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Le sac moqueur .. the mocking bag

2/23/2013

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le sac moqueur .. the mocking bag

If you read me, you know I live to travel.  The very thought of boarding a "Silver Bird" and soaring to another adventure is all the stimulus I need to propel me through everyday life.  How anyone can sit in the same locale for extended periods of time is beyond my comprehension.  New adventure is necessity and the fulfillment of my existence.

Preparation to venture out has become automatic for me.  My livelihood dictates funds and time for travel,  just as it includes food on the table, mortgage payment, and all other entities related to comfort and stability on a daily basis.  My "want and need" to see our world is so strong it manifests without too much extra effort.  The dream creates the reality.  I can honestly proclaim an understanding of the "getting what you wish for" philosophy.  We do manifest and bring our dreams to fruition when they are clear and strong within.    Your "Silver Bird" is sitting there waiting for you to wish it into reality.

Now, doesn't that all just sound Peachy?  Dream it and live it .. simple as that.  My dream is the "Silver Bird", and tomorrow my "Silver Bird" will be poised and waiting for me to simply hand a lovely flight attendant my ticket, walk down the ramp, and settle myself into that part of the nest reserved just for me.  Shortly thereafter I will feel the exhilaration of incredible power beneath me as my bird shoots to the sky and carries me to the thrill of yet another waiting destination.  But that is tomorrow ...

Today I do battle.  Today, like hundreds of days past, I stare at le sac moqueur .. the mocking bag .. and once again agonize over what will accompany me on my journey.  One would think it easy to toss the garments in.  One would think it easy to decipher the appropriate rags for the destination.  One would think it easy to count and fold and zip and shut and be ready for the upcoming event.  One would think ...

The bag stares at me without feeling, it's gaping maw ridiculing the fact I have manifested travel into my life.  It seems to give me the clear unspoken message:
 
"I am the master of your ventures .. without me you are nothing as you flit about the planet .. yes, I hold the final key.  All your sanctimonious ramblings of dreams and manifestations are narrow and worthless without me by your side.  You will now labour and toil under my direct supervision until all is perfect for me .. and I assure you, perfection will never be achieved.  Now go!  Go to your closet and go to your armoire and go to your dresser filled with the false trappings of your personal perception.  Go and decide who you are this time .. and I'll be sitting, waiting, an empty open vessel that must be gratified before you are once again free to take flight .... " 

And it does own me .. and I am bound to submit to its every wish before happily flying from ...
Kauai to Paris ... and all places between


Do you have your own "travel nemesis" ?    Click here to share with everyone in the comments section

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Farley eats dirt

2/16/2013

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Farley eats dirt

Farley eats dirt
it tastes neither good nor bad

Farley's mouth is constantly soiled
expression not happy or sad

Oh, that we could be like he ..
a world of hero Farley's

Ingest the filth surrounding us
transpose it into food

Used for thought or flower
to raise the human mood

As we profess supremacy
amongst all other creatures

Farley eats dirt .. and does display
 wise and admirable features

***
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Beauty courtesy of Farley

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Kokua in Orange

2/13/2013

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Climbing Orange flowers on Kauai

Every year at this time, these beautiful orange flowers appear on a group of trees just outside Kalaheo on beautiful Kauai.  It is a fantastic show that never fails to astound me because of the intense colors.  These flowers are even more impressive when one realizes they are part of a plant that is not actually the tree which provides their stage, but a ground plant that climbs the trees .. looking for the sun and professing victory of its climbing prowess with this incredibly colorful display.  I don't know the name of these orange beauties, and I honestly don't care what name they have been given ... I just love looking at them. 

In a philosophically comparative analysis, these lovely orange travelers are a superb  botanical example of the great Hawaiian word "Kokua" .. which can be loosely defined as "giving without the expectation of receiving as we all exist and interact with one another in the spirit of cooperative effort".  It is the host trees this plant climbs that are exhibiting Kokua.  They are providing support, foundation, and assistance to the plant .. giving this ground dweller access to the heavens above and  allowing it to soar, not asking or taking any payment or favor for the gift they provide. 

I can't help but think the trees ARE given an incredible gift in return for the Kokua they provide this climbing plant.  Because the trees have actually given their "bodies" and a great amount of the sunlight they could have selfishly utilized for themselves .. I choose to believe they feel.  And I can't imagine what a divine moment it must be for these "Trees of Kokua" when the climbing plant says "Thank You" with this glorious display.  Oh my, how it must feel to be in the presence of, and be actually touched by such perfect beauty.

We humans are the climbing plant.  We humans are the tree.  We humans can display our beautiful orange flowers when we perfect Kokua,  giving with only one thought in mind ... the happiness of another person. 

