High Craft: Wonderful Stories of Yearning ... and More

I have just finished a wonderful collection of stories that have engaged me in all kinds of enjoyments of reading - "At the Mouth of the River of Bees" by Kij Johnson. I engage with stories - long or short - that resonate with that energetic space within me where lies the yearning and desire to Unfold and Become ... all that I Am and can Be. There are a couple of stories that I love, due to these terms of engagement, and all of them I enjoyed engaging with. Additionally, for writers and aspiring writers, there is much here to learn about 'craft' and 'techniques'.

In a nutshell, there are 18 tales, originally published across the span 1993 - 2012 (one published here for the first time) and their collective scope, taken together, is 'broad'. I like 'broad' in a story collection. That does mean that there are some stories that I may not 'like'. Which is true here. Even those ones I don't feel resonant with or enjoy as story I do engage with as writing, quality writing, and can learn from.

The standout story for me is "The Cat Who Walked a Thousand Miles". This story is a true treasure; and it would make a most wonderful (short) animated film. The central character is Small Cat, whose home (ideal for the tribe of cats who commune and dwell together) is destroyed by earthquake and fire. And so Small Cat embarks on a journey and a quest ... to find. Always yearning, and never giving up the heroic goal, through both danger and support, Small Cat does find what she journeyed a thousand miles for. My Spirit danced as I read. I cried a little. I can't and don't ask for more.

Similarly, the story "The Man Who Bridged the Mist" also enticed me to dance within and with it. It is set in "Empire", where all the people seem to me to be of goodness (this is not an explicit declaration of the story), and all communities are ones of goodness. Kit is the architect of the bridge that is essential for Empire and Rasali is a ferrywoman who ferries across the river of mist, inhabited by fish and "Big Ones" - very dangerous work. It begins 'quietly'. Then, it stays 'quietly'. It is long, and so I had time to wonder; "how will it end?". And the story progresses - quietly - and I wonder again the same question. Which intrigues me greatly. And so I let myself be drawn into the story. At the end of the story (which is told across five years or so) Rasali makes a commitment to her yearning - to further, And Kit also. Very beautiful. Plangent, with the wistfulness that sometimes accompanies our relationship to our own yearning.

Other stories are very different. Some edgier. Some 'experimental'. "Wolf Trapping", another high, is 'about' our understanding of other sentience. The morality of the scientist, Richard, conflicts with the yearning of Addie, who is developing a relationship with a pack of wolves way beyond the experience and comfort of science. The opening story is wonderfully Ray Bradbury-esque, and is its own trueness. I mean this as a compliment of lineage. "Ponies" scared me in the same feeling way that reading the classic "Mimsy were the Borogoves" did all these years ago. And more good reading besides all these named. I have focused on 'yearning'. I read it in other stories here too. But then, yearning calls to me. You may equally love and like these stories and not experience them as ones of yearning.

Finally ... to return to writers and aspiring writers. There is lots of craft and techniques here. I distinguish the two. One of the highest of the high, for me, is when a story is written such to tell itself and it seems like it is not through the intermediation of these things called words, but rather, it just flows into the imaginal mind. Frictionless. Telling. That is high craft. Both "The Cat Who Walked ..." and "The Man Who Bridged ..." were that for me. Straight telling into. Let me repeat. That such telling is high craft.

Be quiet and patient with these stories. And ... "The Cat Who Walked ..." is a treasure.

Namaste! I bow to and honour the Light within you!

Prayer, Art and Service are a Unity

Michele Théberge is a local artist that I admire greatly. I've seen her work - in di Rosa in Napa. But even more ... I truly appreciate how she understands what 'art' 'is'. Michele writes about art very deeply and inspirationally. You can visit her thoughts here - and I encourage you to follow her on twitter and commune with her on Facebook.

Michele recently blogged on 'Your art is your service'. I was inspired to write a 'brief' comment. And then ... the comment became longer ... and a bit longer again. I still posted it. And then ... after I re-read it I realized that I really liked what I had written. And so ... I copy it here below.

