Hands free

All you need is love

Basque in it

Escape from Mexico

Was sitting in the kitchen this morning; wandering through recent years in my mind, when I came to examine floating north of the border. As a Mexican American [never understood what this category - for what else can it be? - means or why we brown skinned folks need it] there comes a time when you are faced with looking across the border [at worst - to stare down across it, as if migrating north was a step up] and wondering if you are better off by being on this side of it.

This time of year we plan our holiday vacation; usually a new location in Mexico. In large part it's a way to connect with my past, to embrace a Mexican culture and heritage that's more pure than what I grew up with or what now surrounds us in Seattle [isolated to pockets throughout the region; growing]. We choose a Mexican destination based on what cultural events, scenery and weather [think beach and sun] it offers. But these wanderings are usually deep within Mexico; we intentionally stay away from the border towns or any hint of the merge from two countries blending into one experience.

Could it be, then, that I have repressed a sense of escaping Mexico? Could it be that I travel deep into the country knowing a return ticket sits in a pouch; taxi ride away from a plane ride home?

This is likely to be a multi-part post. Stay tuned.

con paz,
frank

wrapping

Every little paw helps.

Con paz,
frank

Head case

River journey

Water for the drought

Shower drops

lamp

Opposite ends

Our elders, our children. Opposite ends of the human timeline. Our most important , need for care always our concern.

Con paz,
frank

Report back to base

While exploring Saturn and Jupiter, we discovered two alien life forms. Full report: "Yes a alien, air is good, back to base"

Con paz,
frank

Reflective corners

Prior to fright night there was a gathering of young wizards trying to hatch a dragon egg.

If you look in the right place in the mirror, the child smiles in return. Con paz,

frank

Not a fright night

Short route for candy grabbing on this chilly northwest evening. And now we head back to the hill for local goodies.

Con paz,
frank

Adios tofu stir fry

We rushed to the Globe this morning, hoping to get my tofu scramble fix before the blessing of the Atrium. Much to my shock, the Globe doesn't offer the tofu scramble anymore, the time has come for a change of pace for the owner.

First, I need to recognize what an absolutely thankless job running a restaurant is. This guy likely put up with more shit than the average entrepreneur - and yet customers were begging for his food and atmosphere - during his run on Capital Hill. We should all be grateful for the service these little angels offer us, those of us addicted to the sweet smell of a well formed cafe [read kitchen flowing with great food].

Next, may we be blessed with more - not less - gratitude for these artisans. I've heard too much lately about how arrogant and pompous we've become, as customers, as a society. Seattle needs to be a great city because it takes care of those who take care of all of us.

Con paz,
frank

Go help the kids

I try very hard not to get political on my blog.  So many of the subjects we face each day are [believe it or not] non-partisan.  The core realities of life existed long before there were Democrats or Republicans - or the United States of America.  But the recent veto of a bill which seems to be purely about helping kids have a healthy chance to reach a healthy adulthood just seems like bad politics.  I have to believe this to avoid believing something else, like the person who controlled the veto doesn't like kids.  Yuk.

So let your local politician know how you feel about a bill which helps kids get health insurance, and a good chance at a productive life in America.

 

con paz,

frank

Free the troll

Yet another Soapbox Derby moment. No blood, good.

frank

the what-if bear

What if you received a letter from a friend,
and he said a few simple things in the morning?

Then you read farther and found an invitation to go up in the sky and look down on earth,
while drifting to a warm place without a name.

What if your only concern was what to wear,
because even though you're lovely, you must be discreet.
So filled a case full of favorite colors and...

con paz,
frank

Book choices

Bedtime reading wasn't something I grew up with. We didn't have a home library or even a library card. But we did have storytelling so rich pages formed from the words lingering in the air of our house, or front porch.

Years later we're debating what book to read tonite. Its between "The Rat" by Gunter Grass or "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman. My preference is "The Rat" to erase the memory of reading [aborted] "The Tin Drum"; a bleak tale of forbidden love evolving into national guilt.

Please send me your titles.

Con paz,
frank

Palace of books

You've probably heard me praise our library system before. It continues to give joy to all who use it to open their hearts and minds to knowledge. I started at the Central Library this morning, arrived via the 106 Metro route, worked on specs and now my gals are here. They met me in the red room [favorite space in this building]; now we're in the kids room.

Burgers and iced coffees later.

Con paz,
frank

Fish fairies

Love these, and their creator.

Con paz,
frank

D + f

Celebrated seven today. It has been - thus far - a splendid day, filled with kisses, gadgets, bikes, swimming and fairies.

Con paz,
frank

Washington Park playground

Its cooling off from 80 degrees - still a superb day - which helps all the children from overheating.

