Letter to a Friend… NM

Wednesday, September 11th, 2019

My Dear Friend…

Post

Something for you to read, to lift you up, some personal news and pictures…

sunsrise xxx

Sunrise xxx

I like to sit at my kitchen counter and while morning, still a bit foggy with the sweet smells of my strong coffee being brewed, I look up through my window facing East. Just a couple of miles away are the Sacramento Mountains, the Lincoln National Forest and the glorious Sun creeps up raising her green flag for the day. Wish you were here…

Coffee time

Counter stools

So much has happened these days, months, and even these past couples of years that I don’t know where to begin, so I thought I would write you in parts the best I can since we have again connected. It will take more than one letter and more than one phone call. I never meant to lose touch, but the turmoil took over, and now, the storm has dissipated leaving behind a blinding brightness I had not experienced for quite a while.

House 1 xxx 

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20190909_161413 xxx

IMG_0615 xxx

It has been a slippery slope being here, but rest assured, I have finally embraced my present time. Firmly I must say. I hope your own curtain on this stage of acceptance rises as it has for me. That has been the hard part and I am not going to lie, there are still times when my head is bumped and… it hurts.
I have only been gone camping once in 26 months. I have had all kinds of excuses. Some real and some made up until what became real was the thought that I have camped all my Life since I was ten years old and now, well, now without any guilt, I am enjoying this comfort. I am allowed I have been told. The body has gone through exchanges of parts, opening passages for a better flow, adding hardware for maintenance and better support. Physical pain these days never goes away but it is tolerable.

IMG_0624 xxx

IMG_0626 xxx

20190909_161433 xxx

 
My humble little 750 square feet Adobe and green jungle which surrounds it has turned into my own little personal space. I never thought I would tell you this, but I “love” it here!!! It is alive, it is colorful as I have always imagined a home should be, even though I am aware it is a matter of taste. I have even lately bought a shampooer and my carpet is looking so fantastic being spruced up as also the feel of it walking barefooted. I mention that, maybe to you pointless chore, because it is such a far cry from living in a tent or a camper with a constant dirt at my feet! I am installing baseboards that were missing all around. Something I have been meaning to do for the past two years, and just that little detail has added an underline on the title of acceptance. A signature lifting me up. It doesn’t take much! Does it…?

20190909_162224 xxx

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20190909_162125 xxx

The weather is finally turning cooler and for the first time I have outdoor efforts to undertake if being in my storage sheds can be considered outdoor. As usual I am guessing as it happens with most, I have already "stuff" I have not touched since I have been here. It is that time to pass it on to another.

20190907_112418-01 xxx

IMG_0628 xxx

xxx

The biggest change has been mental. Isn’t it always? You and I have shared so much of it and have come through. I hope you also consider it a reality when I say "mind over matter". I know you will. We are survivors. Humble fighters.
I have been reading a lot and while my light bulb flickered off and on seemingly forever, it is finally  staying on more often than not. An amazing feat. Truly is. You know me, I am "one of those" that feels as it is our responsibility to, well, be responsible for our own actions, words, doings and included is our vehicle meaning our body. Life itself… My deep scars have been strenuous to carry as I have never wanted them to disappear, not that they would, but instead live with them and I have to tell you that I am these days surely able to. That is the huge step my Friend. 
I have enclosed myself upholding my portal to any negativity which could here sneak in, and, I have to tell you that this includes Social Media which I was regularly part of it for quite a while. Are you on it still perusing daily yourself on other’s pages? or instead only nurturing to others your prose cultivating so many of us? Those pages are now more often than not stored in my file cabinet. Not locked however as I might open that drawer maybe once a month or so while I never quite like what I am seeing, what I am reading for the exception of your own sharing.

