I don't know how many of my Faithful Few get an opportunity to watch America's Got Talent on Tuesday evenings during the summer, but they have been the launching ground for an young 11 year old girl named Bianca Ryan two years ago, and last year, they launched the career of remarkable ventriloquist Terry Fator, who just recently signed a 100 million dollar contract in Las Vegas.
This past Tuesday night this young man named Eli Mattson appeared and totally blew the audience away. I have to admit I was so stunned by his remarkable performance that I have a feeling that this young man will be this year's winner, and the auditions are still going on. In a few weeks we'll find out if I was right or not.
In the meantime, take five minutes of your time and watch the video of this incredible 26 year old musical genius.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Eli Mattson
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Thanks, Tracy!
So much time spent wondering
Not enough time spent perceiving
Never enough time spent doing
So much time wasted and under-utililized.
Maybe it's "time" for a change!
Not enough time spent perceiving
Never enough time spent doing
So much time wasted and under-utililized.
Maybe it's "time" for a change!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
So Close Yet So Far
On June 3rd, 2008, not more than 15 miles away as the crow flies, a powerful tornado ripped thru the small town of Moscow, IN, destroying at least 13 homes and damaging countless others. This little hamlet of 84 people went thru the intense hell of literally having their lives changed forever by Mother Nature at her worst.
Annually this little burg held a celebration known statewide as the Moscow Covered Bridge Festival. Moscow was the home of the longest covered bridge in the state of Indiana, spanning 330 feet. On the night of June 3rd, this piece of history which stood the test of time for some 122 years was reduced to a pile of debris at the bottom of the river.
Clean up in the area has been going on for the past 11 days. If you don't live there or if you aren't involved in the clean up process, you aren't allowed in the area, for obvious reasons.
Personally, I've only been thru that bridge once in my lifetime, and it was during my childhood. I remember at that early age as my father and I drove thru the bridge that I was amazed at the sheer length this structure was. I couldn't imagine how anything so long could hold up to the weight of countless vehicles as they passed across this bridge.
Although no funds are available for the reconstruction of this amazing piece of Kennedy Brothers architecture, it is the desire of those Moscow residents to see this bridge restored and rebuilt. Hopefully this can be done and hopefully those who lost their homes and watched their town destroyed can also rebuild and start their lives over again.
As this destructive storm was occuring, here, just a handful of miles away, it was lightly raining and no wind was blowing to speak of. All you could hear was the occasional rumble of thunder to the south where the intense storm was occuring.
While watching the news on television about the storms my wife and I heard the shocking news that not only was the bridge gone but that the town was basically gone.
I don't understand God's plans at times but surely there was a reason for this to happen and hopefully over the course of time that plan will be revealed.
For now, our thoughts and prayers are with the folks of Moscow, IN.
Annually this little burg held a celebration known statewide as the Moscow Covered Bridge Festival. Moscow was the home of the longest covered bridge in the state of Indiana, spanning 330 feet. On the night of June 3rd, this piece of history which stood the test of time for some 122 years was reduced to a pile of debris at the bottom of the river.
Clean up in the area has been going on for the past 11 days. If you don't live there or if you aren't involved in the clean up process, you aren't allowed in the area, for obvious reasons.
Personally, I've only been thru that bridge once in my lifetime, and it was during my childhood. I remember at that early age as my father and I drove thru the bridge that I was amazed at the sheer length this structure was. I couldn't imagine how anything so long could hold up to the weight of countless vehicles as they passed across this bridge.
Although no funds are available for the reconstruction of this amazing piece of Kennedy Brothers architecture, it is the desire of those Moscow residents to see this bridge restored and rebuilt. Hopefully this can be done and hopefully those who lost their homes and watched their town destroyed can also rebuild and start their lives over again.
As this destructive storm was occuring, here, just a handful of miles away, it was lightly raining and no wind was blowing to speak of. All you could hear was the occasional rumble of thunder to the south where the intense storm was occuring.
While watching the news on television about the storms my wife and I heard the shocking news that not only was the bridge gone but that the town was basically gone.
I don't understand God's plans at times but surely there was a reason for this to happen and hopefully over the course of time that plan will be revealed.
For now, our thoughts and prayers are with the folks of Moscow, IN.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
escape
To achieve that which only the moth
Can accomplish,
To morph out of one body into another
To become one that is new,
Unknown,
Without form
Starting over
Moving ahead.
Healing and mending
Spiraling into a new shell
Without the wear of the old one
Weighting one down.
Becoming...
Can accomplish,
To morph out of one body into another
To become one that is new,
Unknown,
Without form
Starting over
Moving ahead.
Healing and mending
Spiraling into a new shell
Without the wear of the old one
Weighting one down.
Becoming...
Friday, May 23, 2008
Three Day Weekend
Like most of us who work for a living, the promise of a three day weekend has caused this entire work week to drag on forever. Finally, at 4:30 this afternoon, my work week concluded and my glorious three day weekend began.
Finally.
