Posted on

it can get complicated

I don’t talk about politics anymore. Do you? In the past, I’ve noticed people walk away from me after a conversation where opinions were flying. I had a nagging suspicion they were doubting my sanity, but not theirs. No, not theirs. I do wonder whether someone out there knows anything about that most complicated of subjects. The question is: how to have an intelligent conversation having so few facts, but believing that somehow we know what’s going on. So, I made an agreement with myself to keep my mouth shut. Bill Maher can talk all he wants. Not me.
www.billmaher.com

I’m doubly damaged, in this area, because of a few books I’ve read. They’ve confused my thinking beyond a reasonable doubt; never again will I see the world in quite the same way. I realized one day, however, that that was okay. It doesn’t have to be what it once was. If I can manage to keep quiet, and nod my head every so often so that it seems I’m attentive, I’ll do just fine.

The first book that lead to doubts about my sanity after reading it was THE BIGGEST SECRET by David Icke. And there was another, RULE BY SECRECY by Jim Marr, and all those magazine articles that keep calling to me. It can get complicated, but then again dabbling is fun, and tends to greatly open the imagination.
www.davidicke.com

This world is full of possibilities, and, for some of us, keeping it simple is the best way. Paying attention to the possibilities in one’s own life, and making it a superb life, can touch people, and affect the world in ways not imaginable. Then when one’s own life is in exquisite shape, we’re then able to look at the world with clear eyes, and make wise decisions about how to best serve it.

“Silence is the key that unlcks the vast resources of the universe.” -Venice Bloodworth

“Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself.” -Leo Tolstoy

Posted on

along the hudson river

In Cold Spring only a handful of people walk around at any given time. It’s a quiet town, and those living there seem to like it that way. There are a few good restaurants, a few shops and some antique stores. There’s a lovely inn by the river, and a new park, and biking and hiking paths. It reminds me of a movie set. www.coldspringliving.com/lodging.htm

Right next door to Cold Spring is Beacon. Beacon has a good mix of ethnic groups, many artists, two cafes (good coffee), speciality shops, galleries, a nice choice of eating establishments, and there’s DIA. Tourists come on the Hudson Line from Grand Central and meander over to DIA, and after DIA, board the shuttle bus (on weekends) to Main Street for eating and shopping. Some stores close on monday, tuesday and wednesday. And there’s no shuttle bus on the weekdays, but it’s an easy walk to DIA and to Main Street. www.mta.info/mnr www.diabeacon.org www.grandcentralterminal.com

If you stay long enough you tend to hear over and over that the Hudson River towns are “in the process of changing.” Change doesn’t occur quickly or easily. Newcomers arrive with their ideas and enthusiasm, and, at times, change happens. Sometimes it doesn’t and places close. Either way it seems not to matter to those who live here. They appreciate the slow pace and enjoy the way of life the towns offer. I heard that after 9/ll many people moved from Manhattan to the Hudson River towns and the Catskills. Manhattan though is ever on the move, growing differently year after year as people from all over the world decide to make “the city” their home. It’s Manhattan’s nature to be always changing while remaining vibrant. And it seems to be Beacon’s nature to just be. www.escapemaker.com/ny/beacon/beacon.html

Posted on

red light winter

There are people in our lives who think they know what’s best for us (we do the same, but that’s another story). Sometimes these people don’t listen to us, but are ready with advice. We can often let that advice go because it’s our inner sense we want to learn to listen to. It will tell us things we need to know. Things about ourselves that are not based on analyzing or guesswork. We ask questions; we listen and trust, and begin to realize that there’s another way-so many other ways-to be in this world. Our relationship with our inner sense will run deep and be authentic the more we rely on it and trust it. When we get very clear on this the fun begins because we don’t have to live in a small world designed by others. We can learn to hear the whisperings of our own heart.

Once upon a time, I didn’t know which fork in the road to take. I picked up my small plant and brought it into the bathroom with me. The two of us sat on the floor and I talked (it’s okay to laugh; I’m laughing too). I told the plant everything that was on my mind and in my heart. And it listened. And slowly I became clear about certain things. My plant was the right vehicle to begin the trust with my inner sense. We find the right vehicle when we’re ready to try a new way, and possibly not before.

