You are There

You are there.

You have always been

there.

Even when you thought

you were climbing

you had already arrived.

Even when you were

breathing hard,

you were at rest.

Even then it was clear

you were there.

Not in our nature

to know what

is journey and what

arrival.

Even if we knew

we would not admit.

Even if we lived

we would think

we were just

germinating.

To live is to be

uncertain.

Certainty comes

at the end.

"You Are There" by Erica Jong, from Love Comes First. © Penguin Group, 2009.

Watershed

The celebration of an auspicious birthday requires the following: no work; all play. In that regard, I slept, read, walked, and saw "Ondine" with Ron, a mysterious movie about a water nymph (or not?) who inspires change . . .

I enjoyed Skyping with Rebecca, and later on dined at Watershed, where we ran into fellow revelers (of all ages) and were joined by Sean and Emma. Lots of nice gifts and cards, too! Several of my good friends also celebrated birthdays this week, including Marshall, Anna, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Any birthday is indeed a watershed moment. And for me, this year will be filled with more of the same as above, as well as meditation--naturally, while circumambulating-- on considerations the Dalai Lama suggests: compassion, altruism, and interdependence.

My travels for the coming months, while pursuing the start of an auspicious year, will further follow this journey into the peaks and valleys of experience: om mani padme hum.

Another Peacthree!

Ron has now run 30 sequential Peachtree Road Races. Or is it 31? In any event, once more he organized a massive effort of delivering friends and neighbors to the start line before dawn, where they all volunteered, then fell into their appropriate places. Beer and other liquid libations were the main menu items at the appointed meeting place, with his truck as the watering hole, for post-race festivities. Sean joined in the fun, completing the race despite limited advanced training. He was back at work at Leon's for a busy July 4th in Decatur, where the fireworks brought our long day (punctuated with numerous naps) to a loud close.