More Headway

Spiderweb at confluence of elemental life on corner railing of outside stairway landing.

More Headway

5/30/11

Could call it 'heart path',

'soul journey', or 'body trail',

depending modalities I naturally engage

when working on life projects

moving around to different areas

as visionary synapse fires off

collapsing both reality and dream,

superimposing mirage image of 'future'

on boundaries defining 'present condition'

straddling two worlds of illusion

one more malleable than other,

while simple consciousness is veil

floating between, connecting what's possible,

needed, wanted, dancing through winds

blowing potential destinies in gusts

to be caught for perusal,

discerning worth of proposed action

that will shift surrounding dynamics

in 'Spider Woman's' sensitive web

creating more food for thought,

and I'll bounce sporadically around

arriving on threads leading elsewhere

listening 'Creation Song' luring me

into 'Unknown', this day's events,

trusting 'Source' melodies direct toward

confluence, joyous revelation, more headway.

Anticipation

Mother and son at gathering before my anticipated 2006 trip to Scotland.

Anticipation

5/29/11

Studies show this is integral piece

for humans within updated 'happiness equation',

especially when 'experience' becomes targeted goal

instead of impulsively buying material things,

new car, phone, clothes, we assimilate

quickly turning familiar, but 'adventure' memories

of prior, during, after, live on,

replayed, embellished with vivid sensations returning

that still exalt emotionally vibrant spirit,

where 'love stories' prayed for rule,

these 'dream come true' occurrences enthuse

having us lean into future potential

when perceiving world as friendly place,

breathing freely, moving energy, trusting process,

encouraging indomitable 'soul' to greater heights,

everyone engaging power of self authorship

ably defining 'Life' in satisfying terms,

it's no wonder a 'visionless' society

mired in bleak prognosis has problems

with depressed, complacent, apathetic, hopeless citizenry

consumed by mantra of bad news

thinking things will worsen, not improve,

this is betraying our essential nature

as 'Evolution' forever depends on creative

channeled ideas received from 'Unknown Source'

sparking conscious anticipation of more goodness.

Visions Multiply

Replicated 'beehive cell' near 'The Great Glen' at Kilmartin, Scotland.

Visions Multiply

5/28/11

Let's call it our 'God Quotient',

the more that attention is divided

means there's increased Miracle to witness,

be intrigued by, start feeling into,

turning most minute observations each day

toward recognition of 'Infinite Universe' within

every 'creation' on this beautiful Earth,

while mind becomes data collection center

with 'imagination' housed in 'dream wing'

that is often underfunded in budget

as 'survival chamber' consumes tremendous resources

just to keep fear at bay,

feed the 'wolf' who blocks door,

boards up windows from light, outlook,

howling 'accelerated scenarios' of death, destruction,

relegating those trapped to darkest night,

it takes remembrance of deepest connection

to 'Source' through 'Soul' for escape,

beginning with 'what if', questioning assumptions

of 'truth' taught as sacrosanct doctrine

by those infected by 'violence virus'

who became their own jailer, prisoner,

having lost sight of 'All Potential',

but indestructible potent 'Life Force' energy

will not be denied, persistently courageous

delivering fecund promise wherein visions multiply.

Ceremony

Heading toward immersion into waters of Monterey Bay and greater Pacific Ocean.

(photo by Art Durand Photography)

Ceremony

5/27/11

This can conjure images of formality

with stoic clergy going through motions

mumbling some unintelligible mantra to 'gods'

as solemn devotees look powerlessly on,

all to placate internal human aspiration

for individual 'Spirit' and 'Source' union

that dissolves 'self' in Love's ocean,

too often we abdicate personal authorship,

responsibility, intelligence, settling for subjugation

when hoping to sidestep uncomfortable circumstance

that skirts having to earn 'wisdom',

the lessons learned accompanying 'wound' experience

healing to regain one's strength, footing,

in new world after completed transition

reminding evolutionary cosmic dance volunteered for,

with 'Soul' woven into miraculous 'Creation'

which means embodying sacred journey song

while ingeniously developing means to end,

it's true many have preceded us

leaving trail of rules to follow,

handing down 'tools', incantations to repeat,

yet, every person has unique sensibilities

living and witnessing like no other

where 'Life' becomes holiest of ritual

sacraments orchestrated by each priest, priestess,

whose 'Essence Presence' defines daily ceremony.