Con paz,
frank

Adios haystack

We had a fabulous day in Cannon Beach. The predicted 69 degrees felt more like 75, and with almost no wind it was a perfect day at the beach, gazing across the Pacific. Con paz,

frank

Slumming on Hawthorne

One of my favorite neighborhoods in Portland. Its a sunny day on a holiday weekend Saturday; beach next. Con paz,

frank

Add lemonade

Continuing our lunch theme, we added lemonade to the menu. Perfect for a hot day, outdoor cafe, post-20/20 Cycle visit. Con paz.

frank

lunch

Taquitos on a hot day. This is how we ship software.
Con paz,
frank

Butterflies are not free

In fact they're trapped in an exhibit at the Pacific Science Center. The saddest part was a beautiful black butterfly with a broken wing.

Peace be with her.

frank

Cruising Home

Remember riding a bike, when you were a kid? As adults, we have a few logistics to work out [pun intended] before we can just jump on and go. So I bought a 1971 Triumph cruiser from 20/20 Cycle; upgraded handlebars and seat to be on my way. What a thrill!

And what a thigh burn [ouch]. There's more muscles in motion than chasing a five year old girl riding these things. Since I only have three speeds to rely on, anything more inclined than a speed bump takes some work. But the bike functioned well, my body spunked along spitting blood [and Catholic Mexican curses] as I wound around the Central District, Leschi, Seward Park.

Viva two wheels!

frank

Cold August

Thank God [literally] for the warmth from my gals. Its been a damn cold late summer in Seattle, have to be creative to make it all fun.

But the real story is how much this has been a kids summer. Almost every weekend has been packed with kids activities - and we have one child! - leaving the following Monday to recover. Suppose we knew this kind of life was coming, and here it is. If you think I'm complaining, re-read the fine print cuz I am having a blast.

Meet us at the pool if you want to join the fun.

Con paz,
frank

North of Boeing Field

Is a community that almost defies discovery. But it's a great place to escape the serenity of our city parks. No grass or water here; instead the hard edge of industry to relax the mind.

Con paz,
frank

Plums from Wapato

More bounty from the Columbia City market.

Con paz,
frank

CC market and hot

Seems like an abundance of good produce today.

Con paz,
frank

Five lanes, and back

Today Memphis swam five lanes and back. She's learning to come up for air, keep swimming forward until she reaches the destination.

Having decent goggles is making a big difference, allowing her to see where she's going under water.

Con paz,
frank

Birthday Cake

Although you can't eat this cake, it was created with love. And the colors seem to represent summer quite well.

Con paz,
frank

Love in July

We're currently swimming at Lakeridge Swim Club, taking in a lazy Saturday afternoon. I mowed the back yard this morning, to ease any guilt about not doing any chores today. The work of our generation never ends, because many are suffering and can't swim away from their demons. We take our rest with some humility, knowing its part of the preparation for the great work ahead of us.

Later today we hope to enjoy outdoor theater at Volunteer Park, something to do with a reluctant dragon. Keep the fire my friends.

Con paz,
frank

Storm the castle

Not me, not today. I can be free without violence; seek peace without armed revolution. Today we liberate from the indoors; celebrating liberty at Golden Gardens beach.

Con paz,
frank

More Aquarium

The upstairs features a simple but nice cafe, and the operational of the big tank.

All staff were on best behavior today. Con paz.

frank

Facing west, new Aquarium

They reopened the Seattle Aquarium today; adding a beautiful lobby with a massive fish tank.

The rest is as before; special and a beautiful reminder of the nature we live within.

The otter exhibit is my favorite; reminds me of families playing in the water.

Con paz,
frank

More solstice: bump, bump

Every era represented.

Con paz,
frank

Solstice parade: before the start

We ended up in the same place as last year, near the parade start. Once again the kids were given chalk to draw on the street. Should be a fun day, si?

Con paz,
frank

Facing North

End of the day in Snohomish, with family. Con paz.

frank

Hands in colors

Grand-daddy and M coloring cats at the 'Kitchen.

Notice who stays between the lines. Con paz.

frank

Flower Head

Get bees if enough of them gather. Buzz goes the love.

Con paz,
frank

Orcas sunset

On the edge of Columbia City, after a belly full of brisket. Thanks for the bounty of our dear guests, from Georgia.

frank

Sideways rainbow

Sherbert has never been my favorite kind of ice cream, but there really is no such thing as a bad ice cream on a sunny Saturday morning.

This one was a leftover from an Alkai drive that fell asleep.

Sweet dreams,
frank

Just like yesterday

Deborah's parents celebrate 50 years of union with one this year. Since I haven't lived this long, can't imagine my complete existence framed in union. And yet, my existence wouldn't happen unless there was union with my creator, Our Father.

