A Girl Remembering Her Childhood Art

A koi pond seen from above, orange and white koi fish swimming among lily pads, clear water with subtle ripples, fallen cherry blossom petals floating on the surface, dappled sunlight
“Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king's matter.” (Daniel 2:19-23, KJV)
I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me, And what can be the use of him is more than I can see. He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head; And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed. The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow— Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow; For he sometimes shoots up taller like an india-rubber ball, And he sometimes goes so little that there’s none of him at all. He hasn’t got a notion of how children ought to play, And can only make a fool of me in every sort of way. He stays so close behind me, he’s a coward you can see; I’d think shame to stick to nursie as that shadow sticks to me! One morning, very early, before the sun was up, I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup; But my lazy little shadow, like an arrant sleepy-head, Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed.
In days to come I stood amazed, walking through that forest, at the blazing symphony of color it brought forth, seemingly just for me. I grew to love my friend’s words in a new way, through the astounding beauty of the spectacle he knew was coming when he said them. I was young then, and didn’t know I had many autumns ahead of me.
Digital portrait
He came as a witness to testify to the light
Southeast Asia. Modern day. This morning the sound of traffic in the street, scooters and tuk-tuks, taxis and trucks, was so loud I couldn’t hear my dream. So I turned it off and went dowstairs. Taking in diesel fumes ‘til it hurt to breathe, I found a hawker-stall and ate. It’s 100 degrees already; soon the rain will come.
New York City
Express without words “Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king's matter.” (Daniel 2:19-23, KJV)
He came as a witness to testify to the light
He came as a witness to testify to the light
He came as a witness to testify to the light
He came as a witness to testify to the light
First century Jerusalem at the "gate beautiful" to the temple grounds. Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.
I sat, long ago, on an Asian hill with a Shakya Mundi friend, and watched the autumn leaves fall down from high above, giants in the forest casting off their wakefulness, falling progressively into winter’s long, white sleep. “The important thing to know about trees” he said, “is that they are most beautiful in autumn; just before the winter snow. They live and grow through the entire year just for these brief moments of stunning beauty. We are like that.” He said, “but we have only one autumn, and a very long winter.”
Inside an informal church in London. Wing Sun's father has been invited to attend with his counterpart from the office. He doesn't have anything else to do on Sunday morning, so he goes along. we are standing in the back of the room. There are many people of different ethnicities, the Pastor is standing up front alongside a worship leader with a guitar, and a young black woman, facing the audience. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, but Wing Sun's father feels a little uncomfortable.
Wing Sun is a 10 year old Malaysian boy. We see him from the back as he stands, looking down the street in the evening. The scent of mooncakes and burning lantern oil fills the air in the street in Petaling Jaya where Wing Sun lives. Everything is aglow with the soft light of lanterns, their colors reflected in the puddles left by the afternoon rain. At least 6 vendors have pulled their carts up onto the sidewalks on both sides of the street, selling moon pies and other special treats. Several of Wing-Sun's neighborhood friends, some younger than he and some a little older, were standing around in a circle, waiting for him to come outside.
I sat, long ago, on an Asian hill with a Shakya Mundi friend, and watched the autumn leaves fall down from high above, giants in the forest casting off their wakefulness, falling progressively into winter’s long, white sleep. “The important thing to know about trees” he said, “is that they are most beautiful in autumn; just before the winter snow. They live and grow through the entire year just for these brief moments of stunning beauty. We are like that.” He said, “but we have only one autumn, and a very long winter.”
In days to come I stood amazed, walking through that forest, at the blazing symphony of color it brought forth, seemingly just for me. I grew to love my friend’s words in a new way, through the astounding beauty of the spectacle he knew was coming when he said them. I was young then, and didn’t know I had many autumns ahead of me.
This day, though, I hiked another autumn wood. Eastern Europe ancient; overgrown. So thick the view was dark at just a few feet off the path. All red and yellow; orange and brown, a million trees, each one in blazing preparation for long, frozen winter. I cannot but recall my friend’s words, lasting long, though he did not, and the instant truth that follows. Looking upward at the fiery canopy, matched against the bright cerulean sky beyond, I embrace autumn! Winter surely comes one day, but spring beyond. I have a winter to prepare for, but it is not yet.
I will trust in him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, * and he will be my Savior. Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing * from the springs of salvation.
At the bustling Kuala Lumpur airport, Wing-Sun and his Mother say farewell to his father before he leaves for a six‐week business trip to London. We see Wing Sun and his mother from the back, as Father stands on the escalator going up to his departure gate, and turns toward us to wave goodbye. Many other passengers and children are standing around. The airport is modern and well lit.
First century Palestine. Jesus sits on a rock on a hillside teaching a large group of His disciples. The Sermon on the Mount. Jesus wears a plain robe like most ordinary men. Jesus' face is kind, but intense, as He teaches. The other people are mostly peasants, farmers, and tradesmen. There are also women present, wearing plain, everyday clothing. Some couples have also brought their children. The Sea of Galilee shines in the far distance.
An outdoor scene on a street in town. A White Mom and African-American Dad with their two Asian children are sitting at a sidewalk cafe. The mood is warm and safe. Everyone has a drink. Mom and Dad are talking to the boy, who is making a fuss. He is unhappy about something, and crying. His sister is looking on. Dad is about to say something.
