My mind can have the most implausible and intense discussions. On a moment’s notice, I can call the Graduate Committee together, announce the topic and, in a nanosecond, politeness is out the window and interruption is in. On this particular morning, the agenda item was “average and ordinary.” Why this topic? Well, I was bemoaning my belief that I was not living a particularly stellar life. Yep, maybe my life was ordinary; maybe I was average; maybe “stellar” should be consigned to the same box where I put used books.

The discussion was reaching a level of intensity that blinded me to anyone or anything as I walked down Santa Clara Ave. Somehow though, a series of erratic movements grabbed my attention. Momentarily, and reluctantly, dragging myself away from my internal debate to the outward reality, I saw….

An overly slender 50-ish man. Clean, neatly combed hair, grey trousers a few sizes too big and a billowing blue shirt defined his outward appearance. As I watched, he bent down picked up a cigarette butt, bent down and picked up a cigarette butt, got one more and walked to the trash bin to deposit his offerings. Over and over, one hand holding high his Peet’s coffee cup, the other engaged in delicately picking up the offending butts. He had clearly taken on the task of bringing beauty back  to the corner in front of Walgreen’s.

Was this an average man doing an average thing? Maybe. However, I thought it was extraordinary, if only because there was such congruence between the attitude and the task. I saw Spirit making this world a better place. If that is average, I’ll take it!

My, my–I got a new attitude that day. You just never know what will cross your path!!

A few weeks ago, I watched a skateboarder with his head buried in his phone sail off a curb. He began the frantic windmilling of arms and legs that accompanies such unbalancing. Eventually, and after a near collision with a parked car, he reached a certain embarrassed stability. His lack of focus and his momentum hinted that an inevitable event was about to take place. My observation and the feelings that went with it were the indescribable part! The best I can do is say that there was a stew of insane laughter mixed with a “told ya so” sanctimony and an “oh, my god” concern.

Sometimes, the inevitable/indescribable duo are just part of living. Growing up is one of them as is birth following pregnancy. But we also have experiences and events for which execution seems mandated by our DNA. At some point we will have them, for example, running a marathon, traveling to Antarctica, or owning our own home. The drive to do, be, or experience pushes us onward and, when it is accomplished, we discover that there are no words to describe it.

For years, one of my personal urges was to skydive. I wasn’t interested in hang gliding, bungee jumping, or zip lining. Nope. Just skydiving.

It was early in my 72nd year that I had the opportunity. I received an invitation to “Jump on My Birthday” from an acquaintance. Very calmly, I said yes. Didn’t think about fear, didn’t think about height, didn’t think about dying, didn’t think about my age. In essence, I did not think. And, that remained my demeanor for the entire experience: Do Not Think, Just Do.

I moved as if cushioned from everything worldly as though this were my mission and mine alone. Endless paperwork, gearing up, rolling down the runway–no thoughts, no feelings, nothing!

Inevitably, the moment came when we fell forward and down. Again, no thought — only sensation. Sensation of seeing green below us that was edged in frothy white. Sensation of speed but no speed. Sensation of cold. Sensation of increased visual acuity. Sensation of protection. Sensation of much wind past my ears. Wooosh! the chute opens.

At that moment, I began rocking in the “betweens” while I observed this universe, in silence. We drifted and I found tears coursing down my cheeks at the wonder of it all. The life of the land kicked in and woooof we were down.

My inevitable experience is quite indescribable, although … I seem to have been left with a mysterious sense of peace.

What’s your inevitable/indescribable? Did it meld your human and divine? Fabulous, no?

Night time Copenhagen is dark and damp; only weak pools of streetlights grant any semblance of life. Upon opening the door of the Ristorante San Marco, the noise of the pre-theater crowd slammed us with a life force made all the more vibrant in contrast. Waves of sound enveloped us as we swivel-hipped our way down the very narrow aisle to our table. I am the last of our party and I indulge my penchant for noticing the other diners. Everyone is in groups of four and six except–one lone woman.

“She”, of the heavily jowled face, sat silently and quietly. The workman-like hands erupting from amazingly delicate wrists, toyed with the stem of a wine glass while her eyes focused “out there”. Her dress was of relatively ancient vintage but appropriate. Makeup, well, the makeup was beautifully applied. The one false note was the wig. Oh my god, the wig! It was a blond, raggedy thing that perched rather haphazardly and precariously atop that heavy face.

I had great difficulty staying attentive to my companions that evening. More than anything I wanted to engage this person in conversation. But [sigh] I didn’t! She remained oblivious to us while I continued my vigilant observation of her!

Diners, ready for their theatrical experience, began to leave while our lone woman dawdled over wine and dinner. Eventually, even she had reach the conclusion of her evening. Standing, she was a big woman and a tall one. There was a grace in her movements, however, that spoke “feminine” as she smoothed down the front of her dress and leaned toward her handbag. Oooops! Wait a minute! She isn’t picking up her purse; she is bending over to touch the hem of her dress?!?

Hoisting her dress from the back while facing outward to most of the restaurant, she reaches to adjust her pantyhose. My oh my oh my, I had a splendid view of a perfectly beautiful naked male ass topping gorgeous legs. She yanked up those sheer hose, dropped the dress and proceeded down the aisle with an elegant stride.

Restraining my awestruck laughter, I felt, instead, just absolute delight regarding what falls across my path.