Let us always be smiling in the bliss of this wedding.

Con paz,
frank

setup token for Chula

Can you hear me?

--
frank[ie]
"I thought the only lonely place was on the moon"
- Paul McCartney

122.67

http://www.apple.com/iphone/ads/

Back when it became clear this was going to be a career, not just ski money [yes, I was a ski bum for seven years] I made a decision to pursue 'special' work.  Special is defined by how you feel, and in reflection, how others feel about the output of your chosen craft.  In biz terms we call this customer satisfaction, tapping the tuning fork until the hum is not your own voice but that of those who 'pay' to receive the output of your chosen craft.  Special is also defined by tradeoffs, as in it must be EXTRAordinary to take me away from what I love.  And what I love must recognize it without any interpretation from me; if I have to explain why it's important then it's not special work.   

Heading into the evaluation season; where nice things said translate into real [compensatory] dollars, consider what dollars can't buy.  You can't buy special work; it's organic and generally uncontrollable [anthropologists talk about migration mutation] to the point where only primitive artifacts remain from the original design.   

A special time for special work is coming.  Bless us Father, that we may be lead to the best, to be the best, to give the best with our chosen craft.  Con paz.

frank

Test post

guest blogger: words about peace [in a time of war]

My dear friend Lee has a few words to say about peace; about what's wrong with this ugly war we're stuck in. He's my guest blogger today; appropriate on Memorial Day [or so I believe].

BUT YES, NO WONDER THEIR CARS ARE CHEAPER.

Theirs is not a gentle culture ----------

But Our country is doing this in IRAQ ---There are more and more
publications about BLOWING AWAY women and children because of possable
help they are involved in-- toward unfound enemies...

Again it is easier to AVOID trouble than to try to get out of it.

Like the GONZOLIES problem Their cover up of what went on is worse than
if they had come clean in the first place...


Watergate was about lies --COVER UP.
BUSH,CHENEY, ROVE Will pay ESPECIALLY if more people wake UP!
Geoorge BUSH WAS NOT SMART ENOUGH To admit they BLEW IT, because 'they'
are still holding out for that 40 year 40% profit OIL CONTRACT
--BILLIONS in profits.
THEY ARE LETTING OVER 100 Americans a month DIE FOR. As COMANDER IN
CHIEF The desider can deside to have others stay and die .and no harm or
cost to him---- I hope the Iraq GOVERNMENT never gives it to
BUSH/CHENEY. Rove is the PATSEY re: this. The BIG MAN IS Cheney....HOW
MANY TIMES HAVE THE TAXPAYERS TAKEN HIM OVER TO TIGHTEN THE SCREWS ON
THEM IN BAGDAD.
The Tax payers are the PATSIES.

Stupidity + greed = U S A in Iraq.

Democrats and a hand full of REPUBLICANS (to be more and more) are our
only hope TO PREVENT A WAR WITH IRAN.....Please HEAVEN AND GOD don't
let it happen....

It is MADNESS cruel madness, that demands that every month ONE HUNDRED
OR MORE young AMERICANS, like this one, are ordered to be there and they
are killed and HUNDREDS more are injured.

The reason this slaughter continues is to secure OIL CONTRACTS. IT IS
NOT OUR OIL AND LOYAL AMERICANS WANT NO PART OF THESE OIL
CONTRACTS---HAVE YOU EVEN HEARD OF THEM ?

The lives and blood being wasted in IRAQ will continue in IRAQ as long
as IRAQ is OCCUPIED By an ARMY that they HATE and to redeploy out of
IRAQ is the only sane course to take..Remember Afghanistan THAT IS NOT
DONE YET.

This picture is great but sad, and it is not going to look so good if
this young man is a casualty ----There have been 3,400 or more deaths of
similar young Americans and est 23,000 injured and remember they have
no choice. They are ordered to suffer/die for OIL THAT WILL NEVER BE
OBTAINED. BECAUSE OF THE THE GREED OF SOME THAT ARE PUSHING THE WAR TO
CONTINUE AND JUST KEEP CONTINUING. IN THE HOPE TO STEAL THEIR OIL (
THEY ARE AFTER A 40 YEAR PRIVATE OIL CONTRACT PRIVATE THAT IS
PRIVATE......).
DO YOU KNOW ABOUT IT ?

WE DO NOT NEED TO STEAL THEIR OIL WE CAN BUY IT JUST LIKE ALL OTHERS
WILL DO. (WITHOUT THE PRIVATE CONTRACT PART)

100 dead AMERICANS PER MONTH MEANS NOTHING TO THEM. NONE OF THEIR
LOVED ONES OR FAMILY IS SERVING AS THIS YOUNG AMERICAN IS...

