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SUMMARY:Monthly Online Seminar: Culture That Nurtures
DESCRIPTION:  \nCulture That Nurtures \n  \nIn this monthly online seminar\, we will explore various ways we can help to co-create a culture that nurtures everyone. Although people are welcome to present (non-academic) papers or poems\, no advance preparation is necessary.  \n  \nHere’s the Zoom link:  \n  \nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/87193719372 \n  \nSaturday\, December 14\, 1-3: Happiness!  What can we learn from each other about happiness\, joy\, pleasure\, ecstasy\, humor\, delight\, well-being? \n  \nSaturday\, January 18\, 1-3: How Can I Help? In the wake of the recent election\, everyone I know is wondering what we can do. \n  \nSaturday\, February 15\, 1-3: Creativity What can we do as artists\, poets\, musicians\, storytellers\, photographers\, actors\, dancers to bless and enliven our culture? \n  \nI hope you can take part in this ongoing Deep Dialogue!  \n  \nThis online Open Road event is free. \n  \npeace\, love & happiness   \n  \nJohnny
URL:https://openroadpdx.com/event/monthly-online-seminar-culture-that-nurtures/
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SUMMARY:peace\, love\, happiness & understanding  1/2/25
DESCRIPTION:  \nTHE OPEN ROAD \npeace\, love\, happiness & understanding \n  \nJanuary 2\, 2025 \n  \nSwiftly the years\, beyond recall\, \nSolemn the stillness of this fair morning. \nI will clothe myself in spring-clothing\, \nAnd visit the slopes of the Eastern Hill. \nBy the mountain-stream a mist hovers\, \nHovers a moment\, then scatters. \nThere comes a wind blowing from the south \nThat brushes the fields of new corn. \n  \n—T’ao Ch’ien (365-427 A.D.)\, translated by Arthur Waley\, from Zen In English Literature and Oriental Classics by R. H. Blyth \n* \n  \nI Believe Nothing… \n  \nI believe nothing—what need \nSurrounded as I am with marvels of what is\, \nThis familiar room\, books\, shabby carpet on the floor\, \nAutumn yellow jasmine\, crysanthemums\, my mother\, my mother’s flower\, \nEarth-scent of memories\, daily miracles\, \nYet media-people ask\, ‘Is there a God?’ \nWhat does the word mean \nTo the fish in his ocean\, birds \nIn his skies\, and stars? \n  \nI only know that when I turn in sleep \nInto the invisible\, it seems \nI am upheld by love\, and what seems is \nInexplicable here and now of joy and sorrow\, \nThis inexhaustible\, untidy world— \nI would not have it otherwise. \n  \n—Kathleen Raine (1908-2003) \n* \nJoyas Voladoras \n  \nConsider the hummingbird for a long moment. A hummingbird’s heart beats ten times a second. A hummingbird’s heart is the size of a pencil eraser. A hummingbird’s heart is a lot of the hummingbird. Joyas voladoras\, flying jewels\, the first white explorers in the Americas called them\, and the white men had never seen such creatures\, for hummingbirds came into the world only in the Americas\, nowhere else in the universe\, more than three hundred species of them whirring and zooming and nectaring in hummer time zones nine times removed from ours\, their hearts hammering faster than we could clearly hear if we pressed our elephantine ears to their infinitesimal chests. \n  \nEach one visits a thousand flowers a day. They can dive at sixty miles an hour. They can fly backwards. They can fly more than five hundred miles without pausing to rest. But when they rest they come close to death: on frigid nights\, or when they are starving\, they retreat into torpor\, their metabolic rate slowing to a fifteenth of their normal sleep rate\, their hearts sludging nearly to a halt\, barely beating\, and if they are not soon warmed\, if they do not soon find that which is sweet\, their hearts grow cold\, and they cease to be. Consider for a moment those hummingbirds who did not open their eyes again today\, this very day\, in the Americas: bearded helmet-crests and booted racket-tails\, violet-tailed sylphs and violet-capped woodnymphs\, crimson topazes and purple-crowned fairies\, red-tailed comets and amethyst woodstars\, rainbow-bearded thornbills and glittering-bellied emeralds\, velvet-purple coronets and golden-bellied star-frontlets\, fiery-tailed awlbills and Andean hillstars\, spatuletails and pufflegs\, each the most amazing thing you have never seen\, each thunderous wild heart the size of an infant’s fingernail\, each mad heart silent\, a brilliant music stilled. \n  \nHummingbirds\, like