Havana w/UMD 2024

“Havana’s Art & Culture: The intersection of architecture, planning, preservation and economics” Questions or comments? email me: Reemberto[at]Gmail[dot]com

Reflection on the University of Maryland study abroad course conducted in early January 2024, coordinated by Reemberto Rodriguez and Dr. Gerrit Knaap; and delivered with the assistance of Cuban professors expert in each discipline.

As a Cuban who has lived outside the island for nearly 60 years and returned only less than 10 years ago, how wonderful to experience Havana with others: lectures from professors from there and here, interaction with University of Maryland students, and conversations with the Cuban people in the streets, bars, and homes.

We spent a mere few nights in Havana; thus we acknowledge that what we experienced is but a minutia of the Cuban reality. Our interest was focused on the four disciplines of the course (architecture, planning, preservation and economics) and how they manifest in the arts and culture. A tall order indeed! Such an examination would not yield definitive conclusions in months, much less in 2 weeks. Yet we persisted in absorbing the lectures, walks, meals, and other exposure with a critical mind; not just watching and hearing, but seeing and listening; not just accepting information, but asking deep questions.

And we also had fun. You can’t help but have fun in Havana. Music everywhere, awesome weather (in January), and gracious, beautiful people. 

Simultaneously you are constantly aware of the hardships, lack of necessities, long lines, trash piles, and an economy spiraling downwards with hyperinflation. And, you are constantly aware that this island-nation of 11 million people has lost nearly ½ million people to immigration since the spark of the pandemic. That equals more than 4% of the population, and most of it is working age men. Painful indeed. Hard not to despair – or worse yet fall into desolation. Yet, the soul of the country persists. Its proud people push forward, surviving, excelling, and thriving in their own way.

Regarding its architecture: Havana is now a young 504 years old. Its ‘faded glory’ (as a Portuguese App calls it) shines through the many crumbling buildings and decrepit infrastructure. The ‘architecture of necessity’ is evident everywhere, “doing the impossible with next to nothing”: High floors subdivided; ingenious repurposing of interior spaces; and making the best out of old buildings. Yet there are also gorgeous examples of precious architecture everywhere – the art deco masterpiece which is the Bacardi Building, the neo-classic buildings around Central Park, the old fortification, and so much more.

Havana is a textbook example of various urban planning forms: Old Havana as the traditional colonial city; El Vedado and Miramar as ‘Savannah style’ grid system of the early 20th century; and East Havana as a glaring example of the failed Eastern European high rise ‘neighborhoods’. Public spaces in Havana abound, many re-imagined by the locals to serve as truly placemaking spaces. El Prado is an international gem; a stroll down El Malecon is an experience of a lifetime.

It is in historic preservation that Havana excels in many ways, under the leadership of Eusebio Leal  (RIP) who is responsible for having Havana designated as a United Nations World Heritage site. Havana remains one of the most ‘real’ historic preservation sites in the European colonized world. The absence of new buildings (until the recent rash of megahotels), the absence of capital for major renovation, the inclusion of schools in the historic district, and the intentional presence of housing for locals (albeit much of it dilapidated) makes Havana a truly unique historic place. And, no historic preservation effort in the Americas can match the recently restored Capitolio or the eerie feel of Colon Cemetery.

And then there is the economics angle. Complicated. Determined by international affairs, with the crux of it being Cuba’s relation with the United States – a relationship that goes back centuries, but is now as sour as ever. The stranglehold of an out-of-date embargo and the unjustifiable designation of Cuba as a terrorist state by the US is an undeniable culprit of the awful current situation. And also a culprit is the inefficiencies of a centrally controlled economy which is welcoming investment way too slowly and overly regulating commerce. Yet entrepreneur bars abound – Bar H on 23rd street being a favorite.