THE MAJORITY, LOYAL AMERICANS SAY END THIS MADNESS..

CAN YOU PRAY till you can vote....

May we all pray for peace. Con paz.

frank

Close to the bone

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10330397

NPR did a story yesterday on gangs in Sunnyside, Washington USA. We heard the story driving to pick up Memphis from school; heading to a library event [at the Douglass Truth branch]. At first I chuckled "that's my home town!"; then I was pissed off. Apparently the city administrator they interviewed believes [or so he implied] that Mexicans are the root of all criminal activity; that they have brought this culture to Sunnyside for decades [which covers my time there]. WTF!

Sunnyside was many things to me; but it was not criminal. And there certainly were not any gangs at the source of any criminal activity [trust me, I would have known]. Sure young people [and this is where I have a problem with the slant on the story] were doing dumb things; but to be clear it was both white and Mexican kids. Funny how most of my bad influences in Sunnyside were white kids trying to shed their farmboy personna.

So if you're inclined; send NPR a piece of mail and let them know what you think about this piece of [you choose] reporting. Con paz.

frank

Madres y mas

Dennis prompted me to update my blog; get some news out to our little world. So much going on these days; been hard to carve out time for blogging.

Had a great birthday weekend [best ever?] followed by a fabulous Mother's day weekend. Deborah celebrated her birthday in the midst of this attention [and attention she received]; making for a non-stop fiesta weekend. We started Friday morning and ran the activities through Sunday evening. Spa, Coastal Kitchen, Atrium, Easy Street, The Globe, Ballard street market; backyard fun y mas.


Oh, Xopil also jumped into the mix for his five year acknowledgment [talk about a pinata swinger].


Yesterday we were blessed to spend some time with Chula, hear her voice, be touched by her beautiful hands. She is sharing stories at a pure spirit level these days; have to remove myself from the day-to-day world to listen. What would I remember after 99 years of living? Hearing her Father's name - Louise [sp?] - makes me crave the time when bigger than life characters walked amongst our people. Deborah oftern shares these stories about her family's past; admit some envy.


And what further blessing than to make new friends; Nachum and Schulamith. They joined us for Mother's Day brunch at The Globe; our favorite vegan restaurant in Seattle. The Globe owner recently installed a new dining table made out of one sequoia tree, it's beautiful, primitive and necessary for this open format diner. Try the tofu scramble.

What did I get for my birthday? Lots of love; and besos y mas.

con paz,

frank

We have a new cat

Thanks to the great network that is work and email; we now have a new member of our family - 'Shadow'.  She is a beautiful, panther like gato with a stride longer than a Mexican border stop.  So far she gets along with everyone in our home, but we haven't done an over-nighter yet.

Look for pictures soon of our new cat and us.  Con paz.

 

frank     

The Orient and some stones

Just returned from a trip to China, India, the UK thanks to my dear employer, Uncle Bill.

It was fascinating to see the modern version of Beijing, pre-Olympics. The city is bursting with development activity, while standing poised to show the world it's best manners. One observation: for a city this large [population ~12 mil] there was virtually no garbage anywhere.

Bangalore, India was not the same. Where Beijing is orderly, clean and poised; Bangalore is a beautiful chaos. The city [and India in general] reminds me so much of Mexico. To walk around among the locals feels like a second home, all aspects of humanity spill over into the streets - it's lovely!

The UK was also lovely, but in a timeless sense. We had time to visit Stonehedge - which is about as timeless as humanity can get - driving through the English countryside to get there. The farms are beautiful landscapes shaped to exploit color, pattern and season. Compared to Bangalore, it's a quiet affair, livestock and birds make the most noise.

I'll upload pics later. Con paz.

frank

Virginia

After a decent nite rest was able to get an early walk in, around the town center. This college town is filled with many [as Ian calls them] Norman churches. The Catholic church, St. Mary's; is near the hotel. All of them are lovely reminders of our faith.

I read the ascension passages, from John and Luke. My morning prayer was filled with hurt, feeling the pain of children killed, whether in Iraq or Virginia. Help us Father please to move away from this violence, to be instead peace makers, lovers to each other. The children deserve our [adult] best, no? What are we teaching them? As someone in Bangalore asked: what must the world think of America?

The sun is rising on a beautiful day in Cambridge. Please know I love you with all my soul, heart. We travel together.

frank

Last week of Lent: Sunday reflection

We got up early and went to Vashon Island, to see Michael's lambs. As I understand it, he became a shephard by accident, starting with one lamb but now has several. They are lovely creatures, set on a beautiful farm in the middle of the island. The mothers are fascinating to watch, as they constantly herd the little ones away from the strange creatures [three humans trying to feed them]. Eventually one of the little lambs came to the fence and ate grass from our hands, nibbled on our fingers.