all flying birds but more so\, have incredible enormous immense ferocious metabolisms. To drive those metabolisms they have race-car hearts that eat oxygen at an eye-popping rate. Their hearts are built of thinner\, leaner fibers than ours. Their arteries are stiffer and more taut. They have more mitochondria in their heart muscles—anything to gulp more oxygen. Their hearts are stripped to the skin for the war against gravity and inertia\, the mad search for food\, the insane idea of flight. The price of their ambition is a life closer to death; they suffer more heart attacks and aneurysms and ruptures than any other living creature. It’s expensive to fly. You burn out. You fry the machine. You melt the engine. Every creature on earth has approximately two billion heartbeats to spend in a lifetime. You can spend them slowly\, like a tortoise and live to be two hundred years old\, or you can spend them fast\, like a hummingbird\, and live to be two years old. \n  \nThe biggest heart in the world is inside the blue whale. It weighs more than seven tons. It’s as big as a room. It is a room\, with four chambers. A child could walk around it\, head high\, bending only to step through the valves. The valves are as big as the swinging doors in a saloon. This house of a heart drives a creature a hundred feet long. When this creature is born it is twenty feet long and weighs four tons. It is waaaaay bigger than your car. It drinks a hundred gallons of milk from its mama every day and gains two hundred pounds a day\, and when it is seven or eight years old it endures an unimaginable puberty and then it essentially disappears from human ken\, for next to nothing is known of the the mating habits\, travel patterns\, diet\, social life\, language\, social structure\, diseases\, spirituality\, wars\, stories\, despairs and arts of the blue whale. There are perhaps ten thousand blue whales in the world\, living in every ocean on earth\, and of the largest animal who ever lived we know nearly nothing. But we know this: the animals with the largest hearts in the world generally travel in pairs\, and their penetrating moaning cries\, their piercing yearning tongue\, can be heard underwater for miles and miles. \n  \nMammals and birds have hearts with four chambers. Reptiles and turtles have hearts with three chambers. Fish have hearts with two chambers. Insects and mollusks have hearts with one chamber. Worms have hearts with one chamber\, although they may have as many as eleven single-chambered hearts. Unicellular bacteria have no hearts at all; but even they have fluid eternally in motion\, washing from one side of the cell to the other\, swirling and whirling. No living being is without interior liquid motion. We all churn inside. \n  \nSo much held in a heart in a lifetime. So much held in a heart in a day\, an hour\, a moment. We are utterly open with no one in the end—not mother and father\, not wife or husband\, not lover\, not child\, not friend. We open windows to each but we live alone in the house of the heart. Perhaps we must. Perhaps we could not bear to be so naked\, for fear of a constantly harrowed heart. When young we think there will come one person who will savor and sustain us always; when we are older we know this is the dream of a child\, that all hearts finally are bruised and scarred\, scored and torn\, repaired by time and will\, patched by force of character\, yet fragile and rickety forevermore\, no matter how ferocious the defense and how many bricks you bring to the wall. You can brick up your heart as stout and tight and hard and cold and impregnable as you possibly can and down it comes in an instant\, felled by a woman’s second glance\, a child’s apple breath\, the shatter of glass in the road\, the words I have something to tell you\, a cat with a broken spine dragging itself into the forest to die\, the brush of your mother’s papery ancient hand in the thicket of your hair\, the memory of your father’s voice early in the morning echoing from the kitchen where he is making pancakes for his children. \n  \n—Brian Doyle (1956-2017)\, published in The American Scholar\, June 12\, 2012\, and in One Long River of Song. a collection of his essays  \n* \nHere’s a New Year’s essay by Michael Meade: \n  \nFinding Ways to Begin Anew \n  \nAlthough there can be no quick fix for all that troubles the world at this time\, the aim of traditional New Year rites was to end the reign of the old year in