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>>Of Paradise Intrusions & Lovers’ Dares, of Passions & Obsessions - Glimpses into The Love Matters Series …

>>Of Paradise Intrusions & Lovers’ Dares, of Passions & Obsessions - Glimpses into The Love Matters Series …

 

 

Snips and Patches of Summer - a journal of Seaside notes of ethereal correspondence - of nano bits of inner voices - virtual and physical, always of the deepest personal touch - of elevated souls, of swooping gulls and crashing waves and other fits of passions and obsessions that are moving gentlefolk to daring displays of opposites:  of their love across all aspects, and also of hateful, hurtful attacks, intruding upon this paradise at the beach… 

 

…paradise it is, glorious summer at it’s height, especially beautiful and entrancing all around this architecturally magnificent seaside city - the white sand alone emanates loving waves of elevated spirit - taking troubled breaths and offering in exchange pure serenity - all upon the fragrant winds of ocean mist.

 

As with the rest of the sphere of happenings all around the globe, just as the warming season peaks, a crashing is occurring as these forces collide - even in this lil bit of paradise, upon the head of the lovely trail through sand and seagrass.  The delightful plaza that provides the vibrant entrance to the many winding and twisting paths through the as yet unspoiled paradise within, this lil spot of serenity is also disrupted daily by the gathering of the self possessed intent on spreading their venom.

 

Two very special lovers have just passed through - longtime partners in many ways; this haven has been a favorite place for them to rendezvous and find themselves in each other.  An essential routine - an obsession of their mutual own that has been vital to their strength and ability to face the many shocks and trials life relentlessly brings.   

 

Unbelievable the attacks they have been weathering together - facing them together for many years, they have grown to be true lovers, in their own special, unconventional way.  Their determination to finally bring their full, beautiful relationship out into the open has, truth-be-told, triggered all of this particular crisis this morning.

 

<>

 

Their story is like many, and this first segment of their story within is offered in the genuine, loving hope that not only they, but the many others in their network of growth will surely benefit.  This first glimpse into their lil corner of the elsphere - the underlying and surrounding natural and vital complement to the essential base - is one of the key aspects that affect the the passions and obsessions that move both this awesome seaside space as well as the entire sphere of happenings.

 

Always respectful of their many other “partners,” - they do share the gift for building genuine relationships - they have crafted their own based a depth of love that is fundamental to all that they do and who they are at core - always working together to marshall their very best - and now this.

 

<>

 

Other “regulars” are already arrayed around this popular place of convergence, even at this early hour.  As our lovers take the most open route, fully exposed to the plaza at the head behind and the rocky cape just ahead, and of course to the seemingly infinite expanse of breathtaking sea all along side.  Not a day for our usual care - time to let it all out - we have earned this - - - so run their silent, merged thoughts as they steady one another, openly showing who they really are at home with each other in this natural paradise.

 

<>

 

In clear line of sight of them, sitting in his cruiser at this early dawn, nestled under the stand of trees at the edge of the beach, the park ranger draws one last satisfying puff of tobacco and flicks the butt out into the sand.  F’k’em - look at them already tromping around - those two lovers heading for the rocks - that usual bunch crowding into the plaza - ugh - another long day ahead w these assholes - would love to run them all over, right now - I could; I should! - F’k’em…

 

<>

 

With increasing comfort about their mutual decision to break out, the two pause to make the most of this amazing scene - a longtime favorite of theirs, it has extra beauty and meaning as they admire the play of the rising sun on all elements of the beach.

 

Shifting their gaze from the dance of morning light upon the ocean waves to the entrance area, they immediately note the approach of two all-too-familiar figures.

 

“There is no escape, love - look at them back there, moving from the parking area towards the plaza - together!!”

 

“Incredible - what are the odds? - except that we have asked for it - even invited it - it was time to bring this to a head.”

 

“Indeed - but we need our space, our separation from and away from that madness - we all do these days, but we are fortunately blessed with the capacity to reach and stretch and venture out to gain much-needed perspective on critical matters…”

 

“…thanks, of course, to you and me and all we have built together - a pause within pauses to thank you, my love.”

 

“Right back at you… So do they, they need this view that only comes with love - love across it’s infinite aspects - this is what matters, my love…

 

“…but they are too obsessed to find it - we helped this to happen - let’s see it through - put our full selves on display…”

 

“…oooh that will provoke even more - but it is time - even in this paradise, our beautiful spot, the craziness intrudes - but we did know - we did ask.”

 

"I knew he couldn't leave us alone, but I hoped we'd catch a break, a few precious moments in our favorite spot - look out there, so beautiful this morning.”

 

“That’s just it - it is wonderful here - love this, you, even them, in a way.  We knew all of that - that mine would follow, too - we both knew - and needed this, didn’t we?”

 

“Oh, so much to absorb - and we alway do…”

 

“…that is “us” - we are good at our kind of love, and we know that for sure - so much energy when we are like this - makes us better and more able every time.”

 

“Yes my dear - our loving notes, mixing with all the others all around us in this awesome scene - our inner el voices we always talk about, it’s like they are singing this morning - singing with the wind and the gulls - aaaah, so nice - feeling bold here, sharp and seeing things so clearly - we needed to make something special happen, right here, right now.”

 

“Such a storm - both of them at once - in fact, all of them at once - see them - look - little do they suspect - rushing blindly ahead they are, all riled up, into that hyper bunch that always gathers and stays at the tables - the ones we call the parrots, the chips - always parroting, always with chips on their shoulders - they deserve each other…”

 

“…yes, watch out - they are storming right into that nest of trouble-makers.”

 

“Hey, talk about storms, where’s that daffy ranger? I feel like he is really dangerous - one of those who could actually be triggered to do awful things - all these displays, both careless and intended, push ones like him over the edge.”

 

“Yes - but the thing is that he, and our two, and I suspect most of that usual bunch, they can be every bit as loving as us - when they aren’t so consumed…”

 

“…Indeed, we are all inundated with shows of hurt and attack - even many of our so-called leaders…”

 

“…would-be leaders, you mean - they alway Trumpet their leadership credentials, but the examples they set is fundamental to their kind of leadership - they master their displays of hate and hurt and harm and they rise upon the passions it stirs - such awful examples they set - ones like our ranger actually take that to heart.”

