:'(I weep, goodbye my loves.  Righteousness has killed us.   

Sadly, at this time it is easier to withdraw rather than fight the same battle over and over.

Quote from: Taka on November 17, 2014, 08:54:55 AM
i'm sorry dears, but taka will be leaving for a while.
possibly forever.

my family will know how to contact me if anyone wants to.

Me too!

Take care, Taka.

The old man sits by the embers of the fire.

He quietly rises, a tear on his cheek. 

He knows they are safe, his family and his protectors, though he is fully capable of protecting himself.  It is like so many times in his life, this is the third time his family has been driven out of their home, it happed twice in the cisworld to him.

He spots a key next to the table.  Taka's key.

Silently he puts it into his pocket, leaves the food on the table, and goes to the front door.

The house is empty.  Others will need to make their own now.

He opens the door, and gently locks it, and carrying a diamond encrusted walking stick, he sets off into the setting sun.

Blessings my dear ones.

Julie came to the empty house and sobbed.  She climbed through the kitchen window and found a note that the old one had scribbled on parchment gently reminding her that all things pass and that boarding a ship and  sailing to the west was not death.  That other lands were there and that ships and trains travel both ways.  The old man's wisdom is profound and his love all encompassing.  She dried her tears and and left a lipstick kiss on the letter for others to see.   Then after sweeping the floors, making the bed and looking fondly at the familiar place.  She began the long trek to the future and following in her friend and mentor's steps turned west, leaving the door unlocked.

I just want to bring you news of this glorious family.  All are well and send love from the west.  Everyone to grow needs to find their own path.  I seem to live in both forests for now and hopefully we are all  both growing in the security of their authentic identities, and comforted by the knowledge that all paths lead to Zion. (As SJ sometimes says)

Peace to everyone here,
Julie

Julie

The Forest thread refers to the secret paths.  These paths provide a bridge between places.  Distance and separation is therefore an illusion.   

Membership of multiple communities is the human condition.  Membership of one does not necessarily imply rejection of another (with the possible exception of sports, where tribalism and competition is a characteristic).  I love sports, but I love people more.  We each travel our own unique but challenging paths, how could we not be there to help folk who we meet on our journey?

Safe travels

Aisla

Everyone, 

The people who have written here are my family.  Some have moved to a new space and I delight to visit them.  But we have a family too and I would like to be a part of yours.  I am grandma Julie.  I will make you chicken soup when you are sick and hold your hand when you are afraid.  It is sappy as hell, but it is my calling I think.  Taka gave me the honorific grandma and I adopt it because it suits me.  Who are you in this family that spans the globe, transcends gender, obviates disparate languages?  I would like to know you better.

Peace,
Julie