I've much planned, both in the way of home chores and jobs that seem to never get done (maybe not this weekend, either. We'll see!), cleaning out the garage, putting flowers on the graves of our loved ones and probably a trip to the farm to give our alpacas some shots.
Sunday, however, promises to be the day I'm most looking forward to as I always do. Sunday, for those who live in a cave, is RACE DAY!!!!
Early Sunday morning the Formula One race is broadcast live from Monaco. While not a huge fan of F-1, I will be watching the race because I've become a huge fan of Lewis Hamilton, last years most successful rookie who nearly won the championship.
After that, the greatest spectacle in racing, the Indy 500, is set to run at noon. Since I only live less than an hour's drive from the Speedway, the race will be blacked out here from TV, so I'll be tuning the race in on radio as I have for countless years.
Shortly after the Indy 500, the Coca Cola 600 will be broadcast from Charlotte, NC on television as well.
For innumerable years now, this has become an annual event in our household. My great friend John will be here, as always, and him, my wife and myself will be grilling out, pigging out and listening and watching auto racing, all day long. It's something I never tire of, something I look forward to and it's a day that has it's own special excitement.
We've had a houseful on more than one occasion, we've had a handful on other occasions, and this year, as far as I know, it will just be the three of us, although that could change.
We might sit outside for the Indy race, we might sit in the garage and listen to it, or we might do our cooking out and come back inside, depending on the heat and humidity. Hopefully we can be outside for the two afternoon races since this day seems to set the start of summer here in Indiana.
My wife will begin cooking tomorrow in preparation for the day's activities. She makes a killer potato salad and an equally killer pea salad. My mouth is watering now in anticipation of those two specialty dishes of hers.
We'll be grilling hamburgers, hotdogs and brats Sunday, and John and I will have ice cold beer on hand to make the day even more fun. Something about grilling out and auto racing requires ice cold beer near at hand. Again, my mouth is watering in anticipation.
The Indy 500 has been in my blood since first going to the Speedway in 1963 and I have not missed a race, either being there or watching or listening to it since then. It's hard to imagine ever spending a Memorial Day weekend without the Indy 500.
The Coca Cola 600, Nascar's Sprint Cup longest race has been an annual tradition in our household now for about a dozen years I would imagine.
The Monte Carlo Formula One race is not a part of tradition because I'll be watching that one all alone and with no fanfare or special menu involved. I just like to start my day off with that one race under my belt.
My wife and I will be spending our 33rd Memorial Day together this year and I can think of no one I would rather be spending it with. She makes everyday something special for me.
My friend John and I have been doing so many different things together for so many years now and the annual raceday the Sunday before Memorial Day has been one of those things for so long now, I can't remember exactly when he started getting together with us, but it wouldn't be the same without him here, either.
I feel so very blessed to have them both in my life.
Anyway, I felt compelled to write this short entry about the upcoming weekend and these two very special people. If you got thru all this, wow, you amaze me!!!
If you're still reading, have a great and safe Memorial Day weekend and I hope you have a very special weekend, too, as I know I will.
Peace!
Finally.
I've much planned, both in the way of home chores and jobs that seem to never get done (maybe not this weekend, either. We'll see!), cleaning out the garage, putting flowers on the graves of our loved ones and probably a trip to the farm to give our alpacas some shots.
Sunday, however, promises to be the day I'm most looking forward to as I always do. Sunday, for those who live in a cave, is RACE DAY!!!!
Early Sunday morning the Formula One race is broadcast live from Monaco. While not a huge fan of F-1, I will be watching the race because I've become a huge fan of Lewis Hamilton, last years most successful rookie who nearly won the championship.
After that, the greatest spectacle in racing, the Indy 500, is set to run at noon. Since I only live less than an hour's drive from the Speedway, the race will be blacked out here from TV, so I'll be tuning the race in on radio as I have for countless years.
Shortly after the Indy 500, the Coca Cola 600 will be broadcast from Charlotte, NC on television as well.
For innumerable years now, this has become an annual event in our household. My great friend John will be here, as always, and him, my wife and myself will be grilling out, pigging out and listening and watching auto racing, all day long. It's something I never tire of, something I look forward to and it's a day that has it's own special excitement.
We've had a houseful on more than one occasion, we've had a handful on other occasions, and this year, as far as I know, it will just be the three of us, although that could change.
We might sit outside for the Indy race, we might sit in the garage and listen to it, or we might do our cooking out and come back inside, depending on the heat and humidity. Hopefully we can be outside for the two afternoon races since this day seems to set the start of summer here in Indiana.
My wife will begin cooking tomorrow in preparation for the day's activities. She makes a killer potato salad and an equally killer pea salad. My mouth is watering now in anticipation of those two specialty dishes of hers.
We'll be grilling hamburgers, hotdogs and brats Sunday, and John and I will have ice cold beer on hand to make the day even more fun. Something about grilling out and auto racing requires ice cold beer near at hand. Again, my mouth is watering in anticipation.
The Indy 500 has been in my blood since first going to the Speedway in 1963 and I have not missed a race, either being there or watching or listening to it since then. It's hard to imagine ever spending a Memorial Day weekend without the Indy 500.
