These three foundation stones (transformational journey, a new kind of family, living close to the Earth) have been explored earlier in this Journal. In The Lofty Chronicles, however, they come to life in a viscerally specific way. We catch surprising glimpses, for example, of what it means to "become again as a little child." And we see just how long and arduous the path of transformation is. There’s nothing quite like parenthood for showing us our shadows and for humbling our pretensions. It’s fully as good a teacher as marriage or community!

We also see a "new kind of family" taking shape as we read the following journal entries. Light Morning is a multi-generational experiment, in both senses of these words. With the arrival of Tom (who came to live with us when he was 60-something) and the birth of Lauren, the generational diversity of the community was greatly enhanced, and the myopic world-view of the 30- and 40-year-olds was correspondingly tempered.

We see forming, then, a predominantly non-genetic, self-chosen family of friends and "traveling companions," who are likewise serving as surrogate grandparents, aunts, and uncles for a little girl who is also their surrogate granddaughter, child, and niece. We watch this family work and eat and play together, hurt each other (sometimes deeply), problem-solve together, and learn, slowly, to truly care for one another.

Finally, we see an emerging lifestyle that is being lived close to the Earth. We observe the adults trying to live simply, to work close to home, and to become more self-sufficient. We watch parents grope their way toward an understanding of home education and child-led learning. And we begin to sense how a simple life, lived in close proximity to nature and within the context of a new kind of family, helps make real the dream of a transformational journey. We see, in other words, how these three core values are inherently interdependent.

"Finally, and most importantly, make sure that your actions, as well as your words, convey the feeling that your child's spontaneous interests and curiosities are of real value and interest to you. This kind of acceptance will help your young child begin to trust his or her intuitions, feelings and personal visions as the basis for future decision-making and actions. Psychologists have referred to this quality as inner-directedness, and it has been found to be related to creativity, ego strength, and feelings of self-worth."

"Take your spills in life,
And send us a happy tune for the world."

Sad Angels (Monday, 15 December 1986) Here’s another one of Lauren’s impromptu  songs:

"Sad angels, sad angels,
God send the Lord to fix up the sad angels."

"We hope you enjoy your afternoon. Don't lose anything, Tom. Don't waste anything. And don't you lose anything, Tom. Don't lose your mind.

"Of course you have a wonderful day on your trip. Invite your new day.

"If a turtle comes it may hurt you, Tom. The spell will be broken again. Then changed back into words again. Would you get us spelled again? Then the turkeys will die in the winter. The spell will be broken again.

"Hallelujah! Have nice weather on your compurating[?]. Nice weather on your joy!"

A Father Song (Tuesday, 27 June 1989) Once again, Lauren is chanting or singing softly to herself. "I love you, father, for being so kind."

Out of the Mouths of Babes (Tuesday, 25 July 1989) Two of Lauren's recent comments, to no one in particular:

"Take a chance on yourself!"