Not Over

View from ferry deck as I say 'final' farewell to the Isle of Mull, Scotland. 2/27/07

Not Over

6/29/10

Is it ever 'done deal'

thinking something's set in stone

never to change, be tweaked

into a greater updated version,

or let go to dissolve

being absorbed as elemental ingredients

that will feed new sprouts

of manifestation Soul wants now

when branching toward omnipotent Source,

acting as Sun, directing growth

through diverse seasons, challenging conditions,

pruning, testing, strengthening while straining,

where our roots run riot

infiltrating dark, dank nurturing womb

of 'Tao' that embodies Eternity,

experienced day in, day out,

through circumstances beyond any control

humans want to definitively judge,

even though it's not over.

The Distance

Snow covered high hills in distance opposite the road traversing the Ross of Mull.

Isle of Mull, Scotland

The Distance

6/28/10

It's easy for humans

to judge in moment,

blame someone 'causing anger'

about something that frustrates

when expectations are denied,

wanting to tell them 

what they need different

for expansion, healing, transformation,

foolishly thinking it's benevolence

until 'teacher' finally sees

oneself as the 'perpetrator',

'You are another myself.',

and lesson is multilayered

with tendrils in past

showing 'work' right now

of moving through emotions,

learning self-love and compassion,

smiling complicity with Existence

while 'growing' the distance.

Immediacy

One of many Scottish graveyards with a spectacular view.

 Isle of Mull, Scotland

Immediacy

6/26/10

It's twisted human attribute

that puts off essentials

to our health, happiness

in deference to duty,

some image we're cultivating

when fitting societal norms

or wanting cushioned survival,

thinking there is time,

will be in future

for lived introspective life

engaging our soul direction

with all it's interests

and magically turning events

allowing for ease, flow,

reacquainted with delicious miracle,

the power of presence,

simplicity, just being oneself,

unencumbered now, every moment,

within immediacy of Existence.

Remnant

5,000 year old ancient Scottish cave carvings of 'women birth symbols'. 

Isle of Mull, Scotland 

Remnant

6/25/10

When entering new endeavors

whether embracing evolutionary consciousness,

career and relationship shifts,

or resurrected old aspirations,

there is cluttered past

with memories of failure,

fear, weakness, mistakes made,

for some, insurmountable barrier

which overshadows any successful

wisdom learned about expansiveness

through trial and error,

verily imprisoning the 'dreamer'

as 'realist' runs show

choosing safety over risk,

while comfort dulls senses

and intuition's 'soul connection'

becomes irritation in brain,

resurfacing, small quiet voice,

remnant of original Source.

The Flow

Rain swollen, windblown streams leaving Scridian, determined to reach the sea.

 Isle of Mull, Scotland

The Flow

6/24/10

I'm learning

to be

like water

gracefully sliding

around obstacles,

undermining them,

wearing down

the resistance

by accepting

what is,

then discerning

natural path

whether turbulent

or calm,

while remembering

Ocean connection

rivers, streams,

share in

the Flow.

What If

Scottish horses with winter coat, perhaps dreaming of summer gallops.

Isle of Mull, Scotland

What If

6/23/10

Dreams can start this way

letting horses of imagination gallop

into territory called 'The Unknown'

adding visual details to intuition,

a feeling emerging from soul,

as intellect fleshes out possibilities

in attractive and unattractive ways

while discerning worthiness of endeavor,

it's potential teeming with life

whether ever manifesting or not,

then there's exercise of wondering

what living would be like

if regrettable times were reversed

some stupid thing, said, done,

further still, wishing something impossible,

conjuring notions never to be

yet curious about different scenarios,

like Dad laughing, walking, talking,

asking 'What if he lived?'

Progress

Coming into 'Zion National Park' area from Las Vegas.

Progress

6/22/10

Viewed through various lenses

and at different times

what seems like regression,

as bedrock dreams dissolve

dissipating long held assumptions,

becomes 'Great Turning' forward

while being stripped down

to core of being

realizing essentials are few,

that simplicity expands opportunity

for relaxing into life,

appreciating subtleties which enrich

moments between past, future,

any action based striving

often inundated with stimulus

when headlong pursing results

until realizing it's futility,

'The journey is destination.'

where progress defies labeling.