The Coca Cola 600, Nascar's Sprint Cup longest race has been an annual tradition in our household now for about a dozen years I would imagine.
The Monte Carlo Formula One race is not a part of tradition because I'll be watching that one all alone and with no fanfare or special menu involved. I just like to start my day off with that one race under my belt.
My wife and I will be spending our 33rd Memorial Day together this year and I can think of no one I would rather be spending it with. She makes everyday something special for me.
My friend John and I have been doing so many different things together for so many years now and the annual raceday the Sunday before Memorial Day has been one of those things for so long now, I can't remember exactly when he started getting together with us, but it wouldn't be the same without him here, either.
I feel so very blessed to have them both in my life.
Anyway, I felt compelled to write this short entry about the upcoming weekend and these two very special people. If you got thru all this, wow, you amaze me!!!
If you're still reading, have a great and safe Memorial Day weekend and I hope you have a very special weekend, too, as I know I will.
Peace!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Millions of Barrels In Reserve Down?????
Right, like, here we are, poised before our first three day weekend of the spring-summer season and all of a sudden there is a shortage of oil in the reserve???
Yeah, and the tooth fairy gives green stamps and Santa Claus paints Easter eggs.
We're supposed to believe this crap once again as the price of gasoline now moves ever closer to the $4 a gallon mark.
Seems like just last month they told us on the news that gasoline would spike around $3.69 a gallon and then go down.
Oh, yeah, that's probably because last month they DID tell us that lie.
Meanwhile, as prices go up on everything imaginable to try and recover ever-escalating fuel prices, the middle class stagnates, the lower class begins starving, the upper class feels a tad of pinch in their budgets, and the fat oil cats and oil stock owning politicians smile all the way to the bank.
I sincerely hope the American public takes this crap we're being fed with them when they go the polls in November and cast their votes accordingly.
That is, if we can all afford to drive to the polls.
Yeah, and the tooth fairy gives green stamps and Santa Claus paints Easter eggs.
We're supposed to believe this crap once again as the price of gasoline now moves ever closer to the $4 a gallon mark.
Seems like just last month they told us on the news that gasoline would spike around $3.69 a gallon and then go down.
Oh, yeah, that's probably because last month they DID tell us that lie.
Meanwhile, as prices go up on everything imaginable to try and recover ever-escalating fuel prices, the middle class stagnates, the lower class begins starving, the upper class feels a tad of pinch in their budgets, and the fat oil cats and oil stock owning politicians smile all the way to the bank.
I sincerely hope the American public takes this crap we're being fed with them when they go the polls in November and cast their votes accordingly.
That is, if we can all afford to drive to the polls.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Watching Our "Child" Grow
When you have a child, one of the most rewarding things you have is watching that child grow up, mature and blossom out.
Since our son is grown and moved away and with a family of his own, my fatherly instincts became renewed over a year and a half ago when I was asked to serve on the executive board of the Riverside Park Summer Concert Series.
After my first season last year, I felt like I had become a father again and watched as our concert series grew, matured and blossomed in its own way. At the end of the season, even though very tired mentally and physically, because it truly is a lot of work, I felt an emptiness that even our monthly meetings couldn't replace.
As winter passed thru the end of last year and into a new year, we began meeting twice a month and began the planning stages for another set of concerts for this summer. An idea I brought up blossomed and grew into something much bigger than I had anticipated. I took a simple idea about having a community picnic and it has turned into a huge event that takes place today, at long last, announcing the beginning of our series of summer concerts.
To say I'm full of anticipation would be an understatement.
This year, my most wonderful wife of over thirty years has joined me on the executive board which brings us together for even more time to spend as we venture into this new season of concerts. She has brought to our board an excitement much like I felt last year when I first began serving.
We've lost a few members from last year but they have been replaced with some really motivated and special people and working with them this year will be a joy and an honor. When we met together at the park last night and began setting up for today's event, I felt that same spark of joy kindle within me again, and I can't wait to get started.
Hopefully Mother Nature will cooperate today and we'll get a great day of weather and a huge turnout for our free hog roast and all the fixin's to go along with it. Kids events, a silent auction, a live bluegrass concert and a dj fill the afternoon with plenty to do for those who attend and for those of us who will be working the event as well.
Yeah, I'm a proud papa as I watch this series kick off again today with this small idea I hatched at a meeting at the first of the year and I can't wait for it to get going today. Speaking of which, I guess I best be getting myself ready to go as we plan on arriving a couple of hours before the celebration starts.
I can't wait to see the thrilled look on my wife's face today as she begins her first season as a proud new mama. I can only hope it is half the thrill I felt last year as I began my new role in life.
And away we go!!!
Since our son is grown and moved away and with a family of his own, my fatherly instincts became renewed over a year and a half ago when I was asked to serve on the executive board of the Riverside Park Summer Concert Series.
After my first season last year, I felt like I had become a father again and watched as our concert series grew, matured and blossomed in its own way. At the end of the season, even though very tired mentally and physically, because it truly is a lot of work, I felt an emptiness that even our monthly meetings couldn't replace.
