Behind It

Raven kayaking Castle Lake with Mt. Shasta in the distance

Behind it

9/25/09

You can say 'underneath',

however we truly realize

world beyond the 'veil',

call it 'true reality',

even with invisible nature

that takes trained eyes,

heart, head, plus spirit,

to filter out cacophony

of life's nervous energy

so associated with living

which obstructs calm perception

the subtle essence vibrations

prevalent when in wilderness,

Mother Earth's raw beauty,

whether in magical forest,

paddling on mountain lake,

swimming in the same,

or just imbibing magnificence

like Mt. Shasta's grandeur,

her majestic inspiring vistas

easily seen and photographed,

yet offering feeling experience

for those willing participants

who allow quiet moments,

stop the mental chatter,

listen for deeper transmission,

behind it, in it.

Floating

Gentle Thunder floating on Castle Lake, Mt. Shasta, California

Floating

9/24/09

In order to survive,

flourish, reap life's rewards,

often we must stop,

rest, not make decisions,

more like 'just be',

without the frantic kicking,

flailing of arms, hands,

when keeping head above

waves of turbulent circumstance,

granted it's not easy

being calm in storm

trusting from vulnerable position

even as demise looms,

always a real possibility,

call on 'all potential'

to show another way

coming to miracle rescue

because we believe such,

wouldn't succumb so easily

no matter dire predictions

or how history demonstrates

past weave of mankind,

inevitably change will arrive,

original happenstance showing itself

for everyone to marvel,

recognize, as evolutionary shift

forever floating in consciousness.

Ancients Watch

Buddha in my backyard with succulents, early morning.

Ancients Watch

9/23/09

From hawk, eagle perspective

when viewing my life

soaring above mundane concerns

I imagine ancestors observing

commenting on every choice

made over the years

that show a worthiness,

or failure, to shine,

depending if there's embrace

of genuine spiritual aspects

contrary to base decisions,

noticing how care translates

to loving myself, family,

friends, neighbors, land, animals,

from wise grandparent nature,

higher self, collective consciousness,

Great Spirit, seeing offspring

in each evolutionary stage

wanting to help guide

by sending specific messengers

both subtle, and blatant,

as birds, people, experiences,

so wisdom finds home

within my human heart

able to sincerely greet

new day living joyously,

powerfully, as ancients watch.

Another Turning

Santa Cruz Lighthouse from East Cliff beach after early Sunday radio.

Another Turning

9/22/09

Fall Equinox bodes change

as air smells shift

coolness has new quality

light continues to lower

leave earlier in evening,

and I smile anticipation

for the coming rain,

wind, tree limbs swaying,

putting on warm layers

having wood stove fires

while forced to accept,

be with, 'what is',

no matter the circumstances,

able to follow through

on dreams that arrived

during summer, spring musings,

from past year failures

harvesting the rich lessons

when feeling in deeply

to where Spirit leads,

entertaining original vital thought

laying groundwork for future

so dependent on 'now'

my abilities to co-create

with Source Energy forces

realizing evolution always happens

through another turning inside.

While Hot

My portrait 

(photo by Art Durand Photography)

While Hot

9/21/09

Revelations come and go

starting off so grand

like I'll never forget

as if seared within,

felt as cosmic prod

to advance in direction

toward creating original piece,

whether written as story,

poem, commentary, and like,

or perhaps a prototype

for workshop wood project

and lately, poetry cards,

with picture and verse

on both sides, together,

where people access one

which inspires for day

then put at bottom

perhaps on meditation altar

only 'sitting' height tall

with a 'reflection' mirror

so I can witness,

be intimate through eyes

seeing beyond physical facade

into Spirit incarnated 'me',

who finds life's resonance

offers path to explore

while hot to trot.

My Mom

Dorothy Marie Hayes  when married to Robert Franklin Spitzer

My Mom

9/16/09

It has been 86 years

since Dorothy entered this world

to Leo and Grace Hayes

in Buffalo, New York area,

followed by her brother Patrick,

sharing room until leaving home

when marrying my father Robert,

a most handsome joyous couple,

they soon bore twin boys,

then, after many more tries,

came three more future men

until first girl broke the mold,

paving way for last angel

at ripe age of 42,

I still wonder, in awe,

of how that was possible

thinking of the daily trials

that would test anyone's sanity

and the kind of faith

so necessary to navigate life,

trusting, one step after another,

persevering, as their inevitable choice,

tapping into the deepest well

only Spirit can freely offer

through prayers for protection, guidance,

doing the best they could

my Mom led with love.

However

Dragonfly like the one that visited while kayaking Castle Lake in Mt. Shasta.

