March 23, 2015, Williams- Today, I helped a friend haul stuff out of her old double-wide trailer, in a remote area about ten miles north of this tourist center, along Route 66. It had been her regrouping home, whilst she was decompressing from other life events. She returned to a community-based living situation, about two years ago, and is donating the trailer to Habitat for Humanity.
We had long conversations, on the way to and from the place, and I got a lot of affirmation of my life plans, as far as they go right now. This friend is another person who serves as an older sister or cousin, so this support is well-taken.
I have had a checkered relationship with Habitat for Humanity. In the ’90’s, I gave a fair amount to the charity, and its mortgage arm. Around 2005, much came to light about Habitat foreclosing on several mortgages, and evicting people. While I am now sure that some of this was fair business practice, it left a sour taste in my mouth and I no longer contributed to the charity, after 2006. My contributions resumed, briefly, last year, when my in-laws’ house here was sold, and some of the furniture went to Habitat.
I have definite criteria for my charitable contributions: The bulk of the money must go to its intended clientele, not to administration, and the charity must not do harm to that clientele, especially in the name of revenue generation. I rely on Charity Navigator, my available funds and my gut feelings, when making a contribution. So, it shall continue.
March 22, 2015, Montezuma Well- Today would have been my father’s 88th birthday. He’s been gone from us for 29 years now, but the wisdom of the man resonates still. A lot of that wisdom, I am convinced, was passed down through the faded, but still perceptible, knowledge of our Penobscot ancestors. I am ever drawn to Native American perspectives on matters, perhaps because of this. Having lived among the Navajo and Hopi people for several years, I have internalized many of these perceptions. I visited some long-time Baha’i friends this afternoon, in this quiet community, north of Camp Verde and along the tributary of the Verde River that is known as Wet Beaver Creek. My friends, a Navajo man and his wife who is of European descent, and their elder daughter, greeted me at their home just west of Montezuma Well National Monument.
After a light lunch, three of us went over to V Bar V Ranch Historical Site, which is maintained by the U. S. Forest Service. Today was the second Archaeology Discovery Day, at this site. There were several booths, as well as the permanent ruins of the ranch, from the 1880’s and several petroglyphs, which appear to be of the Beaver Creek Style, dating from the 12th and 13th Centuries, A.D., and associated with the people known commonly as Sinagua or, to their Hopi descendants, Hisatsinom. In this style, animals and people are often depicted together- either as prey/predator or as observed and observer.
On the way in, we encountered the ruin of a chimney and fireplace, virtually all that is left of the ranch that that once dominated this area. There is a former ranch house, now used as rangers’ offices, at the north end of the site and next to it, a Visitor Center.
We were first pleasantly greeted by a lilac bush.
The importance of agriculture, then and now, was highlighted by a table which featured traditional plants and seeds of the area, including white and blue corn, and various beans and squash. Brown native cotton was also on display. We were each given several packs of heirloom seeds.
Each sherd of pottery found in the area is kept in a dignified manner. Each piece is treated as representing the energy of the person who fashioned it, many centuries ago. It was explained to us that many modern Native American officials a re now more interested in oil and mineral royalties, and the pursuit of corporate wealth, than in maintaining traditional languages and cultures. The preservation of archaeological sites, then, is, ironically, entrusted to the Federal government.
The petroglyphs themselves, and the way the sun hit an area near a crack in the rock face, drew the largest crowds..
Globemallow were in full bloom.
There was a spear throwing contest, using an atlatl. None of us were immediately adept at it. I would need several hours of practice, in order to properly use the instrument.
Many other wilderness survival tools were on display, including several fishing implements and hunting snares and traps
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As ever, my outing got an affirmation from the spirit realm. There were several heart-shaped rocks along the trail.
I was well-impressed by the site and the various displays, which offered a wealth of explanations to young and old alike. This was a fine way to offer an homage to my father.
March 21, 2015, Prescott- We had a lively Naw-Ruz observance in Goodyear, last night. The food was, likewise, delectable and varied. Today, our Prescott area communities had a joint celebration, a bit more restrained, but no less fervent. I did the devotional, and offered up some contemplative, and some lively, music. The food was equally as good. We are in a solemn mood as a group, right now, because of the precarious health of a couple members of our immediate, and extended, Baha’i families. God will guide us all through this, though.
