Here it’s really autumnal now, getting cold enough to put the heating on sometimes even!
I’m getting better at being more optimistic and energetic even with all the things that are going on and the world in general
- you described that so well with that one sentence saying it seems like we are all constantly being groomed to accept unacceptable things! - so yes, I think more ready to face things and keep working for better things in my own small way.
What a beautiful & evocative post. I love the way you contrast the tragedy of what the world is suffering on so many fronts, with the beauty, simplicity & constancy of nature. How wise you are, thank you for your youness, you are truly a blessing in this breaking-apart time x
I’ve been reading ‘Hope in the Dark’ by Rebecca Solnit, working at reminding myself that despair can be a self fulfilling prophecy and activism matters. Communities like this matter, everyday kindnesses matter, moments of joy matter. Thank you Patti.
Sometimes, the existence of good people can surprise you. I can't say I know a lot about either Sinatra or President Carter, but they both did good things with the time they were given even if all they're acts were not so. (Whose are? We all muddle along ...) I believe this life, this world, is not meant to be a place for absolute peace and security; it is a transitional existence, one in which we either learn to transform suffering into grace in order to transcend it ... or lose ourselves in the suffering. We may just find each other in the midst of upheavals and draw closer together even as everything else seems to fall apart. God, I hope so!
Solace is also found in unexpected places--reading about James Magee's Hill today. Never heard of him until a couple of hours ago. Thinking I'd like to go there with my dad, also an artist.
As always, thanks, Patti, for drawing us closer together.
So good to hear your experiences Patti and see the photos. Makes me feel restless for new ground… I am not a fan of extreme heat and then the opposite, by the sea. Your body accepting the change and adjusting by degrees and using the familiar to create a safety of its own. Happy travels❤️
If you have the time Patti, take a side trip to Ojai, just a short drive from Santa Barbara. It’s magical here. Go to Meditation Mountian, view the pink sunsets, have breakfast at The Dutchess.
The people here believe Ojai did not burn down during the Thomas fire in 2017 because of the vortex of protection from the Chumash Indians. I believe it. You feel the energy here.
Sadly, we are leaving tomorrow to Santa Barbara and traveling back to N.C. The devastation there for artists of all mediums, as well as people who have spent their lives in the mountains, is beyond comprehension. The outpouring of love and support will be needed for years and years to come. Thank you for your kindness
In the 1970s my dad had a restaurant in Asbury Park, New Jersey and a summer wind came blowin’ in from across the sea. We received a phone call around 2am that the storm started an electrical fire and that the restaurant was ablaze. I drove with my mom and dad into town and watch the flames engulf The Wine Barrel Inn. My father was mostly upset that his entire Frank Sinatra album collection was destroyed in the fire. That was the last time we heard the vinyl play a Summer Wind.
Those orange/red things in the cacti photo are fruits! You just have to burn the spikes and take out the skin
a lovely post , humble and moving and blessing the kindness of things
A whole and sensitive human; glad am finally reading you.
Magical!
that tree is gorgeous.
I beg to differ, Patti, your travel videos are always GOOD.
Here it’s really autumnal now, getting cold enough to put the heating on sometimes even!
I’m getting better at being more optimistic and energetic even with all the things that are going on and the world in general
- you described that so well with that one sentence saying it seems like we are all constantly being groomed to accept unacceptable things! - so yes, I think more ready to face things and keep working for better things in my own small way.
What a beautiful & evocative post. I love the way you contrast the tragedy of what the world is suffering on so many fronts, with the beauty, simplicity & constancy of nature. How wise you are, thank you for your youness, you are truly a blessing in this breaking-apart time x
I’ve been reading ‘Hope in the Dark’ by Rebecca Solnit, working at reminding myself that despair can be a self fulfilling prophecy and activism matters. Communities like this matter, everyday kindnesses matter, moments of joy matter. Thank you Patti.
Sometimes, the existence of good people can surprise you. I can't say I know a lot about either Sinatra or President Carter, but they both did good things with the time they were given even if all they're acts were not so. (Whose are? We all muddle along ...) I believe this life, this world, is not meant to be a place for absolute peace and security; it is a transitional existence, one in which we either learn to transform suffering into grace in order to transcend it ... or lose ourselves in the suffering. We may just find each other in the midst of upheavals and draw closer together even as everything else seems to fall apart. God, I hope so!
Solace is also found in unexpected places--reading about James Magee's Hill today. Never heard of him until a couple of hours ago. Thinking I'd like to go there with my dad, also an artist.
As always, thanks, Patti, for drawing us closer together.
Beautiful word images and photos. Thank you for bringing calm into a strange day.
Great post
So good to hear your experiences Patti and see the photos. Makes me feel restless for new ground… I am not a fan of extreme heat and then the opposite, by the sea. Your body accepting the change and adjusting by degrees and using the familiar to create a safety of its own. Happy travels❤️
If you have the time Patti, take a side trip to Ojai, just a short drive from Santa Barbara. It’s magical here. Go to Meditation Mountian, view the pink sunsets, have breakfast at The Dutchess.
The people here believe Ojai did not burn down during the Thomas fire in 2017 because of the vortex of protection from the Chumash Indians. I believe it. You feel the energy here.
Sadly, we are leaving tomorrow to Santa Barbara and traveling back to N.C. The devastation there for artists of all mediums, as well as people who have spent their lives in the mountains, is beyond comprehension. The outpouring of love and support will be needed for years and years to come. Thank you for your kindness
and humanity. So needed now. 💜
In the 1970s my dad had a restaurant in Asbury Park, New Jersey and a summer wind came blowin’ in from across the sea. We received a phone call around 2am that the storm started an electrical fire and that the restaurant was ablaze. I drove with my mom and dad into town and watch the flames engulf The Wine Barrel Inn. My father was mostly upset that his entire Frank Sinatra album collection was destroyed in the fire. That was the last time we heard the vinyl play a Summer Wind.
Thank you, Patty. You humanity is much needed right now. I was very moved by this entry.