Completion

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on September 2, 2019 in Community, Personal goals, Service Activities, Striving

September 2, 2019, Superior, AZ-

Persistence,

and attention to detail,

lead to completion.

Cutting corners

leads to stagnation,

or to wasted time.

A small group got

together,

and worked on

an onerous task,

largely finishing

in five days’ time.

The rest will depend on

dryer conditions,

which in Arizona

is just a matter of time.

An entrepreneur has moved

her shop, three doors down

from where she was.

There will be a grand opening

of the new place,

tomorrow.

There was considerable

attention to detail,

even redoing some preparation,

that was set back,

when an opponent of her move,

scrawled graffiti on the storefront,

to “prevent gentrification”.

When an area is unused

and there is no tenant,

occupying the spot

is not gentrification.

It is taking responsibility.

It is moving a community

towards completion.

Gathering My Moss

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on August 28, 2019 in Family, Inner Struggles, Inspiration, Personal goals, Spiritual, Striving

August 28, 2019-

I have, at long last, begun writing a series of chapters that outline my life. So far, I have covered up to sixth grade, which has taken four chapters. I find my long term memory is amazingly intact, a comforting discovery, as this exercise is as much for healing and inner peace, as it is for the sake of memoir.

The remaining six decades will take some time, being as they have been far more involved and take in a lot more territory-both geographic and psychological- than my first, somewhat sheltered, eleven years.

As it is a highly personal account, this volume will be first shared with family, then in a publish on demand arrangement with friends. For now, I am keeping it on Google Drive and will run things by my son, siblings and mother, once I get to a certain point, probably the sections on my high school graduation and transition into adulthood.

Again, the purpose of this is to process and clear up any remaining conflicts within myself, which is one of the insights I drew from a recent energy wave healing session.

The Wheat and the Chaff

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on August 27, 2019 in collaborating, Community, Inspiration, Personal goals, Personal Values, Striving

August 26, 2019-

Sitting at home, this sultry evening, working on a project for a friend, I got this insistent message to walk downtown, and visit Frannie’s, a frozen yogurt shop and bakery. Setting the work a side, I headed into the bright sunset and, ten minutes later, found myself one of two patrons, in the final thirty minutes of the shop’s open hours.

The other patron, it turned out, was an 81 year-old farmer from a small village about 35 miles to the southwest. We chatted about a steak house in the village, and how it hangs on, week after week, with a great facility but few customers. The owner of the steak house hails from somewhere in the Northeast.

That led to a discourse about our current President, one of his rivals and a group of Congresswomen, and how being immersed in the culture of a certain area makes one behave, consistently, in a certain way. The gentleman expressed concerns about the motives of those who oppose our current President, whom he regards as a crusader.

I chose to listen, and not counter any of this, as it’s all going to turn out as it is supposed to transpire. I am not much of a political animal, preferring to work across the spectrum as, the last time I checked, we were all put here to work together. It may not always be easy to hear theories that seem made from whole cloth, yet they are only that-theories, which are subject to change, in light of new information. This is as true of some notions that I have had, as it is of anyone else’s.

Just as his comments were about to turn into a rant, my former co-worker, her husband, daughter and daughter’s boyfriend emerged from the shop. Delighted greetings, and exchanges of how things were going for each of us, took the next few minutes. Learning that an all-woman staff was in place, in my former work site, is an affirmation of what I said above: The right thing happens, even if after a fashion.

Once the family left, our conversation turned to health practices. At first, he admonished me for not having taken better care of myself, en route to age 70. I mentioned some things that I AM doing, on my own behalf, and he relented a bit. The gems of wisdom he then imparted, struck me as the main reason I was led to go to the shop, in the first place.

Baking soda and vinegar could augment my efforts at trimming down (Slim shakes from do Terra, along with more fruits and vegetables). It would have to be good quality baking soda, with the Vinegar of the Four Thieves that I have on hand. Check, for tomorrow morning! He seconded my use of frankincense and melaleuca, for skin issues. My exercise regimen sounded just fine. So, his theory of a decrepit sixty-something was cast aside, with new information.

