The Balm that Simmers

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on August 20, 2016 in children, Inner Struggles, Personal goals, Personal Values, Spiritual, Striving

August 19, 2016, Prescott- For two weekends in a row, going to a “free” concert by a local band, named The Cheektones, has been a fine way to unwind from a work position that requires every ounce of my energy and commitment. More about them, later.

Simply put, most people have little or no understanding of the troubled. I have listened to, and worked with and around, two conflicting agendas, both of whose proponents purport to want what’s best for the kids in our care. I have operated, for forty years of work with children and youth, on a gradually-established, and continually fine-tuned, intuition and sensibility. I made all manner of errors, my first three years of teaching, and learned from every one of them, while being remorseful over those who fell behind, or fell through the cracks. Those of my early students who are still living are in their mid-fifties now. Chances are, most of them have gone on and lived fairly complete lives.

Nothing remains in stasis, for very long. My current small group of children are, more than even the average child, all about the moment- and it could be the polar opposite of the moment before- or that which lies straight ahead. Some adult observers “recognize” chemical imbalance; others see “parental spoiling”; still others just know the pain- and want to heal.

I tend to be in the last category. Most of you know, by now, of my own having grown up autistic, somewhere on the Asperger’s spectrum. “Emotionally-handicapped” people are, therefore, special to me. I want nothing more than to win their trust and help them grow into, at least, a position of functionality.

I have thus tended to find myself in classrooms where such children are placed, in a group. This grouping is not ideal, either for the students, or for the (usually small) team of adults who work with said grouping. Adults of a certain age also tend to bicker, openly, then are astounded at the insolence of the children. This happens between spouses, ex-spouses, co-workers and supervisors/subordinates. I, admittedly, have done my share of bickering, in various settings, over the years.

I got out of the circular chase by stopping myself, and just listening. Being now in a workplace where I am allowed to say very little, in the presence of my immediate supervisor, albeit enjoying freer speech at school-wide meetings, I have grown ever more comfortable with just being still. With the children, though, as I get to know them better, I can, and will, impart to them a code of decency and respect, which many of them have not known, other than intuitively, in their all-too-brief lives.

It is this year’s primary task to bring balm to the sore, to heal the simmering wound.

Sensitivity

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on August 10, 2016 in children, Education, Inspiration, Personal Values, Service Activities, Social, Striving

August 9, 2016, Prescott- This is a fine “home stretch”, thus far. I have had dinner with a Young Republican, with a friend of three years and, on a couple of occasions, with several Baha’i friends, at various gatherings. I have started work again, helping special needs children in the schools, here in town- first at the high school, before being transferred to Grades 5 & 6, for the needs of the District. It’s gratifying to know that my skill set is valued at the higher levels. It hasn’t always been that way. I am getting settled financially, as well, and will be fine, especially as Autumn gets into full swing. Physically, my exercise routine is on track, and diet is healthy. The Fall hiking season is about a month away, and lightning will not be a deterrent to being on mountains. Most importantly, I have ditched the occasional tendency to lapse into conjecture and innuendo, when dealing with criticism or opposition. “Say what happened, and no more” has become my mantra.

I am working with troubled children, once again. Their struggles are very much the same as mine, when I was those grades. Like me, they struggle, despite having loving parents. Like me, they need more listening and less “by the book” judgment. So, this I provide, to the best of my ability. I find myself vindicated by their amazing curiosity, awakening intellect and sensitivity to those around them, who are suffering.

It will be a full, energizing and revelatory year.

Tales of the 2016 Road: Long Nights’ Journeys Into Light

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on August 7, 2016 in children, Historical, Striving, Travel, Uncategorized

July 21-24, Flagstaff- One of the most surreal experiences of road travel is finding oneself among perfect strangers, in a night setting, when there is no light, either overhead or around. This happened to me, briefly, when I was driving between Port Jervis and Hershey, and twilight was fading, with no bright moon- and plenty of rain.

The Rocky Mountains, though, offer a far different scene, in the dark overhead. The majesty that exists, both day and night, in the place of 10,000-14,000 foot promontories, also imparts a sense of caution- whilst also bringing people together.