As winter passed thru the end of last year and into a new year, we began meeting twice a month and began the planning stages for another set of concerts for this summer. An idea I brought up blossomed and grew into something much bigger than I had anticipated. I took a simple idea about having a community picnic and it has turned into a huge event that takes place today, at long last, announcing the beginning of our series of summer concerts.
To say I'm full of anticipation would be an understatement.
This year, my most wonderful wife of over thirty years has joined me on the executive board which brings us together for even more time to spend as we venture into this new season of concerts. She has brought to our board an excitement much like I felt last year when I first began serving.
We've lost a few members from last year but they have been replaced with some really motivated and special people and working with them this year will be a joy and an honor. When we met together at the park last night and began setting up for today's event, I felt that same spark of joy kindle within me again, and I can't wait to get started.
Hopefully Mother Nature will cooperate today and we'll get a great day of weather and a huge turnout for our free hog roast and all the fixin's to go along with it. Kids events, a silent auction, a live bluegrass concert and a dj fill the afternoon with plenty to do for those who attend and for those of us who will be working the event as well.
Yeah, I'm a proud papa as I watch this series kick off again today with this small idea I hatched at a meeting at the first of the year and I can't wait for it to get going today. Speaking of which, I guess I best be getting myself ready to go as we plan on arriving a couple of hours before the celebration starts.
I can't wait to see the thrilled look on my wife's face today as she begins her first season as a proud new mama. I can only hope it is half the thrill I felt last year as I began my new role in life.
And away we go!!!
Monday, May 05, 2008
And Now On A Much Cheerier Note
Another short vacation looms ahead of me the remained of this week. I've put up the postal uniform until next week and am now donning my annual Indianapolis Motor Speedway duds and heading up the world's most famous racetrack for a few days of opening week of practice for this year's Indy 500.
This should prove to be a more eventful year this year since the two major open wheel factions have bonded together under one umbrella for the first time in over a decade and the Indy Racing League is now the premier series in the United States. New faces, new names, new teams and most importantly new drivers will take to the track this year adding more cars to the task of filling the field of 33 starters.
The price for practice at the Speedway is very nominal. You can carry in your own food and beverage, saving you more money, and for me, the major expense is what it usually is: GASOLINE! But I won't bitch or moan this year, because when you only live an hour's drive away from the Speedway, you can save back in advance for the expense of driving back and forth.
Mother Nature may rear her ugly head this year, once again. The forecast for Wednesday and Thursday sounds like it might be wet, but Tuesday should be beautiful, as well as Fast Friday, although temps on Friday sound unseasonably cool. That, however, is better reason to partake of warming beverages, and I'm not speaking about coffee, either.
The crowd will be small until Fast Friday arrives, and that makes it even more fun, actually. You can pretty much sit where you want and it's simply a great atmosphere for the most dedicated race fan.
Hopefully this year with the rejoining of Champ Car teams to the Indy Racing League, interest might climb and more butts in the seats might start happening again.
Regardless, I still swear that there is no other thrill greater than the start of the greatest specatacle in racing, The Indianapolis 500.
I just can't believe it's been a year since the last one.
This should prove to be a more eventful year this year since the two major open wheel factions have bonded together under one umbrella for the first time in over a decade and the Indy Racing League is now the premier series in the United States. New faces, new names, new teams and most importantly new drivers will take to the track this year adding more cars to the task of filling the field of 33 starters.
The price for practice at the Speedway is very nominal. You can carry in your own food and beverage, saving you more money, and for me, the major expense is what it usually is: GASOLINE! But I won't bitch or moan this year, because when you only live an hour's drive away from the Speedway, you can save back in advance for the expense of driving back and forth.
Mother Nature may rear her ugly head this year, once again. The forecast for Wednesday and Thursday sounds like it might be wet, but Tuesday should be beautiful, as well as Fast Friday, although temps on Friday sound unseasonably cool. That, however, is better reason to partake of warming beverages, and I'm not speaking about coffee, either.
The crowd will be small until Fast Friday arrives, and that makes it even more fun, actually. You can pretty much sit where you want and it's simply a great atmosphere for the most dedicated race fan.
Hopefully this year with the rejoining of Champ Car teams to the Indy Racing League, interest might climb and more butts in the seats might start happening again.
Regardless, I still swear that there is no other thrill greater than the start of the greatest specatacle in racing, The Indianapolis 500.
I just can't believe it's been a year since the last one.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
$3.75 And Climbing Higher
Another day, another ten cent increase on gasoline. My, oh my, how the fun just keeps on coming. Such a sorry state this situation has become.
In my many conversations with people day to day as I work, I find this to be just about the number one topic of conversation.
Gasoline, liquid platinum it is becoming.
I have people tell me they are giving up food to be able to meet their gas expense. People are telling me they are cutting out one meal a day to meet gasoline needs. Cutbacks on frivolities in life is one thing, but when you have to start cutting back on food, that tells me this has gone on long enough.