I still have work to do. It was a walk well-taken.

Back In The Saddle

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on August 22, 2019 in Assistance, children, collaborating, distraction issues, Education, impediments, Inner Struggles, Personal goals, Striving

August 22, 2019-

I got in a full-day’s work today, after five months’ hiatus. Of course, there hasn’t been a lot of idleness during that time, but I have missing being around children and youth, on a regular basis, nipping at my consciousness.

Today went very well. The few who wanted to mess around, didn’t meet with much success. I am long past the point where I let mischief get to me. On the other hand, I don’t let it spread. The rules of the day are set by the regular teacher, so the parameters are already in place.

Children and teens know this is how things work, and those with whom I interact are quite relieved that I am not here to be a slacker. Simply put, this brief period of my presence in their lives needs to be of support for their broader plans, hopes and dreams, and of deterrence to the obstacles, both self-induced and put in place by others, that would derail those broader plans.

My goal: To be of maximum support, to each young person who comes into a room where I am working.

Undying

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on August 20, 2019 in Assistance, collaborating, Family, Personal goals, Personal Values, Service Activities, Striving

August 20, 2019-

This is not a post about vampires or zombies. It is a post about how the love I feel towards many; in fact, just about all those who come to mind. I say “just about all”, as the few who have consistently repaid kindness with viciousness are those who I need to keep at arm’s length, while still not wishing them ill. There is always room for forgiveness and a new start.

At any rate, I am thinking specifically of a few young ladies, with whom my contact is mostly, if not entirely, on social media, who are like daughters to me. One resurfaced today, on my feed, and I could only feel relief that she is in a safe place. Others are pretty constant here, and that always brings a smile to my heart.

There is a family wedding coming soon-in my heart family, that is. I find this is as important to me as any of my birth family’s nuptials. The bride defines self-made woman and I can feel this marriage will be a particular success. She, and her mother (also a self-made woman), have long been very close to my heart.

A good woman, whom I had the pleasure of meeting several times, recently passed to the Presence of her Lord. One of the points in her obituary was her kindness to even the most derelict of people. She would get after those who were slovenly, but always in a gentle way. No one was beyond redemption, in her view.

I hope to keep on, with this state of heart, getting up each day with a vow to show love and respect to those who cross my path-and to be consistent about it. That doesn’t mean being a doormat-as that would not be loving to myself. It does mean walking in Light.

May this be an undying state of heart.

Lighthouse, Shimmering In The Heat

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on June 25, 2019 in animal and plant life, Entertainment, Hiking and Nature, Inspiration, Personal goals, Social, Spiritual, Striving, Travel

June 18, 2019, Amarillo-

I made it a point to stop here today, for two reasons. One was my old Xanga buddy, Wes, and his ties to the Amarillo that was. The other was Lighthouse Trail, in Palo Duro State Park. I always meet the most delightful people, through both Wes and Palo Duro. Today was no exception.

Texas Tidbits (Wes’ old Xanga moniker) suggested a meet-up at Smokey Joe’s, which I recall as a most delightful spot. The cutest, and toughest, little lady was our server last time. Her co-worker, J, was our gracious and ever-attentive hostess, on this fine afternoon. We sat around for about an hour, while I savoured a Tex-Mex burger, and solved at least some of the issues that plague mankind.

Now, I could sit in the presence of Wes and the ladies, for hours on end, but my hiking legs would not forgive me for such self-indulgence. So, I bid pardner adieu and set off for Palo Duro.

Upon arrival, the lovely and friendly ranger pointed out that many folks had been their before me, snapping up all the campsites. No worries here, though. The main point of my visit was that Light House in the desert, shimmering as it was, in the heat. I brought enough water to fuel a truckload of cattle, and set off on the six-mile round trip.

