Joy and perspective (Originally published on May 28, 2007)

I don't know how to start this. Every sentence I use that refers to an experience as positive and negative seems wrong. All experiences have their pluses and minuses. The experience itself can not be positive or negative. So, I will "simply" say that not all of the experiences of this weekend brought joy.

When I returned from my travels on Sunday, it was to an e-mail that ended a relationship. I then tried on a shirt I had tie dyed myself. Upon doing so I discovered that I am either allergic to the dyes or to the soda ash. My torso was an interesting shade of red.

But any negative emotion that may have arisen was squelched instantly. I am far too high to come down right now. There must have been something in the cranberry juice.

I jest, but this weekend I was surrounded by so many friends, by such positive energy, by so much love; that I have become impervious to sadness.

And so, to all those who have traded handshakes, smiles, hugs, energy, etc. with me (you know who you are)... peace, love, and harmony.

Simply Magick... (Originally published on June 4, 2007)

This is going to be a tough one. I turned 31 behind the wheel of a car. Not a place you find me often but it usually means that I am heading towards joy.

The radio wasn't displaying the time (just the station number), and so I'm not sure what I was listening to or where exactly I was. Somehow, that just seems apropos. When I arrived at my destination, the clock had already struck.

Music, and dancing, and sharing, oh my!

I can't shake the feeling that I did visit Oz. A place where things glowed in the dark and the world seemed distant. No phone to ring. No clocks. Even the sun decided to hide so that shadows would not mark the passage of time. Music everywhere. Gifts exchanged. The couple who fell asleep in front of my tent. Playing with a beach ball (sort of). Everywhere I looked, smiles. Truly, this place is only in my imagination. No place could be filled with such joy and love.

But wait, other people share these memories. The people that can suspend reality or transform it. People who have shown me a different way, a better way. What seems beyond belief, is that did it without trying. I started to miss them as soon as I had left them.

But, the car was from that other world. The world that knows it's 6:30 on Monday now. The people who loaned it to me in exchange for currency wanted it back by 3:00. Somewhere in my mind I knew that. I remembered the other world. When I finally saw a clock, it became apparent that a mad dash was now in order.

And so, I came back... in a way. Part of me is still dancing. It has been for over a year.

But, phones can connect me with those I love. I was showered in love throughout the day. As for clocks, I've never been a fan. If they can bring about any good, please let me know.

It is with great pleasure... (Originally published on June 13, 2007)

... that I present my neice, Audrey Roisin Marles. Born 3:32 AM on June 13, 2007. She came into this world weighing 7 lbs. 12 oz. (3.52 kg) and is currently 20 1/2" (52 cm) long.

I was able to get to the hospital about 2 hours before she arrived. Mother and baby are both doing quite well. My sister is pouring forth light. I am amazed by her strength.

I will only be in Tennessee for another 24 hours or so. I'll take many pictures and post them to flickr when I return to Philadelphia.

I wish you all joy and love.