Cometsgirl

The grandparents are here, just as they should be. Here to gather and celebrate. To honor a granddaughter and help usher her forward into the next places in her life.

Last night we gathered to reunite and reflect. To share tales of our life journeys since we last were all together. And, of course, to recall stories about being with our grandchildren, both the two whom we share, and the others we grandparent beyond this family.

We met at The Nest, a newly opened lounge located on a building top adjacent to Seattle’s Elliot Bay. To take the elevator up to the rooftop, wrist bands were required. Once settled in, we relished the views and our time together.

A must see stop-and-look on the drive home.

Several years have passed since we were all together. It is wonderful to reunite.

The gathering continued today with a trip to Pike’s Market for lunch and provisions.

After lunch it was time to shop for dinner. Abundance at the market.

Gathered around the dinner for sustenance of food and family.

It was a day filled with in-and-out conversation, reflecting back and looking forward.

Tomorrow is both graduation and commencement. Stay tuned.

Some time ago I read an article about two chicken joints in Seattle. Ezell’s Famous Chicken and Heaven Sent. They are battling over an endorsement from Oprah. It’s a confusing story, but suffice it to say that each entity has a legitimate claim to “owning” an Oprah endorsement.

Seattle residents host taste tests. We decided to do just that. After we were picked up at the airport yesterday, we made two stops on the way home.

We purchased legs, thighs, and breasts, along with rolls and sides, at each chicken joint.

We somewhat systematically distributed samples of each for the tasting. Surprisingly there was 100% agreement for Heaven Sent. While not exactly scientific, we declared this to be our – and Oprah’s – favorite. It was all delicious and a good time was had by all.

When I come to Seattle for a visit, one thing I love to do is find worship at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral. It’s a beautiful structure, situated on Capitol Hill, overlooking the city. It’s breathtaking inside and out.

We were there for the 9 o’clock service of Holy Eucharist. While the service was traditional in structure, prayers throughout the service were taken from the Prayer books of New Zealand and South Africa. The version of the Nicene Creed was a trial version as authorized for use by the 1997 General Convention.

I’m often so sure of myself as I utter familiar words from the service. Today I was sharply reminded of verbal complacency. The use of alternative liturgy caused me to pay attention to the words I spoke, and to find unexpected beauty in the unfamiliar liturgy.

There was another draw for me in this space this sabbath day. The installation of Josh Faught’s Sanctuary.

Hanging on one of the church pillars, it soars 50′ high. It is stunning. Two panels are dyed in bright reds, purples and blues. The piece expresses a commitment to gay pride, Woven into the hand dyed cotton, hemp, and gold lame are various artifacts intended to represent “gay shame”, in terms of the traumatic aspects of being gay so many young people feel. It is thought provoking, to say the least, and a reminder of how so many suffer so much for just being whom they are born to be.

Intercessor: We celebrate the blessing of our earthly home, part of the vast universe within your creation, Creator God,

Assembly: Awaken us to your presence and love.

Taken from the the service of Holy Eucharist on The Third Sunday After Pentecost.

Bonus! I’ve got double viewing from my chair in the tube at 30,000+ feet.

Check out the view. It appears this cloud formation is resting on a pillow of cloud billow.

Here we are passing over Colby, Kansas.

And now Cheyenne, Wyoming. You can see the Rockies way off in the distance.

Gazing down on our land, I’m reminded of a recent episode of Krista Tippet’s On Being podcast. Her guest was Michael McCarthy, a naturalist and author of The Moth Snowstorm:Nature and Joy.

He talked about how the natural world is where we evolved and how “there is a legacy deep within us, a legacy of instinct, a legacy of inherited feelings, which may lie very deep in the tissues — it may lie underneath all the parts of civilization which we are so familiar with on a daily basis, but it has not gone; that we might have left the natural world, most of us, but the natural world has not left us.”

What we are called to do right now, is to defend nature. We should offer up what it means to our spirits; the love of it. We should offer up its joy.

Now flying over Barroil, Wyoming.

Oh, look, it’s the Rocky Mountains near Lander, Wyoming.

McCarthy says the joy nature gives us is distinct from fun or pleasure. It is an intense happiness and that “joy looks outward to another person, to another purpose; and that joy has a component, if not of morality, then at least of seriousness. It signifies a passionate happiness the natural world can trigger in us all.”

Now passing above Jackson, Idaho.

Whoa! Where did the Rockies go? Over Dubois, Idaho.

Now gliding over, Leadore, Idaho, with the Rockies back in view.

Returning to McCarthy, “my contention is not that we all love nature, but my contention certainly is that we are all capable of loving nature, because in us, at the very deepest level, in the bottom of our psyches, we have a link to the natural world, which really goes to the essence of who we are.”

Tippet commented “there is an emergence of literature of public health, about contact with the natural world and human well-being” and the positive affect this has upon each of us.

Gazing out over Grangeville, Idaho, I’m thinking this can’t be good, for hope of seeing Mt. Ranier.

