“The Immortal Island of Penglai”, by Chinese artist Yuan Jiang (1708), held by the Palace Museum in Beijing is above. The telling of the story as being a myth, or even something real, is important that can help to describe what we may see as our highest endeavor and destiny. What is the place in our hearts and mind that we all seek? What is it that can take us there and how do we get there? In the end how can our actions today, those happening now, assist us and be remembered by us and others and why is that so important?
Setting the stage for commentary by giving it context for telling the story below. Current events need the context that only through the telling of our memories gives them the meaning they deserve. In the end… what is it that lies within our heart and mind’s foremost desire. The idiom “when one’s ship comes in” is a popular expression that refers to a moment when someone finally achieves success or good fortune after waiting for a long time. Over time, this idea becomes associated with any situation where someone has been waiting patiently for their chance to succeed.
When I wrote the below entry, Finding the Islands of the Blest in May 1995, I had just moved to Boynton Beach and began work as the city’s Assistant City Planner. It was in my first week and thinking about the job description and role in my new setting. My primary tasks were to try to make sure new projects met the requirements of the city’s State mandated comprehensive plan, and the city’s own adopted plan that met those guidelines. It was perfect training for what would later become my role in the city. From nine to five I was learning my job in making sure this was happening, and from five to nine I was writing about the role of dragons and Taoism, etc., and already trying to focus on where and how these two would come together and meet. They eventually would, but it would take time and work to make it happen. But that part of the story is yet to be told.
How do we prepare or get ourselves ready for that eventual trip that would lead to our ultimate destination? Today, this idiom about our ship coming in, is commonly used to describe moments when someone finally achieves their goals or receives a stroke of good luck after years of effort. It can also refer to situations where unexpected opportunities arise out of nowhere. The universe had put me in a place I could mold to fit my utmost desire, even though at that point I was unsure what was to unfold. What I have learned, and now know, is that this has always been the case.
My ship had arrived. I just needed to get on board and learn how to steer it in the right direction. With this in mind, even though it may have been mostly subconsciously I wrote the below entry. In looking back now was it all simply a myth, or for real, or perhaps even mystical… who can say.
My travels with Lieh Tzu / Interpolations along the Way
Chapter Five – The Questions of T’ang
74. Finding the Islands of the Blest
What are myths and legends but remembrances of the way we saw things once before in a way that explains the way we wish to see things now that lead to 
one’s destination.
“In traveling the four seas, the four borderlands, (north, south, east and west) and the four limits (up, down, and side to side) all appear to be the same as where I am today. There appears to be no difference. Therefore, it is safe to say that everything contains something smaller and is contained in something larger without bound or limit. Heaven and earth contain the myriad things and are contained in the same way as something else which contain both the myriad things and heaven and earth and is therefore unbounded and unlimited. Besides, how do I know that beyond heaven and earth there is not a greater heaven and earth”, as Chi of Hsia explains.
Is not all this an attempt to bring sense to words and phrases centuries old? Looking for the paradise of antiquity. Keeping to myths and legends that will show the way. The dragons always leading the procession into immortality and beyond as they come to rest on their Island of the Blest. A sojourn from time spent with the elements and other immortals on clouds in the sky.
As you remain as the artisan. Knowing no limits. Knowing that all things are limitless. Letting your writing be the perfection you find in your own imperfections. That although there remains something large and small in all things you simply remain where you are. With no bounds to your direction and no limits as 
to whom you will be.
Keeping in mind what the ancients and others recall throughout time. As they come and go as the dragons telling the way that will ultimately set you free.
Remaining simply as one with the myriad things, no better or worse than anything you encounter. Remembering the myths and legends and knowing that they remain the key to the wind blowing you onward to the Island of the Blest.
That you are contained in something larger than yourself. That beyond heaven and earth there is the Tao. That as you are blown along in the wind to destinations unknown, the dragons are with you coming home once again to their island in the sea. 4/16/95
Number seventy-four of one hundred fifty-eight entries.
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