I Decide

In my medicine wheel with sun rising through 'tree of life'.

(photo by Art Durand Photography)

I Decide

6/21/10

Solstice peak reminds me

of Soul's brilliant apex

when fully embracing Tao

within my life's seasons,

witnessing the Sun's movement

along ridge at rising

it marks pendulum swing,

far left looking east

on first summer day,

far right it's appearance

as winter nights commence,

through it all, equanimity,

no push, pull, hurry

aimed at some destination,

this life awakening Star

blazes brightly no matter

time, circumstance, what's coming

or gone, presently perfect,

I decide the same.

Gifts

My father, Robert Franklin Spitzer, before children.

Gifts

6/20/10

We are all recipients

of our ancestral benefactors

who shared similar struggles

from birth to death

on great archetypal stage,

living hand to mouth

with determination for survival,

hopes toward better life

when thinking about community,

family, selves, in future

believing progress a birthright

like growth Nature models

while creating a bounty

for animals and humans

to share, prosper from,

emulated by breadwinner fathers

wanting higher life standards,

 sacrificing themselves for children

passing significant gifts forward.

Reminiscing

Ilyse and I a few years back.

Reminiscing

6/19/10

It's a wonderful treat

to visit and reconnect

with old friend, lover,

who shared life phase

that was sweetly healing

and ended perfectly healthy,

which can be rare

in these contentious times

of push pull struggles

played out in society

pointing to human traits

caught in lose, win,

good, bad judgment game,

wherein sitting again with

cherished soul from past

appreciating the inherent goodness,

love, kindness and joy

each other experienced jointly

are rewards reminiscing reveals.

Phases

Beehive cells by British artist Andy Goldsworthy on Scottish mainland near Isle of Skye.

Phases

6/18/10

Different from natural cycles,

yet part of makeup,

these often feel like

fits and starts incompletions

as timing or circumstance

create hitch in giddy-up

where project lies dormant

waiting for renewing idea,

some long awaited information

that comes from revelation

in serendipitous magic moment,

or mundane stumbling upon

needed ingredient to continue,

until another roadblock appears

again steering one's consciousness

attentively toward present situation,

reeled in from future

imagined results that drive

through phases life inhabits.

Invitations

Atop island bridge where Scots of old, after crossing from mainland, donned banned kilts.

Invitations

6/17/10

Every moment is this,

each day a doorway

into the Infinite unknown

and password is 'Yes',

where protective ogres retreat

allowing passage over bridge

beyond fearful, strict, restraint,

the necessary courageous path

leading toward new worlds

that bring expanded perceptions

which unveil All Potential,

life's myriad engaging choices

never to be repeated

in same place, timing,

on forever moving river

outdistancing any individual explanation,

as peculiar, original thoughts

initiate cause, effect action

producing uniquely personal invitations.

The Flow

Byron Kitty, always in and doing the Tao.

The Flow

6/16/10

'Do the Tao now.'

is simple life instruction

yet complex and obscure

when compared to norm

of one's 'regular' living

while trying to fit

into acceptable societal routines

to avoid derogatory labels

like lazy, unfocused, slacker,

for taking different route

which examines the absurdities

we are force fed,

then choosing more authenticity,

simplicity, truth, love, joy,

integrating peace and creativity

within embraced high vibrations

that universal consciousness brings,

willing to follow soul

coursing in 'the flow'.

Unexpected

My brother Doug with his surprising son Tyler.

Unexpected

6/15/10

Isn't this universal connection,

yet source of fear

to those who forget,

that Existence is surprising

for everyone and everything

in Nature's changing realm,

and when staying childlike

enthralled with surrounding Mystery

immersed in awe, wonder,

feeling sense of adventure

excitedly curious about future

then we're closely aligned

with life's 'original Source',

our forever bubbling diversity

as individual rare manifestation

miraculously born from two

who fell in love

created life through union

which became unexpected you.

