I just announced today plans to move from this mountain, after nearly 8 years of living here. I have said this phrase, “This is as good as it gets” a few times in my life. I realized tonight, as I thought it once more, that only here, on the mountain, in this place, with these experiences, with the life here, with these people and the music they bring to every gathering, have I ever had this thought or said these words.

I do not doubt my decision to move now, but neither do I relent on the sentiments. This beauty, this quiet, this magic, these people, this is as good as it gets.

I believe in reincarnation. I seem to remember that I have lived in many times, situations, circumstances, on every continent. The dramas of life go on, and continue, and have great purpose. But the mountains, the mists, the animal life, and those who live close to these do not come and go. They stay. Being close to them is IT. This is as good as it gets.