Thursday, January 01, 2009

Happy New Year!

I couldn't think of a better way to close out 2008 than spending a week at my plantation in Costa Rica, La Alegría.

It was, I thought, a great way to celebrate the end of George W. Bush' reign of terror. Being out of the country for any portion of this month, though, when Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, was never an option.

We flew into Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose Christmas Eve morning and left there yesterday afternoon.

There was nothing I wanted to do more than relax and enjoy the fruit of my gardener's labor, a hydroponically grown hybrid we call K60 Bud.

What I enjoy most about La Alegría is, The Sanctuary....


It was here, on this balcony, where each day I read the outermost HOUSE - A Year Of Life On The Great Beach Of Cape Cod by Henry Beston.

This book is a literary masterpiece. That, I think, is reflected by these excerpts...

>>> A year indoors is a journey along a paper calendar; a year in outer nature is the accomplishment of a tremendous ritual. To share in it, one must have a knowledge of the pilgrimages of the sun, and something of that natural sense of him and feeling for him which made even the most primitive people mark the summer lights of his advance and the last December ebb of his decline." (page 59)

>>> "The three great elemental sounds in nature are the sound of rain, the sound of wind in a primeval wood, and the sound of outer ocean on a beach. I have heard them all, and of the three elemental voices, that of the ocean is the most awesome, beautiful, and varied." (page 43)

>>> "It is not easy to live alone, for man is a gregarious creature; especially in his youth, powerful instincts offer battle to such a way of life, and in utter solitude odd things may happen to the mind." (pages 93-94)

>>> "Dwelling thus upon the dunes, I lived in the midst of an abundance of natural life which manifested itself every hour of the day, and from being thus surrounded, thus enclosed within a great whirl of what one may call the life force." (page 94)

>>> "Study your birds on the ground as you will, but once you have thus observed them and studied their loveliness, do not be afraid to clap your hands and send them off into the air. They will take no real alarm and will soon forgive you. Watch birds flying." (page 98)

Downstairs I have a sitting room commonly known as The Fortress of Solitude. Looking out the window, or down from The The Sanctuary, you see a portion of the garden....


We live, undoubtedly, in interesting times. I wish for you much joy, good health and prosperity in 2009.

As much as anything I'm looking forward to President-elect Obama's inauguration, That comes 19 days from today.

Cheers!

7 comments:

Global Patriot said...

This does indeed appear to be a sanctuary, and a perfect place to reflect on what will transpire in 2009.

All the best to you in the new year, and many thanks for your wisdom and insights in 2008.

Cheers Gonzo!

Unknown said...

Kilroy, I hope this year is good to everyone. I too can't wait for the new President to be sworn in. Beautiful place you have. I would not want to leave it. Enjoy the bud and toke one for me. :) Happy New Year friend!

Anonymous said...

Wow...your escape sounds absolutely fantastic!

I look forward to Obama starting in the presidential chair this year!

Happy New Year Kilroy!

Kimberly :)

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing this! What a Beautiful retreat!...The photos are Great, but I would like to experience it in person!

Happy New Year!

Alka said...

Hey Kilroy!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!! The place is really beautiful!!! Wish I lived somewhere like that!! Have a great blogging year!! take care

beverlyz said...

Regardless as to who would have become President I pray for this nation to seek Right ways of living and doing.

Anonymous said...

really beautiful!