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H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 12:57 PM Jun 2015

The Thunder Storm

A few years ago, a Clan Mother told me that when the “world” begins spinning with greater momentum, it is important to take time to step out of it, and to go into the natural world. To rest, re-invigorate, and to assess, before stepping back into the world as humans experience it.

I thought about that last night. About an hour after the sun went down, the thick clouds of a thunder storm began to darken the night sky to the west. The night birds went silent. I put the fire out at the pit near my pond, and prepared to head inside. My dog Kelly was focused entirely upon the hot dogs and rolls that I had planned to cook over the fire. As he devoured them, I had the impression of his being a four-legged land shark.

The last two rolls will be left as an offering. Clearly, if left upon the ground, Kelly will consume them. Although I’d fed the koi earlier, I can hear other fish feeding on the insects at the water’s surface. So I begin to tear the rolls, and toss the small pieces into the pond. As I finish, a white bolt streaks by me, almost knocking me off the stone retaining wall into the pond, and there is a loud splash. I’m unsure if Kelly was diving after a bread crumb, or a fish. Even the frogs on the far side of the pond become silent.

I begin the journey back towards the distant light that is my house. Along the path through a swampy area, I see the tiny lights of a few fire-flies, as they begin climbing the tall grass, before flying into the sky. A very wet dog, overcome with sheer pleasure, jumps up on me to get his head petted, before racing around the fields, in the most indirect path to the house. The chorus of the frogs and toads becomes louder and louder, with a variety far greater than when the peepers announce spring’s arrival.

By the time I reach my driveway, the wind has picked up, and the leaves on the trees make their whispering sound. Lightening is flashing through the sky, and the sound of the thunder is much closer. When I look at the outline of my house in the quick flashes, I think of how it used to be: my driveway was part of an early turnpike, and the house the first stage coach station in this region, west of the Fort Stanwix Treaty Line after the Revolutionary War.

In our world, “time” is a straight line, much like my driveway; in the natural world, there isn’t “time” as we experience it, only cycles. I find myself thinking of how, in the distant past, other people have stood where I now stand, and looked at this same building when lightning brightens the sky. For whatever reason, I’m reminded of Old Fred, who once lived here; he told me not to believe the saying that lightening never strikes twice, as the house and trees around it had been struck six times since the early 1800s. That had officially become seven times since I’ve inhabited the place.

In utter defiance of claims that I am not smart enough to come in out of the rain, I enter my house. I turn the light off, light a couple of candles, and walk out onto the enclosed porch to experience the thunder storm. My trusty friend Sam -- Kelly’s brother -- jumps up on the couch with me, and attempts to climb onto my lap. I’ve lived here longer than anyone else in the 220+ years the house has been here. More, I’m certain that I’m the first inhabitant to consume Guiness Blonde lager inside or out.

The past two years have been the most challenging. One former inhabitant moved out unannounced, leaving me the single father of two teen-aged daughters. It goes way beyond the financial difficulties I’ve encountered -- though that stress is increased, when one parent fails to accept financial responsibility for their own children -- because all teens, especially girls, need a stable mother at that age.

Obviously, I cannot be both a father and mother. However, I have stepped back from almost all of my outside activities, and focused my attention upon being there for my daughters. The older one is in her twenties now, and in her third year of college. She was recently here for a few weeks, which were largely fun. There was, of course, some stress related to her mother’s contact with her. She deals with that by talking with her older brothers, not me, which is good. The four of them provide a great support system for one another.

It’s been hardest on my youngest daughter. Her siblings are fully aware of this, and I’m mighty proud of how they are there for her. She and I have also grown closer. A high school student should always have a parent there for school sports, band, chorus, and award ceremonies. And it’s also fun for us to work on carpentry projects, building stone walls, gardening, cooking, and shopping. On Mother’s Day, she made me a wonderful card, along with a beautiful letter saying how much she appreciates me.

In two weeks, she’ll graduate from high school. She plans to spend most of the summer up north with her sister, who has a fantastic summer job with her university. Then it will be off to college for her -- and she has a great head start on that.

The rain slows down, then stops. There is still some flashes of lightening, and the sound of the thunder becomes further away, to the east. Soon, the only noise I hear is Sam’s snoring. This cycle in my life will soon end, and I’ll be entering a new one.

