Animated

End of season softball team celebration

Animated

4/24/09

For many it's alcohol

that loosens energetic flow,

words pour from mouth

brain synapse fires stories

body turns to fluid

tension easing in shoulders

hands illustrate with flurry

becoming electrically charged conduit

as voice volume increases

constraints to laughter release

the mind finds absurdity

in most human antics

while outer world perceptions,

defenses, 'proper' behavior, vanish

when good feelings erupt

from entering emotional pool

coated by joy, love

for friends, strangers, community

where life's lines blur

and impulse for fun

melts boundaries that separate

whether human, animal, Nature,

into 'One' big expression

though each distinctly unique

adding to Creation cacophony

so chaotic and frenzied

within our animated existence.

Labyrinth, Isle of Iona, Scotland

Bits and Pieces

4/23/09

That's how life comes

writing it's little mystery

in the hearts of us all

asking that we be detectives

for own particular journey

but this is no solo voyage

on our spaceship Earth,

each effects the next soul

toward what end unforeseen

acting as particular tuning fork

or magnifying glass for inquiry

as to choices to make now

while so much call for us,

needing our attentive focus

even as other concerns arise,

there is no end it seems

until last breath in body

joins the greater mass

of oxygen that sustains creation

again proving there's no separation

just so many bumping molecules

imbued with spirit energy,

the force of omnipotent existence,

which cannot be totally undone

only rearranged into new entities

always taking aspects of the past,

it's bits and pieces, into the future.

Waterway descending Ben Mor, Isle of Mull, Scotland

Chaos

4/20/09

Such an unbelievable existence

yet it can't be denied,

we're here in it, experiencing

through each outrageous sense

funneled into workings of the brain

and when fully grasped within

there can be awe and wonder

or a sense of devastating overwhelm

where it seems fruitless to try

making or retaining order anywhere

but if we succeed doing so

in the many territories of life

then comes status quo maintenance,

let alone improving our lot,

as Creation continues the march

of changing constantly, irrevocably, 

testing ones' ability to flow,

be at peace on ever moving waterway,

while influencing directional course

with our actions and thoughts

even at times when rapids appear,

big, bone jarring, twisty drops

which evoke fear for survival,

forgetting any idea of controlling

the fomenting external environment

left with only your personal power

to stay centered, calm, balanced, in the chaos.

On my 'pony' for 50th B-day road trip, June 2004

near Newcastle on the Tyne, England 

Pretentious

4/16/09

Fake it until you make it

is a phrase I've often heard

and in sales, advertising, more so,

to state claim until proven otherwise,

perhaps every dream starts this way

whether to be a doctor, lawyer,

actor, writer, athlete, or anything else,

initially there is idea of grandeur

an end result formed so attractively

that a person becomes truly infatuated,

excited, motivated, to do what's necessary

for attainment of 'pie in sky',

viewed by others not so convinced,

or connected, as waste of time,

such an impossibility, with low odds

of successful fruition, that invites heartache,

putting damper on fire for fear

wanting to spare friends the hurt,

insult, or ridicule they once experienced

when reaching for something beyond grasp,

often cemented with a solemn vow

directed toward being an avid realist

unwilling to risk significance by failing,

interpreted falsely when lessons aren't learned,

which denies creative power of humans

each individual carrying life purpose gift

which may seem pretentious until delivered.

Spiraling beach stones , Isle of Iona, Scotland

Together

4/15/09

No need to do it alone

though at times feeling that way,

if I look, I see connectedness,

there are thousands who support me

folks never met, as civil servants

business people, bringing services and goods

and then more immediately, friends, family,

thinking spiritually, a host of ancestors,

I'll not forget Nature's awesome bounty

the integration of life is immense

without any part being less important

it all fits like jig-saw puzzle

any loss of piece, or peace,

reverberates in collective soup of creation,

we, as little 'me', effect this

by each thought, action, and intention,

which demands an attention, with clarity,

witnessing ourselves as channels of Source

where either embracing or rejecting Power,

the guidance our Body Wisdom knows,

signifies solidarity with Evolution, or not,

each as an individual tuning fork

willing to embody our unique instrument

in great symphony of All Potential

whose music changes, with no permanence,

combining dissonance and harmony as One,

as civilization, choreographing our dance together.

