“Rat-Race” Return Rejections

“A person who is in a constant rat race seldom has time to think whether or not he is living his life properly” (Sunday Adelaja)

An important part of planning for our road trips involves a serious consideration of readjustment to real life routines upon returning home. For our 2019 spring marathon, fond memories of our relaxing stays in outlying areas of Colorado, Utah, California, and Arizona could thus quickly vanish in facing again the hectic,“rat race” lifestyle to survive daily crisis in urban South Florida.

Yet keeping in touch with a support group by phone or email typically pays dividends for us in avoiding such “real life” calamities which can disrupt our travel enjoyment. This year, in particular, a quick inspection of our condo by a trusting neighbor raised “red flags” to us for a timely replacement for our dying, central air conditioner two days prior to our scheduled road trip return. Accordingly, the willingness of a family friend to inform us about impending, medical decisions in our immediate families enabled us to quickly spring into action from afar to assist in helping them obtain proper treatment care.

On a more personal level, our time tested preoccupation to plan carefully ahead on the road saved us vital time/effort for the last three months. Burdensome tasks such as washing clothes, shopping for basic food necessities, and attending to medical issues were proactively scheduled ahead of time at extended stay destinations to relieve later anticipated stress. In accordingly managing anticipated “rat race” pressures of finance management, medical issues, and traffic congestion proactively in this year’s home transition , we freed up more time in our schedule to spend much needed quality moments in the company of my elderly mother and father in law.

After three months of “open road” serenity, staying calm amidst our abrupt return to the fast pace of South Florida presented an intriguing emotional challenge as well. Daily reminders at each visited destination to prioritize quality sleep. make time to read, seek healthy eating choices , and appreciate nature’s slowdown seemed to be valuable lessons for also attaining a more stress-free lifestyle at home. You might might even label these “anti- rat race” actions stated above as our version of “spring cleaning” fever.

On our last road trip stop of 2019, we immersed our “now” attention on the serene natural beauty and quiet solitude of Cumberland Falls, Kentucky. I likewise aspire to live my life “in the present at home with a similar mentality of such daily calmness. In sharing below the following video/photos from that visit, I sincerely hope that you too will find more time/place in your daily life to defeat your own “rat race demons. I would also welcome your feedback on a recent revamp of my theme presentation on this Word Press website.

June 9, 2019 1

In Full Sight Of Injustice

Injustice – violation of the rights of others; unjust or unfair action or treatment.

“When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.”(Thomas Jefferson)

I live now in an era of troubling government times for my country. Why does heartless, family separation of immigrant families take place along American borders ? How can needy individuals with severe, medical preconditions be threatened with loss of vital, Obamacare coverage? Why are so many people in the U.S. disenfranchised from voting in elections? To what extent does violence spread across the country as a result of the daily hatred spews of our current, “Bully Pulpit” President?

With no surprise then, I’ve seen plenty of human injustice during the course of our U.S. road trips. Clearly, any observations of egregious forms of unjust hatred, bigotry, and violence AT ANY TIME OR PLACE cannot be denied or ignored. Exhibiting my typical interest in truthful representation of past events as a former history teacher as well, I thus present several, revealing examples of injustice learned from such recent road trip travels. I sincerely hope that your interest in this blog will thus spread mindful interest in support of this issue as the 2020 election draws near.

In Eastern Tennessee , I sadly observed reminders of the forced removal of the Cherokee Indians during their “Trail Of Tears” exodus to Oklahoma from their sacred homelands in the early 1800s.

In San Francisco, I found startling evidence of the unwelcoming presence of Chinese immigrants held captive at government processing stations on Angel Island at the turn of the 20th century.

At the Old Idaho Penitentiary in Boise, a brief tour of the prison grounds/buildings confirmed that burdensome guard rules and poor incarceration conditions fueled an atmosphere of unjust, human oppression there over its 191 year functioning history.