Unfoldment

Billowing fog, 'dragon's breath', on Monterey Bay viewed from my driveway.

Unfoldment

6/14/10

Somehow, somewhere, push began

for results, wealth, power

in humans who desired

security from suffering, hunger,

all manner of fear,

trying to guarantee safety

from unwanted, unexpected circumstance

that adversely effect members

of cherished family, community,

so they'd enjoy riches

of love, life, existence,

though inattentive to disconnect

between Nature's peaceful principals

and false premises embraced,

forgetting practice of 'allowing'

beautifully demonstrated through patience,

witnessing the inherent timing

within evolution's wise unfoldment.

Turn Around

Road out of Bryce Canyon, Utah heading north toward Grand Junction, Colorado.

Turn Around 

6/12/10

Who is to say

how long it takes

for traversing any dis-ease

back into healthy alignment,

a quickness in which

our world, society, economics

could leave behind disintegration

humanity has sickeningly imposed

upon itself and Creation,

certainly belief trumps disbelief

when changing one's circumstances

thinking anything is possible

make shifts more probable

whether in physical illness,

or embracing higher consciousness

able to envision contentment,

peace, as One People,

One Planet, One Future,

once we turn around.

Little Off

Exploring off the beaten path on western coastline of the Isle of Mull, Scotland

Little Off

6/11/10

When accustomed to health,

vitality, and overflowing vibrance,

filled with Tao connection

that brings enthused smile

plus love of life

into wide open heart,

then anything that's deviant

becomes so very apparent,

(imagine pebble inside shoe

yet you keep walking,)

where circumstances change accordingly

if paying close attention

to what's below irritant,

as deep body communication

explores mind, spirit contact

saying 'Slow down, listen,

take time for yourself,

find what's not aligned.'

whenever a little off.

Everyday

Baby 'Howler' monkey at Cabuya Animal Rescue, Costa Rica

Everyday

6/10/10

We are habitual creatures

who take time acquiring

the norms of society

deemed good or bad,

plus our familial, religious

attributes and national pride,

finding later in life

a need to unravel

ties that bind, limit

ability to freely create

unique soul directed life

which plays so readily

with each new twist

this miraculous Existence offers,

yet is often hampered

by parasites of past

that cling to host

where living requires extrication,

everyday, while cultivating renewal.

Naturally

My friend Art meditating amid Buddha statue and the '10,000' things'.

Naturally

6/9/10

After the struggles, challenges,

each learning cycle brings,

days, weeks, years, decades

occupying a 'changing self,'

a principal becomes apparent

for life to 'work',

I must be genuine,

authentic, true to core

of my 'I AM',

as embodied 'original nature'

expressing soul uniquely through

my 'being' and 'ego',

becoming an active creator

who is but part

in 'the 10,000 things',

this Existence of diversity

with many essential directives,

rules like, 'Find happiness,

naturally, by fulfilling yourself.'

Reminded

Aunt Joan and Uncle Carlton, longtime members of the 'love clan' in my life.

Reminded

6/9/10

During any given day

a message will appear

that jogs my mind

into reconsidering this life,

what I think, do,

understand about being human,

coming as revelatory 're-cognition'

of a philosophical reframe

long forgotten, yet valued,

as simple as 'Love.',

give, receive, be it,

where I remember those

in past, and present,

who exude such essence

with the accompanying virtues,

kindness, compassion, forgiveness, mercy,

while living in grace,

contentment, and openhearted acceptance,

informed, reminded, through Spirit.

Circling

Labyrinth and monk cell on small island across from Isle of Iona in far distance.

Scotland

Circling

6/7/10

The art of creation

for me is dance

that spirals to center

as I court resources,

lead them into position

dreaming their new movement

shaping steps to fit,

come together from strategy

which allows for flexibility,

virgin insights that wait

in recesses of timing

only to be unearthed

within each successive stage,

hinted to by previous,

revealing next unknown ripple

advancing toward surprising outcome

resembling my original vision,

though different for including

'a-mused' notions from circling.

