xialan

There’s usually a reason the dogs go crazy. Last night it was the chicken. A bold bird, it was making its way up the steps surrounded by yapping dogs when I went to see what all the commotion was about. In reality, a rooster, as this morning he woke me at daybreak cock-a-doodling. He’s a taciturn bird, seemingly unmindful of insane dogs snapping at his heels. He’s a tough looking bird with sharp claws and a beak, Hopefully able to defend himself because it’s a tough life in the country for a... Read Full Story

The wolf moon woke me up last night, beaming right through the window. The clouds cooperated, opening just enough to let it shine through, but obscuring Mars that was also supposedly visible right next to the moon. I can never get enough of the skies in this high desert. Scintillating colors. Clouds. And a horizon that just goes on forever. For a long time, it seemed to be the ocean that I needed, those lands along the edge where the waves crashed into the shore. There’s a different kind... Read Full Story

Life is changing. And I believe it’s changing because my head is clearing up, and because for the past year I’ve consciously chosen to follow a more spiritual way of living, not just think about it and not just talk about it or read about it, but to follow the steps. Practice tai chi which has guided me to a more mindful way of living. Sit in meditation that calms my mind. Prayer nourishes the spirit. All of these change things. Slowly. But they change. My life today has caught me unawares... Read Full Story

For the first time in many years, I’m starting to feel at peace with my life and my surroundings. Maybe it has to do with regular meditation practice. Maybe just the stage of life. Kids grown. Life transitions. Being alone. A few days ago, the full moon looked so large it seemed to be bouncing off the desert floor rather than hanging from the sky. Silver in a navy blue sky. The days cold, the wind is quieter than usual. The nights have been below zero. The days sunny and also bitterly... Read Full Story

Today is cold. I hiked up to the top of a hill that I was told was once an Indian burial ground. Boulders circled the crest and I could see in all directions. Some days my mind is clear. This isn’t one of them. Read Full Story

This past weekend in Sedona, Arizona, two people died and several others were hospitalized after taking part in a sweat lodge led by self-help guru, James Arthur Ray. Adding to the irony of the situation, the retreat was located in Angel Valley. Ray, developer of The Science of Success and Harmonic Wealth® and a contributor to the best-selling book and video “The Secret,” is touted on The Secret’s website as “an expert on many eastern, indigenous, and mystical traditions.” Charging... Read Full Story

I wanted cats. The cats keep coming.  I took in Mr. Darcy in from a lady overrun with cats, and he’s a good fit. He’s made the place his own. Comes and goes as he pleases. The people who live in my downstairs house allowed their cat to have kittens, in spite of offers from others to get her spayed. In a town overrun with feral cats, it’s no surprise they can’t find homes for them. Seven kittens now scamper around the rocks and sit outside my door. Naturally, I feed them. One, who I’m... Read Full Story

I’ve decided to delete some old posts so today I’m adding something new. I’ve always loved the sound of the wind. I’ve always loved the way it makes me feel. Today as I sit in my study, I feel at peace with myself and the world. I’ve been spending several months now in AA and am learning a lot. There’s something about listening to people be honest with themselves. Something happens. It’s not a place for everyone, but it is a place for me right now. I don’t lie anymore. Not to myself. Not... Read Full Story

It’s that time of year when hot dry winds blow across the mountains. Helicopters are circling overhead day and night watching for smoke. Wildfires are flaring up. A few days ago, one burned on a neighboring mountain. Smoke filled the air. Meg, the chocolate lab who lives downstairs howled all night. My dog curled up and watched with mournful eyes. Mr. Darcy, the cat remained aloof. Last week driving home from Reno a fire raged behind Hallelujah Junction. They are posted on the news. The... Read Full Story

I celebrated my birthday today without wine, without any substance of any kind unless chocolate truffles from Trader Joes count. Instead I woke up and meditated. Drank some coffee and went to Chester a tiny town in the mountains. Mt. Lassen hovers over it. In the evening my new friends Joelle and Carol took me out for drinks (iced tea in my case). I wish I were the sort of person who could drink wine. I so love it, but I’m pretty sure, no really sure, that I can’t. Something in my... Read Full Story