Rosie's pepper harvest 

'The Crofter's Kitchen and Gardens'

Kintra, Isle of Mull, Scotland

New Offerings

4/14/09

Yesterday's experiences change us

not waking as same person

easily seen in moods, before, after

last 24 hours of existence,

yet too often we think otherwise

trying to stay course of sameness

through routines, ritual, discipline,

to keep with something that works

bringing consistent results or pleasure

and if we're thrown off, chaos,

frantically reaching to regain composure

how we were last 'put' together

but it's improbable, perhaps impossible,

when denying life's next growth step

that includes an embrace of 'what is' now,

which is more realistic than otherwise

imagining floating in bubbles of security,

there are none, everything is in flux,

however we want this ride to be

depends on the attitudes, beliefs,

opinions, images that are cultivated,

plus our willingness to flow gracefully

accepting next transformational opportunity

or do heels go in, desperate to hold on,

thinking fearfully of worst case scenario

not witnessing this friendly universe

forever making daily new offerings of beauty.

Celtic symbol carved on burial slab of  12th century Scottish knight,

Isle of Iona, Scotland

It's Done

4/13/09

The last vestiges are home

to be unloaded, put away

as closing final chapter,

only remnants of thought remain

memories in half lit hall

images of the past, good, bad,

what 'was' in reality, now transpired,

appropriately ending on Easter

which really catalyzes a beginning

when peering into my potential

a blank canvas of all possibility,

whatever I choose still a mystery

though certain stirrings remain,

that of committed love relationship,

new meaningful 'conciliation' business,

improvements of beauty on the land,

and home, with many fun creations,

plus interests in radio, art, motorcycles,

playing music, writing poems, stories,

being a positive vital effect in the world,

embodying mastery as a sacred human

and spiritual warrior of Celtic line

while ending 2nd twenty-eight years,

reborn as 'elder' in 3rd Saturn cycle

with will to embrace 'true' life purpose,

helping spark visions of noble future

doing my 'soul work' until it's done.

Gravestone with 'courage' engraved

Surrey, England

In Between

4/11/09

Beginning and end

dates on gravestone

the dash separates

life lived here

as if linear

uneventful legacy left

no fluctuating emotions

losses or success,

skeletal, without flesh,

meatiness now decomposed

only the spirit

perhaps in quote

launched across stone

a tentative marker

someday worn away

overgrown with neglect

until lineage search

nieces, nephews, god-daughters

unearth what's forgotten

of nooks, crannies,

written in books

they can visit,

reviving the past

through phrases used,

even audio recordings

their crazy uncle

created in between.

Chapel w/Celtic influence

 Compton, Surrey, England

Dying to Revive

4/10/09

It's an odd paradox,

perhaps all are such,

this life cycle event

born out in nature

that death makes room

for new to come,

gardeners know it's true

anyone who observes ecology

watching ecosystems regenerate life

are not really surprised

humans are effected also

in process of maturation,

childhood toys are abandoned

clothes no longer fit,

thoughts, consciousness, simply expand,

some good things misplaced,

play, curiosity, flexibility, awe,

adventure, creativity, freedom, wonder,

yet transitions continue unabated

using an inner timetable,

subtle clockwork tumbler mechanism,

which is rarely understood

while falling into place,

not happening until ready,

where present becomes past

given up for 'next',

dying, to revive living.

Callanish Stones, Isle of Lewis, West Hebrides, Scotland

My Part

4/9/09

In these times

we're being asked,

called, prodded, shocked,

to embrace change

of evolutionary nature

that is monumentally

beyond 'fine tuning',

mankind must mature

from hedonistic adolescent

left unattended, irresponsible,

destroying candy store

while gorging itself

on natural resources

until obese, sickly,

forgetting inherent purpose,

any intended existence

other than consumption,

denying their stewardship

for everything beautiful,

good, diverse, interconnected,

all that's miraculous,

everyone can ponder

how they're effected

by global shifts

and economic upheaval,

but question is,

envisioning positive future,

"What's my part?'

Sentry stone at Lochbuie stone circle, & Kevin,

Isle of Mull, Scotland

Sureness 

4/08/09

As soon as born

the world presses in,

imprints us, mysteriously so,

and it continues onslaught,

family, friends, peer groups,

community, state, nations, society,

'collective consciousness' of humans

who lately are reeling,

trying to understand 'oneness',

this planet and inhabitants

all interconnected by degree

where no one's exempt,

'now' is evolutionary time

to expand beyond fear,

become a spiritual warrior

here on physical plane

unshakeable in our vision

uniquely who we are

on purpose this lifetime

holding up our end

in contract we made

when coming back around,

willing to assist Creation,

embody power of Source

every extraordinary moment here,

whether graceful or challenging,

with willful unbending sureness.

Outdoor orchid bloom

(photo by Art Durand Photography)

Birth Canal

4/7/09

For some it takes longer

the gestation period drags on

carrots sprout slower than radishes

seeds vary in needed conditions,

sown directly, or pots indoor,

boys and girls mature differently

mentally, physically and the rest,

rare individuals know Soul purpose

right from the 'git go',

making choices that last lifetime,

others stumble, bumble, to find

any semblance of real direction,

without measurement 'it just is'

no good or bad judgment

just unique path of travel

with more turns and diversity

leading to life's inevitable conclusion,

yet along the way, living,

deciding which fork to take

thousands of times during process

hitching our wagon to stars

or turtles that plod along,

there are times of potency

where stand must be taken

that will color your future

when daringly engaging 'true self',

claiming freedom from birth canal.

