and people are just to much for me to face
I climb way up to the top of (Sanctuary Too. My truck and camper)
and all my cares just drift into space.
Up on the Roof
Sung by the Drifters
Lyrics by Carole King and Gerry Goffin
Face it, we’re not living in the “Leave it to Beaver” or “Ozzie and Harriet” or even the law and order sitcom “The Andy Griffith Show” days anymore. We have more concerns than worrying about Opie Taylor getting caught in a lie.
Going about ones business has gotten more complicated. Life is as not simple as it once seems to be. To quote George Clooney from “O’Brother Where Art Though”
“Damn! We’re in a tight spot!”
On the international scale there’s:
A daily climate change calamity. Flash floods, wildfires and dust storms. OY VEY!
The never-ending Covid Pandemic.
A rise in chest thumping Nationalism leading to a Russian invasion of Ukraine. Thus triggering all sorts of shortages and further disruption of international trade. Plus the human misery toll of needless death and destruction. All of this to fulfill another tyrant’s ambitions. (There sure seems to be a lot more tyrants these days too.)
On the National scene:
Speaking of tyrants.
Trump the Loser who won’t admit as much, orchestrating the demise of democracy. Facts be damned. I want it my way. Sadly enough, a majority of Republicans kiss his ring and go along with this wayward unreality TV show. I can’t wait to see the new Treasury Bills. “In Trump We Trust.”
And furthermore:
The overturning of Roe vs. Wade. Gun owners now have more rights than women.
Hyper inflation.
The now hairline fracture between separation of church and state.
And the Merican Way of Gun Violence.
And now on the personal front:
Back in August 2019, I gave up the Homeless by Choice lifestyle because…well, i was getting lonely out there. Upon setting up a basecamp in Durango, CO I sought guidance from that NY Times bestseller, “A How To Guide for a Wandering Wondering Jew to Meet Fellow Humans.”
Chapter One: Immerse yourself in local events.
So I did and still do with a Covid timeout in between.
I’ve attended: an Earth Day Celebration, the Dandelion Festival, Animas River Days, A Taste of Durango, San Juan Brew Festival (twice), Multitudes of Green Drinks, Durango Film Festival (twice), Bike Durango film and silent auction, a Celtic Festival, iAM Music concerts in Buckley Park, a Durango Trails 2000 Fundraiser ETC, ETC.
I people watch , smile at the many strangers and generally enjoy myself. Yet, I’m not making any newbie connections.
Chapter Two: Become a volunteer for non-profit organizations.
I do and did that too.
Book schlepper for the Friends of the Library book sales. When I’m on the job, I’ll exchange stories/quips with the other hard working volunteers. When the gig is over, I limp away with a sore back and still feeling socially unfulfilled.
Tree Planter and Fen Restoration Helper for the Mountain Studies Institute. (See above for results, plus multiple bloody lacerations.)
Forest Ambassador for the San Juan Mountain Association. I like this gig. I get to schmooze with mostly Pilgrim Hikers about Leave No Trace ethics. When I notice their lack of water, food and warm, dry clothes. I break open my BIGLY day backpack. I’ll display to the neophytes what I’m carrying if Mother Nature throws me a four-seam high-heat fastball.
To spot a Pilgrim, check the socks. Cotton=Rookie.
La Plata County Democrats Fundraiser. I was the guest bartender. Between giving ample pours, many smiles and pounds of Cutie oranges (there’s a lot of scurvy going around) I spoke to my fellow liberals. Social Result? Same as the above.
I commiserated with a Buddy of mine, he said, “Jeff! Don’t take it personally. It’s a sign of our times.”
Another friend said it all so succinctly when describing a couple we mutually know. “They’re in their own there.” Meaning? In their own world. No need for outside intrusions.
But I do take it personally.
Fortunately, the other reason I moved to Durango was for its Four Corner, Colorado Plateau epicenter location to Jeffie’s Happy Places. No matter which direction I point Sanctuary Too, there’s a Jeffie Happy Place: Mountains, canyons, wilderness areas, National Parks and Monuments. It’s all within a half day’s drive of my Durango basecamp. Perfect.
I don’t feel so alone when my needs are met. Solitude, Silence, Scenery=Serenity.
BUT! I’m pleased to report, I introduced Kwanhanumas to Durango. It was a rousing success. We even had Belly Dancers.
Baby steps. Baby steps. Maybe one day, folks will ask me to join them for Happy Hour.
Until then, when I’m in a tight spot, I’ll go camping.
All the above photos were taken from Jeffie’s Happy Places.
Gorgeous photos, Jeff! A disappointing spring/summer. Had my left knee replaced. Good until, on the exact day I was 3 months out from that, I partially ruptured the patellar tendon in that same knee. Six-nine months in a brace. Grrr. To add injury to injury, I then fell and compression-fractured a vertebra in my thoracic spine. Instant 1" shorter. Eight weeks to hopefully heal that. Your happy place pictures are balm for my confined body and soul. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteLoved the photos. Life has been less social for Bob & me, too, since COVID began. But I count participating in group activities as a social connection (even without connections with those same people at other times/places), tho Happy Hours with friends is one of the best!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the happy places and beautiful photos. I now have Covid so it is still out there. I will keep Enjoying my happy place and sleeping away. Thanks for your contributions to southern Colorado. See ya soon
ReplyDeleteI think it is incredible and wonderful how you nurture yourself through hard times with your portable sanctuary. For me, your photos depict peace, serenity, beauty and a deep love for nature. How great is that? I think you can relate to many of Cat Stevens' songs. "Morning has Broken" and with the one below, your drink is pale ale and the camper your baby. :)
ReplyDelete"Miles from nowhere
Guess I'll take my time
Oh yeah, to reach there
Look up at the mountain, mmm
I have to climb
Oh yeah, to reach there
Lord, my body has been a good friend
But I won't need it when I reach the end
Miles from nowhere
I guess I'll take my time
Oh yeah, to reach there
I creep through the valleys
And I grope through the woods
'Cause I know when I find it, my honey
It's gonna make me feel good
I love everything
So don't it make you feel sad
'Cause I'll drink to you, my baby
I'll think to that, yes, I'll think to that
Miles from nowhere
Not a soul in sight
Oh yeah, but it's alright
I have my freedom
I can make my own rules
Oh yes, the ones that I choose
Lord, my body has been a good friend
But I won't need it when I reach the end
I love everything
So don't it make you feel sad
'Cause I'll drink to you, my baby
I'll sing to that, yes, I'll think to that
Oh, I'll think to that
Miles from nowhere
Guess I'll take my time
Oh yeah, to reach there"