Only Breath

Only Breath

Not Christian or Jew or Muslim, not Hindu

Buddhist, sufi, or zen.  Not any religion or cultural system.

I am not from the East or the West, not out of the ocean or up

from the ground, not natural or ethereal, not composed of elements at all.

I do not exist, am not an entity in this world or in the next, did not descend from

Adam and Eve or any origin story.

My place is placeless, a trace of the traceless.  Neither body or soul.

I belong to the beloved, have seen the two worlds as one and that one call to and know,

first, last, outer, inner, only that breath breathing human being.

~Rumi

Yesterday

Yesterday is history,
Tomorrow's a mystery,

All you have is Now

It's You

It’s You

by Lori Deschene

“Make the best use of what is in your power and take the rest as it happens.” -Epictetus

The one you’ve been waiting for to tell you what to do—it’s you. You’re the only one who knows what’s right for you in this moment.

The one you’ve been waiting for to fix your problems—it’s you. You’re the only one who has the power to change what isn’t working.

The one you’ve been waiting for to make the pain go away—it’s you. Whatever you’re holding onto, only you can let it go.

The one you’ve been waiting for to give you permission—it’s you. You’re the only one who can decide whether you’ll try or hold yourself back.

The one you’ve been waiting for to love you—it’s you. You’re the only one who can make you feel beautiful and worthy.

The one you’ve been waiting for to provide something that’s missing—it’s you. You’re the only one who can create and recognize what’s enough for your happiness.

The one who makes a difference in so many people’s lives—it’s you. Remember that even when you struggle with some of these things, the world is a better place for having you in it.

Happy Buddha in my yard.

“Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone.”    

       Alan Watts

Only Breath

Only Breath


Not Christian or Jew or Muslim, not Hindu
Buddhist, sufi, or zen. Not any religion

or cultural system. I am not from the East
or the West, not out of the ocean or up

from the ground, not natural or ethereal, not
composed of elements at all. I do not exist,

am not an entity in this world or in the next,
did not descend from Adam and Eve or any

origin story. My place is placeless, a trace
of the traceless. Neither body or soul.

I belong to the beloved, have seen the two
worlds as one and that one call to and know,

first, last, outer, inner, only that
breath breathing human being.

~Rumi

Senator Harry Reid's Great Uncle - Horse Thief

No matter what side of the AISLE you're on, THIS is FUNNY!

Judy Wallman, a professional genealogy researcher in southern California , was doing some personal work on her own family tree.. She discovered that Senator Harry Reid's great-great uncle, Remus Reid, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana, in 1889. Both Judy and Harry Reid share this common ancestor.

The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows in Montana territory: 
On the back of the picture Judy obtained during her research is this inscription: 'Remus Reid, horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1885, escaped 1887; robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives; convicted and hanged in 1889.' 

So Judy recently e-mailed Senator Harry Reid for information about their great-great uncle. 

Harry Reid: 

Believe it or not, Harry Reid's staff sent back the following biographical sketch for her genealogy research: 

"Remus Reid was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory . His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to government service, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function held in his honor when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed."

NOW THAT's how it's done, Folks!  That's real POLITICAL SPIN !!!

The Passing of Sensei Bob Callahan

I learned last night that my Tai Chi/Karate teacher, Sensei Bob Callahan, passed away over the weekend.  I studied with Sensei Bob for 12 years, starting in Tai Chi and then Karate.  He was a great teacher and takes a vast body of martial arts knowledge with him.  He taught in the tradition of old masters, caring more for his students than himself.  He will be missed by me and those of us who's life he made better with his teaching. Rest in Peace Sensei Bob.