Last night, I had the good fortune to join a small group of friends, at a ranch outside of Prescott Valley, for some grilled items and pot luck salads, stimulating conversation and shooting stars.  I ate well, listened and was heard, and saw two beautiful meteors.

The couple who host these gatherings, 4-5 times a year, have a spread that is magnificent in its darkness, come sky watching time, but always warm and welcoming, regardless of time of day or time of year.

It is ironic that the man of the house lost his father yesterday, as he was putting the finishing touches on this long-planned event.  It was not an unexpected departure, and there is an aura of relief around the home.  His father lived in another state, but his presence was reflected in the shooting spectacles, of which each of us saw at least one.

There is a joy that I find in stillness.   Much of my life, the past four weeks, has been invested in sorting out my feelings for a very dear friend.  Are these romantic?  Platonic?  Fraternal, or even paternal?  What gives?  Stillness, and quiet, measured reflection, provided some answers.

I believe in marriage.  I believe it is very hard work.  I believe it is work that each partner should share, day in and day out- giving 100 % of himself, and of herself.  It may seem like there is no end to the heavy lifting, but look at your partner.  See the person with whom you are meant to spend this life, and all eternity.  See her, or him, in a setting of stillness, and let the frenzy of the world take a hike.

The quiet of the night, the beauty of its sky, led me to this point.  The best moments of my long and blessed marriage were found in such a time.  They healed Penny and me, and more than once.  Now, I feel her in such settings, watching and smiling.

My dear friends, yes FRIENDS- husband and wife, heal yourselves and one another.  It can be done, in stillness, in reflection and in appreciation of just what a wonderful partner you have.  I love you both, actually, and want to see a beautiful home restored.  The work will be strenuous, grinding- and rewarding, far beyond what you can see now.

The whole is always greater than the sum of its parts.  Namaste.