A Life's Pursuit: June 2006

Friday, June 30, 2006

The Beginning Of Greatness...the 4th of Ever!



Remember the fallen who stood for your freedoms; and the standing yet to fall.





Well here comes the weekend and at long last; I am ready for its arrival. It has been a long week of challenges and breaks. Everything ends and everything has a beginning. That's really good news. A co-worker, often penned as "Prelate of Pensive" or "Son of Rodin" and I had time to chat and observe the stain of humanity in it's many versions. As you might imagine, it was more than interesting. Let it also be said, we are FULLY aware that we are humans too. He is quite the pensive; absolutely the articulate.


Chemical Signatures: We talked about the logic behind the body creating a "chemical signature" for or under extreme circumstances whether good or bad, pleasure or pain. This, we theorize, is the fuel of addictions and compulsions. Ever notice at ball games; people want the anthem singing to be over so they can get to the good part...to the thrill and excitement of the game....to the acceleration of their heartbeats and bellows of their lungs. Are we all just biological porches? Designed to go really fast; but in a country of 30 mile per hour rules. Does the Need for the speed outway and dwarf the PRICE of the gasoline? [...translated as, the thrill of the addiction is blinding to the need for the restraint...] Everything we "like" clearly is not necessarily "good" for us.


Best sung by Hank Williams Jr.; "...get drunk and screw...". Hmm....if it was good; wouldn't you want to remember. If it wasn't; wouldn't you rather have stopped or been stopped instead of your friends taking pictures. It's clear that most of the time, we know the consequences; but the need for "that feeling" or need to get back to that "chemical signature" is just too overwhelming. I have watched Dateline focus on child predators. Isn't it amazingly pathetic that many trusted members of society have been caught in these underage sex stings. Clergy, programmers, military men, family men, fathers, church goers....seems that NOBODY is immune. The "Ruler of the Air" is everywhere. I wonder if his name is "Media..."


When the fireworks are over; will we remember why or just who got the drunkest or oh, the pretty colors. We easily cut to the good parts. Wouldn't it be terrifying if the new movie with Adam Sandler, "Click" really happened...if there was really a remote to time, space and the universe. What would we lose because we didn't want to spend the time to aquire it? Can you aquire "it" without doing the time?




Hmmmm.......yeah; chemical signatures sign blank checks linked to bank accounts of consequence.

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Greenest Grass On This Side of the Fence!






I thought I would take a break from my normal ramblings to say an "all important" THANK YOU to my beloved wife, "Pickle."



Upon arriving home yesterday, I opened the door to the delerious smell of fresh pound cake cooking in the oven. Before I could make two steps inside, my doggy Annie gives her typical cheery welcome home bark and bow. I continue in after a brief pat on the head for Annie to find my sweetie in the shower. She had been weeding outside and wanted to be ready for my arrival. After the normal kiss and greeting, she tells me about her day, and the many surprises I am in store for.


Two large steaks are marinating for me to grill in the refridgerator. Pkl had good drinks and baked potatoes prepared along with sauteed mushrooms. We cooked and ate dinner while watching "So You Think You Can Dance." It was a great meal and it was great of her to be thinking of me still after all this time. We dated for 5 yrs, knew each other for 12, courted for 1year and remain happily married for 4 years. It's all been great for a small town boy who NEVER planned on marriage or happiness. We make such a great team!

Thanks Honey, Still in LOVE with YOU!






Hmmm......

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Take a Chill — Let the Universe Move






Life is FULL of events and circumstances that "push" us along. Often, it even may seem that we are out of control. There are few things worse than feeling and knowing you are almost or totally out of hand. It's kinda like perfume....if you can smell it on yourself; it's probably WAY TOO STRONG.


I have found that when my "Spidey" senses go off; and they do at least once a month, I have to quaranteen myself and just pull inside and shut the doors and windows. I can only take in so much before the borders must be sealed and the contents analyzed and my core foundations re-established...kinda like defragmenting the harddrive or changing the oil—all that energy, pressure and stress wear down the viscosity of your spirit. Life can send you confusing signals; but it isn't life who is deciding how you live; it's YOU. YOU have to decide when to be "still." Everybody else's yes is my clue to no. Giving, living and killing time takes a lot out of you. Reach for the brakes! Where are YOU?