After three days spent at an informative, albeit de rigeur, Essential Oils Summer Summit, followed by a brief visit with my 90-year-old uncle, I headed south on I-25, certain that I would settle in, somewhere around Colorado Springs, and perhaps stop by to see an online friend, in that picturesque city. Along about Castle Rock, two things occurred: I got a message from said friend, asking that I “think of him, as I was passing through.” Translation- “I’m too busy, tomorrow.” The second thing was that a message appeared on a sign board: “Major accident on I-25, South, 18 miles north of Colorado Springs. Traffic will be slow.” No one in Castle Rock had any information, as to alternative routes to CS, and all places of accommodation were full,so I drove on, to Larkspur. There, in the pitch black, several people were pulled off, in and around Yogi Bear Campground- pretty much trying to figure out how long they could stay along the road, before someone came along to make them move. Another enterprising person was driving through the grass, between exits, essentially making a new “frontage road”.

I rejoined the crowd that was inching their way down I-25, and exited at the second Larkspur off ramp. There, we all formed a 2-mile-long queue, headed westward, taking 40 minutes to cover the five miles between I-25 and a county line road, which led, in turn, to the outskirts of Colorado Springs! The darkness of said detour also featured several families, pulling off to the side, and trying to make sense of things. It gave me an air of Armageddon, just a bit.

By this time, I just wanted to find a place for my head to hit a pillow. It was raining, and near midnight, so camping was out. Plaza Inn, a magnificent place, on the north side of CS, had rooms which were being renovated. The young lady staffing the front desk gave me such a room, for $ 100, instead of the normal $175. With a gargantuan hot breakfast buffet, in the morning, this was well worth it. She gets an A+, for entrepreneurship!

I actually felt refreshed, the next morning, so after the aforementioned breakfast blowout, which was excellent, I said farewell to Colorado Springs, being sure to offer a hefty tip to the housekeeping staff. The only things missing, in the “under renovation” room, were a microwave oven and a chair. I know how to sit on a King-sized bed.

I took a lovely drive, along US Highway 160, from Walsenburg to Tuba City Junction. In noted, wistfully, that one of my favourite road eateries, Peace of Art Cafe, in Del Norte, had closed, and had not been bought by anyone. This was a staple of my southern Colorado jaunts, over the past five years. My next two stops, in Mancos and Cortez, were also happy returns to familiar towns. I spent a bit of photo time in Mancos’ historic district, noting that a few homes there were also up for grabs. Here are a few photos, in case anyone wants to take a closer look at a home near the San Juan Mountains, and Mesa Verde National Park. Mancos has excellent soil and fairly plentiful water.

Historic home, Mancos, CO

Alice Ann’s, Mancos, CO

A jazz-themed porch, Mancos, CO

Zuma Natural Foods, Mancos, CO

Zuma isn’t for sale. It was just a nice place to pick up a lunch item for the next day, in case I didn’t get all the way to Prescott, on Sunday night. Dinner, was to be at Jack and Janelle’s, another of my favourite stops,in Cortez. There, I was greeted by Janelle, and a bubbly little girl, who waved hello, and shyly smiled, while I was waiting for a table. It’s sweet to be welcomed by someone who just picks up on good feelings. I left the darling child to her own subsequent mischief at the family’s table, and gratefully enjoyed a modest helping of grilled salmon and Caesar salad. Jack & Janelle will see me again.

The drive down through the Navajo Nation was relatively uneventful, until I reached Tuba City. All the lights in my old place of residence and livelihood (1981-86) were out, courtesy of a lightning strike to a transformer. The one major intersection was being monitored by a police car, its flashing lights the only indication that there was indeed an intersection. All three gas station/convenience stores, and both large hotels, were pitch black. I did not investigate further.

At Gray Mountain, some twenty-five miles southwest, on the road to Flagstaff, there were fifteen of us who stopped for gas, centering and potty breaks. Two children had been sent by their mother to buy a couple of items and tend to their business. I found myself reassuring the little girl that everything would be fine now, and Flagstaff was bound to be relatively safe. The scene outside was moderately chaotic, but we all got gas, the kids got their snacks and no one fell victim to Nature’s Call.

I made it to Americana Motel, my usual Flagstaff resting place, slept well and had nothing more serious than a WiFi outage, for the rest of my journey back to Home Base. The Hyundai Elantra’s first “Garython” was a good maiden ride.

