Largest Art Festival in USA at Coconut Grove

We need to give each other the space to grow, to be ourselves, to exercise diversity. We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing, and inclusion. ~ Max de Pree

 

Traveling with our friends, we drove through all of the Florida Keys headed for Miami. It was a three hour drive, but the views along the way were very inspiring. Our friends explained the history of each Key and how it had significantly grown or suffered. This long drive took us to the largest art festival in the United States. The Coconut Art Festival was celebrating 50 successful years with over 350 artists on site and more than 500,000 people expected to attend. This is a juried show with highly skilled artists, best quality work, and exceptional offerings from across the United States, Canada, and a few other countries.
 

The skill of each artist was so unique nothing seemed replicated. There were oils, water colors, multi-media and even embroidered I had never seen displayed before. There were etchings in pencil and glass, pottery in Miami style, unique jewelry for all occasions, spectacular glass pieces for walls, vases, and table top decorations. Much to my surprise, I came upon a jewelry maker I had purchased from at the Peoria Art Festival in Illinois. (I knew she was counting on me, so I bought from her again. I couldn't let her down!) Other artists offered metal works, sculptures, fibers and painted silk, wood creations and leather designs. In addition, there were performing artists and individual musicians scattered throughout the show. In the attempt to not exclude any artist, there was an entire section of culinary arts with amazing food and chefs.
 

This was an amazing experience. I have attended art shows and festivals for years now, and I have to admit even though this was the largest scale art show I have ever attended, not one tent nor exhibitor had failed to reflect their unique interpretation of what they had honed their skills to create. 
 

These artists truly reflected the concept of remaining focused on individual interpretation, extending time and money on the preferred skill, rather than spending energy on duplicating some one else's creation or style. They followed their personal instincts with passion and the results were extremely creative gifts. We found some of the artists visiting other artists to buy what they honored in others. One jewelry artist was looking at a beautiful silk painted shawl. She was willing to support others in what they did best. Artists respecting the exceptional qualities in others promotes diversity and good will.
 

One particular young woman will always stand out in my mind, Teresa Merriman.  Her business is MIND'S EYE JOURNALS.  She was from Colorado and created exceptional journals. She had made the paper which was high quality, and then prepared leather of different shades to cover each journal. She also bound all of the journals her self. There were three different sizes and not one a like. The higher end prices were on the journals adorned with leather covers plus uniquely individual metal disks. These journals were high quality artistic offerings. I loved talking with this artist at length and regretfully didn't buy one. I felt I would never have anything worthy enough to say to grace the lovely pages in this exceptional journal.  Her skilled crafts (woman) ship can be viewed at: 
www.MindsEyeJournals.com
 

We also attended the neighboring art festival (We walked out of one and right into another) composed of artists applying too late to get juried for the larger show. It was also very entertaining. In a delightfully older school building, High Tea was being offered with fresh strawberries on scones. We of course wanted to support their efforts as well.
 

After stimulating the economy in this creative heaven, we were ready to head home. With a three hour return drive a head of us, we had plenty of time to share our favorite experience or food from the day. Half-way back we experienced a wonderful dinner at The Green Turtle giving ourselves time to rest and regroup. We had left our rental house by 7:30 am and returned exhausted by 10:30 pm, but what a magnificent day.

Woman with a Parrot

Let's take a walk together near the ocean shore,

hand in hand you and I.

Let's cherish ev'ry moment we have been given

for time is passing by.

Kool And The Gang

Time here in Key West is passing too quickly.  We have done so many things, gone to differing sites, and visited with friends, but there are still destinations to be met.  There is so much more I am wanting to experience here, and yet a balance must be kept.

There are experiences I have yet to share and insights left unreported.  Some are incidental meetings while others have been synchronistic. And what can be said for increasingly complicated dreaming I have yet to figure out.  Understanding the many layers to this time being spent here, one must also account for the bombardment of emotions or energy accompanying each person and place as the abrasive vibrations are mixed in with those I hold dear. 

I was wandering down a beautiful Old Town street, canopied with trees and yards over flowing with flowers.  I heard a bird and immediately turned my head as I knew it would make a noise again.  And so it did.  I scanned the branches and the fences, but I saw nothing of a bird even though the noise grew louder.  I never stopped walking so I was curious as to how this bird was becoming louder instead of fading away.  I quit searching as I was approaching an elderly woman in front of me walking at such a slow pace.  As I began to pass her, a parrot sitting on her shoulder screeched at me.  The woman offered her arthritic old hand and the parrot climbed aboard.  The bird squawked at me again enjoying the fine act of startling me.  I stopped to admire the bird tethered to the woman by a very filthy string. The one end of the string was attached to the old woman's wrist and the other end was wrapped around the parrot's right foot.  She stooped over to loving set the bird on the sidewalk and then stood to face me.  I was already delivering my tourist response to her having a parrot on her shoulder, but immediately shut my mouth as soon as her eyes locked with  mine.  My first impression of a sweet older woman with her parrot companion swiftly changed to a gnarly old woman filled with bitterness and torment.  She never said a word, orally that is, but her eyes spoke volumes.  The energy she was generating towards me was not good.  It was heavy and chaotic.  She knew I would back away and back away I did.

