Eloquence

Far more eloquently than I could ever speak ... the Voices of Children, displaced by L'Aquila's recent earthquakes, ring, true and pure, the expressions of innocent, and genuine, Hope. "Out of the mouths of babes" come my loving Best Wishes, and Desires, for You, My Darling Friend.

Children evacuated from their homes in the L'Aquila,
area hung paintings reading "Happy Easter"
at a tent city. AFP/BBC

IMAGE: AFP/BBC

The (Sometimes Impaired) Tortoise

I am gifted with a slow wit. My mind is blessed with shackles that do not permit dashes to conclusion, understanding, or expression. I am compelled to know such words as “tarry,” as operative terms for my comfortable functioning in life. I simply must linger, dwell, and know quiet moments of uninterrupted consideration … before I can appropriate an understanding of any setting, concept, hypothesis, theory, encounter, or engagement. This is the core operating Truth that governs the Being of One who is created as a “conceptual” thinker. I must form a concept … “see,” “feel,“ and “sense” the “picture” that lies in every element of life … before I can respond, effectively, to a circumstance, opportunity, or situation.

This is something that I have come to peace with in this world of “multi-tasking,” and hurried business, that denies precious time for stillness. I am a “Tortoise” in our world of exaltation of the “Hares.” If only I had understood this unflinching fact much earlier in my life! Instead, I was (most frequently) labeled, “Lazy” by teachers, family, employers, and some friends. For, you see, my “potential” (as exhibited in I/Q tests, and general functionality in my day-to-day tasks), was not being realized. And no one knew what to do with me. Most importantly … I did not know what to do with me.

Then Life visited a supreme Gift upon me. My son. And I became (through my immersion in his struggles with mental retardation) aware of the marvelous reality … that our brains function quite individually … with their own distinct set of “operating systems.” (If you will) And, unfortunately, those operating systems are just as likely, to be flawed, and hampered, in their functioning, as they are to be enhanced. So … not only are we working with unique and individualized “operating systems,” but we have varying degrees of operational efficiencies in each Individual’s brain. Wow! We are not “cookie cutter” replications of a “standard” set of capabilities! Some of us have learning and functioning challenges that are perfectly OK ... just requiring particular tactics and methods to deal with. This was a tremendously liberating insight for me.

Thusly, I became quite adept at recognizing my son’s abilities … and was able to address each aspect of his life … and its inherent sets of requirements … in the light of what he was naturally equipped to “process.” And, the same was (and is) true for me.

So, My Darling Friend, as I look at your lovely ’comments’ on my blog, and realize that I haven’t the capacity (at that moment) to respond to your thoughts (as I so enjoy doing.) I am at peace with my understanding that I must be patient with my Self. I must wait until I can linger, tarry, and be still with my complete focus on You and your message, alone, before speaking to your Presence. Then, when I am at that Place, I thoroughly enjoy the intimacy and special-ness of actually Being … in spirit and truth … with you through our shared exchange. This is a beautifully sacred reality for me … something that I relish and cherish. It is completely unacceptable, to me, to offer Life’s sweet Gift of our encounter, anything less than all (undistracted and undiluted) of who I am.

In light of all of this, I am permitting all of the mechanisms of my Self to deal with my ever-present Companion in life … dear clinical depression (not the "mood modifying 'Thing,' but the chemical 'functionality-limiting' Thing) … with an understanding that at the end of this particular “bout” I will, once again, return to that place that will permit my immersion in thoughts of You. For, you see, ‘Mister D’ saps those conceptualizing abilities … and leaves scant-little with which to focus and consider, all that a response, to You, deserves. I am not "down" ... just unable to focus, conceptualize, and appreciate the dimensions and scope of new thoughts or ideas. So, I thank You, My Darling Friend, for your patience and understanding with this old Tortoise. I will be back to celebrating your posts ... and responding to your comments on mine ... real soon. [smile]

"One Love"

With all of my Heart ...
to your beautiful Heart

I love YOU

John-Michael

A Tough Week

So ... tell me, again, about the difficult week

that You had ...