Peace,
H2O Man

http://www.wbng.com/news/local/Three-HS-seniors-complete-associate-degree-306224701.html

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The Thunder Storm (Original Post) H2O Man Jun 2015 OP
You are a genuine story-teller, my dear H20 Man... CaliforniaPeggy Jun 2015 #1
Thank you, CA Peggy! H2O Man Jun 2015 #4
So true: chervilant Jun 2015 #41
Congrats to your daughter! Solly Mack Jun 2015 #2
Thank you! H2O Man Jun 2015 #5
Peace to you and yours, my friend Hekate Jun 2015 #3
Thank you. H2O Man Jun 2015 #6
Your writing is as always so good. I have never had that talent although it is one that I would LiberalArkie Jun 2015 #7
Oh, thank you! H2O Man Jun 2015 #11
A superb essay, a life well lived Mopar151 Jun 2015 #8
Thank you very much! H2O Man Jun 2015 #13
You are a gifted writer, dgibby Jun 2015 #9
Thank you so much! H2O Man Jun 2015 #14
Beautifully written as always, H20 Man. sabrina 1 Jun 2015 #10
Thank you! H2O Man Jun 2015 #20
Oh yes, it is a perfectly beautiful day here! sabrina 1 Jun 2015 #44
I'm not able to express just how much I enjoy your writing.. 2banon Jun 2015 #12
Thank you very much! H2O Man Jun 2015 #22
Interesting timing.. could be the signal for the next part of your life's journey. 2banon Jun 2015 #36
I agree with this coeur_de_lion Jun 2015 #93
All the best to you and yourn n/t hootinholler Jun 2015 #15
Thanks, Buddy! H2O Man Jun 2015 #27
Congratulations to you, and to your daughter! ms liberty Jun 2015 #16
Thank you! H2O Man Jun 2015 #25
Just to echo the rest - you wrote a beautiful piece and you spoke about that loss eloquently. erronis Jun 2015 #17
Thank you. H2O Man Jun 2015 #28
I was standing there on that retaining wall right along with you as I read what you wrote. 1monster Jun 2015 #18
Thank you. H2O Man Jun 2015 #29
Your best teacher was wrong. He/she was speaking from his/her own experiences, personal 1monster Jun 2015 #40
^This^! 2banon Jun 2015 #37
As always after reading your Ops AuntPatsy Jun 2015 #19
Thank you! H2O Man Jun 2015 #30
I really love this Horse with no Name Jun 2015 #21
Thank you! H2O Man Jun 2015 #32
:) Horse with no Name Jun 2015 #43
Reading your post... ewagner Jun 2015 #23
Thank you! H2O Man Jun 2015 #34
The river is calling your name... malthaussen Jun 2015 #24
Very good! H2O Man Jun 2015 #35
As a voracious reader Old Codger Jun 2015 #26
Thank you very much! H2O Man Jun 2015 #49
You are more than welcome Old Codger Jun 2015 #55
A beautiful story Mr H2O Man zeemike Jun 2015 #31
Thanks! H2O Man Jun 2015 #50
I can understand that. zeemike Jun 2015 #54
I was a single parent, too. Flying to somewhere near your neck of the woods Zorra Jun 2015 #33
Right. H2O Man Jun 2015 #51
I'm pretty sure Zorra Jun 2015 #82
I just got back H2O Man Jun 2015 #84
Love your writing, H2O Man! shanti Jun 2015 #38
Thank you. H2O Man Jun 2015 #59
When things get a little rough on DU unapatriciated Jun 2015 #39
Thank you. H2O Man Jun 2015 #60
If you're not a published author xfundy Jun 2015 #42
Thank you. H2O Man Jun 2015 #61
Beautifully written. You have a true gift. AikidoSoul Jun 2015 #45
Thanks! H2O Man Jun 2015 #62
You've done such a good job on your kids. pacalo Jun 2015 #46
Thanks! H2O Man Jun 2015 #65
Very nice. nt awoke_in_2003 Jun 2015 #47
Thank you! H2O Man Jun 2015 #66
You should seriously consider writing a book. Unknown Beatle Jun 2015 #48
Thanks! H2O Man Jun 2015 #67
Dear H2O Man, thank you so much for sharing your lovely essay. scarletwoman Jun 2015 #52
Thank you. H2O Man Jun 2015 #68
I have a thunderstorm story of my own. scarletwoman Jun 2015 #91
As a rule poetry does not often get my full attention. Mira Jun 2015 #53
Oh, thank you! H2O Man Jun 2015 #69
So beautiful and truly appreciated on this day in particular Samantha Jun 2015 #56
Thank you. H2O Man Jun 2015 #70
There's a a thread of healing energy running through Democratic Underground tonight. NBachers Jun 2015 #57
Well said! H2O Man Jun 2015 #71
"In utter defience of claims" diverdownjt Jun 2015 #58
Thanks! H2O Man Jun 2015 #73
Thank you. JDPriestly Jun 2015 #63
Thank you, my Good Friend! H2O Man Jun 2015 #74
Wordsmithing of the highest order. Thanks for this insightful and interesting post. Scuba Jun 2015 #64
Thanks! H2O Man Jun 2015 #75
You'd better publish these one day malaise Jun 2015 #72
Thanks! H2O Man Jun 2015 #76
You must malaise Jun 2015 #77
Okay! H2O Man Jun 2015 #78
Agree! Absolutely! He must! scarletwoman Jun 2015 #86
He'd better malaise Jun 2015 #90
You like your readers Depaysement Jun 2015 #79
Thanks! H2O Man Jun 2015 #80
"...comparing the 12,000-year archaeological record with the oral traditions of the..." scarletwoman Jun 2015 #85
See your DU inbox! H2O Man Jun 2015 #89
Thank you for your thoughtful and eloquent sharing of your experiences suffragette Jun 2015 #81
Thank you! H2O Man Jun 2015 #83
You, sir, have a genuine gift for language. hifiguy Jun 2015 #87
Thank you. H2O Man Jun 2015 #88
You need to write stories for a living coeur_de_lion Jun 2015 #92