Zucchini sprouts in new garden bed

Dissipate

4/5/09

Spring calls me out

like sprouts in garden

making cellular connections bump

advancing growth toward sun

projecting, reaching, striving upward,

and electrical synapse accelerates

notions of 'what next'

on long laundry list

as time constraints encroach

deadlines for action steps

to stay on wavelength

with 'life potential' offerings

those possibilities wished for

imagined in joyous future

when goals are attained,

so I must continue

participate as living demands

perform the little efforts

pay attention to details

discern 'yes' and 'no'

from deep level knowledge

not confuse the issues,

happiness is realized 'now'

instead of waiting around

thinking it'll just happen

by osmosis or grace

while watching opportunities dissipate.

Old poem - New career choice!

(card created by Art Durand)

Choices

11/23/93

We are led to the edge,

to leap, be pushed, or to hold on,

the selections made define us

setting tone for future progressions,

we weigh alternatives in illusion

imagining repercussions as guidelines

options limited through fear

electing direction from perceived comfort,

we want insured security

meant to keep us from any suffering

unwittingly we choose slow suffocation

robbing our energy to live freely,

we often break surface for a moment

when situation or person jolts our spirit

an opportunity to kick start the engine

removing the film of lifeless pursuits,

we understand our predicament sometimes

but the thought of change paralyzes

too tired to entertain the revolution

until the pain of staying outweighs the leaving,

we then muster the courage necessary

being led by the will to survive, and live fully,

making the tough choices that nourish our soul.

Progress to date: 'hothouse' addition to motorcycle shed

Efforts

4/4/09

To exert one's

power, force, strength,

bringing it out

physically, or mentally,

aimed at objects

performing an act

perhaps literary, artistic,

the product of

some desired vision,

'dream to manifestation',

addictive creative passions

course through veins,

such vital aliveness,

stumbling upon treasures

unforeseen cognitive impulse

lightning bolt insights

their ecstatic revelations

that redirect focus

beyond original idea,

when showing itself,

in refined details

or pragmatic workings,

how circumstance demands

we pay attention

to "What now?"

this forever moment

our efforts mold.

Kevin rounding 1st base during softball game

Promising Signs

4/3/09

A softball player, even a team

that is 'slumping', always looks

for evidence of energy shift

where luck, and fortune smile,

give hope their drought is over,

they are a superstitious lot

following routines for preparation

or when approaching the plate,

-pick up dirt, say an affirmation,

(pray for success), a practice swing,

pulling the bat between the legs,

to clean it, juice it with 'chi',

stepping in with one foot,

the other out, while surveying

what 'holes' are open possibilities,

finally committing, both feet in,

as pitches drop, 'ball, strike'

then one chosen, swung on, contact,

in the 'gap', running the bases,

pulling up to the bag, 'Safe!'-

there is elation, smile, praise

from others observing, self satisfaction,

thoughts of still having potency,

some aspect of one's skills to give

toward intended efforts to 'win',

risking failure in every attempt

while courting 'promising signs', as proof.

Palm fern unfurling  in backyard

Fresh

4/1/09

New book

clear morning

crisp air

sprouts unfurling

brilliant sun,

this day

awakens opportunity

what's possible

to create

with thoughts

turned solid,

physical manifestations

born continually

each movement

evolutionary act,

no matter

the direction

when learning

from results,

our attitude

gloriously dancing

excited children,

or other,

carrying burden

old programs

staying stagnant

not fresh.

On my route home from the ferry, Isle of Mull, Scotland

This Day

3/30/09

When it comes to impacting shifts

I'll choose spiritual realm often

my 'journey song' reveals as much

and yesterday was no exception

participating in 'sweat lodge ceremony',

waking to a renewed outlook

willing again to risk my significance,

personal reputation, from being judged

by family, friends, partners, society,

for following the path less traveled

perhaps seen as unrealistic, irrational,

dangerously on the edge of failure,

yet doing so with equanimity, peace,

expressing joy in this life adventure,

being a model of what's possible,

probable, when attitude is gratitude,

perpetually seeing miracle everywhere

all wrapped up in moment of 'now',

there is no other place to be

even when convinced 'illusion' is real

using so much energy to defend

that there is something we need,

must protect, while enshrining fear,

which becomes idol of worship,

instead embrace 'paradigm of love'

on 'this day', then courageously live.