All aspens are one aspen. It is amazing to drive through miles of Aspen in the Rockies and understand that one tree started it all. It is a community, giving saftety and homes to wildlife, sharing it's beauty through human eyes. As the leaves turn to gold in the fall, it is all but overwhelming to sit beneath a full stand of trees. It gives the intensity of being in the cup of all that is right in the universe.
"Some say mankind was created from nothingness. I believe we are created from all things, we live our lives to experience everything, and when we die, we once again join with everything. Matter may disintegrate, energy is forever."
K. D. Clark 3/17/06
The Universe always says yes.
Sandy Lawson, March 18, 2006
A dear, dear friend
The planet is an organism, and like any other, it is subject to virus. We are the virus of this organism, and we are sure to destroy it.
B.G.Clark
To be able to express oneself is one thing. To be able to express it to the world, accurately, taking into consideration the psychological set of the target reader is an awesome gift.
B.G.Clark 16 February, 2006 in a letter to Emily
"I am here, because you are here. My impact upon you, be it positive or negative, may have impact upon another, who may do great things."
B. G. Clark 2005
"When I go inside (my head), I see designs, designs of things that are not here yet."
Thomas G. Betancourt, grandson age 11
June 2, 2005
Sometimes watching brings me sadness, sometimes discovery. Whichever, I am forced to look at it, and meditate upon it. At times there are answers, not always palatable to me.
You got to realize....... I don't think that deep, I don't even want to think about thinking that deep. Betty McDonald (my mother in law) Feb 2005
On a ride through the beautiful changing aspens of the high country, our family was talking about world news and current events. My wife asked her mother what she would like to tell the President of the United States if she had the opportunity to speak with him. Her response was quick, and from the hip. Something she is quite well known for. "I'd say Dub, (George W Bush), The time has come to pull your head out of your ass, and our troops out of Iraq!"
It is the private times in my mind, with my eyes closed, that I see all things. B.G.Clark in a letter to Emily, a family friend.
It is hard to be a happy person if you are not a decent person. Jerry Springer, January 23, 2006
"How long will it take you to realize that you cannot understand life unless you spend some time there?" B.G. Clark on therapeutic intervention
"One of the many measures of success is to live wherever you want to live."
B.G. Clark
"I don't want to deal with reality, I just want to bitch . "
B.G. Clark August 23, 2005
Those who will give up liberties for the assurance of safety deserve neither liberty or safety. Benjamin Franklin
"Of course people don't want war. But... voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of their leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and for exposing the country to greater danger." Hermann Goebbels, Minister of Propaganda, The Nazi Party, 1939
Our lives are better left to chance, I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance...... "The Dance" Garth Brooks A reflection of the greatness of love and it's loss.
Hot Chocolate is not just a chocolate bar in a cup. Thomas G. Betancourt, Grandson, age 12, May 29th, 2006
So this is what you get. You send a young man or woman to war, force them into killing or being killed, and this is what you get. Decades later it is a festering sore. If it does not change one's life profoundly and grow exponencially, then he or she is asleep while awake.
B.G. Clark, March 29, 2006 on the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
"They told you that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What they did not tell you is that it is best seen with the eyes closed. What you look like isn't important. What is important is who you are inside and the choices you are making in your life." Tiana Tozer-1992 Paralympic silver and 1996 bronze medalist, women's wheelchair basketball.
In a conversation about taking my grandson Tommy shopping for his birthday, he asked innocently: "So what do I do Grandpa? Do I just shop until I max out your credit card?"
All of us feel pain. We feel rejected, ashamed, loss of a loved one, hurt from others, and a million other reasons. Some of that pain we choose to manufacture, by giving power and permission for others to hurt us. Without our permission, we cannot be hurt. Choose wisely your pain, decide it's depth and hurt, through growth. B.G. Clark on Marraige and Family Counseling.
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather a skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "Wow! What a ride!"
I was blown away by so many great professors and teachers. It seemed as if I had been blind. Looking on the inside, into a mirror that does not exist. Probably for the first time seeing myself. The inside has no mirror, yet it reflects upon every bit of you, it is the reflection that you have been, and the reality that you are looking for, Insight. This was an awesome time, great men have called it "The Awakening." It is an incredibly insightful journey that you are beginning. A personal path that only you can walk. All the sensory input is set aside, you are within yourself. And your brain is like the galaxy, with billions and billions of answers. How exciting my life had suddenly become. B.G. Clark on the concept of cognitive-dissonance, and it’s understanding.
What does it take to respect another's culture? Does it take some sort of cognitive adaptation on our part? An effort to sit and listen, to sit and learn perhaps. So how different are they? Although they are the same, their experience in our world is quite different. Our reality has no other option than to be who we are and, comfortable in being there. There is always the opportunity to blend, to agree to disagree on many levels. Respect. I do not understand the need to discount those who are different than we are. B.G. Clark
"Genious has no personality." Albert Einstein
Speaking on his thoughts about the simplicity of relativity, Einstein said, (paraphrasing), "If you spend and hour and a glass of wine with a beautiful woman, it appears to be but only a rapid moment, spend the same amount of time under the scortching sun of the desert, with no water, and it seems an eternity."
