We Are One!

A Local Encounter that Changed my Perspective - Vasanti in Beijing, China

vasanti — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 06:10:56 GMT

As I find myself waking up on the other side of the planet in Beijing, China, I ask myself...."what have I done?".

This is around 6 am, May 2008, when I have just entered this totally unknown world and what would become the GREATEST adventure of my life to date!

I was dropped off within the heart of Beijing, China along with my dog, Ricky at an apartment complex that had a large courtyard areas on each side. There was a large iron gate to entrance of our complex with what appeared to be guards. This would be a site I would see every day as the months went on. Guards every where but none that wore any weapons. They are basically just standing around to watch ALL the people and monitor, I am sure.

Mr. and Mrs. Wang took care of my dog and she loved us! Even though we never spoke a word, we knew! She would leave Ricky treats in the cabinet during the day when she would take him for a walk in the park. The park was part of the original Great Wall within the city. The Wang's even attempted to get me to leave Ricky with them when I left when they took me to eat at the Peking Duck Restaurant by way of their translator. We cried when I left!

Then there was the garbage man that was the very first person to be nice to me and even helped me carry my bags from shopping to my apartment. I had to furnish everything that I had in my apartment so I would come in with arms full that then had to be take from the taxi, through the courtyards and up to my 4th floor apartment. I took photos of him and gave them to him before I left. He gave me his bracelet. It was so amazing that a 3x5 photo in a little plastic red frame could make someone SO happy! The crowd that came to see on the street when I gave it to him almost made me cry. They were all smiling and so happy and he sat so very proud on top of his trash bicycle that he rode around all day picking up trash.

My dog, Ricky had a friend in the park that we went to each day after work. The guy was in his early 20's and made really NOTHING! There were chairs outside and a table and a very small little building that he worked in. Ricky would run through the building or jump into the chairs after greeting him. He always had the biggest smile and a warm heart that was truly felt! He also got a picture in a small red frame. Same reaction!

Language is a very important thing but LOVE and a warm and caring spirit transcends any barrier that we may believe is there. Speaking through love is SO MUCH more important!

The Butterfly Effect

vasanti — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 02:13:00 GMT

Butterflies have always captured my attention when I would see one fly by me,

but more so in the last few weeks. I have had several people very close to me

pass on and for some reason I was drawn to do this photography on this particular

weekend which just pasted.

I was downloading and creating files for my pics when I noticed that the date was

10-10-10 and I decided to investigate with the internet. 10-10-10 is called the

Butterfly Effect! The meaning behind this is that "everything that I (we) do effects

you (each other) and everyone else". I find this very fitting for the times that we are facing

globally.

The beauty of each of these Monarch's that only have a lifespan of 6-8 weeks and

the diligence that they placed into their work was amazing. The older, worn-out

butterflies worked much harder to pollinate the plants. I watched them for

over a week taking these pics and learned the habits of each. They had a sense

of urgency because they understand that "our time is very short here"! Maybe we can

learn something from them. Do what we have to do here in this life and leave this planet

a much prettier place for the next generation.

Photos: The Butterfly Effect

vasanti — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:54:00 GMT

Monarch Butterflies in my yard in Pineville, Louisiana during the weekend of 10-10-10

Real Beauty of Jamaica

vasanti — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:19:00 GMT

I was sitting out enjoying the sunrise just a few weeks ago in Jamaica when I heard a hammering type of sound coming from close by. I decided to investigate and found this old man sitting out and creating something. I starting photographing from a distance so that he would not be distracted. I wanted to capture the pure essence of his work. He tapped with his hammer, he washed out the shell and then he blew it! It sounded awesome. You could have heard it for miles, I am sure.

I finally let him know I was there and asked him "how much"? He tried to convince me to come see "other shells" but I told him that I had to have "this one" because I had been photographing him. He was excited and we found a nice peaceful connection. I asked him if I could take his picture with "the shell" and he set it on his head and then picked up all his tools.

He told me that he has been doing this all his life. He dives and gets the shells and then he makes the horns. He showed me how he puts acid in the shell to clean out the muscle. He tried to teach me to blow it but I still have not mastered it like he blew it.

The beauty of watching someone create something that they love and being in such a glorious location on this planet made my heart sing with joy! Thank you my new found friend!

Photos: Beauty in Jamaica

vasanti — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 03:28:00 GMT

Montego Bay, Jamaica - The Real Beauty in the People