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Karen Blessen Journals

Transcend. Descend. Escape

A page from a mixed-media notebook with a definition of the word "transcend" and a collage of images and textures.

Transcend. verb.

  1. to be or go beyond the range or limits of (something abstract, typically a conceptual field or division.)
  2. To rise above or go beyond; overpass; exceed. (to transcend the limits of thought, kindness transcends courtesy.)
  3. to outdo (outdo) or exceed in excellence, elevation, extent, degree.
  4. to be above & independent of the universe.
: A photograph of a tree and a handwritten list of escape mechanisms.

Vehicles of escape:

@ Leave. Go somewhere. Travel. Walk away.

@ Movies + TV

@ Food @ Hobbies

@ Addictions

@ Exercise

@ Hot baths

@ Shopping

@ Too much talk

A mixed-media art piece featuring a collage of fabric, paper, and text, with a focus on a poem and a news headline about COVID-19 deaths.

The River of Love by Kahr

I am a citizen of that kingdom Where reigns the Lord in all His glory; Neither pain nor pleasure cast their shadows Where the sun of joy never sets.

I am a citizen of that kingdom Where every day is a day of celebrations; The river of love overflows its banks And the lotus blooms in the devotee's heart.

I am a citizen of that kingdom Where shines the Lord as the source of light, And lights the lamp of wisdom in my heart To burn without oil, without wick.

Half a million dead, a number almost too large to grasp

A mass-casualty event every day: Inside the dark winter of covid-19 in America

U.S. NEARS GRIM COVID MILESTONE OF 500,000 DEATHS

A mixed-media page featuring a poem by Kabir, a branch illustration, and a torn piece of paper.

The Fruit of the Tree by Kabir No longer am I The man I used to be; For I have plucked the fruit Of this precious tree of life.

As the river flows down the hills And becomes one with the sea, So has this sinner's love flowed To become one with the Lord of Love.

Go deeper and deeper in meditation To reach the seabed of consciousness. Through the blessing of my teacher I have passed beyond the land of death.

Says Kabir: Listen to me, friends, And cast away all your doubts. Make your faith unshakeable in the Lord, And pass beyond the land of death.

'They were not prepared': After winter crisis, Texas will have to confront its energy, politics and culture BY JEN GARCIAS | 2:56 PM MEMBER EXCLUSIVE

Extreme Cold Killed Texans in Their Bedrooms, Vehicles and Backyards.

A journal page featuring a photograph of red flowers and handwritten notes.

So much of the beauty in our garden died in the freeze.

So here is beauty that remained.

Each of these trials, sadnesses, calamities, must be met fearlessly.

With: Love Creativity Intelligence Acceptance Determination Energy Engagement Gratitude for WHAT IS Compassion

TRANSCEND DESCEND or ESCAPE?

 

A journal entry documenting a gift of $125,000 from the Hudson Fdn. for the American Love Project, dated February 24, 2021.

Feb 24, 2021 This journal ends with documenting a gift of $125,000 from the Hudson Fdn. for the American Love Project.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Weaving Your Name by Kater

I weave your name on the loom of my mind, To make my garment when you come to me. My loom has ten thousand threads To make my garment when you come to me. The sun and moon watch while I weave your name; The sun and moon hear while I count your names. These are the wages I get by day and night To deposit in the lost bank of my heart.

I weave your name on the loom of my mind To clean and soften when thou dost. And can climb the twists and knots of No more shall I weave a garment For you have come to me, dream of pain My ceaselessly weaving to On the loom of my mind

Transcendent