“Our remedies in ourselves do lie which we ascribe to heaven.” -Shakespeare

“The more faithfully you listen to the voice within, the better you will hear what is sounding outside. Only he who listens can speak.” -Dag Hammarskjold

Why did I start thinking about this? I saw a play last Saturday called Red Light Winter at the Barrow Street Theatre at Greenwich House in Manhattan www.newyorktheatreguide.com/offbroadwayTheatres/greenwichhouse.htm . Adam Rapp is the playwright/director. I thought it was engrossing. Actors are amazing. If I were any one of those three actors in that play I’d be totally wiped out in a week’s time. I heard that the New York Times didn’t give it a glowing review. It’s freeing though to not criticize the playwright and the actors and enjoy it for pure entertainment. The desperate situation of three people and their apparent inability to change anything in their lives is an interesting story. In the real world that’s the way it is for many of us; it’s a common thread, and translates into entertainment in a play.

It would have been interesting to hover about and listen to the comments of the people as we trailed out of the small theatre. There was lots of chatter, but I was unable to zero in on any specific conversation, except to hear one person say he had expected a different ending. I’m not sure why I thought that a strange comment. I mean, the playwright decides the ending. Why should it be different? Comments like that are fun to listen to as long as you can hover long enough to hear the full conversation. Ah, why did he expect the ending to be different? I’ll never know. Perhaps it’s just as well I couldn’t hear other comments. Because not only would I be thinking of the play; I’d also think about the comments, and that could get rather confusing.

I’ll say nothing more except that watching Red Light Winter made me see how easy it is to feel lost sometimes, and when that happens the bigger picture slips into the background. A relationship with our inner self can prevent this from happening.

Posted on

where to start . . . .

What a cop-out, city boy. I feel you know more about the nitty-gritty of Manhattan life than I do. I’m sure your bike, roller blades and friends took you to places I know nothing about. But, okay, since you buttered me up, I’ll give it a whirl. Where to start? It’s not gonna be easy, but here goes. Lots to do here. You can’t really go wrong, because just standing outside people watching is pure entertainment. I suggest that your friends buy a copy of New York www.nymag.com and Time-Out New York www.timeout.com/newyork magazines before coming to the Big Apple. Both are excellent and will have current listings of galleries, museums, plays, restaurant, clubs, special events – there’s enough in those pages to keep your friends busy for weeks, if not months.

I’ve got to put a quote here, because that’s what I do, “I don’t want to hurry it. That itself is a twentieth century attitude. When you want to hurry something, that means you no longer care about it and want to get on with other things.” – Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” – Robert Pirsig www.robertpirsig.org

Part of the Manhattan experience is to get out and mingle. And there are many ways of doing this. The weather’s been sunny and warm. It’s perfect for walking and to get the pulse of the Big Apple, you have to walk. If you want, take taxis late at night, but use public transportation and your feet other times. First buy a weekly Metro pass from a subway clerk. It’s a real bargain at $24 (ask the clerk for subway and bus maps too). A monthly pass is available if staying longer.

Next, your friends have to decide what they want to cover in the time they’re here. What’s important to them? Do they want to focus on museums and galleries and go clubbing at night? Are they interested in zeroing in on a particular Manhattan area becoming thoroughly familiar with it? Do they want to take the tourist route and visit the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Stock Exchange, Times Square, the department stores, Fifth Avenue, SoHo, Tribeca, meet Patience and Fortitude, (the NYC library lions), play the restaurant game for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night snacks? Shop til they drop? Perhaps sign up for a few mini courses at the Learning Annex? Which way to go? That’s the question.

Tell me more about your friends, Michael. We can custom make their trip. But, ah, their experiences – that’s something entirely different. We don’t want to interfere with that. Once they get to the big Apple, spend a few hours walking, step into its rhythm, the excitement and fun begins entirely on its own.

