Uncle

My first Tropicana Rose with early morning Kauai dew .. perfect!

One of the most special occasions I've ever experience on Kauai is the first time a young person called me "Uncle".  In all the many places I've visited in my life, nothing comes close to this respectful term given from a younger person to an older person.  I call many persons older than me "Auntie" and "Uncle" as a matter of respecting their wisdom gathered over a lifetime which exceeds my own .. it is commonplace on this wondrous island I call home.  I am so very thankful to the people of Kauai for allowing me to be part of this traditional greeting.  Just speaking the words is uplifting and meaningful beyond measure.  I was at a loss for words the first time I was referred to as "Uncle" and that single act solidified my relationship with a culture I still marvel at.  So giving are the Hawaiians .. such wonderful teachers of what Humanity is meant to be.  I am forever grateful for their gifts and how those gifts have made me a better person over the last twenty six years.

Yesterday I met with my tax advisor .. yes, it's that time of the year again.  In preparation of that meeting I spent the previous day getting everything together.  Every year it's the same thing; waiting until the last minute them "cramming" as if I were a college student preparing for the big exam.  I spent a full 14 hours at the task, until 3:30 in the morning, hoping beyond hope I wouldn't owe an arm and a leg.  I'm certain this amount of  preparation is completely unnecessary
if I would simply keep everything collated and organized throughout the year, but for some inexplicable reason I just never learn that lesson .. and the beat goes on .. and on .. and on. 

I believe in taxes and I believe in paying my fair share.  Tax monies are how we maintain our cities, counties, and countries .. so I don't squawk.  Like everyone, I still find the task of giving a portion of my hard earned money less than pleasant, but I enjoy the comforts and securities in life provided by all of us sharing the burden.  However, since discovering that my  portion of the burden this year could support a small country .. I have decided to stop calling Uncle Sam "Uncle".   Just sayin' ....

And what does a photo of my first Tropicana Rose have to do with "Uncle" ?  This morning I walked outside, stood over the newly opening beauty, then bent down to smell its enticing fragrance.  When I stood again I was smiling .. reminded that all is good in the world and one need only communicate with the miracle of nature to heal all fears, uncertainties, and insignificant problems.  It is that way now and has always been that way.  

If your experience with "Sam" this year is on a parallel with mine .. please, reconnect with the wonders around us.  I promise .. you will come away with new life, hope, and joy within your Spirit.  Like the feeling of being called "Uncle",  the gift of nature is there for all of us    ......

From Kauai to Paris ... and all places between