Savor

Stone stairway in' Carnasserie Castle' near 'The Great Glen' by Kilmartin, Scotland.

Savor

5/26/11

There is no need to hurry

when confidence in outcome rests securely

within heart, soul, protected by courage

that guards vitality, integrity of 'Self'

while getting close to one's dream,

where future can be distinctly heard

rapidly rushing toward fruition, carrying visions

of omnipotent experiences waiting to happen

in perfectly interconnected timing without obstacles,

only those human impatience constantly make

by thinking urgency plays key role,

but not if grace is valued

ably paying attention to unfolding moment

each containing subtle scent filled aroma

connected to next, leading the way

into Unknown passage of what's possible,

it's trusting paradoxical slow and fast

working side by side during manifestation

as sluggish advances in physical realm

bely the spiritual quickening behind scenes

creating the alchemy that becomes miracle,

aided and abetted by peaceful repose

feeling the magnificence of being alive

no matter outside circumstances threatening disruption,

this is faithful adherence to 'response-ability'

asking we savor everything that transpires.

It Only Matters

'Byron Kitty' sleeping on bed made in past configuration of bedroom.

It Only Matters

5/25/11

After all is said, done,

before last breath escapes body,

what stands out as important

is up to myself alone,

no one else travels along

on solo journey back home

to Source, the Unknown Void,

best to be marveling review

of storied experiences, decisions made

with overriding effect, love shared,

joy felt, and passed around,

while amazed by beautiful tapestry

'up, down' emotional strands colored,

brilliantly wove, when living through

every moment whether fully aware

or not, playing integral part

in 'Great Theater of Life'

never knowing who in attendance

were influenced, inspired, motivated toward

freedom from inherited authoritarian demands,

hopefully understanding sooner than later

that everything is teeming miracle,

and bed slept in is

mine to make each day,

blanketed by changing consciousness, realizing

it only matters to me.

Openings Appear

Atop 'Scridain' viewing furthest 'Isle of Iona' at end of 'Ross of Mull' where 'Kintra' was home.

February 19th, 2007, Isle of Mull, Scotland

Openings Appear

5/24/11

Mundane living can blind us

through familiarity and simple routine

while taking life for granted,

missing miraculous potential, magical opportunities

that inundate every precious moment

until new idea, concept, person

lifts lid to 'next leap'

waiting in wings of reality

which promises an 'original' adventure

so farfetched that it intrigues,

sparks childlike curiosity, awe, wonder,

blows top off confined imagination

entertaining many 'what if' scenarios

tied to mysterious emotional circuits

as form of guidance system

mind discerns through interpreted data,

and if diagnosis is 'outstanding'

with smiling aliveness the result

then grand decision comes about

for traveling in specific direction,

unencumbered by constraints of past

such as fear, worry, doubt,

while remembering successful risks taken,

wisdom taught from supposed 'failures',

plus the thrill of Unknown,

trusting openings appear when needed.

Tight Skin

Snake on moist clay stream bed evaporating in arroyo next to 'Land of Shining Stones'.

Abiquiu, New Mexico

Tight Skin

5/23/11

The shedding has begun

like some dragonfly nymph

or snake wriggling free

of confining old 'self',

it's butterfly escaping chrysalis

and children outgrowing clothes

as growth demands expanse

in all life territories,

I imagine undulating innards

pushing, pulling, contracting, resting,

muscles, fluted bone, sinew,

cells, blood vessels, organs

moving about, pulsating, separating

from what 'once was',

vulnerably entering new world

sensitive to energetic influences

that began with dreaming

veiled destined future, transmitted

behind eyelids of consciousness

inherently perceiving spectral vision

spherically illuminating multifaceted potential,

now embraced as 'true'

through heart, soul knowing

which startles complacent stasis,

sends love enthused body

bursting beyond tight skin.

