On loaves and fishes – ENOUGH ALREADY

I have been trying to learn to live by the mantra “there is enough” .  I mean by that that there is enough resources, money, love, relationships, water, air, etc. for everyone in the world to live a joyous sustainable life.  Now that may seem a stretch, but if God  created all this abundance, why would He withhold from some, why would He ration unequally?  Why would He choose a select few to starve, suffer, for others to trod upon???

HMMMMM as stated in “drop by drop”, (David Ridge, Living Water Unity Church)  praying to solve the oil spill problem must require a change in our behavior, which created the greed, which led to the carelessness of the accident in the first place, in order to change the out come, or change the occurrence  of such disastrous events.  O dear, must I take personal responsibility???

I have been reading SOUL OF MONEY by Lynn Twist.  In it she shares her experiences in fund raising, mainly for the Hunger Project, and the peoples and cultures she has experienced in the process of trying to solve the hunger problem in this abundant world.  One experience required her to teach the leader of a South American tribe to use money, as his culture had never experienced nor needed money as a tool of exchange.  All members of his tribe did what was necessary for the sustenance of all.  Now that time has passed for us, I realize.  But there must be a lesson here, and the whole book is full of “AHA” moments when you slowly realize it is not what you have, but it is your potential that defines your role in life, and that there is enough for all to live in peace, harmony and abundance when we all use our potential for the good of all.   

We had a wonderful party yesterday at our house.  Folks came from the two churches with whom we associate, and they all shared their food, fun, conversation, experiences, and money for a common good.  We love to throw parties, and would have done so for no reason whatsoever, but our dollar investment in this one was tripled  for the common cause for which we gathered.  Our one loaf was tripled to feed the many, but it happened because all those who took the time to enjoy the party chipped in, donated their share, and made the few loaves and fishes turn into enough.  Well, enough if we do this more often, or something similar, or just simply share generously enough knowing that there is enough, and what is given will be returned many times over.

What has this thought to do with the ugly oil spill on the Gulf Coast???  Change.  Change is hard:  giving up beliefs which no longer serve, or which constrain your potential, and adopting beliefs which will expand your horizons. 

Seeing this happen and helping to experience this is why we are glad to be at home.  We will leave again in a few days, but leave looking for ways to share the abundance, and new folks to share it with.  And then we will be glad to be home again soon, to continue connections which we hold dear. 

On being 70

Yipes!!!!!!!!!  when did that happen.

I don’t feel 70 – well, some of the time.  In my mind I don’t feel 70.  I feel like life has just begun – anew – that every day there is something to learn, something to do which will tire me out, something to hear that I have never heard before, and someone new to meet. 

I have spent time envying youth, their energy, creativity and stupidity.  I know all us “elderly” have done the same.  The young never stop.  They are always ready to go – if it’s play.  They are always ready for friends – if they can meet at a familiar place and do the same thing they did last time they were together.  They are always ready to push the limits – they seem to think no one else has ever been there, done that, and it is really cool.  And they never know when to stop, slow to figure out what comes next or the consequences of the next stupid experiment. 

I don’t envy youth any more.  Oh, when I creek and groan, can’t open a jar, or get tired in the afternoon, I think it would be nice to have boundless energy, all day long, because I can think of some pretty cool things I would like to do and try, but I just don’t have the energy.  I don’t envy all the unknowns in their young lives.  Had I known how much society and technology was going to change in my life span, I would have been tired before I began. 

But fortunately, one has to take those things as they come, make the best of them, or ignore them, and then you turn 70!!!! or not.  I miss those who didn’t make it.  They must be looking around for a better chance to catch up and be a part of all that evolution, picking their re-entry into life with care, so that the lessons this time around won’t be so hard – and so brief.

My 1958 high school class just had a mass 70th birthday party.  It was such a good idea, I wish I had thought of it myself, but fortunately some other of us have retained their creativity in relationships, and love to express their love of life.  We are all 70-or close to it.  None of us looked old and wrinkly.  I can’t speak about those who chose not to come, but at least half the class was there, and they were a pretty spry bunch.  We are all passed the excessive drinking and keggers, so talk was pretty sincere.  Only a couple of smokers left, I think, and as I was reminded many years before I quit – they will quit sometime.  That’s a definite.  Every one seemed pretty content to be where they were, with where they had been, and interested in other’s journeys. 

To those who chose not to be a part of the party, I am sorry that you missed it.  I hope it was for real reasons – other obligations, family ties. That sort of thing.  If you didn’t come for fear of being rejected and feeling out of place, believe me, there was no out of place, no extreme, no down and out.  Everyone is who they are, glad to be there, and we missed you. 

So when is the 55th reunion?????  (and who will still  be here – hmmmmmmmmm????????)  I hope there will be some first timers (who have never attended a reunion before) then as there were at the party.  I hope we will observe as much joy and prosperity as we did this time.  And I know we will all be more forgiving, accepting, and glad to be there by then.  Who knows what the world may be doing by then – and who cares??????  We have done our part – almost – and what we have to give will be mostly appreciated by each other.  The young know it all, and will go their own way, and do their own thing.  Didn’t we??????????  And what a ride it has been.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY            and thanks to those who worked hard to put on the party.  Party on.

At home again

And enjoying the most beautiful Colorado weather ever!!!!!  Supposed to get uncomfortably hot this week end, but we don't care.  The swamp cooler is functioning, and we are cozy.