At a Civil Rights Museum In Montgomery, Alabama, I witnessed graphic scenes of Rosa Park’s heroic stand to risk arrest on December 5, 1955 in order to protest white racist, seating policies on a city bus.

I stood near a famous bridge near Selma, Alabama, where the March for Civil Rights crossed there on March 7, 1965. Gazing at physical mementos of this historic day, my heart filled with sympathy for these courageous American heroes who endured racist filled violence on “Bloody Sunday”

At the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, I admired the creative brilliance of talented black musicians inspired by their vigorous opposition to a U.S. era of blatant race intolerance/ bigotry prevailing in the last century. .

Along major highways in the “Deep South”, the Confederate Flag flew proudly to signify that past Civil War bloodshed incurred over slavery remains a dangerously divisive issue for our country today.

I close this blog with a more recent U.S. example of injustice in action. This past Monday, Carlos Hernandez Vásquez, a 16-year-old Guatemalan became the sixth child to die in Customs and Border Protection custody since the Trump administration began enforcing enhanced security measures at the Mexican border. Consider then, the significance of the following quote as the 2020 election cycle approaches. “I think people should be angry at things that are worthy of anger. Injustice is outrageous and deserves outrage. “ (Chris Hayes)

May 31, 2019 19

Finding My Southern Soul

“The mountains are calling and I must go.” (John Muir)

Let’s face facts. I’ve always visited the small towns in the American South with kind of an urban, “chip on my shoulder”. At such times, my childhood TV impressions of rural comedy depicted in Andy of Mayberry” and “Green Acres” from my TV past clouds my mind. How sad that I also tend to cringe at the thought of engaging in meaningful conversation with strangers of a more conservative, southern mind. I have, on the other hand, enjoyed the cool glass of sweet tea, fried chicken, and collard greens at a local country diner in a southern town. Taking in a dose of bluegrass music now and then or casual shopping in a “mom and pop” store has seemed equally enticing. Clearly, then, some seeds” have been planted already for me to obtain a “Deep South” connection to enlighten my travel spirit.

Perhaps a relaxing, encounter with nature in Western Carolina’s Smoky Mountains at the end of our road trip could provide impetus for a clearer perspective. Foregoing the ambitious plan for a full day of entertaining historical/cultural sightseeing in nearby Asheville, I would instead opt to embrace the simpler option of seeking inner silence/solitude along a late morning drive of the “Blue Ridge” Parkway. In spending “quality time” at each overlook, amidst the sheer panoramic bliss of these spectacularly forested mountains, it seemed that any anti- southern mind distractions seemed utterly pointless at the time. I thus encourage you to feel my version of “southern hospitality” that I experienced In the following photographic display.

May 26, 2019 4

Making Serious Eastern Headway

“Progressive improvement beats delayed perfection” (Mark Twain)

At times on our leisurely road trips, our days require a “dead serious” commitment to time/ distance within the confines of the long distances we travel. Beginning on day sixty eight of our present adventure, we now faced three, challenging days of driving along over 1700 miles total along the Interstate 40 corridor. You might note some symbolism in the following pictures as we transitioned from the adobe desert environs of Santa Fe, New Mexico to our next destination in the blue/green shade of the Smoky Mountains in western North Carolina.

Unforeseen travel challenges now arose as we soon became fully aware of threatening stormy weather forming across the Great Plains/Mississippi Delta. Routine rest stop visits would now require vigilant attention to tornado informational postings. Observing the rapid buildup of low, black clouds and high wind conditions as we continued into Central Oklahoma, we now realized that such extreme weather conditions in fact lay ahead directly along our projected route. As local weather reports raised further ominous warnings of extended squalls/tornado conditions, our intended two day visit to Oklahoma City would be cut short abruptly with a driving decision to outrace the slow moving front in “storm chasing” fashion.

