sentinels

throughout the ages different indigenous populations used signs and symbols to communicate with others that might not be able to understand their language. even today we use symbols on roadsigns and in buildings to let people know something when they don't speak "our language". i have been fascinated with different languages and recognize that language is truly the identification of a population, not customs or dress. losing a family language is typical now in ethnic groups because it doesn't fit into the mainstream thinking and singles out someone as "different'. our heritage is valuable as i've said and knowledge of the past lets us chart our course for the future with better results.

the stone cairns of iceland marked the way of travel or alerted travelers of places that needed heed. andy goldsworthy has made a career out of stacking things together and his cairns at the art center in des moines show the precision of a craftsman and how cohesive you can make things with care. life must also be like that when trying to fit all the pieces into a solid stable shape. i am now off on an adventure to the lava fields of keflavik where i will try out my knowledge of "íslenskur' and soak in the wonderful 'blue lagoon'. perhaps the stone cairns i left last time there will still be guiding people, and the friendships i made will also be there to guide my Way. the world looks different close to the top.......

i hope you will take time to stack your stones carefully so they will be there to guide others.....