order to begin everything anew. The idea was to follow the course of nature in which the world descends into darkness before the light and the energy of life begin to return. \n  \nThe old idea was not simply the turning over of a calendar\, but the understanding that a capacity for transformation and regeneration resides at the heart of nature\, at the center of the cosmos and in the heart of humanity as well. The point was not to be naive and deny problems that must be faced\, but to return to the origins of creation and symbolically participate in the capacity of life to renew itself. \n  \nFor\, small and insignificant as we may increasingly feel\, we carry within our souls a spark that is connected to the galaxies and to the origins of creation. On one hand we are time bound\, on the other we are secretly tied to eternal things that transcend the limits of time and space. By symbolically participating in the dissolution of time\, ancient people were temporarily delivered from their faults and failings and had their original life potential restored. \n  \nAlthough this primordial sense of rejuvenation and renewal does not remove suffering or injustice from the world\, it becomes more important if we are to avoid overwhelm and navigate the chaotic and exhausting times in which we live. \n  \nWe live amidst a shattering of paradigms that radically alter familiar patterns in both nature and culture. As the future of the Earth itself becomes increasingly uncertain the search for genuine knowledge begins with accepting the sense that we truly do not know what the New Year might bring. To find the kinds of insight and wisdom we most need\, we must accept the condition of “not knowing” that parallels the uncertainty and darkness that appear before creation occurs. \n  \nInside all stuck situations there is a deep vulnerability that can lead to a release of unexpected imagination and inspired ideas. In Zen Buddhist traditions the practice of shoshin translates as “beginner’s mind.” Shoshin begins where received ideas and accepted patterns are left behind as an innate capacity to awaken from within begins with “not knowing.” The open and humble attitude of a beginner makes us less likely to simply repeat old patterns of behavior. \n  \nWhile those who claim to be able to solve the complex problems we face may claim dogmatic certainty\, the openness of the beginner is more likely to find the true nature of a situation. A principle idea of shoshin is that in the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities\, but in the expert’s mind there are few. Thus\, beginner’s mind offers a particular kind of wisdom based upon a willingness to be at the edge where life remains open to many possibilities and unrealized potentials. \n  \nIn keeping with the sense of many possibilities\, the ancient term for beginner’s mind has more than one meaning. Shoshin can also mean something or someone that conveys “genuine truth.” Thus\, it can refer to a work of art or a person that is genuine and not a fake or an imitation. When we draw from the root of our deeper self\, we become more authentic and able to act in alignment with the inner spirit and the genuine aim of our souls. \n  \nAs a practice\, beginner’s mind can also involve the sense of forgiveness. For only when we forgive ourselves for mistakes and misdeeds can we let go of the ties that bind us and be released from the need to repeat the mistakes of the past. In that sense\, not knowing\, being open to change and forgiving ourselves and others turn out to be key ingredients in seeking to rejuvenate\, start anew and be able to imagine and contribute to a better world. \n  \nSomething ancient and knowing is trying to catch up to us and being fully present when a moment in time breaks open to unseen possibilities depends upon practices like beginner’s mind that help us to be authentic and original and able to start anew. In being more open and forgiving we become more able to unlock untapped capacities for creativity\, flexibility\, and resilience. \n  \nIn the open moments of life we become connected to the heart of nature again and can sense what the ancients meant in saying that all of life is sacred; and all that can be a grace in the world and at the edge of every moment. \n  \nWe at Mosaic wish for you and for all of us\, that we might allow ourselves to be touched by the eternal\, be blessed by the sacred and become more able to help with the healing healing