As in all places, there are both happy folks and sad.  There are the homeless, but some with wealth just as sad.  Money does strange things to people  just as poverty can be debilitating.  There are some souls living alone in loneliness while others even though surrounded by others are trapped in a void of their own.  To all of them, I extend love, energy and light.

As time in Key West is flying by, I embrace with compassion all I am blessed to see ... all children of the Universe ... and not for me to speculate, judge or remedy.  I will cherish all of my experiences as each and every one reflects a reality not normally caught in the perception of my own little world.  In spite of our appearances, underneath, we really are all struggling to embrace the challenges we face. 





It Takes Input

The ocean was the best place, of course. That was what she loved most.

  It was a feeling of freedom like no other, and yet a feeling of communion

with all the other places and creatures the water touched.”    

  

~ Ann Brashares



Every day I hear the ocean and it calms me.  As the waves roll in, I feel as though I am being cleansed, over and over again.  The sun shines brightly upon my face and there is only joy, not sorrow.  As I wander back to our rented Key West home, I soak up the beauty of the beautiful trees and vibrant flowers snapping pictures all of the way. 

Once settled on the covered porch, I can laze on the glider listening to the gurgle of the small pool just a short glance away.  I watch small hawks flying overhead and wait for my favorite butterfly so delicate and graceful and yet so swift. 

For several years now, I have been meeting weekly with a small circle of women for contemplation, wisdom, and insight into various topics.  The sharing and learning between us has created a very strong bond of love.  This is where I feel accepted, not necessarily approved;and honored and respected in spite of frailties and wounds. Even though I carry these "sisters" in my heart, I miss their physical presence.

The same can be said for my writers group.  A few years back, I attended this gathering of diverse women and have returned weekly ever since.  Together we have laughed, cried, and taught each other through our shared writings and stories.  It is with these lovely ladies I have experienced tender hearted criticism, encouragement and validation.  I am keenly aware of my absence from these spirited sisters, and look forward to being with them once I return.

I also have weekly visits with a mentor and a close friend and by being absent, I realize how very much they help me to understand my self.  They say it takes a village to raise a child.  For me, it takes input from trusted and diverse souls to remain grounded and nurtured on my chosen path.  My destination will not be met if I travel completely alone, void of assistance from others.

When we were on the ferry last night, I was watching a buoy in the water bobbing around in the ocean waves.  This is how I feel at times, bobbing around in the deep waters of life.   I am upright and strong until a wave washes me over.  I resist and flounder until I allow my self to be upright again.  When I just trust the flow of the water and go with the ups and downs, life runs more smoothly.

A Kindred Spirit at the Intimate Concert at Historic Casa Antigua

 

 

 

Noel Paul Stookey

of

Peter, Paul and Mary

(See note below) 

 

 

 

 

When Russ told me he had acquired tickets to the Noel "Paul" Stookey concert (sold out) to  be held at the turn of the century private garden at the Historic Casa Antigua, I was extremely pleased.  At that time, however, I had no idea how the concert would validate my true sense of self.

 

The concert was a benefit for the Florida Keys Arts, specifically for Art Council Grant Programs.  The surroundings were a private garden with a simple one man stage.  I recognized Paul immediately.  He had aged well and it was hard for me to believe he was ten years older than myself.  His voice was just as rich and tender as I remembered, and his guitar playing was mesmerizing as we watched from the front row. 

 

As the old familiar words floated into my heart, I began to have vivid memories of my younger self.  I was able to recall  how these lyrics were aligned with my belief system as a teen and just how deeply I knew them to be truth.  It suddenly occurred to me that my beliefs were not just some carry over from the Bohemian Coffee House Poets or the Hippie Movement or Anti-War or New Age periods.  The words being softly delivered, touching the audiences very souls, made me aware, once again, I was truly me.  My views of today are better researched and formulated today but were based in the same earlier desires for honoring diversity, love not weapons, loving our land, and freedom for all.  I felt very validated sitting in the small audience, knowing that all  of us had been awakened to a former passion from so many years ago.  The past had become alive once again.  I was happy to acknowledge that I had remained truly me.

 

Noel Paul  Stookey presented several new songs that I had not heard prior to this "MUSIC from the HEART" concert.  His lyrics held the same desires with even deeper sentiments.  Through the lyrics and the chords he played, the audience could feel his passion that has held true over the years.  Who he was this evening on that stage, was a kindred spirit.  I longed to ask him questions about his long and dedicated path.  I wanted to know how he overcame being discouraged as we were faced with the same issues today (love, peace, acceptance) that he faced for the last forty years.  I was curious how he maintained his gentle nature and what kept him moving forward in these his later years.  He did say that it only took one man and his guitar to deliver a message we all needed to hear. 

 

Deeply moved by his performance, I felt a rush of creative expression and the strong desire to carry these themes further out into the world.  The synchronicity of his values being mirrored in many of my past and current writings assured me I was on the right track.  It was exhilarating to know seeds had been planted in me so long ago and diversity of others grew those seeds.  My strong sense of love and equality might not have been original, but I was born with the fertile ground, waiting for these seeds to sprout. 