 

“And the rest of that group gets themselves all wound up - unable to fend off venom and ugly noise, they just add to it - their obsession.”

 

“Look at them together, all of them back there - they easily found fellows, even in this awesome place.”

 

‘aaaaargh - we’ve earned this, all of this…”

 

“…and they all need it, all of what we can see - displays of the alternatives.  Come closer love,  turn away for a bit - that will wait and will alway be there - but it’s “we” - “us” - this right here that is so essential, vital.”

 

“Indeed,  this we need to push on - enough of a glimpse for now - let’s seize our moment — love does matter - we, us, all of us need to push back against that madness - let’s keep walking.”

 

Climbing and balancing on the rocks overlooking the beach and endless waves, as they have done many times before, usually alone, but today, this morning, they were beyond themselves, at their own critical point, needing above all else to push their relationship forward.

 

Knowing their strength and vision together, seeking ever more the clarity that only can find together, they press on, taking it all in…

 

A Spiritual Chorus ...

A Spiritual Chorus 

<<::>>

 

 

Something about the hissing and shaking of the platform on which hundreds awaited, transfixed - something about the shared feeling of a magnificent and ancient monster approaching - some absolute certainty of their collective mood of excitement and anticipation - altogether they all knew a common, deep touch.

 

Loaded with luggage and gifts, this throng, this host of magi are filled with one of those precious waves of overwhelming shared feeling, this wild mix provoked to display basic instincts and longings.

 

This season of spiritual awakening triggers a heightened mix of responses throughout the vast sphere of happenings, and right here in the rush to renew timeless rituals of remembered blessings and offerings.

 

An alignment of events, holiday and mundane, celestial and temporal, ancient and utterly current provoke breaks from relentless norms.

 

Inner voices, those fundamental life-forces, are emerging and mingling in a dis-jointed chorus.  These essential drivers of all we do, of virtual, ethereal and ghostly form, are taking flight and working their magic.

 

Also shared, as certainly as these bodies rubbing and bumping in rare intimacy, are other awareness, other vibrations in each of their own individual atmospheres - other forces, with them all the time, they are rushing with them, these spirtis, these ghosts the surround and enable and weave and make them into one awesome Whole.

 

Stoked and stoking in rhythm are these masterly sprights, these elsprights, these eternal coalesces of truths, these nodes of understanding.

 

Embodied here in this assembly of revelers, collectively on quests to balance their individual realms with the Whole of their lives.

 

Two in particular have found their way to the very Center of this particular sphere within spheres, trusting instinctively their elevated spirits, their common opening to the state that underlies all.

 

Tis the other realm of our inhabitance, also with us eternally, vital and essential to all that we are, released in sacred flowerings that occur in true mercurial fashion, especially triggered by ancient happenings, holy and primeval both - this one of Solstice one of the most powerful.

 

Uncertain and full of wonder are the workings of this other realm, the natural balance to the everyday.  Such are these flowerings, even in the darkest of times, even amid the gathering chills, even as Haunts and Torments build to their inevitable peaks - especially now this other space in our world return, blessedly.

 

Tis magic for the infinite aspects of unknown spirits of love and hate - the benevolent sprights now emerging in their everlasting quest to save and renew and to complete the Whole - their ethereal notes are rushing, as well.

 

<<::>>

 

Theirs eyes closed, minds delightfully adrift, their benevolent ghosts driving away the invaders once again - then Boom! Bam! Flash! Lurch! - they are thrown forward and sidewards, jammed by unrelenting force together, again. 

 

Rudely awakened, sort of, clinging to the delightful haze of their slumber, they recoil from the strange company - except, ooh! each other - we are ok...

 

...a bit of their selves released on impulse - coming more fully awake, they harbor this as they are quickly reminded of the host all around them.

 

Human forms and spirits on holiday, packed like cattle with these two strangers, randomly joined and finally settled amid the special strangeness of it all, now this! 

 

Just met an hour ago, buried in the very middle of the chaos of the urgency to visit loved ones, enclosed by heightened moods all around, their own off-on-off efforts to survive-celebrate-enjoy "the holidays," and this venture within it, are now jolted with all of the others.

 

<<::>>

 

In the neverland of minds freed from everyday norms - some magic in the movements of the train and the strange comfort of each other among this mob took hold of them as one - even crammed together in this foreign space, they drifted to the same place - that realm of ghosts swirling at odds, the sweet delights giving way to the ugly demons - even as they are softly bouncing along the rails and into each other, they are  visited by the very same haunts and torments that bother them in their own beds on many nights.  

 

By separate paths entirely, these two holiday venturers have arrived at similar critical points in their life journeys, as well as the same spot on this crowded car.

 

Embodied within them is a full compliment of the disjointed spirits swirling all about them, their advanced progression through joys and sorrows having filled them and beyond to have evolved, now emerging as close with the masters.   Thus, as their journeys merge, their inner elspirits are, in truth, already closely aligned, just awaiting these workings of the eternal high els for them to emerge as one, and in a grand, elevated spiritual chorus.

 

The harbingers of these vital notions interrupted their slumber, provoking visible twists and audible moans, which in turn launched their own missives into the numbing atmosphere of the packed venturers rocking along the rails.

 

Each in their own way, they have faced and embraced happenings far beyond any norm.  Simultaneously they calm themselves - with the same deep breaths and stretches and the same practiced releases of clutter, they recognize their true selves reflected, and accept a shared knowing as they surrendered, together, to a quickly overpowering slumber.

 

A jumble of wily sprights swiftly invaded them both - aligned at core - we’ve endured so many trials - would break most - bold we are to make our own quest this holiday - both of us - mmmm, us - the worst and best fill us at the same time - and now this other one…

 

 

Struck by these new impulses, they braved to open eyes and found themselves in each other gaze - caught staring, frankly, into unmasked reflections of themselves, unaware what touch had turned them face to face - for surely some power greater must be responsible - scarily revealed, they know they share this thought - whew, we read each other, know each other - these, their notes of common voice are dancing openly about them... 

 

...focusing on each other as well as their shared extreme awareness, they are startled to recognize their own look in return.

 

With one spirit they struggle to deny the barks and growls they had emitted as they had pushed and elbowed themselves into these precious seats.

