Somewhere, north of where I sit, it’s snowing. Elegant crystals of ice fall gently from the sky, changing the landscape from green, brown, and the oatmeal of concrete, to a sea of gentle white. The flakes are lit by the orange glow of the city. Footsteps crease pure snow, leaving an impression soon to be covered by more elegance. Whiffs of warm breaths meet the cold night air. Eyes, still new to the world, take in the wonder and the glory of this newfound thing. Landscapes change, fleetingly, yet beautifully. The silence in which the flakes is golden, calm, soothing. A fleeting moment of peace.

Here where I sit, the sky is clear, with stars dancing in the dark. The air is still, peaceful as the air filled with snow.

I like these posts about…

• the moment being important
• a precious gift
• an interesting take on goals

About this last point–Read the quote in the middle. Now, the thought is the antithesis of the way Western society operates. We are raised to always have goals, something to strive for. But sometimes we suffer. Is it because of the striving? Maybe, I don’t know. I do know it’s hard for us to just be. Just be.

Kenny Werner wrote a book called “Effortless Mastery.” If we have one goal, maybe it’s this–our lives should be effortless, flowing.

If I am being tested, how do I know if I passed? Or failed? When? Does the test continue on?

The morning commute is rarely seen as a thing of joy and beauty. It’s too early, you didn’t eat enough breakfast, you’re tired, the traffic is awful, the weather bad.

Then, there you are, driving on the turnpike, in the outer lanes, near the airport. Traffic’s moving well, and you sense something different, something–beautiful, amid all the metal and the concrete. Coming around a curve, you are moving at one with the traffic, with the earth. And the goosebumps form.

And the feeling stays with you all day.

A couple of people in my company died recently. One had cancer, and the other had a heart attack on the subway. One of these people I knew slightly; the other I’d never met. For whatever reason, I’m feeling their loss. The slight knowledge of one, and the suddeness of the other, I suppose. It’s a reminder of the tenuousness, impermanence of life, and the preciousness of each moment.

My Cowboys are playing the Packers right now, a critical game for both. Some of the Cowboys are worried that if they lose tonight, they’ll have to play a playoff game in frigid Green Bay in January. I like my team, but not this defeatist attitude. What matters is now, the game tonight. Win it, and you’re fine. Lose, and you have to recover. Simple as that.

Sometimes, I hear lyrics in a song, and I wonder where they came from. Years ago, Austrian DJ duo Kruder & Dorfmeister put out a two-disc set called The K&D Sessions. It remains in heavy rotation for me. It’s mostly chillout, downtempo, and really, really good. On the second disc, in the song “Where Shall I Turn,” a woman says, whispering…

Blue light dolphin, gliding through the wave

I’ve never figured it out. That’s fine…

Postscript–one of the best concerts I saw was K&D at Irving Plaza in New York. It started at midnight, ended at 3, and visually and sonically, unlike anything I’d seen.

Yes they are…

I’m taking on a new post, and while the advancement (and salary) are nice, that’s really not why I’m doing it. It’s for the knowledge and the growth, the creativity and the challenge. To do something solely for the sake of advancement would bore me. I need more than that.

This probably puts me at odds with most of the world, and that’s cool. My drums beat differently. And this doesn’t make me unambitious or lazy; quite the contrary. My ambitions are present, just merely in a different form.

I am not a robot. I want and need stimulation in everything I do. It is a search, a quest. Part of life.

As Vince Lombardi was famously screamed, what the hell is going on out here? You couldn’t hear about a rock bond without tales of drugs, drink, groupies and sex. There was/is a hotel in Los Angeles, the Hyatt House, that was rechristened the “Riot House,” as inebriated rock stars chucked TV sets out of the hotel’s windows.

Now, they are looking for yoga and organic coffee.

Is this a sign of maturation, the corporatization of rock, or the times we live in?