Naw-Ruz, as I have mentioned earlier, is a Baha’i New Year, and has ancient roots, stemming from Persian culture, which itself goes back 2,600 years. The notion is fertility and prosperity, thus it coincides with the beginning of the northern Spring. All Iranians, and their neighbours, such as the Afghans, Kurds, Turkmen and Tajiks, revel in this festival. Baha’is, being unencumbered by nationality, have brought the Festival of Naw-Ruz to the world stage. Indeed, when I posted greetings on another social medium, return greetings came back from all parts of the world, even in places where I have never met anyone, previously.
May peace and prosperity dig their roots in deeper, even in areas seemingly consumed by chaos. It is known that as fire, or lava, cover a surface and destroy all in their paths, underneath, the seeds of new growth are opened by the heat. So, too, is a new civilization, based on unity in diversity and love for all peoples, going to be built on the ashes of iniquity.
Let me close by switching gears, with a couple of affirmations I left out of my last post. 1. I will read at least ten pages a day, in each of at least two books. 2. I will work to set up a visiting team, from Angels of Prescott, to the Arizona Pioneer Home, whose residents seem to be sorely ignored by the community at large.
Next: A visit with some old friends, near Montezuma Well.
March 20, 2015,, Goodyear, AZ- So, as I headed down to this western suburb of Phoenix, for a reunion with old friends, on the occasion of our Nineteen-Day Fast’s conclusion, the March Equinox brought Spring to the North and Autumn to the South. The evening was mostly convivial, and I got to know someone, who had once been off-putting, a bit better.
The occasion of Naw-Ruz, the ancient Persian celebration of the Vernal Equinox as New Year, has been adopted by the Baha’i Faith as our New Year. More about this, in my next post.
I used today as a time to formulate short-term affirmations and goals, for the season of Spring itself. These are in the categories of personal, community and extended community.
Personal- I will adhere to waking at 5:30 AM, each day.
I have eliminated sources of frivolity from my daily routine.
I will continue the regimen of daily health checks, morning devotions and exercise.
I will add evening devotions to that daily regimen. (This being one activity that lacked consistency in my life).
I will walk at least a half-hour after dinner, wherever I happen to be, every evening.
Hikes will continue to be a regular part of my weekly regimen.
I will continue with random, and intentional, acts of kindness, each day, wherever I happen to be.
Community- I will remain actively involved with my Baha’i community, with the Red Cross, with Angels of Prescott, and with Slow-Food Prescott.
I will serve out the remaining months of my term with the American Legion Post, though continuing as its Chaplain is a matter on which I am undecided, at this point.
Extended community- I will continue to expand on the size of this.
I will visit with friends both locally and farther afield.
I will offer daily messages and acts of support to those in my world.
I will continue to share and educate people, regarding Essential Oils.
I will make a journey, in late May and the month of June, to the Pacific Northwest and to Southeast Alaska.
Knowing these affirmations and goals will resonate with some, and viewed askance by others, I will honour them anyway.
March 19, 2015, Prescott- I had the first of two interviews, and a tour, on a visit to Mountain Oak School, on the near north side of town, this morning. Mountain Oak is a Waldorf School, meaning the stress is on integrated learning, with music, art and kinesthetics built into the curriculum.
I have dabbled in holistic learning, at various points in my career. It has always made the most sense to me, engaging the whole child, and in a manner that eases the child into the day of learning. At M.O., the first two hours are spent in structured, challenging, yet engaging activities.
While touring, I watched as students co-operated with one another in cleaning up a mess, while continuing to sing a lesson. It has been well-established that musical presentations of lessons help integrate the two sides of the brain, working together. Fifth graders were doing an integration-oriented activity in cross-body coordination. Grade 7 was on a walk in the campus wood. Eighth grade seemed a bit more traditional, but I could see they were preparing for a Socratic Seminar, which even the public middle schools are bringing into the fore.
I would imagine that the average Mountain Oak student will come away from a nine-year experience here with a far more complete picture of the way he or she fits in the world, than will those whose comparable experience is rooted in textbooks and paperwork.
I have a second interview next week, and the complete scope of how I would fit in here, as a substitute teacher and social sciences/language arts contributor, will be made clearer. I can’t help feeling that this experience will also awaken parts of my own psyche that have been asleep for some time. It’s not only my outer frontiers that are expanding; the inner worlds are, as well.
March 18, 2015, Prescott- Donald Miller, in “A Million Miles In A Thousand Years”, essentially outlines a game plan for moving away from the blame game, by which people simultaneously sabotage their personal and professional lives and cast all blame for their situations on anyone but themselves.