 

Peter, Paul, and Mary had growing popularity as folk singers in the early 1960's. Their lyrics were passionate about freedom and brotherly/sisterly love. Their guitar melodies were just as heartfelt. The trio opened for Martin Luther King, Jr on the day he was killed which deepened their message of peace not war.

As a teen, I loved their music. The ballads were so easy to sing joining the hearts of the audience with the compassion of the musical artists. Much to my delight, I was able to see the trio perform live in Chicago, forever embedding them in my memory. One never loses track of loved music, but my path did not cross with this music again until the mid-nineties when I saw Peter perform in Salt Lake City, Utah. The words to his songs were reawakened in my heart and the full audience increased the intensity by passionately singing along. Mary died around three years ago, but up until then, Peter, Paul, and Mary continued to perform with their same commitment and dedication to love and peace.

 

 

****Peter, Paul and Mary song titles

 

BLOWIN' IN THE WIND

IF I HAD A HAMMER

FLOWERS

PUFF THE MAGIC DRAGON

 

There are many more song titles, but these are songs you may remember.

 

 

 

 



 

 



 

 



SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS

 

 

 

People hasten to judge

in order not to be judged themselves.

 

Albert Camus

THE FALL

 

 

The Waterfront Playhouse (celebrating 73 years in Key West) presented SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS.  The two hour play was listed as a "part comedy, part drama and part cha-cha-cha.  There were only two performers in the entire play.  A man, who portrayed a gay dance instructor and a woman, who played the role of a widowed Southern Baptist minister's wife.  They were very suited for the characters they played and the viewing time rushed by.  They played to a full house receiving a standing ovation at the end.

 

I certainly wouldn't want to write a review for this play, but the story line ran very close to the truth of how we can consider our selves loving and kind, not prejudiced, but still have hurtful words pass out of our mouths without even realizing it.  In the production, the gay man frequently and boldly called out the woman for her stereotyping and the aging southern belle did not mince words to bring his false assumptions and unaligned defenses front and center.

 

It is my hope communities today are much better at embracing diversity in cultures, religions, races, and politics.  I am uncomfortably aware of the hatred in the world, but I am addressing the prejudices we unknowingly portray.  I am referring to things we say off the top of our heads that when we are challenged we discover we have no real basis for the accusations we have just made ... just assumptions, things we have learned from our family of origin or individual experiences now judging a certain group instead of the singular offender.

 

We can all recall incidents of making a faux pas, but I shudder to think of the many times I have not been aware of offending someone as I unknowingly blathered on.  There are times when I run through a conversation in my head hours or days later and cringe at something I have said that was perhaps open to a different translation.  The words can never be withdrawn and trying to clarify by reopening the conversation usually makes things worse.

 

When someone challenges us about words we have carelessly uttered, we sometimes discover our opinion has been based on false assumptions or as mentioned before, lumping an entire group of people into a negative category based on the behaviors of  just one person.  Even in generalizing ... "These kids today are spoiled.  Single parents are not up to the challenge.  Doctors are in it just for the money.  Other countries are evil.  Our world is doomed."

 

The bottom line is we must be accountable for our opinions.  We must listen to what others say in addition to what we are saying.  If we hold an opinion, we must be well informed to support it based on facts not assumptions.  There is no need to back down or alter personal beliefs, but we need to  listen to what others have to say.  This of course requires an open heart, compassion, and respect  for others.  We must also be willing to recognize our own short sightedness and to be willing to adapt and change when needed. 

 

SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS illustrates how we are all human beings needing love and acceptance.  It portrays how we are so busy pointing out the fleck in some one elses eye, we peer around the boulder in our own.  We all have many parts to our selves combining us into a whole being.  Not all of our parts are pure or sterling.  It is helpful to be aware of our weaker parts, to strive to accept and adapt them, and to become integrated in our awareness of not just others, but our selves as well.

 

 

 



Footprints On My Heart

 

 

 

 

Francois Mauriac
No love, no friendship, can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever.

 

 

 

My life has been blessed by good friends, acquired sisters, and finally a love that lasts.

All individuals crossing my path, however briefly, are captured in my heart.  Those who once appeared to be judgmental of me, have eventually revealed themselves as teachers.  The challenge is often in retaining the  lesson.  I am thankful for those who give so generously from their hearts. 

 

Life taught me how to detach, to protect my self from pain, not realizing in doing so, one also locks out love and appreciation from others.  It is written somewhere that God continues to break open our hearts, over and over again, to allow our hearts to fully heal.  I realize I have been a hard heart to crack. 

 

In finally loving my self, I have attracted a life long companion to share love, life, and its challenges.  To celebrate the survival of our ups and downs, we will board a ferry taking us to Sunset Island a short distance away.  Here we will enjoy a twilight dinner on the ocean's edge.  We will watch the sun go  down trusting it will rise again in the morn.  Such is our relationship, feeling love between us, trusting it will rise again in the morn.

 

For all of those who have loved me or not, I  extend love on this Valentine's Day for the past, present or future role played in my life.  I readily assure you, once you have been present even with storm or strife, your footprints on my heart will be forever more.



 

 



Answering When We are Called

 

"Love only grows by sharing.  You can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others." 

