The Road to 65, Mile 345: Best Laid Plans

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on November 9, 2015 in collaborating, Inner Struggles, Inspiration, Personal goals

November 8, 2015, Prescott- I started today by attending breakfast at the American Legion Post, a standard for me on Sunday mornings, over the past four years. My usual table mate and conversation buddy was not there, due to illness, but there were several others at table, who were fine company. Many people are ill, at present. My phone had several messages, pertaining to a paternal aunt who is chronically ill. Fortunately, she is bouncing back.

Afterwards, I joined a reflection and planning meeting of our local Baha’i community, and made some solid plans for the next three months. Several people made their needs and wishes known, and we will do our best, as a wider community, to go forward together. The coordinator plans well, so the meeting kept flowing. Our next three months ought to be full, and fulfilling.

My energy level was a bit down, after yesterday, so I chose to do laundry, and little else, after the meeting. Change of seasons, and of temperature, zaps me for a day or two, and early to bed- for a few nights- will make things right again. My plan to hike Segment 7, of the Prescott Circle Trail, will be brought to fruition next Saturday- if the weather holds.

The best laid plans have to be as flexible as all else in the universe.

The Road to 65, Mile 344: Small Circles

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on November 9, 2015 in children, Education, Inner Struggles, Personal goals

November 7, 2015, Flagstaff- I rose early, for a Saturday, so as to get up here to Northern Arizona University, and take two of the three exams I must take, in order to obtain certification as an elementary teacher (1-8), in Arizona. I have several other certificates: Secondary Teacher, Guidance Counselor and Principal. The position I am now filling, as a substitute teacher, however, is not something I can continue to do, long term, without credentials.

I also think it is high time I moved through the self-doubt cloud, and showed my true abilities, both to myself and to the world at large. My spirit guides keep saying, “This day of yours will not be followed by night.” I know this means that the present opportunity will not be taken from me, by shallow politics or my own tendency to trip myself up.

This time, I will be okay, work-wise. This time, I know how to navigate the small circle which runs the school. In the past, I gave too much energy to my being an outsider. That status might still be extant, but the children are who matter most. I will be standing, at the end of the term, and at the end of the academic year.

The Road to 65, Mile 332: Where It’s At

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on October 27, 2015 in Alternative Careers, Education, Personal goals

October 26, 2015, Chino Valley- I am holding my own, as a third grade teacher, it seems. Three weeks into my nine-week assignment, I find I could extend the term, if the state Department of Education simplifies my elementary certification. I will ask them what is expected of me, within the next two days. A certification fee and a couple of tests would be reasonable. Thousands of dollars on a new course of study would not be.

I was in a labyrinth, of sorts, on Saturday. I was reminded of the days when getting a teaching certificate here was Byzantine. Now, standardized testing, of teachers, has made this easier, at least here in Arizona. I have my transcripts on file down in Phoenix, so that should speed the plow. I will likely be there on Friday, and so would go in to see what else is needed, besides the certificates I already hold.

The bottom lines are: 1. I will be in a good place, whether I remain with my 8&9 year-olds, or move on to another assignment, or two. 2. The children’s security, however, means we need to secure a teacher for the second semester, and soon. Stay tuned.

The Road to 65, Mile 325: So Much the Better

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on October 20, 2015 in Personal goals

October 18, 2015, Prescott- I got in my start of the week workout, today, as tomorrow will be an exhausting day of catch-up at work. I am almost where I need to be, on my job, to have established an identity for myself and to not feel the need to spend hours at the school, on weekends. I also got an alarm clock, with a pied screen- each number is in a different colour. The alarm is also a gentle buzz, which I prefer. These are features that will make my winter wake-ups so much more pleasant.

I still watch my favourite TV shows, a day later, on the computer. I have a huge, big box TV, which is fading. It will need to go to big box TV heaven, when my son gets here and can help me lift it off the stand. I won’t get a flat screen, right away. Other things are a priority.

No hiking was done, this weekend. Between the constant rain ( a blessing) and a long afternoon at work on Saturday, my agenda seemed ill-disposed towards leisure. No matter, I will get in a goodly amount of time on the Prescott Circle and Black Canyon Recreation Trails, as well as in Sedona, between now and the Christmas holiday trip back East. San Diego, over Thanksgiving, will also find me out in the fresh air, quite a bit.

So, the last month or so, before pushing the 65 Button, will be not lacking in a spirited life.

The Road to 65, Mile 324: Nomination

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on October 19, 2015 in Inspiration, Personal goals

October 17, 2015, Prescott- I have been nominated by http://www.writersdream9.wordpress.com (sorry, no hyperlink on Windows 10) for the One Lovely Blog Award. .

The rules of this are as follows:

1. You must thank the person who nominated you and include a link to their blog.

2. You must list the rules and display the award. (These are the rules. I have no idea how to cut and paste the award.)

3. You must add 7 facts about yourself

4. You must nominate 15 other bloggers and leave a comment on one of their posts to let them know they have been nominated.

