Exodus

It’s been awhile since I have updated this page. Thus far, this year has kept me occupied in so many ways. We are now at the very end of the second month of the year and I have had ZERO impact on my one and only New Years resolution. It does not help that I really don’t think it will make a difference in my life whether I achieve this particular goal that I have set for myself. Those of you who were present at the year end/New Years ceremony at my house know what I am talking about. I might need to look to spring as a time to realign and reassess my personal goals.

What I really wanted to write about tonight is the steady exodus from Nashville of people I love dearly. Having moved around all my life, I am usually the one doing the leaving. I am use to changing landscapes, but I must admit they aren’t always easy to deal with.

This Sunday, Michael left for Ohio. At least he is not so far away. Michael is like a brother to me. Never a dull moment, we always have a ton of laughs when we hangout. Before leaving, he helped me remodel/paint my kitchen, dining room, living room and hallway. I never thought my place could look so good. Thanks Michael!! Your generosity and capacity to give is something we can all learn from. I know you will succeed in whatever you do. One word of advice, live totally in the moment and don’t put any energy into carrying the past with you. BTW, I will be coming to visit when you settle down.

About a couple of weeks ago, Heather left for Australia. This is a journey she has dreamt about over and over. She is half way around the globe exploring the place most dear to her heart. She will be there for the next few months, coming back just in time for our trip to the Iberian Peninsula. Heather, what I want you to know most is that the love, harmony and beauty that you seek in a faraway land, you already carry inside you.

Emily is currently in Mexico. She is on her way to Bolivia but is taking her very sweet time. She has only been gone a month and it feels like an eternity. I know she is having the time of her life. Emily is gifted with knowing that whatever she decides to do in life, it will include making the world a better place. These days we need more people who make this a conscious choice and put it into action. I know this will be a period of growth for you, and you are fundamentally aware of life’s inequities. The cultures that you experience on your journey will only deepen that awareness. I hope you make it back for our midyear trip. Oh, if you are not yet hitch by the time you get back. We are making babies… OK just one baby first.

Aaron, who left last year for Austin (Texas), is currently visiting Dan in Japan. Dan moved to Japan over six month ago. I am sure the guys are having a blast. They are going to be an enigma for most Japanese folk. Aaron looks Japanese (he is half) but is American as they come. Dan is as American as they come but speaks fluent Nippongo. I am happy brother that you have made it to your ancestral home. A journey like this always causes a shift in perspective and such a shift is gift because it expands ones perception of both the inner and outer world.

Where does this leave everyone else? We miss those who are temporarily away, but I have to say we are still having a blast! Those of us gypsies that have chosen to grow roots have had the opportunity to get to know one another even more – if that is even possible. Carey and I have always had a strong bond. Jessica, Caleb and I are spending more time together. We are like family - this whole group. But in many ways, I think we redefine family for one another. It is amazing to see such varied backgrounds coming together in a powerful way. Always so clear with each other, without doubts or fears - not many are this blessed. On my Sufi page it says “Sufism is the religion of the heart, the religion in which the most important thing is to seek God in the heart of mankind.” You have all made it easy for me to experience this truth. Thank you!

There are numerous friends who I did not included in the message above but are equally dear to my heart; these include: Nicole, Habiba & Sophia, Doug, Linda, Muhammad Jamal & Jamila, Mark, Barry, and the list goes on…