I’m not glorifying binges or anything, but there seems to be little interest in becoming a legend, having stories to tell. It’s about being good. I’m all about being good. But I want stories to tell, too.

A friend was said I was an eternal optimist. True, but not in the Pollyannaish, rose-colored glasses mold. It’s hard-won, through trials, errors, stumbles and recoveries. I’ve always pulled through. That why I’m optimistic. I know what I have.

Ever been on a dance floor, listening to the music, straining to find the right beat to shake your booty? But then, when the beat hits, it’s magic in motion? Yep. Sure have.

Routines are good and fine, up to a point. Just make sure you give your structure space, with room to run and play, too.

I haven’t been blogging as much lately, due to a new work assignment. My body and mind are getting used to a new regime. I hope to get onto a new schedule with the blog soon. Meanwhile, silence can be a good thing…

Like a few things, I discovered Faithless years ago in Brussels. (Some concepts barely cross the pond.) I saw their video for “We Come 1” and was amazed and mesmerized by it. Their lyrics are socially conscious, and the music is utterly danceable. A rare combination of the two. I just got three songs from their latest release, and the songs don’t disappoint. Though-provoking, with grooves that beg to be move to. So you can shake all night, and have your consciousness raised.

I have no idea who Sean Taylor was. All I know was that he played for the football team I hate, but seemed to be a guy who was getting his life in order, and was coached by a guy who could guide him along the way. And now, because of a robbery, he’s dead. What a damn waste. Another young black guy gone. When will all this stop?

Some nights, coming home from work in Brussels, I marveled at how foggy it could get there. That light orange coat that the city wore well added a layer of mystery to a place that is quirky, odd, and proudly so.

Where I am now, it’s socked in with fog. Seeing it, straining to see through it, brought me back to those nights gazing out of the back of a taxi, or sticking my head out of my bedroom window, just taking it all in.

A couple of months after I got to Brussels, I went to this champagne party (the hostess had a thing for the bubbly). I met a woman there who had only intended to stay in Brussels a couple of years. It was her 10th year there. I was blown away. What kind of a place was this? Where had I landed? If you’re of an open mind, Brussels can pull you in. Weather, taxes, and bureaucracy be damned. I have a thing for quirky places, and Brussels fits the bill. This article shines a light on why and how that place can pull people in, and not let them go. I bet that woman is still in Brussels…

I had to make a fast dash to the grocery store tonight, and as I drove out, I saw a gorgeous, huge full moon coming over the horizon. The big bright ball, and the snap of the cold air heralds the approach of winter. And heck, maybe a little snow in these parts.

From High Eagle:

In life, many thoughts are born in the course of a moment, an hour, a day. Some are dreams, some visions. Often, we are unable to distinguish between them. To some, they are the same; however, not all dreams are visions. Much energy is lost in fanciful dreams that never bear fruit. But visions are messages from the Great Spirit, each for a different purpose in life. Consequently, one person’s vision may not be that of another. To have a vision, one must be prepared to receive it, and when it comes, to accept it. Thus when these inner urges become reality, only then can visions be fulfilled. The spiritual side of life knows everyone’s heart and who to trust. How could a vision ever be given to someone to harbor if that person could not be trusted to carry it out. The message is simple: commitment precedes vision.

From Hobbes (this one, not the other):

I think we dream so we don’t have to be apart so long. If we’re in each others dreams, we can be together all the time.

What gives you goosebumps? A thought, a touch, a kiss? Words, music, blue skies? This quote always does it…

The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die.

What are you dreaming about on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon? Something? Someone? Whatever it is, keep dreaming.

A very wise friend said something to me this morning about Black Friday (one of the busiest shopping days of the year)–why wait for one day to buy your gifts? If you feel the urge another day, why not go with it?

My friend is a Zen master.

I just remembered what I was doing this time last Friday night. I was dancing at the disco in this restaurant in Brussels. It had been awhile since I danced like that. It was freeing, refreshing.