"Absolutely agree. Art is Service. Love is all there is ... across eternity and infinity ... or ... all there is is Love. (whichever one prefers.)

Myself and my 'environment' are a Unity ... since the Allness of All-There-Is is a Unity. Every manifestation (and all are temporal), from a galaxy none of us has seen to a blade of grass, is a manifestation of this Divine Unity. Thus ... when I interact with a manifestation of 'art', or it interacts with me, several things can happen - transmission, awakening something latent through resonance, and so on. Music, poetry, stories, art and more still me, uplift me, inspire me ... and more ... and always have since an early age.

True art is sacred service because ... we 'listen' (change our consciousness) to the Divine to create. And, in fact, it is really the Divine that is creating through us. The true artist is the flute, not the Breath that blows through it. And where does that Breath come from and what 'is' It? Our duties then - in the sense that 'duty' is used in the Bhagavad Gita - are to record what we are 'given', to 'polish the diamond' (using our techniques and skills), and to give this art on. (Getting paid is still Giving.) And, optionally, to become more and more what we are when we do 'listen'. Ultimately, prayer, art and Service are a Unity also.

Many artists these days, particularly in secular swathes of the West, 'disagree' with this understanding of the Universe. I honor each their understanding. The only point I will make is this - regardless of any conceptualization of the Universe that any one has, the true nature of the Universe is the way it is. Regardless. Thus, one can choose to 'understand' the Universe, or, one can choose not to. Both are paths. But almost certainly not equal."

Namaste! I bow to and Honor the Light within you!

Rennie

What if ... True Wisdom Does Exist ... Stories are Food for Thought

Activism has seven times seventy times seven hundred faces - there are so many ways to make this world 'of ours' (in fact, it's not 'our' world at all) a better place for all. For all tribes and groups, all ceatures and bodies of water, all souls and for Mother EAerth Herself. Activist artists, in all modes, are everywhere contributing to this collective endeavour.

My contribution as an activist artist, as a story finder and story teller, is to invite my readers to change their consciousness. Change your consciousness and the world around you will change. It can be no other way. This is the way it is. We are all individual expressions of an infinite and eternal Unity that is Existence itself. Thus when I change my consciousness, my environment, which is the set of all the closest-to-me individualized expressions of the Divine, also changes. Thoughts are things. Change thoughts and consciousness changes. Change consciousness and ... see the above ...

How do I do this? Let me count the ways ... Here is one ...

The novel Alba: The Great Dance of Leaving and Returning is 'A Mystic and Shamanic Fantasy of the Dawning of Scotland'. Alba is written on many levels. One of the Highest is that Alba, through its story, declares that true wisdom exists. 'True Wisdom' is the clear comprehension and understanding that a human consciousness can have of the universe and all its ways. Historical fantasy, where worlds are created, is a straightforward way to express this Highest.

If Alba declares that true wisdom exists then, there are only a small number of ways to react to this. One, 'I don't believe that this state of true wisdom exists!' Two, I believe that this state can exist in people, but I am going to do nothing about it in my life (right now). Three, I believe this and I am going to do something about it in my life (I may in the here-and-now know or not know what).

This story is an invitation to change. Not a demand. If you are in the third group then be reassured that all the ways in all traditions are explicitly available. That is good to know.

Stories of a particular kind can be our teachers. This has been known for a very long time. Since the beginning (oh when and oh where was that?) of this race of women and men. Food for thought. Stories are food for thought.

Namaste! I bow to and honour the Light within you.

Nook of Names - A Name for Every Story

This is the most wonderful resource - full of wonders, and traceries of wonders and webs that are resonant with RichAndTrue histories of this our race of women and men (and indeed, creatures). What is in a name, indeed? What is of a name? What is a name 'made' of? This nook is a realm of whispers and touches leading ... leading ... leading ... Well, it depends who you are and what you want (to know).

What a wonderful place to wander in if you are a poet, or poetically-hearted, a storyteller - particularly of fantasy and historical fantasy and wiccan tales ... In fact, it is a treasure!

