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Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
was not gonna, but now am
I didn't intend on posting this, but decided differently, after my weekend away from posting (I am sure no one noticed ..lol) Anyway ...
This is something that has been rolling around in my head (a dangerous place to be) for a while. I recently read a brilliantly written piece along the same lines on Heather of the EO’s blog and was urged into action. I did email her and let her know that this is in no way a competition piece. Writing should never fall into the place where it takes a competitive sport mentality. That does happen sometimes on here. It is sad when it does. TJ (wife,) Chella (daughter,) and myself all write poetry from time to time and will sometimes take an opening line and see how it expands in our minds and what it becomes. It is never a competition. It is just a fun exercise. The last line we did this with was, “The pain is silent.” It yielded some interesting results. Perhaps at the end of this I might mention a line and see how other writers expand it.
Here is the piece I wrote earlier:
fourteen
fourteen people
mostly strangers
save a couple huddled couples
aware of the rest
but still disconnected
bubble people
chance bringing them
to the same place
most enter with eyes down
connection neither needed
nor wanted
if there is speaking
it is small and strained
the thread that binds them
is precarious at best
it is of limited length
it is knotless
it holds for the moment
then releases
as it pulls through
“Will that be all today, Sir?”
“No, I’d like a pack of light smokes.”
behind, they notice
only to gauge the wait
who cares if he smokes
if it doesn’t make me late
he matters
only for the moment
his life interacts with theirs
he looks back
is he apologizing
because she can’t find his brand
is he just looking through
she sips her coffee
as she waits
her store card
her coffee club card
her debit card
ready to speed her stay
a scan, a punch, a swipe
and the thread pulls on through
her replacement enters
eyes down
buried in their own world
sometime
almost recently
we became strangers
to all those around
courteous greetings drifted away
any feigned concern
replacing genuine
floated on the same wave
fourteen strangers
in a gas convenience store
passing through the market
like they pass through life
people enter into peripheral vision
noticed but unnoticed
they begin to forget them
even before they could begin to remember
“Why are you late, Jones?”
“some guy at the store
couldn’t find his debit”
“some guy on the freeway
wouldn’t go on”
“some guy”
“oh, sorry, my turn
no, nothing else
how much?
I think I have the change
thanks
you too, have a nice day”
I can’t even feel the thread
As it pulls on through
strangers
Ron Simpson, Jr.
March 8, 2009
And the line to challenge my writing friends:
“False hope is just a bus ride between prisons”
Do I hear wheels turning?
This is something that has been rolling around in my head (a dangerous place to be) for a while. I recently read a brilliantly written piece along the same lines on Heather of the EO’s blog and was urged into action. I did email her and let her know that this is in no way a competition piece. Writing should never fall into the place where it takes a competitive sport mentality. That does happen sometimes on here. It is sad when it does. TJ (wife,) Chella (daughter,) and myself all write poetry from time to time and will sometimes take an opening line and see how it expands in our minds and what it becomes. It is never a competition. It is just a fun exercise. The last line we did this with was, “The pain is silent.” It yielded some interesting results. Perhaps at the end of this I might mention a line and see how other writers expand it.
Here is the piece I wrote earlier:
fourteen
fourteen people
mostly strangers
save a couple huddled couples
aware of the rest
but still disconnected
bubble people
chance bringing them
to the same place
most enter with eyes down
connection neither needed
nor wanted
if there is speaking
it is small and strained
the thread that binds them
is precarious at best
it is of limited length
it is knotless
it holds for the moment
then releases
as it pulls through
“Will that be all today, Sir?”
“No, I’d like a pack of light smokes.”
behind, they notice
only to gauge the wait
who cares if he smokes
if it doesn’t make me late
he matters
only for the moment
his life interacts with theirs
he looks back
is he apologizing
because she can’t find his brand
is he just looking through
she sips her coffee
as she waits
her store card
her coffee club card
her debit card
ready to speed her stay
a scan, a punch, a swipe
and the thread pulls on through
her replacement enters
eyes down
buried in their own world
sometime
almost recently
we became strangers
to all those around
courteous greetings drifted away
any feigned concern
replacing genuine
floated on the same wave
fourteen strangers
in a gas convenience store
passing through the market
like they pass through life
people enter into peripheral vision
noticed but unnoticed
they begin to forget them
even before they could begin to remember
“Why are you late, Jones?”
“some guy at the store
couldn’t find his debit”
“some guy on the freeway
wouldn’t go on”
“some guy”
“oh, sorry, my turn
no, nothing else
how much?
I think I have the change
thanks
you too, have a nice day”
I can’t even feel the thread
As it pulls on through
strangers
Ron Simpson, Jr.
March 8, 2009
And the line to challenge my writing friends:
“False hope is just a bus ride between prisons”
Do I hear wheels turning?
Friday, March 13, 2009
project "Memorial"
Exodus 39.6-7
And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel. And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, that they should be stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Whenever the priest ministered before the Lord, the stones of his shoulders were a constant reminder to God of his children. The stones were a constant memorial before God. When we pray, and we lift up the names of our families, and our friends, and our loved ones, we are presenting a memorial before God.
I decided to make a memorial box and put stones in it with the names of my constant prayers. They are a memorial to God. They hold no supernatural power. They are not charms. They contain no mystical properties. They are simply a reminder to me to present my memorials before God when I pray. When I have prayed, I can say, "God, touch my memorials."
Now, I have to find a good place for my Memorial box.
And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel. And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, that they should be stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Whenever the priest ministered before the Lord, the stones of his shoulders were a constant reminder to God of his children. The stones were a constant memorial before God. When we pray, and we lift up the names of our families, and our friends, and our loved ones, we are presenting a memorial before God.
I decided to make a memorial box and put stones in it with the names of my constant prayers. They are a memorial to God. They hold no supernatural power. They are not charms. They contain no mystical properties. They are simply a reminder to me to present my memorials before God when I pray. When I have prayed, I can say, "God, touch my memorials."
Now, I have to find a good place for my Memorial box.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Never ending
It is 7:50 PM. It is March 12th.
It is snowing outside. The cars are mostly covered.
Sigh. It is the never ending winter.
Good thing I like Winter !
It is snowing outside. The cars are mostly covered.
Sigh. It is the never ending winter.
Good thing I like Winter !
Tried a different subject
And, Debbie .. yes she was scared (comment on previous post) but being good grandparents we forced her to face her fears in an effort to overcome them .. and a good photo op ..
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
rejection
I got my first rejection letter today.
I will NOT be singing the National Anthem at a Legends game this year.
I have sang the Anthem for the previous three years running. It has been a blast. Even in not getting picked, I get two tickets to a game of my choice. So, I will be visiting the stadium and listening to someone else.
c'est la vie (spelling?)
I will NOT be singing the National Anthem at a Legends game this year.
I have sang the Anthem for the previous three years running. It has been a blast. Even in not getting picked, I get two tickets to a game of my choice. So, I will be visiting the stadium and listening to someone else.
c'est la vie (spelling?)
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Abundantly
John 10.10
"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
When Jesus was saying, “I am come that you might have life,” He wasn’t merely talking about the life as the essence, life as in being alive, life as is signified by breathing. If that was all He meant, the word used would have been ‘psuche’. He was talking about the things that make a life a life. He wasn’t telling us that He was come so that we could have our breaths. He wasn’t saying that knowing and serving Him meant that we would have the ability to breathe abundantly. He was talking about the things that make a life. He was talking about loving, laughing, crying, feeling, having, being, and everything between the breaths.
There are people in this world, you meet them every day, that do not have life, but rather, life has them. They are merely walking through the breaths. They are alive, but not alive. They have life, in as much as they are breathing (‘psuche’), but they do not have life (‘zoe’), and definitely do not have it more abundantly (‘perissos’.)