 
―   Brian Tracy

 

 

There is a lot to be said for defining boundaries and clarifying limitations when in relationship.  It is only when these two things are addressed that giving will not exhaust us.  It is the gift of giving when it is reciprocated back to us.  This is not to say that reciprocation will come immediately nor will it necessarily be returned by the same person.  Frequently, our random acts of kindness are returned to us in quite a different way and at a different time.

 

Some of us will say we glory in the feeling of joy once we extend our selves or resources to some  one else.  The joy of giving in unmistakable, but even though our intention was never to receive in turn, goodness shall be returned. 

 

We do not extend love in order to be loved in return, as life will repeatedly show us this isn't how relationships work.  We give out of love and our love for our selves swells by our kind actions.  When we are filled with love for our selves (I am not talking about ego here) we will attract love back to us.  The joy of giving creates love for all involved. 

 

We extend our selves without an intention for an outcome.  We give freely in spite of what will unfold.  We do our part and leave the rest.  We answer when we are called without any agenda.

My favorite example of this is the the story of two men walking down the street passing a disheveled homeless woman begging for money.  The one man looked the other way while the second man immediately extended cash to the "down on her luck" woman.  

 

The first man asks if the second man is crazy.  "Do  you really think she is going to go buy milk or food with that money," the first man asks.  The second man smiles at the first man and explains that his obligation is to respond to the needs of others and then it ends there.  Whatever the woman does with the money is up to her.     He does not have an agenda or intentions for a specific outcome.  He is simply answering the call.  Too often, we relinquish our part by judging the other.

 

Today is my significant other's birthday.  In my eyes, he is this second man.  Although prudent, he frequently will immediately respond to a call once received.  He is willingly to accept the responsibility of helping another without a return.  He will never mention his good deed again as he just takes it in stride.  He does not worry, get overly involved, or further engage.  He simply does what he is nudged to do.

 

I celebrate his birth and his presence in my life.  He is my teacher and infrequently my student.  We are dramatically different, but our hearts are coupled, giving and receiving as our love grows.

 

 

 

Inside, We Feel the Answer

 

 

 

I don't like that man. 

I must get to know him better.

 

Abraham Lincoln

 

 

During our busy days, we come across friends, professional acquaintances, or strangers who really trigger the ugly in us.  We may have an immediate dislike for the person or a growing negative opinion from over time and issues.  Then there are those who we take an immediately liking to or instantly feel an immediate deep  connection.   Either way, people come into our lives for reasons.  Each an every person carries a message for us and it is important to decipher the content of the message.

 

Along life's passage, I have learned not to spend time with people who drain me or who do not respect me; however, I really try to determine what I need to learn from them.  Are they reflecting some underdeveloped part of myself needing strengthening.  If they are loud or dominate all conversations is this life reflecting to me I need to speak up more and socialize or is it saying I too speak too  loudly and dominate conversations. If we have a negative reaction, where did this originate or what does it represent to us?   Inside we feel the answer to the question.  On the other hand, if we deeply admire a person for generous help extended to others or acceptance of everyone, perhaps we need to be more like them.   Either way, it benefits us to take the time to decipher each person's message.

 

I believe Abraham Lincoln's response to meeting someone he doesn't care for is not only compassionate, but a truth leading to world peace starting one by one.  If we can eliminate judgment and replacement with understanding, surely harmony would follow.  Not that we need to condone negative behavior, but to look for the roots, the cause, and what action might have made a difference.  Learning from this insight, we may not be able to help the individual teaching us, but we may carry the new understanding forward into other situations.  We all learn from each other.

 

To make my self clear, I will put it this way.  I don't imagine that all learnings lead to positive resolve, but if the time is taken all learnings bring new awareness even if the information reinforces our right to disagree.  It is not about agreeing.  It is about listening and understanding.  We all know that we can agree to disagree, but it is paramount this decision is accompanied by respect and honor.

Psychological Resistance

 

 

 

 

Pain is a relatively objective, physical phenomenon; suffering is our psychological resistance to what happens. Events may create physical pain, but they do not in themselves create suffering. Resistance creates suffering. Stress happens when your mind resists what is... The only problem in your life is your mind's resistance to life as it unfolds.

 

Dan Millman 

 

 

 

There is much in life we resist, primarily change that could possibly alter our comfort zone.  We like to feel safe as we can feel more creative and exploratory.  When unknown change abruptly appears, we meet it with resistance rather than facing what it brings. 

 

Even when the change has been initiated by our own merits, there is some element of risk.  The change may even be welcomed, but there will be a small part of us lingering in the familiar with the slightest resistance.

 

Resistance can be based in fear and lack of trust.  In life, change is a constant teacher.  The greater the resistance, the more complex the lesson becomes. We can strive to face change with an open heart and not simply react out of fear.

 

Every morning upon awakening, we can ask Spirit to help  us be alert to the challenges brought to us.  We can trust what is brought to us means us no harm, but deeper understanding of our selves and the world.  This does not mean condoning every change, but pausing to make decisions without fear.

 

Greeting life with resistance rather than trust keeps us in choppy waters instead of being in the flow.  It is like  trying to swim up stream, going against the current, and avoiding what will only resurface another time.  Resistance makes life more difficult and we are not as capable of remaining in alignment with body, mind, and spirit. 