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
4. Thank you, CA Peggy!
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 01:08 PM
Jun 2015

I tend to keep journals, which have become dozens of spiral notebooks long. From time to time, I used to post essays from them on DU:GD. Lately, not so much.

In fact, I hesitated to post this one, which is obviously rather personal. But I weighed that against the acrimonious tone of many discussions here recently, and thought it might serve as a reminder that behind our DU screen names, we are all human beings.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
5. Thank you!
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 01:13 PM
Jun 2015

Being a simple man with limited intellectual capacity, I tend to approach most of life as I had approached boxing as a young man. Hence, in my preparation for returning to an outside life, I've been "training": now that the weather allows me the opportunity to walk outside with little risk of falling (and breaking yet more of my old bones), I've lost 29 pounds.

Too old to enter the boxing ring any more (except between rounds when my boy is competing), I think I'll re-enter the arena of social-political activism.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
6. Thank you.
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 01:15 PM
Jun 2015

I feel at peace with myself these days. Of course, it could be the calm before the storm! (As an old friend of the only innocent "Hurricane," I tend to make such weak attempts at humor !)

LiberalArkie

(15,686 posts)
7. Your writing is as always so good. I have never had that talent although it is one that I would
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 01:20 PM
Jun 2015

give up many of my other talents to have. You have a great gift.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
11. Oh, thank you!
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 01:31 PM
Jun 2015

You are very kind.

I think that I write about the same as I speak .....most of what I write is simply a conversation with myself. (Sometimes, an argument with myself, I suppose!) It's funny -- the news crew had packed their equipment, after filming the three students. The reporter was talking to me, casually, and then said, "Hey: could you say exactly that on film?" I said that depends, could he remind me what I said? He did; hence, my blurb at the end.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
13. Thank you very much!
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 01:36 PM
Jun 2015

I watched some news reports from the funeral. It was painful, though I am impressed by the human capacity for Goodness in tragic circumstance.

Of course, I did not know Beau Biden. But I have been impressed with what I know of his life. And I try to think about what lessons there are -- for me, and for society -- in his life. That helps me deal with the sadness of death.

dgibby

(9,474 posts)
9. You are a gifted writer,
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 01:27 PM
Jun 2015

and I've always enjoyed your posts. This one reminds me of the last chapter in a really good book-you know the kind-one that transports you to a different time and place. The only drawback is that when the book ends, you find yourself unceramoniously dumped back into your own reality! Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Peace.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
14. Thank you so much!
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 01:45 PM
Jun 2015

I really hesitated to post this. Your response, and the others, make me glad that I did. You are very kind.

I'm betting that there's at least one more "book" that will come out of what I plan to do with the rest of my life. And I'm fully confident that there are four other authors who will not only take over for their old man, but vastly improve upon the quantity and quality of my work.

Again, thank you. Your kindness means more to me than I could possibly express.

sabrina 1

(62,325 posts)
10. Beautifully written as always, H20 Man.
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 01:28 PM
Jun 2015

Further to the north of you, we witnessed the same storm I believe, but later.

 

2banon

(7,321 posts)
12. I'm not able to express just how much I enjoy your writing..
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 01:35 PM
Jun 2015

I could smell the electricity in the air, feel the evening breeze, hear the splashing of fish and frogs feeding in the pond. I felt the tremble of fear and sensation of being startled when the bolt of lightening struck so close. I could see the house in the distance, and be there enjoying the evening storm by candlelight. alone with the dogs and half wishing there was another to share the moment but enjoying the moment of wonder as to where your life's journey will take you next. and I love reading the history of your place. that's awesome.

I'm almost tempted to invite myself up to your digs just to experience it in person, lol!

(No worries, not so easy, I'm on the Left Coast. )

I wonder if you have published works? I would be very interested!

And Oh.. congratulations to you, your youngest daughter, your other now grown/adult children for doing more than 'enduring' the challenges life often brings us..

again, thank you for sharing!




H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
22. Thank you very much!
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 02:30 PM
Jun 2015

Last week, quite literally, when I went into a local convenience store to pay for my gas, the gentleman who owns it came out to tell me he only recently put together who I am (one of his employees was reading one of my books). He asked me how many books I've wrote, in part or whole? So I've been making a list.

A couple that are among my favorites are ones where my name isn't mentioned. I assisted my buddy Rubin with one in which he added a chapter, and also with his second autobiography. But I'll e-mail you here soon.