of the Earth and each other. \n  \n—Michael Meade (https://www.mosaicvoices.org/) \n* \n  \nNews from Rocky Hutchinson:  \n11/24/24 \n  \nDear Johnny & Nancy \nI’m getting ready for work right now & it is a nice\, quiet morning. The sun has not yet cracked the sky\, but it’s looking like a beautiful Autumn day\, my favorite time of year. Nature is at its most alluring time for me\, all the colors fading and changing\, pushing out all of the fragrances. Birds nesting in the windows\, spiders spinning their webs\, beauty in everything I see. \nThe best time for me\, the very best things are friends & family & food…. \n  \n12/10/24 \n  \nOkay\, several more days down\, I’m sorry I got caught up in all the Alcohol & Drug packets. They are much easier to do\, due to the fact that I want to live clean and sober. I’m not fighting it in any way. So to me it’s all positive trinkets I’m picking up while walking along the golden path. \nIt is very early here & besides myself there are only two others awake\, such a peaceful time of morning. Between the hours of 4:30 & 5:30 A.M….Ahhh\, so nice! It is so could out (27°) and the fog is so thick that it is billowing on the windows like some scene out of a vampire movie\, it is really quite cool. Our world is such a mysterious place & so beautiful. I’m in a condemned mental hospital that is now a maximum prison\, engulfed in vampire fog! LOL \nToday I will work on the big turtle I’m drawing. From here on out I will be keeping all of my works for my place to hang on my walls…. \nI received “peace\, love\,  happiness & understanding” from the Open Road yesterday. They warm the heart always. I also got four Christmas cards. That’s the most I’ve received in quite a long time! The kindness I can feel in my soul is such a gift & in only a few months I will be able to reciprocate “all” of it with everyone in a normal social way! \nWhen I do my emotional & personal & mental evaluations I’ve started to realize that my capacity to obtain\, accept & reciprocate goodness can be done in volume & on a calm level\, with a depth of sincerity that I can only describe as…peaceful harmony…like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It’s supposed to be good! I have this ability now because I have no more anger or resentments using up space in me any longer. \nOne of the many things I’m looking forward to is to engage in positive social settings. I’m a little worried that people might be scared of me. I hope that’s not the case & I’m sure it won’t be\, but once people get to know me they will find out that I’m really a nice guy\, smart & funny! I’m dying to be in a greater social setting! \n  \n12/12/24 \n4:35 a.m. \n  \n….Another thing I’m really excited about doing is going to an arts & crafts store to get supplies for drawing!!! All that COOL stuff! Man\, that’s going to be fun! \nTime to get this into the mail box! \n  \nLove & Light \nRocky \n* \n  \nA Reverie \n  \nA cozy fire in the library. \nUp in the ballroom \njust a bed and the faint winter \nlight through leaded glass. \n  \nOut in the gulch the vines \ntwine around bare branches \nof scrub trees\, furry seed pods\, \ncotton against the rain. \n  \nIn preparation\, rusted parts of things long \nforgotten grace willow arrangements \nin chic salons with terracotta floors. \nMen walk by. Smile half smiles. \n  \nEveryone dreams of the sun\, \nlong bare legs\, smell of land. \nBut now\, there is tea and ceremony. \nMusicians assemble in the drawing room. \n  \nSoon the Bach will ache and set us down \nin the white dewed ground \nas if we inhabited the heartbreak \nreflected in the garden pool at midnight. \n  \n  \n—Elizabeth Domike \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://openroadpdx.com/event/peace-love-happiness-understanding-1-2-25/
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250206
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250306
DTSTAMP:20260424T162812
CREATED:20250206T151624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250206T151955Z
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SUMMARY:peace\, love\, happiness & understanding  2/6/25