You should treat yourself every so often. You do for others, so why not give a little to yourself, right? It could be big, like some of the items on this list (Tyler Brule is an excellent writer with great sense of what is, and should be, good.) Or it could be as simple as an ice cream cone or that shirt you’ve be wanting. After you’ve given your abundance to others, give a little to yourself.

From here…

“Right thoughts produce right actions
and right actions produce work that will be
a material reflection for others to see of
the serenity at the center of it all.”

~ Robert M. Pirsig

There’s usually one day where the wind comes howling in, blowing the falling leaves this way and that, heralding the approach of the winter. Tonight, it came. The wind brought a little rain in, and now the skies are clear. I stood out under a moonlit sky, staring out at the stars, and looked for guidance as the journey continues along.

Good night.

Today is the fourth Thursday in November. It is warm, unusually so. The leaves are still on the trees, bright with glowing reds and yellows. Families are out riding bikes, playing tennis, soccer and football. It’ a good day.

We should give thanks everyday, not just one special day. Everyday is special. We need to treat them as such.

I love this simple, yet powerful, message. Life doesn’t come with a roadmap. You have to feel your way through it.

If you ever find yourself on a long flight, you’re better off bringing your own diversions–an iPod, a book, a journal. Anything to save you from reading the inflight magazine or the SkyMall catalog.

Now, saying that, you can find a gem in that catalog. Successories has a couple of pages of motivational items in there. Most find them treacly. There’s one I saw on the way to Brussels that spoke volumes to me.

“He failed in business in ‘31. He was defeated for state legislator in ‘32.He tried another business in ‘33. It failed. His fiancee died in ‘35. He had a nervous breakdown in ‘36. In ‘43 he ran for congress and was defeated. He tried again in ‘48 and was defeated again. He tried running for the Senate in ‘55. He lost.The next year he ran for Vice President and lost. In ‘59 he ran for the Senate again and was defeated. In 1860, the man who signed his name A. Lincoln, was elected the 16th President of the United States. The difference between history’s boldest accomplishments and its most staggering failures is often, simply, the diligent will to persevere.”

Six months ago, I started blogging. I didn’t know what I was in for, or where I would be going on this journey. And the journey hasn’t been dull. I’ve been tested in ways I’ve never been tested before. Asked questions I never thought. Got answers I never saw coming. Been to dark places, and expelled the darkness from me. Realized new things, re-realized old things. Questioned myself and questioned others. Rediscovered the depths of my heart, spirit, soul. Saw highs, saw lows. Been brought low, stood back up.

What will the next six months bring? I don’t know. And I’m looking forward to the unknown. It scares me, the uncertainty, the unknown. But I have to continue into the forest, to see what is there.

The light fantastic

No matter the weather, it’s fine in Brussels. Sun, or cold, gray leaden skies. The city means a lot to me because I grew up and moved forward in the three years I was there. It showed me there was a huge world outside of what I previously knew. I am grateful for the time I spent there. I am grateful for each trip I take back there.

If you go to Brussels for the weekend like I did, you better be ready to handle the jet lag. Woooo momma, it’s hitting me now. My body has caught up with me. But was it worth it? In a word, yes. Brussels is like an old pair of jeans to me. They fit well, even after a year of not wearing them. It was bright and cold there, unusual for that place. But, that place is unusual, quirky, a little mysterious. And enchanting and special.

I’ve returned from my sojourn, a little jet-lagged, but refreshed. Details and photos will come soon.

I’ve got a million dreams. That’s all I do is dream.

–Duke Ellington

Take my hand, gently, and feel my strength, my soul, coursing through it. Let me take your hand, gently, and I will feel your strength, your soul, coursing through it.