I wish the gift of Kokua to anyone reading this .. and may beautiful orange flowers appear for you ....
From Kauai to Paris ... and all places between
Click here to share your thoughts and comments on todays post
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Orange flowers before Kokua & "The Climb"

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Wild Orange Lilly on Kauai

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"Down" in Versailles

2/10/2013

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I secured a nice apartment in Versailles for the entire month of  May last year.  The place  was perfect for me and would serve as  home base while visiting Parisian friends and traveling southward to see those in Vaucluse. 

Having rented a car for the month, it was a bonus to enjoy private parking at my residence.  Not having to search for a parking space certainly makes life that much more enjoyable.  Of course,  just as in Paris, walking is the norm in Versailles.  My day to day life consists of leisurely strolls accompanied by introspection, intermixed with walks of more purposeful stride, having specific destinations in mind.  The car typically sits in a designated spot until needed for longer excursions.  It sits there, seemingly safe, behind the candy cane striped "lift pole" gate .. which reminds me of a World War II movie with soldiers and "checkpoints".  Who would dare violate the Mercedes while it resides within this militaristically  defined sanctuary?  

Yes, I said it, "the Mercedes"  ..  that symbol of significant automotive engineering and aristocratic wanna be consumers and posers around the globe.  Why,  you might ask, would an American francophile choose to be displayed in possibly the most ostentatious vehicle I could "occupy" in the country I love so much ... why?  I have only two answers for that question.  One - because I like the car .. it is comfortable, it is fun to drive, it is sturdy and it feels safe.  And answer number Two for driving that sleek silver  Teutonic Creation?  - because I'm an idiot.  How else could I possibly explain choosing to drive an expensive automobile created in Germany, while living in and professing love for France?  What in the world was I thinking?  ...  duh   ...

In relation to the Mercedes;  a wiser man would have figured out the error of his ways immediately upon arrival at the rental counter in Charles de Gaulle.  When asked what type car I wanted, I responded "Mercedes" and was immediately raked over the coals by both gentlemen behind the counter.  I remember vividly a couple of their comments:  "You know, Sir, French cars are very high quality" and the more direct "Don't you want a French car?".  Some of the more oblique remarks simply left lifetime scars, and I don't recall the exact wording.  Needless to say, it was a relief to depart the airport in my Helmut Mobile ... not escaping, however, without leaving bits and pieces of my primary "self" scattered around the parking lot.   I felt a traitor to my beloved France, but as the stereo began filling my "foreign" capsule and the realization I was once again "home" dawned on me, I leaned back and enjoyed the smooth, solid ride to Versailles.

May 6, 2012 is a very significant date to modern day France.  It was the date of political & social change that is likely to reverberate in French history on a level akin to the election of President Obama in the United States.  I feel fortunate to have been in France during this time.  I witnessed the passion and participation of the French people in their political process.  The energy of this event was astounding.  Unfortunately for the idiot American in a Mercedes (that would be me), 2012 was a time of intense revelry for a return to Socialism and a departure from the perceived Elitism in French government.   Socialism won the day ... and here I was, driving the "M" word while renting an apartment in Versailles .. the cradle of conservatism. 

Of course, being the idiot, I failed to see and absorb the realities of life as they swirled around me.  I was too busy enjoying "my" France.  It seems no matter how many times over the last thirty years I remind "me" to not become enamored with the idealized version of "my" France .. the mentality still creeps in, lulls my brain to sleep, and introduces more stupidity .. based on what I want reality to be.   Me .. Me .. Me  ...  idiot!

A couple of days after arrival, upon settling into the apartment, after once again mentally deceiving myself into another hopeless state of "my" France, I walked to the waiting chariot in "my" parking lot, opened the door and took possession of "my" mobile throne.  On the key-chain was an activation button for that partition of safety, the protective WWII gate.  One push of the button and up the gate went, allowing me to glide underneath and enjoy total access and freedom to explore the highways and byways of "my" beloved part time country.  I drove to my friends house, parked and exited the "M" , then walked around the car to make certain I had gotten close enough to the curb to protect both my glistening vehicle and those drivers who were navigating around it.  As I approached the passengers side, I saw a piece of papaer affixed to the middle of the front tire.  A piece of paper declaring "We will not have pity on you when the new government is in order!"  That, my friends, was an instant mental jolt for me ... and the idiot was awakened.  From that moment forward, during the entire month of May, I was confused ... just didn't know whether to sit up really, really straight as I drove, trying to look aristocratic and "Sarkozy like" or slump down and attempt to appear deeply ashamed of my obviously selfish and wasteful ways, in attempt to gain favor with the new Hollande camp.  My Capitalistic Pride was suddenly reduced to that of a Pit Bull being chased down the street by cats. 

