This large llama stood right in front of our Jeep. Other llamas surrounded us. They all wanted food. In order to move on, I had to ease up. Stop. Ease up. Stop. Ease up. Stop. After about 10 minutes of this, the llama allowed us to pass.
Winter takes me down a darker path. I bought a ticket for the long way round. I am getting closer to the end. It’s an awesome ride. I like to think you’ll miss me when I’m gone.
As I consider this holiday season I know I will never pass this way again: these lights, this tree, these tasty treats, this combination of people, and all the rest will never be the same. These children will grow. We all will age. I will celebrate the existence of these unique moments. I will open my heart, my ears, my eyes, and my mind.
I will remember those who are no longer present in body and I will know they are present in spirit. I see them in the ornaments, the lights, and the treats. I hear them in the laughter of the children. I feel them in the love and traditions.
I am present in this festive dance. I am one with these moments. I can never pass this way again.
———–
In loving memory of Ram Dass my mantra for today is “I am loving awareness. I am loving awareness.”
“I’m called to invoke the power of the true inebriated creator of the universe, the drunken tolerator of the all lesser and more recent gods, and maintainer of gravity here on earth. May the great Flying Spaghetti Monster rouse himself from his stupor and let his noodly appendages ground each assembly member in their seats.”— Fletcher
Scene 3:
Today two peopleI reallyrespect commented about me to me.
“You are very special Ralph.”
“You are a stupid loser who will always be alone,”
“The only Mardi Gras krewe in New Orleans for the canine population. Founded in 1993, the Mystic Krewe of Barkus is a non-profit organization. The Mystic Krewe of Barkus was envisioned and created in November 1992 at a meeting of the Margaret Orr (WDSU-TV Weather Anchor) Fan Club held at Good Friends Bar. Thomas Wood brought his dog Jo Jo McWood to the meeting, where people complained about her neurotic ways. To get back at them all, Wood decided to make Jo Jo McWood queen of her parade and captain-for-life. Thus, the Krewe of Barkus was born.” ~ Barkus.org
I’m not a resolution maker. I’m not a resolution keeper. I pick themes or words or intentions (Stayed tunes. Soon a 2018 intentions blog is coming to a screen near you.) or a mixture. This year is a mashup, a fusion of ideas.
Stay crazy.
My 2018 mantra: “Lord Jesus have mercy on me.” It’s my mala (spiritual fidget spinner) version of the Jesus Prayer.
My always motto: “Be here now”.
My anthem for 2018 is the album “ Apostrophe”. You have hear it to appreciate it.
My theme: Transformation
This is a year of change (as all years are). It’s a year for renewal and new adventures. It’s time to work on myself. A time to check what is truly valuable in my life. I live a nomadic lifestyle and that has changed me. I think it’s time to jump into that process and be more active in the transformation. Or not. 😎 Westward?
Laugh! Live! Love!
And let us not forget the big eyed aliens from Uranus.
1. Favorite Christmas song: Grandma Got Ran Over By a Reindeer
2. Favorite Christmas Movie?: The Christmas Story
3. Favorite Christmas Cookie?: I’m not much of a cookie person.
4. Real tree or fake?: REAL TREE!
5. White lights or colored?: Colored for me, but I’m a fan of lights in general. I like the blinkers too.
6. Star or Angel on top of the tree?: A star because my daughter’s name is Starr.
7. Do you decorate outside?: Yes!
8. Favorite gift you received as a child?: I can’t recall a thing gift. But now I know it was the time with my parents and grandparents. It was their time and love.
9. Favorite gift received as an adult?: The Christmases with my children.
10. Best gift you’ve given someone?: I have no clue. You’d have to ask them.
11. Did you believe in Santa? I did and I do
12. How did you learn he wasn’t real? He is real.
13. Do your kids believe in Santa?: I hope so.
14. Favorite Christmas tradition?: All I have left is some eggnog and a slice of fruitcake. It has to be Claxton Fruitcake. I haven’t seen any but I think Santa is bringing some.
15. Do you prefer stockings or presents? Stockings are more fun to me.
16. What are you doing Christmas Eve? Spending it in New Orleans.
17. What are you doing Christmas day? I’m not sure but I’m in New Orleans.
18. Hot cocoa or egg nog? Egg Nog
19. Favorite Christmas book?: The Night Before Christmas
20. Favorite Christmas candy?: My mom used to make divinity.
21. What do you want for Christmas this year?: To spend it with people I love.