Jesus came that our ‘psuche’ may be a ‘perissos’ ‘zoe’.
What do people spend a lifetime grubbing for more and more? Why are people never satisfied with the things they have? Why do we need the next biggest car, or gadget, or house, or bank account? Where is our tether attached?
Tether ball: a game where a ball is attached to a pole by a line (tether) and each player seeks to wrap the tether around the pole in their direction.
The ball: when the player hits the ball in the game, he does not hit it in a curved direction. He hits it and it flies outward. However, at some point, it reaches the end of its tether and will travel in a circle around the pole. The ball, by the force exerted on it by the player, is trying to travel outward, but is tied by the tether and forced to travel around and get ever farther away from the freedom it seeks.
Jesus came to break the tether.
This will be expounded farther on my won by one blog later this week.
"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
When Jesus was saying, “I am come that you might have life,” He wasn’t merely talking about the life as the essence, life as in being alive, life as is signified by breathing. If that was all He meant, the word used would have been ‘psuche’. He was talking about the things that make a life a life. He wasn’t telling us that He was come so that we could have our breaths. He wasn’t saying that knowing and serving Him meant that we would have the ability to breathe abundantly. He was talking about the things that make a life. He was talking about loving, laughing, crying, feeling, having, being, and everything between the breaths.
There are people in this world, you meet them every day, that do not have life, but rather, life has them. They are merely walking through the breaths. They are alive, but not alive. They have life, in as much as they are breathing (‘psuche’), but they do not have life (‘zoe’), and definitely do not have it more abundantly (‘perissos’.)
Jesus came that our ‘psuche’ may be a ‘perissos’ ‘zoe’.
What do people spend a lifetime grubbing for more and more? Why are people never satisfied with the things they have? Why do we need the next biggest car, or gadget, or house, or bank account? Where is our tether attached?
Tether ball: a game where a ball is attached to a pole by a line (tether) and each player seeks to wrap the tether around the pole in their direction.
The ball: when the player hits the ball in the game, he does not hit it in a curved direction. He hits it and it flies outward. However, at some point, it reaches the end of its tether and will travel in a circle around the pole. The ball, by the force exerted on it by the player, is trying to travel outward, but is tied by the tether and forced to travel around and get ever farther away from the freedom it seeks.
Jesus came to break the tether.
This will be expounded farther on my won by one blog later this week.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
promised BD pics
It was a 'Grand' time at the grandsons birthday party. A wonderful time for Papaw. It was attended by 5 of the 7 kids and all 6 grandkids. There was pizza, and cake, and swimming. Mmmmm Mmmmmm Mmmmmm. Here are some of the pics:
remembering 3/3/4
March 3, 2004 was a busy busy day.
My old computer had become hopelessly bogged down and clogged. I had painstakingly researched the competing computer sellers. I had narrowed my choices to a list of stores and a list of 'must haves' for the next computer including which options and programs were vital to my needs. March 3rd was the day the computer would be purchased. It wasn't a magical day. It wasn't a check coming in the mail day. It was just the day we chose.
Then, my oldest daughter called. Her hubby was having surgery that day and needed to be transported. The surgery was outpatient. As I recall, it was a throat thing. So, we are to pick up Adam and take him to the surgery center, then go find a computer, then pick Adam back up, transport him home, and then go home and do all the hook-up. Simple.
The day progresses. Adam is transported one direction. Jubilation has turned to frustration as store after store cannot produce what they said they had on the phone. Finally, we find a place (Circuit City) that has more than we need for less than we expected to pay. Computer purchased.
All that is left in the home transportation for Adam, or so we thought.
Son-in-law #2 calls and Chas is delivering her first born. So now, it is load new computer, grab Adam, and head to the hospital to see Chas and the newest grandbaby. Like I said, a busy day.
The day ended with a better talking son-in-law, a better working computer, and the precious gift of Ian.
Happy Birthday, somewhat belated, Ian.
His party is this afternoon. I am sure pictures will follow.
My old computer had become hopelessly bogged down and clogged. I had painstakingly researched the competing computer sellers. I had narrowed my choices to a list of stores and a list of 'must haves' for the next computer including which options and programs were vital to my needs. March 3rd was the day the computer would be purchased. It wasn't a magical day. It wasn't a check coming in the mail day. It was just the day we chose.
Then, my oldest daughter called. Her hubby was having surgery that day and needed to be transported. The surgery was outpatient. As I recall, it was a throat thing. So, we are to pick up Adam and take him to the surgery center, then go find a computer, then pick Adam back up, transport him home, and then go home and do all the hook-up. Simple.
The day progresses. Adam is transported one direction. Jubilation has turned to frustration as store after store cannot produce what they said they had on the phone. Finally, we find a place (Circuit City) that has more than we need for less than we expected to pay. Computer purchased.
All that is left in the home transportation for Adam, or so we thought.
Son-in-law #2 calls and Chas is delivering her first born. So now, it is load new computer, grab Adam, and head to the hospital to see Chas and the newest grandbaby. Like I said, a busy day.
The day ended with a better talking son-in-law, a better working computer, and the precious gift of Ian.
Happy Birthday, somewhat belated, Ian.
His party is this afternoon. I am sure pictures will follow.Friday, March 06, 2009
Danger, Will Robinson, Danger
Being up this late, or this early, can't be a good thing, can it? Here are the ramblings:
In the madness
The façade holds
Though teetering slightly
Normalcy still clings
To its fragile perch
Excepting very late at night
Delving deeply into thought
The mind seems to find a path
Past the clutter of the days repast
The cares and needs of those around
Have quieted a bit in my head
Leaving room to hear the heart
Or perhaps
The sound of the madness
Finally heard above the haste
For what is love
but madness
What is passion
but a fever
To love passionately
Is to burn fervently
With madness
But not to burn only
But to revel in the flame
To feel that ardent heat
To smell that fiery stench
To hear that crackling
As it burns ... burns ... burns
And yet to embrace
To draw it closer
To pull it inside
To welcome that sweet death
That we call love
For true love means
To give to have
To throw out to hold
To die to live
To wait
In the heat
For that love to return
To want
And want nothing else
To yearn
For that smoky embrace
To wait
In the madness
Ron Simpson, Jr.
March 6, 2009
In the madness
The façade holds
Though teetering slightly
Normalcy still clings
To its fragile perch
Excepting very late at night
Delving deeply into thought
The mind seems to find a path
Past the clutter of the days repast
The cares and needs of those around
Have quieted a bit in my head
Leaving room to hear the heart
Or perhaps
The sound of the madness
Finally heard above the haste
For what is love
but madness
What is passion
but a fever
To love passionately
Is to burn fervently
With madness
But not to burn only
But to revel in the flame
To feel that ardent heat
To smell that fiery stench
To hear that crackling
As it burns ... burns ... burns
And yet to embrace
To draw it closer
To pull it inside
To welcome that sweet death
That we call love
For true love means
To give to have
To throw out to hold
To die to live
To wait
In the heat
For that love to return
To want
And want nothing else
To yearn
For that smoky embrace
To wait
In the madness
Ron Simpson, Jr.
March 6, 2009
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Where have all the hagglers gone?
TJ is happy. She has a new dryer. The old dryer croaked. We spent a few days looking for a good used dryer. We had a few possibles but they fell through. Our Pastor found us one for $100, but we had dealt with the guy before and a washer he sold my daughter went bad almost immediately. He eventually made it right, but it took a while. So, we were not real sure about that one.We decided to go 'new' and get the warranty.
I checked around online, of course. I narrowed our choices to one of several models. Each of the models had mainly the same features. They were all heavy duty, super capacity, 3 temperature settings, 5 cycle, dryers.
