A glimpse of Byron

Letter writing is the only device for combining solitude with good company.
- Lord Byron

I believe in evolution. I believe in transformation. I believe I can fly; I believe I can touch the sky. Okay, I stole that last assertion from a pathetic ballad by R. Kelly. Nonetheless, Byron Bay inspires belief.

The lapse of ages changes all things -- time, language, the earth, the bounds of the sea, the stars of the sky, and every thing about, around, and underneath man.
- Lord Byron

Over the years Byron has worn many faces. It was once a whaling station, then a timber yard, became dairy country, moved into pig slaughtering, and quite recently, evolved into the apotheosis of Zen-funk surf towns. One theory on why Byron became such a kooky surfing mecca is that Californians who didn't want to fight in Vietnam came here to smoke pot and ride the waves. When they arrived some of them were in a band and wanted to play, but the only venue around was the RSL (Returned Service League), a club for war veterans. Since they refused to let the 'draft dodgers' perform, the newcomers started the Arts Factory - a bastion of bohemia and temple of inspired creativity. The Arts Factory continues to thrive and nurture the alternative ambience of the area. The welcoming face of Byron today: a corporation-free town of exceptional scenery, eclectic cafes, and eccentric characters.

... there is something Pagan in me that I cannot shake off. In short, I deny nothing, but doubt everything.
- Lord Byron

I like this attitude ... remove the ossified shield of rationality, open yourself to new ideas-experiences-perspectives, and then question their validity and value. The first step is often the most challenging. In his essay on imaginative poetry, Coleridge described it as "the suspension of disbelief." Last Saturday I suspended my disbelief and went to a lecture the Raeliens gave entitled: UFOs and the Connection with Ancient Prophecies. Hmm. If not exactly enlightening, it was certainly engaging entertainment. I am more of a railing Arien than a Raelien Aryan.

What a strange thing man is; and what a stranger thing woman.
- Lord Byron

Strange often equates with interesting. This past week I encountered ...

a bedraggled white saddhu on the beach handing out scribbled messages of inspiration

a menu that included 'karma-enhanced' lasagna

a store which advertised - Clothing for people who prefer to be naked

a sidewalk chalkboard offering a colorful quote of the day ... Tuesday's thought: Leisure not labor is the foundation of civilization. - Aristotle

a dread-locked Japanese prophet standing on the corner reading aloud from the ultimate psalm of salvation - Shel Silverstein's classic The Missing Piece Meets the Big O (I lingered, we spoke, I read the next round)

an all-night jazz-centric cafe whose owner-barrista would give away an occasional coffee in exchange for an amusing joke. My offering:

How many surrealists does it take to change a light bulb?

Two. One to hold the giraffe and the other to fill the bathtub with jello. (I owe you a Parisian blend Miss Reedell )

Tempted fate will leave the loftiest star.
- Lord Byron

I mentioned at the onset that I believe I can fly. I should explain. Last week I fulfilled every child's dream - and parent's nightmare - by running away with the circus. To be specific - the Byron Bay Beach Club Flying Trapeze and Circus School. Whoohoo baby. I was their only student. Overlooking the South Pacific, bathed in brilliant sunshine, four enthused instructors, and an afternoon of flying through the air with the greatest of ease. Well, a modicum of ease. I learned how to perform the soaring transfer, trapeze switchback, hanging catch, and even completed an aerial backflip-catch-return. Despite losing considerable skin from beneath my knees and palms ... it was soooo much fun.

To have joy one must share it. Happiness was a born twin.
- Lord Byron

Thanks for listening. Tomorrow I'll be tilting a latte in your direction (s) from Sydney.

- cavorting with clouds ... Kevin