Final week in Grand Isle

Eds Adventures: It has been 4 months here in Grand Isle now and my 6 months on the road are coming to an end. It has been an amazing journey in every way. As I remember back to the beginning of my " Journey of Wonderment" I was open to where the journey would lead me. I could not have imagined it would be here in Grand Isle La helping with efforts to clean up from the Gulf disaster but knew that that was where the Spirit wanted me to be.

The journey was full of meaning and changed my life in many ways. It has been a growing experience both internally and externally as I had hoped in the beginning. The people, culture and nature have all been such a blessing in my life and one that I will remember fondly for the rest of my life. The challenges have been many but without them there would be no growth. It is through these opportunities  bring fulfillment and meaning in my life.

Last week I flew to phoenix to interview for a position as director of the Center for Native and urban Wildlife at Scottsdale Comm College. The interview went well and know that i have the experience and qualifications for the position. There were 12 candidates that interviewed for the job. Now it is a waiting game to see if i receive the position. If so I will head back to Fl pack up and come back here to pick up my camper and move out to Az.  A new chapter will begin regardless of the job whether it is in Fl or Az. Their are opportunities in both places and feel fortunate in either way.

Much will change wherever I begin a new chapter in the mystery of life but the core of my being will not change. There is meaning and fulfillment wherever we are and living in the moment allows me to reflect our divine nature and continually grow in our Spirit. The freedom to be flexible to change brings great comfort listening to our hearts and follow our calling wherever it leads us. The fear and anxiety no longer determine my future and it is the letting go of these negative feelings that bring the greatest freedom in life.

It looks like I will be selling my condo when I return to Fl next week sometime and hope to not take a huge loss financially. Depending on the job I will either be moving to Az or looking to rent a place for a few months before deciding what I will do for the future.

It will be great to see the many residents and friends again after so many months on the road. There have been many special people in my life these past 5 years in Fl. It is those people that bring meaning in my life and know that their was a special purpose for each of them in my life. Whether  I continue in Fl or I am meant to be in Az with my family and friends I do not know, but it is a journey filled with faith that matters.

I remember reading one time about the significance of people you meet whether it is for a day, year or lifetime and if you are living in the present your destiny with them is fulfilled however long that may be. It is with the same feeling that I will leave Grand Isle having formed incredible bonds and meaning with all those I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by these last few months. We all had a common bond of caring for the wonderful nature and wildlife here in Louisiana. Regardless of our backgrounds and culture it has been a journey of meaning and time to grow and become more caring and compassionate with others that may be much different from me. And that is where we are all called to grow each and every day of our lives. It is what Jesus talks about in the gospels and calls us to move out of our comfortable lives and to make a difference in the people and nature of  this world we live in.

Some of the facts from my trip: I have driven over 15,000 miles these past months. I have spent 120 days on the Gulf bays and wetlands with over 10,000 miles logged in boats rescuing the injured and oiled wildlife here. The 10-15 boats in Grand Isle have rescued over 3000 pelicans turns, gulls, herons egrets and marine mammals affected by the disaster. I have traveled through FL, Al, Miss, La, Tx, Az, Tn, Ky, Oh, In, in these past 6 months and seen incredible wildlife and nature that we are so blessed to have in the United States.

My hope is that we will all make an effort to protect and restore the great diversity of nature so that our children and grandchildren have the chance to explore the special place we all call home and especially the critical resources that future generations need to thrive here.

The last few pics from the journey, including my roomate "Booty" and some of the folks I have been working here with as well as one of the many dolphins and sunsrises we have seen each day that inspire us onward.

Back at Grand Isle 9-8-2010

Eds Adventures: Last night I arrived back on the island after another 15 hour drive. The trip went good with no traffic or delays. I made the round trip with no getting lost anywhere which I find amazing given my abilities. Just goes to show you we are not in control but a spirit and energy much greater.

The trip to Cincy, with the guys was spectacular with so much laughter and fun and lifelong friends. We seem to revert to our childhood whenever we see each other. It is great for the mind spirit and soul but getting harder each year on the body. We try to pace ourselves as best we can but staying up late is always a challenge for me. The bars in Mt Adams and young pretty woman seemed to help a lot.

In Ft Wayne my nephew Mark Weigand plays for univ of Denver and they played Indiana University in soccer. It was a great match and tied 0-0 Mark is the center and had a great game. Steve, Mary Ellen, David, Matt and Emily where all there. We only got to visit for a bit but was so great to be with them. My Aunt Sally and Uncle Bob cousin Joe and his son were there as well. It had been years since I had seen anyone and was good to catch up.