The cheapest price we found was at Home Depot in Lexington. It was $29 cheaper than the one at Lowes. However, Lowes is in town, 5 minutes from the house and HD is 35 miles from here. I decided to go to Lowes and see if they would match the price. (They all claim that they do this.) I know how they hope to get away with not doing it, but it is ridiculous. They will claim it is not the exact same brand.
The dryer that HD had was exactly the same in features, size, and function as the one that Lowes had. Lowes was adamant that they could not come down $29 to met the HD price. "No problem," I said, "I will go to Lexington to buy a dryer."
OK, here is a buyer. He has already researched. He is not shopping. He has come to buy. You don't have to sell him on the idea of buying. He has decided. The only thing you have to do is sell him the dryer. All you have to do is say, "Yes." and he will give you money and take home a dryer. Nope, not gonna do it.
So, we drive to Lexington. I go into HD, walk back to appliances, tell them I want the dryer advertised for X amount of dollars. We walk over to where it is, and low and behold, it is on sale now for $60 less. Yipeeeee. When you factor in the $5 we spent on gas, we saved $90 by driving to Lexington.
I told the sales associate at Hd how the other stores refused to match. He said that HD used to do that as well, but now will match if the size, features, and function match. I am thinking HD will see much more of my business in the future. I will also be making a trip to Lowes tomorrow to let them know how well I did on my dryer that they refused to match. Thanks Lowes.
My questions is this: Where have all the good hagglers gone? I used to be able to haggle with sellers. I have haggled prices down at Wal-Mart. I have haggled prices down at Kroger. Seems now days, with the economy in the shape it is, selling something for $1 less is better then not selling it at all.
Haggle, haggle, haggle.
I'll give ya a dollar for that!
four little feet .. two heartbeats
"S" is pregnant.
She went to the doctor yesterday, where, they heard two different heartbeats.
The nurse, claiming it might be too early to see, did an ultrasound. She didn't get a clear picture, but said she could see feet.
How many, came the question.
I see four little feet, came the reply.
It seems, we might be talking twins here. The next visit will clarify.
She went to the doctor yesterday, where, they heard two different heartbeats.
The nurse, claiming it might be too early to see, did an ultrasound. She didn't get a clear picture, but said she could see feet.
How many, came the question.
I see four little feet, came the reply.
It seems, we might be talking twins here. The next visit will clarify.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
creeping in
Illness has crept in ..
I woke last night around 1:30 with a sense of urgency. Since then there have been over a dozen trips of urgency. Sitting here now, my stomach is growling at me to make sure I remember it is there. Trust me. I know it is there.
In other news, I have an update on the drama issues of the other day.
According to "N" he returned to his base in Maryland and got permission to return here to help "S" move, which was great. She needed the help. He said his Dad bought him an airline ticket and he flew back. He was to return on Monday.
Monday comes, no return.
Tuesday comes, no return.
Tuesday, I call the base in Maryland. It seems "N" has been released from their base and is now attached to his new unit. He was supposed to have flown to his new assignment on February 23rd. As he did not do so, he has been considered AWOL since then. So, here I was on the 24th of February defending him, while he was lying to us all.
I called "S" to relay a message to him that he was AWOL (like he didn't know.) He denied it. "S" called the base in Maryland, put her phone on speaker, and the sergeant there confirmed it. "N" says that the Army is lying. WOW, what a great defense. During your court martial, you can whip out such stellar defense tactics as, "The Army is lying."
The Lt. I spoke to told me he was AWOL. The Sergeant told me he was AWOL. The Sergeant also told me he would not be considered a deserter until he was AWOL for 30 days. At that point, the Army would come find him. Find him, Heck, I told them exactly where he was. There is no way we are going to be considered aiding or abetting.
I called his dad. He was not surprised. He told us that he did not buy a plane ticket for "N". "N" never left Lexington any of the times he was supposed to do so, or claimed to do so. At one point he called collect, claiming to be at the Baltimore Airport, but the caller ID said he called from a payphone in Lexington KY. Of course, you guessed it, my caller ID was lying.
Ah, drama, drama, drama.
And me with a return to the bathroom. Urgent business, you know.
I woke last night around 1:30 with a sense of urgency. Since then there have been over a dozen trips of urgency. Sitting here now, my stomach is growling at me to make sure I remember it is there. Trust me. I know it is there.
In other news, I have an update on the drama issues of the other day.
According to "N" he returned to his base in Maryland and got permission to return here to help "S" move, which was great. She needed the help. He said his Dad bought him an airline ticket and he flew back. He was to return on Monday.
Monday comes, no return.
Tuesday comes, no return.
Tuesday, I call the base in Maryland. It seems "N" has been released from their base and is now attached to his new unit. He was supposed to have flown to his new assignment on February 23rd. As he did not do so, he has been considered AWOL since then. So, here I was on the 24th of February defending him, while he was lying to us all.
I called "S" to relay a message to him that he was AWOL (like he didn't know.) He denied it. "S" called the base in Maryland, put her phone on speaker, and the sergeant there confirmed it. "N" says that the Army is lying. WOW, what a great defense. During your court martial, you can whip out such stellar defense tactics as, "The Army is lying."
The Lt. I spoke to told me he was AWOL. The Sergeant told me he was AWOL. The Sergeant also told me he would not be considered a deserter until he was AWOL for 30 days. At that point, the Army would come find him. Find him, Heck, I told them exactly where he was. There is no way we are going to be considered aiding or abetting.
I called his dad. He was not surprised. He told us that he did not buy a plane ticket for "N". "N" never left Lexington any of the times he was supposed to do so, or claimed to do so. At one point he called collect, claiming to be at the Baltimore Airport, but the caller ID said he called from a payphone in Lexington KY. Of course, you guessed it, my caller ID was lying.
Ah, drama, drama, drama.
And me with a return to the bathroom. Urgent business, you know.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Obituary of Caring
Obituary of Caring
When caring dies
It will not be from a gaping wound
It will not be from a sudden gushing
It will not be a traumatic event
It will happen
From one small cut
Of a thousand thousand small cuts
The bleeding will be only slight
But one of those drops
Will carry the last of caring
That drop
Will be indistinguishable
From the rest of the blood
Leaving a drop at a time
It will pass mostly unnoticed
Until the next time caring is needed
And there is none to be found
The last of caring has gone
In its place a quiet malaise
The dull sorrow of human empathy
As one would feel for a hurting stranger
A disconnected concern
Try as one might the concern will not attach
It will not grow into caring
It will stand outside the heart
Its burden if any will be carried in the mind
Memory will provide a proper response
A dead act for a dead emotion
Empathy becomes apathy
Caring becomes concern
Sorrow becomes sadness
A shoulder becomes a place for tears
Rather than a place to share a burden
Without a place to reside
The reason is left behind
The pain leaves the mind
Nearly as soon as we walk away
There is no tether
There is no bond
Some day before today
Caring died
Ron Simpson, Jr.
March 1, 2009
When caring dies
It will not be from a gaping wound
It will not be from a sudden gushing
It will not be a traumatic event
It will happen
From one small cut
Of a thousand thousand small cuts
The bleeding will be only slight
But one of those drops
Will carry the last of caring
That drop
Will be indistinguishable
From the rest of the blood
Leaving a drop at a time
It will pass mostly unnoticed
Until the next time caring is needed
And there is none to be found
The last of caring has gone
In its place a quiet malaise
The dull sorrow of human empathy
As one would feel for a hurting stranger
A disconnected concern
Try as one might the concern will not attach
It will not grow into caring
It will stand outside the heart
Its burden if any will be carried in the mind
Memory will provide a proper response
A dead act for a dead emotion
Empathy becomes apathy
Caring becomes concern
Sorrow becomes sadness
A shoulder becomes a place for tears
Rather than a place to share a burden
Without a place to reside
The reason is left behind
The pain leaves the mind
Nearly as soon as we walk away
There is no tether
There is no bond
Some day before today
Caring died
Ron Simpson, Jr.