 

2banon

(7,321 posts)
36. Interesting timing.. could be the signal for the next part of your life's journey.
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 04:03 PM
Jun 2015

Seriously, This piece you posted here, could be a chapter among other chapters waiting to be put together in a story line or other.. (?) every single thing about this piece, including the title is worthy of publication.even as a stand alone in a collection of other short stories.

I'd go there right away!

coeur_de_lion

(3,666 posts)
93. I agree with this
Thu Jun 11, 2015, 11:03 AM
Jun 2015

You need to write much, much more. For money.

This essay was as thoroughly entertaining as anything I've ever read.

Do it -- you won't regret it.

ms liberty

(8,480 posts)
16. Congratulations to you, and to your daughter!
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 02:03 PM
Jun 2015

To graduate HS with an associates degree is quite an accomplishment!

erronis

(14,955 posts)
17. Just to echo the rest - you wrote a beautiful piece and you spoke about that loss eloquently.
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 02:06 PM
Jun 2015

Good luck and best wishes. We survive and we are better for it. I'm glad your children are part of you. No reply expected.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
28. Thank you.
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 03:07 PM
Jun 2015

I appreciate that.

Long ago, in this often strange life I'm living, I learned to be thankful for everything .....including what at the time seems "bad" and continues to be painful. To accept what is, and deal with it.

There have been some ugly incidents, such as last October, when the off-duty cop shot my cousin and his son, killing the son. My youngest daughter has served as a wonderful support for my cousin, his sisters, and his elderly parents. I am as amazed as I am proud of what a strong human being she is.

1monster

(11,012 posts)
18. I was standing there on that retaining wall right along with you as I read what you wrote.
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 02:19 PM
Jun 2015

That is a real gift as a writer, one that I wish I could learn.

If you are not writing professionally for publication, you should. You have a gift of story telling that needs to be shared.

BTW, congratulations to you and your daughter. As parents, we want to give our children every advantage, to smooth the way for them. But, more and more, I'm learning, that it is probably better for them to face adversity as they are growing and maturing, than to face it for the first time as young (or not so young) adults.

Your children are doing great. You did good.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
29. Thank you.
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 03:22 PM
Jun 2015

That means a lot to me. The single thing that I have tried my very hardest to do is to be a good parent. Not perfect, because I recognize that I am -- like everyone -- sad and weakly human. But I think that is okay, too -- much better than if I lied to myself, and pretended that I am perfect. My children know who I am.

Years ago, the best teacher I ever had -- school, college, or university -- told me that my writing would not be really appreciated, until after I was dead. Hence, much of what I recognize as my best efforts remain here, for my children to do whatever with, after I'm gone. My sons have been pressuring me to send one manuscript in, for possible publication, now; they think it's too important to wait. Who knows?

1monster

(11,012 posts)
40. Your best teacher was wrong. He/she was speaking from his/her own experiences, personal
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 04:53 PM
Jun 2015

or vicarious. It doesn't need to be yours.

Every successful writer out there has received many rejection letters, including Kurt Vonnegut, J.K. Rowling, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Silvia Plath, John Le Carre', Margaret Mitchell, William Faulkner, Stephen King, Louisa May Alcott, Madeleine L'Engle, George Orwell, Agatha Christie, James Joyce, Joseph Heller, and many, many more.

Rejections from publishers are badges of honor to display when the right publisher comes along.

I'm going to tell you what I would tell my students: YOU have a GIFT. USE IT!

Teacher mode off.

Horse with no Name

(33,956 posts)
21. I really love this
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 02:25 PM
Jun 2015

and you are one of the things that I have missed about being here.

I'm sorry for your personal trials and tribulations and sincerely hope the next cycle brings peace and harmony with it.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
32. Thank you!
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 03:24 PM
Jun 2015

I surely appreciate that! In fact, nothing I've ever read on DU has made me happier! And I mean that.

I do okay. A little grumpier in the past two years, perhaps, on this forum. But nights like last night keep me going.

ewagner

(18,964 posts)
23. Reading your post...
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 02:33 PM
Jun 2015

I sense the calm...the serenity...that your understanding of the cycles of life bring....

I wish you peace of mind, my friend.

 

Old Codger

(4,205 posts)
26. As a voracious reader
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 02:53 PM
Jun 2015

I have many many times envied the authors ability to apply words to paper in such a manner as to convey a scene and /or idea in such a way as to make the reader feel that they are actually experiencing it themselves or to evoke memories of similar experiences they have had.... I grew up in T-storm country and this "story" did indeed evoke some fond memories of the stormy nights and the things that occur prior to and afterwards.

I sincerely thank you for all of the writing that you produce here,I always look forward to more..I myself do not have the ability to make a story come alive as you do but do have the ability to appreciate it immensely

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
49. Thank you very much!
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 11:27 PM
Jun 2015

I love reading. We have bookshelves in 12 of the 15 rooms here (and piles of books in the other two). My daughter and I recently built a 6' by 4' bookshelf to put her books on. All four of my kids love to read. But they think it's a giggle when, in the fall, I get a large enough supply of "new" old books from library sales, etc., to be sure I have 300 pages per day to read during the winter.

