Blog archive
May 2024
Freezing for a Good Cause – Credit, That Is
05/02/2024
No Discussion Meeting on May 3rd
05/02/2024
An Apparently Normal Person Author Presentation and Book-signing
05/01/2024
Flintridge Center: Pasadena Village’s Neighbor That Changes Lives
05/01/2024
Pasadena Celebrates Older Americans Month 2024
05/01/2024
The 2024 Pasadena Village Volunteer Appreciation Lunch
05/01/2024
Woman of the Year: Katy Townsend
05/01/2024
April 2024
Rumor of Humor #2410
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2411
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2412
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2413
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2414
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2415
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2416
04/28/2024
Stimulated by "Caste"
04/22/2024
Tulsa reparations, Religion and Politics
04/09/2024
March 2024
Trumps War with Black Women
03/31/2024
Addressing The Needs of Older Adults Through Pasadena Village
03/25/2024
Coming Soon: More Resources for Older Americans, Online and in Person
03/25/2024
Community Building Locally and Nationally
03/25/2024
Preparing for the Future with Ready or Not
03/25/2024
Volunteering is at The Heart of the Village
03/25/2024
Women's Liberation: Then and Now
03/25/2024
Writing Memoirs Together
03/25/2024
Current Views on Current Events
03/20/2024
Unchained
03/18/2024
Rumr of Humor issue # 2409
03/10/2024
Blacks Portrayed by European Artists
03/03/2024
Rumor of Humor #2408
03/03/2024
February 2024
Caring for Ourselves and Each Other
02/27/2024
Doug Colliflower Honored
02/27/2024
Great Decisions Connects Us to the Worldwide Community
02/27/2024
Letter from the President
02/27/2024
Pasadena Village's Impact
02/27/2024
The Power of Touch
02/27/2024
Villages as a New Approach to Aging
02/27/2024
Addressing Gang Violence in Pasadena-Altadena
02/21/2024
Rumor of Humor Issue 2407
02/19/2024
Thank You For Caring.
02/12/2024
Rumor of Humor 2405
02/11/2024
Curve Balls
02/10/2024
Sylvan Lane
02/10/2024
Rumor of Humor 2404
02/09/2024
Larry Duplechan, Blacks in Film
02/03/2024
January 2024
Pasadena Village Joins Community Partners in Vaccination Campaign
01/29/2024
Rumor of Humor #2403
01/28/2024
Pasadena Village Joins Two Healthy Aging Resource Projects
01/25/2024
Decluttering: Do It Now
01/24/2024
Village Volunteers Contribute to the Huntington Magic
01/24/2024
Villagers Creating Community
01/24/2024
Villagers Reflect on Black History Month
01/24/2024
Walk With Ease, 2024
01/24/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2402
01/21/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2401
01/15/2024
Re- Entry Programs, a Personal Experience
01/08/2024
Epiphany by Ed Rinderle
By Edward A. RinderlePosted: 12/28/2022
Recently, on a cool November afternoon, I took a short walk to check on some trees in our neighborhood. They were tall with white trunks, probably something in the birch or alder family. I found that their names didn't matter. What mattered was the beauty of their transformation.
For a few weeks prior I'd tracked them every few days as they transitioned from their summer green to their autumn hues. The transition was slow, fueling my impatience. But two days before, we had a good rain and cooling temperatures, so I wondered if the weather had sped up their metamorphosis.
I was not disappointed. The six trees displayed the entire transition in one glorious scene. One tree's leaves were still entirely green. Others featured a mixture of green and shades of red, from pink to deep crimson. But it was the tree closest to the curb that stood out most, all of its leaves emitting a fiery glow. I feasted my eyes on that tree, basking in its glory. Then, noticing the abundance of leaves piled on the ground beneath the tree, I stooped to collect a few of the best. With my treasure in hand, I headed for home.
But then something unexpected happened. The warm sun and cool breeze grabbed hold of me and beckoned me past my home and on beyond, where more wonders waited.
First, a chorus of chirping, warbling, and tweeting sang in my ears. I couldn't spot the birds, but it didn't matter. Their songs were more than enough.
Next I spotted a plant arrayed with Birds of Paradise blooms. I studied them closely; never before had I really appreciated the beauty of their strange complexity. These unique flowers called to mind an incident with my Mom from way back. During a visit from far away New Orleans, she returned from a walk excited about her discovery of a magnificent flower she'd never seen before. Her description was quite clear: the flower was a Bird of Paradise. Her enthusiasm was contagious, bringing joy to me and the rest of the family. (Dear, dear Mom. Rest In Peace, and thanks for visiting me on my walk.)
As I continued on, I stopped to stroke the branch of a nearby bush. I recognized the greenery as some kind of herb, though I couldn't remember its name. It felt like velvet. I lifted my hand to my nose; one sniff and its fragrance filled my head with it spicy sweetness.
Next the trees overhead got into the act. The sound of the breeze flowing through their leaves and branches. The grace with which the branches danced in the gently moving air. A small tree just ahead, every leaf twinkling in the sunlight.
As I turned to head for home, I felt a strange “presence” filling my core. It felt like I had suddenly been wrapped in a warm blanket. The heat rose within me and tingled on my skin. As the tingling subsided, it left behind a feeling of comfort and peace. Within a minute of two, the feeling was gone, but I felt certain that this “presence” would visit me again; all I needed to do was to pay attention.
As I neared home, I couldn't help but think that I may never again take a walk just for the exercise. For there is so much more to see, hear, touch, smell.
Back at home, I carefully placed the leaves on the mantel. As I enjoyed that little display, I thought again about that “presence”, that Mystery, looking forward to when we shall meet again.