The kiva is always the center of the mandala. It is the secret, hidden place where the sipapu meets the sky, the safe place where the past meets the future. The kiva is a place of refuge, a sanctuary from the unpredictability of the elements, a private and safe space combining the practical and spiritual dimensions of existence in one form, a womb of culture and vision, a special opening into the reality of mother. Smaller kivas may have been used like living rooms, the focal point for local clans, a place to stay warm on a winter's day or to keep cool during the summer months while relaxing. The larger kivas provided a place to smoke and discuss community business. At certain times of year, they were used as holy places, accomodating many people visiting from outside the canyon. At these times, there would be chanting, recounting of oral histories, relevant stories and teachings in preparation for rituals. The circle around a central fire pit is a natural mandala, tending to bring the participants into visual contact and intimate communication. The kiva is an architectural form designed to host the spirit of council fires and gatherings of all kinds which had once taken place outdoors or in caves and natural rockhouses. (source: thssite.tripod.com/shel1/kiva.html)
Shot of one of 37 kivas located in Pueblo Bonito at Chaco Canyon
Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend...many thanks as always for all your visits & support...have a great week!!!!
© Darlene Bushue - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.
Tags: kiva hidden place sipapu safe place place of refuge sanctuary spiritual opening holy places chanting oral histories stories teachings circle mandala architectural designed council gatherings Natives ancient Pueblo Bonito Chaco Canyon New Mexico 2011
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You haven't seen a tree until you've seen its shadow from the sky. ~ Amelia Earhart
Quality is not the best...but it gives you some idea of the spectacular views that await you if you have the time (and $$$) to tour the Grand Canyon by helicopter. And I thought it was a fitting image to post as we head out for our next adventure to Southern Arizona. This will be my last post until we return on the 15th....will be busy the next few days packing & tying up loose ends at work.
Enjoy your Sunday....and have a fabulous week :-) Go Giants!!!!! Thanks for all your visits & comments; I appreciate them all.
© Darlene Bushue - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.
Tags: airborne aerial views canyon landscape nature scenery river vegetation trees rocks Grand Canyon helicopter tour 2011 DailyNature-TNC12 absolutelystunningscapes coth damn I wish I'd taken that naturesgarden supershot its.a.wonderful.world COTH5
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“Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.” ~ Author Unknown
Busy weekend...and I feel like this guy looks; LOL!!!! Had a great time with family today; ate too much, laughed too hard, and really missed my mom; those first holidays without a loved one are always the toughest to get through, but I think the quote I chose to go along with this image says it all :-)
Wishing everyone a great week ahead; another busy one for me, so I'll be checking in as I can. Thanks for all your visits & kind words!!!!
© Darlene Bushue - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.
Tags: chimpanzee monkey primate wildlife captive zoo hammock resting tired relaxed pooped St. Louis Zoo St. Louis, Missouri 2012 SpecAnimal coth damn I wish I'd taken that supershot COTH5 PhotoOfTheDay-NWF12
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“To be natural is such a very difficult pose to keep up.” ~ Oscar Wilde
Ok....in case you haven't figured it out; chimpanzees just happen to be one of my favorite zoo animals. I remember watching the movie, Project X, many years ago and falling in love with these animals. In fact, I used to beg my parents to get me one as a pet, but that was one battle I never won :-)
Have a great Tuesday...and as always, thanks for stopping by to visit!!!! Out of town on business the next two days so I'll check in with everyone as time allows.
© Darlene Bushue - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.
Tags: chimpanzee monkey primate wildlife captive zoo St. Louis Zoo St. Louis, MO 2012 pose stance posture portrait SpecAnimal coth damn I wish I'd taken that supershot its.a.wonderful.world naturallywonderful
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“Even the elephant carries but a small trunk on his journeys. The perfection of traveling is to travel without baggage.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
Another from our recent trip to the St. Louis Zoo....hope everyone's enjoying their weekend; thanks for all your visits!!!!
© Darlene Bushue - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.
Tags: elephant giant beast captive wildlife zoo St. Louis Zoo St. Louis, Missouri 2012 SpecAnimal
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