Visit it. And bide a while. And still. And surrender to the journey.

Namaste! I bow to and honour the Light within you.

Activist Artists Don't Cross Picket Lines (and other ways to walk the walk)

I'm an activist artist. As an artist my focus is to invite people to consider changing their consciousness. I have changed my own consciousness "so much" since my upbringing in early 60s Scotland. Many boundaries expanded. Many concepts, understandings and ignorances discarded. Changing consciousness is the true revolution.

The Scotland of my childhood was a union country. There was still large-scale shipbuilding, large-scale coal mining. Even then, I noticed that our communities were intra-supportive.

And so to an entwined story about me and two of the local grocery stores I shop at.

I've been shopping at my local Nob Hill store for more than eight years. A short while back (November 2012) management decided they wanted to, essentially, get rid of the union. Short story version - There was a strike that lasted nine days ... the union won and the kinda clumsy management lost. The saturday (grocery shopping day for this family) in the middle of the strike I went to Nob Hill ... to shop. Pickets were out. My friends who serve me there were on the pickeet lines. We talked. I didn't cross the picket line. No way, for more than one reason. Including ... activist artists don't cross picket lines.

So on to January 2013 ... John Mackey, co CEO of Whole Foods Market, a corporation that espouses radical and very good ideas around shop local, fair trade, organic food and so on, denounces Obamacare as "fascist". Well ... I was horrified. I've been shopping at my local Whole Foods store for more than eight years.

I wrote to my local Wholefoods Market store denouncing this. And, received an acknowledging reply. Here is an extract -

"Thank you for contacting Whole Foods Market to share your thoughts on John Mackey’s recent comments in the media. We understand and are concerned about your feelings of disappointment. We are hearing from many of our customers about this, and we are sharing all of the feedback we’re receiving with our leadership team, that includes both co-CEOs. I want to acknowledge that we may not be able to provide a response that satisfies your comments ...Thank you for your feedback. Again, I understand this message may not win back your support, but I do hope you'll reconsider and please know that we are listening and working to make our stores (and our company) a positive part of your life."

I'm boycotting them now. It is sad and awakening, both, to realise that some people who claim to actively be for a "better" human civilization are actually one-percenter elitists at heart. The several large goods that Obamacare brings to the healthcare chaos in this country are huge.

Activist artists don't give their business to elitist one-percenter wolves in sheep clothing. No way.

And ... by the way ... my new current work (short stories) goes well. More on that and these another time.

Namaste! I bow to and honour the Light within You ...

Superstorm Sandy 1000 miles Across ... and Calling Us To Our Senses

Not Whispering ... Calling. Not entreating ... but demanding.

Mother EAerth is reaching out to us with fierce intent. Of course, She whispers all the time. Every moment. To every being and every thing upon, and supported by, Her. Mother EAerth tells of Love and Life. And now She tells that imbalance is being forced upon her.

So ... superstorm Sandy was 1000 miles across at its fiercest. I have not done the two calculations - the area of Sandy and the percentage of that to the surface of Mother EAerth Herself - but that was a huge disruption.

Let Us Speak and Hear Reverence

That is why it is such a tragedy that the climate change deniers are not just content to be denial huggers, but want to suppress truth (by lies, of course). I hear no Reverence from the climate change denial huggers for Mother EAerth and all the wonders upon Her, including us. I hear no Reverence from the climate change denial huggers for Life. I hear no hymns from them of Gratitude. I do hear their frenzy though. Loud (very) and clear (though deranged).

The truth of climate change, right here and now upon Mother EAerth, is being fenced off by the creation of a parallel universe. Yet truth still exists and truth is being expressed all the time - every moment - by many of us. Everyday, "ordinary" activists who feel Reverence ... for the mystery and miracle of life.