These disciplines intersect most evidently in the arts & culture. Cuba’s commitment to the arts is undeniable. (Also undeniable is its strong-armed way of limiting the space for artistic expression). Cuban music (classical and modern), dance (with its world famous ballet), theater (avant garde in many ways), and visual arts (across the spectrum of quality and taste) are proud, defining components of the Cuban culture. A perfect example is the Fabrica de Artes Cubano, a truly unique multi-venue art/culture repurposing of an olive oil plant. Also ubiquitous and of an undeniable influence is the faith of Cubans. While most faith traditions are evident in Havana, the propensity of Catholic churches shapes the City; and Santeria’s underlying presence is everywhere.

There are so many stories to share, so many snippets on which to comment, so many observations to mull over. Best to browse through the pictures and mini-videos of the journey:

Compilations

Student Group Pictures

Sample of Architecture

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Week One:

Sunday, Jan. 7th: GETTING THERE AND WELCOME DINNER

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Monday, Jan. 8th: OLD HAVANA & PASEO DEL PRADO

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Tuesday, Jan. 9th: CENTRO HAVANA & CHINATOWN

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Wednesday, Jan. 10th: VEDADO & COLON CEMETERY

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Thursday, Jan. 11th: MIRAMAR & CASAS DE LAS TEJAS VERDES

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Friday, Jan. 12th: EAST HAVANA & MUSEO de LAS BELLAS ARTES (and Professors Dinner)

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Weekend: 

Students went to Pinar del Rio and Varadero Pictures to be added later

Reemberto joined his sister in a special faith event

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Week Two:

Monday, Jan. 15th: HOTEL NACIONAL  (and San Cristobal Restaurant)

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Tuesday, Jan. 16th: EL CERRO, 10 de OCTUBRE, CAÑONAZO (and Callejon de Los Barberos)

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Wednesday, Jan. 17th: CAPITOLIO (Callejon de Hamel and Buena Vista Social Club)

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Thursday, Jan. 18th: PRESENTATIONS* & FAREWELL DINNER (*Extra: Google folder with students’ final presentations)

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After students departed:

Friday, Jan. 19th: BEJUCAL, GUINES, GUANABO (and El Claxon Jazz)

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Saturday, Jan. 20th: MARTI MONUMENT

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Sunday, Jan. 21st: JAZZ FESTIVAL, Pt I

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Monday, Jan. 22nd: JAZZ FESTIVAL, Pt II

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Video

YouTube clips from various moments (Includes performances for the Jazz Festival, el Malecon scenes, and much more)

All video clips from Google Photos (Includes much more than above; i.e.: small clips of fun at Bar-H, scenes from the bus, and more)

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EXTRA

Top 10 signs of positive movement in Cuba:

(never enough to quench the nay-sayers)

  1. Ever so slight loosening of the embargo
  2. Increasing number of micro-enterprises
  3. Increasing evidence of investment
  4. Increasing evidence of number of construction projects – big and small
  5. Increasing presence of foreign tourists
  6. Increasing space for faith communities (unlike Nicaragua)
  7. Apparent interest in Vietnam model of governance
  8. Apparent less control of everyday complaining
  9. Aspirational decentralization of National government
  10. Continued cultural excellence

Top 10 signs of major challenges in Cuba:

(from disappointment to desperation to desolation)

  1. Long lines to cash government checks
  2. Public transportation sardine cans
  3. Piles of trash everywhere
  4. Increasing evidence of income disparity
  5. Chaotic monetary exchange and payment system
  6. Increasing unavailability of affordable basic goods – yet available with money
  7. Increasing absence of medication and deteriorating of (an already insufficient) health care system
  8. Increasing deterioration of infrastructure (water and road system)
  9. State heavy-handedness in surveillance, arbitrary questioning, and long prison terms for July 11 protestors
  10. Continued pressure – and desire – to emigrate

Questions or comments? email me: Reemberto[at]Gmail[dot]com

Portugal Vacation 2023

PORTUGAL VACATION 2023 [] BEST PICTURES

What a wonderful vacation! Portugal with family to celebrate Rembe & Dana’s 10th wedding anniversary. Nice. Very nice.

