(no subject)

[tylik]

(leaving Seattle)

It has been a long time since last I flew, and I guess I must live much more in my body now. I am surprised by how much I like the physical sensation of flying. In the same way that the motion of the barge makes me calmer and happier the movement delights me. That it is motion towards a destination makes it all the better.

And the view... I had remembered being bored by it, but how did I allow that? The sun is at such an angle that all the lakes and rivers shine like fragments of mirrors and pools of molten metal. There are so many of them scattered among the dark mountains.

We flew past Mt. St. Helens. Beautiful view (though not remarked upon) with the crater steaming obligingly. Mt. Adams, too (I think). And now a thin layer of clouds mutes the landscape, as if we peered through a slice of Oregon opal, though open water shines through, golden. So many lakes and rivers. Such incredible wealth. I wish I knew all of their names.

(I realize this is small potatoes compared to those of you who are flying with NASA right now. And good luck to you all!)

(later, reading a book on Shao-lin Buddhism)
Is grief suffering? I don't think it has to be.

(and now in Los Vegas)
I am amused by how the people with laptops or other such devices congregate around power outlets and discuss the availabilty of network access.
I wish it were less of a hassle to go outside.
I wonder if there is anything here I consider edible. (This is not a concern, I brought food, just curiosity.)