January 3, 2007
-
As an artist, or rather, an untrained artist trapped inside the body of an engineer, it pains me to continue sharing sunset pictures such as these for fear of being labelled as a one trick pony. I’d hate to become “that guy” who does “the thing.” You know what I mean? But I saw this sunset outside as I was walking down the hall, and I couldn’t resist stopping there and daydreaming. For a few moments, I imagined what it would be like to work on my own land, farming my own fields and have the opportunity to watch the sun go down every day. And then, to call over my wife and kids to stand and watch the scene with me. I imagined myself singing some old folksy tune softly as my youngest daughter joined along with me. And as the color began to fade away from the canvas of the sky, I’d turn my kids back towards the house and say out loud, “Today was a good day.”
I find that working in an office deprives me of opportunities that used to be enjoyed by every person, every day. I feel disconnected with God’s creation sitting at my desk… answering phones and responding to emails. I imagine that even 100 years ago, people would spend times like this with their family and reflect over the good things of the day and smile with gratitude. <Begin aside> And that’s a big word for me – gratitude. I think there isn’t nearly enough of it today. Without dipping into the thoughts reserved for another post, I think the lack of gratitude is a major cause of dissatisfaction and unhappiness. </aside>. I compare the loss of this daily experience to missing a free concert or a free artshow that is held daily. And daily, each performance is different, yet equally captivating as the one held the night before. I’d hate to be that guy who sits at his desk and misses the concert every single night. I wouldn’t be able to stand it. And if you were sitting in the office next to me, I wouldn’t let you miss it either.
That’s why I post these pictures. Beauty is meant to be shared. <Begin aside> I have a whole post inside me about sharing beauty… but I’ll have to save it for another time.</aside> If I get labelled as “that guy who only takes pictures of sunsets,” so be it. It’s more important to me that something worth appreciating got passed on.
I know it’s not much; it’s a poor imitation of the real thing. But I think it’s enough to remind you of what’s out there. I hope you make the time to enjoy the beauty that is available to you. And I hope you also smile with gratitude.
Comments (13)
Ach, it’s a beautiful sunset, and sunsets are for everyone to enjoy.
Is this outside your office? Firstly, wow, you took a good picture. Secondly, I rather imagined there would be a parking lot outside your office. Is it hidden in the black area?
^haha… this shot was pointing slightly askew of the parking lot. I have enough photos with the parking lot in it. I think this was the first one I was able to successfully take without it.
Thanks for the props.
that’s a really beautiful sunset. thanks for sharing it.
wow! beautiful colors!!
That’s a very nice sunset….”untrained artist trapped inside the body of an engineer”? Hahaha….
Happy new year bro. I’ll be in Singapore on the 13-14 Jan weekend….i’m going to see Eric Clapton in concert. I’ll also be catching up with everybody, including Uncle Richard & Aunty Molly.
Sunset photos are for you what stories about death and immortality are for me.
How beautiful! I love sunsets and sunrises! however me seeing a sunrise means that I’m up earlier than I’d like to be.
That’s beautiful. I’m glad you can appreciate it and share it. Too often I forget to stop and appreciate the beauty God paints each day.
Thanks for the reminder to slow down and look around.
it’s a beautiful moment to not take a picture of.
good hearing from you
i doubt i’ll be going back to bing.
rather… you should come down to the city!!!
I loved your late couple of posts. The pictures are awesome. I especially like the studious Alban looking at the bottle. “Very intense.” I suppose you have to go to your parents for Christmas but know that you have an open invitation to visit anytime you want. It’s important to make your own Christian traditions since you don’t have any that you were brought up with. That’s what we have had to do.
Know I keep you in my prayers and I’m always asking my boy about how you are doing. You are a special young man. lala
p.s. dating, flirting, should be fun! Just my thought.
I like a man who can appreciate nature. Rock on.
It’s a lovely photo, and I’m very glad you shared it.