Summary

Joseph Lieungh reflects on the unexpected turns of his fiftieth year, from planned travels to Australia to the disruptions of the pandemic, leading to home renovations and a deeper appreciation for the present moment.

Abstract

As Joseph Lieungh approaches his fiftieth birthday, he recounts the year's unforeseen events, including the disruption of his travel plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially set on celebrating in Australia, he pivots to renovating his home, finding joy and celebration in the process. Despite further setbacks, such as a favorite restaurant burning down, Lieungh embraces the concept of being grounded, discovering that each moment of life is a reason to celebrate, regardless of the circumstances. He expresses gratitude for the opportunity to co-create with the "Great Mystery" and acknowledges the importance of being present and enjoying life's unfolding narrative.

Opinions

The author views life's unexpected turns as opportunities for growth and celebration, emphasizing the importance of adaptability.
Lieungh believes in finding joy in the present moment, even when plans fall through or are altered by external events.
The pandemic and its associated lockdowns are seen as a "grounding" experience, offering a chance to reevaluate and renovate both one's home and personal life.
There is a sense of humor and resilience in the face of adversity, as evidenced by the light-hearted references to the pandemic's impact on Corona beer and the playful use of the term "Zero Dark Fifty."
The author values the process of creation and re-creation, whether it's through home renovations or painting a "New Canvas" in life.
Lieungh expresses a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures and moments of connection, such as neighborly love and shared experiences, considering them cherished aspects of life.
The concept of celebrating life is not tied to specific locations or events but is inherent in the act of being present and engaged with the current moment.

Celebrate this Life

Celebrate this Moment

Not for the record spinning wheels of steel, DJ starting countdown, blasting off cosmic adventures. Anticipative walkabout, testing out new swag, bright lights big city traded for Outback’s story-line.

The record skips, scratched, nails across the chalkboard, world standing still, entering lock-down, eternity, infinity as it may.

Neighborly love sharing moments, laughter, tears, Sapphire, and beers, cherished most certainly. Bomb dropped, dreams and aspirations negate, change of plans, soiled underpants shit just got real (Thank you Ricky Baker). All expenses paid to whoever will take us, like Sumerians labeled scarlet letter, rolling dice, location soon to be.

Bayou’s warm hospitality trumped Mickey’s Grand Floridian, draining tub, swirling tornado expressions, dropping the bomb de novo. Worries not celebrations do exist, special dinner, reserving a favorite place, drinks, app, main, even dessert, gone like the wind…frankly I Do give a damn.

Universe spoken word, whispering grounded, pounding tympanic membrane, renovating house inside and out, life’s metaphor laughing in one’s face, peeling layer upon layer, work undone. Embodiment, endearment, cherished moment this is, strapping tool belt, lucky hammer accompanies.

Present moment words transfiguring page, Satsang sings work is never done, back to re-wiring neuropathways, twenty amp circuitry piggy-backed new lighting presents. Pulling heartstrings uncovers granny knitting sweater, coasters in variance, and multiple synapses at play.

Joyous melody plays as Xavier sings: Gather the Hands, sing up to the heavens, and let it rain down on us all. Unforeseen circumstances, as planned all along, it is as it is supposed to be, celebrating life as we ought to be. Medicine woman sings medicine man smoke rings clear, tap, tap, tapping, breaking out in dance fortuitously.

~ Ani Po

Seriously, I cannot make this story up! At the beginning of the year, in celebration of turning fifty, we made plans to go down under. Visit a few friends, maybe camping in a distant gorge, listening to Elders singing ancient story-lines, uncertain as to where we shall end up. Corona Virus hits, Corona beer stocks drop 80%, name change on demand, Covid-19 was born.

Fuck 2020 song comes on, months into pandemic Australia trip canceled. Borders locked to land down under, no Vegemite sandwiches for this guy. What to do? Unfinished projects calls out in desperation…pick me, pick me! I offer up my tool belt services to the family, objection at first, seriously was the reply.

Plans in place to renovate what was once a porch converted into three seasons room as if that wasn’t enough a fourth season added. With each new layer, uncovering hidden treasures, code violations, and metaphysical realization, laughter, and celebration presents. Sun coming up, carrying a song, forgiveness of all there is, gratitude for this opportunity, love with all my heart as painfully as it may be. It does hurt this love of mine; seriously, Advil is a daily best friend.

What if we do a Zero Dark Fifty? What?! What if we take you on a trip to Florida for your fiftieth birthday? Already set to renovate, I could squeeze in a quickie, right?! We could not tell a soul. Secretly sneaking off for a long weekend was the plan. Yet Covid struck again. Trip canceled.

As if the Birthday plans didn’t get worse, they did. How about we take you out on your birthday, to that favorite place of yours? We could make reservations and have a nice birthday celebration and you can keep renovation plans? Sounds perfect!

Very next day the restaurant burnt down to the ground, reservations were canceled. Guess Zero Dark Fifty means I will be hiding in my cave…in the dark?! As I said, I cannot make this stuff up. Universe has made it loud and clear…You Are Grounded.

So tomorrow I turn fifty. I am not sure what I am to feel…except Joy. I truly do feel great joy, celebrating this moment in time. Building re-creating life as I see fit, painting a New Canvas, co-creating with Great Mystery.

Each moment of life is a reason to Celebrate. It really does not matter whether I am in Australia, Florida, Bahamas, Back porch, or fine dining, the root cause for celebration is Just Being here in this moment of time.

Joseph Lieungh

Thank you Diane C. for your continued prompts, motivation and Celebration of Life…

This Week’s Prompt: 16–22.11

All things celebration.

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We all have this innate ability to be fully in the moment, enjoying every piece Of the canvas. Moment to moment, we arrive.~Ani Po