I spent twelve years of my life, 1998-2010, in this sort of tailspin. Jeff Olson, in “The Slight Edge”, points out that energy can either work FOR or AGAINST a person, depending on how the individual chooses to set course. Seeing what damage I did to myself, and what a confusing example I set for my son, by blaming “the politicians”, “the enemies of the people” and “my ill-wishers” for my own lack of delivery, both personally and professionally. The fact is, I knew HOW to deliver on my promises, but the WHY was inconsistent. One must have a “WHY”, in order to bring about what one’s words say will happen. Then, the “HOW” must be put into consistent practice.
I spent today delivering- establishing solid contact with the leaders of two alternative charter schools in our area, both of which have proven track records, and talking this evening with a person who would be regarded among East Coast business professionals as a “High Marker”, a successful businessman here in Prescott, who expressed interest in my Essential Oils endeavours. Of course, these are baby steps, and someone like Donald Miller, Jeff Olson or Franklin Covey would admonish not to get distracted or giddy with excitement. The next steps must always be anticipated, and taken in a state of awareness.
So, this wondrous Wednesday, at a time in March that has so often been tiresome and challenging in years past, now brings the aura of progress.
March 17, 2015, Prescott- The wearing of the green, on this day four years ago, found me putting on a day-appropriate t-shirt and taking a grinning selfie, with which I’ll not trouble you. My face looked contorted, in more of a grimace than a smile. I had at least three chins, to boot. Penny had passed on just twelve days earlier,so as one might guess, the whole thing was to somehow trick myself into thinking that standing alone, in our now-empty Phoenix house, would break the din of sorrow. Our son had the good sense to be off with friends that evening, and I’ve never been one to cling to anyone in despair.
Each year since, St. Patrick’s Day has come and gone. I’ve been in Prescott for each of the past three, and generally have opted for either a home-cooked corned beef and cabbage or, as last year, go off with friends to one of the few spots that doesn’t operate on alcohol sales and cover charges. It’s been a while since I was a twenty-something, so the cover charge is a relic, to me.
Tonight, the occasion was quietly observed at Prescott Junction, which used to be a JB’s, and is now a more imaginative Mom & Pop, albeit with the same owners. It was, I must say, one of the more ample, and well-spiced, plates of corned beef I’ve had, since leaving my parents’ house, in 1973. Mom always observed the special days in traditional style, and hers was succulent corned beef.
The meal aside, I get inspiration from the Tall Tale of St. Patrick having smitten the snakes of Ireland. Here in Arizona, he’d be doing a land office business. Triumphing over adversity is a step-by-step affair, and when one considers that those we view as evil, often see themselves as on a noble quest, the snake analogy is apropos. Serpents, after all, control the rodent populace. I have a very hard time, though, seeing the likes of Islamic State and Boko Haram as anything decent or good. Relegating strong, intelligent women to the pantry, or the bedroom, is a death blow to any society that is going to advance. Restricting our God-given free will freezes the souls of those who are enslaved by ideology. We are SUPPOSED TO make choices for ourselves. Otherwise, no one learns, or advances spiritually.
So, in a few days, my Baha’i Fast will end, winter will gradually give way to Spring, and I will adhere to a normal schedule of activity. In a few more years, 2021 to be specific, the Baha’i Fast will find me focusing on its spiritual dimension, while not adhering to its physical aspect-as by then, I’ll be 70. Life, in each of its stages, brings new challenges and blessings. Erin go bragh!
March 16, 2015, Prescott- When I watched “Birdman” recently, I started out expecting a variation on one of David Mamet’s plays. Well, there was profanity and conflict, throughout and these were well-presented. The difference was, there was an underlying theme of transcendence. Michael Keaton’s character gets to fly, in New York’s Theater District. Emma Stone, as his daughter, gives new meaning to “Age ain’t nothin’ but a number”. Two jilted women find happiness, with one another. The rest is left for you to discover, should you choose to see the film.
There is a Shakespearean element to the scenes: It is, after all, a play within a play. Scenes which seem extraneous to the plot, end up enhancing it. I basically have no issue with this film being “Best Motion Picture” for 2015.
March is typically a time for me to assess myself, in terms of spiritual well-being, much as November is a time for me to assess a year’s worth of accomplishments, or lack thereof. So far, I find I am drawing clearer, tighter boundaries: I am more protective of my time and money, with a view towards both being more useful and living longer, and better. I am more appreciative of the genuine helpers and friends in my life, both familial and amiable. The users around me, though, get minimal contact.