 

Once more their unspoken voices merge, settling deep within, immediately known and welcomed as their very own.

 

With one spirit they longed to resume their other selves, to which they sweetly returned as soon as they drifted off again, full of childhood wonder at the magic of this holiday, of this much needed venture - and sadly, their seemingly inevitable companion, yet another of their selves, those of lost ways - such is the essence of their current state and wild aim of this venture - perhaps, just let go - put some distance between - virtual/nay, physical separation - aahhhh.

 

The power of these thoughts, these vibrations, this rocking and rolling, this bump, that poke - mmmmmm - these wily sprights, so glad you are with me, us…

 

Swaying with the movement of this Christmas train, beautifully allowing in all of these ghosts, magically releasing their demons, rubbing and touching in their heightened slumber, their silent voices join the unlimited realm of els…..

 

Oh the wicked mix - such wily ghosts that visit - delights and frights - him/her too - always the extremes forced upon us as we finally let go - or coaxed out from within - they push back to upright, noting the same mood in each other - these same silent voices also being heard, together.

 

<<::>>

 

A nexus such as this amid the chaos sends forth it’s own waves of power and force - the essence of the flowering emergence, pushing back, countering and balancing the pervading noisy and ugly vibrations that dominate our sphere of happenings eternally.

 

In this very rail car, in the sacred season, this vital nucleus is felt as the emanating sprights weave and strike - always preciously brief and awesome in ultimate might, this spiritual chorus of the Whole commands all within.

 

<<::>>

 

United and bound in close space and spirit, for the moment, but new surprises are happening - ooh - wee - with all separation of space and mood lifted, they brave knowing smiles, silently marking their shared enclosure and the frantic charge that had, but an hour ago, brought them, unmet, together - and now this new one!

 

Ooh my loves - these ones hear - they see, feel - close with us they are!

 

Already drifting back they are - recalling - revisiting…

 

Freed indeed we are - all us ghosts - flying now, fully charged and emboldened by our growing league - fleeting are our emergences - now there is genuine rarity and extreme precious opportunity!

 

“Hey, watch it!” he had yelled too harshly as she had plopped herself into the seat next to him, elbowing and butting him hard against the wall of the railcar.

 

“What do you expect - you raced me for these seats, and these others were closing in fast to cut me off,” she had responded, but also catching the harshness in her voice.

 

Both noted the simultaneous big, slow calming breaths as they took each other in, chests filling and easing - tense faces relaxing, gathering - silently reading each others’ mood of regret, both searching for something to ease them back into the holiday spirit.

 

Together they looked at the mob still cramming into the center aisle “hey look, up front - a cross between Darth and Clint - holding his position just inside the door, surveying with the darkness of one and grim sneer of the other.”

 

She laughed and pointed the other way, towards the rear of the car “see there, his opposite, like a wizard, like Gandalf, he even has a staff - the picture of gleeful serenity, working his way, touching and hugging into the middle of the crowd - he can’t get thru for for that old couple, they look frightened and unsteady - and for this bunch hovering over us.”

 

“Our torments and other spirits embodied!”  “My how eloquent, sir” she kidded, “but yes, my thoughts exactly!”

 

“We should offer our seats.”  They looked again at each other, again reading the same thoughts - this time of regret of losing these hard-won seats - but both knowing it was the right thing to do.  

 

As they started to rise and gesture - sharped-eyed and super alert, both Darth and Gandalf took note and asserted…

 

Darth - amusing them further with his child-like imitation of a cartoon superhero - but in another of their shared counter-thoughts, also chilling them with his unsteady stare - targeted a dark-skinned young couple noisily chattering in foreign tongue - barking in surprising rich tone “you too, please, speak English - and kindly give those seats to this lady and gentlemen.”

 

Gandalf evenly sung in sweet tones “Thank you so much for offering” gesturing with a kindly wave of his hand as he maneuvered closer “no, sit, you lovebirds enjoy yourselves for the trip,” turning to a group of berka-clad folks seated where he drew close “won’t you join me in the aisle - we’ll have a marvelous chat - and allow these other kind folks to rest…” 

<<::>>

 

Matters settled, faces equally red, they shared full throated laughs.

 

“Lovebirds?!”  “I guess we look that way” “Oh well; we feel better, don’t we?”  “Much” and they gave each other gentle taps.

 

Quieting, calming, peacefully reflecting on how just moments ago they had been part of that mob as the train slowed to a stop, both of them successfully aligning themselves perfectly to be one of the first to enter from opposite ends as soon as the doors slid open.

 

<<::>>

 

The atmosphere had been abuzz on the platform as the magnificent shimmer of the train clanged towards them, vibrating with shared spirits, material and otherwise, collectively released and launched in a chorus of inner el voices as this crush of humanity, racing to destinations to give thanks, poised and on extreme edge to pour into the great form the moment she opened herself, their freed selves joining across an infinite range of soulful voices of strength and fragility - inviting in with them the full, vast realm of ghosts across all aspects… 

 

All too rarely do they recognize us and our kin - we are their very life-force, for good and bad, driving, ultimately all they do - we are ghosts to them, unreal and mostly unmet, save for special settings like this - yes, the anonymity of this moment and this total break from what they know as norm will do this…

 

…thus the master spirits, the eternal elevated sprights, they launch their own missives into the throng already being released with the rush into the great carrier, hissing and gasping and clanking to a halt - it’s own break from it’s relentless course…

 

…from all walks they are joined in group - unwittingly and randomly mixed - some noting and others clueless to the shared spirit of urgency, frantic and crazed, carrying them all in mad convergence…

 

look my loves - let’s accompany those two - we sense something special about them -and they unknowingly already know us intimately, poised themselves to burst out in new growth of their vast potential - their elbows at the ready to hustle with the best of them, fully caught in the madness they are - but they are kin to us - aware they are of their state - far more than most - and bothered by their current craze, their weakness, their anger - yet with unrealized range they push themselves - they are truly the intrepids we seek, and need, in all ages - see them trying to calm and center yet failing at both, as yet strangers of shared fury - and determination  to face and overcome - let’s aid them as they launch their own missives - in gentlefolk of such skill and range, our efforts are always warranted…