(photo by chiropractor Steven Stewart)

However

9/16/09

I don't care how you do it,

what gets you there to realize

the importance of inner landscapes

this space constantly lived in

that is often filled with junk

second hand thoughts about life

passed down through generations

of family, education, society, nation,

where spiritual core is buried,

it's quiet wisdom is drowned out

by cacophony of influential voices

which needs clearing to perceive

insights of an expanded knowing

born from Truth, Nature and Presence,

so if you must drink, smoke pot,

take hallucinations, or simply meditate,

in order to understand holistic concept

saying we are 'all One teeming energy'

miraculously diverse in unique design

here to express as a joyous entity,

then we can begin the transformation

playing each part in Great Turning,

inspired, motivated, given Guidance

through every interaction existence offers,

able to sit with, accept, interpret

each 'God sent' message you receive

however it manifests in experience.

Navigating Turns

Advertised as the 'best car rally race in the world', on the Isle of Mull, Scotland.

Navigating Turns

9/12/09

Keeping a cool head,

calm, collected, clear,

race car driver presence

is a necessary condition

when taking life on,

snaking through sneaky paradox

whose twisty revelations startle,

eyes shine in headlights

blinded as pupils sharpen,

dilate next dark corner,

constantly adapting to conditions,

quick leap into roadway,

or vehicle crossing line,

next, lulled to sleep

from distance being travelled,

forgetting to pay attention

thinking all is familiar

though never really noticing,

taking deeply descriptive notes

described in narration form

searching words to discern

what's really being lived,

otherwise it's one dimensional

just miraculous protoplastic magma

we push ourselves through

stimulating as it touches

senses for navigating turns.

Transitioning

Friends of mine riding the Big Dipper roller coaster

at the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, California

Transitioning

9/11/09

It's what's happening these days,

the disheveled economy exacerbates

every doubt and human angst,

folks are thrown into turmoil

as things 'depended on' dissolve,

fail to have any substance left

in the way of sustaining reality

while smoke and mirror security

is seen as the thin facade

that people tried to root into,

so changes begin to happen

where most wail and gnash teeth

crying for the loss of old dreams,

foreclosures, bankruptcy, break ups,

which create a deep introspection

an opening for connection to Spirit,

that unending source of peace

we're able to find in tragedy

when turning our eye toward beauty,

this miracle of unpredictable life,

continuing to roll on unimpeded

whether we suffer or not

depending our thoughts and attitude,

ably shifted from higher perception

a consciousness of All being One

immensely diverse in it's singularity

in constant transitioning to the new.

Moon Movements

Full moon and beach fires, Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz

Moon Movements

9/9/09

My Scotch, Irish, German blood

rejoices in a gray day

where coolness brings ancient remembering

into brain cells firing synapse

as scent raises the hair

on back of neck, arms,

getting 'kundalini' rush of energy,

smile on face, thrilled heart,

pumping clenched fist into air,

hollering 'Yes!' into foggy mists,

feeling my ancestors behind the veil

standing with me as if

today was battle for freedom,

a great turning in history,

this seasonal shift, a 'rune'

that forebodes a decisive change

for which I must ready

gathering my resources for siege,

one I receive or deliver,

all the while holding countenance

of inner strength, peace, perseverance,

confident I will be victorious

by enduring any physical challenge

while deeply connected to Spirit,

the Guidance, that wizard soothsayers

utilized when foretelling wisdom stories

depicting moon movements and heroes.

Tender Ripples

Kayaking on Castle Lake in Mt. Shasta, California

(photo by Gentle Thunder)

Tender Ripples

9/8/09

We do not know

the effects of action

how others are touched,

by listening, or words

spoken from compassionate heart

that feels deep connection

within presence of another,

it is subtle nature

of 'tendrels' that vibrate

which caresses one's soul

helping to seal leaks,

heal wounds, bring solidity

 to those who suffer,

just by witnessing  plight

seeing struggle as ours

wanting their freedom, happiness,

so as to blossom,

create their own waves

able to assist others

in cleansing what's dirtied

from neglect and inattention,

where shining can occur

as flickering, dancing, sunlight

reflecting off mirrored pond

when someone throws influence

into waters of life

sending out tender ripples.

Honor Labor

Working on my land with my helper Michael Ruescher

Honor Labor

9/7/09

Often, it seems equated,

life is hard work

forever asking for exertion

a conscious paying attention

to myriad 'busy-ness' interests

impossible to disconnect from,

just be, breathe, appreciate,

many times there's possibility

for choosing alternative reality

that slows monkey mind

jumping limb to limb

where we can transmute

our understanding of activity

into what nurtures us,

fills chalice with joy,

love of life, ourselves,

others, Nature that surrounds,

so what is wanted

becomes what is needed,

in simplest of forms,

and that manufactured discontent

created by advertising moguls

dissolves into peaceful observance

when societal fear, stress,

is recognized as obstacle

designed to spur consumption,

forgetting to honor labor.

Great Kindness

My generous benefactors, Joey, John, and little Sammy, 

when visiting Edinburgh, Scotland in 2006/2007

(congratulations on their second son born 9/22/09)

Great Kindness

9/6/09

This evolutionary agent

is both elusive

and equally prevalent

effecting most people

in some degree,

whether with frequency

or rare event,

not easily forgotten

when really experienced

with all senses

allowing for permeation

to core being,

it is attention,

a real presence

of having landed

as 'living human'

embodying beautiful nature

released into happiness,

by sharing ourselves

becoming 'One' with

another as 'I',

without any separation,

only of service

for everyone's freedom

from earthly predicaments

where conjured protection

deflects great kindness.

