I’m eager to share my discoveries 😂
I really love the imagery in this piece! Beautifully written. 💚
Thanks so much, Katie! I appreciate your reading it!
Looking through a frame, real or imagined, has its place. In Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott asks the writer to imagine the view through a 1" by 1" frame and write about what appears there. This is good advice for the writer. However, when a traveler, it is best not to do that -- not to imagine the frame -- which is one reason why I virtually never take photos on a trip. When you look at, say, the Grand Canyon through the imagined ubiquitous frame of the photo and take a mental snapshot, you lose the authentic moment. This goes to Walker Percy's point, I think, about trying to match the 'real ' with the photo stored in your head. This sort of viewing leads to missing the sight for the sake of capturing an image that you probably won't look at more than twice. In that vein, perhaps, I recall a visit to the Grand Canyon as a 12-year-old in a group of bussed tourists; upon approaching the prescribed rim, a woman in the lead took a two-second look, took a photo, turned on her heels (probably not scabbed), and announced: "Same Old Crap". It is a mistake to sightsee through a camera. Also a mistake to travel with a group of 'check the box' strangers. Let Ansel Adams take the photos for you ... (This is not a comment on *your* photos, which, by the way, are terrific, as is your spectral video.
The tension of the subtly different "ways" to look at the world as a writer, a tourist, a traveler is such a strange one. Sometimes I want to be completely immersed but if I don't jot things down, I won't remember, but then if I'm too analytical, I'm not getting the full experience, rinse, repeat. But it's all wonderful grist for the mill. And a great way to not turn into the "Same Old Crap" Lady. Yiiikes!
Geezus..... your writing pulls me in.
It is exquisite.
Thank you.
I'm so, so glad to hear it - thank YOU for reading!
As someone who lived in Grand Canyon for many years (I was a river guide there), it's not always easy to "see" it through someone else's eyes...or words. But you've captured the otherness of it~~the beauty beyond the place itself~~so gracefully.
Dang - the fact that this resonates with someone who spent so much time IN that rock mouth? Highest compliment I can imagine - thank you.
Your friendship with words always amazes me!!! Your talent comes from your soul. ❤️
Thank you so much for always being such a tremendous support <3
Aw Duane - I knew you'd "get it"...you always do!