In a short few hours, I'll mark the fortieth year of my life. I'm not really sure what I
envisioned for this day, but since most of life's time-based events are punctuated by
reflection, allow me this one indulgence.

If there is one truism as it applies to my experience, it is this: celebrate, nurture and
cherish life's duality. Moving through life being aware of my two natures has been a
marvelous filter in which to experience this existence. The joys of a wild landscape and
the energy of a built environment tantalize and excite both my brain and my soul.

However.

The dangers of a dual nature are real, unfortunately.

Not looking after the practical demands of the modern world. Not finding the right way to
communicate or express myself. Not allowing myself to simply feel my emotions. Not letting
my senses guide me. These situations never end well, ending up in hurt emotions for those
that love me or for those that I love. Alienation and pain are the rotten remains of a
life that puts two divergent sets of demands on a being if too much of this occurs.

But what is a were to do?

Seek balance.

Balancing the two sides of me has, and I suspect, always will be my lifelong challenge. As
I titled one of my works last fall, "I did not ask for this," who really wants to have a
life where you're being pulled and pushed in two opposite directions? I've long passed that
stage where I was troubled by this. The only directive I take now is to manage this in a way
that achieves equilibrium.

So, as the clock ticks away and I acknowledge that time has passed, I can only be thankful
and appreciate the kind and loving folks that seemingly put up with me and somehow... manage
to find a place in their heart for me.

My heart is already filled with them.