Java Zen:Thinking Out Loud Wednesday, 2025.06.18 
Every achievement brings a wonderful dividend of confidence. We try greater and
greater ventures, until we are brave enough to accomplish undertakings far
beyond what the average person imagines. When we reach that level of consummate
skill, it is a time of both celebration and extreme caution. We are justified to
rejoice, for this is the level of ability that we have been striving so long and
hard to attain. It is also the time for caution because the foolish will
eventually try something too great for them to handle. Pride and passion will
lead to their downfall.

Therefore, the more accomplished one becomes, the more circumspect one should
be. The higher one's skills, the more precarious one's road. The most powerful
followers of Tao are also among the most humble. By veiling their light until
the proper moments, they escape the greatest danger of all: hubris.

		Deng Ming-Dao, "365 Tao - Daily Meditations", #93

2006.10.08

Heartland

A few pictures from a walk several weeks back. I’d meant to post them, but forgot about them until I happened across the digital camera this morning.

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Janet and I called this cottonwood tree “Quasimodo.” Out in a field all by itself, it has been struck by lightning more times than I can count. The bark on one side is all black, the after effects of its most recent brush with primal forces. As gnarly as it looks, it has always been an inspiration for persevering and getting through our own tough times.

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It used to be I could point a camera in any direction on my walks and end up with a cool picture like this. Now, there is so much mega-house building going on I have to frame my subject as best I can. On this walk, it was quiet, warm, fragrant and tranquil. Just like old times. I stood on this bridge soaking in the sunlight and comforting smells of Fall for a good long time. I want a strong memory of this place before it is gone forever.

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