The absense of stuff ...

One of my first observations in Paris was noting the absence of stuff .  We stopped to exchange money at a bank; inside, I immediately took note of the sparseness - a desk, a wooden floor - no pomp and circumstance.  

Flying Across the Atlantic

I will be in the air all day Tuesday.  Bon Voyage ... I will share with you soon. 

As I get ready to leave ...

I am closing up as I ready for the trip tomorrow.  It occurs to me that at the end of Heart Root, the reader learned that I believe everything … every action, every reaction is connected.  Learning that, knowing that I am not disconnected does not make life easier – I cannot keep imagining that I am a voice in Whoopi Goldberg’s choir of women forever.  It was a nice spot, a neat ending … me stepping forward to belt out my personal song but I can’t stay there. 

Packing

Today has been a trip preparation day.  How do I pack for over a month of travel?  After taking almost every item of clothing I own out of the closet, I began to sort and eliminate.  I've decided to go casual with the exception of one nice pair of slacks.  We have decided to rent apartments and homes when we can.  This decision affords the luxury of a washer and dryer.  Tomorrow will be the last minute details - do I have all my bills paid?  Have I contacted family members to let them know that my cell phone will not work in Europe?

 My traveling companion is travel savy and his expertise was invaluable as we made arrangements - flight, car rental, places to stay ...  the list goes on. The first leg of my journey will be the flight; we are flying out of Detroit heading west to Minnesota and from there we will soar east over the Atlantic to Paris.

Travel with me to France?



theworldinlight.com

 
No, I have not quit blogging.  This has been a week to pay attention to life.  Sometimes I have to focus totally on what is before me in order to make decisions that make sense.  I have made a choice to travel through France; I know that this may sound grandiose but when will I take a trip if not now?  Won't you visit the blog and journey with me?  We will fly into Paris on August 31st - my first cross Atlantic trip.  Be patient; there will be times when I do not have internet access but I will do my best to share. 

Quiet Day of Reflection

Change is like molting ... stepping out of an old skin.

A Life With Value



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Historically, the study of a hive of honey bees has been used as a model for human society.  I believe the early American Indians understood this interdependence ... each member knew what he contributed for the community tribe to survive.  I do not always know this ... our country is vast, we are taught to be independent and with an almost schizophrenic offering of choices, it is easy to forget that what I do can mutually support those people in my group.  I cannot imagine a bee considering where it fits in or wondering about the value of a job.

In this photo, a honey bee has collected pollen and transferred it to the hind legs.  A single hair functions as a pin that secures the middle of the pollen load.

"... the rest are details." (Einstein)



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By studying details, I feel a presence.  Could this be a glimpse into a common soul?

Protecting Life

On Sunday, I used the example of the female Tiger Swallowtail mimicking a poisonous butterfly of another type in order to protect her ability to procreate.  I did not get the opportunity to finish what I was intending to say about survival. The point that I was making is that females (as well as males) in all species do what is necessary to propagate their group.  I often think of women as the weavers; the gender that most often keeps her culture alive and in place.  She is a protector that keeps her civilization alive by doing what is necessary to shield her children.  I thought of this again last night while watching the news (Anderson Cooper - CNN).  Women of Somali were walking miles, making an arduous journey to get their children to a refuge center where mothers could procure medical help and food.  By the luck of sperm and egg, I was born into middle America - my children have been spared suffering simply because of the economics and geography of where they were born. 

Survival



www.theworldinlight.com

 In some species of butterfly, such as this Tiger Swallowtail, the females mimic a poisonous variety in order to survive (using the example of the Swallowtail ... the yellow markings are gone and she is darker mimicking the highly poisonous Pipevine Swallowtail). 

Cleaning Closets

Last week I took a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's studio in Chicago,  our guide stated that there was no basement or attic because the architect did not want to design a place to collect unused items.  I decided to review my own storage area.  Besides finding the three manuscripts in the closet (that I am going to do something with),  I also cleaned out two trash bags of miscellaneous "stuff" I'd been holding on to.  After considering that I haven't used any of these possessions in years, I made a decision to make a trip to the Good Will collection box on the corner.  Once the bags were tossed in the yellow steel container, I felt relieved.  I actually feel personally lighter too...cleaning out a closet is good for the soul. 

Books in the Closet

On July 8, I wrote in this blog about the carpenter ruler and suggested that I am in the final segment of life.  One of my aspirations, especially during my forties, was to write.  Yesterday I dug out three rough manuscripts.  After reviewing them, reflecting on the years of work held in each word, each sentence, I made a decision to reconsider these past inspirations.  Why haven't I tried to publish these tales?  Am I afraid to put my work in the hands of people? The stories have been stored in boxes ... I don't think they have been receiving much of an audience in that dark space.      Originally, when I wrote the pages, I had the desire to get them to you ... readers.   The closet monsters have had ample time ... I am finished with the invisible obstacles that hold me back.

Flat Tire

After a few days of being "lifted", I returned to Michigan to a flat tire.  There is a shiny nail head gleaming above the black treads of the rear passenger rubber.  I am grateful that the tire deflated in the garage while I was gone and not while I was driving.  I was able to inflate the tire and thankfully it held air on the drive to the tire store.   As of this entry to the blog, I am seated in the store; the air in the waiting room is infused with the distinct smell of rubber.  This experience is another visual example of how important being "filled" with what I need is ... there are times when I am emotionally flat just like the tire on my car. 

National Caregiving Volunteer Conference

Home from three days with amazing people ... I was LIFTED.  Thank you.