From up and down, and still somehow
It’s cloud illusions I recall
I really don’t know clouds at all
I took the above photo on my way out of the neighborhood late yesterday afternoon. Not sure what it was that caught my eye, but it brought back memories of one of my favorite Joni Mitchell songs. And provided a title for this post!
I did most of my Saturday evening drinking at It Doesn’t Matter in the pleasant company of my favorite waitress, Roan. We always share some laughs, and I don’t know what goes better with a few drinks than a pretty gal sitting next to you.
I was also happy to see that Roan has really taken to vaping. She told me she is only smoking five or six cigarettes a day now, down from twenty before she got her vape setup. I hope she keeps it up, those kids need a healthy mama!
I’m still hanging out with my other new best friend too:
Stopped to smell the flowers on my morning walk. Okay, I didn’t actually smell them. But I noticed them and took a moment to snap a photo.
A little rain as I walked today but that didn’t dampen my spirits. And in writing this post just now I realized I have nothing significant to say, it’s just another day in the life. If my chosen path leads only to meaningless, I’ll be content with that. There are far worse outcomes. When I look outside I know there is no place else I’d rather be.
To say “I love you” right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
I’ve looked at life that way
But now old friends are acting strange
They shake their heads, they say I’ve changed
Well something’s lost, but something’s gained
In living every day
I’ve looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It’s life’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know life at all
Didn’t realize that was a Joni Mitchell song. And I don’t think I’d ever seen the lyrics laid out before. Interesting.
Life is as meaningful as you make it. From where I sit, your life contains plenty of meaning, and I always appreciate the insights you have about the Philippines and its people. Keep doing what you’re doing!
It was a big hit for Judy Collins, that’s probably the version you heard before. Joni Mitchell has written several songs that really resonate with me like this one.
And thanks for the encouragement. Posting here is part of my daily routine, like writing in a diary. Some days there is just not much happening, but I try not to let that stop me. But I can always share photographs of my surroundings I suppose. I’ll also try to talk more about the people and culture here as well.