 

We are referring to psychological resistance, not physical.  Psychological resistance is a choice based in fear.  Feelings that surface are often rooted in our past from other experiences.  These unresolved emotions from the past can easily distort our present reality.  This is why there is great importance in living in each moment ... not the past, and not the future ... in the present moment.

Congruent with Body, Mind, and Spirit

 

                                             

 

 

 

Flow with whatever is happening and let your mind be free.  Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing.  This is the ultimate.     ~ Chuang  Tzu

 

 

An oxymoron suiting me quite well is an "organized procrastinator".  There are areas in my life where I am highly detailed and disciplined, but other areas where I will put things off for absolutely no reason.  One minute totally focused and another minute drifting into unrestrained loftiness. 

 

This generates the conversation regarding being spontaneous and going with the flow or being disciplined so life has been lived to the maximum.  The obvious would be to balance discipline with spontaneity.  The not so obvious would to be so totally connected with the inner Spirit that we simply follow the guidance.  If we are truly in touch with our higher self, we can just allow life to unfold.

 

For a long time I stated I could only write the first thing of a morning.  I was very disciplined and wrote every morning.  As life has it, however, there were times my mornings were interrupted and I would wait until the next morning to write.  Put quite simply, this was nothing but an illusion.  It was a story I told myself and therefore became very rigid naming it discipline.  In reality, I can write any time I want to be disciplined to do it ... morning, afternoon, evening.  When I am connected to my inner Spirit, I know what is best for me to do.  If I am open to the idea of cleaning, I can sail through my tasks easily.  If I resist the nudge to do something, it grows heavy on my mind and I resist all the more.  Finally when I give in, I do the task begrudgingly and it takes on more time and displeasure. 

 

The point I am trying to make is this ... I want to be a verb for Spirit to use me when and where I can best contribute.  I want to maintain an awareness so I can be guided. By being congruent with body, mind, and spirit, I can be a force to create positive energy in what I do or where I go.  I can be an instrument bringing peace and calm.

 

 

 

Star Melting in Hand

 

 

Begin doing what you want to do now.  We are not living in eternity.  We have only this moment a star in our hand ~ and melting like a snowflake ...

 

Frances Bacon Sr

 

 

"Begin doing what you want to do now" ... such sage wisdom.  I crave spiritual solitude.  Stuart Wilde describes spiritual solitude as  "... living your own life, living your own beliefs and just not  telling others what it is you do.  Once you develop that kind of originality and belief in yourself, what others think and do will not bother you.  You will be happy if they go their own way.  Moreover, you will prove your love by leaving them alone, will you not?" He supports the idea it doesn't matter what you believe, as long as it works you.

 

When I started to become less religious and more spiritual, I felt called to explore ancient wisdom, philosophers and poets, and eastern cultures.  My spiritual beliefs kept stretching and growing, bringing a deeper meaning into my life.  For years my reading was kept private and I had no idea I was following a spiritual path.  I was on a very personal road of discovery t difficult to share with others.

 

In time, I began to claim to be a very spiritual person, not religious.  This raised eyebrows, but this only challenged me more.  For years I learned from reading, knowing no one personally who held the same beliefs.  I attended large scale presentations in more liberal communities and was comforted to know that I was not alone, nor had I fallen off some edge of sanity.

 

Years later, I met a woman who became my mentor.  She had been leading a spiritual life for a very long time and was willing to share her visions with me.  She introduced me to other like minded people and extended my resources for additional exploring.  With validation, I eagerly moved further along the spiritual path.

 

It took a long time to integrate my spiritual life with my professional life, but I was so much more peaceful by doing so.  There was real strength in presenting as who I truly was and not hiding any parts of myself.  This gave me additional courage to seek even farther as there was always joy in discovering how ancient and simple my beliefs really were.

 

These last few years have escorted me to even a higher awareness.  I no longer describe my self so much as a seeker, as I have reduced looking outside of my self. My contemplations are more about examining what I hold dear within me.  I seem to be able to sit still and let knowledge just be absorbed and hopefully portrayed in my daily actions.  Wisdom seems to float into my head when I least expect it.  When I am watching others or sharing with friends, a deeper understanding comes to mind ... not necessarily to be shared, but to be aware of the battles we all face.

 

I do feel as though the "star in my hand is melting" but there is no sadness.  There is just a peaceful desire to continue to stretch and grow, to observe and absorb, to love and be loved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pondering Possibilities

 

 

 

 

 

"Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning."

— Gloria Steinem, American journalist and political activist

 

 

The fountain in the back yard is bubbling while I quietly survey the thriving plants and vibrant flowers.  As I sip my first cup of coffee, my attention is quickly attracted to a large butterfly.  The wing span is so wide I at first think it must be hummingbird, but the structure is way too delicate.  I grab my camera in hopes of capturing its delicate image, but it is way too fast for me.  So I just sit and watch as it flits to and fro around the yard.  Such grace and ease it has.  Its delicate ease and beauty is engraved in my memory.

 

By now I am enjoying my second cup of java and have been noticing a noisy bird in the tree.  It is a dull gray color with a bulging belly.  It is not pretty like a cardinal or a blue jay or robin and most definitely is not a song bird.  It just screeches.  I wonder of its importance.

