“Skin Deep”

Hello again! I cannot believe it’s been almost two years, since I last connected with you. I am definitely feeling the need to reach out regardless, of where on the planet you might be living now. I will resume writing again, on a more regular basis going forward—promise.

As you know, I took an entire year off work and traveled around the world solo from 2009-2010. I am so grateful I was able to achieve this goal at that point in life. I was not quite sure how the experience would impact my life long term. I just trusted my instincts it was the right thing for me to do at the time.

I was just a bit over 50 years of age at the time and felt confident I would land on my feet when my adventure was completed. Well, the Universe, definitely put my trust to the test! I have absolutely no regrets, whatsoever though.

One of the best experiences of traveling solo for me, is it takes you out of your comfort zone. Since if you want to connect with others, you start talking with strangers readily. I’ve made some of the most amazing connections in my life, this way. Sometimes just a hello or a compliment opens up dialogue and before you know it, some fantastic experience beckons from their local knowledge, if I had not spoken with that stranger. Those conversations were begun, regardless of their faith, the color of their skin, or where on the planet they may be living at the time.

Here is an excerpt from a post while traveling to my ancestral town in Spain:

“So, you see, my journey both spiritually and physically has led me to many places in this lifetime already.  But oftentimes a soul’s journey is about the people you meet along the way, not the destinations.

It is…

The hotel front desk man who shares their computer, to show you exactly where a place is, that he wants you to find and enjoy too.

It’s the local, who grew up in your ancestral town that shares history with you, you might never find in a book nor from any amount of research.

It’s the curator of the museum where an artifact is kept, who is so excited to share their knowledge.

It’s all these things that are bringing this soul’s journey a measure of peace and the understanding it seeks, of life.  I am a fortunate woman in so many ways.  Let’s explore a little more of this fascinating countryside in Spain and the other great experiences still awaiting.”

The title for this post was inspired by all the craziness these days regarding immigrants in the USA. There is a song by Buddy Guy called “Skin Deep”. I heard it recently performed at a house concert I attended, with Malford Milligan singing vocals. It was moving to say the least. Here are some of the lyrics to the song and an excerpt from my Facebook post earlier this year.

From one of my Facebook posts:

“I felt like sharing this video I made after my year around the world in 2010. The last image in the video, is of a couple fishing together in the harbor at Alexandria, Egypt. The husband is in everyday clothing and the wife in her burqa. Fishing together at sunset and obviously enjoying the moment.

It brings to mind a song Malford Milligan sang at the house concert last week, “Skin Deep”. We are all the same beneath the clothes we wear, the color of our skin or where we live on this planet. Be kind. Be patient.

Believe that life is GOOD and sure enough your encounters with strangers or whomever crosses your path today, will be better by just sharing a smile.

Have a wonderful day!”

Lyrics (some of them) “Skin Deep”

I’ve been around a while
I know wrong from right
And since a long time ago
Things been always black and white
Just like you can’t judge a book by the cover
We all gotta be careful
How we treat one another
I say

Skin deep, skin deep
Underneath we all look same
Skin deep, skin deep
Underneath, don’t we all look the same?

A man in Louisiana
He never called me by my name
He said “boy do this and boy do that”
But I never once complained
I knew he had a good heart
But he just didn’t understand
That I needed to be treated
Just like any other man

Skin deep, skin deep
Underneath, don’t we all look the same?
Skin deep, skin deep
Underneath we all look the same

I am a proud first generation American. I am forever grateful, for the courage and vision my ancestors had to travel across oceans to Panama and beyond. We are a family of veterans and so much more.

We all could use a little more love and kindness in our worlds, these days.

Take care and much aloha always.