Begin Again

At my workshop drawing table with 'cedar' for 'carriage doors' project.

(Iphone photo by Art Durand Photography)

Begin Again

8/30/10

Each day reminds

there's another opportunity,

many in fact,

to revisit challenges

that arrived recently,

whether self induced

or societal constraints

attached upon me,

my shouldered burden

while awake, asleep,

needing an exorcism

down to roots,

rerouting thoughts, energy,

the dream sequences

of what's possible,

now, this moment,

after self care

eases the hold,

again meeting myself

I begin again.

Through Portals

Viewed opening from inside a long 'west coast' sea cave only accessible at low tide.

Isle of Mull, Scotland

Through Portals

8/29/10

We are energy beings

filled with chakras, meridians,

shared DNA from Earth,

that needs continuous connection,

experiencing creative electrical impulse

to be healthy, vibrant,

otherwise we lose balance

when becoming fearfully contracted

in many small ways,

holding tension, breath, tongue,

prevention for cart upending

even when it will

so birthing may occur,

bringing necessary focal changes

from speedy future goal

into slow present process,

while essential inner work

dissolves history's residual membranes

obstructing passage through portals.

Security

My workshop, home to creative change.

Security

8/27/10

Is change forever constant

and upheaval the result

when not giving attention

toward incremental daily shifts

that request subtle transfiguration

or ourselves, and society,

while holding on fast

to favored status quo

which served past aspirations,

wanting continuation of comforts,

the way it was

but at what costs,

trading diversity for homogenization,

growth for disguised stagnation,

courage for imbedded fearfulness,

becoming hopeless sleepwalking citizens

who, if fortunate, awaken,

will risk their 'significance'

sourcing soul security instead.

Unknown

My grandpa Rudy Spitzer's work truck used for his creative ventures into the unknown.

Unknown

8/26/10

Each day is full

of mystery and magic

if I remove blinders

which prevent my seeing,

feeling, hearing life anew,

and nothing activates quicker

then entering virgin realms,

doing some original thing

in work or play,

where attention is directed

toward imagining what's possible

while verily hallucinating future,

whether next moment, hours,

days or years ahead,

tapping into creative well

that entertains anticipatory vibration

curious about surprising ingredients

necessary to support success

during journey into unknown.

Unable

Brilliant Anusara yoga teacher Daniella Cotreau during recent visit.

Unable

8/25/10

This word sticks in craw

as does 'can't', and 'incapable',

though hard to swallow now

I'll become familiar with it

as I age, losing willingness

to adapt or recreate myself

for societal reward of money,

prestige, security in all forms,

while denying my 'soul intention'

through this life's last stages,

where 'ego' thinks it's helping

when encouraging stretch beyond means

whispering promises of power, adulation,

even 'enlightened expanse' at end

once hellish endeavor is complete,

yet at costs in health,

wholeness, joy, inner peace, love,

all I dream, deem essential,

living extraordinary existence, until unable.

Divergence

Divergent sunflower bowing to meet rainbow chard in my garden.

Divergence

8/24/10

Often we assume normality

while feathering our beds

imagining a straight trajectory

form cradle to grave

with only good things

dreamed of in between,

okay, a few bruises,

but nothing that devastates

or catapults into unknown

where everything gets reconsidered,

yet it happens daily,

just 'not to me',

we think until 'ta-da!',

then interpretations flood in

wanting answers, who's responsible

to blame for circumstances,

perhaps seeing accumulative signs

that were ignored, unconsciously

mandating 'soul' created divergence.

It Begins

A 'monroe' (3,000 ft. or higher) with the seemingly customary white farmhouse nearby.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

It Begins

8/23/10

Sometime during lull

seemingly stagnate water

on slow river

starts subtle acceleration,

and sounds increase,

currents over rocks

rushing from descent

into unknown rapids,

whirlpool, or waterfall,

there's heightened anticipation,

tensing of muscles

sharpening the senses

to respond calmly

without panic attack

while navigating easily,

effortlessly, with grace,

when territory shifts

entering new world

as it begins.