IMAGE: AFP/BBC

I Fancy Romance

How very unfortunate, it is, that we have neglected the common use of the word “fancy.” For, My Dear Reader, it bespeaks a depth of meaning not known to other, more superficial, terms. The Oxford Thesaurus offers these … 1. “1 wish for, want, desire; long for, yearn for, crave, have a yearning/craving for, hanker after, hunger for, thirst for, sigh for, pine for, dream of, covet.” 2. “Be attracted to, find attractive, be captivated by, be infatuated with, be taken with, desire, admire; lust after, burn for; informal have taken a shine to, have a crush on, have the hots for, be wild/mad/crazy about, have a thing about, have a pash on, have a soft spot for, be soft on, have eyes for, carry a torch for, go for, lech after/over.” There now! (Do you think that I've belaboured that enough?) [smile] ‘Leaves little room for doubt … no?

So, Dear Friend, when I tell you that I “fancied” that 1932 Pierce Arrow EDL (Enclosed Drive Limousine), you can know, beyond doubt, that what I am expressing is Something that is of substance. Something that is of the nature of, what we might usually consider to be, romantic. And that is very close to getting us there. For, don’t you see, I have had this lingering Fancy for, nigh on to, forty-three years now … since 1966, when I was a strapping twenty-year-old Installer/Repairman for the Telephone Company, and She was a thirty-four-year-old Automotive Goddess. Yes! I fancied an “Older Woman.”


I have absolutely no recollection of why I was dispatched to the home of that regal Lady of quiet Southern charm and dignified Presence. I know not what inclined her to invite me out to the barn that had stood on that lakeside orange grove site for many a decade. But I DO remember, with distinct clarity, the impact of seeing that elegant Vision upon entering the barn. I was breathless! She bespoke a Romance that was the imagery of an age of Romance. If there had only been, just, her radiator cap alone … it would have been enough. Sure! It performed a utilitarian function. But, my-oh-my! The figure of that Archer pointing the way into an adventure ahead, was mesmerizing! It bespoke an entirely different Time of fantasies, dreams, hopeful idealisms, and fanciful pursuits. No cold, impersonal, corporate logo this! Oh no! We are talking Art here. Then my Hostess opened the back door!


I am captivated by the musty aroma, of long-enclosed woolen fabric, even as I form these words. In the heavy, Florida-humidity-laden, air, I was enveloped in a cloud of dry, musty, splendor. I still see that fold-down footrest, that my Guide demonstrated, for my edification. The rich fabrics and tailored upholsteries. We are not talking about those garish, slick, shiny interiors of rolling chambers, for gaudy showiness, as known in today's faux-limousines. Oh no! We are quietly speaking of intimate, cozy, and entirely-private nests of comfortable encapsulation. Here … see for yourself …


Nearly thirty years later, I was chatting, with one of our senior State Senators, and we spoke of his home, and neighbors. “I once did, some sort of, telephone service work, for your Neighbor.” I told him. And I described the Lady, her property, barn, and The Chariot. The Senator did recall the Neighbor Lady, her barn, her Son (who was enlisted in the Navy at the time of my visit) … but knew nothing of the Pierce Arrow, nor, of course, of the Lady’s plan to keep the Limousine in pristine condition, for her Son’s claiming, upon his discharge from military service. I, clearly, recalled it all. For, don’t you see, I was smitten! I ‘fancied’ that regal visage of long-lost Times and Tastes. Still do!

That … Dear Friend … is "Romance!" [smile]

Contemplations on Rhossili Bay

I am, at once, set free and embraced …
Invigorated with Breath from afar,
and gentle Pulse, so near.

Knowing peaceful Solitude in the absence
of Any, requiring response or engagement …
Whilst accompanied by Hosts ...
content to share infinite Accommodations.

I am visited by unassuming Voices,
of present Thought, and distant Reflection …
Neither demanding priority, nor rank …
Both content to simply dwell.

Ne’er can be any doubt of Eternity’s presence …
Nor this Moment’s eternity.