 

Old Codger

(4,205 posts)
55. You are more than welcome
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 01:08 AM
Jun 2015

I am in total agreement with your philosophy of rural living, my wife and I and our daughter and her clan live on a 30 acre farm in The mountains of southern Oregon, we are pretty close to self sufficient in that we raise almost all of our own food right here.. was born and spent the first 7 or so years of my life in city, have been rural ever since.. Do not mind driving 30 miles for most shopping and such...It is just too great to live here...

I have hundreds of books and tend to read some of them over and over... also have an electronic "pad" with several thousand books on it that I am going through one by one ...hopefully will live long enough to read all of them and then some...

zeemike

(18,998 posts)
31. A beautiful story Mr H2O Man
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 03:22 PM
Jun 2015

And what I like about your stories are that nature is so much a part of them...and your life.

It seems that many people have lost that or never have the opportunity to see it...but it is a part of the human experience that is more valuable than we think.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
50. Thanks!
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 11:31 PM
Jun 2015

Interesting: I was re-reading Erich Fromm on Aristotle; he said that Aristotle believed that at around population 5,000, a community became too large for individuals to meet their human potential. Certainly, that is about the size where a segment of the population becomes detached from nature.

I've never been comfortable living in a hamlet, much less a village. Forget towns or cities. One of the things I love about where I live is that it is rural.

zeemike

(18,998 posts)
54. I can understand that.
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 12:25 AM
Jun 2015

I lived for a short time in LA...and I hated it...and yet the people that live there are afraid of nature.
I grew up is small town and as kids we played in the woods and knew every tree and swimming hole and felt completely at home and safe there.
I would never live in a big city again.

Zorra

(27,670 posts)
33. I was a single parent, too. Flying to somewhere near your neck of the woods
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 03:25 PM
Jun 2015

to see one of my sons, his wife, and three grandkids (a brand newbie who I will be meeting for the first time) at their little farm in the woods soon. I'm excited!

Seems no matter how fast the universe spins, and things change, our love for and concern for our children remains one constant.

We had a violent thunderstorm here last night, too. Knocked out my internet, and blew around half of my "medicine rocks", rocks that I have collected from all over North America over the course of my lifetime, off the railing on the back deck.

I picked them up earlier, and am going for a hike soon. Maybe I'll find a new rock for the collection.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
51. Right.
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 11:37 PM
Jun 2015

I collect rocks, too. I have them from around the world. They range from local fossils and Indian artifacts, to the collection a late friend had, from digging at Olduvai Gorge with Richard and Mary Leakey in the 1960s, to a Neanderthal tool from France.

I try to go for a walk every day. I rarely come home without a new rock.

Maybe one day, you and I will go out rock hunting!

Zorra

(27,670 posts)
82. I'm pretty sure
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 03:09 PM
Jun 2015

that many people were collecting rocks before humans were considered by "modern science" to be human. My "uncle" often referred to rocks as "the rock people".

Rock hunting is interesting, I can go down the same trail I've been down many times, yet still find a special rock that I didn't notice the other times I was on that trail. Sometimes because it became exposed due to wind and/or rain, sometimes I suppose because I just didn't see it before, or whatever. And when I look for rocks in new places where I've never been before, I never know what I'll find, but I almost always find a rock, or something else, worth keeping.

My collection consists of rocks, fossils, and some artifacts too. I also collect material from the oldest living trees of various kinds from around the continent that I can find. Because there is a great deal of open "public" land here in the west, I encounter a large number of artifacts. Fortunately, I can just leave these artifacts where I find them, and visit them when I am in the area and am inclined to visit them (but sometimes I move them to less conspicuous places near to where I found them).

The place where I am living for now contains a wealth of artifacts, they say people some call "Sinagua" lived here for 1000 yrs, beginning around 400 AD. These folks were apparently farmers and hunter gatherers, and built structures made of stone and mortar, sometimes lived in populous modified natural communal interconnected cave dwellings in limestone cliffs, and they left a lot of things behind when they moved on. Their artwork seems to indicate that they considered seasonal and celestial cycles important. I often wonder about their perception and/or conception of time.

Some Hopi folks trace their ancestry to the "Sinagua" people who lived here. It's not clear to me why they left this area, maybe it was simply a new cycle and they felt it was time to go. I like to sit near, and swim in, the deeper pools in the creeks and the river, near their remote cliff dwellings, or camps they used seasonally or when traveling. When I look in the right spaces, I often see women chatting while doing chores on the bank on a hot summer day, while children play, laughing and splashing in the water. This gives me an ethereal and profound sense of home.

Yeh, maybe one day you and I will go out rock hunting; maybe we already have. I'm sure it would be, or has been, great fun.

