Allan Watts taught about Zen back in the 50′s.The Taboo against knowing who you are - changed my thinking greatly. This you-tube clip is an animated version of some of his talks. animation is by the createos of South Park (without the potty humor) I share what I love.
a place to follow nature, thoughts and……..
Archives for category: Books
Halloween Picture of my parents from a 1967.
The main themes in my life recently have been the understanding and letting go (or not) of attachments, mostly to things. Three years ago, I inherited the house my parents had lived in and loved for the last 35 years. It needed a lot of work, particularly dealing with water. If you dam water up it find another way to flow- emotions work the same way I think. Recently with the news in Sandy’s wake, we are well aware of what water can do!
I believe the house issues are in a stable state now but this exercise has showen me that taking care of the house and yard really is more than I can physically (and financially) support. I have loved this house and all the happy and trying times spent here. My parents loved it and the 1/2 acre yard. Dad had fabulous plantings of organic vegtables and beautiful flowers. His beds were never straight but a labryinth of circles and curves. I have noted before that I believe my Father’s approach to rolling with life was “When in doubt, turn the compost.” The rabbits now have a warren where his compost used to be. Ten years ago when he passed, his friends planted a Magnolia tree in his memory because he always wanted one. Now it towers high, producing those creamy white fragrant blossoms. How do I leave Dad’s tree? Mom and I put his ashes around it The reality of how little humans leave behind when they pass away- except stuff. Things my Mother treasured are of no real value or meaning to me- so do we continue to carry this stuff just because?
I have taken the path of sending the majority of belongings on to others through sale or donation. I have gotten to help some local charities I believe in which feels good. Like many of you I have seen my collection of books as friends that have been with me for years for reference or just seeing them reminds me of a lesson or event. My Father also collected books but his are cloth bond , old and fragile. Most I can’t sell for the price it would take to ship them. Again something treasured for years which has no tangible value. So far I have invited friends to come and take books that interest them – about 15 boxes gone so far. Books have been the hardest so far.
Getting the house ready to show is an odd experience because I removed all the personal pictures and nick-nacks that litter my life. It looks like my house but different. well folks ending for today. I am glad to blog again. I have not even had time to read blogs and I miss the snapshots of other lives from the blogosphere.
The Associated Press is reporting that the lights on Broadway will be dimmed Friday night to honor the memory of Gore Vidal, whose play “The Best Man” is in the midst of a successful run at the Schoenfield Theatre.
At 86, Mr Vidal passed away from us at his home of pneumonia. Gore Vidal is the author of twenty-four novels, five plays, many screenplays, more than two hundred essays, and a political commentator, an educator and a patriot. I admired his mind and his ability to speak his mind irregardless of others reaction. He was one of my heroes. I can’t say I always agreed with him, although I often did or always applauded his behavior. In 1968, I happened to watch the ill-fated exchanges on television between himself and William F. Buckley, Jr.- two powerful men with opposing opinions on just about everything. This may be when the phrase socially appropriate speech was born.
He wrote his first novel at 19 while in the army. The year I was born, 1948 he wrote “The City and the Pillar” which caused a furor for its dispassionate presentation of homosexuality. Mr.Vidal is often seen as an early champion of sexual liberation. The man was unappologetic about being gay but I hope he will be remembered for his novels about history,or his mystery novels or essays on the nature of national politics and critiques of american expansionism / imperialism. He was passionately political , ran for Congress himself and actively supported others over the years. He helped me to formulate my own opinions on politics, free speech, and the direction of this nation.
Two of my favorite quotes attributed to him :
”Fifty percent of people won’t vote, and fifty percent don’t read newspapers. I hope it’s the same fifty percent.”
“There is no human problem which could not be solved if people would simply do as I advise.”
references: http://www.gorevidalnow.com/ , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gore_Vidal , http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-19074230
http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Gore_Vidal , http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/01/gore-vidal-dies , http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/01/gore-vidal-best-quotes
