Love More. Worry Less.

     Introduction:
     I was all over the place this week! From College town Maryland to small town upstate NY through the city to paradise on the beach and back to MD! My arm is getting better and has been a continued exercise of learning how to best take care of myself. Sorry the update took so long this week. As you can read below, I wrote a story! I'll finish it next update I swear (;

With the Rock of Exploration in hand, this tower is only the beginning of discovery!

     Music:
     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOjP_jyeQ-M


     Food Review:
     This week, after escaping from the Northern shores of Jersey, I found myself upstate again at The Rosendale Cafe, a quaint little vegan eatery in a small New York town.  

The front looks out onto the road, which would be nice if there were a lot of people around.

The dishes were pretty varied.
Everything was vegan so I wanted to have a bite of everyones!

I got the Mushroom Tofu Stroganoff, over brown rice.
I ordered this dish because my mother makes it, over egg noodles, and I sought a taste of nostalgia.
This was kind of mushy though, and had a bit too much dill it.

The prices here are pretty high. I suppose it's just the area; I was spoiled down in Tennessee.
In exchange they have a really nice patio to eat on with a fire pit and a garden.
We saw a hummingbird during our meal!

The inside is pretty nice.
If you have the cash and live 'round here this is the place to go!

The waitress discreetly placed the dessert menu/board on a chair facing us.

We didn't end up getting anything.

     Story:
     He was on his way to the Great Dance. For him it was just another stop along the road, but he knew for many others it was a grand occasion, so he was excited nonetheless. He had strode many miles already, the journey being longer than he had anticipated, but he had traversed through here once before and knew just ahead was a vessel that would bring him the rest of the way. The closer he came to the port the busier the streets of this city became with people. As he approached the dock for his ship, he noticed on the ground a hat. He was struck by its humble appearance; a cowboy sort of style, yet nothing flashy about it, just weaved wicker with a red fabric around the base of the middle.
     "Hmm, I don't really like it, but it's a shame to throw away such a nice hat. Maybe I'll meet someone who I can give it to." He mused to himself.
     He arrived at the landing, but learned he was short of fare. The ship did not leave for some time yet; he had just a few hours to acquire what he needed. He walked back onto the busy street, satchel in one hand, hat in the other. He looked at his new hat for a moment, then sat down and placed it in front of him. Many people passed by without seeming to even see him, so he began to sing.
     "Whaaaat iiiif
     the only reason there are dragonssss
     is so men may defeat themmmmm?"
     A few coins fell into his hat, until a lady with a similar hat on approached.
     "That's a nice hat you've put on the ground there."
     "Well, that's where I found it anyways."
     "Truly? I suppose you aren't the fool here then."
     "I hope not!" He laughed heartily, "What is your name m'lady?"
     Her complexion reminded him of ash and soot. She carried a wisdom about her that he could feel on his skin. Her robes were rainbows and stars, her pants red with white words he could not read."I am Elizabeth. Are you traveling to The Great Dance?"
     "Indeed I seek to, but I've still some coins to collect before I may."
     "Well I've only enough of that for myself, but I have some tea here if you like."
     "I'd only like such a gift if you were to join me in sipping it. The boat is yet to board."
     She smirked and said amusingly,"I suppose I could pass the time with you, stranger in the dirt."
     "It is not such a bad place to be, especially when you have tea."
     So they sipped an orange black tea together and shared wisdom they carried.
     "...but what if we ask for too much?"
     "Do not ask that traveler, for you will be given an answer. Just be happy with what comes your way..."
     After a time, and when the tea was gone, she stood, "The boat will be boarding soon. I hope to see you there sir."
     "And to you as well." She walked off, and he noticed that as they talked, the hat had gathered much money for him. He was close now, so he continued singing,
     "Whaaaat iiiif
     the only reason trolls guard bridgessss
     is so we may solve their riddlessss?
     Whaaaat iiiif
     the only reason we have demonssss
     is so we may overcome themmmmm?"
     Soon a trio on horseback trotted by. One of the rider's was atop a horse that had an uncanny resemblance to a steed he had traveled with previously. He felt the need to call to them,
     "Sir! Wait, sir! Just a word! I must tell you, in times past, I traveled down this very street on a steed such as yours. I must inquire, where do you head?"
     "My companions and I move to The Great Dance. Have you heard of it traveler?"
     "Why yes, I am going there myself, if I can find my fare."
     "Anyone who seeks the Dance shall arrive, or so they say." And with that the rider flicked a large coin into the hat on the ground, giving now more than enough for a ticket. He patted his horse and began to move forward without another glance.
     "Sir, thank you!" He called out, "But wait, please tell me, what is the name of your horse!?"
     Without looking back, the rider responded, "Pandora!" And then the three were gone.
     He picked up his hat and collected his fare. He looked at the unassuming accessory, felt the sun on his back and the sweat on his brow, and placed it atop his head. The riders had entered the port and were probably bringing their horses to stall. The ship was to leave soon, so he moved to purchase his ticket and board himself, singing as he went through his motions,
     "Whaaaat iiiif
     the only reason there are Mad Kiiiings
     is so the people may rise above theeeem?"