With threatening weather rapidly forming to our west, such concerns would continue to alarm us as we crossed the flood swollen rivers of the Mississippi River, for a one night stay in nearby Tunica, Mississippi. Battening down in our motel room for a night of pounding rain in gale-like conditions, we soon regretfully banished any thoughts of remaining there the next day to sightsee in this historically interesting yet rain saturated, lowland region.

Our storm weary minds on this leg of our road trip would finally find relief in the picturesque environs of Knoxville Tennessee. Past weather scares in the past would not be negatively dwelled upon to impede the “joy of living now here.

A minor league baseball game in Oklahoma City provided a relaxed diversion of our minds from the fiery storms lying ahead.

Along the lowland delta shorelines , we witnessed a surreal scene of outlying land areas immersed underwater by overflow of Mississippi river floods.

A simple diner in Tunica, Mississippi provided a familiar throwback to carefree times of teenage, soda pop culture in the 1960s.

At the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, we observed a prominent focal point of the campus: Neyland Stadium. Built in 1921 for a seating capacity exceeding 100,000 spectators, this historic arena rekindled memories of marquee, college football bowl games played there.

Surprisingly, the gates remained open into the heart of the stadium. Walking up a steep, pedestrian way to the upper deck section, we obtained excellent views of the football field and surrounding Knoxville downtown.

Downtown Knoxville hosted the World’s Fair in 1982. Our walking tour of World’s Fair Park revealed a continuing commitment by the city to preserve the historic setting of this iconic event.

The magnolias were in spring bloom as we sauntered near antebellum mansions along the Tennessee River.

Our morning at the Museum Of East Tennessee History captivated our attention with an innovative attempt to present authentic artifact displays of cultural/historic trends in this region’s past.

Downtown Knoxville in late morning was bustling with human activity. At an unforeseen evacuation drill as we exited from the museum onto Gay Street, a long motorcycle procession caught our attention. Spotting also then a small park near the museum, crowds gathered in pro- Palestinian protest.

May 23, 2019 10

Santa Fe Sensory Sensationsw

“The rugged beauty of the Santa Fe landscape is inspiring. The vast blue skies and famous sunsets are deserving of their wide praises. There are charms among the unique architecture that I have not seen anywhere else, the organic shades and curves of adobe buildings strung with ristras and luminarias” (David Padberg)

Feeling reenergized by the cool elevations of Southern Colorado, Ruth and I now traversed canyon lands of high desert for a two day look at Santa Fe, New Mexico. Our ambitious two day agenda of this region would thus begin at Bandelier National Monument. Here we enjoyed a one mile hike through cave strewn Frijoles Canyon to view excavated homelands of the ancestral Pueblo peoples. Meandering by foot through the narrow streets of Santa Fe proper on day two of our visit, we would then sample the pervasive presence of creative shopping artwork, Mexican food delicacies, colorful adobe architecture, and strong religious traditions that made this city such a fascinating visit for us. Enjoy the following photographic display.

At the entrance to Bandalier National Monument, we gazed down at the steep river valley below and then made our way to the Park entrance.

Our round trip route beginning at the park visitor center would allow us to walk in the footsteps of the Pueblo people who settled here from 1150 to 1600 AD. Passing well preserved ruins of Indian kivas, I sensed the great reverence the Pueblos felt for this sacred place.

We noticed a line of hole filled caves jutting prominently on dry cliffs along the valley. We headed steeply uphill to examine these cliffs more closely. We soon found steep ladders that led to the openings of several caves. Strenuously climbing these ladders, we recovered our energy inside several of these caves.

Our Santa Fe tour would begin primarily outdoors. Driving past the carnival presence of “Meow Wolf” in Santa Fe suburbia, we observed a tantalizing assortment of fantasy sculptures.

Venturing downtown, we parked near the historic centralized plaza for a relaxing lunch at artwork-filled, “The Shed.” Our enticing list of food items of interest sampled on this culinary tour included the fried dough like taste of sopapilla and hot spice sensation of red/green chili peppers.