Deep below the surface; where there are no sounds, no distractions and no one else; there is a chart of core ideals that make up each person. Only in the purity of single-silence can the language it is written in be heard. The silence between life and death; the silence between now and then; the silence between soul and heart.

SLOW DOWN...what belongs to you is yours and no one can take it away. Take deliberate strides or strolls in identifying, enjoying and understanding your true essence—your God-Force. Enjoy time with your insides....they'll be with you hopefully for some time. Listen to what they say and set your bearings. When your strength nears full and your determination is over flowing; come out and play with the rest of the universe.




Hmmm....now that goat has bells.....

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

SuperFrog vs Man of Steel!


SuperFrog




Science can make a frog fly...or at least levitate. This "more than interesting" story can be found in its entirity here; but the short of it is:
Hal Sparks, an actor and comic book fan, holds forth in The Science of Superman, a National Geographic Channel television special premiering in the U.S. on Thursday, June 29, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. (National Geographic News is part of the National Geographic Society, which is part owner of the National Geographic Channel.)

"This is my theory: [His] flying is based on the magnetic content of his body and the Earth's polarity, so he can push himself away and pull himself toward it," Sparks said.

Science writer Mark Wolverton, another guest on the show, suggests that Superman might be able to generate hypothetical subatomic particles called gravitons.

"If Superman has a way of generating gravitons … I would say he would be flying by essentially riding the waves of gravity that are in his immediate environment."

Similarly, magnetic fields have been used to levitate trains. And in the laboratory, frogs have been elevated when a very strong magnetic field is applied to the water in their bodies. (Watch video of a levitating frog.)



Isn't it odd that heroes other than "super" are just regular people who do something that we "wouldn't" have done or faced with the same situation, would have taken an easier road. Like the old saying; extraordinary is just a few more steps than ordinary—but so few of us are willing to even go one extra step than necessary or wait one extra second when the light turns green before blaring on the horn for the car in front of us to move. God forbid we take any stand other than the "politically correct" masses festering in their own vomit that is being continually re-devoured.


I believe we can ALL fly. NO, we don't have to jump "from" high places, but "to" high places. We ALL have the super-human strength of "love/compassion" because our Creator is SUPER. We ALL have X-Ray vision; but NEVER when we are looking at ourselves. Our "kryptonite" is ourselves, dripping like warm freshly buttered pancakes in the syrup of comfort and ease. Surely, "somebody else" will do something.




Hmmm......

Monday, June 26, 2006

What Would We Catch?


I saw this compelling photo and then discovered that it was real! It is an article from National Geographic. This is a short exerp:


Dogs Used as Shark Bait on French Island
By Maryann Mott
for National Geographic News
October 19, 2005
Live and dead dogs and cats are being used as shark bait by amateur fishers on the French-controlled island of RĂ©union, according to animal-welfare organizations and local authorities.



As terrible as it is; I couldn't help but wonder. If we, you or I were thrown out as bait; what would we catch? What would be attracted to us as dinner? Even deeper—because of "who" or "how" each person is "what" do we attract on a supernatural or paranormal level?




Hmmm.......

TV Evangelist Syndrone -- but we can see you


Public Nose-Pickers...they come in all shapes, colors and sizes





I was driving into the office this morning and what a beautiful drive it was. I had the windows down so the crisp morning air could revive all my sensory mechanisms as my mind took articulate detail of all the things I was taking for granted. It was such a nice morning...a little early before all the traffic. Then there was traffic -- which I really don't mind; something study worthy about it; the facinating study of people.

I couldn't help but wonder how much better the girl would look without her finger jammed up her nose. I was sure that she must have know that anyone could see her behind all the glass in her vehicle. Hmmm.....do we forget that our cars are not really our homes? or just not care? It always reminds me of TV evangelists who cannot see the guy sitting at home in his underwear laughing at his unmoveable hair and deep country accent as he pops another top on a cold one and slaps his wife across the room for not bringing it cold enough.

We can see you. People love to flip folks off and introduce all kinds of new interjections; but again — they can see you; they know you're there; they're probably going to follow you and/or worse. Why do "we" feel so secure in our cars? Why do we trust (and there is really nothing else protecting or ensuring) that the on-coming car will stay on the other side of the line? We do realize that it's just blind trust holding it all together?




