Sometimes The Heart Has A Hole In It

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on August 20, 2017 in Inner Struggles, Personal Values, Poetry, Social

August 20, 2017, Prescott-

NOTE: I am not shying away from posting about my visits to Harrisonburg and Lexington, VA. That post will be up, tonight (dated July 22). Considering one of the people in the post, though, brought to mind the topic below.

So, I have a hole in my heart, right now.

I, who pride myself on letting those I love fly away,

knowing that if they are really meant to be here,

they will return.

If not, they will light elsewhere.

There are, though, people

whose absence,

or lack of communication,

or estrangement,

hurt like Hell.

I guess that’s part of the physical realm,

and my mentors, ever steadfast,

will admonish me to let go.

I will, in short order,

but for now,

I am massaging the soreness.

People who run,

or are in hiding,

or are just silent,

I wish you every measure

of love, dignity and solace.

It will be nice,

if I am in your good graces,

again.

Fly where you will,

and know this roost is being kept fresh.

(This is for all my surrogate daughters,

who have disappeared and my friend,

who sped off, without a word.)

Charlottesville

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on August 13, 2017 in collaborating, Community, Education, Historical, impediments, Social, Spiritual, Striving

August 13, 2017, Prescott-

It’s rather ironic, that my journey series has reached the point where my next few posts will be about Antietam, Harpers Ferry, Harrisonburg/Lexington and Olive Hill, KY. I did not visit the seat of the University of Virginia, this time out. It is my late wife’s alma mater and Charlottesville is the first place where Penny heard about the Baha’i Faith. There is a strong Baha’i presence there, to this day. Were my fellows in faith to be given charge of this weekend’s gatherings, they may well have had white and black extremists cordoned off in one area, as was done at a Baha’i gathering in Orlando, several years ago. It taught more than a few of them the absurdity of their positions.

Fear has a lot to do with what went on, on both sides. Fear makes people do prudent things, like staying aware of their surroundings, watching where they put their hands and feet, not picking fights with those who could seriously cause harm. Fear also can make people do stupid things, like assume a person, who has certain physical features or styles of dress/adornment, is dangerous or argue a point, that they know is ridiculous, “could possibly be right.”

I believe every life matters, too. I believe it is right to learn from history and that it is wrong to try and erase history. There was once an emperor of China, who tried to expunge the record of every ruler who came before him. He wanted to rewrite history, in his own hand. It’s said that history is written by the victor, but that didn’t turn out so well, for said Emperor. Others kept records, then, and others will keep records, now. Those who remove our statuary are not being honest with children. They are no better than those who gave short shrift to the legacies of people of colour, over a nearly 200-year period. History needs to be full and balanced, if we are to learn from our errors, as a nation and as a species.

I am very saddened by the needless and premature death of Heather Heyer. This wanton act of murder had nothing to do with a certain number of Antifa members being mixed with the anti-Nazi protestors. Ms. Heyer was not with Antifa, nor was she “bused in by George Soros.” She was a Charlottesville resident, employed as a paralegal. It had everything to do with the killer’s being an impressionable young man, of questionable emotional stability, being influenced, to some degree, by the words and taunts of a good number of Ku Klux Klan and Nazi Party members. The reactions of many of the alt-right protesters does indicate they were not out to kill those who confronted them. The obscenity-laced comments filling the air- on You Tube videos- did, however, set some people off, including the errant driver.

It’s long past time to start serious, but respectful and frank dialogue. Let’s do it, anyway. It’s long past time for the President to set a strong tone of domestic leadership, aimed at getting differing sides together, peacefully, but nose-to-nose, if necessary. The air needs to be cleared of the noxious. Citizens, however, as was said this evening, at a candlelight vigil here, also need to set the moral tone, at their level.. No far-off politician can do all the heavy-lifting, nor should a local demagogue be allowed to stir up the passions of one segment of the populace, as happened in Charlottesville.

I am not any kind of supremacist. I am not any kind of ideologue. I have lived long enough to know that we lose, mightily, by excluding any group, based on any physical characteristic, faith or creed. So, on we go, without the vivacious young paralegal, who just wanted to love her community.

