Solstice to Christmas

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on December 22, 2019 in collaborating, Community, Family, Matters of Faith, Social, Spiritual, Striving

December 22, 2019-

Last night marked the December Solstice, and though I didn’t do anything special to mark the passing of the shortest amount of sunlight, I felt the energy. I call this the December Solstice, being mindful that as we in the North experience cold and darkness, our brothers and sisters in the South have heat and light in their midst. In June, of course, we trade places. Many of us will enjoy a White Christmas, and my hope is that those in the Antipodes will find respite from the fires which have plagued Australia, Africa and the Amazon region, for much of this year.

This evening, Hanukkah begins at sunset, marking the eight days which commemorate the re-dedication of the second Temple of Jerusalem, following its profaning at the hands of the Seleucids (a dynasty of the Persian Empire). The Judean commander, Judah Maccabee, ordered this celebration, so that none would forget the degradation that was followed by resilience. My late wife, our son and I would light the menorah, a candelabrum that is used to hold nine candles, a central one called shamash, or “attendant”, from which the eight other candles are lit, one each evening of the festival. Penny would recite the blessing, in Hebrew, before we lit each candle.

Gold-wrapped candies, called gelt, are often given each night and small gifts may be exchanged, among those celebrating the Festival. It may be that this is the basis for the gift-giving which accompanies the celebration of Christmas, as December 25 either falls within the Hanukkah celebration, or immediately follows it. The rest of what we, in Western civilization and its offshoots, have come to associate with Christmas, largely comes from having adapted the traditions of others, first the Yule tree and its trimmings, along with robust feasting, from the pre-Christian cultures of northern and western Europe, then a host of others: Communal singing, special foods from various cultures which have adopted Christianity and alms for the poor.

The basis of all these holiday traditions, underneath all the pomp and camaraderie, remains spiritual. It was awe, at changes in the celestial realm, that prompted the Druids and their followers to observe Yule. It was the resurgence of Judaism, which inspired Hanukkah. It was the reverence which Christ’s first followers had for His birth, and for His life, which brought about the first Christmas. That it should have taken on elements of the two other great end-of-year celebrations, as well as modern commercialism,does not negate the spiritual basis for the near-universal appeal of Christmas. This is solely owing to the greatness and universality of the character of Jesus the Christ- His love of humanity, His fealty to the Creator and His inherent wisdom.

So, for me, for my family and for all humanity- Let this be, as Judah Maccabee decreed, in the days of resilience after the overthrow of tyranny: A Season of Light.

New Beginnings

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on December 21, 2019 in collaborating, Community, impediments, Inspiration, Personal Values, Social, Striving

December 21, 2019-

I am a late viewer of “Game of Thrones, Season 8”. Although not knowing quite what the author of the series, “A Song of Ice and Fire”, will have to say in the last two books in that series, the television adaptation covered some basic themes, albeit in a modest way.

One of the themes mirrored the plight of the United Kingdom, which has chosen to leave the European Union. In the program, the leaders of the northern sector, on the fictional continent of Westeros, chose to leave a continental political union, even though one of their own was chosen king, when the union faced a political vacuum.

Another was the matter of loyalty, and how easily it can shift, in uncertain times. I’ve seen much of what passes for loyalty depend on how closely the views of the loyalist dovetail with those of the one being supported. In the program, loyalty was a fleeting thing, at best.

The greatest theme, though, was that of new beginnings. The capital city, in the story, was nearly obliterated, by days of brutal warfare. In the early days of the new regime, following continued carnage, there was squabbling about which projects would begin the reconstruction. This is, of course, universal to our day and age, as well.

I have a simple idea about such reconstruction, though. That is, whatever area is given priority should have the support of the community, state or nation, as long as the project will be of demonstrable benefit to those who have been left behind, in the prior progress of the political unit or community. It is not a matter of mutual backscratching, per se, but a case of a new start being consistent and incremental, in the progress of the realm.

While each of us is headed forward, in one way or another, it’s a good thing if there is a network of support.

Fall’s Farewell

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on December 20, 2019 in Community, impediments, Inspiration, Personal Values, Social, Striving

December 20, 2019-

The days of harvest, of thankfulness,

give way to the time when half the Earth gains rest,

when many feel a time of festivity,

and others abide their glee,

whilst wishing for joyfulness

of their own.

The season of my birth comes to an end.

The season of my growth will start,

in a few short hours.

