Part Three
A Prayer For the Low Times
Joan Lansberry
December 3, 1996
As I was mourning the death of hopeful choir expectations, it was good to temporarily distract my mind by watching a movie. Julia and Helina hadn't seen the movie "FEARLESS", so we watched that movie last night. This isn't the ordinary formulaic disaster movie. Jeff Bridges plays a plane crash survivor who left the attachment to his old life in the pile of wreckage. The only person he can relate with is another person who survived that plane crash. He senses he can help her, and together, they reclaim their lives. It was a good choice. I cried just as much with this second viewing. It was a helpful catharsis.
December 4, 1996
At one of the SCA gatherings, Julia found a book called "A Sip Through Time". She has since adapted the various recipes through experimentation, creating the perfect mead.
Slightly high, I am listening to "Delirium", an album by Capercaillie, a Scottish group which blends their ancient celtic roots with diverse contemporary elements . I await the arrival of Laura and Felicia. Then we will go to Lucky's, the Chinese restaurant, to celebrate the birthday of Anton's girlfriend Cynthia. She turns all of nineteen. I remember nineteen; such a time of potent awakening it was.
It is fun watching the people there as well. One little
dark-haired girl held aloft by her father had the most mesmerized
expression. She was just taking it all in so intently. I wish I
had taken my camera, so that I could have more than just the
mental picture. I got a small pair of sterling silver lapis
lazuli earrings. Laura got a walking stick with a wizened old
man carved into the top.
The fresh air and walking woke our hunger, so we ate at La Parrilla Suiza. The
before-meal tortilla chips and salsa featured three different
types of salsa, each with a unique flavor. Perhaps the green
salsa with cilantro is my favorite. The grilled pork with
chilequilles was divine. Chilequilles are tortilla triangles
with enchilada sauce, cheese and sour cream all melted together.
The pork, best covered with the chunky salsa was also ` muy
deliciouso!'
The worst of the crisis did pass in a few hours. We are keeping
a close watch of her, however. I kept to quiet amusements today,
and made one of my mandala doodles.
December 5, 1996
"You will be happy socially and in your work."
December 14, 1996
December 15, 1996
The tasks pile up formidable,
Yet in the midst of all this busyness,
I pause for reflection.
With a deep breath,
I drink in
the Serene Spirit,
And listen deep
for Wisdom's whispers.
Then clear out the clutter of my mind,
There must be time for this.December 19, 1996
December 21, 1996
sees not much,
frozen in dark despair,
it is the solstice of the soul.
In this cold night,
whence comes the light?
In this cold night,
chilled to the bone,
fear has turned me to stone.
Shall I be a statue?
To my knees I fall,
so painfully humbled.
Yet out I call,
I do cry
for Mystery's answer.
At first is silence.
But then I feel a warmth-
The candle within
has been lit.
This small glowing
will grow.
This small glowing
will become bright.
Hope heats me now.December 25, 1996
December 28, 1996
Continue Forward in Time