Berto and Mirabelle were real troopers. They behaved – most of the time 🙂  Hanging out with Dorothy and Jeff was fun as always. And following the tour expertise of Dana and Rembe made it all work. (And we did it all walking and using public transportation).

Porto’s “faded grandeur”* was magical. The old town is compact, walkable, and lively. (*Per the guidebook, only Cuba has a similar ‘faded grandeur’).

Oh, and the wine! Can’t go wrong – even with the 3 Euros bottles. Simply perfect for meals at outdoor cafes. The wine tour down the Duomo River was stellar. And the Porto tastings was delicious.

Oh and the churches! The beautiful “azulejos” tiles are everywhere. And the Baroque interiors are so rich. (It was strange to do Midnight Mass without much fan-fare and then have churches closed on Christmas Day. Hmmmm).

Oh, and the food! Bacalao – in whatever form – is always tastee. (We did not try tripe).

Traveling to Lisbon on a fast train was efficient, quick and easy. It got us there in time to enjoy dinner and stroll the streets.

The next day was a day trip to Fatima – with a twist. On the way there we stopped at a medieval town (Óbidos), Nazaret (the big waves) and a majestic monastery. Fatima was a unique holy experience, where we prayed for the whole family – particularly the young – and world peace.

The last day we enjoyed a leisurely ride on two “hop on hop off” Yellow Bus routes, and rode a light rail and an uphill trolley. This was the perfect way to take a quick peek at all major sites.

Portugal may not be as polished and pristine as other European countries. But its beauty shines through loud and clear. It is welcoming, full of history, easy to navigate via public transportation, and has plenty of photogenic sites and vistas – and awesome food. (And it is relatively cheap).

Wonderful memories were made; and we have stories for a lifetime – including GD’s (minor) fall and Berto and Mirabelle’s childhood shenanigans.

BEST PICTURES

CHRONOLOGICALLY

Portugal DAY 1 (Thu Dec 21 & Fri Dec 22) Arr Lisbon / Train to Porto

Portugal DAY 2 (Sat Dec 23) Porto

Portugal DAY 3 (Sun Dec 24) Porto hop on hop off + Noche Buena

Portugal DAY 4 (Christmas Day) Scavenger hunt + Asian food

Portugal  DAY 5 (Tue Dec 26) Douro wine tasting

Portugal DAY 6 (Wed Dec 27) From Porto to Lisbon + RemDana Anniversary

Portugal DAY 7 (Thu Dec 28) Fatima + Óbido, Nazaret, & Monastery

Portugal DAY 8 (Fri Dec 29) Lisbon hop on hop off

Portugal DAY 9 (Sat Dec 30) Fly back home

COLLECTIONS of GIFs

Familia

Berto & Mirabelle

RR&GD Selfies

Sample of Churches

Sample of Architecture

EXTRA – Berto describing where we stayed: Porto / Lisbon

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UMD Havana Class – 2023

12 students & 2 professors from UMD at the entrance to the University of Havana

MY PICTURES

These pictures focus on course content and augment pictures I’ve taken in the past. (See my other journeys for more personal pictures.)

[] Students and Classroom

[] Street art, museum, and more art

[] Buildings, Vistas, Street scenes and more

[] Art School, ExpoCuba, Botanical Gardens

[] Collection of best pixs (some by students)

I have many more pictures. If you’d like to see these also, please email me Reemberto[at]Gmail[dot]com

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STUDENTS’ PICTURES

The students took wonderful pictures. These pictures are the “Top Ten” from each of them.