The voice [bahhhhhhh] of the little lambs is primitive, like a universal wail of an innocent soul. How could Our Father not hear this voice, in any place, any context? There is a connection to this past Friday's sister parish [Chiapas] gathering, where Jeannie talked about the lost sheep. Wherever we go, we can be heard, and found.

Tonite's Palm Sunday mass included a dramatic version of the Passion of Christ. Even in this abstract form, it's difficult for me to watch, and absorb it's full intensity. There is pain at the deepest level, to imagine the great goodbye between Christ and His immediate community. He knew what lay ahead, they perhaps did not but would eventually become fully aware of the dawn of His ministry. Until then, oh what sadness must have overcome them to witness the steps leading to the dawn.

As a greater, extended family we have suffered deeply the past few years. We have felt loss, we have felt troubles in many forms. We may have even strayed from the herd, unable to grasp the meaning of it all. No matter where we go, there is always a path back to the Good Shephard. One of my enduring prayers is that we come closer together, to be one family seeking the truth about our suffering. We all suffer, we all grow weary from the weigth of our daily chores. Let us be one in this journey, to turn the grey into bright vivid colors of love and beauty.

con paz,
frank

Last week of Lent

The quiet, contemplative Lent just didn't happen. Here we are heading into the last week, and I am a supreme grump. Not necessarily mad at anyone, just frustrated with the state of the world - the Iran/UK standoff is yet another reminder of how we still can't seem to [as Lennon put it] "give peace a chance" - and it's drag on our psyches.


But we are asked to stay faithful, to open our arms to the suffering, to feed the poor, to heal the sick. In this context there is nothing to be grumpy about, only joy in sharing love.

And love it was at the Chiapas party last night. Commented to Deborah this morning how it feels like a full blown ministry; Jeannie has been wonderful at building this sister parish community, the arc of love spread from Seattle to southern Mexico.





Went into Lent hoping to deflect ego, meditate on the suffering and how we can help ease their daily lives. Let's work on it together. Con paz.

frank

Get lost

One of the poets I follow recently suggested getting lost; to find uncertainty as a path to new discovery. This seems to align with Lent; to walk [so to speak] in the desert and listen to the words of Our Father teaching, every day. Here I am ready to enter the unknown, but also not willing to let go into complete chaos; is this not the journey of those who believe in acts of war over the acts of peace?

Our good friend Lee recently sent mail about "for the people, by the people". Lee is like a modern Mark Twain, an observer of the human condition from his family's point-of-view. He's lived long enough to sift the large grains of dirt out of an otherwise beautiful moment. I admire Lee because he is another elder among a decreasing few - they bless our lives in subtle ways [although if you listen and practice their shared wisdom, the impact is large] - kind and willing to teach us in the act of love.

So how is everyone? We've had [as a family, a circle of friends] a hard winter. Spring is here but there is much to thaw from, to release into blossom. Let me know how I can help.

con paz,
frank

our people

http://apocalypto.movies.go.com/

Having spent a month in the Yucatan; quite familar with this terrain,
and imagery. Even the blood gets due attention if you visit Quinta
Roo today. Reminder: this film is not for children; not sure adults
will stomach the violence, but true to the historic themes it is.

What's sad is how muted the Mayan are today; mostly farmers or
craftspeople living in a bad dream [tourist trap] run by the
colonialists. See Chiapas, or now Oaxaca for an example of how it can
go wrong. Con paz.

frank

crop duster

The plan arrived from the southeast; coming over the cemetery land as we stood on the edge of the farm property. About the same time Memphis was hopping cut down corn rows like she knew it from a far away past nobody had to remind her of. The corner well is still standing; not sure if it pours water anymore but the concrete has survived our place in it's history.

From snowballs to canyon roads to cut down grapes. Here we are.

con paz,
frank

calm down, please

It would be very easy for the Dems to head down a path of vengeance; to hunt down their enemies and drag them into court - as the GOP did to Clinton and his pals. But this is a waste of an opportunity. There are people still living in the streets of America; there are children who go to bed hungry or without a family. There are people without jobs. There are young people leaving K12 without a real education. There are elders who do not have basic medicine.

To me, there is no time for celebration as long as our fellow citizens are suffering. And to be very clear: both parties ran a very nasty set of campaigns; some could argue both sides of the aisle should have been cleaned out.

Point: Let's help our elected officials keep their eye on the ball; not wander off into destructive patterns which do not yield a better life for
all levels of our American society. Con paz.

frank

Near life experience

Blurry Saturday morning; there's even fog outside [to match the fog in my head]. Here we are, end of summer and wet grass not from rain [sure sign the new season is here]; put clothes back on the bodies. Look at yourself. Did you change this year? I was talking to Robert yesterday about how we can grow frommassive change within a compact timeframe.

