FRIENDS FROM THE BLUE

ONE DAY I DON MY MEXICAN SOMBRERO---go ask Glenn to walk with me to a tiny lake I've spotted in the distance.

Out there about a mile!

Boonie will go also--so like  three characters from the Wizard of Oz--we set out---little suspecting the adventure that lay ahead of us.

Our happy dog---Coffee girl---leaping in the grass like a wolf pouncing on prey.

AND THEN----AND THEN---

This mysterious couple stood waiting in our path.  I said "Hi, I'm Randy" (extending my hand)

He took it and surprised us by saying: "Yes, I know"---and (turning to my companions) said: "And you must be Glenn and you must be Boonie.  We read your blogs." 

AND THEN----AND THEN---A half dozen more strangers drove up to greet us.  Turns out, they are all writers in some form or fashion from  Patagonia who deciphered our whereabouts from the picts on our blogs-----and decided to visit us and share a picnic with us.  My cup runneth over---here in the middle of nowhere hobnobing with our "kind".  Did you know that Patagonia is a  Mecca for artist and writers. (The brad Pitt Movie---Legends of the Fall) was written here.)

The big guy seated is George and the Lady to the left is Salli---collaborators on a fascinating quest to interview America's Writers. check it out: www.authorsroad.com .

Back home, I  look out my door and congratulate myself on cyber friends---who--on occasion--magically--materialize!

Next day, Glenn and I have a long philosophical talk----Can't remember the topic---just that it was satisfying

Here's one concrete consequence, however:  He made a flag and announced that when it was flying, he was open to interaction.  This to allay our extreme reluctance to disturb his composing---a simple but effective solution which illustrates a profound distinction between MORAL and TECHNICAL solutions to problems. A moral solution seeks compliance by moral suasion.  A technical solution seeks compliance by reconfiguring the situation.  I'm a big fan of technical solutions. 

Next evening we  head for the lake again.

And find it---small but important for local wildlife.  Lots of animal tracks around it---one cougar.

Next day---Boonie and I leave --(separately) agreeing to meet in Sierra Vista.  I pause to photograph this rare sight---a real cowboy camp. He was nearby--rounding up cattle.

Gave a lift to Shin (pronounced sheen) from Tokyo, Japan.  He was completing a long hike:

This one---The Arizona Trail. have a look and be impressed.  http://www.aztrail.org/at_map.html

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES:  Going public with your life---e.g. blogging, etc---of course--has ups and downs.  I unhesitatingly declare my experiences--on balance--to be positive.  This one especially positive.  My readers help me grow---whatever they say.  And on occasion being recognized by strangers is a rush.  The bloggers I admire most are those who dig deep to report their feelings---high and low and who dare to live their highest aspirations.  Like these two:

http://waynewirs.com/2012/to-live-as-a-soul/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheBlogOfWayneWirs+%28Wayne+%28Wirs%29%3A+Down-To-Earth+Enlightenment%29

http://thetuckerbag.blogspot.com/