November 25th.
I am at sea level. The ocean is right out my car window as I drive along the beach front roads. Everything is aqua marine and teal with shades of white; accept when it rains, like today.
Here in Venice Florida I am at the home of Bobbi Cogger’s. We were freshman together at Dean Junior College, Franklin, Massachusetts. We lived in Adams Hall with our housemother, Mrs. Midget. Girls were not allowed cars, the dorm had nightly curfew along with room checks and we needed permission to go off campus for the weekend. We wore stockings and loafers to dinner and sang Christmas Carols en masse outside of the Dean’s home before our winter break.
We have kept in touch and shared the story lines of our lives, but have not seen each other in over 20 years. Here we are reliving our college experiences and catching up on our respective marriages, divorces, values and desires. I question if one really changes? Has 20 years, 30 years or 40 years really changed us? Are we not quintessentially ourselves?
It reminds me of the song:
Make new friends, but keep the old,
Some are silver and the other gold.
Bobbi is golden, a real keeper. No matter our differences, respect and love has continued to be the glue of our friendship. Venice is her home right now with its perfectly trimmed lawns, little shops, tennis courts and bicycle trails. It suits her well, her feet will be forever clean.
In my nearly two weeks , I have grown to appreciate the sameness and continuity of appearances. I have reacquainted myself with beach life and have taken to swimming in the afternoons, accept for today’s rain.
Venice is hailed as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World. Venice was once under water and now these prehistoric teeth are washed up on shore. I will leave you with a few statistics. A shark has 40 teeth in each jaw and they are one critter that sheds its teeth and grows new teeth. In a shark’s lifetime they can produce up to 24,000 teeth. So there are souvenirs to behold at the beach. Unfortunately, I should have managed my pilgrimage to be here in April when they will hold the 18th annual Shark’s Tooth Festival.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Coyote delights in the dance
I arrived in Vicksburg a week ago Friday, with the intention to celebrate the 170th Anniversary of Christ Episcopal Church with Rev. Chan and her husband Vernon. I did! I was planning on a journey to New Orleans this past Wednesday, BUT last Sunday I opened an email from my new tenant Scott disclosing that he has had a change of plans and cannot move into my house as Danita's housemate.
"Coyote" delights in the dance of paradox and multiplicity. In native culture the Coyote is sacred and many believe that they cannot pray until they laugh, breaking down preconceptions of what is to Be. The sacred comes through upset, reversal of plans and surprise. These elements are an intricate part of any pilgrimage. So I sit once again with the element of surprise and wonder of the unexpected.
I have done little else in Vicksburg accept network and manage the situation at home. Rev. Chan graciously offered me a place to stay until I felt like I could move. For a few days I wondered whether I needed to retreat and go back to Santa Fe. Just thinking about that drive back clear across Texas nearly did me in. So here I have been sitting half the day in a cafe networking and communicating with friends who could help me out in my absence. Madeline has been a HUGE help as she fields calls from Craig's List and flyers, sets up appointments and shows the house. To date there has only been two responders. It only takes one.
On Sunday, I will gather myself once again and head down the road to Venice, Florida. It will take me two days to get there. Everything that can be done to secure a new tenant is in motion. It is time for me to be in motion too. I am sorry I have to give up my plans for New Orleans.
"Coyote" delights in the dance of paradox and multiplicity. In native culture the Coyote is sacred and many believe that they cannot pray until they laugh, breaking down preconceptions of what is to Be. The sacred comes through upset, reversal of plans and surprise. These elements are an intricate part of any pilgrimage. So I sit once again with the element of surprise and wonder of the unexpected.
I have done little else in Vicksburg accept network and manage the situation at home. Rev. Chan graciously offered me a place to stay until I felt like I could move. For a few days I wondered whether I needed to retreat and go back to Santa Fe. Just thinking about that drive back clear across Texas nearly did me in. So here I have been sitting half the day in a cafe networking and communicating with friends who could help me out in my absence. Madeline has been a HUGE help as she fields calls from Craig's List and flyers, sets up appointments and shows the house. To date there has only been two responders. It only takes one.
On Sunday, I will gather myself once again and head down the road to Venice, Florida. It will take me two days to get there. Everything that can be done to secure a new tenant is in motion. It is time for me to be in motion too. I am sorry I have to give up my plans for New Orleans.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Beyond the Ninth Wave
Written November 8th
Back in the late 90’s when I was in Nepal, I pondered what to print on a calling card. While travelling, it seemed important to have my hotmail email address on a card that I could hand out along the way. Ummmmm, Lynda Leonard, Lynda Leonard what? Back then I wrote:
Lynda Leonard
Pilgrim
Lynda_Leonard@hotmail.com
When I started planning this journey the words pilgrim and pilgrimage came up again. What was this year anyway? This is certainly more than a grand escape. Clearly it is a time of separation and isolation from the known and predictable. It is a time of deep listening. It is a time of newness, renewal and courting the unknown.
Brad Berglund, guest facilitator for Christ Episcopal Church, sweetly wove a day of song, story and slides from his pilgrimages to sacred sites in Europe. He told the story of the ninth wave. Years ago in Ireland a monk was set out to sea in a small rudderless boat called a curragh. Once they made it beyond the ninth wave, they entered a current that would eventually lead them to a foreign shore. Wherever they landed they began their church and missionary work. Now that’s surrender and trust!!!!
The parallels are self-evident.
Back in the late 90’s when I was in Nepal, I pondered what to print on a calling card. While travelling, it seemed important to have my hotmail email address on a card that I could hand out along the way. Ummmmm, Lynda Leonard, Lynda Leonard what? Back then I wrote:
Lynda Leonard
Pilgrim
Lynda_Leonard@hotmail.com
When I started planning this journey the words pilgrim and pilgrimage came up again. What was this year anyway? This is certainly more than a grand escape. Clearly it is a time of separation and isolation from the known and predictable. It is a time of deep listening. It is a time of newness, renewal and courting the unknown.