March 1, 2009
Sunday, March 01, 2009
bitter sweet
Today is a bitter sweet day. "S" moved into her own place yesterday. After living back with us for many months, she and Cloe have moved out. I admit that it is very difficult for two families to continuously peacefully exist in one household. There were moments of contention. We were not accustomed to the intrusions that having a 20 month old baby brings. "S" was not used to having to live within the parameters of her living here. She had limited freedoms to do as she pleased. So, yes, it was difficult.
That is not to say there were not advantages. "S" was a great help around here, especially after TJ surgery. Her help was invaluable. She cleaned, she did laundry, sometimes she even cooked supper when TJ just was not able to stand long enough to do it. We both appreciate her for all of that.
Then, there was the Cloe. It will be good to have my house back. It will be good to have peace and quiet. However, I will miss hearing Cloe 'escape' her moms eyes and sneaking her way upstairs. She would run into the sitting room with her arms extended, saying "Mommie, Mommie." Which was her way of seeking asylum from the Mommie that was on her way up the stair to recapture her. She would come up with her mom when she was allowed and she would purse those little lips and put the finger up and "shhhhh" so that she wouldn't wake up Mamaw (just in case she was sleeping.) I will miss the good night kisses. I will miss the fresh baby smell as she always visited right after her 'bafffff'. I will miss her running excitedly to my office chair anytime I was not in it, climbing into it, and looking for someone to 'weeeeee' her. She would spin around, saying "weeee", until she was glaze eyed and dizzy.
"S" and Cloe need their own space. They need their own place. "S" needs a place to be "S". Cloe needs a place to be Cloe.
So, last night was their first night at their new place. Cloe had her own 'wooom'.
Yes, it was sweet. It was a slightly bitter sweet.
That is not to say there were not advantages. "S" was a great help around here, especially after TJ surgery. Her help was invaluable. She cleaned, she did laundry, sometimes she even cooked supper when TJ just was not able to stand long enough to do it. We both appreciate her for all of that.
Then, there was the Cloe. It will be good to have my house back. It will be good to have peace and quiet. However, I will miss hearing Cloe 'escape' her moms eyes and sneaking her way upstairs. She would run into the sitting room with her arms extended, saying "Mommie, Mommie." Which was her way of seeking asylum from the Mommie that was on her way up the stair to recapture her. She would come up with her mom when she was allowed and she would purse those little lips and put the finger up and "shhhhh" so that she wouldn't wake up Mamaw (just in case she was sleeping.) I will miss the good night kisses. I will miss the fresh baby smell as she always visited right after her 'bafffff'. I will miss her running excitedly to my office chair anytime I was not in it, climbing into it, and looking for someone to 'weeeeee' her. She would spin around, saying "weeee", until she was glaze eyed and dizzy.
"S" and Cloe need their own space. They need their own place. "S" needs a place to be "S". Cloe needs a place to be Cloe.
So, last night was their first night at their new place. Cloe had her own 'wooom'.
Yes, it was sweet. It was a slightly bitter sweet.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
I would like to thank the academy ..
Actually .. I would like to thank Sarah for an award and honor she bestowed on me.
She left no instructions as to what I was supposed to do as far as passing it along to others. Give me time and I will figure out what exactly to do with it (other than a silly grin and an ounce or two of pride.) Thank you Sarah.
She left no instructions as to what I was supposed to do as far as passing it along to others. Give me time and I will figure out what exactly to do with it (other than a silly grin and an ounce or two of pride.) Thank you Sarah.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
uncommon commonality
Octamom posted some pics of her morning stroll with the twins to depict the beauty that surrounds us daily, that we often take in and eventually take for granted. I try to always have a camera nearby to catch the uncommon commonality of our beautiful world.
Here are some shots I have taken. Some were with my handy digital. Some were with my trusty Canon AE-1 35mm old school film camera. It is over 20 years old and still captures the beauty wonderfully.
Here are some shots I have taken. Some were with my handy digital. Some were with my trusty Canon AE-1 35mm old school film camera. It is over 20 years old and still captures the beauty wonderfully.
Taken on a side road between Lexington and Winchester .. 'Whispering Giants" (Canon)
Sitting at a gas station on Georgetown Road (digital)
On US 60 between Lexington and Winchester (Canon)
In Berry KY .. following an ice storm (Canon)
On Yorkshire in Lexington (digital)
We are surrounded by such wonderful works of the hand of God. Enjoy his canvas today.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Mount St Drama is erupting again
After laying dormant for a while, Mount St Drama has once again spewed, filling our day with smoke and ash. Here are the juicy details:
Saturday, we took N (daughters fiance') to town to catch his bus back to base to catch his plane to Korea. We dropped him off about 15 minuted before his bus was to arrive and said our good-byes. We then turned the big red truck toward home. The snow was such that we didn't want to delay our action any longer than necessary.
Sunday morning, I am up and downstairs, when I hear Lacey (a batwing eared mini doxie) digging around in the back room. This is the room where S (daughter) and C (granddaughter) are staying. I quietly step back into the room to retrieve the little pest and notice that the lumps under the covers of the bed seem to be much more than S and C could make. I, very carefully, pull the covers back a bit and there is N.
It seems that his bus broke down after arriving in Lexington. He was going to stay at the bus terminal until the following morning to catch the next bus, but, it seems that, the bus terminal closes at 11PM. He was asked to vacate. He hitched a ride back to our town.
His orders were to report to Korea by March 5. His commander informed him that, as long as he was back by Thursday this week, he was fine.
S called N's mother and left her a message saying he had missed his bus. He was NOT AWOL. He was not going back that night. Apparently what she got out of the message was: He missed his bus. He is AWOL. He is not going back.
So, today, while we are resting comfortably, there begins this shouting outside the windows. TJ checks out the window and sees a car in the driveway. Before we can get out the sitting room door, C (other daughter) comes up yelling for help. It seems that N's mom has shown up and is out on the porch slapping him, while S is calling 911.
We go downstairs. TJ breaks up the melee. She ushers the combatants off the porch. N's mom and aunt are yelling. We begin to explain, after sending N into the house. Aunt keeps butting in. TJ tells her to let the mom's handle this. She is running her mouth. TJ tells her to get back in her car or get off the property. She starts calling TJ a 'whore' and is using that 'F' word. We tell her she needs to go. She tells me that I "aint nobody." I told her what I was, was a property owner and I had told her to get off of my property and if she didn't the police could handle it. "Bring 'em on," she says, "I'm not afraid of them."
Police come about that time.
They take N's mom to the side to speak to her. Aunt stays in car with mouth shut. They ask mom is she hit N. She says yes. Handcuffs. Back of the patrol car. They speak to N. He never struck back. They explain to the now very quiet aunt that N's mom is being arrested for domestic violence and she can get her out after she is processed. they take statements from N and S.
In KY, N does not have the option to not press charges. They asked her if she hit him. she said she did. The police press the charges.
I am ready for the quiet life. I am ready for psycho relatives of the kids relationships to go away. I am ready for the drama to be over and done. I think this one will be down for a while. N leaves tomorrow. He will be in Korea for one year. Mom and Aunt have no reason to be in my town. I am ready for my cabin in the deep woods accessible only by TANK. TJ says accessible by jeep won't work as too many people have jeeps.
Saturday, we took N (daughters fiance') to town to catch his bus back to base to catch his plane to Korea. We dropped him off about 15 minuted before his bus was to arrive and said our good-byes. We then turned the big red truck toward home. The snow was such that we didn't want to delay our action any longer than necessary.
