Gary Schooley

3-10-96

A friend told me to check out G.O.D. Bros Traveling Circus and I was fascinated and wrote Gary. That was the beginning an ongoing correspondence that I really enjoy. I love Gary's honesty, compassion and wit and World Wide Wheels is a great example of that. But don't believe me, see for yourself!

What are you willing to share about yourself to paint us an image of who you are within?

I am a friendly person in a caustic manner. What may appear pessimistic is really optimism. We must see the reality of these current times here on Earth. It is not a good time for humans, nor for animals, all life is in danger of being altered drastically and put out of business at any moment. I feel that by looking and seeing the truth of our predicament we can do some good. We can bring balance into our lives and into the earth's cycles. We can create peace amongst ourselves, amongst our brothers and sisters of all races, and all species. The future is uncertain, this is why we need to get into this moment and appreciate our lives. As I see it, the future holds promise of All life coming together in a balanced way, where all Life is supported in the most perfect manner!

What do you do to put bread on the table AND are you enjoying it AND how did you arrive there?

For over twenty years I HAD to have BUTTER, and No Margarine! Lately though, I have discovered, "I can't believe that it's not butter!" It fools me. I love the taste. Way back in my past, due to a momentary lapse of reason, I was found to be temporarily working in the lumber industry. I was living on a magical piece of land as north as you can get and still be in the U.S. And at the time, was against logging. There was an accident, this body was injured. The social security administration now supplements my virtual income from my work as an unpublished poet, dancer, dreamer, explorer, and I'd love to be doing SOMETHING with this old 486x66 for $'s.

What are your favorite words of wisdom and how have they influenced your choices and path in life?

The Boy Scout motto: "Be Prepared." Is a phrase that I like to keep handy. At the moment of the accident, I was not prepared...My life was influnced by this un-prepardness.

Give us 10 descriptive words that apply to you.

Buoyant. Curious. Mundane. Determined. Organic. Seeker. Upbeat. Sensual. Householder. Spiritual.

What inspires you on a daily basis?

My kids I guess. I feel so much love for them. They both are in life's struggle for sure, but they both feel drawn to help mankind in their own way. They are good people, and both have good friends. Friendship, this is something that inspires me. Knowing that we have real friends gives me strength to continue on.

Please chat with us about any message important to you.

Don't worry, Be happy.

What's your dream?

I used to have a dream, a dream of home....everything in it's proper place, solar power, low-impact on the environment, lo-cost, lo-maintenance. A greenhouse full of fresh veggies. The 'perfect' partner. Crystal clear water from a spring fed pond. I've been close, in California, Washington, Hawaii, Oregon................then the real world crept in. The dream is over, what ever this moment offers, I accept graciously and thankfully. Home is in my heart. It took years to grasp this.

Your favorite book, movie and song?

"Autobiography of a Yogi" Parmahansa Yogananda, which pushed me off the path and into life way back in the late '60's. Recently there was, "Shadows of our forgotten Ancestors" by Carl Sagan, and the "Dancing Wu Li Masters" by Gary Zukar. "The Fifth Sacred Thing" Starhawk. The writings of John Muir. The book that had me crying was, "Bury My heart at Wounded Knee". Then finally, "Catch a Fire, The Life of Bob Marley". By Timothy White.

Movie? Many great movies during the past several years hard to pick just one. "The Hero" Dustin Hoffman was a good one. Robert Altman's "Short Cuts" Was a great commentary on these times.

and song? So many good songs, what to say? The one that seems to find it's way out of my speakers most often is "In The Garden" Actually, the entire album, "No Guru, no Method, no Teacher" by my all time favorite vocalist, Van Morrison. John Lennon singing "Let It Be" I hear inside my head a lot. But my favorite album is "Robbie Robertson and The Red Road Ensemble" All Americans should experience this album! Oh yeah, "Mouth Music" by Shore Life. Ali Farka Toure "Talking Timbuktu". "Joshua Tree" U-2. There is a large collection of CD's on the shelf. Without music, I'd dry up!

Describe to us the place you go to reconnect with your personal muse.

The place that works best for me right now is when Drumming.....Softly, alone with myself...

What is your idea of a great evening?

The sky is clear, almost black, 55deg. The stars are bright. A few white clouds drift by. The moon is rising up from the trees in the forest, the Man is smiling. A wolf howls. A river can be heard passing from the mountains to the sea. Coyotes yelp. An owl passes by. Satellites travel overhead carrying information. Music and celebration can be heard from a distant village. A Human observes this phenomenon, and if there is more than one of us (me?) the evening gets better.

Anything else you'd like to add ?

We need to treat each other with respect, understanding, compassion, if we are to survive. We have to find a place of laughter within ourselves and share that place with others. I am not laughing easily this time in my life. It will come though, from deep within the belly! Laughter is necessary for survival.

"Sometimes I go about pitying myself,
and all the time
I am being carried on great winds across the sky."
-Ojibay saying.

Hey Chelle, many Mahalos for giving me this opportunity to look inside and say something. Luv to all, Gary
...from some distant galaxy

Thanks, Gary, you're an inspiration! I hope you make to these islands and visit me, I'll have you addicted to llamas in no time! What you need is a cart-trained llama to add to your World Wide Wheels. Hugz & smiles, Chelle