Hmmmmm......

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Life is fragile; Giving is Forever.....






Isn't it funny how God (the universe, cosmos or whatever you choose to call it) does the most amazing things with so little at the oddest times with the strangest of conditions. Some say these kinds of things are just random accidents; but if that were true, I would have won the lottery by now. Incidentally, if I did—I would love to travel the country and just hang out in odd places and get to know folks who were having a hard time and anonymously, if money would solve the issue, fix their problem and move on to the next little town randomly helping people because I could. I don't believe in 40 years I have seen anything come near the power of love and giving. I think it is part of our genetic makeup as humans created in the image of a creator. At the same time; great light produces great darkness...for anything in the light leaves a shadow in its trail.

Ok...back on track. I have seen, heard and been a part of these cycles of strange incidents that have woven bizarre tapestries in the lives of and around people. In fact, I know there have been at least 3 times that I should have died. Each time there was someone or thing there to prevent what was obviously the end. Like most things, I am thankful that "just so happens..." applied its mercies at such appropriate times. We all WANT to believe and we all WANT to hope that GOOD matters and that we are LOVED by someone and protected FROM whatever. Sometimes that seems really hard to swallow...but that doesn't stop it from being true. Our power to love and give makes us limitless in our capacity to change the world. I have been quoted at "you cannot save the world, the world doesn't want to be saved".... While I still believe that to be mostly true; I have stopped hating people before and I have loved people without expecting or getting love in return. By the end of it all, I have to say it only made me better as a person and as a creator.

We all create something whether we admit it our not. If we are indeed living — and if you are reading this, it includes you — we leave footprints. And when we cannot do it on our own; there are still the footprints left from the creator carrying us over the unmentionables. I used the illustration or what if I had won the lottery because at the root of it all, the real rubber and road, the actual grease and chicken — is the power to give. There is an exchange created from giving that has far more value than money or dominion or position. It allows us to participate in HIStory and to continue the legacy of grace and mercy extended to all men even before the foundations of the universe were drafted.

May our passion always be to give and to help and to ensure the success of everyone we come in contact with. The greatest gifts have already been given. Like any gift, it is two-fold. (1) it is given, (2) it is received. Be thankful for your gifts and use them with all the passion stuffed into your soul. Otherwise you dishonor the gift, its giver, and the mission withwhich it was given. I say these things because I was once convinced that the darkness WAS the greater power and that people only want or do what is bad; but I was wrong. I see that what we look for is closer to what we see.




I am going to spend the next couple of days really focusing and consciencely looking for the good, giving the benefit of the doubt and overlooking offenses. I hope you will join me in this and perhaps by Wednesday we get back here and share some of the good we actually saw because we were looking for it, expecting it and giving it out.




Hmmmm............

Friday, June 23, 2006

It Depends: Sleep






I was reading the blog of a good friend and it reminded me of this story....

I think I will never forget a story I heard once of a man going back to see his punishers from the Holocaust. He had waited so long for the moment when this leader/man would be brought to justice for his murderous acts. As the man sat in the courtroom and the authorities brought this tyrant to the stand; he passed right by him. It was then that he realized all the dreaded fears and hates for this monster were even more terrifying. He realized that this terrible man had no great strenght, intellect or anything else beyond anyone else.

The horrifying truth......it wasn't that this man had done so many terrible things (and he had); but the realization that humanity itself (each of us) has the capacity for terrible crimes of hate and worse toward each other. It's not relegated by age, race, money, or any of the typical reasons we dismiss people that we consider ourselves better than.

This is his blog link below...entitled It Depends which came about after a discussion on the perfect answer to any question. I leave you with...
It Depends: Sleep




Hmmm........

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Warm, Humid, Hottt Summer!






Well, today is the day that summer "officially" begins. Isn't it great that once you put something in quotes, it's official. Anyway, it's very warm here in downtown and the sun is racing for the center of the sky (at least from this location). Isn't it odd that when you want to take something "hot" off the stove; you add layers; but when it's hot outside, you remove layers. Do people wear bikinis in Hell? It seems the hotter it gets, the more naked the people...not that they needed any excuse these days.

