one world

purpose: to connect, create value, stretch, and witness the mundane magical

July 26, 2012

new york book of mormon musical

Several months ago we heard about the "Book of Mormon Musical" and reserved tickets to go.

Our friend Jason made us breakfast on his rooftop deck. 

Eric tries a new drink on Fire Island.

The trip was a whirlwind flurry, full of interesting sights and good friends. The Book of Mormon Musical was outrageous, funny, irreverent, and sometimes tender. What else would you expect from the creators of South Park? 

July 25, 2012

robots vs. souls


Many of us work within systems where we struggle to retain our individuality, or humanity. I work as a nurse currently, and often there is a push to work faster, do more, talk less, to literally time our human interactions down to the minute, to be efficient. But in the corporate push for profitability is often lost our humanity.

I observe that many of our brightest brains easily become robots to a system. They are highly-degree'd people who follow orders very well. But don't do much thinking creatively, or socially - at work at least, or bring spirituality to their presence at work. 

And I refuse to follow suit. I refuse to walk out on a patient who's crying from a recent cancer diagnosis. I refuse to eliminate my greetings, or stop listening, or talk the efficient technical lingo above the mainstream's head, or clock in and clock out like a robot. Okay, some things I have to do. But the institution won't stomp out the sparkle in my eye. It won't stomp out the divine connection between people. It won't stomp out relationships. I won't become what I am not. 

Mythologist Joseph Campbell referred briefly to the biblical story of Jonah and the whale as the symbolic story of man struggling over being swallowed up by the institution - the large uncaring entity which is concerned mostly with self-propagation. Or the story of Star Wars' Luke Skywalker in the ship's garbage compactor struggling to not be assimilated in the mechanical belly. 

In place of becoming a robot, I defend my existence as a soul. I am conscious of what I value. I am conscious of the non-mundane in every person. I am conscious that sometimes the right thing to do is slow down. And tell a joke. And listen. And be there.

I am not a robot. I am a soul. 

July 9, 2012

joy in life's offerings

Life's treasures are to be enjoyed. Here are a few things from the last few weeks that have brought us happiness.

I asked Casey to make us something really simple, and he made this marvelous spontaneous combo. Simple as in: no sauces, nothing processed, easy on the stomach. My tummy was feeling sensitive. The most original surprise was the beets and squid, which we just happened to have around, artistically presented. I also loved the brown rice and quinoa, and colored carrots and corn on the cob. Warm in the stomach. This tickled my fancy in so many ways. Random but delicious and colorful. And a testament to the chef.
Tod and Gary visited us and it was fun to take them to this troll under a bridge nearby. 
Street musicians at a local street fair. 
We celebrated our birthdays at this theater's dinner and show. 
I have to say I'm very fortunate to be at this Casey's side. He has my heart in so many ways.  


Life has many diverse pleasures: a plate of food, friends visiting, exploring a neighborhood, a street band, birthday dinners, and loving partner. 

July 8, 2012

july 4

I only took a few pictures of this event at our house. Guess where my mind was?

Kristen brought these amazing "slutty brownies."
bottom layer: chocolate chip dough
middle: oreo cookies
top layer: fudge brownie dough