Welcome to the Land of Jomeokee.

I look forward to chatting with you wherever you are and whoever you might be.

It’s as simple as this. My name is Clay, and I spent nearly forty superb years teaching, as they say, in “higher education.” I have always liked school and was fortunate to grow up in a world where education was affordable for almost anyone (in my case aided by the GI Bill). I now see clearly that converting a law degree into undergraduate teaching was the best path that I can imagine. The privilege of standing before small classes of fine, eager students and trying to open their minds to the magic of our creation and unlimited opportunity cannot be adequately communicated.

Teaching is a sacred trust, but even better is what one learns in the process. Since my mother exposed me to classical music, my first library card at six, two unbelievably fine teachers in a small textile town, being able to choose and afford a small liberal arts college degree, serving my country abroad, and earning degrees in business and law, I can now look back and appreciate the charmed journey. Because of it, I have never lost my curiosity or my interest in almost everything.

Now, my greatest hope is that I can somehow give some of that back in sharing the full range of my interests with others.

What to Expect Here

First, a weekly entry posted each Sunday on whatever happens to seem relevant and irregular entries in the topical sections listed under Guideposts.

Words that Sing is an especially important project of mine that I’ll be talking about more going forward, so stayed tuned!

Please fully read the About section of the blog. It gives a fuller picture of who we are and what we care about.

Lest I forget, I am compelled to reveal one of the things we are MOST passionate about: The Table. Food, wine, and entertaining with flowers and candlelight is an important ritual of presence for us. Around the table, we enjoy a slower pace where we can reflect on the day, allowing the conversation to flow as naturally as the wine. It is a quiet celebration of the everyday moments that make up our lives and a practice that nourishes our bodies and souls. We hope to share some of our dinners with you through pictures, words and occasionally a video or two.

What Led Me Here

Well, I thought you’d never ask.

Writing, whether through essay or email, has always been a place where I have felt most at home. An essential part of my life, even more so since retirement. Yes, practically speaking, I have more time to dedicate to the process, but it's also been therapeutic, giving me a space to sort the myriad of thoughts that flow in and out of my mind.

Writing has always been my way of getting to the heart of things, as I feel that the right words chosen carefully are the most direct path to understanding and authentic connection. Yet I also know the precision I crave is often elusive—a truth a friend captured beautifully when he quoted the words of a philosopher: “There are no words, but there are only words.”

There is no denying it; the writer’s garret gets a bit lonely at times, and my care for community and communication moves beyond the page. They are in the real world of interaction. These reflections, and my desire to combine writing with connecting to a wider audience, led me to the conclusion that a website would allow me to bring together the things I care about most these days: reflective writing, meaningful communication, and a sense of community.

My Morning Practice

For the last several months, my day begins with a quiet hour somewhere around 5 or 6. I have found a special piece of music that helps me begin in a good place. It is called “Hymn to a Blue Hour” by the American composer John Mackey. I have learned that blue hour is the period between dawn and the arrival of fuller light before sunrise. If you rise early and sit through it, you might experience a wholly new awakening. For me, it is a time to push away the distracting images of the rational brain and allow space for my mind to wander as it will. I have experienced magical moments and occasionally something that seems “profound.” Take this as you will, but I have truly benefitted from the “practice.”

Slowing Down

My days are less prone to profane thoughts and words. I have slowed everything down. I hardly ever fret at stop lights, and I follow all speed limits as the rest of the traffic roars over, under, around, and through the frantic need to get from here to there. I have, step by step, retreated from exposing myself to media outlets that constantly remind me how bad things are and how little control I have over the things that are being done to, and by, us.

I read more (preferring books purchased from small independent stores), listen (truly listen) to more music, watch less video, and spend time with friends around the table and the hearth. (A confession: I talk too much and listen not nearly enough—a personality trait that I am beginning to studiously work on.)

Looking Inward and Outward

It would serve us all well to look inside in order to better understand ourselves and our interactions with others and to look outside and spend more time in the natural world. The “philosopher” Yogi Berra famously said, “You can see a lot just by looking.”

Then, share some of your joy with others.

Please know—this is not “instruction.” I claim no truth. Just trying to open us all to higher possibilities. We have had enough shouting and gesturing, and somehow believing that our chosen way is better than theirs. We must, and we can do better.

A Parting Wish

Again, it delights me to welcome you to the land of Jomeokee (the small mountain at the top of the page). If it brings you even a small portion of the joy that it has given me, I have succeeded.

Come back again if you will, just to hear what might be going on.

In goodwill,
Clay