Hello, all... happy election eve!  Thankfully, it is almost over!!!

As usual, I would suggest reading the blog from the beginning if you are just joining us in progress :)


I'm presently in Goleta, CA at the Santa Barbara public library.  I love Santa Barbara so much, perhaps I will get to return here someday as a resident if I am fortunate.  It's been awhile since I've posted and there are some good reasons for that... First, my troubles/issues/concerns/journey seems entirely inconsequential when compared with those that were impacted by the recent storms on the East Coast...  Secondly, there is the matter of finding a computer (hence the public library). Lastly, it feels rather self-serving to just log on and blather on if I've got no real insights to share.

Last night, I slept on rocky ground overlooking Santa Barbara, Montecito, and Carpenteria.  When Colleen and I were married and living in SB, Mt. Gibraltar was in my backyard.  I rode my bike up it's steep face on occasion, and I explored some of the hikes and scenic turnouts along East and West Camino Cielo roads...  As I lay under the stars, the realization came on fast and clear that I am but a tiny speck of carbon in the great big universe.  My feelings have no influence on the rotation of the earth, the celestial bodies, or the vast energy surrounding them.

As I post in this forum, my words are entered, read (hopefully), and quickly forgotten.  I have returned only once or twice to my first couple of posts for re-reading.  One thing that I want to make clear is that I write this primarily to document, share, encourage discussion, and to illuminate in some small way the quest for a positive mental outlook.  I'm not seeking sympathy, help, corroboration, or validation.  If I have ever come across as a self-pitying downer, it was not intentional.  I seek only to speak my truth, not to 'complain' about my situation.  I mentioned those impacted by Hurricane Sandy earlier... these are people who deserve our compassion and concern.  My sister-in-law lost her father yesterday, and her children their grandfather.  They deserve our sympathy and love.  In my travels, I see homeless people and people who have been marginalized who are far worse off than I am. These are people who deserve our generosity and kindness. I suppose what I am trying to say is please don't feel bad for me.  My life is the product of my own decisions; some of which have turned out well, and others? Not so much.

I have had the incredible privilege of visiting with some of my former students of late.  Today I am headed to to Freebirds to see some more young men and women who are studying at UCSB.  It is one of my great joys to stay connected with my students.  On Friday, I got to visit Samohi, and I was even invited to guest lecture about my travels in Ms. Gasparino's class.  (They are reading On the Road and it was fun to share some of my own stories...)

I have a wonderful, healthy little baby granddaughter, two kids who are doing well, and I enjoy decent health.  All-in-all, I would conclude that I am a very lucky man, indeed. It matters not that I am broke, or homeless, or jobless, or clueless.  :)  It is what is, and it can change in blink of an eye.

Much love to all of you...