Think In Beautiful

Local inhabitants of  Isle of Mull, Scotland, at the foot of snow covered Ben Mor.

Think In Beautiful

9/5/09

The human mind is amazing

that it can fool so totally,

create a story feeling more real

than the Truth of All Existence,

'We are drenched in magnificence,

miracle, magic, astounding perfection!',

and yet, because our perceptions aim low

toward learned doubts and fears

there is 'blind eye' of recognition

searching frantically for what can quench

be able to satiate this deep hunger,

a yearning of the Self to be whole,

united, at peace with 'what is',

but being the answer is so prevalent

inundating every cell of creation

most people cannot see the forest

for the trees that interrupt understanding,

obscure the grand expansive view,

with 'good eye' we finally see

if only for a quick revelatory moment,

beyond the veil of our discontent

this oozing vital matrix stands exposed,

without separation, or contrived measure,

then we easily reunite with ancient ones,

witness and immerse ourselves in diversity

each shimmering aspect of life shining sacred,

becoming One, we think in beautiful.

More Perfection

Old volcano core and rainbow in Crawford, Colorado

near my old buddy Phil Hassinger's ranch.

More Perfection

9/4/09

Wherever you are,

no matter circumstances,

whether joyous, sad,

birthing or dying

some 'self' aspect

while contemplating life,

taking introspection time

to recognize position

judged good, bad,

we find ourselves

right here, now,

no other place

has us captured

in world reality,

expectations try hard

to deny truth,

what is transpiring,

but it's power

is limited, shallow,

effecting only mind,

as body stays

with spirit, emotions,

watching intellect wrestle

devising it's escape 

that's so impossible

until finally accepting

more perfection daily.

Life Spurs

My friend Tom Beck on his 1946 Indian at 2009 'Soquel Motorcycle Festival'

Life Spurs

9/3/09

We're being ridden,

are the ride

and rider also,

though there's pause

to survey direction

or re-adjust saddle

evaluate our position

while aligning posture,

it's still considered

essential in sequence

within whole journey,

even when dismounting

setting up homestead

making a stand

rooting in ground,

there is motion

forever changing circumstance

to test balance

challenge one's stamina

as to if

core courage nature

can endure hardship,

brambles, thorns, cuts,

when blazing path

through unknown territory

boldly persevering as

life spurs on.

'Spaciness'

Floating in Mystery at Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz

(photo by Art Durand Photography)

'Spaciness'

9/2/09

That I'm allowing myself

to float in Mystery

letting the unknown be

without my usual antics

is a big measure

in how I'm shifting

utilizing a feminine holding

even though strangely uncomfortable,

I get it's worth

though criticism threatens it,

this form of peace

and trust in process

feeding my 'poet philosopher'

who is witnessing all

feeling the ego dying,

each little gasping breath

leaving only my presence

asking what's really real

finding nothing to grasp

while love bubbles up

for each temporary moment,

the thrill of diversity,

of miracle, and 'projection',

certainly the ultimate illusion

which takes courageous intent

when facing odd truth,

'spaciness' is life's essence.

Time Away

Boulder on Tuolumne River, California

Time Away

8/31/09

Often I'll stray

from concentrated focus

on what's desired,

coming back to

present moment joy,

that which lifts

my heart up

like Abiquiu did

in extraordinary way

taking full advantage

of changed scenery

making new friends

while expanding spirit

immersed in interconnection

Life's infinite oneness,

returning to home

with engaged presence

having entered flow

without old expectations,

allowing river current

to become me

no longer straining

being at peace,

witnessing the effect

each living motion

has on others

rippling time away.

Stand the Heat

Petroglyphs in the Valley of Fire near Las Vegas, Nevada

Stand The Heat

8/29/09

Accepting, means everything,

loving what is,

All as Spirit

conjured up diversity,

forget the qualifications

see God everywhere

in all beings,

so I smile

love the stranger

strike up conversations

gift my love

as it overflows

from my bounty

fed each morning

within medicine wheel,

my daily practice

of acknowledging blessings

this miraculous life

the constant abundance

through all aspects

where nothing's denied,

just often misguided

by thought, actions,

stories made up

about interpretations, doubting,

whether I can

stand the heat.

For Moments

My garden in it's prime

For Moment

8/28/09

Everything dies,

reminded watering

aging plants

cycling fruition

picking bounty,

I'm same

once peaking

now less,

physically, yes,

spiritually, no,

mentally, expanded,

emotionally, available,

still virile

willfully vibrant

attracting women

to engage

as friends

possible partners

in stints

long, short,

while realizing

nothing lasts,

better appreciate

good fortune

blessed life

love coming

for moments.