Thoughts Provoked

When it blows,

how noisy

the mountain wind!

but when it blows not,

where will it have gone?

Zen Waka

Choices

In my dream I saw two boats on the nearby shore

One boat was heading east and the other, to the west.

I was overcome with the choice that lay before me

and guidance was no where to be found.

In despair I left the shore and walked into the woods to clear my head.

As I pondered my dilemma, I came to a place where there were two paths before me.

I thoughtfully considered the possibilities of each direction

but alas indecision sent me back from where I came.
In the mentality of a spoiled child, I cursed life for its cruelty,

for if life were fair I would not have to choose only one direction.

At that thought, I found the insight that previously eluded me,

for it is the journey that shapes who we are and not the other way around.

With Eyes Wide Open

The first step for making your dreams come true is to wake up.

Sage Advice

Something I learned from a wise sailor:

Exposed breasts are very important on a mermaid. A topless woman was the only thing I've ever read from old sailing superstition that could cause perfect winds at sea. There were many rituals that could cause more wind, like whistling or scratching the back stay, but they could go too far and bring on a storm so were considered bad luck. But a exposed breast was always associated with perfect winds. That's why sailing ships had bare breasted figureheads.

Good to know!

Bottoms Up!

Happy Birthday America. You look m-a-r-v-l-e-o-u-s!