Life seemed so grand until it wasn't

Life seemed so grand until it wasn't

I am finally realizing that after all our wandering around the United States, the idea of trying to relocate and find a decent new home is akin to rearranging the proverbial deck chairs on the Titanic.  The chairs might be comfortable, but with the advanced state of disease and continuing deterioration afflicting our national politics, society, and economy (and all the areas that cascade from there), we'd might just be selecting a new viewing spot for an impending catastrophe. 

I'm not a good candidate to try and arrange a 'lifeboat' survivalist encampment.  I want to enjoy some urban amenities - walk or bike to the market, tie into the infrastructure of services, and experience some cultural richness.  I do know a few people who are increasingly self-reliant in the face of anticipated WTSHTF devolution, but that's not for me. Not at this age, and I have little tolerance for the hard work, discomfort, and discipline that way of life demands. 

Many in our country embrace the notion of 'American exceptionalism' to reassure themselves in a way similar to the Mexicans' "Como Mexico no hay dos".  However, I believe the Mexicans include in their statement an implit acknlowledgement of all that is good and bad.  Not the best in every respect, but indeed, there is no other like it.  I find it refreshing that the Mexicans have no illusions about any supposed superiority or moral/political/religious high ground.  They live embracing all that life offers, accepting what is denied, and have a relationship with mortality that rivals that of a highly realized Tibetan Buddhist. Their disdain for all three major political parties can be summed up in a little cajita scene I picked up in Merida some years ago.  

Representing three political parties of Mexico

Our tendency to imagine ourselves in a state of perpetual superiority here will eventually give way to a recognition of the harsh realities that are unfolding around us, and I anticipate a lot of people reacting badly when that occurs.  There remains much to be proud of, but the shame and horror associated with what is being contrived for us by people grasping for or wielding authority is increasingly worrisome.  Reassurances of our great promise and immunity from harsh adversity are ultimately as effective as a little cardboard evergreen air freshener hung in a well-used outhouse.

There is also the matter of diminishing time remaining on the planet for us both.  I have another little cajita that cautions me about obsessive hoarding of assets and delaying potentially expensive iterative life changes.



I hope the upcoming visit to the Mexico central highlands yield a sufficient level of confidence to finally follow through with a long-delayed movement forward.  It seems we have really worn out our welcome here in the North.  And with a mid-day high here in Colorado of about twenty degrees today, and low eighties most days down there, the weather por lo menos should be an improvement...

Mexicans may be skeptical of all things official,
but they are not lacking national pride.

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