What can it mean to feel as though you have been blessed through your writing? Having a couple books published in China and teaching in Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius at the school founded by and for his descendants. To come this far with as much or more passion for the subject as I did in the beginning. 
Blessed by who? In the traditional Christian sense, the meaning is to have been blessed by God. In Taoist thought it is not a singular entity, but something found in all things in nature.
The picture is of Heaven’s Gate on Huasheng Mountain in China.
In Chinese mythology the image of the Island of the Blessed mentioned below, is edged deeply into their history and culture. But feelings beyond that are reflected as becoming universal in what I have written over the years. With a source beyond the Western view of who God is meant to be. In no way to discount the beliefs of others, but something not found typically in southwest Missouri.
My writing feels like it embodies a free spirit, not confined to any specific beliefs or tied to a particular faith or religion, except for influences from Eastern thought, Taoism, and Confucius. That being the case, maybe this inspiration stems from mentors we look up to. Perhaps even as spirit guides. In Taoism that’s Lao, Chuang, and Lieh Tzu who have been my friends and mentors for many years now. That they lived more than two thousand years ago matters little. It’s going to what it is that makes us transcendental, almost mystical. It’s as if these various voices help to shape my words, making it feel like I’m not the only source of what I write or express as being authentic.
Even after thirty years on this journey, the words and reflections flow naturally, all tied to a central meaning from an unknowable source—what some might call the Tao. Unknowable because it’s always changing, evolving to discover the greater good in and for all things found in nature. This path isn’t better or worse than others; it’s simply the one I’m meant to walk. It was meant to be more than just writing daily—writing becoming the tool to shape both my thoughts and actions moving forward.
Being in Boynton Beach felt like the beginning of a self-fulfilling prophecy, as the springboard spanning from 1997 to over twenty years later in 2018 that led to my return to Springfield a decade ago. This commentary now feels like just an introduction to what would lie ahead. The next significant step would be the journey to adopt our daughter Katie in Maoming and Guangzhou, where Marie and I traveled in April and May of 1997… on our first trip to China.
Always driven by a sense of purpose and direction, always asking myself, “What are the next three steps?” Steps that would align with my passion for writing, allowing new words to flow through my mind like clouds drifting in the wind, guiding me toward where I’m meant to be. Around this time in Florida, I came up with the idea of creating a Chinese-inspired Friendship Park in Boynton Beach. Although the park was never built, the journey of pursuing it took me to Qufu, sparked the sister city relationship with Boynton Beach, and eventually led to me teaching there. When I wrote the entry below, that journey was only just starting to take shape or crystalize in my mind.
My travels with Lieh Tzu / Interpolations along the Way
Chapter Seven – Yang Chu
112. Staying in tune with destiny, or Danny’s song
Striving only to make everything you write better than what you have written before. Bringing forth the words of the ancients to expose them to today’s images and realities.
Living only to become enmeshed in life’s true meaning. As you prepare to die and be reborn again. Your writings and their analogies, paradox and symbolism show the true way to eternal freedom and peace of mind. Coming forward with no agenda of self, with no agenda representing ego. Losing your identity in your writing and any sense of age as to time spent in your current life span. With no sense on you are one thousand years old, one hundred years old or a day. With no sense of concern for self or showing one’s age to space or time.
Life’s everyday events simply the path to show that you are free of attachments, free of clinging to any earthly endeavors that would get in the way of your ultimate destination. Always create free time so that it can be spent with your newfound friends. As they come and go as spirits or metaphors. Known as the dragons that lead you to higher clouds and your true destiny.
Remaining out of contention, life leads to others present. 
Striving only to become and remain invisible to all you encounter. With no sense of self-esteem that could become or remain apparent. Not as arrogant or to be seen as better than others. But simply remaining out of harm’s way or conflict. With a loving heart and clear mind fully focused on your one and only true endeavor. Your destiny to remain focused on the task at hand.
To remain as one with the dragons. Creating your own Island of the Blest as your newfound friends come forward to spend time telling their story through your writing. 7/7/95
Number one hundred twelve of one hundred fifty-eight entries.
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