$120 a barrel for oil today seems extreme, but think if we had a hurricane even hint at going thru the gulf with prices already this high.
Then what?
No doubt the rich oil baron running this nation from DC would continue to take it in stride and act like he never heard rumors regarding gas prices going up to over $4 a gallon.
Does he truly believe we are all that freaking naive?
As we head into mid spring, what comes next?
Oh, yeah, summer vacations, right?
Another excuse to raise prices yet again!
Last Saturday evening my wife and I went out with friends for some r and r. It was amazing at how few cars we saw on the highway in our 23 mile drive.
Yeah, people are cutting back on driving as well. Lord knows my wife and I have had to, because I'm not giving up food so I can make the rich bastard oil industry folks even more billions in profit.
The oil industry is destroying the economic structure of our economy and there is nothing being done to stop it at present.
I can only hope the time is coming when we as a nation finally come together, put our feet together and take a solid stand and vote the rich out of Washington and put new and fresh people in there who will do something to end this madness we have had to endure for the past seven years.
When the time comes and people can no longer afford to drive anywhere, what will the slick capitalistic money mongering oil folks do then?
My biggest question about all of this is why wasn't something done years ago when this all started getting out of hand?
The answer is so obvious is bites one on the ass.
Ever hear the one about the Texas oil man who.....
In my many conversations with people day to day as I work, I find this to be just about the number one topic of conversation.
Gasoline, liquid platinum it is becoming.
I have people tell me they are giving up food to be able to meet their gas expense. People are telling me they are cutting out one meal a day to meet gasoline needs. Cutbacks on frivolities in life is one thing, but when you have to start cutting back on food, that tells me this has gone on long enough.
$120 a barrel for oil today seems extreme, but think if we had a hurricane even hint at going thru the gulf with prices already this high.
Then what?
No doubt the rich oil baron running this nation from DC would continue to take it in stride and act like he never heard rumors regarding gas prices going up to over $4 a gallon.
Does he truly believe we are all that freaking naive?
As we head into mid spring, what comes next?
Oh, yeah, summer vacations, right?
Another excuse to raise prices yet again!
Last Saturday evening my wife and I went out with friends for some r and r. It was amazing at how few cars we saw on the highway in our 23 mile drive.
Yeah, people are cutting back on driving as well. Lord knows my wife and I have had to, because I'm not giving up food so I can make the rich bastard oil industry folks even more billions in profit.
The oil industry is destroying the economic structure of our economy and there is nothing being done to stop it at present.
I can only hope the time is coming when we as a nation finally come together, put our feet together and take a solid stand and vote the rich out of Washington and put new and fresh people in there who will do something to end this madness we have had to endure for the past seven years.
When the time comes and people can no longer afford to drive anywhere, what will the slick capitalistic money mongering oil folks do then?
My biggest question about all of this is why wasn't something done years ago when this all started getting out of hand?
The answer is so obvious is bites one on the ass.
Ever hear the one about the Texas oil man who.....
Monday, April 28, 2008
Is True Change Coming?
Last Friday afternoon, the little midwestern town I work in played host to Chelsea Clinton who made an appearance on behalf of her mother Hillary's presidential bid. Considering our little hamlet hasn't had a presidential campaign visit since 1940, this was by no means a small event.
A very nice crowd gathered in one of our city's parks, by no means our best park, but a nice one, and Chelsea delivered her speech and answered questions for a period of one hour standing on the park's gazebo. This young woman impressed me with her knowledge, her ease at answering a barrage of questions, and she was a great ambassador for her mother's presidential campaign.
Considering I live in a predominantly Republican county, I was worried that maybe someone in the crowd would attempt harrassing her, but much to my delight, the crowd was kind, responsive, and applauded several times as Chelsea spoke of the shortcomings of the past nearly eight years of the George W Bush administration. Her answers hit home, brought many cheers of agreement, and again, many rounds of applause.
At the end of her presentation, Chelsea spent at least another half hour, meeting and greeting people one on one, and having countless pictures taken with people in attendance. She was most gracious and attentive to all who took a few moments to meet with her.
When you listen to someone who speaks knowledgably and someone who takes the time to totally answer a wide variety of questions, you have to admire them if they know what they are speaking about, and trust me, this young lady indeed knows what she's talking about. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see her hold a political office in the not too distant future.
Our nation is in trouble right now, mere words can't begin to describe all we are facing at the present time, and I won't go into it right now because it is such a depressing state we are in. And that word depressing, well, it reminds me so much of the word "depression." I can remember growing up and hearing folks talk about The Great Depression and how they hoped we never saw another one. I can't help remembering those words each day as I watch and listen to the daily news. We're facing such hard times right now, and it doesn't appear that the present administration in Washington is doing much to help it out.
I can only hope when people do go to the polls this year they don't forget these things and tend to be party blind. Our nation can't face another four years of where we are right now and where we are heading. We need a change, and we need it now. It is my earnest hope that it is precisely that they think about when they cast their votes this year.