Story

Rainbow over my 'writing room' in croft on island of my ancestors.

Kintra, Isle of Mull, Scotland.

Story

5/21/11

We inhabit world that's make believe,

are born of past tales written,

passed on orally, depicting ancestral origins,

immigrations, defining family, self, our relations

inherited from experiences others have lived

turned into 'bible' of many 'proper'

small engrained 'truths' embedded within fables,

and depending parental health, healing, openness,

children expand or contract through life

hearing 'rules' repeated in malleable mind,

if, 'Do what makes you happy.'

'Everything is love, arriving as change.'

'You can create what you dream.',

then magical positive vibrations fill imagination

coloring future possibilities within rainbow spectrum,

but some condemn through fear, worry,

become slave masters devouring 'soul power',

our personal birthright as 'Source' incarnate

that is distressed by lost creativity,

our inherent ability to manifest joy,

beauty, all good things while dancing

to beat of potent present moment,

uninhibited by myths about staying small

for survival, escaping being cut down,

whenever fulfilled human threatens status quo

generating opportunities to enliven virgin story.

Perfection

Adorned Buddha statue in my upstairs living space and bedroom.

Perfection

5/20/11

Often it can take years,

or lifetime, to see this,

sometimes a day, few hours,

yet, once able, each moment

that shows up uniquely different,

yes, there's flawlessly executed production

of books, art work, photography,

fine finish carpentry, and more

where 'creator' walks away satisfied,

but also in 'contrary' events

seemingly disastrous with little merit

until grasped as integral piece

supplied by hard lesson learned,

with 'proper' attitude and perception

every 'mistake' has it's place

in wholeness of larger picture

intimately woven into beautiful masterpiece

as one of a kind

human 'becoming', 'being', rare composition

filled by experiences particularly theirs,

already a 'buddha' at birth

people forget the myriad miraculous

ingredients that enable our Existence,

failing to appreciate twists, turns,

supposed successes, defeats along path

which reveal perfection through introspection.

Not Knowing How

New 'third story' destined to be 'craned' into place during one of a kind water tower remodel.

Lakeside Farm, Watsonville, California

Not Knowing How

5/19/11

Is all life like this,

forever wondering if it's possible

to manifest a desired dream

when each has unique formula

and equations to work out,

the bigger an aspiration is

can equal increased risk, adaption,

letting go of 'once was',

while becoming who 'you must'

through daily transformative growth process

enabling perfect synchronicity to happen,

Wisdom says 'action negates fear'

which comes from stagnate contemplation

of 'future' projects demanding resources,

energy, and gumption not available

during 'present' moment visionary stillness,

often sparking dread of failure

imagining inability to rise up,

meet the demands greatness requires

from small, shallow 'ego breath',

wherein 'soul' requests determined faith,

expansion, trust, even while confused

about what it will take

for graceful unfolding to occur,

this is Mystery teaching courage

within our not knowing how.

Map of Territory

My Mom, her granddaughter Emma, (my goddaughter), at past Christmas with new guitar.

Map of Territory

5/18/11

I feel urge to 'pop!',

get on with dreams incubating

within collage of wondrous images

that may, may not please

throughout lengthy process of manifestation

whenever 'immediate growth resistance' frustrates

as unusual obstacles take form,

meantime future genetic codes spin

in centrifuge of what's possible,

fleshes out 'holographic' potential reality

worth catalyzing in ideal environment,

creates understanding of butterfly chrysalis

and momentum germinating seeds build

before sprouts enter outside world,

it's percolation in writer's mind

mysteriously collecting tidbits beneath consciousness

which colors, churns, weaves ideas

toward manuscript, or artist's palette,

brushes, paint, holding dormant masterpiece,

call it 'Soul divination', directing

where 'essence' of any entity

dances with 'Source' into 'being',

'becoming', a rare embodied 'universe'

amid 'infinite' others, all swaying,

listening, singing to courageously discover

themselves beyond map of territory.

Soul Laughter

Laughing at something absurd.

