"I'm going to speak my mind because I have nothing to lose."--S.I. Hayakawa
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Monday, November 22, 2010

Introspective Perspectives for November 23rd

In one's life there are times that are tailor-made for introspection. Probably the most frequent occasions come as we reach certain ages.

My recent trip to Arizona, and the Grand Canyon in particular, afforded me the time and place to consider My Life Unfolding--where it’s going, where it’s been. I sat with my feet hanging over the edge of the canyon, dangling over the abyss, which is not meant to be a metaphor about my life. Although, there have been times when it was appropriate.




I didn’t spend much time on the past. It was what it was, for better and worse. Instead, I found myself in peaceful, thought-inducing surroundings, where I could reflect.



I walked into places that made me realize where my introspection ranked in the greater scheme of life.



No great epiphanies came to mind. Until, that is, I took a hike along the South Rim of the Canyon. Interspersed with brass monuments embedded in the paved walkway, there are signs describing the geological ages of the layers in the Canyon, along with rocks displayed on small pedestals.




Walking east along the rim, the rocks on display were younger in time.



Every three feet I came to another marker, much like adding layer upon layer in millions of years to the Canyon, and year upon year to my life.





Finally, I came to the present time and a rock sample only 525 million years old.

That’s when the epiphany occurred.




Nothing like millions and billions of year-old rocks to put your 69th birthday in proper perspective.




Scram, you carrion scavenger. You’re going to have to look for a meal somewhere else.


Happy Birthday to me, friends. I'm glad you're here to share it with me.

Love, Gully

8 comments:

  1. HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GULLY. I'm glad we're both here to celebrate your day!!

    I can't express how much I love the 4th picture posted here. Gorgeous!

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  2. Happy Birthday dear friend. I know no one who has lived and is living their life to it's absolute fullest more than you. You've earned the rewards you're reaping. Party on girl, you still have things to do and places to see. I love you J.

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  3. I'm tickled to wish you a happy birthday Gully. In this last year I have had the pleasure of accompnying you vicariously on your trips, and have learned so much from you and about you. You're an amazing young (at heart) woman. Happy day!

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  4. Happy Birthday, Gully. This year has been some kind of a globe-trotting ride. Your photos and words have given me a lot of pleasure.

    I'll turn 60 in 2011, and have begun mulling over what I would like to get done, seen, etc. in the upcoming year.

    Using the "Gullible model" wouldn't be a bad way to go. . . .

    Here's to Gullible: Happy Birthday and Many More!

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  5. Happy Birthday indeed. I hope I have half the get-up-and-go that you have at 69. I really would have put you around 62 or 63.

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  6. Happy, happy birthday. I also enjoy reading about all your adventures, but the best posts are about your beautiful state. Envious of your lifestyle.

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  7. How about that for a win-win situation?
    It's your birthday, but we get your presence.
    Enjoy it as a prelude to the sensational seventies.

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  8. Happy Birthday :)You have a wonderful way of expressing yourself and I'm so glad I found your blog!

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