I took the time last Saturday morning to absentee vote in our state's upcoming primary election. I carried those thoughts with me Saturday morning and I kept them in mind when I cast my votes. I can only hope others follow suit.
I also hope that true change is right around the corner before it's too late.
Please, vote like your life depends on it, because truly, IT DOES!!
PLEASE, VOTE!!!
A very nice crowd gathered in one of our city's parks, by no means our best park, but a nice one, and Chelsea delivered her speech and answered questions for a period of one hour standing on the park's gazebo. This young woman impressed me with her knowledge, her ease at answering a barrage of questions, and she was a great ambassador for her mother's presidential campaign.
Considering I live in a predominantly Republican county, I was worried that maybe someone in the crowd would attempt harrassing her, but much to my delight, the crowd was kind, responsive, and applauded several times as Chelsea spoke of the shortcomings of the past nearly eight years of the George W Bush administration. Her answers hit home, brought many cheers of agreement, and again, many rounds of applause.
At the end of her presentation, Chelsea spent at least another half hour, meeting and greeting people one on one, and having countless pictures taken with people in attendance. She was most gracious and attentive to all who took a few moments to meet with her.
When you listen to someone who speaks knowledgably and someone who takes the time to totally answer a wide variety of questions, you have to admire them if they know what they are speaking about, and trust me, this young lady indeed knows what she's talking about. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see her hold a political office in the not too distant future.
Our nation is in trouble right now, mere words can't begin to describe all we are facing at the present time, and I won't go into it right now because it is such a depressing state we are in. And that word depressing, well, it reminds me so much of the word "depression." I can remember growing up and hearing folks talk about The Great Depression and how they hoped we never saw another one. I can't help remembering those words each day as I watch and listen to the daily news. We're facing such hard times right now, and it doesn't appear that the present administration in Washington is doing much to help it out.
I can only hope when people do go to the polls this year they don't forget these things and tend to be party blind. Our nation can't face another four years of where we are right now and where we are heading. We need a change, and we need it now. It is my earnest hope that it is precisely that they think about when they cast their votes this year.
I took the time last Saturday morning to absentee vote in our state's upcoming primary election. I carried those thoughts with me Saturday morning and I kept them in mind when I cast my votes. I can only hope others follow suit.
I also hope that true change is right around the corner before it's too late.
Please, vote like your life depends on it, because truly, IT DOES!!
PLEASE, VOTE!!!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
For Granted
That which seems intangible,
Although it is very real,
Is easy to set off to the side
And ignore.
However,
Damage can happen and weaken
The structure
And create irreparable
Fissures.
You no longer walk alone
But you walk now
Without me.
Although it is very real,
Is easy to set off to the side
And ignore.
However,
Damage can happen and weaken
The structure
And create irreparable
Fissures.
You no longer walk alone
But you walk now
Without me.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Hmmmmm....
Is it just me or is our nation simply accepting the fact that we are being royally screwed out of our dollars just so the fat cat oil companies can attempt to drive our nation into the worst depression in all recorded history?
Just what are we truly accomplishing in Iraq other than watching our soldiers die?
If we quit spending money on manufactured goods just so we can afford gas in our cars, and if manufacturing jobs dwindle away because of this and if these people end up out of work, how in the world will anyone be able to afford to do anything anymore?
When people tell me they are cutting back on groceries and turning down their thermostats just so they can afford gasoline and to heat their homes, isn't there something totally wrong with this picture?
If we can afford billions on foreign aid why can't we spend that same money right here on domestic aid?
If our nation is so fed up with the leaders in Washington how come so many get re-elected every 2, 4 and 6 years?
Hopefully, with a clear choice being presented to us this year for the first time in nearly eight years, quite possibly we have a chance to start our nation on the right road to healing.
Just what are we truly accomplishing in Iraq other than watching our soldiers die?
If we quit spending money on manufactured goods just so we can afford gas in our cars, and if manufacturing jobs dwindle away because of this and if these people end up out of work, how in the world will anyone be able to afford to do anything anymore?
When people tell me they are cutting back on groceries and turning down their thermostats just so they can afford gasoline and to heat their homes, isn't there something totally wrong with this picture?
If we can afford billions on foreign aid why can't we spend that same money right here on domestic aid?
If our nation is so fed up with the leaders in Washington how come so many get re-elected every 2, 4 and 6 years?
Hopefully, with a clear choice being presented to us this year for the first time in nearly eight years, quite possibly we have a chance to start our nation on the right road to healing.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
The Best Of Intentions
I sometimes wonder about human nature and the mutated forms it takes. I know we're all individuals and I know we all react differently to things, but sometimes irrationality speaks so very, very loudly and reveals so much about who we REALLY are.
Case in point: Two people who have worked closely together and have become quite good friends are suddenly at odds because one of them brings to the attention of the other one that they have been acting strangely for a few weeks and that the strange behavior has them concerned that there might possibly be something causing a change in attitude and also might be causing them to not understand the simplest of things.
The one who brings this to the attention of the other does it out of genuine concern.
