The Universe continues to
boggle the mind. I know that for most folks astronomy/cosmology are not “hot”
items in our everyday contemplations (for those of you in that category may I
suggest seeing the movie “interstellar”, and for the more serious; “Mind Walk”).
Ever since I was a child I was fascinated by the cosmos and enjoyed learning as
much about it as my sorry higher math and physics skills would allow me.
Nevertheless I plodded on and now feel that I have successfully incorporated an
appreciation and basic understanding into my daily existence even if it is a
brief moment to stop and gaze at the stars on a star bright night.
A “super nova” is the remnant
of a previously exploded massive star that leaves behind a colorful and
energetically varied region of space where all kinds of surprising events may
occur. Here is one that “boggles” the mind. I include it just because it’s so
damn other worldly and beautiful!.
A bit closer to home, and in
yet another academic field I may have found a place – anthropology, A recent
discovery of an ancient bracelet carved 40,000 years ago has opened new vistas
in the human saga. Once again attesting to our extremely ancient origins and
our predilection toward aesthetic art. It by far predates even Egypt and
Sumeria and the earliest cultures of what is now Turkey (where a great many
very ancient sites, ie: Catal Huyuk – 8,000/10,000 BPE) have been unearthed.
What fun it would be to trace the human path over this planet (as is now so
brilliantly made more accessible by the Genome Progect) as the bits and pieces
accumulate.....ah, another lifetime.
I’ve been delighted by the
number of chipmunks that have begun to appear here in the last few years. I get
daily visitations now and they remind me of my childhood vacations with my
mother and brother in Yosemite Natl. Park. Those were days of such happiness
that the memory instigated by these little guys is truly precious. I even had
one in the trailer the other day going after my bread basket – right while I
was eating. Poor guy panicked when I stood up but when I opened the screen door
and moved aside he was out like a flash. He literally flew out of the trailer –
got a chuckle out of me.
And check out this handsome
guy. This is a Desert Iguana, and are found in large numbers here in spring and
summer. They are always a treat to watch – they are very fast, beautifully
colored and extremely aware in that ancient Reptilian way.
Not so handsome was a 2 ½
spider in my bathroom the other night right off my right shoulder as I was
brushing my teeth. I told him to stay there, got a glass to cover him, slipped
a card under him and took him outside. I have no problem with spiders but I
didn’t like the idea of this big fellow in my bed later. Though this sounds to
some as an uncomfortable and possibly even traumatic experience, check out this
article about media violence and children. I mean come on, is this really
surprising to anyone?
Contrast a culture that
encourages the acceptance of violence on this level as “entertainment” to one
such as epitomized by some Native American Peoples. Understanding full well
that they too engaged in violence but it is the blatant encouragement and
insidious delivery that is disturbing.
Sort of along these same
lines is this very interesting concept.
I thought I would add some of
my favorite photos from earlier years before I launch into an update of how
things are for me at this time.
Mi casa for the past 11 years
Main street of El Cardonal
before pavement came in
Out 4 miles in my kayak – way
quiet
My first hurricane – magnificently
nature
New, very special friends
My other family, The Q’s
The “dynamic duo”
I am getting older. My recent
light brush with mortality has made me far more aware of my time on this earth
and how I shall use it. More on this in a bit but first something to get a
chuckle. This is worth watching.
Another month has passed
since my last post so I guess it’s time to catch up. A lot has changed over
this month, not the least of which being some major decisions regarding life
changes. Without going into too much detail (and that’s why I leave this for
the end since I am sure not all of you are particularly interested) these are
the high points.
I am moving back to CA to be
closer to family. During my convalescence from my stroke I realized how
important they all are to me and I want more time with them. It is also more
difficult to live here now than I had imagined it would be for a number of
reasons I won’t get in to – they just are. My activities in the sea have been
significantly curtailed and I miss that strongly. I do not have a definite timeline but hope to make the
move as soon as I finish up some things here in Cardonal (weeks – possibly 1-2
mths)
I will try to return here
each whale season (1-2 mths?) to continue my research and to help develop the
programs I would like to see implemented at the school and the Lab (which I am
assured will happen).
I have also decided not to
have cancer therapy for now and instead will focus on diet, supplements,
meditation etc to aid my body’s wish to return to it’s balance.
The consequences of the
stroke are noticeable to me but are not evident to the casual observer and for
this I am terribly grateful. I owe that to my daughter Kersti’s immediate
loving care and advice and the gentle and always strong support, physical and
mental/spiritual, of her husband Bill.
I am approaching this major
change as yet another adventure in my life saga and look forward to new
experiences, challenges, people etc.
I intend to locate somewhere
between Oakland and Sacramento. I’ll be looking for a small rental (apartment,
spare room, out building, use your imagination) if you know of a place, let me
know.
