My mum, with me on her hand. My sisters to the sides. Two aunts. This photo was taken in Vlaardingen, the town where i was born.
I’m around five years old here, 1969 or 1970.
I took this photo in the past weekend, when i visited my mum. We were going through her old photos together.
I felt so tired today. I didn’t go out and do some shopping. I slept on the couch. I watched tv. I read a bit.
Yesterday i felt tired as well. But i did need to go out for appointments with the doctor and the dietician. The past three weeks i have been minimizing my carbohydrates. And that works! My glucose i measure each evening is going down. So i’m keeping my carbs down. It does feel a bit painful. I like cookies. I like sweet things. And that is a no go area for me. Terrible. I will try to loose a bit of weight as well. That should help keeping my diabetes in check. So yes, on the whole i’m happy with this result. Even though i will miss the cookies. 🙁
I did get some ideas for new posts, i’m happy to say. About books. Like the I Ching. And the book about Gödel, Escher and Bach i bought in 1985. And the book from Walter J. Ong, Orality and Literacy. I love that book. I borrowed it from the library a couple of times in the 90s. And finally i bought it. I might even go into Wittgenstein, Levinas, Heidegger. Will be a long time though. I do need to read the books first, and those books are difficult.
I also have a new assignment starting halfway next week. I’m happy with that. It is a design job, working on a print book. Good one. Truly happy with that.
So. I hope you will have a good weekend. Enjoy yourself. Watch some movies. Listen to some music. Have dinner with friends. Or on your own. Make a walk. Or two walks. Smile. Be happy.
Salute!
This video clip is not a professional one. Of course not. I am drawn between embarrassment and a real felt sadness when i watch this clip.
It has turned out very different from my initial idea. Not sharply cut, not completely in sync with the voice, not a super fast editing. I don’t have the software. I don’t have the amount of RAM. I don’t have the right camera. I have also not given myself enough time.
But still, i do like this video. I do see something in me, something honest. The song itself i like, but it was never a clear favorite of mine. It might turn out like that i admit. Once i have a bit more distance from making this video.
So i leave you with this video. I do hope you find some pleasure in watching it.
Today i have worked on my new videoclip. In which i sing a song. On my own. First i thought i would finish it in one day. But no. Copying took a long time. Filming did too. And in the back of my mind i knew one day was really short. So i have given myself another day to work on it. And make some more clips.
I can only make it the best i can possibly make. Sing the best i can possibly sing. It is hard. But i have to do this.
*hugs*
36. Ming I / Darkening of the light
above K’UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
below LI THE CLINGING, FIREHere the sun has sunk under the earth and is therefore darkened. The name of the hexagram means literally “wounding of the bright”; hence the individual lines contain frequent references to wounding. The situation is the exact opposite of that in the foregoing hexagram. In the latter a wise man at the head of affairs has able helpers, and in company with them makes progress; here a man of dark nature is in a position of authority and brings harm to the wise and able man.
THE JUDGMENT
DARKENING OF THE LIGHT. In adversity
It furthers one to be persevering.One must not unresistingly let himself be swept along by unfavorable circumstances, nor permit his steadfastness to be shaken. He can avoid this by maintaining his inner light, while remaining outwardly yielding and tractable. With this attitude he can overcome even the greatest adversities. In some situations indeed a man must hide his light, in order to make his will prevail inspite of difficulties in his immediate environment. Perseverance must dwell in inmost consciousness and should not be discernible from without. Only thus is a man able to maintain his will in the face of difficulties.
THE IMAGE
The light has sunk into the earth:
The image of DARKENING OF THE LIGHT.
Thus does the superior man live with the great mass:
He veils his light, yet still shines.In a time of darkness it is essential to be cautious and reserved. One should not needlessly awaken overwhelming enmity by inconsiderate behavior. In such times one ought not to fall in with the practices of others; neither should one drag them censoriously into the light. In social intercourse one should not try to be all-knowing. One should let many things pass, without being duped.
THE LINES
° Six in the fifth place means:
Darkening of the light as with Prince Chi.
Perseverance furthers.Prince Chi lived at the court of the evil tyrant Chou Hsin, who, although not mentioned by name, furnished the historical example on which this whole situation is based. Prince Chi was a relative of the tyrant and could not withdraw from the court; therefore he concealed his true sentiments and feigned insanity. Although he was held a slave, he did not allow external misery to deflect him from his convictions. This provides a teaching for those who cannot leave their posts in times of darkness. In order to escape danger, they need invincible perseverance of spirit and redoubled caution in their dealings with the world.
63. Chi Chi / After Completion
above K’AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
below LI THE CLINGING, FIREThis hexagram is the evolution of T’ai PEACE. The transition from confusion to order is completed, and everything is in its proper place even in particulars. The strong lines are in the strong places, the weak lines in the weak places. This is a very favorable outlook, yet it gives reason for thought. For it is just when perfect equilibrium has been reached that any movement may cause order to revert to disorder. The one strong line that has moved to the top, thus effecting complete order in details, is followed by the other lines. Each moving according to its nature, and thus suddenly there arises again the hexagram P’i, STANDSTILL. Hence the present hexagram indicates the conditions of a time of climax, which necessitate the utmost caution.
THE JUDGMENT
AFTER COMPLETION. Success in small matters.
Perseverance furthers.
At the beginning good fortune.
At the end disorder.The transition from the old to the new time is already accomplished. In principle, everything stands systematized, and it is only in regard to details that success is still to be achieved. In respect to this, however, we must be careful to maintain the right attitude. Everything proceeds as if of its own accord, and this can all too easily tempt us to relax and let thing take their course without troubling over details. Such indifference is the root of all evil. Symptoms of decay are bound to be the result. Here we have the rule indicating the usual course of history. But this rule is not an inescapable law. He who understands it is in position to avoid its effects by dint of unremitting perseverance and caution.