 

Thus the ancient ones added their voices to these two as they accompanied them into the train - naming them Snarly and Growly for the ugly missives they were emitting and the hurts they were cause all to suffer as they forced their way to the fore and down the center aisle from each end - converging upon this pair of seats from which they now look upon each other - recognizing, silently and powerfully their own inner selves in each other…

 

<<::>>

 

ooooh my loves, what a little honest sharing will do - we must add Lovebirds to their natural names - ever do our true names grow…

 

<<::>>

 

Snarly & Growler - Lovebirds - Intrepids - where do these notions come from? - look at us - look at this crazy mob - so many forces at play - we don’t even know our names - too crazed bother at first - such a nice state we are in now - our special space within it all… 

 

On that edge between awake and not, strong and fragile, happily revealed and uncomfortably embarrassed - they shared a trance - musing - Breathes and scents pressing into their awakening consciences, grunts and groans much as their own moments ago, and with them other forces less tangible but unmistakeable for the effect upon them both - reminding them…

 

<<::>>

 

…With exaggerated false smiles they had been enclosed as they threw themselves into these seats - first one, then more of the onslaught wished both of them a derge of  unfelt hearty good Thanksgiving’s as they pushed passed, not bothering to avoid bashing Snarly with their travel bags…

 

…feeling a common strength, a shared license to release, the last of this bunch, emboldened to flash his inner Glare, aiming it w all his might at Growler as he stopped directly over them, he leaned in hard as he struggled to put his open bag in the rack overhead, spilling contents on both them.

 

look how their demon spirits feed on each other as they spring out… they are not themselves, or are they?  what shall we do?  let them play out a bit - send in a few Stings and Touches to move them along…

 

Thus the eternal ones exchange their notes on the scene, adding to the unseen chorus effecting them all, not just these ones so engaged…

 

So struck w these hidden impulses, both Snarly and Growler - the spirit-names the masters have bestowed for the moment - forever it is with their fellow ghosts, these timeless movers of souls do converse - they had aimed their own grumps at each other as this prolonged entrance had transpired, sinking them further into their shared ugly state.

 

<<::>>

 

After their exchanges w Darth and Gandalf, after their joint efforts to let go and recall the higher purpose of this venture, they had settled into their newly made zone.

 

<<::>>

 

Now, startled from the serenity they had finally achieved, further shocked to find themselves snuggled close after having revealed so much about themselves, they recoil - another aspect of themselves shamelessly revealed to each other.  And more - they are suddenly hyper aware of a new sensation - of these very same spirits they now share face-to-face filling the packed car all around them - and yet another, like a presence creeping in - panic…

 

Straining as one to see through the mob - now a scream - turning together she grabs his arm “my god, what is happening?!”

 

“Do you feel it or is just me - that things are really ok, but there is definitely something in the air - making all of us react strangely.”

 

“yes, look at how we drew so close while asleep - I was so angry - as were you - but you are right, that’s not like me, and I suspect not like you - but that was a scream - someone really sounded scared.”

 

“There is a commotion near us - look, the people are pushing - no being pushed…”

 

Trusting themselves to act together, unspoken they rise - she all the way up as she is on the outside, shoving back against the onslaught - he wrapping his arm around her waste, lifting himself close next her - pausing to collect himself - finding his strongest, most calming voice - “make way for us”

 

inspired - she invokes her most positive forceful tone “Happy Thanksgiving, Christmas, or whichever holiday you are celebrating - we are standing up!”

 

Inner voices releasing, spirits sharing, tis the eve of the Giving of Thanks...

A Thanksgiving Chorus 

 

<<::>>

 

Inner voices releasing, spirits sharing - the days of Giving of Thanks work their magic - a benevolent break in the sphere of happenings, triggering an outpouring and mingling of life-forces.  Often hidden, separated and otherwise denied, these essential drivers of all we do, of virtual, ethereal and ghostly form, vital to all we really are, they are being released…

 

…with us eternally, the masterly spirits who are ever filling the spaces avoided by those who are withdrawn - all are now triggered to join in elevating chorus.

 

Uncertain and full of wonder are the workings of this other realm, the natural balance to the everyday.  

 

Tis magic for the infinite aspects of unknown spirits of love and hate - the benevolent sprights now emerging in their everlasting quest to complete the Whole…

 

<<::>>

 

Eyes closed, minds delightfully adrift, their benevolent ghosts driving away the invaders once again - then Boom! Bam! Flash! Lurch! - they are thrown forward and sidewards, jammed by unrelenting force together, again. 

 

The human spirit on holiday, packed like cattle they all are around these two strangers, randomly joined and finally settled amid the strangeness of it all, now this! 

 

Just met an hour ago, buried in the very middle of the chaos of the urgency to visit loved ones, enclosed by heightened spirits all around, their own off-on-off efforts to survive-celebrate-enjoy this Thanksgiving Eve venture are now jolted with all of the others…

 

<<::>>

 

In the neverland of minds freed from norm, they both were visited by the very haunts and torments that bother them in their beds.  

 

By separate paths entirely, these two holiday venturers had arrived at similar critical points in their life journeys, as well as current location on this crowded car.  Each in their own way have faced and embraced joys and sorrows far beyond any norm.

 

Further aligned at their core, having endured trials that would break most, both have boldly decided to make their own.

 

Struck by these new impulses, they braved to open eyes and found themselves in each other gaze - caught staring, frankly, into unmasked reflections of themselves, unaware what touch had turned them face to face - for surely some power greater must be responsible - scarily revealed, they know they share this thought - whew, we read each other, know each other - these, their notes of common voice are dancing openly about them...- 

 

...focusing on each other as well as their shared extreme awareness, they are startled to recognize their own look in return.

 

With one spirit they struggled to deny their own barks and growls they had emitted as they had pushed and elbowed themselves into these precious seats.

 

With one spirit they longed to resume their other selves, to which they sweetly returned as soon as they drifted off, full of childhood wonder at the magic of this holiday, of this much needed venture - and sadly, the seemingly inevitable companion, yet another of their selves, those of lost ways.

 

Oh the wicked mix - such wily ghosts that visit - delights and frights - him/her too - always the extremes forced upon us as we finally let go - or coaxed out from within - they push back to upright, noting the same mood in each other - these same silent voices also being heard, together.

