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It's amazing weather here in Austin this week--Spring is getting serious about it. Birds, squirrels, opossums,raccoons--all in heat. Mating season for flora and fauna-- it's rather a bawdy place, these days. Tonight I found myself with time off from work/school, so being large and kinda dumb, I treated myself to a middle of the night bicycle ride. Mmmmm! Call me Peter Pan-- when I stand up while coasting, it feels like I'm flying. Night winds blowing to keep things cool. Neighborhood cats meeting in anarchist covens, keeping the world safe from secret menace. The streetlamps are a complexion flattering shade of bastard amber--if you do see anyone, they look marvelous. Oxygen high exhileration. No one around. Schools, churches, businesses all deserted and quiet. Everyone in their beds at 3:45 in the bloody hell. No traffic to dodge. Ride down the middle of the avenue if you like. Hills here are just right--steep enough to get the blood pumping, with a great downhill payoff. Whizz past friends' houses--wish them pleasant dreams. Ride, panting, to the house for rent down the street--the one with the ladened loquat tree in the front.
So far, there are no reports of a large nocturnal primate eating fruit off trees in my neighborhood. Discretion is the better part of having a good time. Wish you were here!
namaste
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Monday, April 25, 2005
Puzzling it Out :We're More Alike Than Not
Equality of the two genders has always been obvious to me--I mean, duh. This was big news during my youth--I was born in the last fortnight of the Eisenhower years. I remember life before women's liberation--it sucked. These days, as men struggle to redefine our role(s)--(read Stiffed by Susan Faludi for an intelligent compassionate take on the topic)--I see women trying on some of the uglier personae once exclusively masculine. Like, for instance, machismo.
Ugh. Machismo doesn't look good on anyone, period. I've noticed an increase ( at least here in Texas) of crass, rude insensitive bullies with ovaries. Attitudes have done some 180's, too. During the 70's/80's, it was just a fact that porn was demeaning to women, and SM was an evil male fantasy. Now we have lesbian SM practitioners, as well as porn for women, gay or straight.
Krav Maga is popular with women who seem to have a chip on their shoulders, though I may risk an ass kicking for saying so. What's my point? Don't rush to lower yourselves to new levels of stupidity--encourage men to rise to new levels of compassion and nurturance. It can happen.
A woman is a woman from the moment she first menstruates, and no one can call that into doubt. With men, masulinity is always conditional-- let's banish the phrase "A real man"-we're all real men, some real good, some real bad, and some real mediocre. Everything that is is real.
Ugh. Machismo doesn't look good on anyone, period. I've noticed an increase ( at least here in Texas) of crass, rude insensitive bullies with ovaries. Attitudes have done some 180's, too. During the 70's/80's, it was just a fact that porn was demeaning to women, and SM was an evil male fantasy. Now we have lesbian SM practitioners, as well as porn for women, gay or straight.
Krav Maga is popular with women who seem to have a chip on their shoulders, though I may risk an ass kicking for saying so. What's my point? Don't rush to lower yourselves to new levels of stupidity--encourage men to rise to new levels of compassion and nurturance. It can happen.
A woman is a woman from the moment she first menstruates, and no one can call that into doubt. With men, masulinity is always conditional-- let's banish the phrase "A real man"-we're all real men, some real good, some real bad, and some real mediocre. Everything that is is real.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Like This
If anyone asks you
how the perfect satisfaction
of all sexual wanting
will look, lift your face
and say,
Like this.
When someone mentions the gracefulness
of the nightsky, climb on the roof
and dance and say,
Like this?
If anyone wants to know what "spirit" is,
or what "God's fragrance" means,
lean your head toward him or her.
Keep your face there close.
Like this.
When someone quotes the old poetic image
about clouds gradually uncovering the moon,
slowly loosen knot by knot the strings
of your robe.
Like this?
If anyone wonders how Jesus raised the dead,
don't try to explain the miracle.
Kiss me on the lips.
Like this. Like this.
Whe someone asks what it means
to "die for love,"point
here.
If someone asks how tall I am, frown
and measure with your fingers the space
between the creases on your forehead.
This tall.
The soul sometimes leaves the body, then returns.
When someone doesn't believe that,
walk back into my house.
Like this.
When lovers moan,
they're telling our story.
Like this.
I am the sky where spirits live.
Stare into this deepening blue,
while the breeze says a secret.
Like this.
When someone asks what there is to do,
light the candle in his hand.
Like this
How did Joseph's scent come to Jacob?
Huuuuu.
How did Jacob's sight return?
Huuuuu.
A little wind cleans the eyes.
Like this
When Shams comes back from Tabriz,
he'll put his head around the edge
of the door to surprize us.
Like this.
Jelaluddin Balkhi--known to us as the poet Rumi, was born late September 1207. He died mid December 1273. I was introduced to Rumi's work 5 years ago by a now former friend. It has been my habit, when betrayed by someone dear to me, to give up the things I associated with the erstwhile friend --avoiding painful reminders. It is a stupid practice that lead me to stop practicing a number of arts/disciplines when relationships ended badly. Rumi broke the habit for me-- I could not banish the words of the poet, despite the painful association. I hope one day to understand his words from the inside out.
....and now, for something (not all that) completely different....http://www.rathergood.com/moon_song/
how the perfect satisfaction
of all sexual wanting
will look, lift your face
and say,
Like this.
When someone mentions the gracefulness
of the nightsky, climb on the roof
and dance and say,
Like this?
If anyone wants to know what "spirit" is,
or what "God's fragrance" means,
lean your head toward him or her.
Keep your face there close.
Like this.
When someone quotes the old poetic image
about clouds gradually uncovering the moon,
slowly loosen knot by knot the strings
of your robe.
Like this?
If anyone wonders how Jesus raised the dead,
don't try to explain the miracle.
Kiss me on the lips.
Like this. Like this.
Whe someone asks what it means
to "die for love,"point
here.
If someone asks how tall I am, frown
and measure with your fingers the space
between the creases on your forehead.
This tall.
The soul sometimes leaves the body, then returns.
When someone doesn't believe that,
walk back into my house.
Like this.
When lovers moan,
they're telling our story.
Like this.
I am the sky where spirits live.
Stare into this deepening blue,
while the breeze says a secret.
Like this.
When someone asks what there is to do,
light the candle in his hand.
Like this
How did Joseph's scent come to Jacob?
Huuuuu.
How did Jacob's sight return?
Huuuuu.
A little wind cleans the eyes.
Like this
When Shams comes back from Tabriz,
he'll put his head around the edge
of the door to surprize us.
Like this.
Jelaluddin Balkhi--known to us as the poet Rumi, was born late September 1207. He died mid December 1273. I was introduced to Rumi's work 5 years ago by a now former friend. It has been my habit, when betrayed by someone dear to me, to give up the things I associated with the erstwhile friend --avoiding painful reminders. It is a stupid practice that lead me to stop practicing a number of arts/disciplines when relationships ended badly. Rumi broke the habit for me-- I could not banish the words of the poet, despite the painful association. I hope one day to understand his words from the inside out.
....and now, for something (not all that) completely different....http://www.rathergood.com/moon_song/
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Tagged by Gatochy, Pt 2--Books!!
http://gatochy.blogspot.com/2005/04/books.html
If you couldn't get out of "Fahrenheit 451," what book would you like to be?
Hard to choose between collected works of Shakespeare, Good Omens by Pratchet/Gaiman, and Sexual Personae by Camille Paglia. Yes, I know, I cheated.
Did you ever have a crush on a fictional character?
Yes. Let’s not discuss it, shall we?
What was the last book you bought?
The Zombie Survival Guide—Max Brooks, Three Rivers Press 2003 I’m not proud….
What was the last book you read?
”Trouble for Lucia” by E.F. Benson—the last volume of the brilliant Lucia series
What book are you reading now?
Ode to A Banker— Lindsey Davis--I blush to admit Sandy’s got me hooked on this bloody mystery series. Just this last one, then I’m clean, I swear it….
Five books you would take with you to a deserted island?
1- The Essential Rumi—translated by Coleman Barks
2- The Way to Freedom --his holiness the Dalai Lama 3- The Art of Happiness—Ibid—with a lot of time one my hands and being stranded, these two would help keep me sane.
4- “All The Words-the Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus—“Albatross!”
5- Lady Chatterley’s Lover—D. H. Lawrence—my vote for most moving gorgeous work of prose ever—if you’ve never read it, please treat yourself.
Three people you're going to pass this on to, and why?
Whitney--mostly out of spite (hehehe)
Lillian--because she always has the coolest recomendations
Delta http://deltaavidelta.blogspot.com/ my other blogging guru, destined to world domination once he irons out a few wee technical issues.....
If you couldn't get out of "Fahrenheit 451," what book would you like to be?
Hard to choose between collected works of Shakespeare, Good Omens by Pratchet/Gaiman, and Sexual Personae by Camille Paglia. Yes, I know, I cheated.
Did you ever have a crush on a fictional character?
Yes. Let’s not discuss it, shall we?
What was the last book you bought?
The Zombie Survival Guide—Max Brooks, Three Rivers Press 2003 I’m not proud….
What was the last book you read?
”Trouble for Lucia” by E.F. Benson—the last volume of the brilliant Lucia series
What book are you reading now?
Ode to A Banker— Lindsey Davis--I blush to admit Sandy’s got me hooked on this bloody mystery series. Just this last one, then I’m clean, I swear it….
Five books you would take with you to a deserted island?
1- The Essential Rumi—translated by Coleman Barks
2- The Way to Freedom --his holiness the Dalai Lama 3- The Art of Happiness—Ibid—with a lot of time one my hands and being stranded, these two would help keep me sane.
4- “All The Words-the Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus—“Albatross!”
5- Lady Chatterley’s Lover—D. H. Lawrence—my vote for most moving gorgeous work of prose ever—if you’ve never read it, please treat yourself.
Three people you're going to pass this on to, and why?
Whitney--mostly out of spite (hehehe)
Lillian--because she always has the coolest recomendations
Delta http://deltaavidelta.blogspot.com/ my other blogging guru, destined to world domination once he irons out a few wee technical issues.....
Saturday, April 09, 2005
You are Invited to A Party
Actually, an event-- if you don't mind helping plan it.
Here's the plan (such as it is)-- a year from now (April '06) a celebration of our primate identity will ocur--embrace your inner monkey (or ape) at MONKEYFEST. I propose a primate friendly festival--chair massage and other touch therapies (our modern equal to grooming each other's fur), rock climbing demos ("when I climb, I feel safe") music, food, art/craft stalls, and maybe a "best mating display" (rated PG) contest. Honestly, I just came up with the idea last night while finishing my business plan for massage school.
But I like the idea. So, if you think of any cool primate type stuff that may fit in such an event, please screech and beat your chest, fling poo at your captors, and then e-mail me or something.
thanks to Sandy/ Snayd/Sinead for the photo. The date is wrong, was taken 11/16/2004
Here's the plan (such as it is)-- a year from now (April '06) a celebration of our primate identity will ocur--embrace your inner monkey (or ape) at MONKEYFEST. I propose a primate friendly festival--chair massage and other touch therapies (our modern equal to grooming each other's fur), rock climbing demos ("when I climb, I feel safe") music, food, art/craft stalls, and maybe a "best mating display" (rated PG) contest. Honestly, I just came up with the idea last night while finishing my business plan for massage school.
But I like the idea. So, if you think of any cool primate type stuff that may fit in such an event, please screech and beat your chest, fling poo at your captors, and then e-mail me or something.
thanks to Sandy/ Snayd/Sinead for the photo. The date is wrong, was taken 11/16/2004
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