This year, like 2000, feels ripe for a full blossoming. Thank you Father for trusting us with so much; stretching beyond our own arc; letting the soul expand to fill in the vast space that was always there. This is love.

Do you ever travel within your own city? Danny Woo community garden is a vacation destination. The Japanese aesthetic surrounds advanced gardening from complex people with simple touches. It looks busy from the street, until you start walking around in it. The architecture - mix of wood and organic life - blends elegantly. And yet the garden is bordered by an interstate on the east, the south edge of downtown on the north and west, and a business district on the south. You can't escape the noise, doesn't matter. Peace be with you.

Josefina passed us by on the way to heaven. She rests in deep peace now with Tony. What a great story. There are many elders, listen for their voices in the mid-day sun, right when it all gets confusing ["what do I do next?"]. We hear you.

There's a princess in the house; need to prepare the chariot. Con paz.

frank

Free Me, please

Imagine standing on the USA/Mexico border. You look at them as they look at you. Do they see freedom while you see slavery, or bondage? Depends on which side of this simulation you stand on.

What has always struck me as odd is how different the passage is depending on which direction [northward, southward] you're heading. Getting into Mexico, for most USA residents [almost typed 'citizens'] is uneventful, unless you're trying to bring a truckload of rifles and fresh cut weed into the country. In fact you keep going after crossing the border with almost zero friction, save for a few handout-seeking locals or local cops trying to make a meaningless bust an event [for dollar cash flow]. But heading into the USA is the grand sojourn, the right of passage journey made more spectacular with increased scrutiny applied to anyone with brown skin and eyes.

Today we celebrate independence from a mother country who just didn't understand the latest colony was not the same as those dark skinned people they previously conquered. We left their shores defiant, further empowered by surviving the journey across an ocean only crazy explorers and witches had the skills to master. And when they landed - this tiny petri dish of society waiting to mutate quickly, like a bacteria blessed with perfect conditions - the greeting was the first border encounter. One side looked at the other and wondered who was free.

Freedom is national, but it's also human in terms of natural drive to be unleashed from any restriction to complete awareness. We are species uncomfortable in chains, yet we have a long history of placing our kind in chains - real and virtual. I personally would enjoy spirited debate in the upcoming elections on the standard for freedom in the USA. Let's define it in words and actions every member of our society [again, not going to apply 'citizen' here] can agree on. Then we can move the masses toward this common definition. Who is 'we'? We are we; we are the people living in freedom, of some sort. Funny thing about freedom; you know it when you're not.

Bang bang; boom boom. Let the rockets red glare be bright in the sky above us; never to fall back down on any woman, child or man.

con paz,
frank

spank me

Damn hot in Seattle today; kind of heat where you can just go off on somebody [then say "sorry" later].

Quick poll: how many of you parents spank your children when they get unruly? Send me private email on the breaking point and technique. Results will not be disclosed broadly.

con paz,
frank

Smile

Great teeth. How many times has someone said this to you?

It's a funny thing : most societies around the planet do not emphasize great teeth as connected to great smile. I've seen fabulous smiles in remote places that had nothing to do with a recent visit to the dentist's office.

But we live in America and dentists need to pay the bills too.

con paz,
frank

4,500 Feet

Thanks to my Mother's DNA I am quite afraid of flying. And yet the view from the window of an airplane is like nothing else you will experience in transportation. At times it is so spectacular as to put you in the direct glory of Our Father.

Recently my friend Adalberto took me up to Friday Harbor [in the San Juan Islands] in a small plane. He's a new pilot; wanted to share the ride with someone on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. It was cloudless and warm; nothing obstructing our view except the bright sun.


The plane we took is made by a Canadian company, it's noted for being super easy to fly and maintains flight easily [because it's essentially a glider design with a small engine]. We travelled at a low airspeed but it didn't matter because the view of greater Puget Sound was worth the extra time.

The flight was uneventful [best kind] leaving room for the view to command our attention. What's not obvious until you have this kind of view is how much water surrounds the region from Seattle to Canada, and back. Each body of land [not water] is blessed with an abundance of lakes, rivers, tide flats or other tentacles from the Pacific ocean. We live in a region which thinks more about water from above [as in rain] while water below spills out across the landscape.

Lovely, so lovely. Con paz.

frank

Sixth Week of Lent

Note: this will be the last Lent reflection; next week is Holy Week; time to be quiet [if not silent].

uno. I lost my twin. His name is Frank Martinez. He's been at Microsoft since I joined the company, working in the Spain subsidiary. This week he announced he was leaving the company to retire in southern Spain. Now I will be the only frank martinez at Microsoft. It was an odd shock; made me feel empty at some level, like I had lost a part of my soul. Frank has always been there, we've exchanged mails over the years [but never met in person]. My friend Pedro has met him, apparently he's a very nice man, big family, originally from El Paso. Sometimes his mail would be sent to me by accident; I would chuckle [occasionally it was personal, and intimate].