     There were many other passengers aboard the ship and the holds were merry. Aside from perhaps a few confused but entertained locals, most were also headed to The Great Dance as well, and many had begun imbibing already. He saw Elizabeth and the riders, but they were talking to other excited festival goers, so he did the same for a time, until the peace of the upper deck called to him.
     It was not a terribly far journey. The Great Dance this year was to be held on an island purposefully near that populated city to increase the participants. Just a few hours of sailing was all it took to arrive, though the island was large and no one knew where upon it the event would be held.
     "Anyone who seeks the Dance shall arrive..." He thought aloud as he watched the waves crash into the ship.
     "Naw tha' cannit be true. Not one bit I's say." He turned to see the captain of the ship walking to him.
     "I'ill tell yah lad, I's seen t'his dance ye'all seek, and I'ave carried maany to other dances on othar islands in years past, and not all return, I's tell ye' true."
     "You've been to The Dance?"
     The captain ignored him, "Seen plenty o'lads, jus' like you, tell me thar stories, tell me they'll see me aafter The Dance, even pay me in advaance to pick 'em up! Never do see 'em again, aand I wait! Don't you go tellin' no soul I don't I wait t'ree days fer'any maan that pay me to be tharr!"
     "I hadn't even thought of the return fare."
     "Well y'seem like'n okay lad. I'ill bring ye baack no charge, so long as ye' getun befur we cast off."
     "Oh wow! Thanks captain! Uhm, is there anything I can do?"
     "Yahaaa! Ye' jus' be careful on tha' island thar lad. If I'see ye' again, maybe I'kin find a thing fur ye' t'busy yer haands with! Oh! Thar she be now."
     He looked the direction the captain had glanced, and he could see the land on the horizon. He was transfixed for a minute, and by the time he turned back the captain was gone.