DESCRIPTION:Statue of Peace in the Plaza La Paz\, Guanajuato\, Mexico.  \nNote the dismayed soldier at the base of the monument\, who is out of work. \n  \nTHE OPEN ROAD \npeace\, love\, happiness & understanding \n  \nFebruary 6\, 2025 \n  \nThe earth is all before me: with a heart \nJoyous\, not scared at its own liberty\, \nI look about\, and should the guide I chuse \nBe nothing better than a wandering cloud\, \nI cannot miss my way \n  \n—from The Prelude by William Wordsworth (1805) \n* \n  \nI love Love—though he has wings\, \nAnd like light can flee\, \nBut above all other things\, \nSpirit [of Delight]\, I love thee— \nThou art love and life! Oh come\, \nMake once more my heart thy home. \n  \n—Percy Bysshe Shelley\, “Song” (“Rarely\, rarely comest thou\,/Spirit of Delight!”) \n* \n  \nWe got a long letter from Rocky Hutchinson in early January. Here are some excerpts: \n  \n12-27-24 \n  \nDear Johnny & Nancy \n  \nWell\, it has been the best year of my whole prison set. Since I’ve been here life has been richer. But the next step will be even better than this one…. \n  \nWhile I’m waiting [to be transferred] I’ve been working on this packet that I was given a few months ago. The class is called: “My Personal Values and Ethics.” These are the topics that it hits on: \n  \n1. Determining 5 to 10 core values. \n  \n2. Select my top five values and prioritize them. I felt that my top 5 were: honor\, ingenuity\, continuous improvement\, love & positivity. But I also flipped it & chose 10 things I want to get better at\, to be a stronger and more ethical person. They are: Discipline\, Growth\, Continuous Improvement\, Balance\, Serenity\, Leadership\, Self-reliance\, Confidence\, Diligence\, Obedience. \n  \n3. The areas in my life I want to focus on are: partners\, family\, friends\, careers\, intellectual & personal growth—contributions to community & humanity. \n  \n4. My areas of strength are: Art\, music\, problem-solving\, foresight\, insight\, intuition\, love\, acceptance\, kindness & defusing conflicts (“mediator”)! \n  \n5. Dreams: If it was my last day on Earth\, what would I regret not doing\, seeing\, or creating?  \n  \n        My choice for “Doing” would be regretting that I did not ever share my whole self completely with at least one person. I truly in my heart\, mind & soul believe that we should have one person we can trust to completely open up to in our life\, without fear of judgement or ridicule. We would grow as a person\, I feel. \n  \n        My choice for “Seeing” would be two things: seeing the pyramids in Mexico & the Aurora Borealis in its peak season…both with my wife “if I have one!” \n  \n       My choice for “Creating” would be: to create a setting or event for my closest\, most dearest friends that is breathtakingly beautiful & peaceful for no particular reason…well\, it would be made out of the deepest love I have for them. \n  \n6.  Skills: What are three areas I strongly want to cultivate skills in that will in some way enrich all of my life experiences? I said: 1) A greater & deeper sense of taking in & expressing Empathy. 2) Verbally explain how I see the beauty of the world & in people. 3) Adapt to social situations better. \n  \nThis is as far as I’ve gotten so far. Here are the other pieces of the curriculum: \n  \n7.  Profession: What are the things I must do to feel fulfilled in my work? \n  \n8.  Draft my Personal Vision Statement & how to develop it. \n  \n9.  When to use my life vision & how to use it. \n  \n10.  Three Essential Self-Development Tools for Lasting Change. \n  \nI don’t know when I will be leaving\, but I do have things to do while I am waiting. This seems to be more productive than crosswords or video games. It also gets my mind off of other things. \n  \nThe last few months I’ve had some lessons taught & they’re the kind that stick. They’re also the kind I don’t like because it makes me think & feel ill towards others. Before\, in my past life\, I would have reacted with violence. In a more recent\, but past\, life my reaction would have been anger\, verbal confrontation and acting out. But now it’s almost a comic sense of approach to things. Now I keep my head & keep my peace in this type of situation. You teaching me to see them as children has helped out in every way! Now all of this makes me laugh. \n  \nNo one\, not even myself\, is going to rob me of my peace & joy in my life anymore. I really do feel that due to the fact I’m always 90% of the time in a positive upbeat mood\, that it has placed a target on me! LOL I don’t have time to care at all about it\, if it is the case…. \n  \n12-29-24 \n  \nWell\, I’ve come a long way from where I was in 2018.  