We talked about a Frank Martinez reunion in the south of Spain someday in the future.

dos. Gospel of Judas discovered. Apparently Christ asked Judas to betray Him, to fulfill the divine plan. We shouldn't be surprised. Did we really think Jesus pulled a name out of a hat, to choose who from his closest allies would betray him? What's sad about this new discovery is how it probably doesn't change most folks impression of Judas; he will continue to be thought of as a pawn to Satan; an evil man who did a terrible thing to the Son of Man, then died ugly [hung himself] to preserve justice.

Yet what if Judas actually loved Christ more than the others? What if he pleaded with Jesus not to be chosen as the one to betray Him? Perhaps he agonized before Good Friday knowing the teacher he loved; the teacher who had revealed the ultimate plan would die from his act; his teacher's blood would drip from the kiss on the cheek.

It also makes me wonder about the private moments with Christ, what did his voice sound like, what did His hands feel like; what was it like to look into His eyes? He lead by example but He also lead by relationship. From what we can gather in the ancient texts His followers were independent, strong willed people. They needed something more than sweeping generalities to draw them into the divine mysteries. Perhaps this occurred in the quiet moments; when Christ spoke to them face to face, away from the crowds.

tres. Homework folks [work with me here]. This week bring your most inner pain to The Cross. What's the one thing blocking you from emerging as the brightest star? What keeps you up at night or what brings fear to your heart? When you crave, is it for a single thing [or wish]? Bring it forward. Perhaps you can't even describe it, but you can feel it deep inside. Freedom is there, waiting to release you. Bring it forward.

quatro. I have this dream... one day all weapons will disappear. We have only our bare bodies to combat with each other. Years ago I had this girlfriend who had a rule in relationships - if you have to fight, fight naked. Made sense to me, cuz fighting naked leads to better things :}

Let's give up trying to figure out why we fight. How we fight might need revisiting.

cinco. Buck Owens died. Remember, I was raised on a steady diet of "Hee Haw" and "Lawrence Welk". The influence on my adult life cannot be ignored. Most folks don't realize he was a great guitar player first, and continued to be throughout his career. It would be a small honor to learn some Buck covers, play them for Chula.

The guitar brings great comfort to my hands, a needed contrast from the keyboard/mouse.

ses. For better or worse we've allowed Memphis to become invested in the Miyazaki films; like "My Friend Totoro", "Howl's Moving Castle", "Kiki's Delivery Service" distributed via Studio Ghibli. The stories are so rich in detail [and nuance] told through spectacular animation, yet different than the Pixar films [both studios are superb animation teams BTW].

Deborah commented on how Miyazaki's films include redemption as a central theme. This makes me wonder about Judas; how he could have never been allowed to live a normal life after Christ's death [if allowed to live at all]. Remember doubting Thomas? What role would Judas have played after the resurrection had he lived; if not a strong ally to incubate the early church?

siete. A concord grape vine I planted on the eastside of the property seems to be making it. It was a hard winter, that side of the property is completely unprotected from the weather we receive on the hill [lots of wind]; but this single vine is hanging in there. Other than Chula it's the only living reminder I have of Sunnyside, growing up in paradise. Understand Thomas has vines from the farm [if I wanted a more authentic remembrance].

Sometimes I wonder if we can every return [as a family] to farming, living off the land. We're so removed from that life; like it never happened. The roots are there; I've seen lovely gardens visiting relatives over the years; clearly some of us have the gift to grow anything from the earth. Perhaps there's a difference between growing in pleasure [or peace] as opposed to having to survive from the garden's yield. A balance to consider.

ocho. Appreciate the patience in allowing me to share personal thoughts during Lent. So much change in the world, and in our daily lives. If it were possible to share these thoughts with every member of the family, I would have. You all remain in my heart, an extension of who I am.

con paz,
frank

Making it easier on the phone

Editor's note: a rare technology-centric entry until I can setup my own tech blog.

Have you seen the new Zillow site? It's a very cool use of Google Maps data, overlayed with real estate information. Unfortunately it best viewed on a traditional web browser, i.e. PC or [cough] Mac. This is unfortunate because some of us like to use our phones to browse web sites; and we expect even data-rich sites to play friendly.

So I need to develop a fix for this dilemna; create a mobile version which can easily [and quickly] be browsed from smartphone or PocketPC. Now here's where you can help:

• What Zillow features are a must have?
• Are the map images critical?
  