     The boat docked, its passengers disembarking in orderly frenzy. Those with no party congregated together on the shore. There was a certain energy floating about, as if each molecule of water vapor in the humid ocean air had some spell cast on it. The large gathering of seekers seemed to be taking stock, those with the strongest voice suggesting a direction to head. The island was large and The Great Dance hidden somewhere within its hills and trees. No one wanted to miss the event for being lost.
     As he came down from the vessel, he noticed the crowd, but immediately began walking the other way down the shore. He hated to follow, and loathed to wait. He figured if he stuck to the shore and walked around the perimeter of the island he would eventually find some sign he could follow from there to the dance. Plus, he enjoyed long walks on the beach, and seldom did he have the chance to enjoy them.
     So he walked along and alone, enjoying the sea breeze and the hot sand. He could see ships on the horizon, perhaps coming perhaps going. Turning left to traverse inland into the shade of the dense foliage was tempting, but something kept him by the water for now. He strolled down the coast for hours, the heat and sun beating him to exhaustion. He was suddenly very thankful for the hat he had found, its large rim keeping some shade on his face. He felt the skin on his arms begin to burn but still did not seek cover. Finally, when his hair was so wet inside his hat that sweat began to pour down into his eyes, he saw swirls of sand dancing up ahead of him.
     When he came upon the swirls, he momentarily forgot how overheated he was and felt a curious sense of wonder. First, he threw more sand into the swirls to see what would happen. When he saw the sand was pulled into the swirl, he wondered if he could remove the sand as well. He swatted at the swirls, grasping at the sand and throwing handfuls of it aside.  When he had nearly completely cleaned the largest swirl of wind, feeling the heat again, he stepped into it to cool down. Within the blowing air he made out the shape of a women of unparalleled beauty. He did not yet realize, but she was a Wind Spirit. She appeared suddenly, as a gust of wind always does, flying steadfastly in direction but not destination. Her robes were rainbows and stars. When he felt the ash and soot and wisdom blow through his hair he thought he knew, so he called out to her,
"Elizabeth! It's you!"
"Nay. Not I. You seek another."
"Oh dear, I am so sorry! Then perhaps you would give me your name, and I can try again."
     And so she gave him her name, and he placed it close to his heart. Her breeze refreshed him, so he thought to follow her.
"I was seeking The Great Dance, but I know not where to find it, so may I journey with you, for a time?"
"I know not where I am bound either. You took the sand out of my hair and seem a cheery lad, so come with me this way."
     The two flew west over hot sand and spoke of freedom and finding. Something about her reminded him of days past, and he longed to hold her hand, but he said nothing. They soon came upon a small camp, not yet The Great Dance, and saw many revelers dancing to a Goddess of Wisdom. Without words, they joined in the movement, and both found the other's dance captivating. They slowly approached each other through dance, moving in synch to the drums and flutes. They never came close enough to touch, neither quite ready to step past that wall, but each could feel the other regardless.
     Their dance was so great the Goddess herself noticed and came down to join them for a time. Sand and Earth were blown about in a vortex of air and energy. Those who were not overtaken by this flow gravitated towards it and joined in worship. All who were able to remain within found themselves surprisingly weightless and levitated skyward away from the camp and the drums and the flutes. Each dancer became both instrument and player, melding with the sky, each movement creating unique sound and blasts of storm. Rain, hail, snow, sleet, wind, or fog released from each dancer. Some dancers approached the Wind Spirit, sending their hail or rain or snow or sleet toward her, but her dance and her wind was far too great for them, for neither they nor their projectiles could touch her.
     He watched all this as he danced—for he could not stop dancing—and was amazed. He knew this was only a warm-up for The Great Dance, but it was still the greatest dance he had ever known. He thanked his teachers and the universe for guiding him here. The Wind Spirit was dancing without him, and he dared not approach, lest he be swept up in her torrent of energy, yet he could not look away. Her gaze locked onto his and he was stunned. A great gust pushed at him, but he did not move. Her gaze became fierce. He was suddenly aware his hat was gone. Lightning came out of her in unperceivable circles. He looked around and saw he was alone in a dark cloud in the sky. She reached her arms to the sky in a most terrifyingly beautiful way he had never yet witnessed in his life.
     He suddenly fretted, "Wait! It's me!" But his words dissipated as they left his throat.
     She bellowed, the lightning flashed away, and the rain and hail and snow and sleet were sent toward him in a mighty gale. He had just a moment to realize that if he did nothing, he would be torn to nothing by this attack, so he did all that he could—he danced. He completely opened himself to the music of the sky and danced. He did not think or plan, only letting whatever force surrounded him guide his movements. Time slowed or bended or something incomprehensible to him which made the few moments of dance last for eternity or the mortal equivalent. All he knew was that he had withstood the elements. He saw a glimpse of a smile from the Wind Spirit, then light. The clouds parted and the dancers fell, slowly enough, to Earth. Pleased, the Goddess named this The Tornado Dance and departed back to her heavens.