 

I am startled by still a different butterfly.  This one is smaller than the first I saw, but it is colored like a zebra.  It stays longer on the flowers and has lovely movements, but not nearly as graceful as the first I saw.

 

A butterfly lives for about a month.  It goes through an extreme transformation accepting all of its stages and changing environments.  It is no surprise a butterfly is a symbol for transition and is associated with the soul.

 

Our lives are much longer than a butterfly, but we too go through transformation from fetus to adulthood.   As human beings we adapt to various environments and present in different structures mostly without grace.  We also move through many metamorphoses developing emotional and spiritual values. 

 

As a grand finale to my coffee hour, a hawk  soars in the sky.  He is not a Red Tail Hawk like those found in Illinois.  His wings are much more decorated as he spreads them to fly.

 

So in contemplation, I ponder simple thoughts.  Did the butterfly have any awareness of me  as I watched perched in my chair?  Did the screeching bird sense I was a stranger in his yard?  As the hawk glides up in the sky, does he know I am near by?  If the answer is no to each of these thoughts, would it also be true God's presence is unrecognized as each moment of  life slips by ...



Less is More

 

 

 

Come, come , Whoever you are

Wanderer, Worshipper, lover of leaving

it doesn't matter,

ours is not a caravan of despair.

Come, even if you have broken your vow

a hundred times

Come, Come again, Come.

 

~rumi

 

 

Walking by the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the chilly waves cleanse my feet, and all negative thoughts.  I am lulled by the sound of the ocean and comforted by the warm sun upon my back. The gentle breeze encourages me to walk just a little further, and then a little bit more.

 

I came across this Rumi quote written on a post card in a great unique shop named THE GREEN PINEAPPLE.  I have been a wanderer all of my life whether it be of body, mind, or soul.  Life has guided me in so many directions, I have often wondered if I don't have 'gypsy' blood.  My travels have been many, but only to places provoking deeper parts of my self to surface.   The more I get to know my inner self, the more I realize I am no longer the person I have been.  Layer upon layer sheds, and the lighter I find my self feeling.  Letting go of issues that once mattered encourages me to believe that less is truly more.

 

Excused from a rigid routine, free floating through a sunny day, my mind relaxes and my spirit is calm.  Perception of life is easily broken down into small pieces for me, and I carefully review delicate ponderings.

 

Rumi speaks of broken vows and I am reminded of the many I have earnestly made to my self, only to allow them to lapse in the pursuit of another.  Being gentle with my self, I realize as I stretch, grow, and change, earnest vows cannot always be honored.  To remain rigid in the confines of previous thoughts does not lend it self to deeper understanding just waiting beyond the boundary.  Stepping through the many illusions all based in fear, I feel closer to Spirit and connected to all things in nature and beyond.

 

There is a freedom here, a pure sense of "no-thing-ness" as the water tickles my feet and the ocean seems to extend forever.  Last night's dream returns and I once again try to decipher the many layers of meaning.  There is a distinct message loitering just beyond my understanding.  I will continue to unearth the symbols unknown to me in hopes of making the message clear.

 

It is time to turn around and go back.  The sun shines in my face, and the ocean continues to play with my feet.  There is no more longing.  The yearning has stopped.  I am here, clearly present in the moment and I know I can ..."Come, Come again. Come."

 

 

 

One by One

 

 

 

 

 

“I understand you, and I shall not attempt to make you change your mind. I am too old to want to improve the world. I have told you what I think, and that is all. I shall remain your friend even if you act contrary to my convictions, and I shall help you even if I disagree with you.”    Milan Kundera

Wandering down by the wharf, we watched numerous people waiting in line in preparation for boarding one of the schooners.  Some of these boats have beautiful wooden interiors and provide entertainment during the sail.  The musician is usually dressed in vintage clothing playing instruments from early time periods in history.

It was fun to watch these people board the  schooner.  They were all talking as though they were all old friends.  Laughter and conversations floated joyfully through the air.  It is amazing to watch a group of people who are unknown to each other, squeeze
themselves into a schooner and become instant friends with fellow sailors.  Granted, the relationship is superficial at the time, but a respect is generally offered to those one meets.  Compare this scenario with another. Think of  a line of people waiting for a bus, train, or plane.  There seldom is communication, just pushing to get on and settled in.  So what is the difference?  A state of mind, work -vs- vacation?  

Fear prevents us from common courtesies, and I do understand the need for personal safety, but not to the degree of rudeness towards others.  Since we have been here, we have shared our table with another couple when the restaurant was crazy busy.  We have stepped back and let someone in a hurry go before us.  It makes a person feel good, not better.  If we would allow ourselves common courtesies towards others, the recipient would feel good and so would we.  We have to take small steps.  Each one of us has to take small.  One by one we can choose to make the world a better place.



Largely about Relationship

 

 

 

 

The fear of death follows from the from the fear of life.  A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.      ~Mark Twain

 

 

 

It is easy to live fully in beautiful Key West.  It was 11 degrees back in Illinois today and my daughter reports a light dusting of snow in Nashville.  The day greeting me here is sunny, breezy, and around 70 degrees.  The tourists are running around in their tank tops and flip flops and the locals are bundled up in quilted vests and hoodies with gloves.  Another example of how we respond to what we are used to or what our particular perspective becomes.  Either way, I am most thankful to be here.