Philly On The Water and Celts Above the Freeway

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on August 9, 2017 in Community, Family, Historical, Social, Travel

July 19, 2017, Philadelphia-

In the past, we would drive along and bypass the large cities of the East Coast, Boston and Washington being exceptions. I have continued to do so, pretty much, since Penny’s passing. With Philadelphia being the venue for a major family event, next summer, and with my brother and sister-in-law being here for a visit, I made my way into town for two days. This was the second day. I was on my own until 4 PM, as the family had to tend to planning activities.

So, after saying farewell to my nephew, at Brandywine, some downtown Philly time was in order. My first stop, after parking the Hyundai, was Penn’s Landing. Here, William Penn did disembark his boat, after sailing up the Delaware River, in 1682. He’d be amazed at what is there now. I walked along the pedestrian bridge and along the overlook, watching people in the pop-up amusement park, below.

After purchasing a bottle of water, from one of the ubiquitous vendors, who line Penn’s Landing, in summer, I found I-95 park, perched above the freeway. It is a shady place of comfort for those living on the Near South Side, and has several remnants of what dominated the area, before the City of Brotherly Love.

It also has a couple of statues honouring the people of Celtic descent, who provided so much of the labour for building the cities of the megalopolis, from Boston to Norfolk. This statue pays homage to the Irish immigrants.

Next to it, another statue tips its collective hat to the Scots, who were so indispensable to shipbuilding, a Philadelphia mainstay.

This sculpture depicts a family walking past Tun Tavern, a key gathering place in early Philadelphia. This marker commemorates the site of the old public house, founded in 1686, and named for the Old English term for beer barrel.

Moving on, from I-95 Park, I spotted this early Twentieth Century office building, which may or may not have had a predecessor in this spot, which may or may not have been used by Benjamin Franklin, during one of his breaks from planning the Indian Wars, at Tun Tavern.

The Betsy Ross House had a private event this afternoon, so I gave a pass to going inside.

Like Boston and New York, Philadelphia is filled with little architectural gems, above doors, along windows and on walls. This wrought iron protects the window, in a most agreeable way.

I am most amenable to further exploration of this great city, especially next summer. My next post, though, will focus on one of Philly’s best kept secrets: The Center for Art in Wood.

What happened to Sixty-Six, for Sixty Six? Nothing, I have five posts left, in that series, and will insert them between now and November 28, when 66 ends.

Interlude

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on August 6, 2017 in children, Inspiration, Poetry, Social, Spiritual, Striving

August 6, 2017, Prescott-

NOTE: Those following my journey of last month need not worry- there is much more to come, from those Road Days: Philadelphia; Hagerstown; Antietam; Harpers Ferry; Falls of the Ohio; Paducah; Sarcoxie; Baxter Springs & Sedan, Kansas; Folsom, Cimarron & Taos, NM, and all points in between.

Today, however, is an intermezzo. I want to pause, and connect with where my heart and spirit are NOW.

You, each and all, matter greatly, dearly.

Whoever told you, dying of ovarian cancer, and sitting on a downtown curb,

asking for whatever help people can bring,

that you are beyond hope- has lied to you.

I gave you my last dollar, and have to be prudent, for a week or so, as I am running low, myself.

Yet, you matter.

Whoever told you, beautiful young woman, just trying to get a meal and catch a break,

that you are good for only one thing- has shut his eyes to everything that you are.

I’d be proud as punch, to claim you as my daughter.

You matter.

Whoever told you, strong, vital husband of an engaging, innovative woman,

that you ought to stay in the background, and let her be in the spotlight-

is cheating both of you.

She wants you at her side,

and you matter.

Whoever told you, my dearest friend and soul sister,

that no man would ever want you to be anything,

other than a source of pleasure, and his servant-

is living in a fool’s paradise.

You have taught me more, in a month’s time,

than I learned in six decades,

and I look forward to all that you have left to impart,

because you matter.

To all who may have told anyone in your life,

that he or she is worthless, a waste of DNA,

fodder for a compost pile-

think again, and hard.

You matter, in spite of your scathing remarks

and constant oneupmanship,

but so do those whom you disparage.

