The candle flickered softly and then extinguished as she took her last breath and in that moment life seemed to change, to shift and never would be the same, ever would be the same.

But somehow, the world seemed to carry on. The music continued to play. The cars continued to rush by through the streets along the way. People continued to speak and they laughed and they played and I wondered why. Why had everything not stopped, as I had, for at least just a little while or perhaps at least a day. It seemed only right when the world seemed to have changed in such a drastic way. Should we not all have dropped to our knees for at least a breath or two, to take a colossal moment to deeply recognize the meaning of her life. After all, she was no longer here to make her usual resound. I feared that I would no longer have her here to witness all of our lives, all the good that we we would create, that we would delight in, that we would produce, would take pride in, that we would achieve, that we would surrender, that we would fear. Our daily talks, she and I, no longer would occur here on earth but rather would now speak through channels, spirit sense.

Now as nearly two years have come to pass, I often think, mom where have you gone all this time. I look up to the sky for it is there you always seem to be. Today, perched up on a limb, staring squarely down at me, there you are, your spirit transformed to physical sense for me to feel. As always, you are in flight or sitting still but never alone, gathered closely with your friends as you journey back through time to check on we, as you promised me you’d be. In that moment, I close my eyes and a smile surrounds my life, I hear you whisper gently off , you need not worry my sweet girl for my life, it sure was full, it was complete,unyielding and I am fully now at peace and standing strong by your side …. she whispered softly, carry on. ❤️🌞

Forever altered in a global mindset, how can we not be, as we feel this impermanence pounding in all of humanity. Pandemia soon became a widespread gripping fear and one that permeated through all of us here and beyond. The human consequences far reaching all around without prejudice for color, influence, place or faith. The noise of the universe came to sudden silence and all slowed down. The stillness, in its far-reaching power, was profound. A tranquility that breeded energy lifted us to our feet, for we were not about to be silenced in defeat. The people bowed their heads in solemn swear, to come together in resilience and in hope rather than despair. Families sat tight at home, abiding by the guidance in selfless acts. Heroes were counted one by one, those who stood in front but also those who were unsung. Before too long,society came to learn that it’s not the possessions or the jobs or the mansions that seem to carry weight but rather it’s the truth and the calm and the strength, family and dear friends, the music and the love that keep us safe. Survival of the fittest may have proven true for some but the real rule that resounded true was that we all do well when we stand strong, united as one. Moon after shining moon, children woke, finding solace in simple days and neighbors tended genuinely to each and every one. Time seemed to slow and then, stop as if in kind to shine light on the world that had awakened to a new and shaken rhyme. In this, silent, quiet chaos, so serene, the people could hear the beating of their drums once muted by the noise and the haste of their frenzied, careless days. The universe seemed to catch us looking, eye to eye and take notice of simple things like the blue of the skies and the light of the stars long into the dark of the night. There was a pause, there was a halt or perhaps a deeply needed rest from all of the hate that had been sown through the meaningless course of this impermanent race. #covid19 #weareone

Impermanence     

(November 27, 2019) 

There is pain here …..

You could hear the sound of the saxophone bellowing from the windows down the street. The music filled the crisp cool air. People started to fill the hall of the small warm venue to hear the local legend play on his trumpet … the sound of Jazz and Blues told his story and those of so many from his hometown. Exuberance filled the room as the rhythm began to pound in your chest. The smell of whiskey and smoky cajun savor penetrated every corner of the space. The crowd gathered, young and old, generations from then and now, faces and traces, smiles and laughter, arms outstretched to the sound of the music and to show affection for their neighbor. There was so much kindness penetrating through strangers and friends. There is pain here, it is palpable.

Daytime brings a different vibe. Stories are shared of the roots that brought them there and what shaped their lives here now. The river flows but not as it did in years gone by, much has changed. Sitting in an old coffee shop, warm with the sound of laughter and the smell of the freshly baked beignets and steamed cafe au lait, I sat with an elder who shared with me that much if not all of the original language, Cajun and Creole French, had slowly vanquished over time. The tapestry was changing with some of the more current needs. Her hope was that local authentic recipes would remain passed down if families would remain in the area.  Artists, musicians, dreamers, workers, novelists, marketers, business owners, jewelry makers, the people here are intuitive and kind. There is inspiring talent here, often untapped, unfounded and unheard. The color of people here is striking, a cross section of identities that brings richness and depth to the region. You wake in the morning to a sound and aroma and vibrance so unique to New Orleans.

Yes, there is pain here … it is palpable. But here there is history and talent and color and resilience. But mostly, there is LOVE here. #Neworleans, #musicandart #artheals #nostalgia