Don't get me wrong. As an artist and male, I appreciate a spectacular form as much as the next person; but whatever happened to moderation and modesty? Have we become such a sexual/erotic nation that even the butter must be lavished with bikini-clad women to move product from the shelf. SEX SELLS!!!! Obviously, noone can argue with that. Even women ministers and gospel singers have gotten WAY better looking. I even remember female rappers when they first came out, as really hard, street looking "macho" women. But all that's changed. Now a girl-rapper is "hot" first; then she fronts her thug-vocality.


Which begs the next question: What is "hot" or how do you get "hot"? I have even been asked several times by women 40+ who have discovered or suddenly become "hot" but perplexed as to how or why. There really aren't that many reasons that are unique. Most things can be summed up in 3 reasons or less. I will leave you to your own...but there are several I am we can agree on.


Does "hot" matter? Are you "hot" or just want to be? Can you be "hot" WITH your clothes on? Are you glad it's summer?




Hmmm.....where's my swimsuit?

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

The Power of Dreams-What Futures May Come






What if something you have wanted all your life is finally within your grasps? What if you wanted something so bad, you couldn't breathe without the thought of it? Does it seem so real; that reality is a lie without it?







Hmmmm........

Friday, June 16, 2006

Hot Dog, It's Friday!!!!!






Friday means a whole lot of different things to different people. This friday is a great break, mixed with a weekend of great potential entertainments. As I have blogged before, this weekend is "Moonpie Festival" week.







This weekend, my son's band, "Falling for Yesterday" plays June, 17 2006 at Journey's Backyard BBQ @ Cool Springs Galleria w/Switchfoot - FREE SHOW!!
1800 Cool Springs Blvd., Franklin, TN 37067
Cost: FREE
They will also be playing later toward the Warp Tour.

Needless to say, we are proud parents of two great kids who will have incredible stories to tell later in life.




It's also "Father's Day!" I look forward to chatting with my Dad; and if I can manage, maybe even a visit. I appreciate and am thankful for my Dad who really taught me through example about manhood and discipline and the value of your word. Thanks Pop.

I am sure there is so much more; but I am out of time for now.



Hmmmm......


Thursday, June 15, 2006

The Seduction of Energy; the Lust of Power

Magnetism is one of the Six Fundamental Forces of the Universe, with the other five being Gravity, Duct Tape, Whining, Remote Control, and The Force That Pulls Dogs Toward The Groins Of Strangers.





They say air is everywhere. They say that matter is everywhere and can never be destroyed. They even say you can lead a horse to water; but you cannot make him drink it. Why are we so interested in things that are "almost" something. When I met my wife, I remember the energy generated from "almost" kissing or "almost" holding hands or the casual "almost" brush here and there.

And lastly, they say that postive thinking produces positive results (karma???).
Well, "they" are a many sorted group with exclusive knowledge on the universe and how it works. Anyway, back to my theme today. Have you noticed the invisibles around us everyday? It's that strange force or energy that creates a spark or holds a stare or gives instant knowledge.

Have you ever had moments that you looked or walked into a room and immediately made contact with someone as though you were standing right in front of them? Have you ever been faced with a problem or situation that seemed impossible and out of nowhere, the answer suddenly comes to you? Sometimes it's even bad news about someone that is or will happen shortly in the future. If you've lived at all; at least one of these has happened to you. After a while, you just get used to it and begin to rely on it's accuracy. Mother's have a kind of "intuition" about their children, regardless of them becoming adults. Wow, I am getting sidetracked or maybe not. Would we freak out if we could actually see the invisible things around us everyday. I know I am shocked to see the heads or bodies of bugs blown way up "EEEEK;" there's no telling what we might discover...even about ourselves.

Honeysuckle in bloom leaves quite a trail for the nostrils; I wonder what kind of trail we each give off. I am sure it is unique and once identified, can be tracked. We settle for perfume and oils; but I submit there is a much more basic trail being left behind or completely overlooked.







more to come....

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

TRUE HUMOR: ACW-Everybody's Got One!

Bendy's World

Bendy's World

Are You A Sow or A Pearl?