In less than one hour, a relationship is damaged beyond repair because the one who was notified takes strange offense at being told they might be having problems which could be anything from a blood clot or a tumor in the brain to possibly an early onset of dementia.
So the person with the good intentions is now treated like they have the Bubonic Plague and they have turned an additonal friend against the informer simply because the informer was worried about the well being of the other.
No, I'm not making this up. This entire stupid scenario is actually going on right now.
Go figure.
Personally, if someone thought that much of me that they would take the time and concern to talk to me about it I would be forever grateful to them and I would admire them for their courage to have taken the step of a true friend and to have let me know.
Apparently this isn't always the case in the course of human nature.
I do have a feeling, however, that the informer will probably NEVER make mention of any thing else they notice might be wrong in the other one's life.
Who the hell could blame them?
Obviously the friendship must not have been that good of a friendship to begin with, at least on one side that is.
I wonder how the sorehead could feel that way when the good intentioned friend helped them get their job?
Again, go figure!!
Some people never catch up in the human race, huh?
Case in point: Two people who have worked closely together and have become quite good friends are suddenly at odds because one of them brings to the attention of the other one that they have been acting strangely for a few weeks and that the strange behavior has them concerned that there might possibly be something causing a change in attitude and also might be causing them to not understand the simplest of things.
The one who brings this to the attention of the other does it out of genuine concern.
In less than one hour, a relationship is damaged beyond repair because the one who was notified takes strange offense at being told they might be having problems which could be anything from a blood clot or a tumor in the brain to possibly an early onset of dementia.
So the person with the good intentions is now treated like they have the Bubonic Plague and they have turned an additonal friend against the informer simply because the informer was worried about the well being of the other.
No, I'm not making this up. This entire stupid scenario is actually going on right now.
Go figure.
Personally, if someone thought that much of me that they would take the time and concern to talk to me about it I would be forever grateful to them and I would admire them for their courage to have taken the step of a true friend and to have let me know.
Apparently this isn't always the case in the course of human nature.
I do have a feeling, however, that the informer will probably NEVER make mention of any thing else they notice might be wrong in the other one's life.
Who the hell could blame them?
Obviously the friendship must not have been that good of a friendship to begin with, at least on one side that is.
I wonder how the sorehead could feel that way when the good intentioned friend helped them get their job?
Again, go figure!!
Some people never catch up in the human race, huh?
Thursday, March 13, 2008
The Hateful Silence
You tell me you hate the silence
And then I ask you why
Yet you never take the time
To give me a reply.
While I don't dig it either
Sometimes it seems best to do
Some quiet time, some cooling off
So my words don't cause hurt to you.
You tell me you hate the silence
And then you go and abscond
I await your answer as I always do
And then, YOU don't respond.
I guess silence is indeed golden.
And then I ask you why
Yet you never take the time
To give me a reply.
While I don't dig it either
Sometimes it seems best to do
Some quiet time, some cooling off
So my words don't cause hurt to you.
You tell me you hate the silence
And then you go and abscond
I await your answer as I always do
And then, YOU don't respond.
I guess silence is indeed golden.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
In Sickness, In Health, Good Times and Bad, Sometimes Things Just Go Sucky
This wonderful bug that is passing thru our nation right now at an unbelievable and nearly epidemic pace has taken its toll on yours truly.
Quite badly, indeed.
My wife and I took a much needed vacation two weeks ago and made an escape from reality to celebrate our 30th anniversary(yes, I know, she does indeed deserve a medal for putting up with me all those years) and then last week I had arranged a week off from work, beginning on my birthday, to take care of her after her undergoing shoulder repair surgery last Tuesday. I felt it was the least I could do having had similar surgery 8 years ago and knowing full well what she was in for in the department of not only pain but of the limitations having only one useful limb can have.
The day before her surgery, I began feeling a creepy feeling coming over me, sniffles, cough, etc. The day of surgery, I put on the best front I could and acted my way, an Oscar winning perfomance, no less, and acted as if all was well. She came thru surgery with flying colors, was released from the hospital, and I got her home and fixed us supper that first evening.
I was really feeling subpar by this time.
The following day I did all the things I was supposed to do, fixing meals, cleaning house, doing dishes, etc. As the day wore on, I began to wear down. By evening, I was full blown sick but trying my best not to show it.
The following morning, her first therapy appointment at hand, and my fever had reached just shy of 104 degrees. Needless to say, I didn't get to take her to therapy, make a meal, or anything else, either.
After two days of taking care of someone who has cared so much for me over the years and gone way above and beyond the call of duty, I had to rely on the efforts of family and friends, as I could do nothing more than take trips to the bathroom. I slept nearly all the way around the clock for the next few days.
I discovered my family doctor was out of the country, adding insult to injury, and finally, after being nearly nagged to death, I went to a walk in clinic at the local hospital last night and received my diagnois of severe respiratory viral infection plus a round of antibiotics to take as well as some killer cough medicine with codeine.