We spent last week in Colorado springs.  The rally was of Suites owners, of whom we are no longer one.  However, special dispensation was granted since we had originally planned the where and what of the rally.  Once there, it seemed we were unnecessary, and just enjoyed the programs, classes, a trip up Pikes Peak – driving – which  hadn’t done since I was in high school.  It is almost all paved now.  Only 4 miles left to pave.  But as most of the rally members were flatlanders, we had to go it on our own.  What a humbling sight it is.  The donuts are as good as always. 

When the rain finally stopped about Tue, it warmed up fast while there.  Gave the visitors a good chance to 4 wheel, sight see, and museum hop to their hearts content.  Spent one evening at the Flying W ranch – dinner and a cowboy show.  I highly recommend it.  Picture this:  90 rigs attended the rally.  Probably 60 of them drove their big ass trucks – and I ‘m talking big – some medium duty haulers, most F350s or bigger – all in the same parking lot when the show was over.  90% of them diesel.  So when start up time it beat the Indy 500 for noise and rumble for sure.  Our little Jeep Liberty, which we tow, was lost in the crowd, and patiently awaited safe exit of the parking lot.  Felt like the lost chick amongst all the roosters. 

We saw the chapel and grounds at the Air Force Academy.  Very impressive.  Such a view from anywhere on the grounds you could be or look, a more beautiful, peaceful setting could not exist, in which to glorify war.  The human race is evolving to a better solution to ending conflict, I have to believe.  If all that money and effort were spent in finding clean water for everyone in the world, the AFA could be turned into a church camp.

This week end is my High school class 70th birthday bash.  We have a lunch on Fri – so as not to have to drive home in the dark.  (What a bunch of old farts).  Then a Genesee picnic on Sunday.  I look forward to seeing again old friends and familiar faces. 

Meanwhile, David is installing a new door on the rear of the garage, we have invited the whole of our new Unity church over for a 4th of July picnic – on the 5th.  We have involved ourselves in helping to save the financial solvency of our new church.  The yard work is not too pressing thanks to Lani and Chris’ help a few weeks ago.  And I prepare mentally for my surgery in one month.  The new Jeep has a transmission leak, so it is having surgery as I write this.

Wish I had more to share.  It is hot here, and makes one a little lazy.  Till next time.

On the road again

Home was nice, but lots of work and still more in store to make it look like we like to have it look.  Anyone know a good gardener???????????  We must find ways to make it easier, but the tulips, roses, iris and spring flowers were glorious, and we enjoyed each and every one.  Can’t give those up.  The lilacs need help, but didn’t get around to doing that – cant give up on them yet.  Sunflowers are popping up all over thanks to our bird feeding stations.  There will be a few gigantic mammoth sunflowers which were about 3 feet tall when we left.  They will be over 6 feet tall, and the flower maybe 2 feet across, if they get enough water.  The birds love them, but they take some special planting and watering to get the full effect.  Kind of like me.  I need some special planting and feeding to be very effective in  my life, and I seem to have been missing that lately. 

I did read a James Twyman book called “Barn Dance” which was good food for thought.  But when I got to the point of the whole thing, and after shedding some tears along the way, I thought “duhhh  you dummy.  What did you think it was all about???”He will be at out little church when we get back to town, and I will be glad to meet him.  but I won’t say that to him.  He has written some very inspiring and mystical books, and had some great experiences along his path.  More power to him.

This rally doesn't really start till Mon, so I have some days to re-collect myself here. I have to direct the creation of 25 centerpieces on Sunday which will probably take a few trips to Wal-Mart – always not far away.  The hummingbird show which so entertained us in Gunnison is not likely here.  The robins are most prevalent, and enjoying their worms in great abundance.  Still they fight over them.  As I sit here I look out the window at the pool and hot tub, but not sure I have the energy to walk over there as pleasant as it may be.  The wind has come up – portent of what is to come as if the feeling in my hips and David’s big toe weren’t enough warning.  He is enduring a gout attack – I assume that is what it is.  Feels so good in the mornings, then by evening it is very painful.  Makes us lazy in the evenings, but we do manage to take in Jay Leno and his ramblings.  Wonder if the CEO at BP listens to it??????

Well we aren’t far from home, and will enjoy this city of tourism.  Hope to see old friends here, go up the Pikes Peak cog to the top of the world, enjoy an old western dinner-show, maybe see the zoo at the BROaDMORE HOTEL, and watch the ice skaters practice at the new world class rink.   Generally be a tourist and eat, and pester the locals.  Wonder what the rich people are doing????????

Stay in touch. 

PS  I forgot to tell you my “It’s a small world” story.  Last week we sold our little pop up camper.  Our life style with the new coach just doesn’t leave much room for the inspiration to go camping in a pop up.  Getting old and lazy I guess.  Anyhow David posted it on Craigs list and it sold in three or four days, to a young family with small children.  They were delighted and they also got a good deal as David put in a lot of work to make sure  everything worked perfectly.  The hail damage on the roof, was identifying, but didn’t interfere with function.  And we got $100 bills, cash.  So today we arrive at the camp ground in Co Springs, and as I was walking the area, 3 spaces away was the familiar license plate and pock marks of hail damage.  Our sold pop up 3 spaces away.  The children were having a ball, and loved it.  So it found a better home.