Posted on

A dialogue

In the movie Last Holiday, Queen Latifah www.queenlatifah.com is getting ready to bungy jump. She’s right there on the edge. That scene caught my attention because in the back of my mind I assumed it was something I could do. When I saw that scene the trip down looked mighty steep. So I asked myself, “Would you ever try bungy jumping?” Ah, a hesitation. “Why the pause?” I asked. “Hmm! Just the thought of it is a bit scary. It’s a long way down attached only to a thin cord.” I answered. Those words came rushing out. No doubt about it. Scared was the answer. That surprised me. I thought about it a little longer, and asked myself, “Would you do it even though you’re afraid?” Could I? Would I? “I suppose.” I answered, noticing a lack of enthusiasm, and continued, “I would be scared until it was over.” But I want to know, “Is that a yes?” This is getting tricky. “Okay. Yes, I could do it because after it was over, the feeling of exhileration would be absolutely wonderful.” I wasn’t so sure about this response. I kept asking, “Is that the truth?” “All right. All right. This is the final answer, no more questions, please. I”m not sure until I’m actually there.” Amen

Well! Good to know. I guess.

Posted on

at the airport

I like airports. There’s an aliveness, an expectation at airports. What a long list it would be if all the reasons were counted for people to be at an airport at any given time. There are many emotions at airports. The list of that count would also be very long.

For the most part, my airport experiences have been really good. Of course, I’ve had the usual possessions taken from me at security. It took me awhile to realize that no amount of pleading and bargaining would allow me to keep the scissors I insist on buying again and again and tucking away in a carry-on bag, forgetting they’re there until I’m once again facing a security guard. The last time this occurred I made a mental note to give it up. Stop pleading and arguing and just hand the item over.

I think there are a lot of people who like airports, although some won’t admit it. Is it that when you’re a saavy traveler you don’t admit this? I’ve observed quite a few people people-watching at airports. People watching at airports is a great pastime. You can read any time, but having so many groups of people pass by in different stages of travel is quite entertaining. Unless you have five minutes to catch a connecting flight, or have arrived at the airport 15 minutes before your flight is to take-off, stop and imagine you’re at a show. Get something to eat if you’re hungry, find a comfortable spot, sit back and enjoy. You won’t be disappointed; it’s a delightful show.

Posted on

ode and vegnews

They say that people are either book, magazine, or newspaper readers. It could be true. Usually I like books with just a quick look at a magazine or newspaper. However, while walking along 23rd Street in Manhattan I saw Universal News located between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The shop has a huge selection of magazines and newspapers. Customers were focused on reading. I looked around and saw the magazines Ode www.odemagazine.com with Bono on the cover, and VegNews www.vegnews.com with Woody Harrelson on that cover, and decided to join the readers for awhile. These two magazines were packed with information and interesting articles, so I purchased them.

Vegetarians of the past got a bum rap, and maybe rightfully so. Many vegetarians had a pasty complexion and looked extremely thin. And the food, well, it was plain and unappetizing, nothing that would bring a smile to your face. It’s changed! The whole lifestyle is different and exciting. The article on Woody is inspiring because as he says, “I try to ‘walk the talk.’ He’s dynamic. His life is meaningful; he’s doing his part to change our world. And he’s not boring. Check out his website, www.voiceyourself.com, and his book HOW TO GO FURTHER, and the recipe Chocolate of the Gods Mousse. Additionally, there are many websites with pictures and descriptions of what you’ll find on the sites. Definitely it’s worth a look. When you have the magazine in hand don’t forget to read the article on page 20, Spinning Out of Control. Food for thought! It never hurts to know.

Ode has articles on the environment. The articles are relevant to every family because so many of us have allergies. And after reading Ode you’ll have a clearer idea why that’s so. The articles give the facts about our world and make the reader stop to think about, well, many things, the many important things happening that affect us – either directly or indirectly. It doesn’t hurt to read about these things. It’s not boring, reading it is exciting, interesting, informative and helpful.

It seems that Bono has been thinking deeply about what needs changing. And he’s not afraid to speak his mind and to try to understand how changes can be made. Read the article; I think you’ll like what you read.

“If you don’t like where you are, change what you are.” – Henry Knight Miller

“Our remedies in ourselves do lie which we ascribe to heaven.” -Shakespeare

“I want to be alive to all the life that is in me now, to know each moment to its uttermost.” – kahlil Gibran

“Every tine we choose safety, we reinforce fear . . . our world grows smaller and smaller.” – Cheri Huber