Viewfindings: Slivers of Light in a Tempestuous Time

by Melody Mociulski

Lockdown 2020, Bainbridge Island WA - one voice, one year, one island, one eye's view. Collective work of original photos, poetry, and prose reminding us that even in the midst of crisis, there is a bounty of beauty and wonder to bring joy to our hearts and hope to our souls.
When Washington mandated its lockdown, the beauty of spring beckoned. The author decided to capture eclectic scenes during walks and bike rides on Bainbridge Island. It provided her with a reason to be outside in nature. In the midst of winter's dark days, still isolating, still fearing infection, she challenged herself again - to share the photos taken at the beginning of Covid and describe what those captured moments meant now, reflecting on how the pandemic had changed her life priorities. Making this book and immersing herself in the process has been her survival lifeline during Covid.
To help you visualize the context for these moments, Bainbridge Island, the size of Manhattan, is a 35-minute ferry ride from Seattle. It is a small-town, rural community of about 26,000 people, and blessed with considerable access to walking trails, boating opportunities, and bicycle paths. The island is a favorite getaway for mainland locals and tourists visiting Seattle.

114 pages, Paperback

Published May 14, 2021

About the author

From her first sojourn to Burma in 1974, and throughout the past 13 years of empowering Burmese women through Educational Empowerment, Melody’s recognition as a credible source of knowledge of Burma has grown exponentially. Her passion for Burma and its people and her first-hand knowledge of life on the inside has built a reputation for truth and optimism. Her extensive time spent in country, strong personal relationships, and trust have provided her access to women’s heartbreaking stories, portraying their perseverance and strength.
A native of Seattle, Mociulski worked for the City of Seattle for 24 years prior to retiring in 2004 from her position of Purchasing Director in the Executive Services Department. After extensive procurement consultant work and her role as SE Asia Program Director for INGO Clear Path International, Melody founded Educational Empowerment to empower women and girls in Burma through education and literacy.

Reviews

[Linda Heys]

Melody transported me to a time and place of calm and beauty. Simple pleasures magnified in a time of unsettled emotions. Thank you Melody!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I picked up this book, I assumed it would be another sentimental meditation directing ‘think this way’ or ‘try harder’ with a backdrop of Covid-19 despair. That is not this book. Rather this is a book about quiet time - the unexpected quiet time during the Covid 19 pandemic. The short reflections are calming, thought-provoking and educational. Most delightful are the photographs paired with the reflections. I frequently asked myself, why did the author choose this photograph to go with that text? My favorite pairings are Magnificence with Mt. Rainer, Wonder with the goat, and Peace with - well, I don’t want to give a spoiler. I highly recommend this book to read now and to read again later as a reminder of the Covid 19 quiet times.

[Cresa Pugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the entries in Viewfindings entitled 'Balance' explores the nature of symmetry and equilibrium in the world around us, and this book is a perfect reflection of such qualities. It manages to explore the depths of the uncertainty and somberness of this moment we're living through, while leaving an abundance of space to revel in the joy and light which continues to sustain us. Part travelogue, part memoir, part book of sonnets, and part luscious photo journal, Viewfindings brings us into the interior world of the author in all her openness and curiosity, while simultaneously pushing us out into the greater world, beckoning us to look more closely at that which surrounds us, and to simply sit in it. Very highly recommended.

[Linda M. Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, Viewfindings serves as a much needed, yet gentle and beautiful reminder of our everyday blessings. I am grateful to the author for bringing me along on her journey, giving me a sense of balance, peace, and hope. This is a book I will pick up frequently, to read a poem or two, enjoy the photography, and to “reset”!

[Sarah Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viewfindings' intimate collection of reflection, poetry, quotes, local history and heartwarming photography combines to create a superb collection of beauty, intelligence, wisdom, experience, optimism and resilience.

The subjects and descriptions Melody shares are all tangible and each represents unique distinction throughout the world in which we live. Melody's poems are wonderfully meditative as readers are able to feel embraced by creative descriptions, imagery and engaging words.

The history of Melody's community is fascinating and is just one component which richly adds to the unique nature of Viewfindings. Viewfindings is a feast for the heart and soul, and our copy will have center stage on our living room table as Viewfindings and the written and photographic gems within create imagination, peacefulness, gratitude and delight from cover to cover.