May the artwork take you to a place of vastness and majesty, a landscape where you can sit and ponder in a state of silent wonder. Be at peace, and rest in serenity and joy.
It's a rugged place, this high valley in the wilderness of Oregon. May the artwork take you to such a place -- one of wild beauty, intense silence, and timeless majesty.
We don't always have to be in the thick of things, in the midst of all the action. Sometimes, many times, it's good to step far enough away that you get a different perspective.
She had barely taken a sip of tea before the knock came at the kitchen door.
Did she recognize that knock? Friend, foe, salesperson?
It was worth taking another long sip before making a decision. Friend, she'd answer and invite them to join her. Salesperson, politico, proselytizer or foe, no.
The interior dome of the Baha'i House of Worship for North America in Wilmette, Illinois. I am a bit ashamed that I snuck the photo (no cameras aloud) but I assure you, I did it most respectfully. At the center of the dome is a Baha'i symbol called the "Greatest Name," which translates as "O Thou Glory of Glories."
Another exterior photograph of the Baha'i House of Worship for North America in Wilmette, Illinois. On most of the nine sides are quotes from Bahaullah. He was a prophet from 19th century Iran who, according to Baha'is, is the manifestation of God for the current age. This particular quote - "The Earth is but one Country - and Mankind its Citizens" - is a particularly important one for Baha'is.
Fencing with shadows in front of the Baha'i House of Worship for North America in Wilmette, Illinois. I just love the way the shadows and light play on the pavement.
Two close up images of the Baha'i House of Worship for North America in Willamette, Illinois.
It is made of a special concrete designed to withstand the extreme temperatures. It has nine sides (a sacred number for Bahais) and has imagery from many major world religions.
At the absolute end of the Purple Line on the CTA overlooking Lake Michigan is the Baha'i House of Worship for North America in Wilmette, Illinois.
It is the oldest existing House of Worship for the Baha'i Faith. One of the newest world religions, the Baha'i faith emphasizes the unity of all religions, equality of men and women, and a new revelation from Bahaullah, the most recent Manifestation of God.
I came here in February because I was feeling particularly drained from work. I wanted to go to someplace quiet where I could disconnect for an hour or two. The space is peaceful and calm. It is open to all people no matter their beliefs. And when the Spring comes, the gardens around the site bloom.
May the artwork take you to a quiet country field on a perfect autumn day, complete with warm sunlight breaking through the clouds and a cool, fresh breeze.
All roads lead someplace but not all at the same pace. And that's a good thing to remember when we find ourselves on the leisurely, winding roads of a country landscape. We won't get to where we're going quickly, but if we're wise, we'll enjoy the process.