Residuals

Fireworks during 'Hogminay' evening outside the Kinloch Hotel.

Pennygael, Isle of Mull, Scotland

Residuals

8/22/10

Life's experiences cling inside

modeling electromagnetic energy field,

whether wanted or not

our emotional layers buildup

like fine metal filings

bonded with corroding rust

when we cry sorrows,

splash tears for unwanted,

uncalled for trauma drama,

thankfully there's pendulum swing

containing every good event

that fill the voids

left when passion cools

in steel mill fires,

reflecting journey of alchemy

arising from heartwarming episodes

where 'bed sheet' memories

scented with lovemaking essence

become exquisite cherished residuals.

Reunion

Little 'Sammy' born to John and Joey in Edinburgh, Scotland

Reunion

8/21/10

Absence bequeaths renewed senses

often vanquishing mundane reality,

where familiar viewed shapes,

colors, lips, eyes, smile,

radiate a sterling essence

as if newborn child

recognizing for first time

loving presence of parents,

swinging legs, arms, grinning,

this I felt, experienced,

last night with Grace,

marveling her 'light' composition,

soul, beauty, expressed personality,

the way she moves,

talks, acts on inspiration,

laughs in miraculous wonder

of being herself fully

within this magical world,

while I'm beside her

awe struck, during reunion.

Attention Paid

Ian, Scott, and Fiona during weeklong Open Space art collaboration.

Pennygael Community Hall, Isle of Mull, Scotland

Attention Paid

8/19/10

What we focus on

becomes the magnetic mantra

which attracts our world,

whether rose colored glasses

or raggedy edged filter

personal perceptions influence reality,

finding what's looked for

within unbounded Infinite Existence,

and it's hard conversation

with self or others

when dogma stubbornly resists

any investigation of truth

underlying humanity's morbid behavior,

even tougher to admit

if 'mistaken' for years,

where once movement occurs

in nation or society

there's opportunity to heal

trespasses through attention paid.

A Quickening

My brother Keith and sister Mary Ann during 'No Attitudes' volleyball tournament.

Main Beach, Santa Cruz, California

A Quickening

8/18/10

After lull,

seemingly mired

in muck,

physical reality

of friction,

inertia, polarity,

myriad influences

vying righteously

for attention,

energy expense,

to create

new circumstances

promising progress

toward desired

end result,

there's movement,

often subtle,

that portends

a quickening.

Fall Away

Descending from summit of 'monroe' Ben Mor with Swiss and American compatriots.

Isle of Mull, Scotland

Fall Away

8/17/10

Jobs dance in my mind

with accompanying thoughts and visions

which involve feelings, beliefs, ideas,

it's all a bit hallucinatory

playing in realms of possibility

as I imagine many scenarios

for how things might be

when actually doing the work

in some potential future world,

though right now I dream,

get 'hits' on desired sequence

that I deem optimally favorable

if it were my choice,

but life rides mysterious currents

influenced by people, circumstance, economy,

so lately there's calm juggling

of details surrounding 'employed manifestation'

realizing Existence also contains fantasy

where anything can fall away.

Fringe

AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants.

Right field bleachers, past the 'jog,' housed our rowdy group.

Fringe

8/15/10

On surface, I'm American,

with all the trappings

that say I'm successful,

somewhat, in varying degree,

having home, vehicles, business,

while being part of

many different social circles

which feed diverse interests,

yesterday, my brother's friends,

celebrated birthday 'field trip'

taking bus to stadium

for Giants, Padres game,

40 boisterously enthusiastic drinkers

filling outfield bleacher rows

were given official warning,

either mellow, or ejection,

afterward, walking 'park' circumference

brought surmise, sporting events

bring out lunatic fringe.

Big Leap

Statue overlooking San Francisco on opposite side of Golden Gate Bridge.