We will likely enjoy winter’s coating.

whilst those in the antipodes,

bake, sweat and fear the flames.

Those who will begin the New Year,

the new decade,

without work,

have received the ill tidings,

at the time favoured

by the Scrooges in our midst.

Christmas, it’s said,

falls too close

to the end of the

last quarter of the Business Year.

The Big Boys quip:

“There’s no way around it,

men.

Goodbye and good luck,

and thank you for your hard work.”

I think:

“May each one of those

cast-aside workers

find a livelihood,

in the year ahead,

that makes their bygone toil,

the stuff of well-discarded memories.

They are among the true heroes

of this nation.”

May we begin to find our path, an

and walk out of the darkness,

as the Earth alternately

rests and fumes.

Those Who Never Leave

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on December 19, 2019 in children, Family, Inspiration, Personal Values, Spiritual, Striving

December 19, 2019-

After a delicious and congenial dinner, this evening, three of us watched a heartwarming Korean film: “Little Forest”. It concerns a year in the life of a young woman, returning to her childhood home, from a less than successful foray into the capital city, Seoul.

The seasons play out, beginning with winter, as she regains a sense of who she is, with random help from a couple of childhood friends. Her thoughts often go back to her absent mother, who is revealed to have left, in search of her own identity.

Essentially, the film shows that one’s parents, especially one’s mother, never really leave. All the life lessons are ever present, as a grown child employs skills both consciously adopted and subliminally imparted. This is the true meaning of the common saw: “I’ve become my mother (or father).

I see a little of both my parents in myself. From my Dad, came an easy grace around people, a love of family gatherings, and a desire to learn from my mistakes. From my Mom came a love of knowledge, a basic regard for all people, irrespective of their station in life, a sane and intelligent patriotism, the ability to look beyond my own interests and yet, to put family first.

Mother is still very much alive, yet even when the time comes for her soul to take its flight, she will remain, just as my father has. No parent, no ancestor, ever really leaves a child, a descendant, behind.

Connections and Commitments

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on December 18, 2019 in children, Community, distraction issues, Family, impediments, Inner Struggles, Personal Values, Social, Spiritual, Striving

December 18, 2019-

A long absent friend re-connected with me, recently. He told me of his present life, as his wife’s full-time caretaker. This, of course, brought back memories of my own situation, 9-10 years ago. Had I to do it over again, I would, in a heartbeat.

More cogent, though, is the question of what connections in one’s life bring about commitments. Spouses, children and parents are obvious urgent commitments. Siblings and close friends are up there, also. There is, though, the caveat that people to whom your ties include respect for their individuality and privacy may not WANT anyone’s involvement in their lives. I face this, presently, with one whom I love dearly-knowing that love is something that requires me to leave her alone, at least as long as there is not threat to her life and limb. Even then, any involvement on my part would be in concert with her closest family members.

There is also, in a world that is, simultaneously, digitally connected and riven with anonymity and division, a tendency for the disconnected to demand attention, at least in social media and chat, for their most quotidian concerns. I can hear people saying, “Well, aren’t 90 % or more of our day-to-day lives made up of quotidian events?” Yes, they are, at least that much. I belong to a social media group that is called “I Did A Thing.” It is intended for people who have suffered from social anxiety and low self-concept, to gives themselves a boost, by sharing their everyday achievements with like-minded people. I don’t go on there as much, as I did in the beginning of the group, nor do I see that many people using the site, anymore. I do support those who post, some of whom I’ve met face-to-face.

The other group who post, largely in online chat forums, such as Facebook Messenger, are mentally ill adults, many of whom seem to have no other avenue to express their concerns. Most of these posts are about issues that those of us lucky enough to have had patient, loving parents and friends are able to resolve on our own. I have learned to schedule time, in early morning and late evening, to hear out such people and offer simple solutions, as best I can. The issues are often repeated, day to day, but that is what any one of us may called upon to address.

Our connections do not always require commitment, especially if, as sometimes happens to me, there are more pressing matters, closer to home. We do our best , though, as we just may be all one another have.