Looking back on the whole picture\, the situation “prison” is somewhat the same\, but I’m in a healthy environment here. No drama really\, no violence—it’s good. Myself…well\, I’ve changed and have grown happier & have overcome some trauma that played a huge role in “Everything!” \n  \nRecently\, though\, I have discovered a few things about life…my self…my life. I love the little simple things that people do\, me included. A smile\, a look\, small talk\, etc. \n  \nI do not like negativity at all! I used to be able to tolerate it\, but now at all costs I try to avoid it. By making a greater effort to do so I have noticed I’ve been spending quite some time all alone. LOL I myself have spent too much time living in and with negativity. \n  \nMy time in here has changed me\, no doubt at all & my time is soon coming when I can truly get to choose who I want to spend time with & how I get to spend my time. Long meaningful talks about things that don’t pertain to prison. Adult conversations that…we grow from. Normal and non-stressful conversations with girls & not be judged for them!? I just realized how crazy that sounds as I wrote it! \n  \nLife is coming\, my friends\, & I’m truly happy and ready to live & to give of myself. I’m ready to apply myself to life in positive\, productive\, kind\, loving & fun ways. \n  \nWow\, this letter got long! I might be gone by the time you get this letter. To be honest\, I’m a little surprised that I’m still here. Man\, I hope I get to see you guys soon. Till then… \n  \nAll my Love \nRocky \n  \n[Editor’s note: Rocky was transferred to Powder River Correctional Institution in early January\, 2025.] \n* \n  \nThis essay from Jude’s arrived a teency bit late for the January issue\, so here it is in February: \n  \nThe Kindness of Conservatives \n  \nDo those words even go together? You be the judge. \n  \nOur next door neighbor is conservative—-very. He hung his flag upside down until Trump was re-elected. Obama wasn’t born in the U.S. Had I known about the 2000 Mules? Hunter Biden’s laptop!  You name it\, if it came from Fox ‘News’ it was true. \n  \nThey invited us over for a winter solstice party on December 21st\, which we went to\, as civil neighbors do. I can be neighborly\, which I was\, all the while seething inside. Their house was festive\, and I commented on it. I told them that I was so exhausted from trying to manage our new rescue dog we’d adopted that we hadn’t even put up a Christmas tree—-for the first time in my life! So their decorated house was a welcome sight for me. \n  \nThe next afternoon they called and said they’d bring over the dishes I’d left there. Fine\, thanks. Mid-afternoon I opened the door and there they stood with the dishes and a wheelbarrow. In the wheelbarrow was a 3’ high fir tree planted in a 10 gallon pot. It was decorated with twinkling lights\, spiraling red ribbons\, and about two dozen silver and gold Christmas ornaments. It was heavenly!! They smiled and said\, “We thought you shouldn’t be without a Christmas tree this year.”  They’d gone up into the woods and dug a tree\, planted it and decorated it for David and me. I was so shocked and moved; I burst into tears. “This is the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me\,” I burbled. And it’s true; I still love Christmas and all that goes with it. This gesture was the essence of Christmas\, and somehow they knew. \n  \nWe carried it into the house\, plugged in the twinkly lights\, and the house and my heart lit up and glowed. \n  \nTheir family is scattered around the country\, so they were spending Christmas day alone. I invited them over for Christmas dinner and they accepted. We spent four hours eating\, drinking wine\, and playing board games\, with the Christmas tree sparkling in the background.  \n  \nHe will always be conservative and I will always be liberal\, but this year peace\, love\, happiness and understanding prevailed. \n  \n—Jude Russell \n* \n  \na gift from Pablo… \n  \nPoetry \n  \nAnd it was at that age…poetry arrived \nin search of me. I don’t know\, I don’t know where \nit came from\, from winter or a river\, \nI don’t know how or when\, \nno\, they were not voices\, they were not \nwords\, not silence\, \nbut from a street it called me\, \nfrom the branches of night\, \nabruptly from the others\, \namong raging fires \nor returning alone\, \nthere it was\, without a face\, \nand it touched me. \n  \nI didn’t know what to say\, my mouth \nhad no way \nwith names\, \nmy eyes were blind. \nSomething knocked in my soul\, \nfever or forgotten wings\, \nand I made