The weeks golf was uninspiring but had a great time with Mike and Scott in New Haven and also with my brother in laws Dave, Glenn and my nephew Brad. Brad and I took the guys and won 12 bucks.

The wedding in Terre Haute was beyond awesome. Lynn and Joe were the most wonderful hosts making the weekend so special for everyone. I stayed at there house and had such a good time. My niece Lindsey looked so beautiful at the wedding. It is so fun to be with the younger generation. The only problem is we can not hang with them anymore which is tough.
 My nieces and nephews were a ball and we hung out at the Copper Inn having drinks. A few good pics below from the night. especially Sue smoking a cigarette. Joe had the wallet out getting us all our favorite beverages. It was pretty sad when he asked me to be the designated driver that night but all was safe.

The trip was such a much needed break and I enjoyed every minute, except maybe the 15 hour drives each way. I needed to get back to the island so I can catch up on my rest. I will be back on the water tomorrow for a week before heading to Phoenix for the job interview for the Center for nature and urban wildlife at Scottsdale Community college. Then I will head back to Fl with the camper and see where I will be living. Maybe we should have a contest!!!   Either Fl or Az you choose to see where I end up!!! Either way it is all good with options.

sandy and Lynn loaded me up with food to bring back and will have my Cajun friends cook up some of Sandy's Anduille sausage and see if it measures up to Cajun standards. It will be good to get back on the water and spend time with my friends here again before leaving. Booty, my roommate was not here last night when I got back. It was good because I got a good nights sleep and was able to relax after the long trip.

Enjoy some non-wildlife pics from the trip, other than "Chilli" my best friend.

September in Ft Wayne

Eds Adventures; I left Grand Isle thursday and drove 15 hours to Cincinatti for a weekend reunion with old friends. It was awesome to see my buddies again after a couple of years. We went to the racetrack on friday and lost a few bucks. I got to see one of my old Fidelity friends and watch Cubs-reds game. Sat John, Mark, jim, Barkleys, and Bienzes spent the afternoon at jim Tippmans condo near town and where able to walk to the Game sat night. the cubs prevailed and it was a great time. '

Sun I drove to Ft Wayne and saw my nephew Mark play soccor in a tournament with Univ of denver vs Indiana University. They tied 0-0 which was a victory for Denver since I-U is ranked 8 in country. My ex sister in law Mary Ellen was there and my borther Steve and his kids. It was nice seeing my cousin and aunt and uncle as well.

I am staying at my sister Peg and daves house and it is such a wonderful time. Alos nice to have running water ice and all the luxeries I mniss in Louisiana. It has been so niec to catch up with family and friends after 5 months on the road. It makes me feel so blessed to have  wonderful family and friends that brings so much happiness to life. It helps me appreciate all the gifts in my life and lifts my spirit.

The week is filled with great activities  to play golf today with my brother Mike and my buddy Mark on Friday. It will be great to swing a club again but have few expectations on playing well or not. Just to be out in nature and enjoy and afternoon will be fine with me.Thursdai I am visiting the lake and Tom and Jo-Ellen and hope to get a little skiing in and enjoying the lake.
This weekend will be a awesome reunion of family in Terre Haute indiana at my nieces wedding Lindsey.  sue and Glen and Courtney will be in from Az and I will get to see my nephew and his family.

Next week I will be heading back to Grand Isle and see if there is more work there and to pick up my camper. There is a job opportuntiy at Scottsdale Comm College that I am interviewing with on 9-17 for a position as director of the Native and Urban Wildlife program. I the job comes thorugh it would be a great opportuntiy to work in conservation and education with benefits and summewrs off. Pretty much what I dreamed of 5 years ago when I changed career paths.  There are a lot of things up in the air now but I have so many options that whatever is meant to happen will be okay for me.

It is so nice to be back home and relax and enjoy my family and friends. Getting some excersize and good meals and just not being in the same routine each day is refreshing my spirit and body.

It is interesting how the spirit is always at work. Peg and I visited the grave site on Monday and that evening I received a call for the interview. I had been waiting for weeks and thought nothing was going to happen and then the call. Mom is always there caring for me and I know it was her spirit is at work. She always reminded me to have patience and faith and things will work out. As I get older I find myself always knowing that listening to my heart brings that peace. Loosing my fear and anxiety about change brings so many opportunities. I started the journey with the hope of growing both inward and outward in my life. Not knowing the destination but being part of the Journey is what matters and it continues to be an awesome venture growing in ways I never imagined a few months ago.

Attached are some pics from Cinci and Ft Wayne.