This Moment

Oh Deer

The night was hotter than usual due to an unusual mid October heatwave.   I slept with my four bedroom windows wide open hoping the stillness would be broken by a breeze.  In the morning, I woke early to the noise of trespassers below.  I expected to find coyotes trampling through my yard, but instead spotted a doe and her two fawn winding up the  hillside.  They grazed on my garden, and made eye contact.  When I returned in the afternoon they were still feasting.  I hope they come back soon.

Autumn

When Fall arrives in Southern California it's time for me to spend more time in the desert.  Warm sunny days, cool nights, brisk mornings, and a glorious blue sky.  Chelsea girl was in town from NY for a destination wedding at The Parker.  It was the perfect weekend for VM to visit before returning to Paris at the end of the month.  Many long talks, and laughs poolside, and in the kitchen while cooking dinner.  I took two, desperately needed, yoga classes.  The desert restores and inspires me.  I'm already looking forward to my return.

This Moment

Pondering

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything -- all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart. ... Stay hungry. Stay foolish."  Steve Jobs


Why is life so much easier to activate in the face of death?

The Age of Apple

Technology defines my lifetime in the same way machines, atoms and space travel defined others.  My generation is one of the last to grow up without instant information, communication and entertainment.  My life has been significantly altered, and enhanced by one man, Steve Jobs.  His vision, and user friendly applications brought technology out of the office and into every area of my life.  I was touched by his creations.  My iphone is with me at all times, and I rarely travel without my MacBook or ipad.  The ipod still blows me away.  All of my music in one tiny, transportable machine.  And the sound . . . amazing.  Steve Jobs' battle with cancer ended today.  In the face of death, his focus sharpened and his output the last few years,  prolific.  I'm grateful to have benefited from his brilliance, and saddened by his departure.  I wonder who will carry his torch.

Getaway

A 24 hour getaway to visit JOB in Ojai felt like a mini-vacation.  The ninety minute ride flew since I  spent the entire time on the phone laughing and reminiscing with my college roommate.  JOB and I always have lots of catching up to do, so the hours passed effortlessly.  We ended the day with a sunset hike in the mountains overlooking the valley doted with groves of orange trees.  For dinner, Cedars grilled salmon and vegetables to perfection.  In the morning I joined them for their ritual Sunday morning yoga class.  I haven't been on the mat in over two months, and this was the motivation I needed.   I was awarded with a calming bliss during Shavasana, and the desire to add yoga back in to my weekly schedule.