(photo by Art Durand Photography)

Soul Laughter

5/17/11

After years of being witness

to my troubled egocentric antics

mimicking victim, villain, and hero,

using clarifying gift of hindsight

interpreting absurd, paradoxical, insane world,

I've become most thoroughly amused

by choices made along way

garbed in so many personas,

distorted robes, identified as 'me',

falsely believing their 'ultimate truths'

only to have them change,

then taking 'mis-takes' quite seriously

supposedly proving flawed, dysfunctional makeup

without any humor to soften

lashings for assumed miserable failure,

and now older, hopefully wiser,

hearty chuckles escape through grin

realizing I inhabit same 'Universe'

but overall perception has shifted,

enabling view of magic, miracle,

that permeates all of 'Existence',

including myself, intertwined as 'Oneness',

beautifully magnificent teeming diverse phenomenon

given the powerful responsibility to

create 'Sacred Dream of Life'

full of exquisite soul laughter.

Intersection

Casting a shadow at Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz, California.

(photo by Art Durand Photography)

Intersection

5/16/11

Our soul is crossing place

where everything meets as thoughts,

feelings, visuals, inner and outer,

delivered in day, night dreams

of varying intensity, comfort, trial,

some more real than others

becoming dense matter, airy joy,

electric love energy running hot,

or not, depending our shadow

who is 'ourself' blocking light,

the 'ego' acting 'safety guard'

unwilling to let all pass

for fear of chaotic collision

that would upend valued expectations,

trying to control the world

according to preconceived learned notions

dictating how life 'should' be,

but Existence is beyond management

it can only be ridden

yet in myriad chosen ways,

like cowboy spurring enthralled creativity,

exotic dancer atop pleasure planet,

merry-go-round children peeling with laughter,

as dizzying array of possibility

entering our minds at artistic

intersection between reality and fantasy.

Just Being

On the workshop steps.

(photo by Art Durand Photography)

Just Being

5/14/11

This is only reason necessary

for anyone, anywhere to receive

love, adoration, all goodness bestowed

upon them as overriding abundance,

with nutritious food on plate,

roof overhead providing weather protection

in environment that exudes beauty,

surrounded by healthy caring community

where individuals share skills, talents,

as gifts to greater 'whole'

which freely feeds everyone's spiritual,

physical, mental, and emotional needs

while all do their best

to live in interdependent harmony

celebrating cultural and ancestral diversity,

honoring forces of masculine, feminine,

individually dancing, yet melding together,

becoming divine marriage between opposites,

paradoxical yin, yang, soft, hard,

and white, black, wrong, right,

it's witnessing shadow, light interplay

seeing ourselves as inextricably woven

together with Nature, Source, Universe,

no less than Moon, Stars,

this blue-green Earth that rewards

all Existence for just being.

Patient Unfurling

Exotic flower blooming by the beach in Santa Cruz, California.

Patient Unfurling

5/13/11

Life is a waiting game,

at least part of it,

there's no hurrying plant cycles

though vital nutrients determine growth,

effect strength, size, blossom, fruit,

but actual time of turning

in seed, seedling, sapling, tree

with dormant periods of containment

takes into account myriad influences

dependent on season, environment, resources,

let alone greater climate changes

that call for inner adaptation

whenever cellular level becomes confused

by mixed messages prompting system

to advance, though prematurely so,

flowering gets met by frost,

rain laden winds, before bees

have chance to thoroughly pollinate,

and harvest can suffer loss

due to surprising extreme weather,

wherein farmers, growers, become mystics

intently listening to inner muse

who can read tea leaves,

signs, interpret the secret codes

which spell out good fortune

in future's potently patient unfurling.

Dreams Influence

My youngest sister Mary Ann and her son Noah riding the 'Big Dipper' roller coaster.

The Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, California

Dreams Influence

5/12/11

It's part of human phenomenon,

before lost for many reasons,

that people will envision future

starting early as child, adolescent,

who imitates parents, siblings, peers,

wanting to be like them,

so doing 'persona' comes alive

taking on mannerisms, talk, values,

until complete metamorphosis has occurred

with pleasing results if fortunate,

often people become staid characters

surrounded by their familiar props

which satisfy and solidify direction

through aging if nothing changes,

but life circumstances continually do,

sometimes dramatically, demanding muscle use

necessary for recreating 'self' identity

framed by work, relationships, home,

beginning struggle between old, new,

as sense of 'ego' dies

while 'Soul' resurrects underlying truths

about invincibility against earthly onslaught,

ably and easily steering course

to 'become the vibrant person

able to pull it off',

the purposeful destiny dreams influence.

