Struggling or Set?

Sometimes the most interesting person in a group is the one still trying to ‘make it’. Everyone probably knows someone like that. They are the one that works random jobs so they can focus on becoming an actor, painter, sculptor, craftsman, or musician. They pop-up from time to time, as their adventures bring them through their home towns. Never quite sure if tomorrow will bring the big break or recognition that they need.

But somehow I envy them. To have something that you enjoy and are passionate enough about that you are willing to risk everything else. Hours after hours are spent in pursuit of only becoming better at the one thing that you know you were meant to do. And the satisfaction is in what you produce. The thing that you complete is yours; it came from you. If only we all could harbor that type of enthusiasm for our ‘work’ and pleasure; to be a struggling artist.

Back on the Burro

As fate would have it, I cannot stay away from the burrito forever. I love Chipotle just as much...well maybe a little more than the next guy. I went to the grand opening of a new location in San Francisco in late June, ordered my usual (Chicken Fajita Burrito), and retired to my hotel room for what I though was another boring evening. Something was not quite right; maybe it was the chicken, poorly cooked on a busy night. But I got food poisoning. Not something that you want ever and especially when out of town. I survived but it was not pretty. Anyway, I have not been back since. Today I went back with family for lunch, ordered my usual, and...nothing. Guess I’ll just have to strike it up to bad luck.

The Wandering man walks a path, but it is not his own.
Down the road, moving; or does Earth pass underneath.
Days, weeks, months; continuous cycles of Light and Dark.
His goal, beyond the horizon; moving in tandem,
Never closer, never further apart; existing separately.

Solid rock erodes to dust; Nature controls and directs.
Nowhere to call home, no way to get back,
At the mercy of wind and the errant Traveler.

The last day closes; Sadness surrounds them.
Neither in control Nor where they wish.
Together, they give Purpose; meaning to Exist.
Their Journey not willed but a Journey the same.
No longer alone, as a pair they expire; in peace.

Oh, New Mexico

New Mexico, what do you mean to me?

I've spent many a night in your various hotels;
I've driven your roads 'til I thought I was lost.
Dust storms, flash floods, hail, sleet, and snow.
A slightly ugly desert that escaped from Mexico.
Aliens, green chile, political corruption;
nuclear science, drugs, and natural wonders.
Each time I leave, I wish it the last.
But then I come back, and it seems the same.
The 'Land of Enchantment' finally has me jaded.
But I don't think good bye is here just yet.

Time to Rest

I wait for sleep

The escape from all I know

To a place that only I can go

Free to live, Free to explore

Worlds to create, Adventures to have

Places to see, Things to do

No boundaries, No limits, No rules

No expectations, No stereotypes, No fear

Existence is the playground of the mind

Awakening brings halt to the vision

Reality and Dreams cross

Confusion, Deja Vu; the daily special

The road may bend in the Distance

But for now...I wait for sleep

Change

The Greek symbol Δ is often used to represent change in mathematical equations. It points the way to something different from where you previously were. I like experiencing things in different ways; in different places. The weather changes; fashion changes; social attitudes change. Variety is an essential part of keeping one’s sanity on the path of life.

But I don’t like when people change. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the bully realizing what a douche he is and changing his ways or any other attribute that may have a negative effect on others. Sometimes the reluctance to change in one person has a changing effect in others; if for no other reason, then just to make life ‘easier’ or less confrontational. But after years of changing for others you wake up one day not knowing who you are and how/why you got to this place.

Recently saw the movie All About Steve. It’s a new movie around the same theme; we shouldn’t change who we are for anyone. We may change some of the things we do, but not who we are. One of my favorite lyrics by the late Michael Hutchence is ‘Don’t change for you, Don’t change a thing…for me.’

Life Is Beautiful

Recently watched My Sister’s Keeper. For those who haven’t seen it, I will not spoil it here. But from the previews, it is no secret that the storyline is about a family where one of the children has cancer. First, let me say that I thought all of the actors did a good job.

This movie affected me more than I expected it would have. It could be maybe that I’m just getting older, that I have a family of my own, or perhaps I’ve just gone soft. But regardless of the reason, the result was the same.

I get all worked up when my kids even get hurt or I even think about something tragic with them involved. But I can’t even imagine if any of it was real. I don’t know how I would handle it, but I know other parents do. I just hope I never have to face that situation and truly feel for those that do.