Some facts about myself:

I live alone, in a small apartment, in Prescott, AZ.
I have returned to teaching full time, at an age when most look forward to retirement and leisure.
I trade in Essential Oils, for those who are interested.
I have been to all 50 states, D.C., nine Canadian provinces, northern Mexico and 17 other countries.
I enjoy most forms of music and art.
I believe that the life of the soul has no end.
I have numerous friends, of all ages. I nominate the following: shawnbird.com artwolfen.wordpress.com htmm.wordpress.com suggestivetongue.com cocosangel.wordpress.com untemperedtongue.wordpress.com 365til30.com oceanstarr.wordpress.com

The Road to 65, Mile 318: Prescott Circle, Segment 9.

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on October 13, 2015 in Hiking and Nature, Personal goals

October 11, 2015, Prescott- The air was a bit warmer and drier today- 82, in mid-afternoon. I had two gallons of water with me, so after tending to chores and visiting with friends, I headed out for the second installment of Prescott Circle. This jaunt took me from Pioneer Park Ballfield, through a stretch of Gambel’s oak and juniper pine forest, on the campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, to Willow Lake, a man-made reservoir that is lined by cottonwood trees. The lake area used to be the site of a Sinagua settlement, when Willow Creek was freely-flowing and there was plentiful game in the nearby Willow Dells, a western extension of the granite boulders that abound in northeast Prescott.

Now, one must go underneath the busy thoroughfare of Willow Creek Road, and cross two dirt fill yards, to get from the Embry-Riddle Preserve to the marshland that is drying up, south of Willow Lake. I have hiked out to the lake shore, and had to walk logs, in order to hike the 1 1/2 mile round trip on Cottonwood Peninsula Spur Trail. Today, the lake was a shadow of itself. Hopefully, late Fall and Winter will bring a wet change.

Here are some views of the scenes I encountered, going all the way to the Willow Dells parking area., a distance of 8.8 miles, round trip.

There are frequent maps, by which to chart one’s progress. This one was at the turnaround point of my hike.

Here is the entrance to Cottonwood Peninsula Spur Trail.

Here is a shallower Willow Lake, at the Dells.

The Road to 65, Mile 308: October Beginnings

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on October 2, 2015 in Education, Inspiration, Personal goals, Personal Values

October 1, 2015, Chino Valley- I made my last visit to Del Rio School for a while, spending the day with a class of second-graders, with whom I have worked a few times in the past. I will actually miss this school, and several others, but throwing myself into the well-being of a specific group of children, day-to-day, for at least two months, and hopefully longer, is something I need to do. It’s necessary for my own sense that I can do good by a classroom, over a long period of time. It’s necessary for the children, whose skills are undeveloped, and thus seen by the Masters of the Universe as “low”.

In another iteration, I covered for a teacher on maternity leave, for five months. The children loved me, and I, them. I had the support of the school administration. The teacher, sad to say, did not like my work and made it very clear, especially at the end. I digress.

It was a good day today, and it will be another good day tomorrow, at Mile High Middle School, in Prescott. I can work in Prescott schools on Fridays, until the Winter Break, at least, so the separation is less than final. My first priority, though, will now be Mingus Springs’ third grade class.

October will see me back on the trails- the first few days of Fall Break- next week, and on several weekends hereafter. Son will be out here, at the end of the month, and I will make my now traditional visit to San Diego, at Thanksgiving time. My Faith also factors directly into the schedule: Besides being the cornerstone of my daily life, Baha’i events will occupy me, this coming Saturday, (as will community service, here in Prescott); at the beginning of November and on several days throughout the Fall. I can never tell when the needs of trusted friends may arise and take me off on an errand of mercy, as happened a week ago, today.

October is always a fascinating month- and not the least because of our fun traditions of Halloween. I have always enjoyed treating children, from my front door, over the years, in places like Toltec City, Tuba City, Jeddito, Salome, Phoenix and Prescott. This Halloween will find me at a friend’s house in Tucson, perhaps finagling front door duty.

The crispness of the air, and the changing leaves of the Northland, will also bring me and mine a renewed energy. I had my mid-year check-up yesterday, and all my vitals are in top form. Fall will be a great season.

The Road to 65, Mile 307: Ever After

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on October 1, 2015 in Inspiration, Personal goals

September 30, 2015, Chino Valley- This was a good day to meet more of the parents of my eight-year-olds, to learn more of how I might best serve them, in two-weeks’ time, and to develop more rapport with a man who has been attending our Wednesday night information sessions. It was also a good night for Thai food.

Today would have been Penny’s 61st birthday. She and my sister regarded the last two days of September as a special forty-eight hours, and always sent special greetings to one another. I certainly concur with their assessment- no two women, of our age group, were ever more important to me. Now, there is a three-day stretch, as my youngest grand-niece was born two days ago.

It’s useless to speculate, as to what my wife would have done, had she lived, or more importantly, had she not fallen to the gradual wasting of Adult-Onset Polyglucosan Body Disease. I am sure she would have brought more joy and learning, to more children, and we would have continued to cast aside what few barriers there were between us- our marriage was always the most important thing.

Now, I feel her presence, telling me to return to full-time service as a teacher, for five years, or as long as I can maintain clarity and energy. I am also to remain fully active, so the things for which I have become known online, over the past four years, will remain a part of me- just in a less intensive, and more focused mien.