John-Michael

31 March 2009

IMAGE: Jonathan Simminds (viewer), BBC

Failure ... the Road to Success

In response to the supposition that my enthusiasm for Life is founded in a history of successes … I have had a few occasions to set ‘the record’ straight. And invariably, after even the most abbreviated recounting of my litany of always-very-public personal losses … I get a look that silently says, “How in hell … ?”

So I was comfortably familiar with the conversation between Charlie Rose, and his two guests tonight. Each of them are world-renowned Chefs. One was the early Mentor of the other, and has consistently been referred to as the greatest Chef in the world today, by an impressive array of notable Peers. When they responded to Mister Rose’s question, dealing with their ’secret’ of success in their field, I found it very gratifying, and significant, that it was with a recalling of a distant moment, that they illustrated their willingness to embrace Failure as the root, of each of their respective sets, of accomplishments.

Hence, I am happily enthused to offer a couple of my favorite quotations for your consideration today. I do sincerely hope that you find some thread of useful substance in them.

“I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career.

I've lost almost 300 games.

26 times I've been trusted ...
to take the game winning shot ... and missed.

I've failed over, and over,
and over again, in my life … and that is why I succeed.”

Michael Jordan

“Success consists of going from failure, to failure …
without loss of enthusiasm.”

Winston Churchill

Children

While they are, admittedly, always at the center and core of my Heart's affections, I have, of late, been even more keenly focused on Children.

Please share with me a few moments considering ...
our Children.







"Better to be driven out from

among Men ...

than to be disliked of Children."

Richard Henry Dana

"All Children wear a sign saying, "I want to be Important NOW!"

Many of our troubled Children carry with them their Troubles, because no one was willing to read the sign."

Dan Pursuit

"Children have never been good at listening to their Elders ...

But they have never failed to imitate them."

James Baldwin

"If a Child lives with Approval ...

he learns to live with Himself."

Dorothy Law Nolte

All IMAGES: BBC

Celebration

When, midst all of the imagery
of our world's struggles, pain, and conflict ...

I discover a Spirit-lifting Gift ...


I simply MUST celebrate it with You,
My Dear Reader.

namaste ...

IMAGE (edited): AP/BBC

What ... Who

I listen, and reflect back what I hear,
in all that you are brave enough to reveal.

I provide, no classification System,
or Labels … no Judgments.

But an open and receptive Space,
that welcomes You … all of Who You are.

That we may share in what you have been afraid
to know … including those secret Treasures.

I provide, for us, a Place that knows
neither Alien nor Enemy.

The borderless land of Loving Respect,
and Individual Honor.

This is the sought-after definition
of what I do … Who I am.

For, I was, once, the One in need
of Acceptance … a peaceful Harbour.

John-Michael
25 March 2009

Ada Lovelace Day

To celebrate the role of women in technology,
today has been named Ada Lovelace Day.

Augusta Ada Byron was born in 1815,
the daughter of Lord Byron,
she is now known simply as Ada Lovelace.

A skilled mathematician,
she wrote the world's first computer programmes
for Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine.

Years ahead of her time,
she realised that the Analytical Engine
"might compose elaborate and scientific pieces of music
of any degree of complexity or extent."

She died, aged only 36, on 27th November 1852.

Text: BBC News (edited)

Photo: (edited) Hulton Archive/Getty Image/Circa 1840/Published 24 March 2009

Sowing and Reaping

“He must be Crazy!” “Is he out of his mind?” That’s the craziest thing that I have ever seen!” We can imagine all sort and manner of exclamations that would seem completely appropriate to the scene of Stevie Wonder driving off in the Driver’s seat of a big beautiful Bentley automobile. Surely the man knows that he has limitations that make such an adventure at least impractical, if not insanely dangerous. There can there be no doubt that he is aware of all of the rational reasons for his dismissing any idea of ever driving an automobile. But there he was … driving away with a look of absolute happiness and joyful freedom on his unconcerned face.

Have you ever heard any voice tell you that some idea or desire of yours was not reasonable? Have you been told that you were being impractical or unrealistic in your aspirations or dreams? Or, even worse, have you been taught that your yearnings or hopes were all flying foolishly in the face of a superimposed ‘reality’ that you (and indeed all mankind) are living under an “Adamic curse” that condemns you to the follies of “fleshly lusts and desires” that are not of “spiritual merit or worth?” Hence you should squash, disregard, and turn your back on any such aspirations and ignore any and all of your Individual or Personal aspirations … and seek only some set of mandated guidelines and behaviors. (Yes! I do speak from personal experience.)