The black person matters,

as does the white,

the East Asian,

the Latino,

the Native American,

the Pacific Islander,

the West Asian,

the South Asian.

Men matter,

and so do women.

Seniors matter,

as do children,

teens,

young adults,

those in “middle age”.

Homeless people matter,

and homeowners,

renters,

couch surfers.

There is no “Keep Out” sign,

at the universal level,

for anyone in the LGBTQ umbrella group,

for anyone with weight issues,

for anyone who struggles with mental health problems,

for anyone who can’t walk,

can’t speak, hear or see,

or can’t think.

This is where I am, now.

You, my female and male friends,

whose company I enjoy,

and who enjoy mine;

my neighbour children,

who love playing in my yard,

because it’s a safe place;

my students and co-workers,

who actually look forward

to being at school,

because we support one another,

I am blessed to be here,

because of you.

Sixty-Six, for Sixty Six,Part LVII: Return to Down East, Part 2- Stonewall Kitchen and Downtown York

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on August 3, 2017 in Family, Hiking and Nature, Historical, Social, Travel

July 16, 2017, York, ME-

My father’s family hails from Maine, and several of us have lived in the Pine Tree State, for certain periods of our lives. Presently, one of my Dad’s sisters lives here, in York, two of her children and their families live nearby, and two other cousins liveculinary center in other parts of the state. It is Aunt Helen’s birthday, today, so this evening was spent at her home, with her youngest child, and her family, on hand for the celebration.

Beforehand, I stopped at Stonewall Kitchen, a large culinary center that celebrates Maine’s agricultural wealth and offers cooking classes. Auntie works there, part-time and is a fixture at the place. I had no trouble finding her, with help from two or three of her co-workers. Since she was at work, I busied myself with checking out the store and the well-coiffed grounds, before moving on to York’s downtown, Old York historic district and harbor area.

Here are some scenes of Stonewall Kitchen (NOTE: It is named for the iconic stone walls, that line many fields in New England.

You can see, from these scenes of the very southernmost part of Maine, why the state has exploded in popularity with travelers, tourists and people seeking to relocate.

I spent three more hours in York’s central districts. The downtown area, like that of so many New England towns, is walkable and most inviting. Here are some highlights, of the area just to the north of Old York.

I began at the town’s Civil War Monument.

The Old York Garden Club maintains the verdure, in this roundabout and at York public Library, as well as in the historic district itself.

The rushes are a natural part of York’s environment, and have been carefully preserved, just west of York Public Library, as a wetlands initiative.

After appreciating the exterior of York Public Library, and finding the building closed, for the Sabbath, I headed to Old York.

Sixty-Six, for Sixty Six, Part LVI: Return to Down East, Part 1- Green Acre

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on August 2, 2017 in Education, Inspiration, Social, Spiritual, Striving, Travel

July 16, 2017, Eliot, ME-

I had anticipated visiting relatives, outside the immediate family, today. I just was not sure which ones. Last night, I got a message from a long-lost cousin, saying that he couldn’t meet with me this time around, but would I please consider visiting his mother, my paternal aunt, on her birthday.

It’s been 28 years, since I last set foot in the State of Maine. My last visit there didn’t go very smoothly, and I have been embarrassed to return to the last place I stayed. This time, though, I was determined to make it a good day.

I started out at Green Acre Baha’i School, located in Eliot, just over the Piscataqua River from Portsmouth, NH. The property, once owned by a spiritualist, was deeded to the Baha’i Faith by Sarah Farmer, after ‘Abdu’l-Baha visited the property, in 1912, and told Ms. Farmer that he foresaw a great center of learning rising there.

It is, at present, a vibrant place of spiritual education, and Green Acre has forged strong ties with the surrounding communities. I spent about two hours there, before heading up to York. A high point is always visiting the room where ‘Abdu’l-Baha stayed, during his visit.

Here are some scenes of Green Acre:

The first building that greets the visitor is a large classroom center.

The administration building and registrar’s office is located diagonally across the street.

The administrator’s residence is next to the registrar’s office.

Overlooking it all is the majestic Sarah Farmer Inn. Students in the various programs, which are generally a week or two in length, stay in this Victorian establishment.

