Greetings from Santa Fe, New Mexico. I know this title may sound a little presumptive but it just came to me out of the blue as I was preparing for a fairly long stay, about three weeks, living alone a lot of the time in an apartment I’d rented close to the Plaza. The main reason for the trip was to spend some quality time with my daughter, Susan, her son, Nico, and her partner, Michael. But I also wanted to complete the finished hard copy of my next book, which as many of you know, requires isolation and freedom from distraction. Then, too, I’ve been exploring the nature of the inner life and its begun, after several years of practice, to have a wonderful, beneficial effect on me and I want time, need time, to pursue that practice as it draws me slowly to a new awareness and a new appreciation for the spirited adventure I’m really on. As I write in a meditation by the same title “… the practice of God’s presence is bending me toward the contemplative life, an abundant life, beyond thought and words that’s taking me to a new place in which I experience frequent moments of astonishment and contentment. Richard Rohr, in writing about contemplative prayer, says its less about speaking and more about listening, less about expressing, and more about experiencing God’s presence. I seek that now and in seeking it I feel like I’m on some kind of high adventure where everything I do has increased meaning”. Another important aspect of this trip is that right in the middle of the three weeks, my new partner (I’ve nicked-named her “Charlie”) will visit me from Anacortes which will give me a chance to show her some of the Santa Fe sites I enjoy and also a chance to spend time with Susan and her family. If you go to my website you can read some of the poems with “Charlie” s as the subject.
It’s good to be in touch with my friends out there in cyberspace once again. I just want you to know that I’m in a good place right now even with all that’s wrong in the world, feeling younger as I get older, honoring my friends wherever we’re connected, and at my tender age, happily in love.
Peace and joy to everyone as we enter the season of thanksgiving and Christmas.