QQQ 

WWW

I have become such an introvert and yet when I am away working out or food shopping the like of an extrovert! It is as a game feeling others, strangers, if they would be receptive to a "Good Morning" or some banal conversation about the cut of meat they are buying. Silly… right? I feel as I am part of a different tribe transplanted here and I am looking for others who would be like minded. I have not had much luck these days. I think about the reasons disabling to gear up and I come up with this huge wave of directives shoved in others faces daily, hourly. They are again the Social Media, the news, politics. Everything is wringing and choking people’s spirits it seems like not allowing them to think for themselves, to feel inward as I do. This might be strong but I compare it all to a flock of sheep throughout these peaks and valleys circling around and around. As long as they are fed controversies, too often idiotic news of no value only of sensationalism and tabloid journalism, even hatred which I can discern, well, they keep on grazing aimlessly that grass in front of them which is not even green anymore. They only think it is… So I have instated my own little World navigating amongst the other tribes. Calmly, with a smile, a nod and at times carefully but always now happily.

EEE 

RRR

I feel fortunate being who I am. I emphasize humbly not better or worse than others, others who might not feel as such but as they say, "that is not my quest". I saw and felt so much unhappiness, anger, a lot of negative projections, much “self-worship” [mainly, I might add…], all on Social Media, and my alarm went off a while back locking the keyboard. Like drunks who will not drink alone, the screen warriors are now in abundance displaying their numerous invitations for any to join them in their misery or be elevated on their imaginary throne. Of course, none of this is any new aspect. It was just “enough is enough”.

TTT 

YYY

"Happily" has been the big change, that big step. If my level of happiness was a 10 before Lance’s departure, which it was, it is an eight now and that number will never equal what it was. It is not okay but it is okay if that makes any sense. I hope you will be happy for me to know that I have finally surmounted the storms, those hurricanes blowing me back too many steps while when calm weather made their presence, getting back on climbing up a few. It works, I knew it would work. I knew it on November 6th 2006 when Spirit and I left for our Journey. The one with so many memories that replaying that reel would take me more than a Lifetime.

Spirited XXX

And talking about memories, well, I relive them more than I ever have. So many details from my childhood, my teenage years, into my profession and so much more are surfacing daily. How entertaining it is to sit under a tree up the mountain, lost in the Forest, and, without closing my eyes, replaying those past moments. I feel them so strongly. Mentally and I have to also say, as strange as it may sound, physically. I can literally feel my hugs with Lance, with my Mother. I can feel Spirit’s coat while when I pass my hand on his coat. Oh! What a sweet Creature he was. So gentle, so loving, honest and loyal. How fortunate I am to have spent those years one on one with him. My memories replaying have become so tactile and so welcoming that instead of sadness of my Loved ones not being here, there is a smile and happiness of reliving those moments always when I want to. I never knew it would happen and I have not looked up for an explanation. As much as inquisitive I am, maybe "that" is something I don’t want to know with the fear of losing it. I compare them to ghost pains you know, but instead it is, are, ghost hugs, a caress, a touch. So real… Amazing.

I leave you on those thoughts hoping to hear from you and will send you more news very soon…

Stay well…

Ara and Ziggy

R.I.P. Spirit [04~04~2018]

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20 Responses to “Letter to a Friend… NM”

  1. Judith Says:

    I am so very very happy to read this. I don’t do social media, but do check your blog, as it is always worthwhile. Thank you for doing it, and sharing your life and surroundings. So glad you are enjoying your life as it is……and what a lovely place you’re living in.

  2. Ara & Spirit Says:

    Thank you Judith…

  3. Fred Says:

    What a beautiful blog Ara. It is difficult at times to find the “positives” in life, and when you do, as you have done, it’s just wonderful.

  4. Cindy Stinson Says:

    I will never forget that first meeting with you and Spirit; he came running out of the White Elephant and immediately came to me for a scritchng. He knew I would love him! And you walked over for a hug although all we had ever done was text or email at that point. I’ve followed you from just about the beginning of your journey and I have watched as you went through several process and changes before arriving to your happy place and home in New Mexico. I feel as if I have known you most of my life. My heart has hurt when yours has. My smiles have widened when yours has, too. Memories are beautiful things. I believe it is a blessing that God gives them to us no matter whether they are happy or sad ones. They help us grow. Social media isn’t really for you now and I understand the whys. But were it not for social media, I would never have met you and Spirit. My life would be lacking. You have made a huge impact on me and so many others and for that I’m thankful. See you in October! Can’t wait to meet Ziggy!