Apple and iTunes have seen their way clear to add Led Zeppelin to the catalog. Praise be. I can listen to “Immigrant Song” guilt-free now. But the big one I waited for was “Kashmir.” It’s epic, operatic, and gives me the chills. The lyrics are as expansive as the land of Kashmir itself…

Oh let the sun beat down upon my face, stars to fill my dream
I am a traveler of both time and space, to be where I have been
To sit with elders of the gentle race, this world has seldom seen
They talk of days for which they sit and wait and all will be revealed

Timing in life is important. Sometimes we stumble, but that’s fine. We get up and keep moving. The timing of this post is good.

Many things I’ve been able to let go of, but this one thing, it’s hard to. What will it transform into? Something special?

This evening, I can fulfill two dreams. One is to run away across an ocean to another land. The other is to carry someone, in my heart, across that ocean.

I just figured something out. I knew it innately, but the thing has reached my consciousness. It explains a lot of things. It explains why I persist. It explains why I persevere. It explains my actions.

Now, what will I do with it?

Revelations are indeed revelatory.

Why eat foie gras, beef carpaccio and truffle oil? Because I can.

Why run away? Why retreat to some far-off land? To advance.

I was in the coffee shop this morning, looking at the MacBook I had to buy for a buddy, when it caught my eye. Ok, let’s get it. So up to the Apple Store I went, and walked out with the MacBook and iPhone. I’ve spent much of the afternoon getting it up and running, putting contacts, music and video in, setting bookmarks and generally marveling at the machine.

And then, it hit me. As fetching a talisman of the age as it is, it’s hardly a substitute for what is truly important in life. This thing I hold in my hand, it’s a nice gift. But greater gifts are waiting to be given, and received.

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My spirit and my heart feel incredibly strong, and at the same time, incredibly light.

I heard L.A. Lakers coach Phil Jackson say that this morning in a radio interview, in relation to the soap opera with Kobe Bryant.

Yes. While the storms life may bring seem daunting, overwhelming, you must be on the journey. And you must love to be there, for the lessons to be learned, and the treasure that awaits at the end.

This morning, I meditated. To calm me, to soothe me. To feel peace.

I could feel my heart, weakened by darkness and anger inside me, lift, become stronger. Overcome the worst parts of my soul. Overcome the sadness and the hurt.

Then, I felt a vision come over me. I was standing under a starred-filled sky. I reached into my body and removed my heart. I then lifted it above my head, towards the heavens, a sacrifice, an offering to the Great Master. I gave it willingly, freely, joyfully. There was joy in my soul, joy in my heart.

Thank you.

My heart and I are allies. We both know what we want and need.

My heart beats strong. It is an active seeker.

My heart holds joy and happiness, and wants to release it.

My heart always wants to bear the fruits of faith, hope and love.

My heart sometimes bears fruits that don’t reflect its true nature.

My heart forgives, and seeks forgiveness.

My heart mourns for what it has lost.

My heart yearns to give, to receive, to love.

My heart seeks to always grow.

My heart keeps me awake at night.

My heart is always strong.

My heart risks, loses, and gets up and keeps trying.

My heart continues to risk.

My heart wants to turn failure into success.

My heart perseveres.

My heart is expansive, it wants to remain open.

My heart sometimes runs wild.

I sometimes wish I could tame my heart, calm it, soothe it.

I ask God to stay with my heart.

My heart wants so little, and yet, so much at the same time.

My heart pierces the fog that lies silently over the morning.

My heart is strong through sun and rain.

My heart seeks.

My heart leads me.

I don’t want to face adversity for the sake of adversity. But if it comes, I want to take the lessons from it. Life makes for an interesting, expansive classroom.

I am interested in books by Paulo Coelho, the Tao Te Ching, the I Ching and others because I am interested in life. Even at my age, there remains much to learn. I want to learn it. I will make mistakes. I want to question the mysteries of life. I want to become the better part of myself. I want to give that better part to someone, to anyone who will take it.

There’s nothing wrong with knowing you need to learn more.

If you have not read the works of Paulo Coelho, you must. They are simply good, warm food for the soul.