Kaleidoscopes, Courtyards and Red Rocks

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on December 17, 2019 in Community, Entertainment, Hiking and Nature, Inspiration, Personal Values, Slow Food, Social, Travel

December 17, 2019, Jerome-

Today being a day free of commitments in the Prescott area, I took my daughter-in-law, Yunhee, on an excursion to the fascinating Red Rock area, via Jerome. We made this little town that clings to the east face of Mingus Mountain our first and last stop of the day. Yunhee is not put off by winding roads and steep drop-offs, so we made good time, getting to the Kaleidoscope Store, in Nelly Bly’s old office, around 10:30. This amazing little shop is actually the largest kaleidoscope shop in the world and sports at least two dozen kinds of the visual treats. Yunhee was shown how to take a cell phone photograph, with a kaleidoscopic image as the backdrop. I had a kaleidoscope as a child, so I picked up a small one for myself. Then, I got one for a friend who celebrates a birthday, this month. I can see myself making another excursion up the mountain, just to spend a morning or afternoon trying out the many other kinds of image-shifting toys.

We took a straight shot to Sedona, afterward, and I first brought her to a courtyard, with the intent of taking lunch at Momo’s Kitchen, a Korean Food Truck. Momo’s turns out to be closed on Tuesdays, so we headed over to the stylish and avant-garde HP Cafe, which offers exquisite, reimagined Mexican fare. After that great lunch, I brought Yunhee to a viewpoint, where she was able to photograph Midgeley Bridge, a breathtaking sight over Oak Creek Canyon.

Then, it was off to Tlaquepaque, a replica of the large, charming market city of the Mexican state of Jalisco. As it was not the weekend, we nearly had the place to ourselves. Here are several photos of Tlaquepaque’s courtyards and bric-a-brac.

Having had a chance to digest lunch, we went to Synergy, a small shop in West Sedona, which specializes in healthful chocolate and digestive-enzyme beverages, as well as organic chocolate treats. We both opted for Norwegian Wood, a chocolate mocha, maca, chaga and Surthrival pine pollen libation. One of my friends from Prescott Farmers’ Market happened to be there, as well, so we had a fine conversation about keeping our dietary focus keen, balanced and organic, to the extent possible. Yes, Pegasus greets the visitor to Synergy!

Red Rock State Park was on the hiking agenda. The office people seemed to know that we were there for a walk outdoors, and said “Good Afternoon”, without looking up from their desks. So hike, we did, on a loop up to the fenced-off House of Apache Fires, a defunct resort, and back to the Visitors’ Center.

The views of Sedona’s many sandstone spectacles were well worth the jaunt. Besides, when is a hike ever wasted?

Oak Creek runs through the middle of the park.

The red sandstone formations in the distance, are part of the Schnebly Hill formation.

Here is a view of the House of Apache Fires.

This sandstone giant appears to be keeping tabs on everyone.

Here is another view of the Schnebly Formation, taken from Eagle’s Nest Overlook.

So, that was my daughter-in-law’s introduction to the Red Rock country. We will be sure to return there, when Aram comes back from his final active duty, in the Puget Sound area, in early January.

For now, it’s a pleasant dinner at Haunted Hamburger, on the west side of Jerome, then back over Mingus Mountain we go.

On Unity

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on December 16, 2019 in collaborating, Community, impediments, Personal Values, Service Activities, Social, Spiritual, Striving

December 16, 2019-

The subjects of who is responsible and of how much should we, as a human race, be working together, have resurfaced, in response to TIME’s selection of its 2019 Person of the Year. I have discussed that particular matter, in an earlier post, and so will not belabour the point.

Conservatives are incensed that seemingly irresponsible progressives are in the ascendancy, with regard to environmental matters. Those on the Left, likewise, regard ANY involvement by large business interests and nationalist groups, in the environmental movement, as suspect.

The facts, as always, paint a more complex picture. A politically conservative team, led by Scott Presler, has made its way around the United States, cleaning up mounds of trash and debris in places like Newark,Baltimore, Los Angeles and Chicago. One of the most reliable environmental disaster response teams on the planet is Team Rubicon, made up largely of political conservatives, who also happen to have a solid combination of heart and disaster recovery expertise. I have been part of a local group, here in Prescott, who cleaned up an abandoned homeless people’s camp, in early Fall of this year. While they didn’t appreciate my political views, they did appreciate the help.

There are no shortage of people on the Left who help clean up the detritus, as well. Indeed, Team Rubicon and Mr. Presler’s group hardly conduct political litmus tests of their volunteers. Politics, simply put, should not be a distraction. In the end, the Creator put us all here and we all have to live with what is.

There are as many ways to face our planet’s changing climate-which is a cycle, and no more a myth than the cycle which eliminated so much life during the Cambrian and Cretaceous Periods. Mankind will not be eliminated by this cycle. We do, however, have the responsibility of stewardship for our world, and there as many ways to respond to the challenge, as there are points of view. All are needed here.