If so, Dear reader, imagine all of the voices, advice, and opinions that must have been offered to Mister Wonder each time he suggested that he wanted to know that experience of driving a car. Don’t you just know that he heard all sort and manner of loving, caring, concerned, and sincere advice and counsel … all intended to redirect the focus of his Dream … into more “reasonable” considerations. But we all saw him drive off in that car. We watched the video tape of his laughter and exuberant joy as he did, indeed, take complete control of that magnificent machine and realize the direct and immediate sense of actions producing sensations. When he turned the wheel, he felt the vehicle respond. His pressure on the accelerator gave back the satisfaction of sensed increase in speed. Braking delivered the immediate and direct feedback of its application. He was controlling his set of experienced sensations … all of which he had only been the recipient of, prior to this moment of initiating the entirety of the motoring experience.

So, what made the success of the moment possible? Simply put … Stevie Wonder took responsibility for the entirety of his experience. He addressed each element of his abilities … and compensated for his limitations. He is physically able to perform the mechanical functions … and he employed coaches and assistants to ride with him and perform the tasks that his eyes were not able to perform. He has the ability to execute the driving maneuvers … but acknowledged the laws and regulations that protect all vehicle operators with specific rules and guidelines … and he situated his experience on the vast, uncluttered, and open expanses of a deserted airfield. He found and tailored an Environment that would support and encourage the fulfillment of his Dream. He shrugged off the confines and limitations of the norm … and made, for himself, a place where his Fantasy could fly.

He (Stevie Wonder) says, "There's a kind of excitement
about the idea of driving a car yourself.
I can feel me driving my car,
and it feels good."

18/06/2004 09:09

With an acknowledging nod given to that old adage “We reap what we sow,” I would point out that a great part of what we “reap” is made possible … or discouraged by … the Environment into which the “sowing” of our efforts is entrusted. For, My Very Dear Friend, what you and I “sow” … all that we initiate … whatever we generate, construct, enact, or do, is done in a “field” or environment that comes to us with its own set of influences and consequences. The very nature of the ground (if you will) in which we sow our efforts and commit our acts of constructive or destructive (as the case may be) behaviors has (as a natural aspect of itself) “fruits” to be dealt with. (And some of us have been blessed with far more forgiving and supportive environments, in which to grow and develop.) But to illustrate this business of "better grounds" let me share what I saw demonstrated.

Stevie Wonder did not discount his Yearning as illegitimate, unreasonable, irrational, or foolish in the face of the prevailing restrictions, limitations, laws, and confines of the usual setting for such a quest. He did not berate the System that denied him access to the fulfillment of his Desire. No anger, frustration, or bitterness found a place of welcome in his heart or mind. He simply created an environment that encouraged, supported, facilitated, and made enjoyable his realization of his Spirit's Longing. Might there not be a lesson for us all in this? If who you yearn to be is not supported in your present set of circumstances ... if you are belittled, mocked, or shown disrespect in the arena of your Present ... I would suggest that Mister Wonder's example might hint at the reasonable option of ... Change. Taking responsibility for your happiness and fulfillment might dictate making some alterations to your Life's environment. It the 'Seed' of your ideas and aspirations has found itself resting on the surface of a discouraging 'Rock' ... dig yourself a nice, welcoming place in 'soil' of circumstance that will support and encourage the blossoming and growth of your Personhood.

Now! Why do I venture here? Because, Dear One, I have, throughout my life, engaged my Self in the Cause of mitigating the suffering and pain of many, whose paths have crossed mine, whilst they needlessly bore erroneous condemnation for what they were taught was, solely, the result of some choice or behavior of their own election. Countless are the number who, at this very tick of life’s clock, are weighted down with that most sadistic of monsters … Guilt … inflicted by their belief that they are reaping their own personal fruit of their own sowing. And this in the form of sickness, infirmity, disability, misfortune, rejection, condemnation, hatred, or even, an untimely death. They have been trained to this belief, that they, and they alone, are responsible for all of the suffering that touches their lives. And, I have never in all of my three-score and soon-to-be-three years heard anyone say “Look at the field!”