Thinning

My packed garden beds from a couple years ago.

Thinning

5/11/11

I've always found it difficult

after a planted garden bed

erupts with little seedling greenery

to pluck out hungry sprouts,

so what's left can expand,

blossom, come to magnificent fruition,

instead, I'll leave all in

letting tangle of possibility ensue

that reflects Mystery's rich soil

feeding myriad images of harvest,

but in reality quality suffers

from strained environment of struggle

for resources now found limited,

real manifestation demands adequate space,

sun, water, earth, and air,

as catalysts to reach zenith,

perhaps it's sympathy for underdog

believing everything deserves a chance

proving worth of simple existence

cherished as excited 'dream seed'

placed in sacred heart chamber,

though destined not to unfurl,

and there's pang of sadness

whether early on, or later,

at lost 'potential' lacking ingredients,

focus, motivation, stewardship, thinning supplies.

The Unknown

Diamond sunset at a little harbor on the west coast of the Isle of Mull, Scotland.

The Unknown

5/10/11

Perhaps it's ancestral genetics

with engrained survival program

that rears preservationist head

when gazing 'virgin territory'

far into imagined future

while deciding worthwhile adventure,

and if past experiences

were less than fruitful

most people will defer,

shrink back, at thought

of risking their comforting

relationships for what's hidden

in realms of 'potential',

even though plentiful stories

exist within human history,

grandparents, parents, close relatives,

friends, who harnessed courage

finding treasures barely dreamed

whenever daring to curiously

explore what else exists

beyond miracles inhabited now,

by activating heart compass,

believing every thicket, bramble,

seeming tangle, holds gift

becoming accumulated 'bejeweled soul'

gratefully embracing the Unknown.

Releasing

Five of seven siblings, minus father Robert, on mother Dorothy's birthday last September.

Releasing

5/9/11

Often humans hold tight

to old familiar ways

whether belief system, attitudes,

opinions, images of 'want',

relationships long gone sour

with partner, work, government,

even self, resisting change,

valuing 'security' over Unknown,

it's understandable, especially if

fear supplants curious excitement

as breath becomes constricted

unable to expand fully

into what's being asked

of 'soul's' next step,

promising energy and presence

available to activate grace,

granted there is loss

throughout life, death world,

whether beginning, middle, end,

that creates sentimental longing

when someone 'leaves' Existence,

father, mother, sister, brother,

or moving from 'home',

these places, people cherished,

loved, making vivid heartache

from thoughts of releasing.

Ecstatic

Ecstatic on edge of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Motorcycle trip in Southwest U.S., Sept. 2008

Ecstatic

5/7/11

I wish this on everyone,

as highest blessing of joy,

an enthralled, enamored, full Life

where every pore comes alive,

atoms bump bringing extraordinary vibrance

to feelings, breath, exalting perceptions

into elevated World of Mystery

wherein even most mundane experience

is seen as miraculous manifestation

available only now, this moment,

then disappears in history annals

making room for next, onward

into virgin territory that's Eternity,

Infinite in possibility and potential,

and whatever heart, soul, sings

at juxtaposition of Divine orchestration

calling you to enter 'Destiny'

that you'll summon unyielding courage,

wisdom, and insight to embrace

unique gifts within 'Great Turning',

this time of Evolving Consciousness

arriving at human 'choice points'

beyond base animalistic survival mentality

when connecting again with Oneness,

our inherited shared vital responsibility

for stewarding ecstatic Earthly Existence.

Making Room

Making a 'plant starting' room, attached to my motorcycle shed, a couple of years ago.