One may walk down to the banks of the Piscataqua River, across which is Portsmouth, New Hampshire’s only seaport

The Great Lawn offers a sweeping view of the campus.

Back in the Sarah Farmer Inn, I recalled having sat and meditated in the parlour, on a previous visit.

Upstairs, one may pray and meditate in the room where ‘Abdu’l-Baha stayed. After I had done so, with three other people praying in the room, it was most prudent to take this photo, from outside the room itself.

Upon leaving the Sarah Farmer Inn, I was informed that there was a picnic and barbecue outside, which I promptly joined. A pleasant meal of chicken and several vegetarian dishes, and a chance meeting with friends from Arizona made for a fine ending to this short visit.

I had gathered both nutritional and spiritual sustenance, which would carry me safely onward, eventually back to Arizona. This day, however, would bring further joys into view: Stonewall Kitchen, where my aunt works; Old York; York Harbor and the Mason Preserve, and a nice little gathering, in auntie’s honour. Stay tuned.

Sixty-Six, for Sixty Six, Part L: A Hoosier Menagerie

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on July 25, 2017 in animal and plant life, children, Family, Social

July 10, 2017, Goshen, IN-

After leaving, Notre Dame, I realized I needed some sustenance. Finding a pizzeria, in Elkhart , closed on Monday, I went into Martin’s Supermarket, on the east end of town, and had a small snack. Good thing, it wasn’t linner, as I was able to contact another friend, Mcbery, and arrange to meet her, hubby and grandchildren, for a tour of their substantial farm, in nearby Goshen. While en route to our meeting point, I met a harbinger of the visit to come: A Canadian goose crossing zone!

I went into Elkhart’s public library, and no sooner had I sat down at a computer desk, than Miriam and Lee showed up. Off we went, me trailing carefully behind, through Goshen’s narrow lanes. The menagerie was not long in greeting us, at this estimable farm. There are the usual animals resident on farms: Cattle, horses, sheep, goats, donkeys and dogs. Then, there are chickens and Guinea pigs, enjoying one another’s company.

The fauna now took a decidedly more exotic turn, with two types of flightless birds greeting us, with squawks. The emus, and at least one rhea, manage also to share a large pen. I was glad to see no cassowary in the mix- those birds are especially vicious.

The most challenging resident, for now, is a three-month-old camel. Lee seems to be the only person who can keep a lid on her behaviour. She came up to me, regarded me with interest, then quickly jumped away, on her little excursion of mischief.

Further down the path, a full-grown camel led a parade of animals towards their evening feeding. I was glad to take part in this, and the camel seen here accepted a fistful, or two, of clover and grass, from me.

After meeting all the animals, it was time for the grandkids to go to their home, down the path, and for the three of us to go for our dinner. So I close, with a photo of this wonderful farm family.

Indiana has been, once again, a delight, and in three diverse ways, last night and today.

NEXT UP: Three posts about Ohio, starting with Van Wert, and the most interesting things that happened there.

Sixty-Six, for Sixty Six, Part XLIII: Beyond Measure

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on July 21, 2017 in Hiking and Nature, Inspiration, Social, Spiritual, Travel

July 9-10, 2017, Portage, IN-

My life has not been seemingly on a higher plane, since being invited to the spiritual forum that flows, quite nicely, with the tenets and expressions of faith that emanate from the Writings of Baha’u’llah. A lovely service honoured His Herald, al-Bab (The Gate), who was so brutally executed on July 9, 1850- as part of a religious pogrom, that continues, to this day, in Iran.

The Baha’i House of Worship, in Wilmette, north of Chicago, blesses the entire area and brings solace to people of all spiritual traditions and inclinations. The serenity extends to the surrounding shoreline of Lake Michigan.

Despite the solemn nature of the service, there is still much joy that the Baha’i friends take, from being together at this beloved Temple.

I was pleased to have met a new friend and mentor, at this gathering, as well as long-time fellows in Faith. The energy propelled me, rather easily, through the freeway drive that could be otherwise rather draining.