Are we not all growing in a natural life-field that is replete with inherent maladies and adversarial elements? When we plant a new and delicate seedling, do we not pay heed to the preparation of the soil and environment that will be the bio/eco-world for that plant? We do that because we recognize that the fruit of that plant is vulnerable to all of the natural forces of the environment in which we plant it.

Is it any less so with each of us. Do we not all respond to the elements of our growth-environs? Have not family, neighborhood, school, church, friends, job, community, and even geography had an impact on us in every aspect of our development and daily function? I think … absolutely, Yes! So, My Friend, can we not accept the truth that what we perceive as the “fruitfulness” of our lives is going to be only-partly influenced by our own individual talents, abilities, and motivations. But, perhaps, that not-mentioned part ... our environment ... might just be subject to our resolve, as well.

So … when considering those “outcomes”, or consequences visited upon us in the course of this life … be aware (with an 'ear' that hears how the Vintners speak of the combined effects of soil conditions, vagaries of weather, and employed nurturing and care, on a particular vintage of wine) of all of the elements that influence the harvests of each day of our lives. Give every consideration to all that exercises an effect on your growth (those, clearly, of your doing ... as well as those beyond your immediate control) … and celebrate the successes that you have enjoyed over those difficult elements that might have had a detrimental effect, beyond what you have (thus far) brought to realization. Give yourself credit and honor for the attention … the love … the care and devotion that you are investing. Do not hesitate to grant your Self a hearty "Ya done good!" when you recognize your tiny victories and accomplishments. Then go forth from this moment looking forward to an even better harvest … a more excellent vintage … tomorrow.


And, please remember ... You have, as a constant Resource, a Friend who is happily ready, and lovingly willing, to provide whatever 'Compost' of experience and perspective, that you may deem useful, for your Spirit's nourishment and succor. For, don't you know ... I love You. [smile]

Real Problem

I simply MUST share Today's offering from StoryPeople (one of my every-day inspirational Treats.)

" The real problem with details is ...

there's so many of them "

Do I hear a great big "AMEN!!" from 'The Congregation?'

[Huge, Loving Smile]

Eventide

‘Tis my favorite One, of two Favorites …
this Eventide of day.
When all is glowing … and nothing a glare …
as I look across the room.

Fingers find their way, around the keyboard,
in the soft, dancing glow, of candlelight …
To avoid the perverse harshness,
of artificial lighting.

For I am enjoying the comfort,
of the Indistinct ...
In this freedom from the confines,
of absolute Definition.

All about me is bathed,
in lovely Homogeneity …
That is this world,
of Grays.

Absent those course, and unyielding,
Blacks and Whites ...
That allow for neither Interpretation,
nor convivial Compromise.

Could be rolling Hills,
in a beckoning distance ...
Just as well as the shapes, and contours,
of elements of my tiny Chamber.

Cozy, and soft Abiding,
are the sensations, known to my Awareness ...
As I rest in an easy Acceptance,
of Life’s twilight Lullaby.

John-Michael
16 March 2009

Someday ... Not Now

Someday, You will be listening elsewhere,
Your attention on some other voice.
But, for now, I enjoy your attention,
My Words and Message … your choice.

Someday will find you refocused,
On new Vistas, Horizons not now known.
But, for now, I enjoy your attention,
My Heart, my Desires can be shown.

Someday, you will go over yonder,
Discovering and exploring new Worlds.
But, for now I enjoy your attention,
A tapestry, of Possibilities, unfurled.

Someday, you will forget what I’ve told you,
Circumstance diluting what we share.
But, for now, I enjoy your attention,
Delighting, in this chance, to show Care.

Someday you may ask, “Who has loved Me?” …
In a moment of Loneliness or Fear.
But, for now, I enjoy your attention,
Repeating, again, “I love You” … happy that you are still near.

John-Michael
15 March 2009