The world always seems so fresh and renewed after a heavy rain, and a really good lightening storm. Thanks for another entertaining and thought provoking OP!


H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
84. I just got back
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 06:05 PM
Jun 2015

from spending a couple of hours with a couple who live in my rural "neighborhood." We found about eight good artifacts on our walk today.

It's funny: some people just see such things as "rocks," and others see them in entirely different ways!

shanti

(21,672 posts)
38. Love your writing, H2O Man!
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 04:13 PM
Jun 2015

And congrats on your last little bird's release from the nest. Very bittersweet, that, but it sounds like you gave her a good launch pad.

btw, your house is how old?? except for the old missions here in cali, there are no 18th century houses here, and i love them. probably a lot of upkeep though!

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
59. Thank you.
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 02:34 AM
Jun 2015

The house was built between 1794-95. It was a stage coach station, and included a post office and doctor's office shortly after being built. For a brief time, it was the center of a tiny crossroads community. But the other buildings are long gone, with but a few foundations left.

unapatriciated

(5,390 posts)
39. When things get a little rough on DU
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 04:46 PM
Jun 2015

I look for your post and as always you delivered. I was a single parent for many years and never could understand why the other had little interest in his children. My children are grown now and I'm grateful that they have reconnected with their father, because as you so eloquently stated they do need both parents.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
60. Thank you.
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 02:40 AM
Jun 2015

What a nice thing to say! I appreciate it very much.

I'm lucky that a lot of my female relatives take a great interest in my daughters. It's not the same as if they had a relationship with their mother. But it is important, and fills much of the void.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
61. Thank you.
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 02:43 AM
Jun 2015

Having people read, appreciate, and most of all, understand what I write about, is more than enough for me. I think I had a lot more articles published in magazines in the 1970s and '80s than I do these days. But I'll likely get back to work on it more seriously soon.

pacalo

(24,721 posts)
46. You've done such a good job on your kids.
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 08:59 PM
Jun 2015

Congratulations to you & to your beautiful, smart daughter, Darcy. You deserve to be proud!

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
65. Thanks!
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 09:06 AM
Jun 2015

I've looked at it as my privilege to serve in the role of their father while they have grown up. The adults that they have become is a huge reward.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
67. Thanks!
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 09:11 AM
Jun 2015

I've kept journals throughout the past two years .....my sons both think that I should work on them a bit, and have them published. The focus is on the rights and responsibilities of a single parent; although I'm a male parent, the topic applies equally to both male and female single parents -- as I surely have approached more single moms for advice that single dads. Those journals are pretty much in the same spirit as this OP.

scarletwoman

(31,893 posts)
52. Dear H2O Man, thank you so much for sharing your lovely essay.
Sat Jun 6, 2015, 11:42 PM
Jun 2015

You are always a calming voice here, and a tremendously talented writer. I could hear the fish splashing, hear the frog chorus, see the fireflies, and feel the movement of the storm through the sky.

Thank you for bringing your gifts to us. DU would be such a poorer place without your contributions.

Even as I write this, there is thunder sounding far away to the west. The wind has suddenly dropped, as it often does before the advance of a faraway storm front. I reckon that the wind will pick up with new strength in a bit, and the storm be upon my little piece of the woods in about an hour, give or take - by midnight for sure. Right now it's pitch dark outside my door, and quite silent apart from the distant rumbling.

I don't suppose I will ever meet you in "real life" - still, after all these years of reading your thoughts, I know that some essence of your spirit has made a home in my heart, and I am a better person for it.

Gratitude and Blessings to You Always,
sw

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
68. Thank you.
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 09:19 AM
Jun 2015

There is a small group of DU community members who I am determined to meet, for a cup of tea, coffee, and/or bottle of beer, before I die; it is only fair to warn you that you are high upon that list. And, being the stubborn sort, I tend to accomplish every goal that I set for myself.

Chief Waterman taught me the correct way to listen to and interpret thunder. I will speculate that is a topic we will discuss.

scarletwoman

(31,893 posts)
91. I have a thunderstorm story of my own.
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 10:14 PM
Jun 2015

Last edited Sun Jun 7, 2015, 11:00 PM - Edit history (1)

Just about 20 years ago, in early July 1995, I had been living in Alaska for 6 years and decided I had had enough, and wanted to go home to Minnesota. I packed my old model Subaru (my "Bluebird" - it had an indigo blue body with a red hood) full of camping gear and headed down the Al-Can Highway with my youngest son, who had just turned 11.

We tent camped all the way down to Eugene, Oregon, where my oldest son was living, stayed a couple nights, and then headed generally northeast toward our destination, Minnesota. I had intended all along that this would a road trip of a lifetime, so there were several places I wanted to visit as we worked our way across half the continent.

We had stopped in Bozeman, Montana to visit the Museum of the Rockies to see the dinosaur bones (well worth it, it's a wonderful museum!). We found a place to camp for the night somewhere west of Billings, and got up early the next morning to head for the Little Bighorn National Monument, which meant a detour off Interstate 90.