First century Palestine. Jesus sits on a rock on a hillside teaching a large group of His disciples. The Sermon on the Mount. Jesus wears a plain robe like most ordinary men. Jesus' face is kind, but intense, as He teaches. The other people are mostly peasants, farmers, and tradesmen. There are also women present, wearing plain, everyday clothing. Some couples have also brought their children. The Sea of Galilee shines in the far distance.
Express without words "And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.” (1 Chronicles 5:25-26, KJV)
Inside an informal church in Kuala Lumpur. Wing Sun and his father and mother, along with Siu Zi, his friend from school are there together. We are standing in the back of the room, and there are many more people than there were in the London church. There are people of different ethnicities, but mostly Chinese Malaysian. The Pastor, a Chinese man, is standing up front speaking to the congregation, facing them. The atmosphere is hot and sweaty, with ceiling fans running, but still welcoming, Wing Sun is happy that his family is together and also that his friend Siu Zi, who he has just learned is a Christian, can be there too.
Nayoma washed his bowl and sat down in a meditative state. I’ll meditate first, then practice Bushin no Jutsu, then Body Flicker, then wall walking. After that, I’ll take a cold shower and sleep. He opened his eyes, jumped out of meditation, and formed the hand signs for Clone Jutsu. A puff of smoke appeared, and a clone popped up right in front of him. It wasn’t perfect — its earlobes were stretched oddly — but it was still a success. Well, not so perfect… but with time I’ll correct my mistakes. Hmn, I guess I really had it easier than Naruto. I’m sure even Kibe‑sensei couldn’t do this on his first try. The clone disappeared with a puff of smoke, leaving Nayoma standing there, satisfied but already thinking about the next step.
This day, though, I hiked another autumn wood. Eastern Europe ancient; overgrown. So thick the view was dark at just a few feet off the path. All red and yellow; orange and brown, a million trees, each one in blazing preparation for long, frozen winter. I cannot but recall my friend’s words, lasting long, though he did not, and the instant truth that follows. Looking upward at the fiery canopy, matched against the bright cerulean sky beyond, I embrace autumn! Winter surely comes one day, but spring beyond. I have a winter to prepare for, but it is not yet.
"A dramatic, full-body portrait of Arnold Schwarzenegger as a Steampunk Terminator, standing powerfully in a richly detailed Victorian-era workshop. Arnold's iconic Terminator face is visible, with a glowing red eye, partially obscured by an intricate, metallic eyepatch and visible cybernetic components around his neck and face. He wears a heavy, dark brown leather duster coat over a tailored waistcoat and trousers, all adorned with brass buckles, gears, and leather straps. His left arm is a formidable steampunk prosthetic, crafted from polished brass, copper, and exposed gears, ending in a massive, Gatling-gun-like weapon integrated into the forearm. His right hand wears a finely detailed leather glove with metallic accents. The background of the workshop is filled with vintage machinery, pressure gauges, steam pipes, exposed brick walls, and the soft glow of gas lamps. Smoke or steam gently drifts through the air, adding to the atmospheric industrial setting. The overall aesthetic is gritty, sophisticated, and perfectly blends the sci-fi elements of the Terminator with the intricate mechanical beauty of steampunk
"A dramatic, full-body portrait of Arnold Schwarzenegger as a Steampunk Terminator, standing powerfully in a richly detailed Victorian-era workshop. Arnold's iconic Terminator face is visible, with a glowing red eye, partially obscured by an intricate, metallic eyepatch and visible cybernetic components around his neck and face. He wears a heavy, dark brown leather duster coat over a tailored waistcoat and trousers, all adorned with brass buckles, gears, and leather straps. His left arm is a formidable steampunk prosthetic, crafted from polished brass, copper, and exposed gears, ending in a massive, Gatling-gun-like weapon integrated into the forearm. His right hand wears a finely detailed leather glove with metallic accents. The background of the workshop is filled with vintage machinery, pressure gauges, steam pipes, exposed brick walls, and the soft glow of gas lamps. Smoke or steam gently drifts through the air, adding to the atmospheric industrial setting. The overall aesthetic is gritty, sophisticated, and perfectly blends the sci-fi elements of the Terminator with the intricate mechanical beauty of steampunk
"A dramatic, full-body portrait of Arnold Schwarzenegger as a Steampunk Terminator, standing powerfully in a richly detailed Victorian-era workshop. Arnold's iconic Terminator face is visible, with a glowing red eye, partially obscured by an intricate, metallic eyepatch and visible cybernetic components around his neck and face. He wears a heavy, dark brown leather duster coat over a tailored waistcoat and trousers, all adorned with brass buckles, gears, and leather straps. His left arm is a formidable steampunk prosthetic, crafted from polished brass, copper, and exposed gears, ending in a massive, Gatling-gun-like weapon integrated into the forearm. His right hand wears a finely detailed leather glove with metallic accents. The background of the workshop is filled with vintage machinery, pressure gauges, steam pipes, exposed brick walls, and the soft glow of gas lamps. Smoke or steam gently drifts through the air, adding to the atmospheric industrial setting. The overall aesthetic is gritty, sophisticated, and perfectly blends the sci-fi elements of the Terminator with the intricate mechanical beauty of steampunk