Two responses that will not accomplish what is needed are: 1. Doing nothing and 2. Throwing money, willy-nilly, at the events. Indeed, the controversial Ms. Thunberg has herself cautioned against a Green New Deal, in the sense that rushing into responding may cause more harm than good. Plans must be made, and they need to consider as many possible outcomes in advance as is humanly possible. Conservatives, with their command of Outcomes-based Models, can help greatly in this regard. Progressives, with their commitment to social justice, can provide the psychological and emotional heft, as well as a fair share of intellectual awareness, to the process.

We can, moreover, do without the divisive extremism-that, “if THOSE people are involved, then count me out. ” I would have strongly advised Greta Thunberg to so sit down with President Trump (or any other critic she may encounter) and explain her views, as clearly as possible, whilst giving him an opportunity to explain his, in a coherent manner. Neither of them are responsible for the other’s reaction, so it does not strike me as a fool’s errand. For my part, I do not approach my own critics with anything less than dignified respect.

Unity requires no less.

Losing Love

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on December 15, 2019 in children, Community, impediments, Inner Struggles, Inspiration, Matters of Faith, Personal Values, Social, Spiritual, Striving

December 15, 2019-

A couple of things reminded me of the line in Paul Simon’s song, “Graceland”: “My traveling companion is nine years old. She said she’s losing love.”

I received several frantic messages, this morning, from someone who feared a family member was messing with him. The more direct thing, that reminded me of the song, was a paraphrase of that line, in another friend’s online post.

In the first case above, it’s unlikely that the person is living without love. It’s more a difference in communication styles. In the second case, the child is very much loved, by two generations of family.

It is terrifying to lose love, especially for a child. I know people who have themselves never known at least one of their parents. Some have gone on and made great examples of themselves, with or without the love of the remaining parent. Others have not thrived, and have grown, physically, while remaining emotionally stunted and listless.

In my case, I was never without love, from the time I was born until the day I left home to make my way in life. The times since, that I felt I’d lost love, were figments of my imagination and were more a deficit, on my part , of reflecting love. I’ve since learned how to be consistent, in that regard. God’s grace always mirrors itself in those who love us.

These thoughts just came into my mind, as I get ready for the last big event before Christmas.

Rotating the Plates

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on December 14, 2019 in collaborating, Community, distraction issues, impediments, Inspiration, Personal Values, Social, Striving

December 14, 2019-

In the late 1940’s, a man named Preston Tucker conceived and produced a modest number of innovative automobiles, bearing his name. The attitude of the United States government towards entrepreneurs, in the 1950’s, was a far cry from what it is in this century. Tucker was harassed by the Eisenhower administration, on charges of stock fraud and false advertising, though he was eventually exonerated. Today, many of his innovations, from disc brakes to air-cooled engines, are standard features in many lines of cars.

For many of us, change is most easily accepted if it is piecemeal, and even more so if it mainly involves re-arranging the chairs on the deck, or rotating the plates on a table. Preston Tucker, with Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Stanley Kubrick, Jackson Pollock and Joe Sample, among many others, challenged the way people thought about everything in our society. How can machines be made in a different manner and serve mankind more efficiently? How can music and art be wildly innovative, even whimsical, and still have deep meaning? The powers that be are averse to asking these questions, even in this national unity,age of deep change.

We are finding this in public service, as well. Those who propose large scale changes in the way public affairs are conducted, primarily with a view towards bridging gaps, are dismissed by both the nation’s leadership and the mass media as Lost Causes or Just Plain Weird. The idea that people with liberal viewpoints can find common ground with those of conservative bent has led many with a conventional frame of mind to publicly retch. The “ruffle no feathers” crowd almost prefers widespread incompetence to warm and vibrant appeals to national unity. Thus, “minor” candidates are shut out of the process by clever, but putrid, political machinations.

It is thus in business and industry, in the arts and in the halls of government. It would be refreshing to see the popular will resist these incessant appeals to mediocrity.

	murisopsis on Animal Friends
	murisopsis on Re-Adjusted
	murisopsis on Freyja and Thirteen
	Sagittarian Seeker on Freyja and Thirteen
	murisopsis on Freyja and Thirteen

A Sagittarian Seeker

Sharing a life of inner and outer journeys

Monthly Archives: December 2019

Those Who Never Leave

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: