The Present Moment

Many traditions teach the present moment is all we have. What a challenge it is to really live there. Our culture is often all about the future. Sometimes we look back. Rarely are we content with the present. But it truly is all we have.

Cheryl and Mojo are doing a fine job of modeling "present momentness" here.

Here's an example of a guy who is not doing as well with present moment.




















When it comes to work and me, its always been about increasing productivity. But I'm gradually and sometimes forcibly learning to let go.

Jayne had a banner month! She is a cast member of not one but two musicals. She landed a part in "Guys and Dolls" and "Hair". She is especially excited about "Hair" since it offers new challenges. But she also loves the familiarity of the "Guys and Dolls" environment. We are being treated to "Aquarius" regularly as Jayne does impromptu rehearsals at home.

Because of the new vocal challenges she faces, Jayne is getting expert coaching from an experienced performer. Her new teacher is a New York City performing veteran, including stage time at Carnegie Hall. She moved back to Maine because New York's pollution was impairing her voice. Jayne has really been blossoming under Sara's tutelage. Sara has said Jayne is good enough to get into Julliard! Whether that is the best place for her to go is another question. But Jayne is understandably thrilled as are we!

As if all that weren't enough, Jayne is also studying for the GED. The local adult education department offers an excellent refresher series and pre-testing services. She also is taking an Algebra refresher class because most university programs require Algebra. Although Jayne never had an Algebra class, she is picking it very quickly. In fact she has come to a certain enjoyment of the subject. Not that she will ever actually like math! But she is quickly learning how to deal with it.

Here is our master researcher at work. Cheryl has learned she is what's known as a "scanner". She revels in continually surveying the knowledge landscape, unearthing and examining new things with amazing regularity. I can't tell you how many times she pops up with wildly different topics from the Internet or books. One of her favorites sayings to me is, "you just have to read this book!" Unsurprisingly her desk is continually littered with a wide variety of literature. She always has at least a half dozen web pages open on her browser too. Its a good thing she is a skilled and passionate researcher. There is much to know about in the brave new world we are entering.

We are patiently waiting for spring to come so we can start building again. Our house site has been sleeping since mid-November. We are raring to go when the snow comes off though. Our goal is to be in the house by the end of July. It will be a challenge given my work schedule. Ya gotta have a target or you surely won't hit it though!