Sunday morning, I am up and downstairs, when I hear Lacey (a batwing eared mini doxie) digging around in the back room. This is the room where S (daughter) and C (granddaughter) are staying. I quietly step back into the room to retrieve the little pest and notice that the lumps under the covers of the bed seem to be much more than S and C could make. I, very carefully, pull the covers back a bit and there is N.
It seems that his bus broke down after arriving in Lexington. He was going to stay at the bus terminal until the following morning to catch the next bus, but, it seems that, the bus terminal closes at 11PM. He was asked to vacate. He hitched a ride back to our town.
His orders were to report to Korea by March 5. His commander informed him that, as long as he was back by Thursday this week, he was fine.
S called N's mother and left her a message saying he had missed his bus. He was NOT AWOL. He was not going back that night. Apparently what she got out of the message was: He missed his bus. He is AWOL. He is not going back.
So, today, while we are resting comfortably, there begins this shouting outside the windows. TJ checks out the window and sees a car in the driveway. Before we can get out the sitting room door, C (other daughter) comes up yelling for help. It seems that N's mom has shown up and is out on the porch slapping him, while S is calling 911.
We go downstairs. TJ breaks up the melee. She ushers the combatants off the porch. N's mom and aunt are yelling. We begin to explain, after sending N into the house. Aunt keeps butting in. TJ tells her to let the mom's handle this. She is running her mouth. TJ tells her to get back in her car or get off the property. She starts calling TJ a 'whore' and is using that 'F' word. We tell her she needs to go. She tells me that I "aint nobody." I told her what I was, was a property owner and I had told her to get off of my property and if she didn't the police could handle it. "Bring 'em on," she says, "I'm not afraid of them."
Police come about that time.
They take N's mom to the side to speak to her. Aunt stays in car with mouth shut. They ask mom is she hit N. She says yes. Handcuffs. Back of the patrol car. They speak to N. He never struck back. They explain to the now very quiet aunt that N's mom is being arrested for domestic violence and she can get her out after she is processed. they take statements from N and S.
In KY, N does not have the option to not press charges. They asked her if she hit him. she said she did. The police press the charges.
I am ready for the quiet life. I am ready for psycho relatives of the kids relationships to go away. I am ready for the drama to be over and done. I think this one will be down for a while. N leaves tomorrow. He will be in Korea for one year. Mom and Aunt have no reason to be in my town. I am ready for my cabin in the deep woods accessible only by TANK. TJ says accessible by jeep won't work as too many people have jeeps.
Monday, February 23, 2009
haircut day !!
I am a bit funny about the hair thing.
I am not so worried about what folks think of me mostly. I do like to present a a good image, but not to the point of putting on airs. I am a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy, but do wear suits when I feel there is a need. I am comfortable in either as long as they are well fit. I am not much for uncomfortable fancy shoes. I do prefer a good sturdy well fit shoe.
One of the things I am somewhat vain about is my hair. I don't need to to be perfectly in place when I go out, but I do require a good haircut. A messed up good cut is much better than a well combed bad cut.
I found a great barber. She scissor cuts my hair and usually does it to near perfection. She is as picky about the job she does as I am about the job I receive. She had been working at a local salon, but is no longer there. I have her cell number so I can find her when I need a cut. Unfortunately, she has been out of contact lately.
My last cut, I went to the salon where she previously worked and let one of the other stylists cut my hair. It was not good. Leaving the shop it looked fine. Within a few days, it started to be obvious it was not a good job. My haircut is not difficult. Cut the sides to about an inch. Cut the top to about one and half inches, so it will still lay down. Easy. The girl that cut it assured me she could cut it as well as my regular cutter, but faster. Well ... she was faster.
After a week or so, the right side began to stick straight out from my head. About the only way that could happen is if she thinned it close to the scalp to get it to lie down. I specifically asked that this not be done for this very reason. When it is cut like that, the shorter growing hairs push the longer hair out. Also, around my ears were parts uncut. Most of it was about an inch, but there were several parts that were over two inches long. Shabby. It is hard to fix a bad cut like that.
Today, I sent a text to my regular barber. She called and came over and cut my hair. It looks great. I am happy happy happy.
I may look like a country boy in my jeans and t-shirt, but I look like one with a good haircut.
I am not so worried about what folks think of me mostly. I do like to present a a good image, but not to the point of putting on airs. I am a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy, but do wear suits when I feel there is a need. I am comfortable in either as long as they are well fit. I am not much for uncomfortable fancy shoes. I do prefer a good sturdy well fit shoe.
One of the things I am somewhat vain about is my hair. I don't need to to be perfectly in place when I go out, but I do require a good haircut. A messed up good cut is much better than a well combed bad cut.
I found a great barber. She scissor cuts my hair and usually does it to near perfection. She is as picky about the job she does as I am about the job I receive. She had been working at a local salon, but is no longer there. I have her cell number so I can find her when I need a cut. Unfortunately, she has been out of contact lately.
My last cut, I went to the salon where she previously worked and let one of the other stylists cut my hair. It was not good. Leaving the shop it looked fine. Within a few days, it started to be obvious it was not a good job. My haircut is not difficult. Cut the sides to about an inch. Cut the top to about one and half inches, so it will still lay down. Easy. The girl that cut it assured me she could cut it as well as my regular cutter, but faster. Well ... she was faster.
After a week or so, the right side began to stick straight out from my head. About the only way that could happen is if she thinned it close to the scalp to get it to lie down. I specifically asked that this not be done for this very reason. When it is cut like that, the shorter growing hairs push the longer hair out. Also, around my ears were parts uncut. Most of it was about an inch, but there were several parts that were over two inches long. Shabby. It is hard to fix a bad cut like that.
Today, I sent a text to my regular barber. She called and came over and cut my hair. It looks great. I am happy happy happy.
I may look like a country boy in my jeans and t-shirt, but I look like one with a good haircut.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
it's back !!
Took these shots Saturday evening as we were preparing to drive to Lexington.
This was looking up.
This was looking out.
This was looking up.
This was looking up.
This was looking out.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
did Friday finally arrive?
Looks like Friday is finally here.
As I looked back over the week to see what I accomplished or didn't, it was an interesting read.
This will require some of you to think back to the day. Did you ever have, or remember visiting someone with a large floor model TV that had a smaller portable TV sitting on top of it? The floor model developed a problem and time was still on the cusp of the times when we fixed broken things and when we threw them away because it was almost as cheap to buy new. So, we would get a portable and sit in on the floor model until we had time to get it fixed. Eventually, we forgot about fixing the old one and that arrangement became permanent. Well, until the annual spring or fall 'throw out all the junk' cleaning.
OK, we have 5 cars and/or trucks here at the house. We have the big red truck. It is our old faithful ride. Well, not all that old as it is the newest vehicle out there. It is a 2003.
Then, there is the '95 Camaro I bought for TJ. It is sweet. BUT, it overheats. We have had it fixed several times but several mechanics but it still overheats. So, it is sitting in the driveway at the entrance to the furniture stocked garage. It is not being driven. Transmission, body, and interior are great.
Then, there is the '99 Caddy. It was TJ's ride. She was driving it one day, when out of the blue, the 'check transmission' light came on. Fifty yards more and no more transmission. We parked it with the intent to fix or sell it. I have actually sold it several times to people that never show up with the money or never call again. Body, engine, and interior are good.
Then, there is the '92 Mustang. That was a car I got for one of the daughters. I did some electric work for EX and she and hubby gave me the car as payment. It had a transmission leak, but was fine as long as we kept adding fluid occasionally. Now the forward clutches are out. It is sitting awaiting fixing or selling. Engine is great, body and interior are good.