THE IMAGE
Water over fire: the image of the condition
In AFTER COMPLETION.
Thus the superior man
Takes thought of misfortune
And arms himself against it in advance.When water in a kettle hangs over fire, the two elements stand in relation and thus generate energy (cf. the production of steam). But the resulting tension demands caution. If the water boils over, the fire is extinguished an its energy is lost. If the heat is too great, the water evaporates into the air. These elements here brought in to relation and thus generating energy are by nature hostile to each other. Only the most extreme caution can prevent damage. In life too there are junctures when all forces are in balance and work in harmony, so that everything seems to be in the best of order. In such times only the sage recognizes the moments that bode danger and knows how to banish it by means of timely precautions.
This Sunday afternoon i worked in the garden. I helped clearing out the round square in front of the garden and the sides. So many plastic wraps are thrown to this side. I know, i didn’t used to be so into this myself when i was younger. I smoked and i am sure i threw away cigarettes. But still, i was careful my whole life.
Last week when i walked past the bridge center down the street i talked with the two people standing out there and smoking. I pointed at the twenty or thrity cigarette points lying on the street. Why is there no ashtray standing outside. Someone will clear it up, one of them said. A way to move aside responsibility to someone else. Not good enough.
Such a little thing. So many little things all together.
I hope you have a nice week. Do good things! Believe in yourself!
Hmm, am i saying this to myself? Or to you? Not sure to be honest. Doesn’t really matter.
I’m happy with this new video clip. It is a clip filled with a selection of Dutch ads, the same idea as in June 2015 for the Ads clip. I got the idea from the music, Pausensassa from Der Plan. I’ve known this song for around 35 years. I have the album! This song is a small favorite of mine. Part of most party lists i made over the years.
While doing a search on the internet i found a present i made with the same title pausensassa.
I hope you will enjoy the clip.
For the ones curious, there is a youtube video with this song and the song Renate.
K’un – Oppression (Exhaustion)
47. K’un – Oppression (Exhaustion)
above Tui The Joyous, Lake
below K’an The Abysmal, WaterThe Judgement
Oppression. Success. Perseverance.
The great man brings about good fortune.
No blame.
When one has something to say,
It is not believed.Times of adversity are the reverse of times of success, but they can lead to success if they; befall the right man. When a strong man meets with adversity, he remains cheerful despite all danger, and this cheerfulness is the source of later successes; it is that stability which is stronger than fate. He who lets his spirit be broken by exhaustion certainly has no success. But if adversity only bends a man, it creates in him a power to react that is bound in time to manifest itself. No inferior man is capable of this. Only the great man brings about goof fortune and remains blameless. It is true that for the time being outward influence is denied him, because his words have no effect. Therefore in times of adversity it is important to be strong within and sparing of words.
The Image
There is no water in the lake:
The image of Exhaustion.
Thus the superior man stakes his life
On following his will.When the water has flowed out below, the lake must dry up and become exhausted. That is fate. This symbolizes an adverse fate in human life. In such times there is nothing a man can do but acquiesce in his fate and remain true to himself. This concerns the deepest stratum of his being, for this alone is superior to all external fate.
The Lines
() Nine in the fifth place means:
His nose and feet are cut off.
Oppression at the hands of the man with the purple knee bands.
Joy comes softly.
It furthers one to make offerings and libations.An individual who has the good of mankind at heart is oppressed from above and below (this is the meaning of the cutting off of nose an defeat). He finds no help among the people whose duty it would be to aid in the work of rescue (ministers wore purple knee bands). But little by little, things take a turn for the better. Until that time, he should turn to God, firm in his inner composure, and pray and offer sacrifice for the general well-being.
above Chên The Arousing, Thunder
below K’an The Abysmal, WaterThe Judgement
Deliverance. The southwest furthers.
If there is no longer anything where one has to go,
Return brings good fortune.
If there is still something where one has to go,
Hastening brings good fortune.This refers to a time in which tensions and complications begin to be eased. At such times we ought to make our way back to ordinary conditions as soon as possible; this is the meaning of “the southwest.” These periods of sudden change have great importance. Just as rain relieves atmospheric tension, making all the buds burst open, so a time of deliverance from burdensome pressure has a liberating and stimulating effect on life. One thing is important, however: in such times we must not overdo our triumph. The point is not to push on farther than is necessary. Returning to the regular order of life as soon as deliverance is achieved brings good fortune. If there are any residual matters that ought to be attended to, it should be done as quickly as possible, so that a clean sweep is made and no retardations occur.
The Image
Thunder and rain set in:
The image of Deliverance.
Thus the superior man pardons mistakes
And forgives misdeeds.A thunderstorm has the effect of clearing the air; the superior man produces a similar effect when dealing with mistakes and sins of men that induce a condition of tension. Through clarity he brings deliverance. However, when failings come to light, he does not dwell on them; he simply passes over mistakes, the unintentional transgressions, just as thunder dies away. He forgives misdeeds, the intentional transgressions, just as water washes everything clean.
The past few days i’ve been tired. I also noticed a bit of a sore throat in the morning. Today it is a bit worse. I still have a sore throat. And yes, i’m still tired. A bit light headed.
I did do a bit of work. But i need more time before i can publish it. So i’m giving myself the day of.
Hopefully i’ll feel better soon!
It is the next morning now. This morning i woke up with hardly a voice. It is better now, and i do feel a bit better, but still a bit slower than usual.
I am thinking. Not any philosophical thinking, but yes, the simple questions.
Why?
How is it that we all come into being on this earth and make this story continue, all together. We are all born by chance. We grab onto life, well most of us anyway. We love our love. Well most of us anyway.
Why?