The conversation concluded “with the world that we love, and that bond we have with the natural world – if we could take that seriously, that could keep us, also, attending, and then participating in the healing of our natural world”.

I have just spent 4 1/2 hours gazing upon this portion of the natural world. I have been filled with joy as I gazed below.

There it is! Peeking out. Mt. Rainer. 14,441′. Awesome sight.

Now we descend. Soon to arrive.

Traveling mercies.

It seems my previous post was misleading to some, especially my Seattle family.  They read it and wondered if we were arriving in just a few hours.

Oops.  Sorry about the brief shock.

I am, however, on my way this day.

After “Clear”ing security, and a walk from Terminal A to D, I hopped on the plane train for international Terminal F. While I’m not flying out of the country today this is where I can find Starbucks and a cool lounge, a bonus provided by the credit card I carry. I know, privilege.

These folks have international flights. I hope they make it to the gates in time.

I’ve another hour or so before takeoff, so let me tell you about a Kickstarter Project I learned about last night.

Here’s the scoop;

For Freedoms founders Hank Willis Thomas and Eric Gottesman launched the 50 State Initiative, a campaign to bring 52 thought-provoking billboards designed by artists to all 50 U.S. states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Their goal: to spark open civic dialogue about freedom and equality nationwide.

They are partnering with artists, art institutions, colleges and universities.

Check it out here:

https://creators.kickstarter.com/forfreedoms/?ref=HappeningNewsletterJun0918&utm_medium=email-mgb&utm_source=happening-newsletter&utm_campaign=happening-06092018&utm_content=image

I’ve backed Colorado, Georgia, Texas, New Mexico and Washington state. Join me!

Next post sky-high!

ANOTHER beginning. This makes three new beginnings in the last six months, with two of them just two weeks apart. I’m enjoying all these new chapters in the lives of those whom I love! While primarily a spectator, I’m nonetheless engaged.

Yes, it’s chair-in-the-sky time again.

So listen, I just today read an article about airport layovers ( I believe this pertains to the waiting time for flights as well), and the many ways they can be beneficial to travelers.  One thing really caught my attention – the author posited that “perhaps the most crucial element of the layover is that is arrives at the exact moment when you need to be pacified….as things are about to get serious. The airport tends to mark a moment of significant change. You are about to get inside a metal tube and scream through the sky into a whole new emotional reality.”

Well, indeed that is the case. While I appreciate the image of the comfort of a chair in the sky, the reality is I AM in a metal tube screaming through the sky.  Oh my!

One of those tubes passed by on a recent flight.

This will be a much longer ride, too. Five hours. I’ve prepared by pre-purchasing internet access for the flight, and by downloading books and video content on my tablet. And of course, music to fly by.

Plus, I’ve reserved a seat on the “mountain”side of the plane. The mountain being Mt. Rainer. It’s an awesome sight to see. But first, other mountains come into view.  First up is Mt. Adams, followed by Mt. St. Helens (note the lack of a peak which blew off thirty-eight years ago).

The anticipation grows. Will THE mountain be out?  Or will it be shrouded in clouds. But then, when it does comes into view, it’s stunning.

And then the plane comes alongside. 14,441′ high!

Always the first thing I think about when I see Mt. Rainer is the fact that my Seattle son has summitted this mountain four times.  I don’t know about him, but that’s enough for me. On one trip I flew right over the top of Mt. Ranier and I imagined my son in that very spot.

All this to say, we are gathering for my second granddaughter, Valerie’s Middle School commencement, and transition to high school. Another set of grandparents will be part of the gathering. They have me beat, as they have five commencements in 9 days, coast to coast. They have many miles in a steel tube on their graduation tour.

Maya Angelou has said “Nothing can dim the light that shines from within”. This young woman radiates light. It’s in her voice, her eyes, her laughter. It’s in her passion for fairness, for seeing beauty in all, and for serving those in need.

I spotted this open lock on my walk yesterday. It makes me think about the doors, gates, and the many opportunities ahead to be unlocked. For Valerie. For each of us.

Traveling mercies.

Jack and Georgia each have a new beginning ahead – Jack has college, Georgia has her soon-to-begin employment as a nurse. Both were ushered on after having completed a certain course of study and preparation, and were carried, celebrated, and honored by family and friends.

Pride in, and love for, is a constant.

And so those who came to gather now disperse home to our own lives, knowing with certainty there will be new beginnings to come. As a matter of fact, I have one coming up in Seattle in just twelve days.

I know, too, that each of us has our own new beginnings ahead. I’m pondering my own. How shall I begin anew?

How shall I be transformed?

This new day is filled with possibility and promise.

Pay attention. “Wherever you are right now, there is something lovely you have stopped noticing because you see it every day. Enjoy.” Meditations on the Psalms for Everyday.

Or….perhaps a new “fave”.

At last, the day for which we have all gathered – commencement!