Capitol Peak and an unnamed “human” figure loom in the near distance, before the trail to Light House Rock veers to the right.

Other magnificent formations grace the way to Light House.

The first close-up view of the Light House formation, came as I reached the crest of the only real ascent of the hike.

Here they are, one at a time.

This shows the actual distance between the two rocks.

As the first rumblings of a storm were heard, I took this last close-up.

Whilst I was doing this, another man was contenting himself with climbing a path to the top of the rock on the left. He spent several minutes there, fortunately getting down, as the skies darkened and racing up the path, to avoid the rain.

As I was walking back, I met a young couple with a dog, and pointed out to them that the storm was getting much closer. They deiced to head back and stayed with me to the parking area. E and M are a delightful pair, reminding me of my son and daughter-in-law. We noted the lushness of the surrounding area, as a sign of the copious rain that the Panhandle has enjoyed this Spring.

We got back to our cars, just as the rain was intensifying. No sooner was everyone safely inside the vehicles, than hail started falling-furiously. Yet, once we got to the park entrance: Voila! The sunshine returned. With no camping site, I drove back to Amarillo, and have a room at Camelot Inn and Suites.

Yes, another good day was had in the desert!

NEXT: When Armies Wear Each Other Out

Open-ended

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on June 11, 2019 in collaborating, Community, Family, Inspiration, Personal goals, Personal Values, Social, Spiritual, Striving, Travel

June 11, 2019-

Back at Home Base, for a couple of days. I find peace has returned to some parts of my life which had been in upheaval, just before I went up to Bellemont. A friend who was mildly irritated with me has reached out and it’s all good. A person who was livid at my very presence, last summer, was gracious and helpful, this evening. Time does heal wounds, without necessarily having to wound heels.

I had a nice conversation with my next-to-youngest brother, whose birthday is today. He’s one of the stars in my life- a man who has overcome serious odds to successfully lead a team of Research & Development pros, for a small Boston-area company.

My hometown, so far, is the only solid East Coast venue on my upcoming journey, and it is by far the most important-Mom is there and a couple of childhood friends have been hurting. In between, there are several friends and family, across the Southwest and South, and a few feelers have gone out-so we’ll see how it plays out. This year, I’m told, it’s especially crucial to be open-ended and let the road lead.

There will be time, after my New England visit, for Chicago, the Great Plains, Rockies and Great Basin, en route to the other solid venue of the summer, a dear little girl’s stage debut. The road will lead.

This will be, as things stand now, my last coast-to-coast road trip wholly within the continental U.S.- save a possible run out to Florida, over the Christmas-New Year’s break. Summer, 2020 will focus on the Pacific Northwest, southeast Alaska, Trans-Canada and back across the northern tier of states. After that comes retirement, and time with my little family and with friends in other parts of the world. These, too, are open-ended and the road will lead.

Why We Fight

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on June 5, 2019 in Assistance, collaborating, Community, distraction issues, impediments, Inner Struggles, Matters of Faith, Personal goals, Personal Values, Social, Spiritual, Striving

June 5, 2019-

I came back down to Prescott, to support a gathering of friends, being one of the few occasions I am allowing myself to be here, the next two months. There is, simply put, much I feel I have to do elsewhere-starting with the Junior Youth (Middle-school age) gathering, this weekend, in which I will assist. Understand that I am taking full ownership of my choices.

The title of the post came about largely in reaction to this week’s slow news item about an ongoing “high level” feud, which I will not dignify by mentioning its specifics. I am not much of a fighter, for fighting’s sake. Threats to children and other vulnerable beings are another matter.

I see, though, that there is fair amount of quarreling that takes place. Fear seems to be the main driver- the old “fight or flight” choice is usually offered. Some fear not being taken seriously. Others fear the loss of their position or dignity. Still others fear even the loss of all they value. I am not cowed by those who act out of fear; neither will I necessarily accede to their demands. There are ways, through consultation, to remove fear-based decision making.

