Highwire to Heaven

For many years I’ve negotiated a fine balance between work for pay and work for passion, (that is, work for little to no pay). A perfect arrangement, I naively thought. But of course my weight has shifted, as well as my perspective. New demands and circumstance leave little time or energy for artistic endeavor. And I see my safety net is nothing but a trap.

I’m the only one who can save me. Hell, I’m the only one who recognizes a problem. From the outside I appear to be a productive member of society. I pay my taxes. I meet my responsibilities. I say I will do something and I do it. All perfectly acceptable. So who cares if I’ve lost my sea legs as long as I’m still standing?

But anyone who knows me can tell you, if there’s music playing I’m on the dance floor, not clinging to the rail. And twenty-five percent of my income is not the only contribution I hope to make in this lifetime. I’ll be pulling my weight when I am making a living from work that thrills me, from an effort that draws on all of my ability and experience, and when I am sharing that endeavor with others who feel their lives are somehow better for the interaction.

What might that be? I’ve been envisioning space.

Space to create.

Space to reconnect with nature.

Space to share with others.

Space where people will come to work and laugh and eat and rest and dream.

Space where I will help build and be part of a community.

Space where I will continue to learn, and where I will pass on what I know.

Space that I care for and manage.

Space that will provide a livelihood.

Space that will be my way of life.

That’s where I’m headed. This site is the journal of my journey, and I hope, a doorway to a spirited community of enduring friends and inspiring collaborators, both familiar and new.

You can read more about the vision here. Any advice or wisdom along the way is extremely welcome. I sure will need the help. Converse with me. Travel with me. Let’s see what’s on the horizon.

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