MAKING VISITS: DAY FIFTY FIVE WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

How many of you feel you are part of a neighborhood? Have a sense of community where you reside? I know it depends on your living environment and the locale of your residence, or even how close your neighbors live. What has happened to our neighborhood communities? Why are we all bundled up inside these days? What happened to the block party parade bbqs playing touch football in the street type of living? Why so much fear of the outdoors, the streets, the neighbors, intruders, strangers, walkers, animals, insects, explorers. Shame on your media, shame on you United State of America. Of course there are parts of this country where there are neighborhood traditions and openness to roam and play, but the invention of video games, computers, cell phones, and the television has truly caused the demise of our neighborhood energy and celebration. Due to lack of playing freely has resulted in the scalping of our nations voice, courage, knowledge, and dedicated work ethic that should be the foundation of a strong, loving world that we CAN and SHOULD enjoy the fullest. I know I have transformed through the technology age getting into the HERMIT MODE of living, even spending some days inside ALL DAY. There is so much the world has to offer with the Light-filled places to play, parks to hike in, mountains to climb, and cities to be discovered. People we have to GET OUTSIDE more, take the time to seek out others face2face, human contact/interaction can be so fulfilling, especially with our youth and wise elders. When I was old enough to enjoy and appreciate it I made the initiative to leave my Nintendo and board games for a bit, and discover some of my elderly neighbors by making consistent house calls in their homes for a warm tea/candy/cookie chat, or even a long sharing storied lunch. These were times where I felt free, honored/appreciated, allowing my caring creative curiosity to seek out wonderful memories from my elders. These were sweet grannies and grandpas that opened up their homes, kitchens, and living rooms to a young lost, but loving young man-boy that enjoyed yumminess and fun stories. Then as I got older my mama joined and volunteered for the wonderful program of Hospice. She was assigned to families where someone was given less than 6months to live. Whatever the situation she would come in and be a stress-reliever (shopping, visiting), a listener, a helper, and good quality humble visitor bringing love and support. Sometimes she would bring lil ol me with her to enjoy the festivities or to bring a bright filled spirit to the party. There is someone though that will be remembered in the hearts of my mama and I FOREVER, and that is ALICE. Alice was close to 90 I believe when we first met, and we were brought to her home since her husband (name not coming NOW) was put into the Hospice program. Alice was filled with such creative sweet loving Light. She painted, she cooked, she had a funny fascination/connection with pigs, and she loved to share stories. Wish I was more alert and aware of her amazing presence when I was with her, since I would have documented/absorbed more of who she was, where she had gone, and all the beauty she possessed. That's ok though since what I do have within me is a wonderful example of a true amazing woman who lived life to fullest. She loved to explore and boy she could travel. She hopped on charter vessels in Asia and would even bring a little California to the gardens of Europe by planting California Poppies secretly in places that would shine with Golden State Delight. She made the most delicious sandwiches and could entertain with the best of them. Down from her apartment balcony where we would have our lunches stood tall bamboo she returned with from Asia wyears ago. It was overflowing with abundance and decorating the parking spaces of Leisure World. Holding and celebrating space with those that you cherish and respect is so fulfilling. Listening and learning from your elders and realizing the strength and courage of past generations and how they managed,maintained, built, created, and lived LIFE on their own terms, is a true gift. Seek out grounded wisdom, take your time with it, spread your wings with intention, and soar like no other time in your life. OPEN, RELEASE, OPEN WIDER, REJOICE- rvb