NEW PEOPLE STRINGS WEAVING INTO MY LIFE

Date: Thu, Nov 25, 2010 at 10:46 PM

"Some people weave burlap into the fabric of our lives, and some weave gold thread. Both contribute to make the whole picture beautiful and unique."

I love the serendipitous acquaintances that happen on the journey....

A couple days ago - just as I felt my cold coming on and I was in feverish search of hot soup on the streets of Yangshuo - I stopped by the same restaurant that has lured me in the day before with its yummy veggie soup, and saw an older mustached gentleman perusing the same menu. We were both "returnees" to the restaurant, it turns out, and I invited him to join me for a meal.

Well, it turns out, Samuel Franco from Guatemala has been doing for 30 years that which I have been wondering about doing at some point. He goes around the world making major documentaries for Natl. Geographic and other "big wigs" in the adventure industry. He told me of his current "pet project" - a passion that he hopes to leave as his legacy. He is tracking down the origins of the xylophone throughout the world. He has created a museum for the history of music in Guatemala and is committed to preserving the "intangible legacy" of his country. He goes to the small villages and videographs the ancient traditions to bring the little-known history to the modern light. His fearless eyes flashed as he spoke of his journeys on the hunt for the elusive xylophone. He does not hesitate to go into some of the most dangerous zones in the world for his quests, laughing it off with: "hey, I live between 3 volcanoes, one of which is active....and there is constant quaking. No, I'm not scared."

Samuel has generously invited me to consult with him when I am ready to explore the remote villages of Guatemala, as he would help me map the route less-traveled. What a gift! Every person on the path is gifting me with a piece of the puzzle that is brewing, integrating in my psyche. The new passion, the new intention....the way to make it so. Where will this path lead? I know not. And that is good.