With an authentic cultural presence of Old Mexico” past in this city, Santa Fe Plaza would prove a worthwhile place for a slow siesta rest.

Entering adobe lined souvenir shops/ art galleries near Santa Fe Plaza, a variety of unusual shopping displays mesmerize our attention.

Spanish Catholicism provides a historic legacy in Santa Fe’s development as a city. At the “Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi” we took a breathtaking look at the ornate interior of this historic Romanesque cathedral.

San Miguel Chapel would become another landmark of religious interest along our Santa Fe downtown tour. Documented as the oldest church in the continental United States from the early 1600s, we impressively noticed well preserved, historic relics as well as portions of the original church walls.

The cool and forest lined walking route along the Santa Fe River would provide a welcome break from the mid afternoon heat on our city tour. As we exited our parked car, I noticed a serene waterfall spot along the trail to mediate in “inner silence.”

The roundhouse configuration of the New Mexico State Capitol seemed more like an art museum than a government complex on the last stop of our Santa Fe visit. With few restrictions about touring the Capital grounds or interior on our own, we roamed freely to view extraordinary sculptures/ quilt works here from the Capitol Art Collection on this visit.

May 20, 2019 9

Fireside Chat In Sedona Revisited

“The Nation that destroys its soil destroys itself.” (Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1937)

CURRENT ROAD TRIP OVERVIEW

The following entry describes our recent stay in Sedona, Arizona on days 57-60 of our current spring road trip as well as an edited repost from our Sedona visit from similar dates in 2018. On both visits, our convenient motel setting in nearby Oak Creek offered excellent panoramas of surrounding mountains as well as a multitude of walking trails nearby.

Desiring to get a closer look at “vortexed” mountains again on our most recent stop off, a late afternoon walk along the three mile, Little Horse Trail would capture the strong positive energy emanating from Courthouse Rock up close then. Seeking additional sources of self enlightenment on this visit, we would slowly settle into Buddhistic solitude at the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park on a remote hillside above the town. We would also make time for our annual stop at the Center for the New Age Center downtown where we scanned the vast collection of self empowering books and crystals/gemstone collections there. As storms moved through the Sedona area frequently on this visit, we felt content to spend the remainder of our time here enjoying relaxing free time in our motel room. Note that the photographs and video presented below derive from our most recent Sedona visit.

2018 REPOST OVERVIEW

I take notice here of March 12, 1933 as the date when the first “Fireside Chat” of Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) was nationally broadcast by radio into American living rooms across the country. In this telecast, FDR expressed sincere warmth and concern for the American family at a time of great, economic crisis. It follows that I could imagine him giving a similarly informal speech to amass public support for a “New Deal” plan to protect environmentally endangered lands throughout the country. For the content of his speech, I envision him powerfully sharing with his radio listeners the Sedona setting of mystically red rock mountains as captured in the following video.

FDR SPEECH?

My Friends:
I want to talk to you for a few minutes about a place of extraordinary natural beauty. As I stand amongst the majestic, red rock valley of Sedona Arizona today, I see an impressive work of “Mother Nature” here that should inspire warm thoughts in every American heart. Let me demonstrate why.

First, turn off the volume on your radio. Do you hear the silence? Imagine such a quiet place as I’ve found in Sedona that allows you to clear your mind from confusions of your modern day life. You might savor small events here like a blue bird passing by or a brief rustle of wind. Or you might breathe deeply then and appreciate the purity of the clean air as I have experience. You might gain great positive energy as you gaze wondrously at the crystalline sparkle of a steep mountain ridge as well.

Now imagine you are standing on a sacred soil of our Indian ancestors as I am. You must realize that these Native Americans worshipped the natural beauty of their western homelands in order to survive. Without such spiritual beliefs, how else would they have found food, water, and shelter? They knew no other way.