     As the Storm dissipated, The Wind Spirit fluttered away with it, and he suddenly found himself alone and exhausted within the forest. Lost, he trudged onward, not getting far before stopping to nap briefly. He awoke to a light breeze in his face, and his hat blew into his lap. He stood and placed it atop his head, feeling suddenly energized. He resumed his march through the trees until he came upon a trio of masons erecting some sort of structure, the base of which seemingly mid-completion. Wood beams were tied together above a carved stone crevice.
"It cannot be done! We have not the time!"
"I will be completing this with or with you."
"..."
     He hailed them and approached, "Greetings friends. What is this thing you make?"
"It's a failed endeavor is what it is."
"It is a water trap. We'll be able to use it to capture the water."
"..."
     He thought it might be useful to know how to capture the water, so he inquired, "What will it look like when it is done?"
"We hardly even know what we are doing, so your guess is as good as mine."
"There will be a bridge overlaid in the middle, and water entering from any side will flow to the center. From there we will build a stair to descend to the water and access as we please.
"...Can you see it?"
     Upon the third mason's words, the other two seemingly unawares, he noticed a fairie behind the second mason, whispering in his ear.
"That's ridiculous. We do not have the materials, and at this rate we'll miss The Great Dance."
"I do not care. We can at least partially complete it enough to capture the water."
"..."
"CREO EAM FIDUS. SEMPER TIBI. SEMPER TIBI SEMPER TIBIIIiiiiiii"
     He just barely heard the fairie's words and they were filled with hate and jealousy. His mind reeled, his blood boiled, and his heart filled with a lust for a dark thing he did not understand. The fairie was voluptuous and full, body aglow. Her lips brushed the mason's ear with each word sending her glow into his canal. Without pausing her speech, she looked toward him and through him. Her gaze entered through his eyes but hooked to his spinal cord, just behind his throat. He watched himself step forward, unable to stop himself from moving toward the seductive thing.
     As he lifted his left foot, a root had caught 'round his ankle and unbalanced him. He tottered, then fell backwards onto a bed of moss. The masons did not react. He looked up from the ground and felt invisible to them, the spell sinking into the plant he sat on. The first marched off muttering curses. The second, he noticed now never blinking, slowly returned to chiseling stone without a word. The third hadn't moved at all since he arrived. That mason continued to stare at the figure behind the second mason, unmoving. The fairie appeared blurry now as it continued to whisper. From the ground came a voice, "She can't see you. Run now."
     He saw a thread, hanging from the trees, or maybe the sky, or maybe his head. It split and one end was attached to the blurry fairie. The other end went off down the trail, towards the direction the first mason went. As he slowly arose, his thoughts betrayed him and he imagined the fairie and what would be if he moved toward her again and how he could reach her and have her and capture the water for her and his life would become that and nothing else would matter then. But a voice in his heart said No and he listened to that and it did not let him look towards her. His heart led him down the trail into the wood. His mind protested, angrily, trying to convince his heart of what could be gained, until he was a distance away, when his thoughts became quiet.
     The wood became denser as he moved through it. There was no water or food for some time, and he became sore and parched. His mind occasionally told him he was lost and he could die here, but he could hear some voice with his heart and it led the way. His head now clear, it knew it had failed him before, nearly taking temptation and bringing ruin. This shame allowed his heart to make each decision, currently. There was a long hill, and near the top of the climb the trees became more sparse until a clearing along a rocky ledge. He could see a hut on a landing and knew he had reached the place where he was supposed to be. He navigated the rocks to the hut and upon entering was greeted by a woman with sand over her skin, silt over her clothes, and clay over her hair. Or maybe the sand was her skin and the silt was her clothes and the clay was her hair—he could not tell. He did not yet realize she was an Earth Spirit, and she spoke to him as the Earth speaks to us all, with a care and love that exists within us from the moment we breathe or first to our last
     "'Twas I who led you here..." and he knew the words she would speak before she said them, "so that you may learn your name..."

To be continued next week!


     Poetry:

     "Bear"

     There and back
     Into—Without
     Dirty feet in good shoes
     Where the Forest meets the Wood
     Hibernation ends
     The calling deepness above
     Wafting temptation below
     Which direction holds what the beast needs?
     Dare it feed?
     Hibernation begins
     Where the Mountain meets the Valley
     Honied paws in used oil
     Found—Lost
     There or here


     Pictures:

Traversing the long pedestrian bridge over the Hudson River.

No tolls here!

Bike look familiar?
It's not Lionheart!

I ended up on the other side of that line, helping make it smaller.
Good place to meet people!

Dude sips tea at the Tea Lab. They made tea there.
It was a real chill spot.
I helped out for a while there too!

Next year I'll go to a different festival and drink a different nut milk!
Also, cool hat right?

The man in the middle can see peoples' auras.
He has a little station set up and will paint what he sees for anyone who asks.
These are the sort of cool people you meet at Music Festivals.

This tent was set up by an artist who wanted to promote love through "cuddle puddles."
The shelter certainly became a safe place for people to rest or hide from the sun.

Dancing on the beach!

DJs set up in this awesome truck thing and pumped out non-stop dance all weekend.
These guys were good too! I'll put the DJ name up when I remember.

The DJ's instrument is the turn table.
Looks a lot more complicated than the simple harmonica I've been trying to figure out.

Music festivals are magical places where everyone is cool.

You can just go up and talk to anyone, most people are generous and kind, and people oft break into spontaneous dance or struts.
What if the whole world was like this all the time?

Three ukeleles and a harp!
They were all much more skilled musicians than I,
but I think I sounded alright.
At the very least, I'm learning!

I don't really understand how a "mother fuck" writes but assume it is either a lot or well or both.
So I'm working on that.

New York gets the SEE YAH WOULDN'T WANNA BE YAH!!