Big Leap

8/14/10

Always there's a buildup

from 'idea to reality'

and distance between varies

depending size of endeavor,

how much 'effort expense'

is demanded in return

for reward, after risking

your comforts for unknown,

gambling present situation away

praying for favorable conditions

to bless new adventure

when only you know

high stakes being played

hoping fruition of desire

perhaps to fill coffers,

getting out of debt

incurred last time around

plus fund next dream,

anticipating future big leap.

Things Break

Lakeside Farm water tower before restoration.

Things Break

8/13/10

It's inevitable and obvious

that life continually deteriorates

while simultaneously being renewed,

this phenomenon defines change

often called 'crazy paradox',

sometimes it's invisibly subtle

other times flagrantly shattering

demanding we be quick

in responding to shifts

lest we get cut

too deeply to heal,

lost in 'wounded victimhood'

blind to lessons offered,

or conversely sleep walking

lulled by slow progression

of inner guidance acknowledgement

which says get ready,

lighten load, be agile,

adapt when things break.

Best Intentions

My hands, holding and letting things slip through as needed.

(photo by Art Durand Photography)

Best Intentions

8/12/10

Promises made

are broken,

desires engaged

find retirement,

course set

takes detour,

expectations held

slip through,

dreams imagined

morph differently,

precise song

turns improvisation,

ideas entertained

escape reality,

love found

often lost,

'what's true'

always effects

best intentions.

Daily Shifting

Christmas spread at Rosie and Nigel's. Salmon, oysters, ham, cheese, salad, dips, chips ...

Kintra, Isle of Mull, Scotland

Daily Shifting

8/11/10

There are no guarantees

when waking in morning

that things will unfold

according to preconceived notions,

and often people worry

about feared troublesome possibilities

believing fretting insures success,

it's blessing to say

I've outgrown that strategy

by now welcoming surprises,

change, trusting in perfection...

imagine 'new lover' visiting

unannounced, bearing dinner entrees

to feed body, mind,

filling senses, sparking emotions

while exciting my spirit

partaking lustily of rarity,

life's unforeseen glorious gifts

received from daily shifting.

Short Distance

Isle of Mull, with historic Duarte Castle in the forefront, viewed from ferry headed to Oban.

Short Distance

8/10/10

In a technological society

with it's 'connection' gadgets

the world has contracted

from ability to reach

halfway around the Earth

via telephone, and computers,

some would add 'telepathy'

as friend thought of

calls out of blue

piquing curiosity about timing,

who entered mind first

to create response connection,

contrarily, Universe has expanded

bringing more awareness forward

about rare environments, people,

places, filling diverse reality

exhibiting unique cultural phenomena

which influence those experiencing

life from short distance.

Attraction

My dear 'soul friend' Grace happy to be motorcycling.

Attraction

8/9/10

As ethereal as music,

flighty, ungraspable, poetic, inspirational,

it has no norm,

is different within everyone

and very often eccentric

providing little rhyme, reason,

for combination of effects

that entice a person

to show marked interest

toward subject of attention,

whether friendly, lovingly, lustily,

yet, it happens daily

in shifting 'appreciation dance'

initially a superficial recognition

sparked by beautiful form,

smile, light in eyes,

a window into treasure

of inner mysterious invitations,

intangibles, resonating Soul attraction.

We Touch

Dear friend and birthday girl Deb Katz at Alice's Restaurant in Woodside, California.

We Touch

8/7/10

Such an amazing phenomenon

where individually and collectively

humans effect one another,

whether subtly or overtly,

depending on actions taken

that bring us encounters

which alter attitudes, images,

opinions and myriad beliefs

different from the norm,

triggering synapse in mind,

mysterious emotions in body,

and flight within spirit

corresponding to our receptivity,

it can be intrusive

on positive, negative scale

according to momentary judgment,

yet, valuable in hindsight

realizing our life summation

reflects who we touch.

Parts

Someone's 'medicine object' on Peoples' Altar at First Peace Launch.

Abiquiu, New Mexico

Parts

8/6/10

Our pieces

compose list

of aspects

to life

needing attention

whether work,

play, family,

or body,

mind, spirit,

emotion calling

for awareness,

often shattered

by experience

we desire,

finding lessons'

beautiful shards

within recomposed,

reintegrated, mosaic's

sparkling parts.