Making Room

5/6/11

When dream of certain quality

steps forward from myriad others

that seem mundane in comparison,

and ignites fire in body

suddenly alive with great energy

to put visions into play,

then the veil swings aside

allowing longer peak toward future

awaiting me as potent destiny

if courageously willing to persevere,

source the skills, talents, needed

which can deliver miraculous world

of high purpose and direction,

this is realm of 'alchemist'

who brings together essential ingredients

for manifestation, following instructive 'muse'

saying 'Space must be created.'

in mental, physical, emotional territories,

freeing fiery 'mystic' to innovate,

spiritually attract all good things

arriving as synchronistic ease, flow,

grace, once 'completions' liberate abilities

occupied by less important activities

than those used for discerning

what to let go of,

making room for unfolding Mystery.

Respect

My 'new eyes' perceived a galloping 'fire horse' as a medicine sign at sunset.

Photo taken from my home in Soquel hills.

Respect

5/5/11

A birthday girl

in different country

're-framed' this word

concept for me,

to 'look again'

as if virgin

on person, place,

our old patterns,

upbringing, past experiences,

every mundane thing

taken for granted,

it's asking questions

about inner motivations,

how we choose

what, why, when,

while in acceptance

of present condition

circumstances led to

without harsh judgment,

instead discerning riches

'journey song' offers

each fertile moment

through 'new eyes',

perceiving re-awakened attentive

awareness toward full

'respect' for life.

Plans

A 'typical' winter Scottish stream close to finding the sea.

Isle of Mull, Scotland

Plans

5/4/11

Too often they become constraints

all narrow with little movement,

'logical' boxes of 'have to'

bringing with them perceived 'failure'

because reality didn't match expectations

from mind to physical world,

yes, getting specific is important

when boiling down to 'completion',

the final strokes of masterpiece

walking away feeling one's 'success',

yet, in beginning, through process,

it pays to have awareness

of energies moving as river

bringing new possibility, potential downstream

remembering Life is not straight,

there are rapids, waterfalls, eddies,

side streams that can deaden

with debris blocking creative flow,

better to set grand intention

ably adaptive in expansive understanding

that Universe, Source, 'the gods',

have large say in outcome

through synchronicity, law of attraction,

beyond ego driven 'should', 'must',

entertaining there's 'grand destiny' available

as uplifting 'Mystery' surrounds plans.

Re-minding

A 'side track' road off of 'Extraterrestrial Highway' running east/west through Nevada.

Re-minding

5/3/11

So much beauty, grace,

aliveness and joy exudes

from natural world, people

who are turned onto

the miracles, medicine signs

inundating sphere of consciousness,

this bubbling synapse cauldron

that 're-members', gets 're-awakened'

to wisdom in past

we recognize as essential,

dear to our hearts

though somehow sidetracked from,

in reality never left

just misplaced from underuse,

and when it's 're-activated'

becomes familiar old friend

not seen in awhile,

provoking 'journey song' questions

which update, 're-calibrate' knowledge,

understanding, about present condition

which leads toward future,

wholly new to explore

while carrying residual feelings

of goodness from youth,

those experiences most favorable

're-minding' our authentic inclinations.

Fertile Virility

A couple walking on Seabright Beach at sunset with Wharf and Lighthouse in background.

Santa Cruz, California

Fertile Virility

5/2/11

Beltane passes,

read about

on radio,

God, Goddess

Earth, Sun

join together

in ecstasy,

fecund procreation's

tantric embrace

melding energies,

people remember

emulating love,

share freely

at ocean,

woods, fields,

pick blossoms

decorating bowers,

dream future

of prosperity

around fire,

some marry

for year

and day

as trial,

living united

fertile virility.

Distinguished

Exalted and bathed in morning sunlit 'dragon's breath'.

(photo by Art Durand Photography)

Distinguished

4/30/11

To be great

act that way,

genuinely become person

I wholly must

when following heart

into life's maze,

expressing specific skills,

talents, in service

of soul purpose

so uniquely mine,

no one else

embodies my sensibilities,

loves, deep joy

for this world,

through these eyes,

passions that thrill

in their originality

and particular feelings,

how I'm assembled

from past experiences,

present 'home' environment

both internal, external,

plus future possibilities

offered as potential

within rare lifetime

each person distinguishes.