Then, there is the '94 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. It is TJ's ride. The brakes went out. This week, we replaced the master cylinder. When we (oh yeah, we is 'S' fiance .. mechanic in from army on leave) went to bleed brakes and the bleeder valve was broken off on one side and stripped out on the other. It was going to be about $30 to have a machine shop get the valves out and $12 for new valves. New calipers with bleeder valves were about $23 each. We went with new calipers. we got them installed and bled the front brakes. This car has disc brakes all around. When "N" went to bleed the back, yep, stripped valves. No biggie. Should be fine even without bleeding rear. NOPE. No brakes. There must be air in the system somewhere. There are no leaks that we can find.
So, at my house, there are 4 non driving vehicles and one driving one. It is kind of like the portable TV sitting on the old floor models. I think I might just have a clearance sale.
Other than that, the week has been good. There have been small victories along the way. Sunday I sang a solo in church. Wednesday, I published my poetry book. I spent 7 of the last 7 days still breathing.
Not a bad week, overall.
As I looked back over the week to see what I accomplished or didn't, it was an interesting read.
This will require some of you to think back to the day. Did you ever have, or remember visiting someone with a large floor model TV that had a smaller portable TV sitting on top of it? The floor model developed a problem and time was still on the cusp of the times when we fixed broken things and when we threw them away because it was almost as cheap to buy new. So, we would get a portable and sit in on the floor model until we had time to get it fixed. Eventually, we forgot about fixing the old one and that arrangement became permanent. Well, until the annual spring or fall 'throw out all the junk' cleaning.
OK, we have 5 cars and/or trucks here at the house. We have the big red truck. It is our old faithful ride. Well, not all that old as it is the newest vehicle out there. It is a 2003.
Then, there is the '95 Camaro I bought for TJ. It is sweet. BUT, it overheats. We have had it fixed several times but several mechanics but it still overheats. So, it is sitting in the driveway at the entrance to the furniture stocked garage. It is not being driven. Transmission, body, and interior are great.
Then, there is the '99 Caddy. It was TJ's ride. She was driving it one day, when out of the blue, the 'check transmission' light came on. Fifty yards more and no more transmission. We parked it with the intent to fix or sell it. I have actually sold it several times to people that never show up with the money or never call again. Body, engine, and interior are good.
Then, there is the '92 Mustang. That was a car I got for one of the daughters. I did some electric work for EX and she and hubby gave me the car as payment. It had a transmission leak, but was fine as long as we kept adding fluid occasionally. Now the forward clutches are out. It is sitting awaiting fixing or selling. Engine is great, body and interior are good.
Then, there is the '94 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. It is TJ's ride. The brakes went out. This week, we replaced the master cylinder. When we (oh yeah, we is 'S' fiance .. mechanic in from army on leave) went to bleed brakes and the bleeder valve was broken off on one side and stripped out on the other. It was going to be about $30 to have a machine shop get the valves out and $12 for new valves. New calipers with bleeder valves were about $23 each. We went with new calipers. we got them installed and bled the front brakes. This car has disc brakes all around. When "N" went to bleed the back, yep, stripped valves. No biggie. Should be fine even without bleeding rear. NOPE. No brakes. There must be air in the system somewhere. There are no leaks that we can find.
So, at my house, there are 4 non driving vehicles and one driving one. It is kind of like the portable TV sitting on the old floor models. I think I might just have a clearance sale.
Other than that, the week has been good. There have been small victories along the way. Sunday I sang a solo in church. Wednesday, I published my poetry book. I spent 7 of the last 7 days still breathing.
Not a bad week, overall.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
something strange .. in the neighborhood ..
who you gonna call ?
There is something funny going on in my blogsphere. My hits counter on my blog shows one thing and the site shows something else. My blog list alternates between showing only blog titles and then showing posts. Some show up and some don't. Weird happenings in the blog sphere.
What's happening in your sphere?
What's happening in your sphere?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
the return
The winter chill is back in the air. Last night, the rain returned for a bit. Today calls for more of the same, a dreary rainy day. Then, on Thursday, according to our astute weathermen, the magical combination of temperature, moisture, and upper atmospheric conditions will collide and bring us more, you guessed it, snow.
Now, it isn't expected to be any major winter storm. The snow will come and go over the next several days through Monday of next week. It is a good thing that I love Winter.
I have spent the last few days working on proofreading. I have compiled part of my poems into a 200 page, 5" x 8" book. It is comprised of 132 of over 200 that I have. The funny thing is how I proofread. Since these are poems I wrote, it is easy to read over a mistake because I know what it is supposed to say. To prevent this, I read it backwards. I know the Chinese read bottom of page to top and right to left, but they write that was too. I wrote it one way and now am reading it the other.
Regardless, here is a poem included in the book. I hope you enjoy.
Alone
"Alone," I cried,
The very word resonated in its own emptiness
"Alone," it echoed back as I screamed it out
The sound returning realization hit me suddenly,
Bouncing back from something, that did not yield
Rather echoed back softer than my pain and sorrow
something there, hard and unmoving
"Alone," it replied
Almost as a question
Moving to the returning sound
I found Him
Not hard or unmoving
Reaching out to me
"Alone?" He asked
"Why do I feel so alone?"
Because your friends have gone
Because you are afraid to ask loved ones for help
because you are looking outside,
And I am waiting ... inside
I am waiting to hold you
I am waiting to lift you
I am waiting to love you
"Why are you waiting?" I asked
I am waiting for you
To stop being alone
So.. I stopped
And my problems didn't disappear
And my friends didn't return
And my loved ones still could not help
But, it was better
Because I wasn't alone
"Love," I screamed
And love replied
"Peace," I yelled
And peace returned
"Together," I called
And we walked on ..
Together
October 14, 2001
Now, it isn't expected to be any major winter storm. The snow will come and go over the next several days through Monday of next week. It is a good thing that I love Winter.
I have spent the last few days working on proofreading. I have compiled part of my poems into a 200 page, 5" x 8" book. It is comprised of 132 of over 200 that I have. The funny thing is how I proofread. Since these are poems I wrote, it is easy to read over a mistake because I know what it is supposed to say. To prevent this, I read it backwards. I know the Chinese read bottom of page to top and right to left, but they write that was too. I wrote it one way and now am reading it the other.
Regardless, here is a poem included in the book. I hope you enjoy.
Alone
"Alone," I cried,
The very word resonated in its own emptiness
"Alone," it echoed back as I screamed it out
The sound returning realization hit me suddenly,
Bouncing back from something, that did not yield
Rather echoed back softer than my pain and sorrow
something there, hard and unmoving
"Alone," it replied
Almost as a question
Moving to the returning sound
I found Him
Not hard or unmoving
Reaching out to me
"Alone?" He asked
"Why do I feel so alone?"
Because your friends have gone
Because you are afraid to ask loved ones for help
because you are looking outside,
And I am waiting ... inside
I am waiting to hold you
I am waiting to lift you
I am waiting to love you
"Why are you waiting?" I asked
I am waiting for you
To stop being alone
So.. I stopped
And my problems didn't disappear
And my friends didn't return
And my loved ones still could not help
But, it was better
Because I wasn't alone
"Love," I screamed
And love replied
"Peace," I yelled
And peace returned
"Together," I called
And we walked on ..
Together
October 14, 2001
Monday, February 16, 2009
Hi, my name is Abby
TJ was watching 'Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein' yesterday as I was in the sitting room working on my book. Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) had just reanimated the monster (Peter Boyle) and it was obvious something was amiss. He asked Igor (Marty Feldman) about the brain he had retrieved. He said it was from someone named 'Abby'. Yes, Abby Normal.
