My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, coffee life, spirituality and asking deep questions.
I’ve come here to drink milk and kick ass… I’ve finished my milk.
A quote I read on the license plate frame of a car this morning.
I woke to a dusting of snow and a cold 28 degrees. After quiet time and a smoothie I drove to Windsor to meet Eric for coffee and conversation. Sunrise was rather nice, so I stopped for a photo and took in the gift being offered. And, on my way home I had to laugh and share with you the above quote I read on the license plate frame of a car in front of me. Hope you have a kickass weekend!
“Peace will come to the hearts of men when they realize their oneness with the universe. It is everywhere.”
Black Elk
This morning we had intermittent rain and snow showers and much colder temperatures than I wanted. Last Thursday I had an echocardiogram done. About 10 am today I had a CT Scan and will know the results next week. And, I am having a TEE (Transesophageal Echocardiogram) procedure next Thursday. These tests are to check out how the aortic valve is functioning after two years. Notice how I talked about the weather in one sentence then the next four talking about my old guy medical issues. Enjoy your weekend! And it is snowing now!
Solitude is a state of hospitality, a welcoming of all that needs attention. Solitude offers a ground that is embracing and inclusive. Everything can be made welcome in the broad arms of solitude, even fear. For as long as humans have sought counsel with the sacred, much of it has happened in a space set apart from others. Here, in silence and nourishing aloneness, we can become receptive to the influence of soul…
Francis Weller
Even more so since Covid I intentionally seek out times and places for solitude. I also am now prone to shun away from large crowds, being more comfortable with one on one situations for coffee or lunch. I am more welcoming to those broad arms and hospitality of solitude.
All of humanity’s difficulties stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.
Blaise Pascal
This is a snapshot of Mike watching the sunset at Turquoise Lake, Colorado, while on our motorcycle camping trip in 2006. It was one of those moments to just sit quietly and soak it all in.
Breathe in, breathe out, breathe until you feel your bigness, until the sun rises in your veins. Breathe until you stop needing anything to be different.
I pushed the order button on March 2nd for a beginners Native American Style flute, also called a Love flute. I could give you a list of reasons for justifications but it had more to do with impulse than anything else. I have always connected to the sound of Native American flutes. It’s not a loud instrument, does not require a battery or power outlet, has little maintenance, you don’t need to read music, and you can easily take it anywhere. I have never played a wind instrument in my life so this is my first. And, I quickly discovered I wanted a flute made by the hand of a craftsman and out of wood. Some are beautiful works of art and some are simple works of art. I chose a simple work of art and one designed for a beginner.
Danja portrait
While taking sunset photos and selfies of me practicing on my Native American flute on Thursday evening, I met a wedding photographer, Danja, who was shooting a young couple’s engagement photos near me. Afterwards, they thanked me for serenading them while they did their photos. I was surprised by their comment because I’m not sure I would call what they heard as serenading. It was more about trying to keep all squawks, squeaks and whistles to a minimum. Then Danja asked if she could take a photo of me playing the flute. The top image is what she sent me the next morning. Thank you for the image, Danja!!
Self-portrait
I’ve discovered online lessons and courses through youtube and a couple of websites to help me along this journey. I’m taking one online course now. As you know I enjoy spending time in the natural areas and I can think of no better place to play a Native American flute than in nature. I’m finding these locations are ideal to practice learning how the flute and I can make music together. I’m 74 years old and do not know when I will take my last heartbeat. So it seems reasonable to give this some good old discipline, practice, and be both patient and gentle with myself. I plan on carrying it when I ride the bicycle along the trails, stopping when I find a secluded area and play. My hope is for the flute to be another tool on this spiritual journey I’m traveling.
The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize at the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that its center is really everywhere, it is within each of us.
Enjoy your weekend! And it is snowing now!