 

We have met with our friends, Bill and Sandy who live in a neighboring key year around except when they travel, which is often.  They are the kind of friends we can see every few years and we just pick up wherever we left off.  They are generous, kind, and fun.  Since they have lived in this area permanently since the 1990's, they have very interesting information about the history, the residents, property owners, and business deals.  They both are fun and interesting.

 

We will be attending the Red Barn Theater to see the play THE DIVINE SISTER. The Red Barn Theater sets off Duval Street, tucked back aways and truly is a small barn.  It is offering a comedy with 4 or 5 actors playing two different roles each.  The reviews have been very complimentary and it has been a sell-out show.  We have always had a good time there. 

 

Last night, we went to the old movie theater and saw THE SILVER LINING PLAYBOOK.  The show was packed ... it also sells wine along with the normal popcorn, etc... The movie is about a young man (Bradley Cooper) who is newly released from a mental institute diagnosed as bi-polar.  The father, played by Robert De Niro  is obsessive~compulsive with anger issues.  Although the movie is really quite funny, it also displays the heaviness of trying to fit into a society not necessarily understanding of mental illness.  In spite of the humor, I felt drawn to the abnormal behaviors caused by disease in otherwise every day people.  My awareness for these challenges was heightened, and I wondered what the world would look like if we all truly supported each other in difficult times, individually, as family, or community.

 

The field of psychology is till  not totally accepted by everyone ... which is archaic in my opinion.  I can easily recall my father telling me when I was in high school to never get counseling of any kind as I would then have to report it on job applications and no one would ever hire me.  Thankfully, mankind has taken a giant step forward since then, but as the field of psychology grows, we are called to be more vulnerable.

 

The human experience is largely about relationship with our selves and to others.  In order to deeply communicate we must share our stories to bring richer understanding to our lives and existence.  To do so, however, the fear of judgment and isolation must be removed.  We must embrace diversity found in amazing cultures and accept the uniqueness of each and every person.  If there are complications, together they can be managed and supported rather than intensified and ridiculed. 

 

To be fully present, we must all be free to be you and me.

 



Changed for the Best ...

 

 

The fact is that things overall do not change for the better,

only individuals do.

 

Stuart Wilde

AFFIRMATIONS

 

 

Here in Key West a few of the specialty shops I once enjoyed are  now vacant. This happens most anywhere especially with the economy being so challenging these last few years. With many thanks, Besame Mucho is still thriving. It is one of my most favorite shops, if not favorite gift shop. It offers very unique and expensive trinkets from Turkey and other far away places. Every time we visit Key West something special from this shop comes home with us.

 

Besame Mucho is on Petronia Street just a few steps down from BLUE HEAVEN in the Bahama Village.  BLUE HEAVEN used to be just an old local restaurant, but over the last 20 years it has flourished.  One wouldn't know it by its outside decor ... random tables and chairs, roosters strutting around, live jazz ... but it has quite the bar and excellent food.  They make their own granola, banana bread and pastries.  The breakfasts are incredible as well as their lunch and dinner seafood specials.

 

Only one cruise ship was in today, but we walked down to  the port anyway.  Sitting in the scant shade by the ocean, a multitude of people were returning to the Carnival Fantasy Ship.  There are so many young people scantily dressed with their fine toned bodies while the elderly are dressed in their own version of comfort.  Everyone seems to be talking on cell phones with new purchases gathered in the other hand.  All of them seem to be hurrying to get in line to re-board the cruise ship.

 

Lazy.  I want to be lazy and not hurry anywhere, especially to be held captive on a ship.  I will laze away this sunny day with the presence of those around me as well as the ocean, seagulls, and beautiful blue sky.  I have changed over the years from an extrovert to a hermit. I am easily entertained by Mother Nature resulting in a more peaceful state of mind and a more calm nature.  Some how I have discovered a greater sense of self and I just want to be. I think I have changed for the best.

 

Sunset Celebration, Key West

 

 

 

 

 

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do

by the things you did do.  So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor.

Catch the trade winds in your sails.  Explore.  Dream.  Discover.      Mark Twain

 

 

To attend the Sunset Celebration in Key West is truly an experience.  It is held every evening at Mallery Square. There are a variety of musicians singing or playing instruments, artists displaying their work, jugglers, mimes, and vendors galore.  The best attraction, however, is the gorgeous sun gently falling down into the ocean.  It truly is a remarkable site. 

 

Standing at the edge of the ocean, I watch the sailboats glide by and then yachts bigger than my imagination head for other destinations.  In time, my eyes become mesmerized by the rays of the brilliant sun.  My skin feels that special warmth of sunshine and my nose sniffs the salty ocean air.  My ears begin to  filter out all of the various languages competing with the music and the audience's applause. 

 

Blocking everything possible out, I can feel the sun pulling me to blend with its magnificent glow.  My inner light grows and extends out, reaching for the sun.  For a short time I journey with the falling sun, until it seems to be absorbed by the waves of the ocean.  I immediately feel the absence of the sun, and even though surrounded by others, I am left feeling alone.