[] Students’ Top Ten + Pictures (from each student)

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ARTICLES IN THE UMD PRESS

Havana through the cameral lens of students

Cuba’s History, Economy, and Place

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REFLEXION

UMD Havana Course (January 2023)

An Outline of a Story

Last updated January 20, 2023

Coming home from a ‘Terrorist State’ – or not

Let’s start backwards. When we arrived from Havana at the Ft. Lauderdale airport, Customs pulled aside the two UMD professors – one being me. We had purchased rum and cigars at the Havana airport duty free shop. We were informed that according to US regulation that is illegal. Customs proceeded to bust each bottle and pour the rum in a sink, in front of our eyes. They then tore the cigars and put them in a trash can. We were then allowed to move on. I had forgotten that when Trump declared Cuba a Terrorist State in September 2020, he also outlaws bringing Cuban rum and cigars into the US.

Disgusting. Clearly, designating Cuba a Terrorist State was yet another Trump measure to spite Obama – and win some votes in Florida. Awful. Exasperating the situation, Biden has not rescinded this designation. Cuba is much less deserving of being labeled a terrorist State than Venezuela, China, or Russia. Yet.

The Experience

We went to Cuba as an academic exercise to teach a course titled “Havana’s Art & Culture: The intersection of planning, architecture, preservation, and economics”. Cuba’s heritage, complexities, and mystique provides an ideal setting to learn, pushing the limits of assumptions and conventional wisdom.

We stayed at private homes, frequented as often as possible paladares – entrepreneur ventures – for dinner and entertainment, and experienced spaces and places of our choosing. We were also inevitably steered into partaking in officially led tours, having to listen to official presentations. And yes, we also participated in other touristy activities to know for ourselves the view from inside and outside.

Certainly one of the highlights of the journey was looking at Havana through the eyes of the 12 students in the course. The beautiful combination of their naivety with their inquiring deep critical thinking and thoughtful questions taught me so much. They saw so much more that I have ever seen by myself. I thank them for their energy, enthusiasm, and participation.

Academically speaking

We started and ended the course virtually. For the middle ten days we were physically in Havana. We worked with a team of Cuban professors we selected. We planned the lectures and site visits together. The academic load during the weekdays was intense. The weekends were fun.

The structure of the time spent in Havana was simple. Week one we spent one day each in certain neighborhood, moving from oldest to newest. We began in Old Havana, moving west to Central Havana, then to Vedado and West Havana before returning East to East Havana. On the weekend the students went to Viñaled to enjoy the rural landscape and to Varadero Beach. The two final days were spent visiting major planning projects in South Havana and experiencing the Capitolio, a preservation masterpiece.

The Cuban people

Friendly. Proud. Funny. But also struggling, making do, and resigned to a situations beyond their control. Many yearn to emigrate, no doubt. But for those that stay by choice or cause, life goes on.

The faiths 

Catholicism was highly influential in defining Havana’s urban spaces and plazas. The grace of old church steeples are inevitable in any skyline picture. Santeria – an Afro Cuban faith development – is prevalent and evident everywhere, influencing art, dance, music and much more. After decades of being silenced, these and other faith are alive and well in Cuba. (However, still no new house of worship is permitted to be built.)

Havana the City

Mystical. Compact. Beautiful. But also deteriorated – in places beyond repair – with a dilapidated infrastructure. In most cases the bone is there – but in many cases the cancer has metastasized.

Civic spaces

Underneath the authentic welcoming ambiance experienced everywhere in Cuba lurks the harsh reality of the absence of civic space independent of government oversight – if not direct control. There are (albeit limited) spaces for faith groups. But no Rotary Club, United Way, or Chamber of Commerce; no independent. non-profits, business associations, nor civic groups.

The food

Plantains. Yuca. Rice & beans. But also no consistency in quality, amount, or availability. Big difference between entrepreneur restaurants – much better – and all but the higher end government operated restaurants.

The cars

Yep, still there. The 57 Chevys*, Russian Ladas and older model, mingling with vicitaxis and cocos. (*But they function as “Frankensteins” – a strange combination of parts from everywhere.) And there are an increasing number on newer cars – and motorcycles – around.

The system

Proud, confident, and entrenched. But also clearly evidently tired, bloated, and inefficient. Changes come slow as molasses, sometimes taking two steps backwards for every step forward.

