Journals # 3,4,5

John Z. Maloney

Patty Borden

Ids 3920

25 April 2012

Journal 3_ Reflecting on Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

I was completely surrounded in nature, warm breeze filling my soul with life. The calm was unfamiliar; hesitant, I welcomed it, eyes closed. The path cut out in time long ago. Nature had never been so clear, for had I ever listened? My mental pressure lifted and inside I was free. Each step a new voice; the melody of the birds followed by the whisper of the trees.  No care to where or why, I know knot of I. This is all that is needed, no pictures taken. Who was I? I do not know, I am here and not alone. The light strong and wipes away the dew of tomorrows yesterday. What great teeth and size not knowing if you are alive. Unspoiled, for the roots never lie. No ringing, buzzing, zooming, flashing, honking, crashing, banging, burping, slamming, slurping; only breeze and chirping. When all I move as one, no need to try. My eyes are unsure of what they see, a brown face looking. You see is all you know, then you can be is all you grow. The shade is kind like mother’s milk. Full of life, far from silk. Just there no more, I do not know if this could be. A Hoot and off the brown fly’s, a magical mist left for my eye. Below a green tale long and thin, paused waiting? A black buzz past my ear, I blew a kiss to bring him near. Floating free for all to see a Lillie comes within me. A crawl, a splash, noise that travels far from back.  Big and small, round and tall, within the eye the breath of hope. A lone white egg falls from the sky. Am I the only one that knows, if so, ask why.

Journal 4_ Thoughts on the Moon

            Dear Mr. Moon,

I am just gunna come out and say it, You have a lunar cycle my friend. You never told me about this; did you think I would not notice? I have known you my whole life; we go way back to as long as I can remember. It was not till recently that I was informed about this and was told to keep an eye on you from a mutual friend. I did not want to believe it; I thought you would have told me, did you not think I could handle it? I have learned so much about the real you from observing your behavior the last couple months. Don’t you dare call me a spy, I had to do this. I would not have believed it, but I saw it with my own two eyes. Nine cycles. Really? Nine? Do you know what this means, you got a real problem bud, Lunation. I would look up and there you where so I did not question; I missed all the warning signs. Just so you know I am not bluffing, I saw you go thru the phases. First quarter, waxing crescent, new, warning crescent, third quarter? You where nearly cut in half. Then without fail to a warning gibson, full, waxing gibson and back to first quarter with your left side covered and your right completely exposed. Do you know what you’re doing? I had no idea that this was your life. Why now? How long as this been going on? Don’t you lie to me?  I have seen all that I can take. Now that I know what is going on your gunna have to face this, with or without me. I am here for you and want to help. We can break this.  Sincerely, your dear friend, John.

Journal 5_Reflect on the Colloquium Class Experience

            I recommend to every student at FGCU to take Colloquium with you, Patty Borden. You express a level of kindness and care that has not been previously displayed in my academic carrier. I believe it to be a direct correlation of your perspective and attitude, which has determined you being a wonderful teacher. You want to help and spread your knowledge and truly teach what you know, the grade is of importance but is secondary, a result of learning. You except who you are and it allows the student to feel comfortable in your presence and in the class room. During the semester ideas were presented that had me question what I believed to be true. I was concerned mostly for my well being previously and did not see that all are one. I now believe that by being an example and spreading the ideas learned in class such as: clean foods, reducing waste, sustainability, caring for plants, names of animals, names of plants, Florida history,  I can be a candle to people that may not see any light. Previous to the class I cared soley for my well being and development, doing all I could to better myself. I have evolved. Now believing that everyone is connected. This happened buy seeing the human race as an organism with all parts connected rather than a bureaucracy. I understand now that what one does affects all, how else can dust from Egypt end up in Florida? I feel responsible to be kinder and see people as friends that I have not yet met. Patty you showed me a positive example of a purpose driven life, your kindness and knowledge opened my heart, I will give knowing now that I am not alone.