June 21, 2016
Sunset 8:34 PM.
Oakland, CA.
Chapel of the Chimes.
Even though this year’s annual Garden of Memory event (thank you Sarah Cahill!) to celebrate the summer Solstice fell on the day after the Solstice (leap year disruption?), the bell ringing at sunset was a sparkly, glorious moment. Hundred’s of bells added to the already swirling soundscape that included the Cardew Choir in the final hour of their 4-hour performance of Pauline Oliveros’ Heart Chant.
Celestial FYI— While the sunrise has bottomed out at its earliest time (for this location), it will turn around and start squeezing the light from the day on Monday (6/27). Good news, however, is that the sun will continue to remain at it’s latest for another week- so we still have the sense of long days for a while longer.
Each New Year's Eve, I've recommitted to the daily observation of the sunrise and sunset. The original premise- that it is possible to affirm our connection to one another and to the natural world through participation in a shared, elemental experience hasn't changed. As each new year dawns, I like to come up with a different way to invite others to join the project. 2016 is a leap year, as was 2008 when the project began. It seems mildly auspicious and a good excuse to propose something major.
No comments:
Post a Comment