i've actually been lucky enough to have TWO this week, and i expect many more.
in 2004, i was returning home after a years absence because of an incident in 2002 that was a comedy of errors and misunderstanding to say the least.
looking back, it was actually quite funny, and edjamacational.
i blame no one but myself, and never have felt otherwise.
back to my round about story.
i took amtrak, as i had never crossed the country this way, and to see our land, so rich and varied, the sea to shining sea bullshit, the amber waves of grain, and even, while in kansas, the distant looming purple majesties that we call the rockies all became very meaningful.
we stopped in some small out of the way back woods little town to change trains or something, so of course i took that opportunity to smoke a cigarette.
when i walked around the station, i saw a sign, it was this:
it struck me as odd, and so i snapped a picture, as i tend to do, either mentally or physically, and stored it away under misc. evidence. in my files.
you see, i have a problem...i pick up seemingly useless pieces of information because i get the feeling i might need them someday.
i collect keys too....i know, if you find a key on the ground do you pick it up?
there's no lock, yet.......but i feel compelled to collect it, and save it for future reference.
that year, i was alone....i volunteered for EVERYTHING i could, even the shitty shift at the cafe during the burn.
i had the best time EVER!
and to put the cherry on the cake, it all came full circle (there's that word again) when i realized some very important things, not just about burning, but about life in general.
it's not about my burn.
it's about YOUR burn.
no, correction, it is about OUR burn, and how can i, you, we make it better, for others, and in turn, for ourselves...
that was a big wowee for me.
well, back into the circle we go.....today i found this picture, from Helper, Colorado, and it all became clear.
we really cant save anyone, but at least we can make it a little easier while we are here.
i have been helping ever since and i would not have it any other way...
this is the way to eternity, through the memories of others, teach them and they will remember you, and your thoughts and actions and words, and they will pass them along, usually with something new, an evolution of whatever particular meme you have extolled upon.
it's really quite beautiful, honorable and the 'playa way'...
and it is truly the best gift that anyone can give to anyone else.
wowee....
wacka wacka all you grouchos, it's almost time to don the glasses.
i cant wait to come home. I miss my family in more ways than you could ever possibly imagine.
wowee!