Story as One Thread in the Tapestry of Healing

I consider myself an activist artist - I tell stories to heal. To heal consiousness, individual and collective. In my novel Alba there is deep and fully felt reverence for Mother EAerth by the Weaver Women of Alba. I use many "techniques". These techniques are all with the aim of kindling, awakening, and re-awakening Reverence. Just Reverence. Once we have true Reverence for one thing upon upon the Breast of Mother EAerth, then we can have Reverence for all.

So, for example, I have my characters talk and tell of the Reverence they feel. That's a simple technique! And then resonance happens. And reflection. And Stillness internal. And a fire, some times, to "change" the course, content, and manner of one's life.

Teling from - Alba: The Great Dance of Leaving and Returning

This is what Soay says in Alba.

Soay laughed.  “And Mother EAerth, upon whose Breast you walk, by Her Grace, will lead you to the Golden Boar of Alba, for all paths are of Mother EAerth, and all only walk anywhere by her Grace.  And all, awarely or unknowingly, are Guided by Her as to which path to walk upon!

Talitha, teacher of the Weaver Women of Alba says this at one point in the story.

"Kingdoms do not exist in truth.  Kingdoms only exist in the whirling minds of women and men that make true things false and unreal.  If you would fly as high as these first clouds this afternoon, and flew for a day and a night, you would not see kingdoms.  You would see the body of Mother EAerth.  She is the only land.  And across Her can be painted webs of illusion.  Or, across Her the Weavers can work, healing, uplifting, teaching, joining that that needs joining.”

And later Talitha talks with Moireaichd.

“That morning for that young girl, Moireaichd, was a chorus of whispers that changed that little girl’s life forever in this life.  That young girl knew, without doubt, that we travel across this sea called Time.  That Mother EAerth whispers to us all the time of wisdom.  Hers is a song that never ceases.  Just refrain after refrain after refrain.  We are Guided to open at all times.  That little girl learned that in a flash of light.”

One of the sacred dances in Alba is the Great Dance of Compassion. This is how it is described during the story.

And so, although the space was cramped and crowded, Duancan Danced the Great Dance of Compassion, as taught to him by his teacher, Moon Bear.  When Mother EAerth hears this Dance, then She sends all of herself, winds, snow and rain, Sun’s light and Moon’s light, birds and buzzing bees, all to wash away the hurt and untie the departed.    Until the place is healed.

And, lastly, Mora, succouring a dying soldier of Alba the Beautiful.

“And so I tell to you, warrior and soul, lover and friend and more.”  Mora smiled again.  “There is a Dance, young and beautiful man.  And we are Dancing it now.  But first let me tell to you what I know.  Mother EAerth, upon whose belly and Heart we all, people and animals everywhere, live, is but a fragment, a point in the great sky above us.  Mother EAerth is kin to a star.  And you, hero and warrior and Soul-on-Your-Journey are a Thread.  You are a Thread that is Woven upon the Great Loom of life.  And as you are Woven, so all things are Woven, including Mother EAerth, each and every star and more.  All.  You, me, Mother EAerth and all the stars are Woven by an essence of pure Love.  Your Thread, Cemoy’th, is Woven with all Threads.  The sky, the Moon, the One Ocean, the birds of land and sea, all animals and the beautiful Golden Boar of Alba.  All are Threads.”

Namaste!

My Long Lost Portrait is Found ... and that is a Story in Itself

Once Upon A time ...

Once upon a time ... and ... once in a place in the known and unknown Universe ... inherent together in Space and Time ... I had my portrait begun. The year was 1981 ("as the Nazarenes understand and tally the turning of the years").

I sat for the very gifted artist Natalie D'Arbeloff. You can visit her blog here.

Who broached the suggestion? I intuit it was Natalie. Though, human memory is frail and creative. In 1981 I lived in Hampstead; at an address on Willow Road.

I sat. I had never seen a painter at work before. Natalie set up - the canvas looked huge. In fact it was - 4X5 feet. That is a lot of me!. I sat very still. Natalie set to with brushes and paint. And, of course, I can see her moving and watching, and not the brush on the canvas.