The new hotels

Why o why so many new hotels – including the new tallest building in Havana? For whom? Who is investing? Who will pay to stay? Who will benefit? Tourism gentrification – a new phenomenon for Cuba. The locals have so many questions. There are so few answers.

The economy

The trifecta of Trump/Biden impact on policies, Covid’s impact on tourism, and world events impact on inflation are devastating Cuba’s economy. Not since the 90’s ‘special period’ after the dissolution of the USSR has Cuba experienced such dire economic crisis. The Cuban government is not budging. If anything it is becoming more intransigent. The Cuban people are leaving in numbers never seen before creating a migration issue for both the US and Cuba.

oh, all the D words in Cuba!

Desperation Deception Desolation Dissolution Disillusion Destruction Disenchantment Despair Disgraced Disrespected Disregarded Disinterested Distrust Disinformed Destroyed Dissed

On a personal note

Promises made. Promises kept. At the beginning of the pandemic I made a promise to the Virgencita that I would not get a haircut again till I returned to Cuba. And so it was. I got my haircut at the Callejon de los Barberos, an entrepreneurship venture where elder barbers teach younger barbers from the nearby neighborhood the skills to cut hair so they can start their own shop.

In conclusion

Havana has evolved since 1492 in a way which is truly unique yet so common to other smaller nations. Its planning, architecture, preservation and economics reflect this uniqueness and commonality. Its art and culture reflect the dynamics of the comfort of dependence and the all too often turbulent  territory of yearning for independence.

The evident physical destruction-by-neglect is numbing. It is everywhere. The crumbling – and oftentimes dangerously overcrowded – buildings, the absence of maintenance in public spaces and venues of all sorts, the awful public transportation, the near non-existence of common commerce for the masses. Sixty years of mismanaged expropriation of homes, land, and businesses big and small has led to an inexplainable situation with strange land uses and little if any new construction – except the recent rash of hotels. Yet there are so many diamonds in the rough, good bones without meat, and an inventive and educated citizenry.

As politics rage, the Cuban people hurt. As screws are tightened, the Cuban physical infrastructure crumbles. As those in power play, we all pay.

It is insanity to keep doing the same thing for over 60 years when not achieving the results sought. The embargo has to go. It is time to re-spark Obama’s approach to diplomacy based on mutual respect and reciprocity. Let the Cuban and American people meet, mingle, and dance.

And let the rum flow and the cigars smoke.

For the detailed itinerary and more information on the logistics of the trip, email me Reemberto[a]Gmail[dot]com

View Havana skyline from El Cristo

BACK to Cuba Journeys

Outer Banks Vacation 2022

OUTER BANKS Pictures & Videos (August 14 -21, 2022)

Day One: Arrival
https://photos.app.goo.gl/7HyiAKw7Y8kTHfSm9

Day Two: Beach
https://photos.app.goo.gl/GcXnepCQSuoNT9c17

Day Three: Crabbing
https://photos.app.goo.gl/oSgHtU1XFYbuTZtr5

Day Four: Horses
https://photos.app.goo.gl/43h3trNQsqz34NmaA

Day Five: Crab Fest
https://photos.app.goo.gl/TPjjnHukjr3YjTRT6

Day Six: Kitty Hawk
https://photos.app.goo.gl/78F66ugVYtRGMm6c8

Day Seven: Mini Golf
https://photos.app.goo.gl/CfTxHbhEFsKDs2Sj8

Day Eight: Farewell
https://photos.app.goo.gl/DVNf2sNHzKSsadgi8

Sunsets & Sunrises
https://photos.app.goo.gl/6rvBsnb3zPfErkvVA

The Kids
https://photos.app.goo.gl/oop9Lr2YXvdTHPTP6

GD +
https://photos.app.goo.gl/42Ct7NybbRuy1Qau8

VIDEOS
Google
https://photos.app.goo.gl/voJp97M5EVjjL3PC9

YouTube
Hugo, Perry, and Crabs
https://youtu.be/RHSpaEHc-NU

Sunrises & Sunsets
https://youtu.be/FxQGou6w6Kc

Short
Shorthttps://youtube.com/shorts/OElvxrHZP6Y?feature=share

Prayer For Our Community

(From: Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditations)

Loving God, you fill all things with a fullness and hope that we can never comprehend.

