One from the Registry archives

tabs · 02-16-2003, 06:07 PM

This is something I wrote about 2 years ago on the Early 911S Regristry board.

Out on a Limb

I just got back from the desert. it all started the other night with Carlos and I eating eggs and drinking Bookers 126 proof Bourbon at Sammies. Carlos kept on tripping about this old indian named DJ that lived on the reservation out in the desert. Carlos kept on telling me that he was some kind of medicine man and that I ought to meet him. So we climbed in Carlos 1967 911S Targa, the one with the soft back window so that it feels like a convertible. Orange Red with the 4.5" Fuch Alloys, triple throated Webers, 2.0 Liters that when wound out sounds like a banshee on amphetaimines and quick as a hawk ready to ponce on a mouse. Carlos plugged a tape of Jagger/Richards "Co(k $u(ker Blues" into the player. "I'm a lonesome schoolboy, heard about London and decided to check it out, Leaning on Nelsons column, when will I get my ......." after driving for a couple of hours through the night, we were at last on the reservation. We went up the stairs to the offices above the casino. Carlos introduced me to DJ, who was dressed in an Armani suit and was smoking a Cuban cigar. he offered us a cigar and started to tell us that the Peyote buttons were only Carlos's facilitator to the path of Indian knowledge. That for some it might be sitting in the Living room in the mornining with a cup of coffee looking at the art on the walls, or something that was heard or seen that might spark an idea. With that DJ got up and started to fly around the room like a bird. He said, " All is not as it sems in the world and one should pay attention to the sprit world for meaning." He pointed to me and that I might appear to be a Donkey to some always braying about this or that, A snake to others because they don't know where to tread, or even an Owl aways spouting off knowledge about this or that. DJ continued, "You are all of these and none of these, what remains constant is a purity of heart and a dedication to follow the path of Indian knowledge." Then like a wisp of smoke in a strong breeze DJ, Carlos, the casino and the Porsche vanished. Leaving me standing alone in the desert on a cold, clear, stary night.......

Isabo · 02-17-2003, 03:43 AM

Very Carlos Castenada.
If you're in that sort of mood and you've not read him check out Jonathan Carrol. The Newford Short story collections as well as Trader and the Onion Girl by Charles de Lint are also worth a look. On a totally different note but in line with some of your recent posts, Shibumi by Trevanian. This last I think would appeal to you on a lot of different levels. But it wouldn't surprise me that you are familiar with all of them.

tabs · 02-17-2003, 09:32 AM

I've read Trevanian before......the others I am not familar with. I read a couple of Castenada's books....but on one of his outa body experiences he dreamed he was a Coyote. DJ explained to him that a Coyote was a liar.......so I took it that Castenda was telling tall tales as a Coyote would. There however is a central core element of truth to those tales. Especially about how one can change appearance, and personal power.

What I wrote was a short story....what surprised me was that no one on the Registry board got the references when I posted it? I also made comments about myself that are true.

Isabo · 02-17-2003, 10:19 AM

Shibumi is not typical of Trevanian, all his other books read like straight thrillers. It was Milu that gave it, the Carrol and the de Lint books to me, I think the books people like and recommend tell you an awful lot about them, Shibumi taught me an awful lot about Milu and clarified my ideas about some of my own values. (But in the end it's always a thriller).
You will find the Coyote theme in Trader and the Onion Girl, in de Lint's stories Coyote is more a joker than a liar, he's a good guy that allows people to fool themselves, (now who does that remind me of?)
Changes and personal power - Jonathan Carrol.
If you read them I'd love to hear your views.

tabs · 02-17-2003, 01:28 PM

ahhhhhh let me think?????? Hmmmmmm 3 guesses???? I never quiet though of it that way, I'll have to remember that. Thank You for the thought.