  5. Bill Says:

    Hi Ara,

    Good to hear that you are back with us and happier in your circumstances. I really like what you have done with your house to make it a home.

    Bill

  6. greg Says:

    It could be coincidence, or it could be something else, but I posted an entry on my own blog just over a month ago pointing out that I have been working on remembering the joy and not focusing on the lost.

    As time goes on the losses pile up and, if allowed to, could suck the life out of what time I have left, and that’s not doing anybody any good, least of all me!

    I like your colors. They make me feel like your house is dancing.

  7. Rebecca Stamos Says:

    I have never met you, but years ago I saw you passing through our town. You and Sprit. I grabbed on and have been following you ever since. Your writings have been a steady line that I have been able to follow even when you were at some of your lowest points. Weird. I guess I care as one human to another. Take care, wishing you the best. ❤️

  8. Ara & Spirit Says:

    Hi Rebecca… Which town was it? Curious me.
    Well, yes, one human to another. I call it sharing… Never intended to be public when I started writing my Journal as my own form of therapy, but ignoramus me, without telling me, only after the fact, my Friend made it public. I am glad she did. A fairly large community of wonderful other Beings including you. Thank You. Ara

  9. john Says:

    Looks like you have indeed found your next oasis…

  10. Ara & Spirit Says:

    I have and I must say that it feels good. All good things take time… Have a great day.

  11. Ara & Spirit Says:

    Very well said Greg. I often wonder why am I still standing up while so many are gone… So we take it one day at the time and yes, focusing on the Joys for sure. Thanks You.

  12. Ara & Spirit Says:

    Thank You Bill… I enjoy it. Spoiled with the conveniences!

  13. Ara & Spirit Says:

    Yes Cindy! We sure go back a ways and I appreciate always your true Friendship. And Bull’s too… for sure. So many memories… Everything is a double edge sword and Social Media is one of them, It is up to sue to not fall on the sharper side!
    See you soon and looking forward to it. HUgs…

  14. Ara & Spirit Says:

    Yes Fred, there are times it is difficult when the mind plays those games and when the sentiments of “missing” create havoc. But, as we persevere, they pass and the joyful stage again finds us smiling. Thank You…

  15. Rosie Says:

    Your interior landscape is beautiful and makes me smile.
    What a great post Ara, now bring on the Ziggs! 😉

  16. Barney Ward Says:

    What a fantastic home interior you have created!!!!!!!! I love it. Lots of colors in lots of different hues. WOW. Thank you for showing it to me and the world.

  17. Nicky Says:

    Hi, Ara, I’m glad you reconnected to whoever you were addressing in this letter. By explaining to them where you are now you had the opportunity to assess the measure of your progress as it’s ascending into peace and happiness. While it hasn’t been an easy or always steadily upwards climb, you have managed it without rancor and regret- quite an achievement ! Watching you reach-
    … for one more answer…
    … towards another level of understanding ( people, Life ,yourself ) …
    … out to a friend …
    is like watching a wild thing that was once so deeply wounded that becoming rogue and alone was the only safe recourse
    become so healed now that you can comfortably describe what you went through, see it as a journey instead of spiral downward, and give yourself permission to enjoy having what you do.

    Stay well and in touch

  18. Judith Says:

    Hope you are OK. It’s been a while now……

  19. Curvyroads Says:

    I missed this when you originally posted, but it warmed my heart today! You sound so content and in the right place. Your home is beautifully colorful and cheerful, and, along with Ziggy, must have helped your emotional progress tremendously. So glad for you!

  20. Ara & Spirit Says:

    Thanks for writing. I did get very fortunate stumbling on this “home” which was “ours” for a while and now only myself. Someone did a nice job on the outside for sure as even the Century plant is getting ready to flower. And this is on their own as I have never watered any! You will feel, as I have witnessed it with many living on the road that a “Base Camp” is just a Human need. If you “have to” a space you can always retreat to. People will be people… one of the rare times I am faced more or less by society and the surprises never stop. What happened to the original design? If ever near by, as Colorado is not that far, stay in touch… I might myself take a drive up there. I am due… Stay well. Ara

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