Ground Zero

'First Peace Launch' participant from Denmark in his 'morning practice'.

Ground Zero

8/5/10

Hosted 'Talkabout' show last night

having radio listeners call in

after reading from Progessive Magazine's

different commentaries on Afghan War,

asked callers to introduce solutions

instead of just complaining heartily,

and conversation began with history

circling from wide macro perspective

of engrained 'world policeman' mentality

to discussions about coveting oil,

whether we have fascist government

that wears 'civil' smiling face,

followed by 'reclaiming democracy' ideas,

spiraling to world citizens awakening,

taking responsibility, plus self authorship

for one's effect and influence

toward outcome of our planet

finally realizing 'reverent spiritual connection'

is original co-creative Ground Zero.

Circular Dance

RainbowHawk in 'medicine wheel' at the First Peace Launch in Abiquiu, New Mexico.

Attended by many inspirational people from around the world.

Circular Dance

8/4/10

Round and round it goes

we inspire each other from

our alignment with greater purpose,

doing something that resonates deeply

so much it seems integral

to soul's unique 'life calling'

which entails 'being' and action,

the latter usually garnering acclaim

though only outer world reflection

that speaks to inner equilibrium,

one's 'first peace' attracting potential

for good things to happen,

and when someone catches glimpse

through interaction with engaged person

a mutual sparking can occur

leaving both on higher note

where we reawaken dream pursuit,

catch fire, burning away obstructions

at center of circular dance.

Being Met

Soul friends, Art, Heidi, and Kevin

Being Met

8/3/10

Is there anything better

then forging deep connection

with someone attracting us

in body, mind, emotions,

and most importantly, spirit,

where eyes spark electricity

while 'smiling soul recognition'

opens heart to appreciate,

be present, with miracle

when finding authentic person

who vibrates in rhythm

that smacks of perfection,

some fated coming together

let's call 'learning destiny',

for moment or longer

as genuine sharing occurs,

vulnerably, of what's true,

honestly engaging life's potential

all from being met.

Revisiting

Coming out of a 'hole' in the rapids of the Tuolumne River.

Near Yosemite in Sierras of California.

Revisiting

8/2/10

Often habits die hard

especially when conjuring familiarity

with same thought process,

actions, hoping different results

only to find same,

if this defines insanity

then many people are,

as is our nation,

because we fight evolution,

seem reticent to learn

anything new about ourselves

or try deviant strategies

that birth original dynamics

we must respond to,

adapting physically, mentally, emotionally

toward desired optimal outcome

overcoming obstacles of fear

again entering life's river

revisiting our navigating ability.

Topsy Turvy

Mirrored land in still loch near Lochbuie.

Isle of Mull, Scotland

Topsy Turvy

8/1/10

Some say it's this way

for the worse, others better,

again pointing to relative reality

each of us carry within

numbering myriad different perspectives, opinions,

ways of seeing, feeling life,

as there are people breathing,

plus those in past, future

with brains chattering ceaselessly away

all living in personalized universe

decorated with expectation and judgment,

often prejudiced against 'What is.',

while fearfully defending societal constraints,

civility for sake of profiting

status quo, if upper class,

not wanting prayers of lower

wishing change to be answered,

believing controlled turbulence is possible

when events go topsy turvy.

Perfectly Timed

Recent visit by Rachel and Ross, offspring of good friends Laura and Jack Rinehart.

Perfectly Timed

7/31/10

Our days avail themselves

toward cooperation and competition,

leaving open myriad paths

wherein 'All roads lead

to Rome.', called Source,

Life, Love, Grace, Joy,

when synchronicity, serendipity reign

we move through world

realizing our Sacred Dream

is authored by soul

instructed to optimally compose

poetic and playful juxtapositions

that bring out Essence

within ourselves, and others,

in glorious co-creation dance

tuned into 'inner compass'

which navigates 'All Potential'

turning possibilities into probabilities,

perfectly timed when manifested.