Looking Back by anahata.c
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I have to step away again, due to work and personal matters. I've loved being here, and I've so appreciated your work and support, and your tremendous glowing energies. Even with hardships, you've exude such light. It's enormously affirming.
But of all the times I've been here, I've never seen any like this...consider:
Mark had a series of terrible losses and still has much to do; we hope he'll start healing soon. Brigitte lost her son---also a beloved member---which is simply cataclysmic. She's begun healing, but we all know it's so hard. Others of you have lost children too (Ute's one, tragically; and there are others). Mike had a stroke, and is now slowly healing and no doubt re-learning---slowly---all that he must; and practicing that patience which all stroke victims must carry each day. Harry has had a rainfall of health matters, and has to call upon patience and strength each day, even to for the simplest things. Jacomina continues to deal with heavy health issues, which effect everything she does; and we know how much she overcomes them each day. Rod has had surgeries---his wife too---and, afterwards, they were 'graced' with a major flood. Then there are those of you who weren't 'public' about your trials: One dear soul had a heart condition; another, bad battles with meds; and these are just the people I know...
Then Tara had another eye scare---with only one good eye---and Helle had the same---but hers isn't solved yet; and she's tackled other ailments with a positive energy I couldn't muster. Barb has cared for an ailing parent; and any of you who's been a caretaker knows it's all-consuming. It just is. My dear (absent) friend Ana---who graces us here, occasionally---has dealt with so much in her family and life, yet she still gives so much to everyone she loves. And Steve was greeted---at his 60th year---with the idiocies of a boss he'd given years to, at a time when he should be able look back, with peace and pride, on a full professional life.
And then there was Charlottesville; and Barcelona; and the British attacks, Hurricane Harvey, and so on...
For years I did service with homeless shelters and missions, and I was privileged to hear stories of so many remarkable journeys. I met war veterans, flood veterans, witnesses to genocide and loss and abandonment. (I'm even writing about some of them.) I listened for hours, and nearly all of them found light and love in the very midst of their worst moments. And I wanted to tell you that I've seen that from every one of you: the fact that you work for hours on a piece of art---just art, something on mere 'paper' whose sole purpose is to share vision and love. I mean, to do this when you're struggling is simply Grand: It makes places like this blessed. That's the 'other side' to the ravages of life...
So as I leave (though I'll be looking!), I wanted to tell you I've seen your dances in the street, and your celebrations, and that's what it's all about. Because, while we can't stop the ravages, to dance in the streets while it's happening? To shout love from the building tops, be dancing children for beauty? Sublime! That needs no reason: It just is...Much love and strength to you all, and I look forward to coming back soon. To inspiration and radiance!Mark
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Comments (20)
blankfrancine
Come back soon,Mark.We will all miss you.
eekdog Online Now!
Cool trio of fx photos, Mark. Makes me think of that tv show called tales from the dark side. Your a huge kind hearted man my friend, you help out alot with the community and friends, thank you and God bless.
helanker
As always, your postwork amazes me and this is simply fabulous. Love the last one the most, because of the orb and the little dots of light you placed here and there. Looks fantastic.
Looking back, well no, not the happiest views in that direction and you are the first to comfort and reach out to all those who are suffering... and for that, I thank you of all my heart, dear Mark. You have one of the kindest hearts, I have ever had the honor to know. And I even have the privilege having you as one of my few very best friends. Lucky me
aksirp
Very bright and colorful photo trio and you will be missed very much! - of course real life comes first! My best wishes to you and yours and thank you so much for rich comments to my uploads from Chicago - you know drawing with words, its a joy to read your writing! Thank you Mark! best Priska
Faemike55
a wonderful set of images you've posted, Mark. It has been a rough year for a lot of us at Rendo and around the world. I can on;y pray that peace and sanity will prevail as well as healing. Take care my friend and come back soon
giulband
Reality, dream, fantasy, desire for knowledge seem to dance through this series of images, as if not separate but a unique one. The result is a stimulating sense of life for life, I really like it !!!
nickcarter
Courage, Mark, and come back soon!!!
wysiwig
Satchel Paige has been called the greatest baseball pitcher who ever lived but was not allowed to join the major leagues until the age of forty-two. His best known quote is “Don’t look back, something might be gaining on you.”