I reached Indiana, in plenty of time for a Stromboli repast, in the town of Lake Station. I did not hear back from a friend here in Portage, who has seemed a bit beleaguered, of late. My plan to camp at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, however, did come to fruition. There was a hint of a storm, which fortunately, did not strike the area until a bit after dawn, allowing me to break camp and head for the Dunkin Donuts. My sad looking little tent is actually quite comfortable.

I like that Mother Nature waited, until I had everything down, folded and in the trunk, before the downpour began. I felt badly for my neighbour,though. She was a Hispanic woman, with four kids in tow. I think the boys were in a tent, and she was in the camper, so it was probably only a temporary inconvenience.

After eating a breakfast sandwich and warming up with coffee, I headed to the Dunes. The early morning was dark, and could have been gloomy, if I’d let it be. There is a majesty, in the stark horizon and in the interplay between shore and lake.

There are all manner of trails, around the Dunelands- and one goes from the Illinois state line to the Michigan line. I was content, today, just to enjoy the shoreline and life in the sand dunes.

There are several estuaries, a testimony to the sheer size of the lakes.

Here is a look at Portage’s harbour house and marina.

Vegetation and flowers are always very thick, among the dunes.

The allure of reflection is ever present.

Michigan is not quite visible, through the haze, but it’s there, way beyond the steel mill.

There is a fine interplay, at long last, between conservation and metallurgy, in this often buffeted area.

The “closeness” of Chicago? At least, the haze is not strong, to the north and west.

The steel barons, long ago, had a lighthouse placed at the north end of the mill site. It is almost a stone’s throw, from the public walkway, west of the mill.

Here is the beach area, of the Portage shoreline. A few hardy souls were here, in search of at least a morning’s catch.

Finally, this wetland area has been reclaimed, fully, from having been a Superfund waste site. Indiana’s Congressional representatives and the steel industry managed to get this one right, and wildlife thrives, in the restored hills.

July 10 was a most momentous day, with two great visits, each of which will be the subject of a post. Part XLIV (44) will feature the University of Notre Dame and Part XLV (45) looks at Elkhart, and a most unusual family farm.

Sixty-Six, for Sixty Six, Part XLVII: A SunFlour Doppelganger and A Room On A Bluff

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on July 19, 2017 in Community, Social, Travel

July 8, 2017, Lake Bluff, IL- Today was sunny and the Ozarks gleamed brightly, after last night’s paltry drizzle. I drove out of Joplin early, as there was no Internet at Tara Motel, and I wanted to get to the Chicago area by nightfall- with an urge to find a campground, somewhere in the northwest suburbs. I also didn’t know, at that point, whether any northern Illinois friends would have time to visit a bit, on such short notice.

Rolla is one of my favourite towns in Missouri, and became more so, when I found Cupcakes and Cravings. Here is a coffee house and lunch counter that is a dead ringer for SunFlour Market, which two friends run, in Superior, AZ. Since one of SunFlour’s owners is from the St. Louis area, maybe there is a connection with this lovely spot. I had coffee and a sandwich, then bought a cupcake, for later on.

It’s another fun place to browse and pick up a gift, for the lady who has everything.

I can think of a few, for whom this would be the right special occasion cake.

Once lunch was done, it was time to get back outside, so that Amanda could clean up and go home. Rolla has a large community park, just off I-44.

There is much to recommend this beautiful town, whether passing through, or settling down- but enough of the doggerel.

The rest of my drive was peaceful, even in Chicago, where the multitudes practice what my brother calls “the zipper method”- drivers take turns, when consolidating traffic lanes. This keeps a slow crawl from turning into gridlock, especially at the choke point, on the southwest segment of the Dan Ryan. One hour after entering the DR, I was looking for a campground in Lake County- but to no avail. I was just too beat, and By The Way Motel presented itself, at a reasonable rate. So it is, that I am here, and getting ready for a special event at the Baha’i House of Worship, tomorrow, without having to go further- to Waukegan, or North Chicago.

NEXT: Further reflections on a Holy Day, and camping at Indiana Dunes

	Sagittarian Seeker on Worlds Within A World, Part…
	Anonymous on Worlds Within A World, Part…
	Sagittarian Seeker on By Example
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	Sagittarian Seeker on False Equivalence

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