Some people treat the book as though it were some kind of ancient document of magical formulas. Just believe in a correct way, speak things in a proper way, and all your wishes will come true. When I watch what goes on on television and in some books I read, I sometimes feel like I’m at a magic show. Smoke and mirrors. Have you read Joan Didion’s book, The Year of Magical Thinking? Her husband suddenly dies, and she realizes... Read more
I watched a film the other night, Factory Girl. It is about Edie Sedgwick, a rich, young woman who became a part of pop-artist Andy Warhol’s groupies who hung out in his art studio, called “the factory”. I enjoyed the film, even while I found it disturbing. Warhol is portrayed as an immature, egocentric, blood-sucking leech on the lives of the rich young people he exploited. The whole time I watched the movie I was thinking about Picasso, another artist,... Read more
I think most of our thinking, attitudes, policies and behavior is exclusivist, when I think the message is inclusivist. That’s why it is called good news. It is for community, not segregation. Our task is to recognize the reality of this unity established in the good news and live it. We are not to divide, but unite, not partition but integrate. We leave the rest up to the Mystery. Read more
Last night I had a very disturbing dream. In my dream there are many lesbians as a part of our community. In fact, it looks like the entire cast of the television show, The L Word. They are my dear friends, brothers and sisters of mine that I love and enjoy. But the disturbing part is when they decide they have to leave. They find that the institution is becoming increasingly unfriendly, unkind and adversarial for them, and that they... Read more
What gets me so many times in talking with others who have left communities is that they felt they were expected to conform to a standard which in essence was intended to kill their personalities. Many people don’t see it as an invitation to new life but to no life. Often, it is uniqueness of character that expresses itself in unusual and radical ways that offend. Read more
Something very good has happened to our community. If you haven’t been following along with my blog, in a nutshell… we sold some land and after over a decade of financial stress, we’ve suddenly paid off our mortgage. The benefits of this abound, one of them being that I suddenly don’t have to wonder if I’m going to get my next paycheck. Theories abound as to why this has happened to us. As curious, existential, human beings we’re always trying... Read more
I’m loving my iPhone. I don’t have the data plan. I only use the internet when there’s WiFi. I’m around my computer enough that I don’t need the data. But even just as a phone, with the amazing interface capability with my computer for calendar, contacts, iPod, etc., it is fantastic. Best phone I’ve ever had. My son chastised me for having no games on it. Perhaps I should. Read more
Sometimes, when it all comes down to it, you just want to be able to feel. The last thing I want to go is my ability to receive and give love. Keep my heart going! Read more
I’m feeling especially thankful for my community today. Against unbelievable odds, we have conquered a mighty mountain of opposition, negativity, crises, curses and near death experiences where there was no light at the end of the tunnel. None of us could’ve done it alone. It reminds me of some books I’ve read about teams on Mount Everest… the struggle, the necessity of clear communication, the risk, the danger, the rigor, the courage. We’ve lost some along the way and I... Read more
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