What is the impact of the past on the present? How does it change how we view ourselves and others? Is it true that most people NEVER get over grade-school bullies or embarassments?




Well I have certainly had my memories best preferred forgotten when growing up. I was (am) a nerd and never got to play sports — which added to my "bookworm" tendency. That, of course, lead away from "jockdom" as we know it. Would we be the same if we saw ourselves like others do; or would the two images even match?



Hmm.......

Monday, June 12, 2006

Vulcan Wanted: Focus on the Positive






People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.
- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. Swiss-American psychiatrist and author





Monday's are a great time to put the ole gray-matter on ice and analyze it from afar. I like to take my brain out occassionally and study it. It tends to reveal things about me that I may have chosen to ignore or things that I didn't know before. We sometimes ask "why do they say that?" or "how can you feel that way?" Sometimes the responses are valid and others; one must consider the source. However; the logical side must conclude that "if enough independent feedback results are the same, does it constitute truth." Of course, I am reminded of the old saying, "if everybody jumps off the bridge, does that mean you will too?" Hmmm.......





We should always be fascinated and excited by the quest to understand ourselves; but not confined to the universe of our own. A butterfly was not always such; nor was a pile of defication. There's food for thought....pass the tablespoon please.

I am always looking to be successful, wealthy, well-thought of, peaceful, joy-filled, healthy, physically-fit, spiritually-fit, emotionally-fit, kind, thankful and merciful. It is said that life is a highway; I want to ride it all night long—sounds exhausting, counter-productive and unhealthy. I prefer to take my desserts in turn; just like I take bitter medicine. A coin can only be on one side at time...the universe supports that statement, at least in this reality.

The world is crammed with hurting people and you see them everyday whether victims or volunteers. I find I have less pity for volunteers; afterall, they signed up for it. I regret that we often "volunteer" for unsavory darknesses attracted to our own light for lack of extensive refraction. We love the familiar like an old favorite beatup coat that has been washed in familar days and dried in memories. I may never discover why I am me. It may never matter why I am me. So long as I am — I think I will focus on the positive and take my chances.





Hmmm........

Friday, June 09, 2006

Onward to the Weekend, Dear Boy, Onward






Well its a great warm and sunny day spent looking thru the glass thinking about all the great things about summer. Maybe it will still be nice by the time I can go out and play. Seems like this weekend is booked up before it gets here. But a weekend is still a weekend, nonetheless....I'll take it.



Hmmm.........

Thursday, June 08, 2006

I Dream Of Hula


Ahhhh.....beautiful sunsets, gorgeous islands and nature at its best; lose me in paradise! Well people always say before they die that they want to go to Hawaii at least once. Me too.

Every picture I see of it reminds me of that constant desire. While not the easiest place to get to or the cheapest; I believe it will be worth the sacrifice. Besides most good things require some sacrifice...it's just an indication or requirement of it's value. Of course, one of my favorites, Hawaii 5.0 with Jack Lord always comes to mind too. Not that I want to run in with the police but I would like to meet the guy who played one on TV. But I'm gonna be a couple of years late on that one. Oh well...memories are forever; or at least til you forget.

I am looking forward to cuddling up with my Pickle in the beautiful sands as the sun sets on desires created in paradise.




hmmm....

I Like My Rednecks Too, Toby Keith!



I ain't as good as I once wuz;
but I'm as good once, as I ever wuz....






You know, I am ALL for diversity. I like my rednecks too...not to mention my "Redneck Women." There's just something about a woman who is rugged, strong and independent in a big truck with workboots, mud, 4 wheelers, bandanas and shorts......and I think I will stop there; you can fill in your own blanks. I am not intimidated or offended by Dixie flags typically....its kinda like music and people; there's some good and there's others bad. There's some things about the South that are great "done again." "You never woulda thought that it ever woulda happened again"......Charlie Daniels. Now I don't know how many times the "Devil" went down to Georgia; but I am convinced he only took his fiddle ONCE.

There's a lot of great music in Nashville...try some of all of it. This is my shout out to country which wouldn't be complete without mentioning the "Constant Cowboy," Mr. George Strait. Well there are a whole host of other greats but thats all I got time for.

Hey, everybody knows, before you can tan; you gotta get red....and if you didn't know; NOW you know.





hmmm....