Thank you for leading us into a time where more of reality is being unveiled for us all to see.

We pray that you will take away our natural temptation for cynicism, denial, fear and despair.

Help us have the courage to awaken to greater truth, greater humility, and greater care for one another.

May we place our hope in what matters and what lasts, trusting in your eternal presence and love.

Listen to our hearts’ longings for the healing of our suffering world. (Add specific local intentions here).

Knowing, good God, you are hearing us better than we are speaking, we offer these prayers in all the holy names of God.

Amen.

FELIZ NAVIDAD 2021

FELIZ NAVIDAD 2021

And what a year it was:

    • Reemberto retires from Montgomery County Government after 12 years of passionate devotion to Silver Spring. (See Es Hora / It’s Time statement.)
    • Geraldina adopts Cachao.
    • Iggy & Jess celebrate their wedding.
    • Rembe gets the Braves to win the World Series.
    • Dana wins a triathalon.
    • Berto starts kindergarten.
    • Mirabelle gets to see her first movie where the star is her near namesake (Mirabel) in Encanto.
    • And we all (except Mirabelle and Cachao) get our Covid shots – and all except Berto – have the booster too.

This year we got to ‘rediscover’ nearby marvels by staying close to home and visiting friends and family:

    • Our own backyard.
    • Sligo Creek.
    • The Eastern Shore.
    • Delaware
    • Frederick.
    • New and re-opened restaurants in Silver Spring & Takoma Park.
    • And Broadway. Not necessarily near, but Ana was in Chicago so we had to go 🙂
    • (Yep. We also did TWO pigs in the Caja China! – Memorial Day & Labor Day.)

We also were blessed to continue sharing our gifts with the good folks doing amazing work, including, among others:

    • Shepherd’s Table.
    • Puente de Amistad.
    • Catholic Relief Service.
    • The Rotary Club.
    • Holy Trinity Catholic Church

Oh, and the world happenings:

    • Cuba protests.
    • The pandemic persists.
    • Biden is inaugurated President & Harris Vice-President – after winning the election and it being certified by Congress.

On to 2022:

    • May you and your family have a most wonderful 2022 and beyond as we all recalibrate to finally focus on the true meaning of Christmas:
      • The simple joy that only goodness brings when we wake up to the wonders, beauty, and infinite creation that is around us.

EXTRA:

  • As our virtual gift to you and your family, here’s a beautiful prayer for our community by Richard Rohr, a wonderful Franciscan priest.

FELIZ NAVIDAD

Staying connected,

Reemberto & Geraldina

p.s.: For our ‘picture albums’ of outings and celebrations through the year, visit our front porch: www.Reemberto.Info

Iggy & Jess Wedding Celebration

PICTURE ALBUM REMBE’s TOAST (10 min video!)

(PICTURES BY OTHERS TO BE ADDED SOON)

September 16-19, 2021

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What joy it was to be there!

Iggy & Jess looked so happy. It was simply beautiful.

Every detail – everything – was just right. Perfect.

The gathering the night before at the bar; the lunch the day of; the wedding celebration ceremony itself; the brunch at the brewery the day after. All of it felt so natural.

And, both mothers – Linda and Geraldina – were so sincerely emotional. They are so rightfully proud. So proud. The memorial to Jess’s dad was most moving. We all felt his undeniable presence and spirit with us throughout the celebration. He too must be so proud.

It was so amazingly cool to see family and friends come partake of the festivities. It was heartwarming to be with the Atlanta Rodriguez clan and Miami and Atlanta tias and tios and cousins. Oh and to have the old friends from Georgia/Florida and current friends from Maryland/Delaware meet and share. How wonderful it was!