Brad Berglund, guest facilitator for Christ Episcopal Church, sweetly wove a day of song, story and slides from his pilgrimages to sacred sites in Europe. He told the story of the ninth wave. Years ago in Ireland a monk was set out to sea in a small rudderless boat called a curragh. Once they made it beyond the ninth wave, they entered a current that would eventually lead them to a foreign shore. Wherever they landed they began their church and missionary work. Now that’s surrender and trust!!!!
The parallels are self-evident.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Cows, Corn, Cotton and Rev. Chan
November 7th
TEXAS. Yep, it takes two days to drive clear across Texas and they’re proud of it. Even the road signs will tell you that:
DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS
$100 FINE FOR LITTERING
In West Texas I whiz by cows, corn, cotton and John Deere tractors. Glancing from the car, crops look like they are squeezed out of the soil. The air is filled with the smell of farms and men are dressed in boots and denim overalls.
I raced the clock to arrive in Abilene before dark to be met by my host Bev and news of the Fort Hood slayings. It was a fly by stop with just enough time for food, conversation and bed and then up again at 3:30 a.m. as I continue east.
By dawn there is a different landscape …..TREES. Against the still, flat drape of land there are tall pines and oaks and something else with drying leaves. Eastern Texas in now lined with trees that make my heart sing as I make my way across into Louisiana and now Vicksburg.
MISSISSIPPI Reverend Chan and Vernon greet me at the door of their 170-year-old house next to the 170-year-old church on a street lined with brick. The massive wooden doors and windows are so tall I have to put my head all the way back to see the top, and the spiral stair case speaks out as I ascend to my room decorated in flowered wall paper, lace curtains and a bed that can’t wait to be experienced.
I breathe deep into the welcome of tacos and conversation and a tour of the church where we will do a workshop on pilgrimages. Now wouldn’t you say this was a timely topic that I just walked into?
TEXAS. Yep, it takes two days to drive clear across Texas and they’re proud of it. Even the road signs will tell you that:
DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS
$100 FINE FOR LITTERING
In West Texas I whiz by cows, corn, cotton and John Deere tractors. Glancing from the car, crops look like they are squeezed out of the soil. The air is filled with the smell of farms and men are dressed in boots and denim overalls.
I raced the clock to arrive in Abilene before dark to be met by my host Bev and news of the Fort Hood slayings. It was a fly by stop with just enough time for food, conversation and bed and then up again at 3:30 a.m. as I continue east.
By dawn there is a different landscape …..TREES. Against the still, flat drape of land there are tall pines and oaks and something else with drying leaves. Eastern Texas in now lined with trees that make my heart sing as I make my way across into Louisiana and now Vicksburg.
MISSISSIPPI Reverend Chan and Vernon greet me at the door of their 170-year-old house next to the 170-year-old church on a street lined with brick. The massive wooden doors and windows are so tall I have to put my head all the way back to see the top, and the spiral stair case speaks out as I ascend to my room decorated in flowered wall paper, lace curtains and a bed that can’t wait to be experienced.
I breathe deep into the welcome of tacos and conversation and a tour of the church where we will do a workshop on pilgrimages. Now wouldn’t you say this was a timely topic that I just walked into?
Thursday, November 5, 2009
3 a.m.
November 5th
I'm awake with anticipation of the 10 hour drive to Abilene. It's a choice to sleep more now or leisurely put the final touches on packing and nap on the road. NOW is winning.
I leave what is again familiar and there are pangs of desire to stay. I could celebrate Peggy's 60th birthday, I could visit with the friends that got shelved in lieu of the responsibilities of house management, I could walk in the mountains one more time before the snow buries the trails. Departure is often a mixed bag as there is always more.
With the car tightly organized now until September 1st, 2010 I am pointed east.
I'm awake with anticipation of the 10 hour drive to Abilene. It's a choice to sleep more now or leisurely put the final touches on packing and nap on the road. NOW is winning.
I leave what is again familiar and there are pangs of desire to stay. I could celebrate Peggy's 60th birthday, I could visit with the friends that got shelved in lieu of the responsibilities of house management, I could walk in the mountains one more time before the snow buries the trails. Departure is often a mixed bag as there is always more.
With the car tightly organized now until September 1st, 2010 I am pointed east.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Day of the Dead
November 1, 2009
A Week in Review.
Call, interviews, networking, house preparations and sleepless nights dotted this past week’s activities. By Friday I set up a deal with Scott to rent the other two rooms of the house. Whew…… In a perfect world I will head out on Wednesday with a destination of Abilene, Texas. Dick and Elizabeth have set me up with their friends to spend a night or two. I am pointed east with Vicksburg MS. As my next stop.
Last night at the sweat lodge I am reminded of my need for spiritual refueling stations. Coyote and Raven weave a web of community and home and welcome that feed me deep down where it matters most.
Today I repack the car and tonight celebrate The Day of the Dead with my host Janis and her gang of goblins.
A Week in Review.
Call, interviews, networking, house preparations and sleepless nights dotted this past week’s activities. By Friday I set up a deal with Scott to rent the other two rooms of the house. Whew…… In a perfect world I will head out on Wednesday with a destination of Abilene, Texas. Dick and Elizabeth have set me up with their friends to spend a night or two. I am pointed east with Vicksburg MS. As my next stop.
Last night at the sweat lodge I am reminded of my need for spiritual refueling stations. Coyote and Raven weave a web of community and home and welcome that feed me deep down where it matters most.
Today I repack the car and tonight celebrate The Day of the Dead with my host Janis and her gang of goblins.
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