She is never far, and when our Ever After comes, all I can want is to deserve her pride in what I have done.

The Road to 65, Mile 301: I Hear the Rolling Thunder

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on September 26, 2015 in Inner Struggles, Inspiration, Personal goals

September 24, 2015, Phoenix- I drove a friend down here, this quiet and subdued evening, that she could pay homage to a woman for whom she cared, in the last throes of the lady’s battle with Alzheimer’s. I did not, of course, know the woman, yet seeing the story of her life, on video, and listening to my friend’s account of her interactions, I was as moved to tears as I would have been, had I known her.

We all have our differences of opinion, and for some, that is the be all and end all of relationships. Sitting in the chapel, though, and listening to the words of the immortal hymn, “How Great Thou Art”, as sung by Carrie Underwood, I can honestly say there was a total unity, that I have only rarely felt, when in a group of people previously unknown to me.

There are those who anticipate a cataclysmic occurrence, this very weekend, or not long afterward. I am a skeptic, along those lines. I believe that something such will happen, but on God’s timetable, not on Man’s. The truth is, each of us experiences our own personal calamity, from time to time. The Alzheimer’s and its aftermath were catastrophic to the departed woman and to her family and friends. Penny’s illness , of nearly eight years, was heart-wrenching to me, to our son and to our families-and how much worse it must have been to her, a woman of high intelligence, drive and achievement. Every day, people endure natural and man-devised crises and acts of destruction, such as few onlookers can appreciate.

Our strength, as a species, lies in our resilience. I am entering a phase, in my own recovery, that I could not have anticipated, even three months ago. This is how it has been, for the last four years and eight months: One step after another, relying mostly on faith, doing things that are humdrum and ordinary for many, but for which a person like me, come only with struggle.

I will surely thrive, even through the worst of whatever may lie ahead- so my spirit guide tells me, and I believe her.

The Road to 65, Mile 296: Where I Stand, Part 2

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on September 20, 2015 in animal and plant life, Hiking and Nature, Personal goals, Personal Values, Service Activities

September 19, 2015, Prescott- For the next several posts, I will be centering my comments on 16 principles, developed by Four Worlds International Institute, in Surrey, BC. It is led by a man for whom I have a lot of respect: Hereditary Chief Phil Lane, Jr., of the Blackfoot Nation. All quotes herein are from the document, The Fourth Way: An Indigenous Contribution to Building Sustainable and Harmonious Prosperity in the Americas, Update, October 2008.

Nobody asked me to do this, but I share both genetic memories and spiritual values with the Aboriginal Peoples of the Americas, specifically with the Penobscot Nation, of central Maine. There is no barrier between us, except those that people choose to put between each other. So, let me begin.

Principle 1: “Human Beings Can Transform Their Worlds. The web of our relationships with others and the natural world, which has given rise to the problems we face as a human family, can be changed.” –

The author, savant and change agent, Star Hawk, has written that, for Man to regard himself as divorced from nature, is an arrogant mindset. In fact, we in our physical state are very much connected to the rest of Nature. It’s pretty much a given, to me, that each and every thing we do in this life is a matter of choice. Some choices are more difficult than others, but they still need to be made. So, with regard to relationships with others, we can choose to respond to people, or to ignore them. I have found that I can only ignore those who irritate or are disagreeable to me for just so long, before one or the other of us presses for a resolution. The converse is also true.

How much more is this true, with regard to nature. One can, in the name of stockholder profits, order the spewing of poisons into the atmosphere, water and soil, for just so long, before the toxins find their way into the Web of Life- with cancer, dementia and neurological ills becoming pandemic. One may, in the name of Science, release Genetically-Modified Organisms into the food chain, while demanding that the rest of the planet toe your line, or face crippling litigation. Then, because living things are just not ready to digest your products and therefore, in the case of humans, RESIST purchasing them or, in the case of scavenging rodents, birds and insects, just IGNORE the stuff, you redouble your efforts, getting shills to write articles that ridicule those who won’t buy GMO’s, and prodding normally thoughtful, even-minded people to jump in the fray and try to analyze the case against your products, with a view towards “talking some sense into those who would starve humanity, for the sake of romanticism.” Still, the illnesses, and the wreckage, pile up.

My plans, with regard to relationships, are these:

Accept all offers of friendship, unless and until such offers prove to be based on ulterior motives.
Respect those, online and in real time, who indicate they wish me to not contact them, either for a time, or permanently.
Be a trustworthy person, more than I have been towards some people in the past.
Listen, listen, and listen some more.
Own the mistakes I have made with people, and do better by them , and others.

My plans, with respect to Nature, are these:

1. Tend the seeds I have planted, in my back yard.

2. Honour animal and plant life, wherever I encounter them.

3. By all means, continue hiking and other acts of personal exploration, both in my home area and further afield.

4. Carry a trash bag in my pack, so that the unwarranted intrusion of the thoughtless may be mitigated.

5. Recycle, as much as possible, while recognizing that not everyone regards this practice as truly beneficial to the Planet.

I have gone on longer than usual, but these matters are very basic to my human and natural states of being.