Somewhere in this mess stowed in drawers, boxes, and closets, is a sticker which says, "Normal People Scare Me."
The more I read blogs, the more I realize that the Abby's are taking over the world. I am sure, somewhere, right now, there is a twelve step program for us. Someone is at this very moment standing in front of a crowded room saying, "Hi, my name is Ron and I am an Abby."
Welcome to the World Weird Web. Here, we clean out our closets publicly. We air our laundry for the world to see. We show our bumps and lumps. We talk about our mental surgery scars. We talk about our kids problems. We expose our secrets. We, proudly show off our Abby-ness.
Hey, you there .. you look like an Abby to me.
Relish your Abby-ness. Embrace it. Extoll it. Laud it.
Hi, My name is Abby.
This post is in no way intended to make light of any other 12 step program or belittle anyone involved in such a program. (So, CHILL !!)
Somewhere in this mess stowed in drawers, boxes, and closets, is a sticker which says, "Normal People Scare Me."
The more I read blogs, the more I realize that the Abby's are taking over the world. I am sure, somewhere, right now, there is a twelve step program for us. Someone is at this very moment standing in front of a crowded room saying, "Hi, my name is Ron and I am an Abby."
Welcome to the World Weird Web. Here, we clean out our closets publicly. We air our laundry for the world to see. We show our bumps and lumps. We talk about our mental surgery scars. We talk about our kids problems. We expose our secrets. We, proudly show off our Abby-ness.
Hey, you there .. you look like an Abby to me.
Relish your Abby-ness. Embrace it. Extoll it. Laud it.
Hi, My name is Abby.
This post is in no way intended to make light of any other 12 step program or belittle anyone involved in such a program. (So, CHILL !!)
Sunday, February 15, 2009
failure
TJ's oldest daughter, "S" asked me, as we were driving to the singing audition, if I were nervous. I answered her quite honestly, that I was not. I sing as well as I sing. I cannot make myself sing with a different voice. This is the voice I was given and it has served me in my singing for over 40 years. I started publicly singing solos at 8 years old in church. So, 43 years of singing solos. You do the math.
Now, in my opinion, the National Anthem is one of the harder songs to sing. It requires some range. As I have watched the auditions over the years, I have found the mistake most auditioneers make is starting too high. In the middle when the song jumps and octave or 7, it is hard to reach high if you start too high. I prefer to start lower so that i am assured to have the power at the end. The finish is what will stick in their minds. This is my 4th audition in as many years. I have sang the anthem at a ball game the last three years in a row. Again, it is a blast.
I did start thinking, after the question, about success and failure. here is my quick take on failure:
The success of failure:
To never fail is to never try, which is a failure, in and of itself. To fail is to try to do something you cannot do. To fail a second time is to not give up too easily. To fail for a lifetime is to show a determination rarely found. It is in our trying and failing that we learn the most about ourselves. We live in a society that is largely based on success. The success that our culture is seeking is based on monetary gratification. What will it profit me? That is the question of the day.
While it is possible to measure the success of an individual using that system, it is impossible to track the success of a failure with it. We succeed in failure when we walk away more knowing. Thomas Edison unsuccessfully tried to invent a light bulb some two thousand times. He said, “I did not fail. I merely learned two thousand ways not to make a light bulb.”
How many inventions would never come to fruition if the inventor stood on the precipice of failure and turned away?
What life lesson would you discard if you walked away after one failed attempt?
How much more do we learn from our failures than our successes?
Believe me, I have had my share of failed attempts. I have even given up on some things in my life. Some were wise decisions. Some are ‘jury is still out’ decisions.
Then there are these two questions that give me a headache:
If I set out to fail, and succeed, did I fail?
If I set out to fail and fail, did I succeed?
Oh yeah, and there was a 'butterfly' moment just before I took the stage to sing.
Now, in my opinion, the National Anthem is one of the harder songs to sing. It requires some range. As I have watched the auditions over the years, I have found the mistake most auditioneers make is starting too high. In the middle when the song jumps and octave or 7, it is hard to reach high if you start too high. I prefer to start lower so that i am assured to have the power at the end. The finish is what will stick in their minds. This is my 4th audition in as many years. I have sang the anthem at a ball game the last three years in a row. Again, it is a blast.
I did start thinking, after the question, about success and failure. here is my quick take on failure:
The success of failure:
To never fail is to never try, which is a failure, in and of itself. To fail is to try to do something you cannot do. To fail a second time is to not give up too easily. To fail for a lifetime is to show a determination rarely found. It is in our trying and failing that we learn the most about ourselves. We live in a society that is largely based on success. The success that our culture is seeking is based on monetary gratification. What will it profit me? That is the question of the day.
While it is possible to measure the success of an individual using that system, it is impossible to track the success of a failure with it. We succeed in failure when we walk away more knowing. Thomas Edison unsuccessfully tried to invent a light bulb some two thousand times. He said, “I did not fail. I merely learned two thousand ways not to make a light bulb.”
How many inventions would never come to fruition if the inventor stood on the precipice of failure and turned away?
What life lesson would you discard if you walked away after one failed attempt?
How much more do we learn from our failures than our successes?
Believe me, I have had my share of failed attempts. I have even given up on some things in my life. Some were wise decisions. Some are ‘jury is still out’ decisions.
Then there are these two questions that give me a headache:
If I set out to fail, and succeed, did I fail?
If I set out to fail and fail, did I succeed?
Oh yeah, and there was a 'butterfly' moment just before I took the stage to sing.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Audition
Here is the audition. It was held in the center of an aisle in the wing of the busiest mall in Lexington. It was a blast as usual. The cold tried to get me but I hung in there. TJ will not allow me to post her audition, even tho she did well.
Warning: Throwing tomatoes at the screen during this video will not affect the video, but will make a mess of your desk.
Warning: Throwing tomatoes at the screen during this video will not affect the video, but will make a mess of your desk.
it's that V day thing again
We have been quite busy this week.
The week was capped by a grand visit with my daughter Chasity and grandkids, Ian and Abby. They were in town to attend a car auction to buy a second vehicle. While hubby was at the auction, TJ and I took C and the kids out for some supper. Then they came to the house. We visited for nearly 2 hours. I had a great time with them. Abby was scared of me last time we saw them, a few weeks ago. This visit, she talked to her 'big papaw' and even sat on the couch and brushed my hair. When it came time to leave, she ran to me and gave me kisses and hugs.
Today is Valentines day. (Thought I might let you know, just in case the floral or chocolate industry hadn't done enough to remind you.) Following is a poem I wrote for TJ early in our relationship. It still bears true today. She is my heart. We married just over 5 years ago (Oct 2003) after dating for about 18 months. I still love lying beside her at night and waking with her in the morning. We are still continuing our, thus far, nearly 7 year conversation.
Become
From whence,
From where,
How did you come,
To be standing there;
Was it from my mind,
That you were torn,
Or was it my heart,
From which you were born;
Did my fingers beg you into being,
To feel your softness beneath,
Did my eyes create you,
For the smiles you bequeath;
Did my lips beget you,
To feed this hunger old,
To pass gently across,
To press, ardently and bold;
Did my heart,
Beat you into existence,
Did you simply appear,
Full of yesterday and today’s presence;
Did I breathe you,
Born of winters mist,
Filled with warmth and sun,
By summers season kissed;
Did you become,
For me
Or did I become,
For thee?
Ron Simpson, Jr.
August 31, 2002
The week was capped by a grand visit with my daughter Chasity and grandkids, Ian and Abby. They were in town to attend a car auction to buy a second vehicle. While hubby was at the auction, TJ and I took C and the kids out for some supper. Then they came to the house. We visited for nearly 2 hours. I had a great time with them. Abby was scared of me last time we saw them, a few weeks ago. This visit, she talked to her 'big papaw' and even sat on the couch and brushed my hair. When it came time to leave, she ran to me and gave me kisses and hugs.