Reaching Out ... Across Space after the Passing of Time

At a pause I looked. The talent to paint is such a gift! I sat a small number of times. Maybe twice ... and perhaps it was three times. The portrait progressed. And then there was disruption. Natalie left ... the painting was unfinished. I presumed the painting lost. And then ... a couple of years ago, December 2009, I reached out to Natalie - through this marvellous invention, The Internet, and found her ... alive ... and well ... and creating, creating, creating. (She is so, so gifted!)

She emailed me back. She had photos of the unfinished portrait. But ... sadly (for both of us) ... this magical portrait had been painted over. And then this morning (November 1st 2012) I receive an email from Natalie. She has found the portrait. The FINISHED portrait. And below is the story ...

On 18 Dec 2009, at 7:26AM, rennie wrote:

natalie, you may very well not remember me. it was in simon meyerson's place by the Heath. for the sittings i wore all green - green trousers, green shirt, green sweater draped over the shoulders. i believe ... (I was into green at the time). this would be c. 1982-3-ish.

these times seemed a little bit crazy for everyone around that time, place & person. and i don't suppose you ever finished it. i loved it VERY much. i thought it a wonderful piece of work.

i think about it and you ... oh ... once/twice most years :) it was the only time i ever had my portrait painted ...

Blessings, rennie walker

Success ... Joy ... and Disapointment

December 18, 2009 3:28:25 AM PST To: rennie

Rennie! How amazing!

Of course I remember painting your portrait in Simon's big room downstairs at Willow Road, wearing green, Lotus-positioned on cushions, the windows behind you. I have a photo of the painting, and you next to it, somewhere - I'll find it and email it to you, I promise. I'm ashamed to say that I never finished the portrait, and I can't remember why not? Even more ashamed that when I ran out of canvas some years later, I....um.... painted over it. AAAAAAAARGH!

However,if you're ever in London for a while, give me a call and I could start (and finish) an updated version. I've just had a quick browse of your beautiful website and will go back to it later - you seem to be happy and creatively productive - bravo! I guess you found me via the miraculous internet? Are you in California?

If you have the time and inclination, have a virtual stroll through the many rooms of my online home (links below). I became computer-addicted about seven years ago and my digital self seems to have taken on a life of its own. This has its benefits and challenges but also drawbacks, and I need to do more hands-on-canvas work.

I'm very glad you wrote to me and hope we'll keep in touch. Will send you the photo very soon.

All good wishes, Natalie

December 22, 2009 8:09:38 PM PST To: rennie@

rennie, a quick note: I've blogged about your portrait and posted the photos too and linked to your sites - I hope that's okay with you? If not, I can remove any or all of it. Sorry, I should have asked first!

Happy to know you too. Natalie

What was Believed Lost is Found!

October 31, 2012 5:22:42 PM PDT To: rennie@

Hi Rennie, I was looking for something inside a cupboard in my studio today and, lo and behold, inside a big container I haven't opened in years, what did I find? The actual canvas of the portrait of Rennie, painted in 1981 at Willow Road! And it's completely finished.

As you know, I thought I had painted over it and that it was forever lost. But it's alive and well and looking terrific. I'm attaching a photo I snapped of it tonight, standing on a table above it, because it's huge: 4' wide X 5' high.

I'm so pleased to have found it because it is really a good painting, one of the best portraits I've ever done. Would you be interested in buying it? It could be shipped in a heavy cardboard tube as the painting can be rolled up. It's on highest quality canvas.

Sending you warmest wishes. Love, Natalie

November 1, 2012 3:14:33 AM PDT To: Natalie@

natalie!

this is the most amazing story! as a story teller myself i am knocked out by this true one! what a find. you are a treasure!

yes i would totallyTotally love to buy it. but you would likely get more for it if you sold it on the "market" - because i agree it is a wonderful piece of execution - colors, composition and all. i also don't know what a price is since i have never bought a portrait. let me know. it is likely out of my range ... and i will talk with kathy (my beloved and spouse). anyway let's see ...

btw i love one of the landscapes - the one with the hills sliding downwards to the right. you are so gifted and articulate.

all best to you, rennie