I Voted!

I was going to upload a photo of my violet voter's finger, but the ink turned out to be no more than a miniscule dot, mostly on the flesh, which has now faded considerably. While friends and relations lament their heavily-inked fingers, I managed to escape it. Not that I wouldn't have worn it with pride. At 43, I'm a first-time voter.

Yesterday, I felt as if the nation had crossed a threshold. People waited hours and hours and hours to vote. And that's something. Never mind that we all voted differently. We made sure we voted, no matter what that took.

Though the numbers are not going my way and I'm appalled that we're all crying for change but doing the same old things over and over again, and re-electing TRAPOS again and again, I really feel there was a shift somewhere. I do not know how this shift will translate, though I feel that it has something to do with Filipinos waking up to their power as individuals.

I hope I'm right.

Oh, Grizzly!

This photo doesn't even capture the majesty of this tree. It's called the Grizzly Giant and stands way above the giant sequoias at the Yosemite National Park. Its branches are as thick, if not thicker, than some of the trees in the grove. It was awesome. The road to the grove was closed so it was a long hike up, but it was worth it, just to be able to sit before this tree.

I looked at it and could feel my heart opening, tears of recognition and connection springing forth. I have been trying to live in harmony with the earth for many years, but this tree made everything real to me again. I compost, segregate, grow and eat organic, recycle, you name it, I do it, for the same reasons everyone else does it--to save the earth. That statement and others like it, have become quite abstract through the years.

As I sat before this tree, it all came home to me in a practical and profound way--to feel that connection again between myself and nature, so powerful as to break open a heart that I so wrongly thought was already open, to recognize the essence of who we are. That is what it's about.

It took the Grizzly Giant's ethereal embrace to make it all personal again--to make it universal again.

My heart remains full.

Delightful Discoveries

I am a fan of all things organic, because I know it's the sure path towards a sustainable future for humanity and the earth. But when organic meets utter delight--well--my world just explodes in color.

I have always been a fan of Green and Black's organic chocolate. My favorite is Butterscotch which, unfortunately, isn't easily found. (D. and I are lucky to have sisters living in the U.K., ensuring at least a yearly taste.) But on this trip, we discovered a new to-die-for flavor: PEANUT. And don't you just love the packaging? It tastes like peanut brittle with a little bit of sea salt then bathed in a wonderful, creamy, not-too-sweet, organic milk chocolate.

What's my name again?

Green and Black's is available at Healthy Options, though I'm not sure they have this flavor in yet. Go and demand it! I've bought not-so-fresh bars there, so it's really hit or miss. But if you have relatives from the U.K. or the States who are just dying to bring home the perfect "pasalubong" for you, you know what to ask for.

AWAY FROM HOME

I do not enjoy airplanes. My sinuses act up, I come out looking rumpled, tired and ill, so I look upon travel with both excitement and dread. But once landed and unfurled, I am quite glad for the suffering! Look at this magnificent view.

We watched the sun disappear rather quickly into the sea--from a fantastic and surreal orb of flame, to what seemed like a portal into the next life, and then into a blip, before leaving behind this breathtaking sight.

There, on the hill, braving the biting cold, there was only gratitude.

EARTH HOUR

Yup. It's candle time again tonight. I'm thinking of bringing out the citronella incense and sitting out on my balcony. It's very windy where I am, so I'm not sure my candles will remain lit, but it would be nice to be outdoors, totally enfolded by the darkness.

8:30. Tonight. Turn it off.

Sunday Chair

This is where I like to get my vitamin D. It's my bedroom balcony overlooking the garden. I love this "me space" that is so very special on Sunday mornings when everything is so still and quiet.

Today a huge black crow landed on the tree before me. Despite the happy sunshine, I couldn't help but ask myself, "Already? Today?", but decided not to let my own black humor darken the day. It landed briefly on a branch, with all the character of a handsome stallion among geldings. A few seconds later, three other birds landed above him. All was still for a second. Then the crow made a hasty departure, which caused hysteria and frantic circling among the birds. They caused quite a ruckus. I am not familiar with bird behavior. Would you know what that was about?

I'd like to think they followed the crow and hoped I was dinner, but then the crow left, saving me but infuriating them. Their drama unfolded somewhere above these trees.

I'm so lucky to have this mini forest right outside my home. I think about this each time I'm here, soaking in the sun and breathing in the fresh air. I am currently battling the practice of chemical fogging in my village, but mornings like this strengthen my resolve. There is much to be grateful for and there is so much responsibility that comes with it.

Happy Sunday!

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!