 

<<::>>

 

United and bound in close space and spirit, for the moment, but new surprises are happening - ooh - wee - with all separation of space and mood lifted, they brave knowing smiles, silently marking their shared enclosure and the frantic charge that had, but an hour ago, brought them, unmet, together - and now this new one!

 

Ooh my loves - these ones hear - they see, feel - close with us they are!

 

Already drifting back they are - recalling - revisiting…

 

Freed indeed we are - all us ghosts - flying now, fully charged and emboldened by our growing league - fleeting are our emergences - now there is genuine rarity and extreme precious opportunity!

 

“Hey, watch it!” he had yelled too harshly as she had plopped herself into the seat next to him, elbowing and butting him hard against the wall of the railcar.

 

“What do you expect - you raced me for these seats, and these others were closing in fast to cut me off,” she had responded, but also catching the harshness in her voice.

 

Both noted the simultaneous big, slow calming breaths as they took each other in, chests filling and easing - tense faces relaxing, gathering - silently reading each others’ mood of regret, both searching for something to ease them back into the holiday spirit.

 

Together they looked at the mob still cramming into the center aisle “hey look, up front - a cross between Darth and Clint - holding his position just inside the door, surveying with the darkness of one and grim sneer of the other.”

 

She laughed and pointed the other way, towards the rear of the car “see there, his opposite, like a wizard, like Gandalf, he even has a staff - the picture of gleeful serenity, working his way, touching and hugging into the middle of the crowd - he can’t get thru for for that old couple, they look frightened and unsteady - and for this bunch hovering over us.”

 

“Our torments and other spirits embodied!”  “My how eloquent, sir” she kidded, “but yes, my thoughts exactly!”

 

“We should offer our seats.”  They looked again at each other, again reading the same thoughts - this time of regret of losing these hard-won seats - but both knowing it was the right thing to do.  

 

As they started to rise and gesture - sharped-eyed and super alert, both Darth and Gandalf took note and asserted…

 

Darth - amusing them further with his child-like imitation of a cartoon superhero - but in another of their shared counter-thoughts, also chilling them with his unsteady stare - targeted a dark-skinned young couple noisily chattering in foreign tongue - barking in surprising rich tone “you too, please, speak English - and kindly give those seats to this lady and gentlemen.”

 

Gandalf evenly sung in sweet tones “Thank you so much for offering” gesturing with a kindly wave of his hand as he maneuvered closer “no, sit, you lovebirds enjoy yourselves for the trip,” turning to a group of berka-clad folks seated where he drew close “won’t you join me in the aisle - we’ll have a marvelous chat - and allow these other kind folks to rest…” 

<<::>>

 

Matters settled, faces equally red, they shared full throated laughs.

 

“Lovebirds?!”  “I guess we look that way” “Oh well; we feel better, don’t we?”  “Much” and they gave each other gentle taps.

 

Quieting, calming, peacefully reflecting on how just moments ago they had been part of that mob as the train slowed to a stop, both of them successfully aligning themselves perfectly to be one of the first to enter from opposite ends as soon as the doors slid open.

 

<<::>>

 

The atmosphere had been abuzz on the platform as the magnificent shimmer of the train clanged towards them, vibrating with shared spirits, material and otherwise, collectively released and launched in a chorus of inner el voices as this crush of humanity, racing to destinations to give thanks, poised and on extreme edge to pour into the great form the moment she opened herself, their freed selves joining across an infinite range of soulful voices of strength and fragility - inviting in with them the full, vast realm of ghosts across all aspects… 

 

All too rarely do they recognize us and our kin - we are their very life-force, for good and bad, driving, ultimately all they do - we are ghosts to them, unreal and mostly unmet, save for special settings like this - yes, the anonymity of this moment and this total break from what they know as norm will do this…

 

…thus the master spirits, the eternal elevated sprights, they launch their own missives into the throng already being released with the rush into the great carrier, hissing and gasping and clanking to a halt - it’s own break from it’s relentless course…

 

…from all walks they are joined in group - unwittingly and randomly mixed - some noting and others clueless to the shared spirit of urgency, frantic and crazed, carrying them all in mad convergence…

 

look my loves - let’s accompany those two - we sense something special about them -and they unknowingly already know us intimately, poised themselves to burst out in new growth of their vast potential - their elbows at the ready to hustle with the best of them, fully caught in the madness they are - but they are kin to us - aware they are of their state - far more than most - and bothered by their current craze, their weakness, their anger - yet with unrealized range they push themselves - they are truly the intrepids we seek, and need, in all ages - see them trying to calm and center yet failing at both, as yet strangers of shared fury - and determination  to face and overcome - let’s aid them as they launch their own missives - in gentlefolk of such skill and range, our efforts are always warranted…

 

Thus the ancient ones added their voices to these two as they accompanied them into the train - naming them Snarly and Growly for the ugly missives they were emitting and the hurts they were cause all to suffer as they forced their way to the fore and down the center aisle from each end - converging upon this pair of seats from which they now look upon each other - recognizing, silently and powerfully their own inner selves in each other…

 

<<::>>

 

ooooh my loves, what a little honest sharing will do - we must add Lovebirds to their natural names - ever do our true names grow…

 

<<::>>

 

Snarly & Growler - Lovebirds - Intrepids - where do these notions come from? - look at us - look at this crazy mob - so many forces at play - we don’t even know our names - too crazed bother at first - such a nice state we are in now - our special space within it all… 

 

On that edge between awake and not, strong and fragile, happily revealed and uncomfortably embarrassed - they shared a trance - musing - Breathes and scents pressing into their awakening consciences, grunts and groans much as their own moments ago, and with them other forces less tangible but unmistakeable for the effect upon them both - reminding them…

 

<<::>>

 

…With exaggerated false smiles they had been enclosed as they threw themselves into these seats - first one, then more of the onslaught wished both of them a derge of  unfelt hearty good Thanksgiving’s as they pushed passed, not bothering to avoid bashing Snarly with their travel bags…

 

…feeling a common strength, a shared license to release, the last of this bunch, emboldened to flash his inner Glare, aiming it w all his might at Growler as he stopped directly over them, he leaned in hard as he struggled to put his open bag in the rack overhead, spilling contents on both them.

 

look how their demon spirits feed on each other as they spring out… they are not themselves, or are they?  what shall we do?  let them play out a bit - send in a few Stings and Touches to move them along…

 

Thus the eternal ones exchange their notes on the scene, adding to the unseen chorus effecting them all, not just these ones so engaged…

 

So struck w these hidden impulses, both Snarly and Growler - the spirit-names the masters have bestowed for the moment - forever it is with their fellow ghosts, these timeless movers of souls do converse - they had aimed their own grumps at each other as this prolonged entrance had transpired, sinking them further into their shared ugly state.

 

<<::>>

 

After their exchanges w Darth and Gandalf, after their joint efforts to let go and recall the higher purpose of this venture, they had settled into their newly made zone.

 

<<::>>

 

Now, startled from the serenity they had finally achieved, further shocked to find themselves snuggled close after having revealed so much about themselves, they recoil - another aspect of themselves shamelessly revealed to each other.  And more - they are suddenly hyper aware of a new sensation - of these very same spirits they now share face-to-face filling the packed car all around them - and yet another, like a presence creeping in - panic…

 

Straining as one to see through the mob - now a scream - turning together she grabs his arm “my god, what is happening?!”

 

“Do you feel it or is just me - that things are really ok, but there is definitely something in the air - making all of us react strangely.”

 

“yes, look at how we drew so close while asleep - I was so angry - as were you - but you are right, that’s not like me, and I suspect not like you - but that was a scream - someone really sounded scared.”

 

“There is a commotion near us - look, the people are pushing - no being pushed…”

 

Trusting themselves to act together, unspoken they rise - she all the way up as she is on the outside, shoving back against the onslaught - he wrapping his arm around her waste, lifting himself close next her - pausing to collect himself - finding his strongest, most calming voice - “make way for us”

 

inspired - she invokes her most positive forceful tone “Happy Thanksgiving - we are standing up!”

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone

Inner voices releasing, spirits sharing, tis the eve of the Giving of Thanks, a benevolent break in the sphere of happenings, triggering an outpouring and mingling of life-forces...

Inner voices releasing, spirits sharing, tis the eve of the Giving of Thanks, a benevolent break in the sphere of happenings, triggering an outpouring and mingling of life-forces.  Often hidden, separated and otherwise denied, these essential drivers of all we do, of virtual, ethereal and ghostly form, vital to all we really are, they are being released…

 

…with us eternally, the masterly ones who are ever filling the spaces voided by those withdrawn - all are now triggered to join in elevating chorus…

 

Tis magic for the infinite aspects of unknown spirits of love and hate - the benevolent sprights now emerging in their everlasting quest to complete the counter balancing Whole…

 

<<::>>

 

Eyes closed, minds delightfully adrift, their benevolent ghosts driving away the invaders once again - then Boom! Bam! Flash! Lurch! - they are thrown forward and sidewards, jammed by unrelenting force together, again.   

 

The human spirit on holiday, packed like cattle they all are around these two strangers, randomly joined and finally settled amid the strangeness of it all, now this! 

 

Just met an hour ago, buried in the very middle of the chaos of the urgency to visit loved ones, enclosed by heightened spirits all around, their own off-on-off efforts to survive-celebrate-enjoy this Thanksgiving Eve venture are now jolted with all of the others…

 

<<::>>

 

In the neverland of minds freed, by force, from all norm, they both were visited by the very haunts and torments that bother them in their beds.  Struck by these new impulses, they braved to open eyes and found themselves in each other gaze - caught staring, frankly, into unmasked reflections of themselves, unaware what touch had turned them face to face - for surely some power greater must be responsible - scarily revealed, they know they share this thought, the notes of their common voice dancing openly about them - focusing on each other, now startled to recognize their own look in return.

 

With one spirit they struggled to deny their own barks and growls they had emitted as they had pushed and elbowed themselves into these precious seats.

 

With one spirit they longed to resume their other selves, to which they were sweetly return as they drifted off, that of childhood wonder at the magic of this holiday, of this thrilling venture - and sadly and seemingly inevitable counter, also of their lost and lonely selves.

 

Oh the wicked mix - such wily ghosts that visit - delights and frights - him/her too - always the extremes forced upon us as we finally let go - or coaxed out from within - they push back to upright, noting the same mood in each other - these same silent voices also being heard, together.

 

<<::>>

 

United and bound in close space and spirit, for the moment, but new surprises are happening - ooh - wee - with all separation of space and mood lifted, they brave knowing smiles, silently marking their shared enclosure and the frantic charge that had, but an hour ago, brought them, unmet, together - and now this new one!

 

Ooh my loves - these ones hear - they see, feel - close with us they are!

 

Already drifting back they are - recalling - revisiting…

 

Freed indeed we are - all us ghosts - flying now, fully charged and emboldened by our growing league - fleeting are our emergences - now there is genuine rarity and extreme precious opportunity!

 

“Hey, watch it!” he had yelled too harshly as she had plopped herself into the seat next to him, elbowing and butting him hard against the wall of the railcar.

 

“What do you expect - you raced me for these seats, and these others were closing in fast to cut me off,” she had responded, but also catching the harshness in her voice.

 

Both noted the simultaneous big, slow calming breaths as they took each other in, chests filling and easing - tense faces relaxing, gathering - silently reading each others’ mood of regret, both searching for something to ease them back into the holiday spirit.

 

Together they looked at the mob still cramming into the center aisle “hey look, up front - a cross between Darth and Clint - holding his position just inside the door, surveying with the darkness of one and grim sneer of the other.”

 

She laughed and pointed the other way, towards the rear of the car “see there, his opposite, like a wizard, like Gandalf, he even has a staff - the picture of gleeful serenity, working his way, touching and hugging into the middle of the crowd - he can’t get thru for for that old couple, they look frightened and unsteady - and for this bunch hovering over us.”

 

“Our torments and other spirits embodied!”  “My how eloquent, sir” she kidded, “but yes, my thoughts exactly!”

 

“We should offer our seats.”  They looked again at each other, again reading the same thoughts - this time of regret of losing these hard-won seats - but both knowing it was the right thing to do.  

 

As they started to rise and gesture - sharped-eyed and super alert, both Darth and Gandalf took note and asserted…

 

Darth - amusing them further with his child-like imitation of a cartoon superhero - but in another of their shared counter-thoughts, also chilling them with his unsteady stare - targeted a dark-skinned young couple noisily chattering in foreign tongue - barking in surprising rich tone “you too, please, speak English - and kindly give those seats to this lady and gentlemen.”

 

Gandalf evenly sung in sweet tones “Thank you so much for offering” gesturing with a kindly wave of his hand as he maneuvered closer “no, sit, you lovebirds enjoy yourselves for the trip,” turning to a group of berka-clad folks seated where he drew close “won’t you join me in the aisle - we’ll have a marvelous chat - and allow these other kind folks to rest…” 

<<::>>

 

Matters settled, faces equally red, they shared full throated laughs.

 

“Lovebirds?!”  “I guess we look that way” “Oh well; we feel better, don’t we?”  “Much” and they gave each other gentle taps.

 

Quieting, calming, peacefully reflecting on how just moments ago they had been part of that mob as the train slowed to a stop, both of them successfully aligning themselves perfectly to be one of the first to enter from opposite ends as soon as the doors slid open.

 

<<::>>

 

The atmosphere had been abuzz on the platform as the magnificent shimmer of the train clanged towards them, vibrating with shared spirits, material and otherwise, collectively released and launched in a chorus of inner el voices as this crush of humanity, racing to destinations to give thanks, poised and on extreme edge to pour into the great form the moment she opened herself, their freed selves joining across an infinite range of soulful voices of strength and fragility - inviting in with them the full, vast realm of ghosts across all aspects… 

 

All too rarely do they recognize us and our kin - we are their very life-force, for good and bad, driving, ultimately all they do - we are ghosts to them, unreal and mostly unmet, save for special settings like this - yes, the anonymity of this moment and this total break from what they know as norm will do this…

 

…thus the master spirits, the eternal elevated sprights, they launch their own missives into the throng already being released with the rush into the great carrier, hissing and gasping and clanking to a halt - it’s own break from it’s relentless course…

 

…from all walks they are joined in group - unwittingly and randomly mixed - some noting and others clueless to the shared spirit of urgency, frantic and crazed, carrying them all in mad convergence…

 

look my loves - let’s accompany those two - we sense something special about them -and they unknowingly already know us intimately, poised themselves to burst out in new growth of their vast potential - their elbows at the ready to hustle with the best of them, fully caught in the madness they are - but they are kin to us - aware they are of their state - far more than most - and bothered by their current craze, their weakness, their anger - yet with unrealized range they push themselves - they are truly the intrepids we seek, and need, in all ages - see them trying to calm and center yet failing at both, as yet strangers of shared fury - and determination  to face and overcome - let’s aid them as they launch their own missives - in gentlefolk of such skill and range, our efforts are always warranted…

 

Thus the ancient ones added their voices to these two - naming them Snarly and Growly for the ugly missives they were emitting and the hurts they were cause all to suffer as they forced their way to the fore and down the center aisle from each end - converging upon this pair of seats from which they now look upon each other - recognizing, silently and powerfully their own inner selves in each other…

 

<<::>>

 

Breathes and scents pressed into their awakening consciences, grunts and groans much as their own moments ago, and with them other forces less tangible but unmistakeable for the effect upon them both - reminding them…

 

<<::>>

 

…With exaggerated false smiles they had been enclosed as they threw themselves into these seats - first one, then more of the onslaught wished both of them a derge of  unfelt hearty good Thanksgiving’s as they pushed passed, not bothering to avoid bashing Snarly with their travel bags…

 

…feeling a common strength, a shared license to release, the last of this bunch, emboldened to flash his inner Glare, aiming it w all his might at Growler as he stopped directly over them, he leaned in hard as he struggled to put his open bag in the rack overhead, spilling contents on both them.

 

look how their demon spirits feed on each other as they spring out… they are not themselves, or are they?  what shall we do?  let them play out a bit - send in a few Stings and Touches to move them along…

 

Thus the eternal ones exchange their notes on the scene, adding to the unseen chorus effecting them all, not just these ones so engaged…

 

So struck w these hidden impulses, both Snarly and Growler - the spirit-names the masters have bestowed for the moment - forever it is with their fellow ghosts, these timeless movers of souls do converse - they had aimed their own grumps at each other as this prolonged entrance had transpired, sinking them further into their shared ugly state.

 

<<::>>

 

After their exchanges w Darth and Gandalf, after their joint efforts to let go and recall the higher purpose of this venture, they had settled into their newly made zone.

 

<<::>>

 

Now, startled from the serenity they had finally achieved, further shocked to find themselves snuggled close after having revealed so much about themselves, they recoil - another aspect of themselves shamelessly revealed to each other.  And more - they are suddenly hyper aware of a new sensation - of these very same spirits they now share face-to-face filling the packed car all around them - and yet another, like a presence creeping in - panic…

 

Straining as one to see through the mob - now a scream - turning together she grabs his arm “my god, what is happening?!”

 

Matters settled, faces equally red, they shared full throated laughs... “Lovebirds?!” “I guess we look that way” “Oh well; we feel better, don’t we?” “Much” and they gave each other gentle taps.

United and bound, for the moment, all separation of space and mood lifted, they brave knowing smiles, silently mark their shared enclosure and the frantic charge that had, but an hour ago, brought them, unmet, together.

 

“Hey, watch it!” he had yelled too harshly as she had plopped herself into the seat next to him, elbowing and butting him hard against the wall of the railcar.”

 

“What do you expect - you raced me for these seats, and these others were closing in fast to cut me off,” she had responded, but also catching the harshness in her voice.”

 

Both noted the simultaneous big, slow calming breaths as they took each other in, silently reading each others’ mood of regret, both searching for something to ease them back into the holiday spirit.

 

Together they looked at the mob still cramming into the center aisle “hey look, up front - a cross between Darth and Clint - holding his position just inside the door, surveying with the darkness of one and grim sneer of the other.”

 

She laughed and pointed the other way, towards the rear of the car “see there, his opposite, like a wizard, like Gandalf, he even has a staff - the picture of gleeful serenity, working his way, touching and hugging into the middle of the crowd - he can’t get thru for for that old couple, they look frightened and unsteady - and for this bunch hovering over us.”

 

“We should offer our seats.”  They looked again at each other, again reading the same thoughts - this time of regret of losing these hard-won seats - but both know it was the right thing to do.  

 

As we they started to rise and gesture - sharped-eyed and super alert, both Darth and Gandalf took note and asserted…

 

Darth targeted a dark-skinned young couple noisily chattering in foreign tongue - barking “you too, please, speak English - and kindly give those seats to this lady and gentlemen.”

 

Gandalf evenly sung in sweet tones “Thank you so much for offering” gesturing with a kindly wave of his hand as the maneuvered closer “no, sit, you lovebirds enjoy yourselves for the trip,” turning to a group of berka-clad folks in the seats as he drew close “won’t you join me in the aisle - we’ll have a marvelous chat - as allow these other kind folks to rest…” 

<<::>>

 

Matters settled, faces equally red, they shared full throated laughs.

 

“Lovebirds?!”  “I guess we look that way” “Oh well; we feel better, don’t we?”  “Much” and they gave each other gentle taps.

 

Quieting, calming, peacefully reflecting on how just moments ago they had been part of that mob as the train slowed to a stop, both of them successfully aligning themselves perfectly to be one of the first to enter from opposite ends as soon as the doors slid open.

 

The atmosphere is abuzz, vibrating with shared spirits, released and launched in a chorus of inner el voices as this crush of humanity races to give thanks...

The atmosphere is abuzz, vibrating with shared spirits, released and launched in a chorus of inner el voices as this crush of humanity races to give thanks, their freed selves joining in a chorus across an infinite range of soulful voices of strength and fragility - inviting in the vast realm of ghost across all aspects… 

 

All too rarely do they recognize us and our kin - we are their very life-force, for good and bad, driving, ultimately all they do - we are ghosts to them, unreal and mostly unmet, safe for special settings like this - yes, the annoniminity of this moment and this total break from what they know as norm will do this…

 

…thus the master spirits, the eternal elevated sprights, they launch their own missives into the chorus already being released with the crush of humanity upon the arriving car, hissing and gasping and clanking to a halt - it’s own break from it’s relentless course…

 

…from all walks they are joined in group - unwittingly and randomly mixed - some noting and others clueless to the shared spirit of urgency, frantic and crazed, carrying them all in mad convergence…

 

look my loves - let’s accompany those two, elbow ready can caught up in the madness - but they are kin to us - aware they are and bothered by their current state - yet with unrealized range they push themselves, truly intrepids, trying to calm and center yet failing both, as yet strangers of shared fury and anger - and determination  to face and overcome - let’s aid them as they launch their own missives…

 

Thus the ancient ones added their voices to these two - naming them Snarly and Growling for the ethereal tune they cause all to suffer as they forced their way to the fore and down the center aisle from each end - converging upon this pair of seats from which they now stare upon each other - recognizing, silently and powerfully their own inner selves in each other…

their own off-on-off efforts to survive-celebrate-endure this Thanksgiving Eve venture now jolted with all of the others…

Eyes closed, minds delightfully adrift, their benevolent ghosts driving away the invaders once again - then Boom! Bam! Flash! Lurch! - they are thrown forward and sidewards, jammed by unrelenting force together.   

 

The human spirit on holiday, packed like cattle they all are - these two strangers, randomly joined and finally settled amid the strangeness of it all, now this! 

 

Just met an hour ago, buried in the very middle of the chaos, enclosed by heightened spirits all around, their own off-on-off efforts to survive-celebrate-endure this Thanksgiving Eve venture now jolted with all of the others…

 

The barmaid paused and shook her head at the odd-lot in her care this afternoon, and especially at the even odder exchange of frights they were exchanging - are they all on something?...

The barmaid paused and shook her head at the odd-lot in her care this afternoon, and especially at the even odder exchange of frights they were exchanging - are they all on something? - I’m sure they are strangers, a collection of lovers and loners like what have frequented this classic bar-restaurant in the heart of the Hollow forever - except there are more of them than ever.

 

This huge original fixture, with it’s magnificent architecture with it’s enormous veranda and rap-around deck, in what used to be the perfect sleepy and picturesque location in which to get nicely lost had grown in recent years into a jumping destination.  

 

This Autumn season of shadows and colors and tales of ghosts has alway been a peak time for what is really a huge landscape of twisting paths and mountain roads in an ancient forest.  

 

Nicknamed the Hollow for its’ resemblance the legendary Sleepy Hollow, it did have an overall geography of a lowland, but within it’s sprawling reach had in fact it’s own odd-lot mixture of high and low points.

 

One couple had just burst inside from the outside deck with an animated report of alarming noises and disturbing sightings, only to be supported by this couple’s strangely similar account of scary stories at the new b&b this morning, and that couple’s even weirder bit about encounters in the gathering fog along the paths that had them chased them back to right here.

 

Even the distinguished gentleman sitting by himself was slowly and calmly adding to the stream of chatter with his own amazing observations of loving couples disappearing and being followed by others.

 

It can’t all be true, but what to believe?  They all tell of other reports of disappearances from the many means of connection these days.  Whew, this time of frights and gentlefolk losing their way is taking on the twists of this place.

 

She looked beyond this current cast of misfits to take in the breathtaking view,  allowing herself a huge centering in-take and out-take as she reminded herself of the beauty of this spot with it’s advantageous placement on the highest promontory within the Hollow.

Continuing to make the most of a glorious summer in pics...

During this late summer pause before the onslaught of Fall...

 

 

                 ...can't get enough of where we have been...

 

 

               ...from camping to beach in Cape May...

 

 

 ...from great summer runs to beach again

 

                                                                                 

                                                                       in Florida...

 

                                ...such a wonderful time of the year...

 

                                                  ...beautiful September will be here soon, 

 

but August is a perfect time to make

                                             

                                            the most of the new memories...

A great summer in pics - with more to come!

As we head in to end of summer,

 

                       it's nice to remember all the adventures so far...

 

 

Being an optimist, even though it is now late August,

 

 

                    There is plenty of opportunity for even more...

 

 

But it wonderful to celebrate!