Tales from the 2016 Road: Christmas in July

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on July 16, 2016 in children, Family, Personal Values, Travel

July 3, 2016, Avilla, MO- There was a span of 38 years, since I last saw Lisa, one of my younger cousins. In our family, last has never been least. Each member of the brood has an essential place. Lisa followed in the footsteps of her mother, who served as a WAVE during World War II, by becoming a member of the Women’s Army Corps, for several years. When that was finished, she became a teacher, like her father. She’s still a teacher- and a farm wife, in this little slice of heaven, in southwest Missouri, between Joplin and Springfield.

I was invited to join their family’s Christmas in July celebration, with attendant fireworks. People in the Midwest set off their own fireworks, as befits a farm culture. There was a marvelous spread, to get things started, and as we recalled from our childhood days, such gatherings involve sitting around ad spinning yarns, as well as discussing the topics of the day, in a civil fashion.

It was a lovely day and evening, so here are a few scenes from down on the farm, in Avilla.

The farm property at Avilla

Lisa and family were busy, setting up the festivities.

Here are some scenes of the gang sitting around, and of the fireworks.

Grandkids getting ready for the display.

Solving the world’s ills

Fire away!

Sky lit up!

Light show!

We then exchanged gifts, in White Elephant fashion.So went a fine re-connection with a bright and loving member of my extended family, which is now extended even further, with her husband, kids and grandkids.

Extended Family, Reno & Carson, Days 3 &4: Tides of Transition

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on June 2, 2016 in children, Family, Hiking and Nature, Personal Values, Social

May 31-June 1, 2016, Carson City-

Sundial, Carson City

We spent the past two days intermittently going through boxes, tending to errands in Reno, watching days 2 &3 of the new version of “Roots” and enjoying a fantastic barbecue, at the Sandoval residence. Above is Veronica’s sundial, which keeps watch over her little swimming pool. Uncle Gary, of course, had to get splashed, show her how to toss water at the far fence and discuss the meaning of an episode of “My Little Ponies”- which does have more intellectual fiber, for the minds of 3-5 year-olds, than we older ones might think.

Tuesday was busy, but peaceful here, roiling back at home base (Prescott) and generally a day that brought some enjoyment (see below), but which I was glad to see over. By bedtime on Wednesday, though, all was calm again.

We had a pleasant lunch at Mel’s Diner, in Reno, served by one of the most effervescent young women I have ever met. Diner food is one of my guilty pleasures, anyway, so it didn’t take much to get me to agree to stop there, after Michele’s walk-through at her old apartment.

On the way back to Carson, we drove through Washoe Lake State Park, between Reno and Carson City. The serenity of this place is reminiscent of several similar places in the Prescott area.

Bridge along Hwy. 395, Washoe Valley, NV. Mt. Rose is in background.

The bridge over Washoe Valley is remarkable for its length. Mount Rose calls out to be hiked, but that is an item for another year’s agenda. The Valley itself is stunning, as a place to unwind for many, and as a redoubt for the well-to-do.

Deer, resting near irrigation sprinkler, Washoe Valley, NV

A herd of deer were roaming near this irrigation pipe, an excellent way to beat the mid-day heat.

Beagle Rock, Washoe Lake State Park, NV

This rock was painted, by person or persons unknown, about ten years ago.

The crowning event of the day was Veronica’s tae-kwon-do session. Watch out, world!

Veronica gets ready to chop.

Watching my little angels grow has been a joy, for thirty six years and counting. I thank the Lord this will be ongoing. The session took me back to the late ’90’s, when my son was learning this martial art form.

The time here was capped with the above-mentioned barbecue. The Sandovals pulled out all the stops, and presented us with everything from the usual hot dogs and burgers to carne asada and grilled pineapple. Freshly baked pan dulce capped the meal. It was one of those “No more food for a month” affairs, which is what happens, in a loving environment.

Now, it’s time to head on down to the next important event: A 35th Anniversary Reunion of those who opened the Native American Baha’i Institute, in Burntwater, Arizona.

NEXT UP: The highway that was once “America’s loneliest”.

Last Day

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on May 28, 2016 in children, collaborating, Personal goals, Poetry, Striving

May 26, 2016, Prescott-

Standing in line, for a freshly-baked dozen,

I see many ahead, with the same wish.

Treating our charges,

on one last morning of hard work.

Arriving on the scene late in the year,

the farewells of many are muted, fleeting,

but credit is given to those to whom it is due.

A hug for the lady who has done the lion’s share of work,

ends the high school days of many.

My time in this cradle of maturity has resumed.

I will be regular staff,

come August.

How rewarding, to be once again,

the repository of trust.

