1.
Untitled (Frozen in Time*) — musical collaboration from Infinite Noise and Fog Chaser
From the Community
This week, I wanted to share with you the music (and more) I’ve been enjoying on a monthly basis from
. But, since the advent of Substack’s new Notes functionality, I discovered this collaboration (👇🏽) between and , which is more than a piece of music - more like a meditative adventure.I’ve listened to this 60-minute piece twice now. The first time, I let it run in the background while I focused on painting some new pieces. My hands were busy doing what they were doing, and yet I had this odd sensation that my mind was barely there. I was immersed in long-lost memories of being back home (in the Philippines, where I haven’t lived for 20 years), certain people from my teenage years who I haven’t seen in 10 years, and a memory of a photograph from when I was 1 year old in a swimming pool (I don’t actually remember being in the pool, though).
I later read the rather apt description on the post:
This audio track has been frozen in time*. Each chord progression of a piano melody has been zoomed in on and slowed down by 300%.
Echoes and vibrations that the listener takes-in are focused on contemplation and understanding.
I was astounded. I’m 31 years old, and I found myself traveling back through the last 3 decades of my life. Like I zoomed in on each progression of my life’s melody and slowed it down by 300%. And for a moment I was frozen in time*.
Anyway, I’m not promising you the same experience… but I can guarantee you will have an experience.
2.
I'm Going Back to Minnesota Where Sadness Makes Sense — a poem by Danez Smith
From the Internet
O California, don’t you know the sun is only a god if you learn to starve for him? I’m bored with the ocean I stood at the lip of it, dressed in down, praying for snow I know, I’m strange, too much light makes me nervous at least in this land where the trees always bear green. I know something that doesn’t die can’t be beautiful. Have you ever stood on a frozen lake, California? The sun above you, the snow & stalled sea—a field of mirror all demanding to be the sun too, everything around you is light & it’s gorgeous & if you stay too long it will kill you & it’s so sad, you know? You’re the only warm thing for miles & the only thing that can’t shine.
It feels like I’ve been talking about Spring, endlessly. It’s a truly magical time of year when we get to witness transformations in nature that are nothing short of miracles.
But the last two days have been more hailstones than cherry blossoms, and this weather seems to reflect the climate of my internal world too. And so I’m grateful to reacquaint myself with this poem. It reminded me to appreciate the full spectrum of my experiences, and that all of it is what makes me whole.
It’s what makes Spring anything to talk about at all.
You can listen to this poem too below 👇🏽.
3.
On sadness and loving this earth — a quote from Carols Castaneda
From the Library
Only if one loves this earth with unbending passion can one relieve one’s sadness,” don Juan said. “Warriors are always joyful because their love is unalterable and their beloved, the earth, embraces them and bestows upon them inconceivable gifts. The sadness belongs only to those who hate the very thing that gives shelter to their beings.” Don Juan again caressed the ground with tenderness. “This lovely being, which is alive to its last recesses and understands every feeling, soothed me, it cured me of my pains, and finally when I had fully understood my love for it, it taught me freedom.
— Carlos Castaneda, Tales of Power
You might have picked up on the tone and tenor of this post… I’ve been a bit sad 😅. I can’t say I’ve relieved myself of it for my love of this earth… and frankly, that feels impossible just now. But I’ve found deep comfort from this quote nonetheless.
I do love this earth, it’s our home.
❄️ HAILSTONES ❄️
Enjoy this video of Leo, wondering why the rain is solid.
Very honored to be mentioned here, Raphy — thank you!
Wow, thank you so much for posting this. Hadn’t seen this. Recently became a big fog chaser fan, feeling some similar ekphrastic kinda vibes to what I do here at Polyester City. Subscribing to Three Things Weekly now!