Archives for category: Travel
…across so many levels and dimensions…
…through so many iron veils…
Back in Atlanta for a while…
Once again among the trees, the mysterious clouds, the traffic (and accident attorneys), the jets and the power lines woven through most upward glances.
And there’s noise here.
I’m adjusting… Slowly. And again.
Since 12/12/12, an underlying theme has been weaving itself through my days and nights: “Accept and allow Change. It arrives Slowly. Gradually.” I’m gathering that this is the natural way of things, in this Universe.
I feel immersed in a foreign culture, one that expects, prays for, longs for, immediate/rapid solutions to perceived problems. I also feel plunged into a “cold dunk”, to realize – gradually – that “perfection” NOT = joy/peace/contentment/happiness. And the “problems” may actually indicate their own solutions, if we take a deep breath and look at things from a different point of view.
Moving to Pagosa, I’ve been learning a little about patience and reliance without expectation. Allowing myself to be air-lifted by the hawks and ravens into the skies that change constantly and rapidly and reveal mysteries regularly. Accepting that -9 degrees F in Pagosa feels warmer than 37 degrees F in Atlanta. Home is where the heart is.
When I look back across most of my life, I see tremendous effort expended in attempting to establish ground rules, understand, control surroundings, relationships and outcomes, so that I can prepare myself appropriately. Knots.
Perhaps I’m almost at the point of simply flowing and receiving. I’m learning about Pagosa Time, Hopi Time, and taking My Time, while being thrust back into Atlanta Time.
Change permeates everything in my life right now, and I welcome the change where my energy is shifting towards posting more again. I hope I’ll be sharing various bits on my various blogs, according to topics (Ah, vestiges of control!): dreams, messages I’ve received, drawings, pictures and words…
Much is happening, it’s just quiet, slow and gradual, and most times there are no words sufficient.
I hope you’re all having a pleasant and peaceful beginning of 2013, and I look forward to traveling the year with you.
Now, in late January, this is just funny…
And my not having “finally” posted this indicates how scattered my mind and life have been lately.
Pagosa has had several feet of snow at this point… And I’m not even there any more! For the moment, that is…
I got a call in late November about some potential work in Atlanta. Surprise! I really enjoy working with the person who called, and of course if it’s mall design work, it’s right up my concourse. So I worked remotely for a few weeks, and we realized that I needed to be in Atlanta.
I’ve been back and forth a couple times now, and this morning I’m really missing “my mountains” and the snow. Yeah, we’ve got “cold” here in Atlanta, but after a few months in Pagosa, this merely feels like “chilly”. And I never realized what an affinity I have for snow, until it “finally” arrived in Pagosa.
I’ll be back there soon…
Light Plant Road 14 December 2012
A few days ago, rather than drive 10 miles to hike 4 miles, I decided just to walk the 2 miles into town.
As I crossed the bridge over a stream that I pass nearly every day, I relished that this time I could actually stop, take my time, and look down into the stream… I did a double-take!
Amidst the sepia monochrome of rocks, silt, branches, and fallen leaves… Well, see for yourself!
I stood there for a moment, rather awed to ponder how a keyboard (and a well-muddied one) could end up in a stream bed. It seems to have camouflaged itself, as if to hide its secrets.
Now, as I write, it occurs to me that this keyboard symbolizes several themes converging in my life lately.
Sometimes all we can do is marvel and appreciate, when the reasoning escapes us.
Here’s wishing you a day that lifts your spirits, totally beyond reason!
(This is my personal blog, most fit for general public consumption… If you’d like to check out my more esoteric interests, you can find out more here… Cheers!)
From what I hear from the “Old Locals” (I refer to myself here as a “New Local”…), The Snow has been late this year in Pagosa. In fact, it’s anticipated arrival seems to have triggered more anxiety than the Presidential Elections, since so much of the local prosperity seems to hinge on whether or not the Wolf Creek Ski Area is open. And for that, it seems you need snow.
I think my friends Mark and Heidi have struck on a new snow-making technique, and it seems to have worked. I’ll call it: LLASS (Lend Leslee A Snow Shovel). I went by their place last night to pick it up, and, voilá… arrives The Snow!
Now, by my standards, I’d call this more of an Atlanta-style snow, but I’ll wait until I get into town later today to see if the Old Locals even consider this The Snow.
Just the same, I admit my relief that my introduction to Pagosa’s version of the magical, awe-inspiring crystals has been this gentle so far.
I smiled to myself as I made my morning coffee, to notice that the way I feel now reminds me of going into labor with my son… I had been hearing for months, from others, about what it was going to be like. Finally, the day came when I actually felt my own contractions. It still took someone telling me, “Yes, THAT is a contraction”.
So now, I’ll just spend the day watching the slush melt, and wait to discover what it takes before an Old Local tells me: “Yes, that is The Snow“.
Here’s hoping that November finds you all safe and happy!
Please enjoy my latest video on YouTube: Chimney Rock Full Moon!
Charles Martinez offering his flute and music before beginning to play
The photos, film, and sounds were recorded during the Full Moon observation event at Chimney Rock National Monument near Pagosa Springs, Colorado, on September 29, 2012. Program by Archaeoastronomer Charles Sutcliffe; Native American flute music (and flute-making!) by Charles Martinez.
The event ended early due to a beautiful and dramatic electrical storm that came through that evening. This produced some amazing light in the Spires and surrounding landscape.
Packing up to begin the trek down the slope… surrounded by lightning!
A little splash of color in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, USA…
Town Park, looking towards San Juan River
Wetlands along the San Juan in Old Town
Along the San Juan River, through Old Town
Dusk – County Road 119, near Hwy 84
welcome
blanco river
river bend
trail of cones
tiny glen
come along
have a seat
contemplate
smile
go within
leslee hare 