Ego is another impetus. If one is given to think of self as some sort of master, then scolding, berating or being otherwise forceful with those around self is the order of the day. I know of one person,no longer in my life, who has nonetheless recently tried to re-enter, with psychic threats of otherwise making my life in Prescott so miserable, that I will flee. None of it will work. Baha’u’llah once is said to have written that, unless one is so firm in faith, that not even the presence of all one’s enemies, with drawn swords, would cause vacillation, then the soul can not truly call self a true believer. I accept that, even without knowing the exact source. Besides, Penny and the other angels in my life are around to see me safely along.

I also accept that my friends and family will only value me, as much as I value them. The Universe operates on this principle. Were it not so, the human race would be even more hamstrung by imbalance than we already are.

I want, by patience and remaining present, to eliminate as many of the conflicts in my life as is humanly possible. Be back when I can, over the next few limited-Internet days.

Encumbrances

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on May 28, 2019 in Assistance, collaborating, distraction issues, impediments, Inspiration, Personal goals, Striving, Travel

March 28, 2019-

I woke this morning, to see a couple of challenges awaited. Both involved technology, so I steeled myself and said, “This is not going to keep me down.” Experimenting a bit with what little I knew, the solution to to one problem involved enlisting a friend. So my first ever video will be done under friend’s tutelage, tomorrow.

Enlarging photos is, it turns out, not difficult, but it will be time-consuming. It has to be done over several weeks, yet as I will have access to Internet, even whilst on the road, I will get several photos enlarged and sent to their intended recipient, per day.

The human issue is always the most difficult. I have, as I have mentioned countless times, a variety of friends. As long as I steer clear of any deep emotional attachment, I am well and good. Love has to be bigger than that. Someone who showed interest in me, a few days ago, quickly figured out that was really not the case. It’s all well and good, as I am really not in the mood for gamesmanship and want to remain in an adult frame of mind.

In a few days, I will sit down and figure out exactly where my spirit will take me, the next two months. I will have my annual physical, tomorrow afternoon, and that will determine a lot. A couple of camps, with adolescents, will bookend the summer break. In between, I feel the need to reconnect with friends, across the country, starting with Dineh friends in Coal Mine Mesa and Hopi friends in Polacca, on Father’s Day. After that, the route will take me to points across the South, then northeast, back across the Midwest and northern Rockies, with a bright shining Starfish at the end of July, in Carson City, before the second adolescent camp.

So, I treat each encumbrance as a chance to break free, with a new sense of strength.

Ten Years Out

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on May 21, 2019 in collaborating, Community, Personal goals, Service Activities, Social, Striving, Travel

May 21, 2019-

The title is one of the exercises that a person either starting out, or in mid-career, is often asked by Life Coaches and Mentors to undergo. “Where will you be, ten years from now?” The purpose, as I understand it, is to encourage long-term goal setting that is relatively specific, and demonstrates a knowledge of trends.

I have, after finishing reading of my brother, Dave’s, book, gone through a “Ten Years Out”, of sorts. There will, no doubt, be a mix of adventure and normalcy, or maybe the two combined on a day-to-day basis. Looking at my 78 1/2 year-old-self reminds me to keep up with my current health regimen, and in some respects I may need to double down on certain elements of said regimen. I certainly hope to still be hiking then, and being able to exercise regularly.

I allow for the role of grandparent, for volunteering and/or part-time employment in whichever community I find myself. I allow for service to my Faith and for travel, both nationally and internationally, though much of that will have been achieved (God-willing), by the time my Diamond Jubilee (75) rolls around.

I realize that, at this age, some may find a “Ten Years Out” a bit presumptuous. All I can say to that is, while it’s true, to some extent, that “Man plans and God laughs”, it is useful to have a framework- and if that framework needs to be adjusted in the face of reality, then changes can be made as needed.

A lot of this may sound similar to previous posts that discuss plans. I guess that makes me fairly consistent. As long as I’m useful, though, it’s all good.