• Is navigation better using hyperlinks or scrolling down a long narrow page?

Answers to the above questions will help shape a prototype percolating in the brain.

Con paz,
frank

Fifth Week of Lent

uno. I would be remiss not to reflect on the shooting incident on Capital Hill last weekend. This story is sad on many levels; can't think of them all and will not attempt to cover more than a few areas.

One thing which occurred to me is how to interpret the rules of membership; specifically between minors and adults. Minors are essentially powerless to control the resources adults generally take for granted. Under 16 they cannot drive; they usually have little or no access to money and even if physically mature they are not emotionally ready to navigate the complexities of adult urban life.

Given all of the above [and more], there is an unstated contract which requires adults to care for minors in their environment - it's just what a civilized society does. For an adult to treat a minor as a peer is out-of-balance; leads to a breakdown of the unstated contract to seek the care of the minor as preeminent. So often - and clearly this was the case on Capital Hill last weekend - there is an implicit trust of the adults, from the minors point of view. When those teenagers walked into that house, after the rave party had ended; they carried certain expectations about how they would be treated. And their hosts , again from the minors point of view, were to honor these expectations.

So as the membership lines blur; where minors enter a world beyond their years, and adults are hosts to [essentially] children, may Our Father guard each to be stewards of a delicate but foundational relationship.

Now it's time to go off on the NRA. This man clearly had the will to kill but almost as important he had the means. The apex of his rage met with the tools of destruction; perhaps one fueling the other until it could not be contained. We may never know what set off the time bomb in his psyche but we can be absolutely certain of the mechanism. I would be interested to hear the NRA defend the recreational use of a pistol grip 12-guage shotgun. What sort of recreational activities does this sort of weapon require; other than pure destruction?

Christ was tempted in the desert; Satan offered the world, dominion and power over the world if Christ would bow to the fallen angel. Christ did not and we are asked in faith to follow the same decision against temptation. Yet guns seem to be the same temptation wrought on man to manufacture the illusion of power. What is a man with a pistol grip 12-guage shotgun amongst teenagers if not powerful [at least in the narrowest sense from within a selfish perspective]? What voices of artificial dominion haunted this man moments before he executed the will of this dillusional power?

Now the ultimate kneeling of my heart is to have mercy for this killer, for the tortured soul used to destroy other souls. Unfortunately I can't go there right now because it hurts to think about each of the young lives lost, imagining how Deborah and I would feel if it was our personal loss. Oh Father please have mercy on those families as they suffer so deeply.

And the vanity of guns extends to higher levels; when nations engage in war as a form of artificial power. Is power the opposite of peace? Is man seeking to control the illusion of power the opposite of peace? When a nation sends young men and women to a foriegn land to kill other young men and women, we load the weapons [so to speak] of abusive power. More to pray on.

dos. Father Harbaugh asked us to remember the homily he shared heading into Lent; can't remember it word for word but it was related to lamenting the condition of all people, remembering some do suffer, whether we like it or not. And sometimes those who suffer we may not like, or love. It's not going to be easy serving; especially serving those who are not whom we would choose to serve. This is conviction because it makes me think I don't have the right to be served; came here [existence] to serve. My heart should be beating to the drum of social justice; essentially the training I received as child to Chula. This was and is her life. Watch how she gives, how she has always given - even those she may not like.

tres. The guitar sits in the corner of the dining room. Why did it appear during Lent? This will be lifted in prayer. I want to learn how to play this instrument to express the deepest prayer; the wailing of our elders who have voices eternally calling out through each of us. They lived before us not by chance but by design. We can't run away from who they are or what they did on their best/worst days. It's one of the sad tragedies of our extended family, we know so little beyond a few incomplete stories. There are whispers of names and meaning behind the names but the whole story is a complete mystery. So let the mystery sing it's song; and we play music to pass it on.

quatro. Roman politics at work; at work. I was taught to seek leadership but question those who claim to lead us. Never take the command of a strong voice as final, or right. My place of work is the complete arc of these concepts played out; with characters drawn from blank pages trying to fill in with color. There is one good man in this realm who has become a member of our family through action as the support of each word. He has done what he says. I admire those who humble themselves before the priority of family - hard as this is on a daily basis - and quietly set it in motion as the model to follow. Again, this is rare in my place of work.

cinco. The leak stopped; thanks to Dennis and Denny. It was like Chinese torture; a constant flow of drips to drill into the mind and stir thoughts of torn down walls. Now we are [at least with this area of the remodel] at peace. Energy can be focused on other anxieties.

ses. Easter will be here soon. I miss you all. Can we still try to pray together; and for the children, fill baskets with goodies from the lawn? There's plenty.

See you next week. Con paz.

frank