Forest Notes #6 / Finding Forests and Hearts

http://hopeinlight.com

Forests Forever, New 24 inch-print

Less than two weeks ago, I was on some forest trail. Lines through the forest have stories of migrations, fruit harvests, and famous hunts that are retold as stories. For the better part of this past year, I have shared and acted in these stories. Many times I've been the one that has missed the wild pig on a hunt (think tragedy), other times I've been the one who has fallen down a slippery slope, once again, into yet another river. Often, this story is told by acting -- an older hunter miming my frantic gestures to save my camera, backpack, or body from yet another spill. This is part comedy, part drama, and part of my growing love for forests and people. At the end of the day, there is always some new bit of knowledge. I write this down or try to make an image of to piece together the puzzle of how this knowledge can be used.

On this particular trail, however, I was cold and wrestling with altitude. People accustomed to the mountains and the forest passed me with big loads. I sat down to catch my breath and watched the world spin. An hour or two later I managed to climb up into a tree in the mossy forest well off the trail. I watched as clouds passed through forest islands. I squinted and used a lens to try and find secret forest pathways or migration routes. But I couldn't find any. I watched the clouds move. I saw how the trees growth was dictated by the climate and wind patterns. I saw lines and possibility in that forest. I held my breath, braced myself the mossy tree trunk and opened my camera shutter. I felt calmness and possibility. My spirits lifted as I felt the pull of Borneo forest trails and the community of friends that I've made.

I've come this far, I told myself. 'What would happen if I just went a bit farther?' The green shapes faded in and out, beckoning.

Fast forward to this morning. A farmer has beckoned to me with his cupped hands full of yellow and orange heirloom tomatoes. While we are talking, a woman and her daughter were planning an upcoming 4H project. I'm at a farmers market, held between conversations in the middle of North America in the middle of the United States which is in the middle of Wisconsin. Out of funding, and not quite sure where to go next, I've temporarily returned to the United States. I've had one job interview. I feel caught between the beckoning farmer and the project to raise chickens and think about hunkering down for the winter.

This was a last minute trip. In as many ways as it is a good idea to have a plan to pay my student loans, I almost turned around at the airports in Malaysia and Singapore. I'm making tentative plans for projects and work back in Southeast Asia. I'm hoping some funding will come through. I'm repairing photography gear. And I'm in the company of both human and furry friends. I've baked a few loaves of bread and had one serious ice cream binge. I won't disclose how much I managed to put down by myself while alone one afternoon.

On the phone to Malaysia yesterday, my best friend there told me to stay here in the US. The problem is that my heart is with people and forests. And I've just started speaking bahasa. I've perfected my forest gathering skills. My images and stories are becoming richer because I'm changing. My vision has been sometimes clouded, but it has been my own. I see possibility, but I need support and roots for this vision as well.

Over the next week, I'll make solid plans to move permanently to Malaysia or be based in the US. At the end of the week, I'll announce my decision on my website. Many of you have supported me and I want to thank you.

My printsale continues. With about 1/3 of my goal met, I am happy. If I can sell 50 prints I will be able to give one grant to someone in Malaysia working with forest communities. I've extended the SALE to August 22nd. I've updated all of my photography galleries with several new images. Now that I'm in the US and have full printing capabilities, I've extended the sale to all of my galleries. See the website if you have questions. Keep in mind that this is all tax deductible. If you have emailed me about wanting a print, I'll be in touch very shortly.

A preview of my first book, A DINNER WITH FOREST FRIENDS, is also on the website. I cannot guarantee that this book will not make you hungry. I'll also have some fun articles about work in Borneo in the next couple of weeks. Links to those will be posted on the website.

There are also some more forest sounds on the downloads page of the website. The sounds will take you to the steps of a Bidayuh longhouse with sounds from the forest, an ocean, and a gecko lizard all chiming in. I hope these words and images will continue to inspire you to live your own dreams and passions.

That's what all this is about, isn't it?

Keep in touch,
Noah