Don't stop trying

 "It takes some people years to complete something others master in a day. What is the common thing? You get it done when you don’t stop trying. You. Don’t. Stop. Don’t stop now; you’re SO close..." Satori

How coral grows: NOAA National Ocean Service Education

We ventured out mid morning in a major downpour of Pacific Northwest rain to support and recognize a friend, and "long time local hero" in our South Whidbey Island community. The church and gathering place for this occasion was filled to overflowing with the church goers who come there often and a few of us who were there for our friend. We saw many people we know from the community, and enjoyed seeing the photo gallery of Leonard Good's influence as "an out of the box science teacher", artist and mentor to hundreds of young people over the decades. And, as Pete reminded me as we stepped from the car to walk toward the church a pair of Ravens fly above us, witnessing our effort; putting in their valued 'two cents.'

Another friend, musician and equally part of the local heroes in my book, Russell Clepper wrote in the Whidbey Life Magazine article "Creating a 'Good Story -- Part 1: Leonard"

"... What he hasn’t blown up, he’s sent flying high into the air, shot it through with electric current, dissolved it, submerged it in various solutions, burned it, frozen it, built it, broken it or simply used it in countless different experiments and demonstrations. Students love to see Mr. Good walk into class; even better, they love to visit him at his shop tucked away deep in the woods...."

  “You have to get their attention,” said Good. “I begin one lesson on electricity by asking, ‘Okay, who’s not afraid to die?’ Six or seven kids jump up, and they’re not all boys.”

We, Pete and I, are newcomers to Whidbey with ten years of history here. Leonard and Linda Good moved here in 1968 from Hawaii, according to Russell's article. The connection with Hawaii between us forged a common affinity and today the Goods now offer us a linkage of malama -- caring for one another -- on a weekly basis. Most Wednesdays Pete drives up that road leading deep in the woods to help out with the chickens, split a wheel barrel of wood for their stove; or help with the various chores that need doing. "Side jobs" have long been a staple source of money and service for Pete, and over the long haul he leaves his imprint inimitably where he's been.

I got to thinking about how long it takes to find the groove, or track of destiny we agree to when we are born. Part of the incentive for mulling over that question is fed by my experience as a 'patron' -- a supportive member, to the artistic work of two women I greatly admire. Through the venue called PATREON, people across the Earth (with a computer) can become a monthly donor and supporter of creative enterprises. A direct form of reciprocity is set up, and in exchange for our monthly support the artist 'rewards' us with goodies.

For me, the rewards and goodies have come in the form of personalized videos from writer, editor, artist and blogger, Terri Windling. During the month of December, we PATREON supporters have sent questions of broad and personal nature to Windling and in response Windling and her assistant, Lunar Hine have recorded intimate, generous, and inspiring communications; windows into a respected and adored artist's life becomes a donor's gift.

It is another example of how the community of my dreams, and my choosing, cares for me and me for them.

In all too many ways the expression of desperation, exclusion, abuse and loss dominates our senses and our memories. And yet ... the journey of becoming human and interwoven being is a constantly potential path that is lived a moment at a time. Like the coral reef, that in spite of the worst of our human actions, builds herself upon the shoulders of what does exist, we have the responsibility to grow too.

 "Be like the dandelions, spring up in intolerable soils, dare to stand up against violence, and blossom into love!" - The Dandelion Insurrection: Love and Revolution by Rivera Sun

Along with these posts here on Myth For My Tale Bone, a story of unfolding awareness is growing in mythic fashion on White Chocolate and a Yama Bell. It makes for a very surprising and enjoyable version of heART for me to write here, and there. Like the complex and intertwining nature of what we see, and what we only suspect, the nature of heART is big, big, big, big.



If you are still hungry for more heART go here to read the latest installment of White Chocolate and a Yama Bell. 

Catch up on the story:
It started here.
Continued here.
And then, the latest is here.

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Malama kakou, Take care, all of us. And mahalo nui!
Mokihana