 

During the winter in Illinois, I miss the sun shining on my face.  To not feel the warmth of the sun I begin to shrivel rather than coming alive each day from  a good stretch and reach for the sun.  I feel as though I am a plant beginning to wither.

 

Laughter and music begin to call me back to the celebration.  Mingling with so many people alerts me of my need to leave the ever growing crowd.  The slow long walk back to our little rented abode gives me ample time to store the rays of the sun warmly within me until I  can greet the next day.

 

 

 

 

 

 



Sense of Direction

                                                   Accept your light and let it shine

to create your own lighthouse

on a stormy night.

Pauline Duncan Thrasher

Friends are a true treasure and they successfully  help us face many of our challenges.  They remind us of our inner light encouraging us on our way.  Often times, however, we find ourselves alone on a dark night and our problems can appear to be over whelming.

At the very most southern tip of Key Westhe light house still stands.  Looking up at it and wondering how many lives it had saved over the years, I imagined shipmen floating in darkness and then glimpsing a brief flash of light.  What relief they must have felt especially on a stormy night. 

We can all be a light house for others, standing strong and permanent in our welcome to others.  Our positive attitude can draw others towards us again, just like a light house.  We all carry light within and we need to be our own light house.

It seems as darkness falls, our concerns grow heavier.  We easily forget the  words of confidence spoken during the hours of light.  So we must strengthen our own light by revisiting our list of affirmations, or reading past journals testifying to our strength in previous difficult times.  We can meditate or contemplate or spend the time in quiet prayer.   All of these habits help to ignite our flame so we can be strong in the face of a storm.

Wouldn't we all rather be a strong light house, a beacon of light for ours selves and others rather than be afloat in the darkness surrounded by the unknown?  And that is what happens when we do not feed our light, and keep it strong.  We end up floating in the unknown darkness, losing all bearings and sense of direction.

By our favorite chair or nightstand, we need to keep a ready supply of matches ... inspirational writings, poems of hope, affirmations or journals ... whatever lights your fire!

Anything but Bland

The more you are focused on time—past and future—the more you miss the Now, the most precious thing there is.

Eckhart Tolle
THE POWER OF NOW

An empty day.  I can fill it, change it, rearrange it, or do nothing with it.  There is nothing that I am required to do.  There are no meetings, no cooking, and nothing to hold me in place.  I am clearly blessed.

Life here in Key West is anything but bland.  There is such a mixture of life styles, ethnic groups, languages, and behaviors.  It is as though I have been placed in the middle of the world and someone has taken it like a snow globe and mixed everything all together.  Perhaps this diversity reminds me of my early years growing up in Chicago, IL.  The diversity impacts perceptions, personal appearances, and behaviors.  Feeling some what anonymous in a community makes me feel more relaxed and to a certain extent allows me to feel more a part of rather than an outsider.

Creativity, imagination, and clarity of thought seems to be more prevalent to me than it is at home in the Midwest.   Perhaps being stripped of standard daily baggage, allows me to feel lighter and more free in my thinking.    Maybe it is just a matter of giving my self permission to be settled into each and every moment.

Being in the 'now' I observe the actions of others without judgment, but with wonder.  The moments are here and then gone as people pass by.  In a few more days I will be able to discern who are the visitors, locals, and strays. 

I lazily sit by the harbor watching the boats come and go.  There are pleasure boats, sailboats, racers, schooners, yachts, and house boats.  Many of the locals live out on house boats.  They motor in to work, to do laundry, to shop, to socialize and then motor back out to sleep or have their privacy.  Some commute back and forth in tiny little 'dingys'.  Others are fishermen bringing in their catch to be sold to the local restaurants.

Wandering just around the bend, maybe ten minutes away, I am greeted by lavish hotels with prime ocean front bars.  There is an entirely different segment of Key West here sipping cocktails or shopping in the high price jewelry or clothing stores.  People are tanning by the pools and their skin is no where near the condition of those at the wharf.  Their facial skin is not wind beaten with deep crevices and their hair is groomed and styled.  Although there is just as wide an age span here by the pools, the material wealth is prominent from head to toe.

Moving through the gliztz and bling, I wander to the main drag not far away which is dotted with tourist traps and bars, but unique boutiques as well.  There is a steady stream of people and once again I am lulled by the blend of accents, laughter, and bright bold colors. 

This island is only one mile long, so it is nothing to walk all the way down to the most southern tip.  There are more art galleries here and stores offering local talent creations.   Some bed and breakfasts are blended in with historical sites and the beginning of the long chain of hotels and commercialism.  In my opinion, there is not one place on this island that is not a point of interest, but I much prefer Old Town where we stay.  It is, to me, the heart of Key West taking in the old cemetary, neighborhood restaurants, unique gift shops, health food store, and stretching over to the Bahama Village where my most favorite shop thrives ... Besame Mucho!  Blue Heaven a long established local restaurant (some indoor seating) is here as well offering excellent meals throughout the day. 

I believe it is now time to work my way back to the solitude of our temporary little home, take a dip in the pool, and settle in for a nap on the covered back porch!   I always welcome dream time!