This has been a time for stretching the comfort zone. I am involved in promoting wellness, not so much for participating in the “truncated pyramid” aspects of the business, as for developing the more practical side of myself that has been put on the shelf for so many years. I believe in the efficacy of the products, because I see the good effects they have had on my health.
I am also going to do more with tent camping, being determined to put up the tent in such a way that it does not blow down in the middle of the night. Confidence has often been my weak suit, especially in areas where I have found myself being shoved aside, so that “someone who knows what he’s doing” can just take over, and get it done. The days of skimming the tops of trees, and of treading water, are at an end.
March 15, 2015, Prescott- I found myself in three friendly environments today. I spent an hour or so with a kindred soul, catching up with her considerable efforts at staying solvent. She has done far better, historically, than I have, in terms of financial management. I’m far better in that regard than I once was, yet I find her ability amazing. She gave me a link to a film,
I went to pay my respects, in mid-afternoon, to the members of our American Legion Post who had passed on, since last March. Each year, we have a Post Everlasting ceremony. “Post Everlasting” is the Legion’s name for eternity.
After this brief, but heartfelt, ceremony, I got in some fresh air and exercise, at Granite Basin Lake, a reservoir at the foot of Granite Mountain, northwest of Prescott. Here are some photos of the wilderness that is emerging from winter.
Not all parts of the forest made it through winter unscathed.
The granite endures, though.
In spite of the purveyors of doom, water is a bit more plentiful this year.
As always, there is at least one heart to greet me.
The stuffed rock wall reminded me of the one in Marfa, TX.
A small waterfall spilled over the barrier.
Further up the road, a glorious sunset awaited.
This was not just any outing, but a chance to get a shut-in out to the lake he loves so much. That’s always time well-spent.
Back to E-Motion. I watched the film, this evening. It has presented me with several confirmations of what I have known for some time. It also corroborates the observations of Dr. MonaLisa Schulze, in “Awakening Intuition”, that our emotions remain stored in various parts of our bodies. Replacing negative stuffed emotions with positive is an essential component of reversing a negative mindset/lifestyle. I have offered the link here, so that anyone wanting to get a handle on migraines, lack of sleep, stomach aches, and even many forms of cancer, may commence the healing process. There is also a cute love story at the end.
March 14, 2015, Prescott– I spent much of today organizing my photos on my Flickr account (https://www.flickr.com/photos/86298326@N07/). Those who wish to check the various albums out, are welcome. Further progress occurred in settling my de facto client, into a positive living situation. He feels welcome there, and has secured a niche. I gained more insight into the depth of his personal suffering, so the healing is taking root.
My focus for this evening, here, is the mercantile nature of just about everything, these days. Some in government believe it is their agencies’ duty to support the economic aspects of their particular area of purview. Mental health agencies, and some hospitals, place the profits of insurance companies and of their umbrella agencies above the well-being of individual clients, patients, participants- or whatever the nom de jour of their clientele happens to be.
While having dinner this evening, in a local restaurant, I overheard the people at the table in front of me noting, with some disdain, just how mercenary the government, and multinational companies have become, about everything from water to one’s last rites. I know that Nestle has tried to take over drinking water supplies in some small communities and has sued the people, to force them to give up their water supply to its bottling arm. I haven’t heard anything on that matter lately, so maybe Swiss rationality has drawn the conclusion that this is overreach. Monsanto has sent its legal eagles after other small communities, and small farmers, to force its seeds and farming practices on them- with the ever-present threat of a lawsuit, or an unwanted visit from Bill Nye the Science Guy, to intimidate and dominate.
I have heard, more than once, that the mission of the US Food and Drug Administration is to protect the economic aspects of our nation’s food and pharmaceutical supplies. This, naturally, means protection of large industrial concerns, in those areas. Here, it is a wave of contributions to re-election campaigns, rather than attorneys threatening to bankrupt the little guys, that does the trick. I don’t make any distinction here between the Koch Brothers and George Soros. Both camps are quite capable of pushing their own agendas on the political class.
My dining neighbours questioned everything from bottled water to 401K’s. I tend to agree, more and more, with the idea that one can make do with relative simplicity. Having spent my last night on the road in a campground, in perfect contentment, I will be glad to expand on that more, in weekend jaunts later this Spring. Having become quite good at stretching my meals, while still achieving satiety and maintaining health, I am confident this regimen will continue. My IRA will stay healthy, with or without the scaredy cats on Wall Street.
The coming months and years will see a re-working of the term “For Profit”. Real profit is a tide that lifts all boats.