Rising at 4:45am, and making a quick stop at Starbucks, we were on our way. It is no secret that I like to arrive early, especially when seats need to be reserved.

First in line! Forty-five minutes prior to the doors opening, we were in a prime position to secure ten GOOD seats. (I know, it says 6 is the limit—). And that’s how it came to pass, that we would be seated on the preferred side, and preferred level, with a most excellent view.

We watched Jack enter and take a seat. He’s seated in the row adjacent to the concrete steps on the left. Not certain where we were seated, he glanced around and our enthusiastic group wave identified us. With a slight nod he acknowledged us. Such a cool guy.

The Keller ISD school superintendent made a few remarks as the ceremony began, including “as you leave here it’s a new beginning.” The salutorium suggested “let go of the past eighteen years and face the unknown. The valedictorium told the students, “life is now what we make it – get busy living!”

“Set your own path.”

“Be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon you.”

Afterwards we caught up with Jack in the midst of hundreds of families all seeking to reunite with their graduate. Boisterous and gentle joy.

“You’re off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting,

So… get on your way!”

Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

This day was devoted to time with family. Three generations. Two families brought together when our son and their daughter wed, some 26 years ago. The family grew with the birth of a daughter and son. We spent today together sharing stories, laughter and delight.

We feasted on words, smiles, hugs – and of course, lovely meals.

Georgia joined Papa and me for coffee this morning, followed by a trip to REI to shop for her upcoming state park camping trip West. Papa shared his expertise about camping provisions and we departed with necessaries to travel well, and to travel safe.

Just five months ago we witnessed her university commencement. In two weeks she has her own new beginning as she begins work as an RN.

The remainder of the day the eight of us spent sitting outside on the patio, remembering times we have journeyed together over the years. We recalled family histories that came before. Summer Texas breezes kept it cool enough to be outdoors.

Jack opened gifts as we continued our celebration of this time in his life.

Tomorrow we will leave at 5:30 am so as to be at the commencement venue when the doors open. Now it’s time for rest, anticipating joy and a new beginning ahead!

From Ephesians 3:20: God has more in store for you than you can even imagine.

As I previously mentioned, I’m in Texas to be present for a new beginning in Jack’s life.

The night before we left I witnessed a new beginning. One of the buds on my night-blooming cereus opened. It took just 20 minutes from the first hint of blossoming to full bloom.

Stunning.

So stunning that a bear came by for the viewing around 2am, knocking over a recently planted pot of parsley and awakening me. Good view of the visitor, though, as I gazed down on the deck. I wonder what array, or disarray, awaits my return.

Perhaps there are more “new beginnings” for all the plants I potted recently. I hope not. For now, those concerns are in my rear view mirror.

Here are some cloud views I enjoyed from my chair-in-the-sky as I journeyed to Texas.

Clouds certainly are filled with new beginnings as they constantly morph into new shapes.

Greeted by the family with hugs and smiles, we are on course to honor Jack for having met all graduation requirements in preparation for commencement. And then to witness that commencing as he crosses the dais and flips his tassel!

Both sets of grandparents, whom have each experienced many new beginnings, are here to enjoy and celebrate.

I begin this new day with a Texas sunrise, and morning coffee enjoyed outside – before that sun can accomplish its heating task.

For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11.

The word commencement is derived from a 13th century French word meaning beginning or start. Commencement is the celebration of a new beginning, a new chapter in one’s life.

I’ve been saying I’m going to my grandson Jack’s graduation, when in fact I’m going to his commencement. One does not attend a graduation, because graduation is the completion of all education requirements and recorded accordingly.

Whew!  Aren’t we glad we have this clarified!

     

Today I will take my seat in a chair in the sky and journey to Keller, Texas, to be present for the commencement ceremony of my first grandson, Jack.  Having met all high school graduation requirements, he now commences to the next period of his life.

In his case, college. He’s headed to the University of Texas at Dallas. The Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science is what first attracted him to this university, and ultimately to acceptance to the engineering school.

My son, Jack’s father, does a really good imitation of a peacock flapping its wings. Actually he’s demonstrating how he and the rest of the family see the way I express my pride, a proud Nana-peacock. And I am just that – super proud of Jack. I’ll be all puffed up at his commencement. And for the days that bookend this event.

I always look forward to hearing what the commencement speaker has to say to individuals who are embracing a new beginning.

I was privileged to hear J. K. Rowling give the commencement address at Harvard some few years ago.  She spoke about the value of failure. She said: “It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.”

She also talked about the power of human empathy. “Unlike any other creature on this planet, humans can learn and understand, without having experienced. They can think themselves into other people’s places.” This ability brings with it a responsibility. We are called into action. To alleviate distress – hunger, homelessness, thirst, loneliness, fear.

It was very inspiring.

Yesterday, while driving home from town, I was gobsmacked by the clouds overhead.  Several times I pulled over so as to take some photographs.  One in particular, struck me as an image of a new beginning, with opportunity to SOAR.

I’ll be soaring myself, shortly.

Traveling mercies.