Wednesday, May 31, 2023
The Silence of Ashes
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Nature's Creatures
Monday, May 29, 2023
Desperation in the Shadows
Sunday, May 28, 2023
Fire and Fury
Saturday, May 27, 2023
Whiskers Strikes Again
Friday, May 26, 2023
Shadows of Betrayal
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Seattle Ablaze
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Unveiled
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Gone Rogue
Monday, May 22, 2023
San Francisco is a graveyard
The fate of Maya and her fellow survivors hung precariously in the balance, teetering between salvation and annihilation. Who was this mysterious warrior? And what did their arrival mean for the fragile existence of those clinging to life amidst the ruins of San Francisco?
With a gasp and a flicker of consciousness, Maya fought against the encroaching darkness, desperate to uncover the truth. Their lives now dangled in the unknown, poised to unravel a secret that could alter the course of their desolate journey forever. If only....
Sunday, May 21, 2023
The Shadows of Desolation
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Welcome to a post-apocalyptic San Francisco
Friday, May 19, 2023
Seaside Serenade
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Swayed by Love
Erecting walls in their place.
Sealing doors, gates, and hearts,
Weighted with burdens we face.
Love, once cherished, we confine,
Hidden in a forgotten room.
Caring only for kin and friends,
Leaving vast emptiness to loom.
No longer do we share love's light,
With billions yearning for its touch.
Our locked-up world knows no entry,
Averse to connection, we clutch.
"I am a rock," we claim, unyielding,
Resolute not to show our tears.
Shielded from vulnerability,
But love escapes as our deepest fears.
Amongst all treasures one could hold,
Love alone diminishes when retained.
When freely bestowed, it flourishes,
Yet in our hearts, it's lamented and pained.
Never do we give to those in need,
Neglecting our own hunger to receive.
By refusing their offering of love,
Our existence is left barren, bereave.
Here I stand, hollow and yearning,
Longing for love to fill my core.
If you offer me love, I'll reciprocate,
For few friends can I dismiss or ignore.
Love, I possess in scarce abundance,
Not a fraction shall I let go astray.
But oh, how I yearn to love and be loved,
For love's sake, I'll embrace its sway.
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Embracing Change
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Democracy Dies
Monday, May 15, 2023
Radiate
Sunday, May 14, 2023
The Nature of Water
Water, when contemplated through the lens of Zen philosophy, can be seen as a metaphorical embodiment of the qualities of a Zen master. Just as a Zen master embodies wisdom, fluidity, adaptability, and tranquility, water exhibits similar characteristics.
Firstly, water is inherently pure and clear. It represents the clarity of mind that a Zen master cultivates through meditation and self-reflection. Just as a Zen master seeks to attain a state of inner clarity and insight, water symbolizes the pristine nature of awareness, free from the disturbances of thoughts and emotions.
Secondly, water flows effortlessly, adapting to its surroundings without resistance. Similarly, a Zen master demonstrates a deep understanding of the impermanence and interconnectedness of all things. They embrace change and remain flexible in the face of challenges, just as water effortlessly adjusts its shape to fit any container it enters.
Moreover, water is patient and persistent. It can gradually erode even the hardest rocks over time. Similarly, a Zen master embodies patience and perseverance in their spiritual journey. They understand that true wisdom and enlightenment cannot be rushed but are achieved through continuous practice and dedication.
Water also possesses the power to cleanse and purify. It washes away impurities and revitalizes whatever it touches. In the same way, a Zen master helps others cleanse their minds of delusions and attachments, guiding them toward a state of clarity and liberation.
Furthermore, water has a tranquil nature. It can mirror the world around it with perfect stillness, reflecting the Zen concept of "no-mind" or "emptiness." Like the calm surface of a serene lake, a Zen master cultivates a mind that is undisturbed by external circumstances, observing reality without judgment or attachment.
Lastly, water is inclusive and all-encompassing. It has no inherent boundaries or discrimination. It can merge with other bodies of water, forming a vast and interconnected network. Similarly, a Zen master embodies a sense of unity and compassion, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and embracing all with an open heart.
In essence, water as a Zen master represents the qualities of purity, adaptability, patience, clarity, tranquility, and inclusivity. By contemplating the nature of water, one can gain insights into the teachings and ideals of Zen philosophy, fostering a deeper understanding of the self and the world around us.
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Nature's Song
Friday, May 12, 2023
Beyond Boundaries
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Coming Unraveled
In the vast tapestry of human history, there have been moments when a single event, seemingly innocuous at first, sets in motion a catastrophic chain of events that reshapes the very fabric of civilization. Such a moment arrived with the arrival of a pandemic, a silent intruder that swept across the globe like a malevolent specter. Its origin was shrouded in mystery, its consequences far beyond anyone's wildest imagination.
As the virus spread with alarming speed, panic and fear rippled through the world, sowing the seeds of chaos and discord. Governments, ill-prepared and overwhelmed, struggled to contain the outbreak. Hospitals became battlegrounds, overrun by the sick and dying. Economies faltered, unable to withstand the crippling blow dealt by the relentless march of the disease. Society teetered on the brink of collapse, its foundations eroded by the relentless onslaught of an invisible enemy.
Amidst the escalating crisis, the fragile tapestry of humanity began to unravel. Trust eroded, replaced by suspicion and self-interest. The divide between the haves and have-nots widened, leaving the marginalized and vulnerable in an ever-deepening abyss. As the pandemic tightened its grip, the veneer of civilization started to crack, revealing the primal instincts lurking beneath the surface. In this crucible of chaos, a series of events would unfold, each more devastating than the last, leading to the eventual downfall of the world as we knew it.
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Wait No More
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Caution
A young monk asked his master, "Master, how can we protect ourselves from danger?"
The master replied, "Caution can only do so much, my dear student. It is like a boat that can navigate calm waters, but when the winds and waves become too strong, it can be overturned."
The young monk was puzzled and asked, "Then what should we do, master?"
The master smiled and said, "We must learn to swim, my dear student. We must develop our inner strength and wisdom to navigate the rough waters of life. Only then can we truly protect ourselves from danger."
Monday, May 8, 2023
Sunday, May 7, 2023
In Orbit
One day, a student asked their Zen master, "What is the secret to finding inner peace amidst the chaos of life?"
The Zen master replied, "Look to the planets and their orbits for guidance."
Perplexed, the student asked, "How do planets and their orbits relate to inner peace?"
The Zen master explained, "Consider the planets, each following their own path and orbit around the sun. They do not resist or struggle against each other but simply follow their own natural course. In the same way, you too can find inner peace by letting go of the need to control others or to fight against the world around you. Instead, follow your own path and trust in the natural flow of life. Just as the planets find their way through the vast expanse of the universe, so too can you find your way to inner peace."