Friday

We are not alone




Dreams taking flight, #N004232 — May 1, 2007


Today a heavy fog has blanketed the area as it lingers, filtering through the landscape with the stillness of a dream; winters melancholy soon shall pass, bowing out to an approaching spring that slowly rises from the darkness. Though morning light has crossed passed the mountains ridge, there are no shadows but in my room, as candles flames flicker to the slightest movement, as its warm amber light baths the surroundings with solace.


Though I am alone physically, I am not. Your words to ‘Life’s Fragility’ have given me company and turned an ordinary day into one filled with compassion. It was a difficult post for both the reader and the author, as any obstacles were overcome by courage.


In these last weeks I have visited your comments often, I feel we have become closer, as you so graciously shared your thoughts and something about your own life or of the ones you love.



A spirit set free, #N004778 — May 4, 2007


Recently I came across a quote that expressing what many of us who blog have come to experience, myself included. They are of the German romantic poet and playwright Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832), who’s ‘Trauerspiel’ and accompaniment of Beethoven’s OP-82 that I was ceremoniously named after. The translation is not perfect, though multiple sources seem to agree on the words, it is not perfect as translations go, it still retains Goethe’s thinking.



Goethe in the Campagna, 1786
by Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein


The world is so empty if one only thinks of
mountains, rivers and cities;
but to know someone who thinks and feels with us,
and who, though distant is close to us in spirit,
this makes the earth for us an inhabited garden.




I have been deeply touched by everyone’s visit and with what you wrote, more so than I could ever express and I hope, I had replied to each one of you individually as promised.

The images of the iris flowers are from our garden and I wish you to have one for yourself as a reflection of my sincere appreciation for your presence. If you would like a digital file at high resolution to print out for your home, please send me an email and tell me which one you desire, also make sure you are able to receive a PhotoShop electronic file that is 15-17 MB in size or if you prefer a much smaller JPG document.

I wish you all a wonderful day,
Egmont




28 comments:

Gina said...

alone without being alone - its an interesting concept, hum ?

this post as with 'fragility' is very generous ... the images of iris are really beautiful .. exploration going deeper

nice work >>> Gina
http://ginaseye.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Egmont, Your photographs are stunningly beautiful - a presence that chases away feelings of loneliness. Thank you for sharing your precious world with us.

ArtPropelled said...

Egmont, I am moved by the exquisite beauty of these photographs. Absolutely stunning!
The Goethe quote is one of my favourites. It certainly says something about blogging doesn't it.

Ian Foster said...

Thank you Egmont,the images are superb as always and Goethe's words are very relevant to bloggers as 'Art Propelled' has said.

Anonymous said...

Your posts always put tears in my eyes- in a good way. Your photographs are true works of art. Beautiful.

Caterina Giglio said...

what a beautiful post dear Egmont, and so nice to know that though you are alone, you are not lonely.
blessings, caterina

Kelly M. said...

an inhabited garden -- ah, yes! although nature is a comfort, it is truly indifferent to we mere humans -- always reminds me of Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" -- but the soft touch of another heart upon our own is priceless -- thank you.

Michelle said...

Your photographs are lovely and remind me of Georgia O'Keeffe's
flower paintings. Thanks for sharing.
Michelle

sukipoet said...

Interesting to hear of the origin of your unique name. As others have said, these photos are exquisite, delicate, amazing. Thank you for the quote which I have not heard before. Music, poetry, art and human kindness, the great connectors.

Sondra said...

Dear Egmont,
Absolutely stunning.....your photos and words. Thank you for all that you share.
Best wishes to you.
Sondra

-Don said...

These photographs are spectacular! I honestly thought they were well executed paintings when I first arrived here.

This is my first true visit to your wonderful blog. Your generosity of spirit and your gracious countenance are well-received. Who are we, really, if it weren't for each other?

-Don

Anna Mavromatis said...

I love the beauty, life and positive vibes your iris photos symbolize! I can almost feel the velvety texture of those petals... Mesmerizingly beautiful!

Shayla said...

Egmont,your photo showed up as a thumbnail on my blog and was so beautiful I rushed right over to see. I came back today for another good look and to tell you "Dreams taking flight" makes my heart feel tender. The title goes well with the upward lines of the iris. Just wonderful!
"A spirit set free" is so joyous I laughed out loud the first time I saw it. Great work!
My comment on your last post disappeared in some sort of cyber space blip. I'd like to add a thank you for your touching honesty and vulnerability.

Ange said...

I too thought they were paintings by you and tried to figure out why you'd named them as you had. They are truly superb. I'm serious about an art project too if you would like to go along with one.
Affectionately
Ange

Anonymous said...

Dear Egmont, as John Donne wrote,
"No man is an island entire of itself; every man
is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;" Your posts are so honest that they resonate with your many readers.
I think your photos are amazing, like watercolours.

Steve McAfee said...

Beautiful photography and words-I'm inspired to start my day now.

rivergardenstudio said...

Dear Egmont, oh, the beauty of these flowers, so strong but delicate too, so detailed. I grow Iris's in my gardens too. Many originally were also gifts from my mother and her garden when she lived in Santa Rosa. I need to separate them so they will bloom more profusely.
I also love your titles. taking flight. a spirit set free. Spring seems so far away, but seeing these flowers so closely makes me know it will be worth the wait. winter blessings to you. roxanne

Anonymous said...

Your photos are like a beautiful painting.
Loved that quote, so true.
Have a lovely day!
:)

Anonymous said...

Betty, for Betty Manousos.

~*~Patty Szymkowicz said...

Such a lovely post Egmont, you wrap each of us in serene and heartfelt words and images! Thank you for that!

As to your generous offer of an image, many many thanks to you!
oxo from snowy and soon to be snowier Virginia :)

Sadia said...

Beautiful words so appropriately illustrated! The white iris is indeed like "a spirit set free" !

Gaby Bee said...

What a wonderful post. Thanks for your heartfelt words!
Your photographs are amazing, Egmont! My first thought was, there are watercolors by you.
Enjoyed the visit! Have a good one!
Gaby xo

Patrinas Pencil said...

You inhabit the garden well, Egmont.
I love the iris' - they are so amazingly beautiful.

Patrina <")>><

S. Etole said...

just discovered you today ... what a delightful discovery ... I've experienced that quote often

Kim Palmer said...

I have just caught up with this post which you blogged on my birthday! What gorgeous pictures they are. Just exquisit! I am in complete agreement with yourself and Goethe, the act of sharing with that special like minded soul opens up the entire world to us. Keep on sharing Egmont!

liz.blog said...

Those are the most elegant flowers I've ever seen. Feliz día de San Valentin! And Happy Chinese New Year in the Year of the Tiger.

Luzia said...

Nicht umsonst wurde Goethe als einer der größten Dichter und Denker der Deutschen bezeichnet! Er war aber auch noch ein sehr großer "Fühler" könne man sagen. Auf jeden Fall sind seine Worte wahr! Liebe Grüße von Luzia.

business guides said...

Those are touching words. Those photos brought joy to everyone. Beautiful!