El Condor Pasa: A Sister’s Tribute (guest blog)

My Daughter Maurya volunteered to guest blog for me today, complete with video (her own).  Here are her words, images, and video:

“El Condor Pasa” Means, Loosely Translated, “The Condor Pass”.

A condor is a bird. A really big bird. In fact, the condor is the biggest flying bird in the Western Hemisphere. The condor is kind of a big deal.

Simon and Garfunkel are also kind of a big deal. Or they were, before they split up. To me they are great still, immortalized by their music. Their song “El Condor Pasa” reminds me of my Papa’s shortcuts. His shortcuts are winding and long, but the most beautiful. I have memories of driving through central Oregon on gravel back-roads, with the windows down. Dewy summer night air and the smell of pine trees. Leaning out the window and tilting my head back, I could see what seemed like all of the stars in the universe, each placed carefully like diamonds in blue velvet.

Another big deal is my brother, Ezra. His brilliant blue eyes I know are placed more carefully than any star.  His blonde hair is perfectly curly, his manner energetic but graceful (like a jungle cat, or a gymnast). He has been voted the most photogenic in my family. His favorite book, long time standing, is Jerry Spinelli’s “Stargirl”. He is genuine but crafty, quick but gentle, strong but so tenderhearted. Yes. My brother is a big deal.

Below is a video featuring Simon and Garfunkel, my brother Ezra, and his dear cousin and thick and fast friend Jake. Jake and Ezra epitomize camaraderie. Jake is also a big deal (runs in the family?), from his long lean legs to his big blue blinkers. He acts like the tough stuff we all know the men in my family are made of, but it is easy to make him laugh. He has a terrific laugh.

Jake, Ezra and I all went hiking together last week, in the snow. We hiked on a path that we know has to be practically secret, because it is not marked on any of Patrick’s maps (Patrick and his maps are also a big deal). We found the trail by accident last Easter when we were looking for a new canyon to explore. Accidental secret trails, I do believe, are also kind of a big deal.

I loved witnessing the untouched blanket of snow, the lace-like pattern of bare scrub oak branches against the deep jade color of evergreens. I also loved witnessing the boys’ camaraderie. They are fierce, fast, and effervescent in their movements. They used to be as clumsy as puppies, maybe sometimes they still are. Neither is exactly a follower, both are independent. But there is a loyalty there, and a feeling of fellowship. I thought I’d share the delight. Here is a video: 

I’m so grateful for all the hard work Maurya did to create this post. I just love the video! Thank you Maurya, love you.