The Cosmos Align

The energy bubbled in me throughout work. The off and on downpours hitting throughout the early morning and late afternoon. Spirits riding with a smile on face. Quick embraces upon meeting, shared anticipation and vigor. We all knew we were going forward into such a colossal event-a waiting in the making of seven years. Soon to be observing our Oxfordshire musical masters before us at nightfall. Then to sit and wait for our party to arrive, working late and no parking comments. Rushed greetings and off to the car. Finally moving; how fast the trip would be-unknown. Rain patters the windshield within the hour. Not fazed, Seattleites prepared mentally and physically. Nothing could have killed the wonder inside us. What melodies would lick our ears and move our bodies sway ward? Stress does haunt us as driving into the bottleneck of the final stretch. Five miles to the venue with clear skies above us-In an entropic existence, the ways of things are falling into place.

Friends are joined and hugged. Intensity rises as we reassure each other of our good fortune. The cosmos were certainly with us on this day. Chatting and watching from the lawn, more friends seen and greeted in proper fashion. And oh such friends we have! Bryan meets up with Company in the Pit and rallies them to give up their arm bands for the rest of us. With three bracelets in hand he returns. After exchanging our amazement the first three rush in then one out with arm bands in hand. After the first exchange I was in with John and Joe. Stage lights are bright and crowd is roaring, Radiohead is right in front of us. I see their expressions and watch their eyes. Calm and calculated as they turn us meandering through their profound albums of Hail to the Thief, Ok Computer, Amnesiac. All laden with embrace of such a moment. Crowd hung on a string of the sensuous world around us all. Lights and intrigue felt with tremendous instruments. Artistry appreciated and complete awe at our change of fortunes. We dance and bob with the music slowly as we continue in the radiohead world within us. Drumming with fingertips then legs and arms-to the head aloft with eyes closed at times. Only needing auditory focus. Brilliant life. Their ability to absorb the crowd. Up and down with song progression. Transition from emotion to emotion. It was a seamless night with a glorious coda. No amount of rain could splash those smiles off our face. The entire ride home we all assured ourselves it was the best concert ever and exchanged experiences. Those same endorphins flooding through my body hearing radioheads mastery days later. I will carry these memories with me all my life with peace and joy to look back and share

And time stops for two days

A weekend started in spontaneity. Our party only finally getting together after sneaking into the ferry parking lot, all knowing a full weekend awaited. So a ferry crossing it was, sight of old class mates from across the bow-points and waves, all gestures used when sound is distant. Then a long dark ride in front of us. A full moon rising west and hiding among the trees. Our destination is lost and reassured as dusk turned to dark-suddenly second guessing our routes. Spirits ride high as anticipation lead to excitement of past trips and stories told. What stories were to be imprinted on to our faces as smiles this time?
A late set up and fire light. Full moon now guiding our steps in the clearings. Fewer senses help us navigate the forest floor. Merriment commenced within the hour. Feast awaited after a ferry line consisting of granola bars. Even a smore of two before the sand man sprinkled us to sweet dreams. New day excitement after second waking-predawn just too early on vacation. Upon second rising, the fire is being lit. Quiet mornings while camping. Wind will not pick up for hours and now we settle into our time. After some breakfast and a bit of of a swim we were off. In search of rumors, cliffs awaited and a rope swing to explore. Hiking along above the lake edge, wonderful sloped hillside, natural clearings different in foliage and species along the way. Excellent trek. Around a far corner we heard laughter and the punch bowl awaited. Not a second was given to my ego for fear to creep in. I jumped once the bag was off my back. A wind rushed fall to a depths plunged into calm water. People cheer on and shout reassurance disregarding their own fears. One by one we jump. Stone faces above to relieved smiles upon breaking the water surface and reentering the terrestrial landscape. After adrenaline subdues our intensity we head for home. Tired legs take us back to where we believe the rope swing lay dormant. We do find it after navigating our path through thick forest floor atop fallen trees. In total 6 trees zigzag across each other to lead us to the base of our giant Douglas fir hanging over the water. Totally marveled at what lay before us. One for the imagination to fully grasp after that first free fall jumping off the tree to the side. Tarzan moment through the air. No sounds put forth, only breath held tight. Thirty feet down the surface tension is broken easily. Swimming back with smiles layered on smiles. Adrenaline drained after reaching the beach, anticipation for the next jump already building. We jump and laugh with the local crowd-as morning turns to afternoon we proceed in our triumphant leaps over our quiet domain. Leaving behind memories and vows of return. Quick packing to the start of a quiet drive. Grannies cafe breakfast awaited-a fresh cup of coffee included!

Summer found

I have found my summer of smiles in all of the small things I did not expect. The quiet conversations and sunset rides. Hardships have been vexing and self perpetuating. But facing them is the only way to mow them over. There is still much that needs to be done with my time. Treking in the woods to cook on a fire. Dip into hotsprings or icy rivers. Find my feet above me lounging in a hammock with smiles side by side amongst friends. To being caught with a quiet wind, each leave conducting its own melodious harmony. The senuous world surronds us always. I need not search the earth ends for experience. Explore all that is to be discovered outside and inside first. Learning of the world is learning of the self. Life is a game, it is in the persuit of perfection of the game that we live undaunted.