Meeting many of Jess and Iggy’s friends was exceptional. If these are the young people that will be taking care of our planet in the future, we are in good hands. They are a funny, fun, intelligent, caring bunch. Good folks all around.

The gathering at the bar the night before was such an easy way to reconnect with so many folks. Saying ‘hello’ the night before made the next day more focused on the festivities.

The lunch the day of – at some funky food hall – was a great idea. Sharing and eating outdoors with this bunch was easy. And the food was good. (Except the stuffed peppers.)

The brunch at the brewery the day after – thanks to RemDana – was the ideal ‘after party’. Good beer, good food, and good company.

The actual ceremony was – in every sense of the word – simply beautiful. The place, the setting, the details, the flowers, and most important: The grace and beauty of the bride and groom. Hannah’s officiating was one for the record books. So heart-felts and authentic. A keeper!

The reception afterwards was – like the ceremony – simply beautiful. Fun and joy overfilled the venue. The young people – and some old geezers – danced and played. The old geezers – and some young people – conversed and caught up on old times. And everyone had a blast.

Now on with life.

We pray that Iggy & Jess will take the sentiments evident in those most precious days celebrating their wedding and may those good vibes, fun moments, and shared love will be forever with them. May they know they are not alone in this journey of life. May they know that we – family and friends – are here to accompany them in the complicated, challenging, and joy-filled journey that is life.

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p.s.: The Willie Nelson concert Saturday night was a neat way to decompress 🙂

Why I take Pictures (now: Receive images)

The image above was received by Reemberto Rodriguez, December 2016 in Cuba.

(The article below is published by Richard Rhor’s Daily Meditations.)

Receiving Images

Artist and author Christine Valters Paintner explores how we might reconsider traditional approaches to photography. Instead of “taking” pictures, she asks us to “receive” images similar to how we might welcome the presence of God in contemplation.

Contemplative practice is a receptive practice. We make ourselves available for grace to break in; we open ourselves to listen and ponder. . . .

We often use the word “take” to describe our relationship with photography. Our culture emphasizes taking time, taking what’s mine, and taking a break. What we are endeavoring to do in this process, however, is to receive (rather than take) the gifts around us, to be present enough so that, when the photographic moment arrives, we are able to receive it fully, with our whole hearts.

“Taking photos” is a common phrase, and changing that perception and process (especially if you use a smartphone, Lomo, or other disposable camera) may be hard to break, but I gently invite you to consider what reframing this process might be like for you and what it evokes in you. I invite you to bring a new awareness to how words and phrases can shape our experience and practices.

Rather than “taking” photos or “shooting” them or even “making” photos, we will practice “receiving” images as gift. The traditional words for photography are possessive and aggressive. Yet the actual mechanism of photography is that light is reflected off of a subject and received by the camera through the lens opening. We can create conditions for a “good” photo, but ultimately we must stand in a posture of receiving and see what actually shows up in the image.

The poet Rainer Maria Rilke [1875–1926] writes in one of his poems of “no forcing [and no] holding back.” [1] When we are receptive we let go of our agendas and expectations. We allow ourselves to see beneath preconceived ideas. Rather than going after what we want in life, or “forcing,” we cultivate a contentment with what actually is. Similarly, instead of “holding back” and merely observing life or falling asleep to it, we stay awake and alert, participating fully in its messiness and we keep our eyes open for the holy presence in its midst. Photographing in this way can become an act of revelation. One of the gifts of art in general, and photography in particular, is that the artist can offer others this vision of the graced ordinary moment.

[1] Rainer Maria Rilke, “I believe in all that has never yet been spoken,” in Rilke’s Book of Hours: Love Poems to God, trans. Anita Barrows and Joanna Macy, rev. ed. (Riverhead Books: 2005), 65.

Christine Valters Paintner, Eyes of the Heart: Photography as a Christian Contemplative Practice (Sorin Books: 2013), 29–31.