After 20 years, my memory of the physical details of that place have gotten a bit vague, but my memory of the emotions I felt while walking over that ground are still fresh. From the moment my son and I walked up to the Indian Memorial my tears sprang up and would not stop. We left our tobacco offerings, and meandered along the pathways through the tall grasses under a benign sun and blue sky, with me weeping the whole way.

Eventually we stopped at the main park building where there was a speaker scheduled to give a presentation. He was a Cheyenne, named John Lone Deer, and we sat in a room with windows overlooking the grounds with dozens of other visitors while he related the story of the events leading up to the battle from the Native point of view, and the consequences for the Native Peoples in the aftermath. It was an awesome presentation, and although I listened with rapt attention, my tears still would not stop.

Afterward, I managed to pull myself together enough to go up to him and thank him, and he generously invited us to sit with him awhile, and my son and I had a wonderful conversation with him after the room had emptied.

Time eventually came back, he had another presentation to give, the afternoon was getting on, and it was time for us to leave, since my next goal was Bear Butte in South Dakota, and I had hoped to make it there before nightfall. As my son and I walked down to the parking lot, I noticed that the sky had begun to cloud over, and the sky in the West had become very dark. The temperature was dropping and a wind had come up.

We pulled out of the park grounds and headed East on Highway 212 - there would be no more Freeway travel for this next leg of the journey. The sky continued to darken, rain began to fall, and lightning and thunder came racing in from the West. Our route was taking us across the northern plains, with a 360 degree view of the horizon. Behind us, a deep roiling blackness lit by near constant flashing bolts of lightning, and a fierce relentless wind pushing us from the West.

To the right and the left of us bolts of lightning tore through the sky, and all around us the rain came down in torrents - a few times so heavy that I had pull to the side of the road because the windshield wipers were useless against the volume of water pouring down on us.

But mostly I raced on, determined to run with the storm and make it to Bear Butte. It was an extraordinary feeling, racing on in my little Bluebird, with the great wind pushing us from behind, the rain pouring down, and the firebolts and crashing thunder accompanying us on three sides, as I drove ahead of and alongside the storm.

My son, of course was getting nervous - "Are we going to get hit by lightning?" And I tried to remember what I might have heard about rubber tires and electrical grounding and such - but realized it didn't matter, we would be safe. I wasn't afraid, I was ecstatic - this was the most amazing thing I had ever experienced!

"There is nothing to be afraid of," I told my boy, "We are being escorted." Because that is what it felt like to me.

In the dark, in the wind, in the rain, in the lightning and thunder, we crossed the border into South Dakota. I pulled over a few miles outside of Sturgis to consult my map - paper back then, no GPS or Mapquest in those days - and then looked for the turnoff to Bear Butte State Park. I drove onto a little two-lane road, not quite sure if it was the right way.

Because I had slowed down, the back end of the storm began passing over us. I drove along in near total darkness and pounding rain. "I wish there would be a sign to show where Bear Butte is!" I said to my son.

At the moment those words left my mouth, a bolt of lightning appeared directly in front of us, coming out horizontally from the clouds, then continuing in a perfect right angle downwards, ending at the very tip of the highest point of land in all directions - Bear Butte itself, fully illuminated against the black sky. All the slope and shape of it made completely visible in the powerful flash.

"Ah!"

It's something of a cliche to say, "It took my breath away", but it's hard to think of any other words to describe that moment. Maybe just to add that my heart felt full to bursting. All those hours of riding with the storm, and there it was.

As I drove the winding road up to the entrance of the state park, the storm moved over us to the East, the rain stopped, and back in the West the black clouds had lifted and the setting sun appeared beneath them - sending out great fiery beams of red and orange and gold and purple.

Crickets were singing and peepers were chorusing as we set up our tent in the campground, under a sky filled with a million glittering stars, as the last afterglow of sunset lingered on the western horizon.

We awoke early in the morning and, fasting, hiked to the top of Bear Butte under a clear blue sky. But that's another story for another time...
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Edited to add: This is the first time I have ever attempted to put these events in writing. I have previously related them only orally to just a few of my family and friends.

Mira

(22,378 posts)
53. As a rule poetry does not often get my full attention.
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 12:25 AM
Jun 2015

The poetry of this post (and others of yours) had me riveted, and then I got to the difficult and sad to live with part and I was glad to see you had time under your belt.
This is not a pressingly painful thing now. It is one you can step back from and wax poetic about and keep gaining strength.

One of my most treasured framed things on my walls is a letter written to me by my then 16 year old son for father's day.
He thanked me for being his father in trying times, and for making sure his life was full of love, attention and not flat in boredom.

Congratulations on the graduation of your daughter. Births happened really quickly to me and then my son, so my grandson just a month ago graduated from the UNCSchool of the Arts with wonderful grades in theater arts and design.

