I’ve been told Internet access or any other form of communication to or from Das Boat is prohibitively expensive, so this short little post will have to do until December 18th.

Thank you, dear reader, for taking the time to read these forays into God knows what, and thank you for each and every click and comment.

Well, it’s been nearly five months, seventy-six odd posts, and it feels like I’m just catching my stride. Readership isn’t huge by any stretch. I haven’t even had a chance to pull out a joke I’ve been sitting on for months now: It’s where I exclaim to my wife “Lovee, check out the hits today, I’ve gone virile!” “You mean viral,” she replies. “No,” I say, “in my case it’s virile.” “Ya, whatever,” is her response. Anyway, I’m having fun and whether or not it shines through there’s something at the heart of the Omphalos Cafe—something that dawned on me over a great deal of time—something of value, struggling to see the light of day.

It’s this: it is this Life, right here and right now, for each one of us that is crucial for ourselves and those who will follow us. We share a deep and abiding kinship with every living being on earth, and no doubt one day we will broaden that to include the life flowing through all reaches of the universe. As I write these words there are scientists scouring the galaxy and beyond for other suitable situations for the blossoming forth of Life. One day it will be found to be ubiquitous.

History has been good for humankind, maybe not the individual, but certainly the species in general. Only, history has formed habits of mind that hamper our capacity—as individuals and as a group— for experiencing Life’s oneness.

Throughout time many have been the guides to a reconciliation of our being, and I see the Cafe as a celebration of those Giants of the Spirit. But here’s the thing: those Giants can be us too, indeed must be discovered within our own hearts if humankind is to truly comprehend its brotherhood and sisterhood with every other living species great and small.

Have a great week. I look forward to sharing photos of aspects of the cruise with you, fitting them in somehow with all that is the Omphalos Cafe.

Life is ALL there is.

Discuss amongst yourselves.