Gaze out your living room window and picture your yard or nearby street as an aspiring artist would. Would shades of color and nuances of shapes influence your mood then? I want you now to imagine feeling such similar artistries of nature in one’s mind as I do in Sedona today.

The lesson seems clear. Do we take our land, air, and water for granted? Take notice, my friends that finding greater appreciation of “Mother Nature” is not just your problem to solve but ours together. As your leader, I can reassure you that I will supply the proper machinery to help protect and preserve your country’s precious natural resources. So let us work together and carry on with confidence and courage to carry out our glorious plan.

MY SOURCE

http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5199

May 10, 2019 1

In Awe Of Creviced Canyons

“Come dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops Sail o’er the canyons and up to the stars And reach for the heavens and hope for the future And all that we can be and not what we are.” (John Denver)

On day 55 of our spring road trip, we left Las Vegas traveling eastward on Interstate 15 in mid morning. Entering the rugged canyon lands of Southern Utah, two lane, curvy roads would be a more challenging drive yet motivate us to detour for several hours to sightsee/hike in Zion National Park in the afternoon. Driving south determinedly for two more hours after Zion, we at last settled into our latest Air B&B destination in Page, Arizona at dusk for some much needed rest. Our next two days in this tourist friendly town would thus provide a convenient spot for exploring the famed canyon landforms and engineering marvels of the Lake Powell watershed. The grand finale on this canyon leg of our road trip journey spontaneously happened in our decision to stop along the Grand Canyon South Rim on the way to our next destination, Sedona, Arizona. Enjoy the following photographic displays from each of these stunningly beautiful locations.

ZION NATIONAL PARK

Private vehicles are restricted into the interior of Zion National Park. So we hopped on the free shuttle at the Visitor Center along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive to experience spectacular views of immensely steep cliffs along both sides of the tram.

Stepping off the tram for a look at the Human History Museum, I became immediately mesmerized by multicolored layers of ancient rock on a steep cliff opposite the tram stop.

We exited again at the last stop of the tram circuit to enjoy a short hike along the rushing waters of the Virgin River to the beginning of the famed “Narrows” region.

PAGE, ARIZONA

Spectacular views of Glenn Canyon Recreation area overlooking Lake Powell captivated our attention near Page at Horseshoe Bend and Glen Canyon Dam Overlook.

A leisurely drive north along the Lake Powell perimeter road brought us a closer view of the waters below. At Wahweap, we hiked down a boulder strewn beach to relax amidst the gently lapping shores.

Booking the mandatory tour of Lower Antelope Canyon, we descended deeply into a maze of spectacularly visual caverns. At times, the surreal rock and light show down there caused me to act a bit goofy.

CAMERON, ARIZONA

We stopped at an Navaho Trading Post along Route 89 on the way to Grand Canyon. Here I noticed a distinct nostalgia for the “Old West on surrounding murals.

GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM

We entered the the Grand Canyon at the inconspicuous east entrance along Highway 64. At nearby Desert View Overlook area, we ascended to the top of the Watchtower for breathtaking views of the enormous depths descending down the surrounding canyon. This vantage point also offered clear views of the Colorado River flowing wildly in its narrow chasm.

Driving along the rim to the west, we made time for a tourist popular stop at the Park Visitor Center where we hiked briefly to famous Mather Point Overlook. Here I focused my attention on the surrounding high plateau vegetation and upper reaches of the canyon.

The Grand Canyon holds great meaning for the long existing Indian tribes there. At various overlooks along the South Rim, I noted authentic signs of their “sacred” connection to this beautiful place.