I am a soldier, and I will balance my mission with compassion. I don’t “hate” the enemy. I have met him many times in different circumstances and situations. There have been times when I have shared my C-rations with a prisoner, and lit his cigarette for him, his hands tied behind his back. I was not popular with some of the soldiers. But I had rank, so most of it was never directed at me. Whenever I had the chance I talked to guys about how I felt, and the things I have seen, and wondered how it had changed me.
When you come up on a wounded enemy, he is frightened, he has grievous injuries, he feels death is near. Will you taunt him? Kick him, call him a “gook”? Can a heart be that cold? Who taught us to hate? And, why did we buy into it? I feel truly used, a blind patriot. My own people, Americans are hating me. They Call us baby killers. A letter home, Christmas 1969
And today, 35 yrs passed, I deeply apologize to those who knew better, and marched the marches. And my deepest of apologies to the peoples of Viet Nam. B.G. Clark
"Even after all this time the sun never says to the earth,'you owe me.' look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole world."~hafiz
"There is a difference between being a pacifist and a victim, there is a difference in being armed and dangerous. I consider myself to be an armed pacifist." Speaking on the issue of carrying a concealed weapon. K.D. Clark 17 March 2oo6
While having a conversation with Karen about freedom, and true liberty she made the following observations:
"Dogs never think about holding their farts, and further, have no concept of why they should." This applies to humanity itself, Rapists, Criminals, Spouse abuse, Robberies, simple rudeness. If only we could get beyond the animal instincts of our primitive brains and genetic memories, we might have a better world. It all comes down to holding your farts, and having some self discipline.
There is a wall to my right, to my left is the biggest of the three, my center is yielding. Situation, Excellent, I am prepared to attack. B.G. Clark, speaking on the importance of being a non victim.
It is not wise to laugh in the presence of a Mesmerist, they are easily offended and most dangerous in their subtleness. We live surrounded by hypnogogic reasoning. B.G.Clark on the importance of cognitive living.
When you find yourself trapped in a cage with a tiger, you quickly learn in which direction to stroke its fur. Chinese Proverb
The majesty of the mountains preserve the heritage of our beginnings. They enhance the beauty of my present and inspire my future. Near the sacred peak of Tava everything reveals it's most essential meaning, it's interdependency of all nature. B.G Clark~~~ on the allure of nature.
As long as an enemy's apprearance is familiar, his victory is assured. An assumption could really ruin your day. B.G. Clark on the principles of not being a victim.
The Way I See It
The good life is the middle way, between: Ambition and Compassion, action and reflection, company and solitude, hedonism and abstinence, passion and judgement, a cup of coffee and a glass of wine.
Jay McInerney, Author, The Good Life
There is a moment just before my hand touches the honey pot that is much more enjoyable than the actual taste of honey on my lips, and I don't know what that moment is called.
-----Winnie the Pooh
That, is "anticipation" -----Christopher Robbins
I find it very difficult to understand the person who travels a hundred or even a thousand miles to admire our pristine mountains and it's wildlife, while proceeding to litter it with garbage, bottles, and beer cans. B.G. Clark
Your mind lives a completely different reality and exhistance, then your perceived reality of the world. K.D.Clark
I used to walk around thinking about how people were so messed up. Over the years I have come to realize that it is not them. They are all just part of my bag of pet peeves. B.G. Clark
The Hindu religion believes that human beings are the dreams of Gods, but through scientific exploration we have come to believe that Gods are the dreams of man.---Carl Sagan
One day, a great, great, great, grandchild will read the words that came from his bloods brain, living in antiquity. (on a note to my daughter about the importance and value that our decendence will place upon our words)
Age is simply this: It is our celluar evolution fueled by our Sedentary, alcohol, smoking, non exercise lifestyle. B.G. Clark
I'm sure the funeral was a trying experience for you, and your family as well. One can never be prepared, even with notice, isn't that true? We thought they would live forever. Why did they leave us now when they have so much value? So much more to teach and be observed? If my last day was today, my music teacher Jon would say, yesterday I taught him about the rabbit bushes in his yard and how to properly trim ponderosa pines and aspen. And I would be a happy man. We are saddened by the loss, and fail to see the life of memories and learning's given. I think we cry for ourselves and not celebrate the fruit of their life that still grows in the minds of the youth. They will live forever.
B.G. Clark to Emily in condolences to her grandfather, June 21,2007
It is not difficult to become depressed. Life's trauma brings acute dperession that can hang on for days or months. Yet at times depression can be present without any connection to an event. At those times you are in mourning for who and what you are. B.G. Clark on the one year anniversary of my friend Cynde's death.
