November 29, 2016, Prescott- Now that my backlog of stuff has cleared up, somewhat, it’s time to consider what 66 has in store for me, or I, for it.
Fitness: I like going to Planet Fitness, as there is a place for everyone, with a feeling of community and non-judgement. People of all ages, sizes and ability levels exercise together and support one another, either silently, or as “spotters”. My current plan has me there, three days a week.
Hiking: Related to fitness, and to photography, my hikes vary in length and in difficulty. They have sustained me, in many ways, for nearly 58 years. The next twelve months will take me to: Prescott Hotshots Memorial State Park, in Yarnell; the southernmost three segments of Black Canyon National Recreation Trail, in New River; Spur Cross Ranch, Cave Creek; McDowell Mountains Desert Preserve, Scottsdale; the San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff; the Grand Canyon and who knows where, in AZ and elsewhere.
Work: I was asked to consider being lead teacher in my current classroom. I respectfully declined, preferring to see a younger person have a shot at that opportunity- as I am not devoting more time to the courses necessary for re-certification, and given that I plan to work full time, for 4 1/2 more years, then go on to other pursuits, at the end of May, 2021. Children, and their well-being, will always be one of my highest concerns, though, wherever I am.
Family: This means both biological and of choice. Thankfully, there is no one in my biological family who would not be in my family of choice. The former consists of about 140 people, including my mother, siblings, son, maternal and paternal relatives, and in-laws. The latter has grown to at least 300, including many who will read this, over the past twenty-five years.
Travel: My main immediate priority is time with Aram, after Christmas and before he heads to Korea for his next Navy assignment. Between now and the end of May, I will be mostly in the Southwest and southern California, as work and my Baha’i activities keep me close to Home Base. Mid-March may find me in west Texas, re-connecting with old friends. The summer’s focus leans towards the Northwest, and possibly the Great Plains, but much could change, in the interim. My Back-East visit looks to be in December, 2017.
Spiritual: As most of you know, I am a fervent Baha’i. We will observe a significant anniversary, on October 22: The bicentenary of the Birth of Baha’u’llah, Founder of our Faith. A committee is planning a dignified and welcoming commemoration of the event, here in the Prescott area. I will support and take active part in the event that is put together.
I also support the ecumenical event, known as Hope Fest, which will also occur in October, for its sixth year. We all are living under the same blessings, coming from One Heavenly Source, in my view.
Writing: I still very much plan to put together, and publish, a volume of mixed short prose and poetry, between January and March of the coming year. Online, a series of posts on this site will be called 66 Days of Sixty-Six, being a random group of days that celebrate this age.
It’s going to be a great, if often challenging, year. Stay tuned.