The remainder of my visit went without incident.  No further threats were plastered to the Silver Demon and I learned to wisely listen to political opinion and conversation in a most respectful and curious manner.  The day of my departure, I sadly packed my bag and walked to the parking area.  As I approached there was a car leaving the lot.  The driver had already pushed his button to raise the barrier, so I waited until he was clear to proceed.  Just prior to stepping forward, I pushed the "open trunk" button on the "M" and I recall having a fleeting thought of what a great car it is and a resounding "screw them if they don't like it.  I work hard for my money and I deserve to drive a Brutish Beast if I want to!"  I took a step towards my "accomplishment"  ..  just as the red & white hammer descended .. no doubt guided by the hands of French Justice.

Yes, this really did happen ... I woke up lying on the bare concrete you see in the attached photo.  That WWII gate caught me square on the head and knocked me cold.  I was down in Versailles. 

Mesdames et Messieurs .. Ladies and Gentlemen .. I joined La Resistance in Versailles last May, and why wouldn't I?  The signs were all there .. from subtle whispers to a violent attack .. and this "idiot" was resurrected by the light and divinity of Peugeot et Citroen ... bringing me even closer to realizing "my" France ... sigh
From Kauai to Paris ... and all places between
Picture

ACTUAL SCENE OF "THE AWAKENING"

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Rainbows

2/6/2013

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Rainbow kissing the coffee fields of Kauai

     Not so long ago, before they left Kauai to continue "Life's Adventure", I met with my dear friends Vanessa & Richard Schwartzel every Tuesday evening to share what we had written the previous week.  These nights were very special to me because they fueled creativity and were the center point for striving to live in that "higher place".   Yesterday, as I was driving through the coffee fields on my way home from shopping, the beautiful rainbow you see above appeared.  After pulling over and shooting the photo, memory of writing the following piece for our Tuesday meeting came to mind .. as did pleasant memories of a special time with special people.  I dedicate the following to Richard and Vanessa .. with love & gratitude. 


RAINBOWS

      They fascinate us.  We know there is not a huge pot of gold at their ending,  happy leprechauns don’t really slide down them, unicorns don’t magically appear every time a rainbow forms and beautiful fairies don’t dance ‘round a glimmering pot of gold where color meets earth.  We want to believe these things anyway, and rainbows remind us those fleeting yet fanciful happenings might actually exist.  Rainbows help conjure up and make real those visions of mystical places and magical happenings.  I cannot recall one time in my own consciousness I’ve had anything but positive thoughts  when viewing a rainbow.   We pull our cars off the road to gawk at rainbows.  We call our family out of the house when rainbows appear.  And who hasn’t enthusiastically spoken the phrase “Look at the rainbow!” .. ?  
      
      We view rainbows as very special occurrences.  They happen infrequently enough to make seeing  them a treat.  My home on Kauai certainly enjoys a multitudinous display of rainbows, more than most other places on the planet, but I never tire of seeing them.  No matter how many I see, they always enrich the moment.  They elevate us to a light and peaceful place … stopping time and facilitating introspection.  Rainbows are a rare gift.      

     Rainbows all have the same color combination.   Why don’t we get tired of looking at them?  After all, humans don’t have an overabundance of patience.  What continues to captivate and thrill us every time we notice those colors painted across the sky?   Do we want so badly to believe there really are leprechauns, and unicorns, and beautiful fairies dancing around that shimmering pot of gold?  All visually attractive objects leave us feeling good, but rainbows seem to have a stellar place above even the most beautiful.   They emit an ethereal beauty that teases us for more ..  even as their short lives are spent and slowly dissolving before our eyes.  The wonder of rainbows is we know we will see them again, and they will be as beautiful next time as they are this time, and have been every time before. 
      
      Rainbows defy ownership.  You can take their photo or capture them in a movie, but you and I both know rainbows are never as magnificent in captivity as in their natural state.   A captured rainbow is like any other caged being, the grandeur fades and its glowing presence dissipates.        

     I’m not certain how many superlatives and pleasing phrases can be prescribed to these translucent beauties;  like rainbows themselves, the positive descriptors are probably timeless and endless.  If you love rainbows and wish to enjoy them forever;  it’s a great idea to live a good life,  because .... rainbows in Hell are black ....

Wishing each of you colorful rainbows ...


From Kauai to Paris ... and all places between

Click here to share your Rainbow Memories with everyone in the Comments section.

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