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind! but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
Anonymous, July, 2007
Respect the little chipmunk. He is a survivor, he walks the same path of the great grizzly bear and faces the same peril. B.G.Clark
This morning I watched as a little cotton tail rabbit raced and played tag with a black tufted squirrel. The antics went on and on. A bear visited last night, he left a huge pile by our field. And you look at me and say I am poor? The masses are hypnotized by the overwhelming sensory input of the world. As a race, we have become desinsitized to what is actually real in our lives, what is and has been here since the beginning of time. Things that last. A plethora of species on a unique planet that at one time provided for all. Lending itself to newness, encouraging species adaptation, and a balance of life. Tell me, when is the last time you just sat and looked in wonder at a bug or a flower? If you have not, it is you that is poor my freind. We have become reactors. Our days are filled with reations to the deluge of sensory input. If I may give any advice, I will say this: If at all possible, make it a point to make someones day. Compliment their hat, their eyes, or their service to you. Anything. Hold the door for a mom and her baby. Kiss the sweet face of an animal and see if you don't feel the return of affection. Damn, come alert! Being lonely for me is walking with a person who is blind to all of this. Their conversations are forever and always about things that mean little to me, that they hold as baggage from a past transgression. B.G. Clark August 12, 2007
You have spoken to my heart. I see our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, being threatened by Iran, and martial law imposed by Pakistan. I see a foolish attempt at economic blackmail that has lasted over 40 yrs in Cuba, and diplomatic relationships in far more repressive nations. I see our world dying before our very eyes, and pray that I will die before it does. I too am saddened. My only enlightenment is that I understand that this has probably happened before, millions of years ago prior to recorded history. Like any other organism the world will die and renew itself. In our time it is millions, perhaps billions of years, yet in cosmic time is it but the blink of an eye. Humanity will not survive it's killing of the earth, extinction in inevitable.
And then.... the little birds brush me as they fly by in a peanut butter frenzy to be the first, and my squirrels chatter with me begging for peanuts. The mule deer watch silently as I pass by, without fear, and I can feel them, actually feel them inside me. Freedom from thought, worry, now that is true freedom.
I am sorry, you have found me on a soap box this morning. saddened and angered at the world's plight. I want to smoke a big cigar (I don't smoke), drink a large snifter of Maker's Mark Whiskey, sit on a rock and say fuck it, just fuck it. I am much to sensitive to my surroundings.
In the early years it was about me. My little bubble, and all the things that affected ME. I guess I have walked a few miles. Those things are still important, but less so than the sadness that I feel for this planet. How insignificant I am in the true sense of time and place.
And this too shall pass, right? Bear with me, and allow my sorrow for now.
B.G.Clark, a letter written 6 November, 2007
My Dearest Friends,
You NEVER know when you are looking into the face of God. When I look into the eyes of a large Doe that frequents our property, I think about this. When I feed the chick-a-dees and watch the nut-hatchers come so close, I think of this. I think of this most when I look into the unknown sadness of children's eyes, or the eyes of those who are forced into subservience. I have throughout my life taken the side of those who stand alone. I can be moved into flashed anger by the disrespect of others toward those who fear to strike back. Very early in my life I was the little boy with the books. A special person took my hand and became my guide.
On September 7th of this year he died (Russell Newell, Dover, NH). I had visited briefly last year, and knew the end was near. I made sure he knew about the impact he had on my life, and allowed him memories that weren't exactly as they were. At his passing, I felt a brief sense of being alone in the world, without course. Then I remember who I am, and where I have been, and the impact that I have had on others. Some good some, not so good. My promise to this world is that I will do far more good than bad. That I will never judge those by the color of their skin, their education, or social standing. That I will, when I can do the right thing without rescuing them, lead, guide and direct in a patient manner.
Today you have touched my heart.
Rocky, written in a letter to my dear freinds Skip and JoAnn Coyne
In the 1920's, a new woman was born. She smoked, drank, danced and voted. She cut her hiar, wore make-up and went to petting parties. She was giddy and took risks. She was a Flapper.. OH Dah'lin!
The time has come, there is a fork in the road, we must become enlightened or face extinction.
There are no coincidences, it is our maker tapping us on the shoulder, being anonymous.
No matter where you go, there you are..... ("Rocky it took me years to understand that.").
Throughout this cold or whatever it is, I have become prone to almost lucid dreaming in a thrashing, sleepless, rapid experience of mixed subjects and emotions. Somehow I feel that it is a passage. Something that everyone does, reflections, picking up the tossed off baggage and looking at it a bit, being ashamed, afraid, depressed, sorry, a plethora of feelings. I find myself asking myself for forgiveness, and wanting a fresh start (to history?). I wonder if everyone does this, is it a bus stop in our lives?
"Free at last, Free at last, Thank God Almighty, I am free at last."
Free from whom? Myself?
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