Share

A Christmas holiday evening with neighbors Rosie, Nigel, their children and friends.

Kintra, Isle of Mull, Scotland 

Share

6/6/10

With ego out of way

and soul interconnection in place

the world is remarkably different,

there's no need to hoard

or feel lack of goodness,

abundance, love, acceptance, or ability,

each person is unique entity

as diverse expression of Creation,

a Creator personified, yet joined

in vibrational waves expanding Existence,

seen, unseen, known, and unknown,

without judgment we are One,

unexplainable, vibrant, infinite, teeming pulse

of Spirit emanating Life Force

where another's 'success' is mine

to be celebrated as such,

more when acknowledging 'failure' awaits

being the paradoxical counter weight

we share within living Mystery.

Step

Footprint in stone earliest Scottish kings used for ceremonial marriage to the land.

The Great Glen, Scotland

Step

6/5/10

Just footprint in sand

our lives wash away

into ocean of unknown

forgotten human being ancestors

creating lineage before us,

while each individual life

becomes the continuing thread

connected to future waves

by experiences we share,

remember, and pass down,

stories repeated in families,

different than headline news,

instead teaching about love,

kindness, risking, trials, errors,

and resurrection so necessary

from every small death

often known as failure

which paves the way

for eventual next step.

Marathon

Sister Mary Ann and brother Keith during volleyball tournament.

Main Beach, Santa Cruz, California

Marathon

6/4/10

Is life a game

in some Olympic event

where people will argue

about who's more splendid,

or what activity's harder,

thinking they're greater person

for deciding to participate,

choose, a difficult course

with degrees of expertise

needed to successfully compete,

so the end result

carries a deep satisfaction

when aligned to parameters

society calls real victory,

while those who trail,

diverge from normal regulations

taking route less traveled,

find individual soul rewards

through uniquely personal marathon.

Depths

View from Scridain, across Loch Scridain, to the Ross of Mull.

 All part of the Isle of Mull, Scotland

Depths

6/3/10

When releasing control

our restless E.G.O.,

'Edging God Out',

falls into Infinity

while individual soul

rises in union

consciously with Eternity,

this is doorway

entering existing world,

both real, unreal,

where all Creation

shares life force,

same 'original nature'

that humans forget,

must be reminded

through some resurrection

which imprints Oneness,

'spiritual, physical marriage',

from powerful depths. 

On Track

Single track road through snow dusted mountain pass.

Isle of Mull, Scotland

On Track

6/2/10

Things will work out

is an old adage

that displays faith, trust,

in workings of Existence,

it does not mention

if judged good, bad,

only a resolved recognition

life will continue unfolding

through it's Infinite diversity

no matter the label,

as if to say

'Don't worry, be happy!'

encouraging embrace of Mystery

within this precious moment

which is undivided Eternity

overflowing always as 'Tao'

we're all navigating in,

steering any individual way

consciousness deems 'on track'.

Perfect

Right timing in capturing a rainbow dissecting 'Scridain'.

Isle of Mull, Scotland

Perfect

6/1/10

I am wondering

if yesterday lived

was meant to

be different, better,

because something occurred

ego didn't like

while backtracking memory

for divergent decision

overriding my thoughts,

plus good feelings,

about staying home

'futzing' in garden

instead of exercise

aimed at pleasing

another, fulfilling promise

in San Francisco,

only to detour

receiving traffic ticket

through perfect timing.

Memorial Day

Graveyard overlooking Atlantic Ocean on Isle of Lewis, Scotland

Memorial Day

5/31/10

Visiting old friends

who are here

still above ground

I remember those

having passed on,

grandparents and father,

thinking everyone has

experienced a loss

of someone dear

or will eventually

through human condition,

our ancestral lineage

bore same knowledge,

aging, transience, death,

and with recognition

lived, loved, laughed

more fully, deeper,

honoring deceased often

as 'memorial day'.