my own way\, \ndeciphering \nthat fire \nand I wrote the first\, faint line\, \nfaint\, without substance\, pure \nnonsense\, \npure wisdom \nof someone who knows nothing; \nand suddenly I saw \nthe heavens \nunfastened \nand open\, \nplanets\, \npalpitating plantations\, \nthe darkness perforated\, \nriddled \nwith arrows\, fire\, and flowers\, \nthe overpowering night\, the universe. \n  \nAnd I\, tiny being\, \ndrunk with the great starry \nvoid\, \nlikeness\, image of \nmystery\, \nfelt myself a pure part \nof the abyss. \nI wheeled with the stars. \nMy heart broke loose with the wind. \n  \n–Pablo Neruda\, translated by Alistair Reid\, from Isla Negra: A Notebook \n* \n  \nWhile in Mexico\, inspired by Pablo Neruda’s odes\, I’ve written some odes. Here are a couple of them: \n  \nOde to Cardinalito \n  \nLittle red bird\, \nevery time I see you\, \nlike right now\, \nI am suddenly \nimmensely happy. \nThank you. \nI hope you enjoy \nyour evening meal \nof bugs. \n* \n  \nOde to a Gym Teacher \n  \nThere is an outdoor playground \nat the Ignacio Allende school \nacross the way. \nFor many years \nthe same gym teacher \nhas been organizing games \nfor children \nof different ages. \nHe knows  \nthe games \nthat the littlest ones \nand the biggest ones \nlove to play. \nAll day long \nevery school day \nshouts of wild delight\, \nthe ecstatic screams \nof little girls \ncan be heard— \nyear after year. \nWho is this guy? \nI don’t know his name. \nHis job is: \nTHE HAPPINESS OF CHILDREN. \nAnd he is a maestro\, \na saint\, \na bodhisattva. \nI love \nthe sound  \nof his voice. \n  \nWhile some geniuses \nare deciding \nwhere to drop \nthe next bomb\, \nhe is watering the seeds \nof joy \ntoday \nand for the future \nof the world. \n  \n—Johnny “Juanito” Stallings
URL:https://openroadpdx.com/event/peace-love-happiness-understanding-2-6-25/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250209T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250209T210000
DTSTAMP:20260424T162812
CREATED:20250127T183112Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250201T173517Z
UID:5350-1739127600-1739134800@openroadpdx.com
SUMMARY:Lost and Found in Peru
DESCRIPTION:  \nMaster Storyteller Will Hornyak Presents: \n  \nLost and Found in Peru: \nStories from a Reporter’s Notebook \n  \n Tales of People\, Politics\, History\, Landscapes  \nand Journeys Inner and Outer \n  \n    \nSunday\, February 9th\, 7 p.m. (Doors open 6:30)  \nArtichoke Music   \n2007 SE Powell Blvd.   \n$20   \nTickets from Artichoke Music website. \n   \nFor those who can’t attend\, live-streaming is available.  \nGo to Artichoke Music Live a few minutes before the show. \n  \n 
URL:https://openroadpdx.com/event/lost-and-found-in-peru/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://openroadpdx.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/0-2.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250215T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250215T150000
DTSTAMP:20260424T162812
CREATED:20250215T195614Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250215T195919Z
UID:5394-1739624400-1739631600@openroadpdx.com
SUMMARY:Culture That Nurtures Online Seminar: CREATIVITY!  2/15/25
DESCRIPTION:Bread & Puppet Theater \n  \nFriends!  \n  \nCulture That Nurtures is a monthly online seminar.  \nOn Saturday\, February 15th\, from 1 to 3 pm (PST) our topic is Creativity!  \nHere’s the Zoom link:   \n  \nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/87193719372 \n  \nI hope you can join the conversation!  \n  \n peace\, love & creativity   \nJohnny
URL:https://openroadpdx.com/event/culture-that-nurtures-online-seminar-creativity-2-15-25/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250216T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250216T170000
DTSTAMP:20260424T162812
CREATED:20250215T192146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250313T033912Z
UID:5384-1739718000-1739725200@openroadpdx.com
SUMMARY:¡Bibliophiles Unanimous!: FOOD!  2/16/25
DESCRIPTION:painting by Giuseppe Arcimboldo (1526-1593) \n  \n¡Beloved Bibliophiles! \n  \nOn Sunday\, February 16th\, from 3 to 5 pm (PST)\, our theme is FOOD! \nHere’s the Zoom link: \n  \nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/87614013058 \n  \nI hope to see you there! \n  \npaz\, amor y comida \n  \nJuanito
URL:https://openroadpdx.com/event/bibliophiles-unanimous-food-2-15-25/
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR