I believe in movement.
I believe in that lighthearted balloon, the world.
I believe in midnight and the hour of noon.
But what else do I believe in?
Sometimes everything.
Sometimes nothing.
It fluctuates like light flitting over a pond.
― Patti Smith, M Train
A while back I read Patti Smith’s book “Just Kids” and was totally enamored with the story of her life with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and their life here in NYC. A fabulous documentary with a beginning and an end. (And with full disclosure I’ve now visited one of her favorite bars, with a couple more on tap soon. Yep, groupie.) But with her new book, M Train…well…it’s complicated and it takes you all over the place…one moment the present and the next moment down memory lane…then a dream…and then back to reality again…all within a couple of sentences. It’s a book that’s meant to be read slowly…and savored. Sentences that can read like poetry…evocative…revealing her inner most feelings about her life. Often I’ll find myself reading and re-reading a particular sentence or paragraph…to better understand it…and then when I do…my mind wanders… dreaming of an image to reflect the scene in my mind. It was during my little birthday getaway to Woodstock that I thought I should visit my photography archives or make an image that would pair with some of my favorite Patti quotes…thus my creation of the “M” project. Anyway, it’ll be a fun and challenging little photography project for me and I hope you’ll enjoy it too. I made this image along the banks of the Millstream at the Inn of Woodstock where we stayed and found it a perfect pairing.
~~~
Prior to heading to Woodstock, I spent two afternoons at the Green-Wood Cemetery…478 spectacular acres in Brooklyn/ New York City. This was my fifth visit as I’ve been trying to photograph the different seasons, as well as some of the details of the cemetery. For some crazy reason I’m so drawn to that place. I’ll share with you some of my favorites from my spring and fall visits soon. I still have some Oregon images that you must see as well…oh, and there’s Woodstock! Gotta tell you about that cute little place. Oh, oh! There was a trip to the farm too! btw…have you heard of Peggy Freydberg? Gosh..an amazing woman…will have a give away when I tell you about that experience…so stay tuned.
~~~
On a totally different note…are any of you New York Times subscribers and received the cardboard Virtual Reality goggles this weekend? I’ve read that virtual reality journalism is really cutting edge and with this little cardboard box, a smart phone, earbuds and a free app…well you’re on your way to some amazing viewing. The New York Times Magazine showcased their new virtual reality film called “The Displaced”…about children uprooted by war. (Tissues required and possibly some ambien just to sleep after viewing.) The goggles give you this feeling as if you’re with the child…looking right in their eyes…12 year old Hanna as she carries crates to collect cucumbers on a farm to make money to help her family…or 11 year old Oleg sitting in the middle of the wreckage of his school and community…or 9 year old Chuol who was forced to flee into swamp land filled with alligators to keep from being killed. Just three of nearly 30 million children around the world who have been driven from their homes by war and persecution. I honestly find it hard to sleep at night that we have all of this going on in our world. I guess that’s why I sometimes believe in everything and sometimes nothing too.
xoxo, gg
I really love that quote and love that you find yourself re -reading parts of this second book, it means there are words to savor here. And if you’re going to be a groupie, it should be for someone who knows some good bars, right? And wow, the creation of the”M” project is brilliant!
You always leave me with so much more to look forward to, I really like that.
You gave me a good chuckle! Yep, they knew of good bars for sure! El Quijote beside the Chelsea Hotel was one of the favorite hangouts. I thought of you when I had that margarita, ha! Thanks always SusanMarie for your beautiful thoughts and responses! ♥
I have not read the books…yet! But if I read books which really captures me I carry it around with me to look up certain quotes or sentences. How lovely that you could even visit places where she has been.One day I hope to go Russia and follow Tolstoys steps. I did in St .Petersburg and Dostojevski.
We have the gadget for the NY times and it is heartbreaking to watch.In Europe we are very much confronted with the pain and sorrows of refugees and I don’t understand the countries which are not allowing more people in. Both my parents were refugees and displaced people when they were children, they never forgot.
Love the dreamy picture and the beautiful light, a perfect start to the day.
Oh, I do the same! Kindred spirits we are! Oh, I love that you got the goggles from the NYT too! Just amazing! Heartbreaking for sure…those little faces. Thanks for sharing…I didn’t know your parents were refugees. You’ll have to share their story…would love to hear. Thanks always…so much!
Did you know Patti Smith will be performing at the Beacon this Tues. evening?
I really like the quote you chose and the image is not only so beautiful but perfect as your first inspirational project image. The first thing I noticed was that it looks like the letter “M”. Maybe, it’s just me but I see it as a perfect 1st M Project!
I had read that the book got very mixed reviews. Some found it a very difficult read, as you mentioned it jumps all over but sometimes those can be very deep and connecting reads if one is open to it, can appreciate that type of writing and dedicate time and thought to it. Obviously, you have and I am glad you enjoyed it and found inspiration for a new project. It’s always so exciting when you are inspired as you are so inspiring and we all love to see what you have in store for us!
The Green-Wood Cemetery: One I have passed many times throughout my life, especially as a kid but never have been in it. Intriguing that you are drawn to it. I can’t wait to find out what you will discover and why.
Oh, and Peggy Freydberg – You know how much I LOVE her and I am so excited to see what you experienced.
Wow, just wow on the NYT info. Oh, how I wished I had those goggles and seen the film. I was so in love with my Viewmaster as a kid. It was my favorite toy, as I’d stare at each 3D picture and pretend I was right there in the picture. What an escape.
The film you viewed, The Displaced, in virtual reality sounds so fascinating, albeit disturbing. I’d love to hear more on virtual reality media, when you come across it.
Oh my, I know exactly how you feel about sleeping at night, and not just my mind not quieting down from the problems in my very small world but the whole world. I can’t watch or read disturbing things before I try to sleep or I will, and have, literally been up the entire night. Although I personally have not lost anyone on 9/11, I have thoughts of that day so often. I cannot even imagine seeing all of the people and things you have experienced in the world and other countries and cultures.
You are an artist, a writer, a woman, a humanitarian, a multifaceted beautiful person. It’s not surprising these things affect you deeply and you also appreciate other artist’s expressions of their thoughts and hearts.
I am so excited and anticipating your next post, as always.
Thank you so much. Love you so much.
xoxo
Yes! Found out a couple of weeks ago she’ll be at the Beacon….which by the way is only a few blocks from the apartment. 🙂 However, I’m not a big fan of Patti’s music so I really didn’t want to spend the money for it. Now her writing? Different story. Thanks so much Lisa for always being so enthusiastic – you inspire me!! Always way too kind…but thank you always…❤️
I’m sure you have “folders” in your mind’s hard drive, Robin, to keep track of everything you see and do. I sure hope so. I can just imagine what you HAVEN’T shown us yet!!!
LOL! I’m not sure about folders in the mind…but thank goodness for Reminders on my iPhone! 🙂 Thank you!!
Fascinating! One for the the book list, I like deep and meaningful work you have to delve a little harder with.
Thanks Susan! This book isn’t for everybody…but the only way to know is to check it out and see! I’m so glad you are back blogging again…looking forward to staying in touch with your postings!
I have not read the book but I love the quote. And the image you created for your “m” project is very creative. Can’t wait to see your upcoming posts of the graveyard, Woodstock, Oregon etc. Love you! XoXo
Well I’ll continue to give you some insights with her quotes and then you can see if this is something you’d want to read. Part of me is finding it very difficult to follow in certain areas and the other part of me can’t put it down! We’ll discuss in December! Can’t wait! Love you more!
Robin, I am savoring your post this morning. The quote from Patti Smith and the M Project are fascinating. I love that your are all in when you really love some thing, some place, some person. And I am comforted by the notion that I may believe in everything and nothing – as this certainly matches the way I feel. Thank you for bringing me into your world and your way of thinking and photography. I will look for the M Train book, but I don’t think I can stand to see suffering any more up close and personal than I am right now . . . but I love that your heart and mine ache for children uprooted and nearly destroyed.
Love the pictures at the bottom of your post -glimpses of your Instagram feed on your page – this is so cool! Thanks for bringing focus and light to my day!
Oh, Donna…so good to hear from you! Glad you could relate to the quote…and I so understand where you are with your challenges. Been there and in other ways still going through it. However, I have found that when we read how horrible others have it…we feel a little better about what we are personally going through too. Thanks always for dropping in and loved your posting today!
Your insights are always perceptive and enjoyable.
Thanks my dear! Loved your posting today too on your thoughts and feelings from the NYT “Displaced” article and video. Good stuff.
I really enjoy the direction you are passing through. Patti is a wonderful and inspiring writer. Next time you are in Woodstock take a short drive to the Bearsville Cafe. I believe you would have a good time. Best wishes for your M project.
Thanks Bill! Means a lot to me. And thanks for the tip! Got that one down…their website looks amazing!
O that’s another book I have to read! Thank you for your insight. I saw her in CBGBs when I used to live in NYC as a student. She was always soooo cooool. Love her. And you are so super cooooooool too my dear. Yay!!!
Oh, thank you Catherine! What a sweet comment! So appreciate you and your writings and creativity!