At my insistence, I asked the doc if I could please get back to work as soon as possible. He gave me the go ahead to return to work this Thursday, warning me that I was still probably a week away from feeling like my old self and also warned me that this particular virus is hard to shake. Trust me, I believe him.
Anyway, my intentions to be a good guy were once again thwarted by cirumstances out of my control. Such is the cruelness of life, sometimes.
For those of you who have had to deal with this virus, I can identify and sympathize. For those of you who will be getting it, I don't envy you, I can only warn you to get to the doc as soon as you feel the first signs coming on, it's a nasty booger, for sure.
There will also be those of you who manage to miss it entirely, and for those of you, I admire you and am happy for you because you've no idea just how lucky you are.
And with that having been written, it's back to the blanket, the handkerchief and the big mug of water I keep putting into my body.
Come on, spring!
Quite badly, indeed.
My wife and I took a much needed vacation two weeks ago and made an escape from reality to celebrate our 30th anniversary(yes, I know, she does indeed deserve a medal for putting up with me all those years) and then last week I had arranged a week off from work, beginning on my birthday, to take care of her after her undergoing shoulder repair surgery last Tuesday. I felt it was the least I could do having had similar surgery 8 years ago and knowing full well what she was in for in the department of not only pain but of the limitations having only one useful limb can have.
The day before her surgery, I began feeling a creepy feeling coming over me, sniffles, cough, etc. The day of surgery, I put on the best front I could and acted my way, an Oscar winning perfomance, no less, and acted as if all was well. She came thru surgery with flying colors, was released from the hospital, and I got her home and fixed us supper that first evening.
I was really feeling subpar by this time.
The following day I did all the things I was supposed to do, fixing meals, cleaning house, doing dishes, etc. As the day wore on, I began to wear down. By evening, I was full blown sick but trying my best not to show it.
The following morning, her first therapy appointment at hand, and my fever had reached just shy of 104 degrees. Needless to say, I didn't get to take her to therapy, make a meal, or anything else, either.
After two days of taking care of someone who has cared so much for me over the years and gone way above and beyond the call of duty, I had to rely on the efforts of family and friends, as I could do nothing more than take trips to the bathroom. I slept nearly all the way around the clock for the next few days.
I discovered my family doctor was out of the country, adding insult to injury, and finally, after being nearly nagged to death, I went to a walk in clinic at the local hospital last night and received my diagnois of severe respiratory viral infection plus a round of antibiotics to take as well as some killer cough medicine with codeine.
At my insistence, I asked the doc if I could please get back to work as soon as possible. He gave me the go ahead to return to work this Thursday, warning me that I was still probably a week away from feeling like my old self and also warned me that this particular virus is hard to shake. Trust me, I believe him.
Anyway, my intentions to be a good guy were once again thwarted by cirumstances out of my control. Such is the cruelness of life, sometimes.
For those of you who have had to deal with this virus, I can identify and sympathize. For those of you who will be getting it, I don't envy you, I can only warn you to get to the doc as soon as you feel the first signs coming on, it's a nasty booger, for sure.
There will also be those of you who manage to miss it entirely, and for those of you, I admire you and am happy for you because you've no idea just how lucky you are.
And with that having been written, it's back to the blanket, the handkerchief and the big mug of water I keep putting into my body.
Come on, spring!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Fifty-Six
Shun the feelings, however good or bad,
Kick the dirt off
Your muddy boots
And begin the new journey
Of a thousand new suns
And thousands of new miles
And add distance between the pains
Of yesterday
Moving towards
The uncertainties
Of tomorrow,
With no regrets
And no looks behind me.
Kick the dirt off
Your muddy boots
And begin the new journey
Of a thousand new suns
And thousands of new miles
And add distance between the pains
Of yesterday
Moving towards
The uncertainties
Of tomorrow,
With no regrets
And no looks behind me.
A Good Buy?
the goodbyes we hear
the goodbyes we speak
are the same goodbyes
that keep us alive
and ever-searching
the goodbyes we speak
are the same goodbyes
that keep us alive
and ever-searching
Friday, February 15, 2008
Brief Hiatus
As is the usual custom this time of year I will be offline for a few days for some annual R and R. After getting thru another Christmas season and half of tax season it's past time for me to get out of the daily grind for a week or so and give the mind and body a much needed rest. Hopefully within the next week to ten days I should be back with more writing to try and keep my Faithful Few interested in coming back here time and time again.
I thank you for your continued support and look forward to adding more in the not too distant future. Until my return, as always, I wish you
PEACE!
I thank you for your continued support and look forward to adding more in the not too distant future. Until my return, as always, I wish you
PEACE!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Undeserving
Words and praise
I don't deserve
Expectations I cannot live up to
The same words that make one smile
Can also make them feel so
Insignificant
And so small
I don't deserve the accolades
I don't deserve credit
For only seeing
What others failed to see.
I am, after all,
Only me.
I don't deserve
Expectations I cannot live up to
The same words that make one smile
Can also make them feel so
Insignificant
And so small
I don't deserve the accolades
I don't deserve credit
For only seeing
What others failed to see.
I am, after all,
Only me.
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