Political signs were a common sight on our August road trip, especially in Texas and the southeast.— Image by kenne
“You are never dedicated to something you have complete confidence in. No one is fanatically shouting that the sun is going to rise tomorrow. They know it’s going to rise tomorrow. When people are fanatically dedicated to political or religious faiths or any other kinds of dogmas or goals, it’s always because these dogmas or goals are in doubt.”
— from Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig
Cayden, Audrey, Joy, Robin, and Cayla (August 15, 2021) — Images by kenne
With the arrival of Robin late afternoon on the 15th, we were able to spend time with all the Morris grandchildren — missioned accomplished! This image captured the shared pleasure of all, especially that of grandma, Joy.
Cayla practicing her new found skill of tying bows
Kenne and Cayla in Backyard — Image by Joy
While spending time with the Morris’s, we were able to spend most of our time outside. When we were inside, we wore masks.
Images by kenne (August 14, 2021) — Click On Any Image To See In Slideshow Format.
After spending time driving and sightseeing in the southeast (as COVID-19 was spiking through the area) we made it to Richmond, VA, where we spent time with family (Jason, April, Cayden, Cayla, Audrey, and Robin). This was our first opportunity to spend time with our new grandchildren Cayla and Cayden.
“The Dining Room Table,” A Still Life — Images by kenne
In a little while we will be leaving Tucson, driving to San Bernardino to be with family as we celebrate the life of Virginia Chapman, Joy’s mother.
Since Virginia’s death, we have spent time reading Marie Howe’s powerful book of poems, “What the Living Do.” In a time of grief, her poems provide instruction for the living, one of which I share with those who follow this blog:
The Dream
I had a dream in the day: I laid my father’s body down in a narrow boat
and sent him off along the riverbank with its cattails and grasses. And the boat — it was made of bark and wood bent when it was wet —
took him to his burial finally. But a day or two later I realized it was my self I wanted
to lay down, hands crossed, eyes closed. . . . Oh, the light coming up from down there,
the sweet smell of the water — and finally, the sense of being carried by a current I could not name or change.
Virginia Chapman On 85th Birthday (June, 2009) May she rest in peace! — Image by kenne
What made Virginia special
was understanding that love
is something you give
without having a reason —
maybe that’s what makes
some women so special.
— kenne
With Virginia’s passing, the family and friends will not be celebrating her 90th birthday this June, at least not as planned. In lieu of our not being able to share her 90th birthday celebration, I share a video of her 85th birthday party celebration.
Virginia Chapman’s 85th Birthday Celebration, June, 2009
Beach along the Outer Banks of North Carolina (April 2008) — Images by kenne
Joy braving the wind and cold temperatures.
To Make Soft . . .
Words, words are nothing Feelings, feelings are everything Struggling, struggling to share feelings Placing, placing petitions of desire Door, to the door of your heart Shut, shut not the door Love, love will break the heart Scorn, scorn not what we do Looking, looking for peace of mind Truth, truth will set us free Explaining, explaining not what is real Complicated, to complicated to follow Knowing, knowing not our time to go Lifetime, lifetime is no time at all
This is a poem I wrote five years ago when we were on the Outer Banks of North Carolina (April, 2008). In a few weeks we will return for another brief visit and in Virginia — hopeful the weather will be better.
This past weekend we had some of our family visiting. The day started off with a hike down along the Tanque Verde Wash, followed by walking through the St. Phillip’s Farmers Market, then a drive along scenic Hwy 83 to the Arizona wine country where we attended the Elgin Wine Festival.
Five years ago, family and friends gathered to celebrate Virginia’s 80th birthday. Now, it’s time to gather again to celebrate. In two weeks the celebration is on!
“The Dining Room Table,” A Still Life — Images by kenne
Virginia Chapman On 85th Birthday (June, 2009) May she rest in peace! — Image by kenne
A Stroll On The Mall — Image by kenne
Beach at Toms Cave on 
Becoming is Superior to Being 