"We are all wanderers on this earth...our hearts are full of wonder, and our souls are deep with dreams." ~ Gypsy proverb

Friday, March 2, 2012

Onward with joy


Despite the sobering (thanks Rain for the perfect word) way yesterday ended, I remember that today is Friday, today is Joy Pockets. I have mourned this man that I didn't know. I have reflected over and over again the few, but now very percussive thoughts I had about him when he passed our car. I mourn for his family and mourn for the poor trucker who hit him. I admit it is very hard to shake these shadows that seem to have seeped into the folds of our joy. But, the plain truth is that there was joy---so much joy that I remember sitting with contentment and relishing in awareness, gifts so elusive in our busy lives.  So with one last thought of peace for all affected in yesterday's accident, and with one more nod of respect to life and to death, I remember the joy that urges us onward...


driving in the whiteness of misty morning fog

lunch at Mother's in New Orleans--the turnip greens and jambalaya!

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar on Bourbon Street--full of wood, stone, and character




New Orleans Museum of Art: Picasso, Chagall, Modigliani--need I say more?

Still Life With Candle, Picasso 1937
hearing my children's voices on the phone (I miss them so much!! They fly out to join us next week :)

the healing, soothing, sustaining nature of music...with music, everything comes alive

my road trip playlist (well part of it :)

Road trip by MJ on Grooveshark

Onward friends!!! Next stop, Austin, TX....

20 comments:

  1. Cool! I hear Austin is funky in the best way. I'd like to go there someday, New Orleans too!

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  2. MJ - once again it appears we have similar situations happening - ours was not as intense as yours. We flew into Atlanta yesterday from the island and then a flight to Panama City (Florida_ - only to be turned around after trying to land due to fog. We spent a couple more hours in Atlanta and got back on the plane to Panama City - although we landed I have a strong feeling the pilots were pushing the limits. We did not see runway lights until the wheels hit. Then spent an hour driving at 2 am on a road just like your photo - a long eery night in the fog on empty roads. May you feel peace for the rest of your road trip. Enjoy some good music in Austin. xoxo

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  3. Driving in morning's fog with a Picasso clear in mind sounds perfect. I bet you're eager to see your kids, but enjoy those long conversations a road trip bring out. The best part of a drive, for sure. Happy travels.

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  4. what??? NO KIDS? that must be surreal and awesome and sometimes odd! i hope you thoroughly rock austin! happy trails!

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  5. I am so glad you were able to visit a little in New Orleans, it's such a fun city. I hope the rest of your trip is filled only with beautiful and joyous sites. Take care friend, I'm thinking of you!
    xx

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  6. PS. I know you’re not thinking about knitting right now, but you will when you get there...you’ll need new socks or something. So check out the YARN GIVE AWAY!

    http://www.durangomom.com/2012/03/twist-and-twine-yarns.html

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  7. so true MJ. Pain and sorrow are gifts in that they are so present and raw some of the best soul work comes from yucky places. Thank you brother biker for helping us remember this lesson.
    Austin, always wanted to visit. I am thinking of you dear friend, wishing you peace and safe travels! xoxo

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  8. I am hoping the rest of your journey is stress free :)

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  9. Lovely....joy is what makes life worth living.xxx

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  10. woohoo, in NO already!
    i totally missed the bit where the kids weren't with you guys!

    i feel at home in places of wood, stone, and character.

    (i've missed what the accident was... i'll try and backtrack... we had a local 40 yr-old guy die in a road crash just yesterday, at an area we drove through that day. especially poignant when on the road yourself)

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  11. Tragic scenes such as the one you witnessed are indeed hard to shake off. So much to ponder...

    The Blacksmith Shop in N.O - I know that spot well. I've had many a Blackened Voodoo there.

    Ahh, Austin! Great town, but don't forget that you said you were coming to Boulder. ;)

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  12. Oh I am so sorry. Joy is often wrapped with sadness. I love your words. It makes one reflect definitely. I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip. NO and Austin are two of my favorite cities. So awesome you get to visit and hang out. Wow Mother's!!
    xo

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  13. That all sounds wonderful! I can't wait to hear more as you continue this adventure! Austin was the last place I lived before moving to Guam and marrying, and it will always be in my heart. There is so much to love there - I hope you guys enjoy it!

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  14. i think that such an experience instantly transports you to what the ancient celts called "thin places"...where the veil between this world and the other world is very thin. it leaves you {sober} and resonating and contemplative.

    may your own travels be sweet.
    <3

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  15. i love what rain said. onward in joy dear mj. what a trip.
    xx lori

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  16. What a sobering experience. Life can be cut so short. My parents have motorcycles, and it scares the crap out of me. However, my father loves racing, speed, motors, etc. It's what makes him him. I couldn't stop him if I tried.

    I'm enjoying your traveling posts!

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  17. MJ, I'm so excited for the journey you're on. Wishing you happy travels, and the best kind of adventures. xoR

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  18. I hope the rest of your journey is full of joy and peace!

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  19. Maybe that's simply a wonderful tribute to that man.
    Who surely appreciated some joy in his life and in the life of others...

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  20. Onward and upward, right? Keep in motion. Just lovely shots and thoughts as usual.. and Austin!!!!!!! Say howdy to my hometown for me!!

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“Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
~ George Bernard Shaw