Paige never let the disappointments and injustices he endured slow him down. He just got up every day and did what he had to do. Perhaps that is how we all manage to muddle through, by looking to the future and moving forward.
Your words are always so heart felt and comforting and I greatly appreciate them. So go do what you have to do and we’ll be waiting here when you get back.
durleybeachbum
Wise words and wonderful images, which are just two of the many things we love about you, Mark.
alida
you always catch my attention with your words.You're such a kind soul
bakapo
your art and writing are always a joy to see and read. you have given me so many smiles through so many tears. the struggles we go through are real, very real, and just the thought of someone out there is thinking and remembering me, well, that matters a whole LOT! thank you for being a friend, Mark, you are a treasure and I treasure you, dearly. hugs these three new images are wonderful! the colors and light are uplifting and happy. if you look at them from top to bottom we are moving forward and forward is a good direction, too. I want to sit on that bench.
LivingPixels
Hurry back Mark your presence just lights us all up with your positivity, empathy and many words encouragement This piece of manipulation is simply grand and its been a pleasure dropping by to glimpse you lovely vision Mark so take care and hurry back!!
rachris480907
Great piece, Mark.
I read your text, then the responses of your many friends on Rendo. I must say, after reading your very kind comments on some of my posts, I understand the sadness they feel at your leaving (hopefully, temporarily), and I feel a profound disappointment that I have not gotten to know you better. I wish you happiness and health during your hiatus, and I look forward to your return. May God bless you richly.
~Robert
Freethinker56
Will miss you our friend..We have loved having you here Mark.You light up our life's and its really refreshing. So LUV and appreciate what you do for us. And the hours you put in looking upon us all, THANK YOU dear friend. Your last paragraph really touch my heart.Hit the right spot..with those words I can and will keep spreading Love Joy and happiness Take care and see you soon..Big cyber hugs Cheers
LUV your collage of images just magic Bravo!
goodoleboy
A tremendously poignant message and stunning ladder of foliage variations you leave us with as you depart upon another sabbatical of undetermined length, Mark. So many in Renderosity live in a miasma of misery. I don't know how and where you get the time and energy to come up and conceive of these heartfelt words of comfort and commiseration. Anyway, have a good rest, get better, it's been fun and educational, and I hope I'm still around when you return, which is a huge question mark.
X-PaX
Take care my friend and come back soon.
Richardphotos
I wish you the very best and look forward for your return. sometimes, I think that I have problems, then look at others with really real problems and I realize that mine are not so bad.
outstanding post work and again take care friend
auntietk
Living in the past wears us down. It drags on our psyches, steals from today's joys, and coats everything with a sticky, tiresome, unsettling miasma. Those who live in the past and don't ever move forward are the ones who will tell you a 30-year-old story of betrayal, with heightened emotions and a sense of urgency, and they'll tell that story on a regular basis.
What we all seem to have in common, here on RR, is that we move on. We make art, share our stories, and MOVE the fuck ON. This is a wonderful community for that. We know each other's histories, we've been moved or shocked or saddened by other's pain, We've connected with each other through good times and bad. Those who think an on-line community is somehow "less than," that the lives we lead "out there" are somehow more valid than what happens on the computer screen, are missing out. The friendships and the connections and the healing that happen here are amazing, and I never take it for granted. It's why we're all still here, and why people come back, even after the "Revolution" and all the other bewildering changes that have been foisted upon us.
The family we have all created here is what's important, not only to our art, but to our lives and to our mental health.
That same kind of caring for people is how Houston heals, how things get rebuilt, how Charlottesville can continue on. People accept the hand that helps them up. Those in pain are not ignored. We care for each other.
Take good care on your sabbatical, my dear friend, and know that you are loved and missed and valued.
jocko500
did a wonderful job
Cyve
Fantastically well done !!!