I have recently read "The Power of One" - thought about you......

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
69. Oh, thank you!
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 11:16 AM
Jun 2015

What a nice post. I appreciate the compliments.

In growing up, I learned the art of detachment, from both physical and emotional pain. I mistook that for strength. It did help me, I suppose, in areas such as boxing, or later, investigating child abuse. But that all changed the minute my first child was born. A light went on, so to speak. Hence, watching my daughters experience the weirdness of the past couple years has been difficult. At the same time, there's been a heck of a lot of goodness involved, too.

Samantha

(9,314 posts)
56. So beautiful and truly appreciated on this day in particular
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 01:34 AM
Jun 2015

You will find your way through your challenges, I am sure. You are just that type of person.

Sam

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
70. Thank you.
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 11:18 AM
Jun 2015

Being a good parent has always been my greatest goal in life. I imagine that one day soon, I'll have the experience of being a grandfather! Now, that should be an adventure!

NBachers

(17,007 posts)
57. There's a a thread of healing energy running through Democratic Underground tonight.
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 02:03 AM
Jun 2015

stevenleser got married, and posted a picture as bright and radiant as your lightning bolts.

Someone anonymously blessed Mira's house with a host of treasures, some newer; some older.

And you took us on a night-time journey through air, water, fire, earth, and time. A journey of turbulence, healing, and rebirth. A journey I think we all need right about now.

I had to read twice before I realized that the bolt that almost knocked you off the retaining wall was Kelly.

I met a woman yesterday at my job in the hardware store. She is rebuilding an old cabin in a community of women in Mendocino, California. Many of these women are part of the original back-to-the-land movement in Northern California. Like many of us, they are moving into a newer, more experienced stage of life. I envied her for her chance to see what these women have seen, and experience what they have lived. And they're still up there, chopping wood and carrying water.

Thank you, H2O Man, for letting us see what you have seen, and experience what you have lived.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
71. Well said!
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 11:21 AM
Jun 2015

As I noted elsewhere on this thread, it's important for folks here to keep in mind that everyone else in this curious community is an actual human being. If we do so, it would go a long way in elevating the level of discourse here .....even during the presidential primary season.

 

Scuba

(53,475 posts)
64. Wordsmithing of the highest order. Thanks for this insightful and interesting post.
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 07:26 AM
Jun 2015

And good wishes to you and your loved ones.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
75. Thanks!
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 12:37 PM
Jun 2015

I had fun that night, and enjoyed writing about it the next day. And I really have enjoyed the response from so many of the good people of this community.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
76. Thanks!
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 12:40 PM
Jun 2015

I get a kick out of just writing something that friends on DU:GD enjoy. But the combination of the response here, plus my sons telling me to organize and have some of my journals published, has me thinking that I will give it a try.

Depaysement

(1,835 posts)
79. You like your readers
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 01:49 PM
Jun 2015

But I bet you'd like your listeners more.

This is one of the few personal stories I have read here that I actually enjoyed reading.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
80. Thanks!
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 02:07 PM
Jun 2015

I'm getting ready to hit the "public speaking" tour this summer. Two years ago, I spoke to a large group at Binghamton, NY, on the contributions of Irish immigrants to the culture of the northeast. My family came from the Old Sod in the 1800s -- on my father's side -- and the men started out as stone-cutters on the canals, and then railroads. Anyhow, that group said I was their favorite speaker, and have been inviting me back. When I asked what they wanted me to talk about, they said whatever I want. I've decided to discuss the Native American history in the northeast, by comparing the 12,000-year archaeological record with the oral traditions of the Iroquois Confederacy.

scarletwoman

(31,893 posts)
85. "...comparing the 12,000-year archaeological record with the oral traditions of the..."
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 07:24 PM
Jun 2015
Iroquois Confederacy."

You absolutely MUST share your speech about this in some form or another with us here at DU!!!! Really, you must! I mean it!!!!

Pretty please?

suffragette

(12,232 posts)
81. Thank you for your thoughtful and eloquent sharing of your experiences
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 02:47 PM
Jun 2015

Last edited Sun Jun 7, 2015, 06:09 PM - Edit history (1)

It's not easy to express pure love in writing.
Your love for your family, your community and nature comes through in every word.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
83. Thank you!
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 06:00 PM
Jun 2015

I like that .... your message .... very nice!

I would like to think that I make a meaningful contribution, not just to my family, but to the larger community as well. I suppose that I'd include DU:GD, too, as one of the communities that I spend time in. So thank you!

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
88. Thank you.
Sun Jun 7, 2015, 07:49 PM
Jun 2015

I think that maybe it's that I said some things that a lot of us -- male and female -- have felt.

coeur_de_lion

(3,666 posts)
92. You need to write stories for a living
Thu Jun 11, 2015, 10:59 AM
Jun 2015

This one was a thing of beauty.

You could make a lot of money just writing about yourself and your life.

I read this and immediately felt peaceful.

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