May 6, 2019 4

Reviving My Vegas Mojo

“No one thinks Las Vegas is real; it is illusion, but visitors willingly suspend disbelief and pretend” (Hal Rothman)

“The secret of Vegas is that money is boring. Hence all the bluster.” (Jace Clayton)

Let’s face reality. I never will “buy into” the idea of finding a stroke of good luck at the casino gambling table. I’m bored with the repetitive task of pulling slot machines with infrequent payoff success. Dense crowds, stifling heat, and traffic gridlock along the Las Vegas strip seem harder to tolerate in my increasing quest to find peace and serenity in retirement. I rarely stay in one place long enough to consider a time share as well.

So why did I bother to convince my wife to schedule Las Vegas as a featured road trip destination this spring? To answer this perplexing question, I would observe some new perspectives of Las Vegas charm explored by day/ night on our current four day stay there. The following photographic display thus reveals eight self- uplifting perspectives about Vegas for me beyond its gambling reputation.

1. Embrace Changes In Self Identification

2. Behold A Welcoming Oasis Spirit

3. Immerse Mind in Sensory Overload

4. Leave Neurotic Fears Behind

5. Have Fun Getting Lost On The Strip

6. Seek Health Cures In Non Traditional Ways

7. Fulfill Travel “Bucket List” In Vegas

8. Embrace Illusions That Old Heroes Never Die

May 3, 2019 1

Dim Sum, Dogs, and Dodgers

“In Los Angeles, everyone is a star.” (Denzel Washington)

In spite of our pre-planned itineraries, Ruth and I love the idea of finding unintended surprises on our long road trips. In spite of the predictable annoyances of smog filled air, wall cluttered graffiti, and endless freeway gridlock, the greater Los Angeles area, however, typically provides for us a multitude of spontaneous pleasures. Seemingly influenced by So Cal’s illustrious, media entertainment reputation, three scheduled destinations on days 47-50 of our current road trip thus provided us with heartwarming episodes of PG movie potential in unexpected fashion. With such family entertainment themes on our LA visit in mind, I thus present the following, self made videos below and accompanying photographs.

Scene 1 – Cute Puppy Starved For Love

On our three day stay with friends Jennie and Tommie in Thousand Oaks, we found amusing entertainment in the warm company of their son’s Schnauzer puppy, Archie. Always demanding our immediate attention, Archie’s playful antics put on quite a talented show for us.

Scene 2 – Authentic Chinese Eating Encounter

In the colorfully cavernous dining area of NBC Seafood Restaurant in Monterey Park, we indulged in a unique variety of Dim Sum delights served off roving carts by eagerly attentive waiters. Seemingly oblivious to this spectacle of boisterous server flair, closely knit Asian families of young and old, dined slowly and shared quality time around circular tables.

Scene 3- Dodgers Winning Fever

With Clayton Kershaw on the mound in combination with a Bobblehead giveaway at the ballpark, we found good reason to purchase reasonably priced, upper deck tickets for Saturday night game at Dodger Stadium. Joining into the wild enthusiasm of the hometown crowd, we enjoyed the “nail biting suspense” of a Los Dodgers win in comeback fashion.”

April 29, 2019 2

Pacific Coastline Dreaminess

“To the shore Follow! Oh, follow! To be at rest forevermore!” (James Russell Lowell)

In our three weeks traveling south along route 1 in coastal California on the midpoint “leg”of our 2019 road trip, I’ve covered in three previous blogs the highlights of our featured beachside destinations. In the following poem I’ve composed with accompanying photographs, I now present a concluding tribute to a region that has again filled my heart and mind with lasting images of meditative goodness as a result of this unforgettable travel experience. Namaste.

In Pacific Coast landscape my heart longs for more, as there’s will to seek solace along desolate shore. As west winds flow so freely like trains from the sky, pay heed to young surfer for his wave lifting high. With eons of stones perhaps I’ll strike gold, yet just one tiny pebble can trigger my life changing mold. Let’s trod a path down cliff steeply to find pure nature’s thrill, and caress unspoiled beach in spite of dusk chill. These dizzying curves that I drive mindfully in motion, strike firm will to return, thus fullfilling my west coast emotion.

April 24, 2019 4