We drove to the campus and Kairina, the mayor, walks up to us. Ok, she didn’t announce herself as such and there was no parade behind her; actually we were all looking to rendezvous with Myra, who had co-organized and invited us to a meet and greet dinner and presentation tonight titled “What if Nature had Rights?”

Still in the parking area, I raised the completely on my mind pulley/belt/steering issue and whether a local mechanic could be contacted was asked. Yes! And we are suddenly blessed with the town clerk tracking down Andrew.

Actually, attending tonight’s talk and discussion and sharing what is about to happen was the main impetus for coming to Crestone. We hoped to meet people who share the same vision as ourselves and the Tayuna: let’s appreciate and respect our Mother Earth and do something about it.

One might be wondering how Zeke Himself got involved. As my Elite Platinum Inner Circle members know, there has been a plan underway to take some time off for a few years. Time off is translated into no daily database admin work. Then, out of the blue, I awoke one morning and announced we need to get a small school bus so I can drive everyone around on the Tour. Apparently this is actually how the Tayuna travel on the inner planes. How about that kids?

This brings to mind what happened in Brasil, 2009, towards the end of our incredible 9 month trip, when I was looking for employment. We all have likely heard of the power of intention: be clear regarding what is desired or else. Prior job searches were quite clear in so far as what I’d do on a day to day basis while leaving out what my day to day was ultimately manifesting. This time, I also knew I explicitly wanted to use my powers for good. Lo and behold, I found a job in a nascent IT department at a non profit serving the healthcare needs of those without coverage. Better than a Hollywood movie.

Andrew explained how the tensioner pulley works and that only power steering was impacted. He also suggested another parts store to call, both closer and, it turns out, stocking the needed parts. He took off the belt and pulley, which clocked in at most at 1 minute, to eliminate the risk of it snapping and so I could visually compare. I’m off tomorrow and glad at how benign is both the issue and fix. I asked how to reimburse; “A 12 pack of PBR” was the response.

The evening was educational, interesting and fun. The main speaker, Grant, was from Earth Law Center, and he proposed that, like people and, at least currently, corporations, nature should have inalienable rights. Apparently in a number of countries, including India, Ecuador and Colombia, there are rivers which have such rights (see Earth Law Center for more). An analogy to how kids or people who can’t care for themselves was brought up. And, these countries themselves are a model. One can think of women’s rights, gay rights, etc. as a way for giving “nature” rights.

A main message is that getting involved really does work, small victories are achievable and result in tipping points, and things are happening. I spoke with several attendees, Grant, the film crew, the organizers and enjoyed it all.