Shante’s Dream

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on March 29, 2016 in children, Community, Striving

March 27, 2016, Marana- He has only been among us, here in Arizona, for about ten days, along with his two brothers and two sisters. None of the kids speaks English, and they only know a smattering of French. Swahili is their mainstay. Shante (SHAN-tay), age 3, and his siblings, have come to us from DR Congo, by way of Tanzania. The children, and their caretakers, joined thirty-four others of us, at a Unity in Diversity musical festival, on this bright, but thankfully breezy and cool, Easter Sunday.

Despite all his family’s travails, Shante walks with a swagger, and a purpose. His take on life is strictly one day- or one moment- at a time. That is the joy of being three, nothing has assumed an air of permanence in life, as yet. He looks up at the tall, well-built drummers, themselves having come here from the Republic of Congo-Brazzaville, speaking just enough Swahili to make the kids feel welcome. They show Shante their drums, and lift him up, so that he may tap on the skin and feel his own rhythm start to stir.

After a few minutes of this, and a ping-ping, on the keyboard of a Cuban musician, fresh from the city of Holguin (visited by Pope Francis I, last Fall), Shante comes back down, off stage, and lingers by my seat for a bit, then goes along his way, back to be with his sisters.

They take part in a second-round hunt for plastic eggs, filled with jelly beans. The girls manage to find all remaining eggs, within two minutes of search. Shante gets his share of the take- four plastic, jelly-bean filled delights. He eats one jelly bean, and that’s enough. For a child who has seen, and tasted, little of sweetness, a little bit goes forever.

Shante has his dream- as yet locked behind the door of linguistic disparity, and development. A three-year-old’s Swahili is, after all, no more proficient than would be his contemporaries’ Norwegian, Spanish, or Kwa Zulu, in other parts of this hard, but exquisite home of ours. His eyes, though, are scintillating. This boy is sharp, and will make his way in the world, regardless of circumstances. He shows interest in the music, whether African, Caribbean or Bluegrass, and dances to whatever tune is being offered. He examines a blind man’s Australian bush hat, carefully fingering its strap and felt covering, as the patient man abides the probing. He works the crowd, and sizes each of us up, by looking us in the eye, for a minute or two, before moving on to the next person of interest. He offers a brief opinion of what he has seen and heard, to his oldest brother, who nods in assent and holds Shante close, for a few minutes.

I keep saying this: We, the elders, are in good hands with the generations that are rising.

Trafficking, and Obfuscation

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on March 25, 2016 in children, distraction issues, Personal goals, Personal Values

March 24, 2016, Prescott- I watched an episode of a network television show, on my laptop, this evening. It dealt with the abuse of teenaged girls by a sex-trafficking ring. The piece was outlandish, on the surface, having, as its antagonists, two powerful members of the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy in New York. The piece was fictitious, yet showed how diligent police work, and an appeal to the humanity of a low-level operative in the ring, gave up the culprits.

It was no surprise, though, that during the early stages of the investigation, the ringleaders turned to obfuscation, to role reversal, and smoke-screening, in their attempts to get out from under the encroaching detectives. This is a common modus operandi of wrongdoers with means.

This stays in my mind, because yesterday I read an article in the Global Post, an online news magazine I have trusted for several years. The article takes issue with widespread concern over sex trafficking, specifically in the country of Cambodia. The author quotes an “expert”, who has “lived with the sex workers” in that country, as saying that a Cambodian woman who enlisted the aid of U.S. journalist Nicholas Kristoff, in shining a light on the problem of sex trafficking in her country, was exaggerating, had falsified and embellished her reports, and that making human trafficking a cause celebre was, in the case of Cambodia at least, a misrepresentation of the facts.

This is what the powerful do, when their activities, and the income they derive from those, are threatened: Obfuscate, discredit and go back to business as usual. Maybe there are plenty of women who choose a life of compensated sexual promiscuity, whether out of economic despair or the sense that this is the only way that they will ever know physical intimacy with a man. They, however despondent their lot, are not the primary focus of those who have taken up the cause of bringing an end to human trafficking.

The shameful attempt by Global Post to becloud this whole matter will never stop those of us who are committed to ending the imprisonment and torture, to which thousands of women and children are subjected, world-wide, day by excruciating day. I urge each person reading this to stand up to those beguiled by their own perceived power and authority, and work to free those, in every nation on Earth, who are held in virtual slavery.