1361 - Edward the Black Prince marries Joan the Fair Maid of Kent.
1507 - Martin Luther ordained a Catholc Priest.
1752 - Ben Franklin flies his famous kite.
1854 - France declares war on Russia.
1963 - JFK assisanated in Dallas.
2011 - Today, the present, now*
Had the distinct pleasure of engaging with the community last night. A wonderful fund-raiser, dinner-auction to provide the Carden Country School with some additional funding. KIds, education, challenge, priorities. All that. The gala was held at Island Wood, a legendary local lazer-beam of light. Beautiful grounds, stunning ambiance and an altogether perfect setting. 75K was raised to support the Carden mission. In the main lobby, under a massive 92 foot reclaimed fir beam, was the pictured cedar round with historic dates accompanying it's annual rings. That always gets me goin'.
This tree was growing here when Black Ed married the Fair Maid in 1361. SIX HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS AGO. A lot has gone down since then. Bringing us to todays theme, impermance.
As in nothing lasts forever. As in your health, as in your wealth. Here today, gone tomorrow. All meaning?
That now is what really matters. This moment. This opportunity to celebrate our community, to build harmony, to shine, to grow. To ace the easy lessons (swimming, biking and running are easy) so that we can avoid the flag. We fail so many ways. Environment, health care, tax codes, diplomacy for starters.
Still we press onward. Some learn the lessons and others profit from our stubborn addiction to the familiar. Because change is hard. Change is painful. Change is scary.
But change is all we have, everything is in a state of flux. Everything is relative and absolutely nothing is stable. We had better adapt and start to flow with all that go. Because things are going real fast.
And that means change. Changes in attitude, changes in diet, changes in habits, change your shirt and get back to work. Do it different.
This morning we talked about the synergy of the three: Cadence (the speed with which we live), resistance (the initiation of challenge) and attitude (how you view and respond to the first two).
If I had the life expectancy of that cedar tree I suppose I wouldn't be so concerned about this. But I am reminded on a regular basis of the impermance factor.
It is later than you think.
* (Later that same day) 2011 - Huskies beat USC for the third time in row, today 33-26.
3 comments:
Great mix today!!! Loved it. I had to come home and purchase "All Jacked Up"
I vaguely remember my parents playing the song "Rosanna" when I was a wee little girl :). So fun!!!
Sorry to hear about your friend. Is there anything we can do? Food, errands, anything??
Some fun tuneage today indeed, thanks. Sorry you had to endure a chatty neighbor. I should have mediated and thrown a flag. We have Frankie settled in with a hospital bed in front of the propane fire place and the LG big screen. He is cozy. The oncologist told us today not to cook for a full house on Thanksgiving. His kids are here for the weekend and we'll see how it plays next week. It's the end game for a pal who has meant a lot to me. I am a little surprised at myself for taking it so hard. Thanks for your generosity, I'll let you know. Time to do what we do.
Ok. You are a true friend. Please let us know whatever he or anyone needs. We are more than willing to help.
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