Today is Valentines day. (Thought I might let you know, just in case the floral or chocolate industry hadn't done enough to remind you.) Following is a poem I wrote for TJ early in our relationship. It still bears true today. She is my heart. We married just over 5 years ago (Oct 2003) after dating for about 18 months. I still love lying beside her at night and waking with her in the morning. We are still continuing our, thus far, nearly 7 year conversation.
Become
From whence,
From where,
How did you come,
To be standing there;
Was it from my mind,
That you were torn,
Or was it my heart,
From which you were born;
Did my fingers beg you into being,
To feel your softness beneath,
Did my eyes create you,
For the smiles you bequeath;
Did my lips beget you,
To feed this hunger old,
To pass gently across,
To press, ardently and bold;
Did my heart,
Beat you into existence,
Did you simply appear,
Full of yesterday and today’s presence;
Did I breathe you,
Born of winters mist,
Filled with warmth and sun,
By summers season kissed;
Did you become,
For me
Or did I become,
For thee?
Ron Simpson, Jr.
August 31, 2002
Thursday, February 12, 2009
TJ's DR visit
TJ had her follow-up visit today, following her surgery on December 26.
The hematoma is nothing to worry about, according to DR Harry. He assures her it will go down and be gone within six months. He says her back is in terrible shape for her age. He added that her back was in terrible shape for an 80 year old woman. He told her to apply for disability (which she has already done) and to have her worker call him personally. (gotta love a DR like that.)
He told her to take it easy walking. She is allowed to walk for 15 minutes of each hour (walk 15/rest 45.) That also applies to sitting upright. Trips should be done in 15 minute increments. It does not require the 45 minute down time though. That just requires her to get out and move around every 15 minutes.
I did not mean to wear her out when I got her. Honest!
The only good news in the visit was when the DR told her she was tough.
He told her that he knew men that couldn't tolerate the pain that she does. He also complimented her on her sense of humor in the whole situation. She told him that laughing was better than crying.
She hasn't felt like posting lately, so that is why I am updating y'all.
The hematoma is nothing to worry about, according to DR Harry. He assures her it will go down and be gone within six months. He says her back is in terrible shape for her age. He added that her back was in terrible shape for an 80 year old woman. He told her to apply for disability (which she has already done) and to have her worker call him personally. (gotta love a DR like that.)
He told her to take it easy walking. She is allowed to walk for 15 minutes of each hour (walk 15/rest 45.) That also applies to sitting upright. Trips should be done in 15 minute increments. It does not require the 45 minute down time though. That just requires her to get out and move around every 15 minutes.
I did not mean to wear her out when I got her. Honest!
The only good news in the visit was when the DR told her she was tough.
He told her that he knew men that couldn't tolerate the pain that she does. He also complimented her on her sense of humor in the whole situation. She told him that laughing was better than crying.
She hasn't felt like posting lately, so that is why I am updating y'all.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Influences
I was reading Debbie's blog this morning. she was explaining some of her quirks. Most of them, she could explain in a general way by simply saying she was 'southern'. Here in the south, we tend to do things differently (like saying 'Be careful" to a panel of judges that just booted us out of an audition with 4 'nos'.) We tend to be overly nice until it is time not to be nice at all.
It got me thinking about influences in my life. It made me think about the things I do and why I do them.
I am one of six children. My oldest sister is 5 years older than me and my youngest sister is 5 years younger than me. I also have one other older sister, one other younger sister, and a younger brother. Dad worked a good job and was a non-payed pastor of a small church while I was growing up. He worked, payed the bills, saved money, bought land, invested, and took care of his family. We never had an abundance, but we always had. Dad had painting and writing skills. I am a lot like him in many ways.
One of the things he ingrained in me as I grew, was about humility and credit. He always said 'we' instead of 'I'. He was very slow to take credit, but very quick to take blame. He taught me that, if it was my fault, fess up. If it is not my fault, never let someone pin it on me. However, there are times when you apologize even when you have done nothing wrong.
He taught me to see my talents as just what they are, gifts from God. These gifts are to be shared. I freely share my words. I freely share my drawings. I freely share my singing. TJ fusses at me, not for sharing my talents, but for not accepting praise for them. I have trouble with that. Debbie says it is a southern thing to deflect praise. It might be. I can remember Dad and Mom doing it many times. I know dad is a southern man, born and raised in Kentucky. Mom was born and raised in Germany. It might have been in the southern part of Germany, I don't know for sure. She was about 20 miles from Munich.
Dad was afraid no one would remember him. He was an only child, raised by his aunt and uncle. He feared being forgettable. He died almost 2 years ago. Thousands came to his visitation and funeral. I was in Wal-mart in Winchester KY yesterday, and someone asked me about dad. He was quite literally unforgettable.
I share dad's fear. The odd thing is that I was surrounded by siblings. I was raised by parents that loved me and I never doubted that love. Everywhere I go, I meet people that know me. When we were talking to 'Sparky' yesterday, a kid walked past that was a former student. We spoke briefly. He is in the army now. Then Sparky and I continued our catching up. TJ said about me to Sparky, "He knows everyone." He agreed.
TJ says I am crazy. She says there is no way anyone could forget me. Seems Dad's influence reaches far.
Lest anyone think I am neglecting the influence of a stubborn, little German woman, think again. I have a lot of her in me as well. TJ says I have her bullheadedness, stubbornness, and her generosity. Dad was generous, but practical. Mom is generous to a fault. It is a good fault, though.
Mom sings like an angel. Dad could not carry a tune in a pickup truck.
I think we are all influenced by things around us, whether that be location or heredity. I know we can rise above bad influences. I know we can overcome good influences as well. We must embrace the positive influences in our lives and fight the good fight agaisnts the bad influences.
Still ... there are influences.
It got me thinking about influences in my life. It made me think about the things I do and why I do them.
I am one of six children. My oldest sister is 5 years older than me and my youngest sister is 5 years younger than me. I also have one other older sister, one other younger sister, and a younger brother. Dad worked a good job and was a non-payed pastor of a small church while I was growing up. He worked, payed the bills, saved money, bought land, invested, and took care of his family. We never had an abundance, but we always had. Dad had painting and writing skills. I am a lot like him in many ways.
One of the things he ingrained in me as I grew, was about humility and credit. He always said 'we' instead of 'I'. He was very slow to take credit, but very quick to take blame. He taught me that, if it was my fault, fess up. If it is not my fault, never let someone pin it on me. However, there are times when you apologize even when you have done nothing wrong.
He taught me to see my talents as just what they are, gifts from God. These gifts are to be shared. I freely share my words. I freely share my drawings. I freely share my singing. TJ fusses at me, not for sharing my talents, but for not accepting praise for them. I have trouble with that. Debbie says it is a southern thing to deflect praise. It might be. I can remember Dad and Mom doing it many times. I know dad is a southern man, born and raised in Kentucky. Mom was born and raised in Germany. It might have been in the southern part of Germany, I don't know for sure. She was about 20 miles from Munich.
Dad was afraid no one would remember him. He was an only child, raised by his aunt and uncle. He feared being forgettable. He died almost 2 years ago. Thousands came to his visitation and funeral. I was in Wal-mart in Winchester KY yesterday, and someone asked me about dad. He was quite literally unforgettable.
I share dad's fear. The odd thing is that I was surrounded by siblings. I was raised by parents that loved me and I never doubted that love. Everywhere I go, I meet people that know me. When we were talking to 'Sparky' yesterday, a kid walked past that was a former student. We spoke briefly. He is in the army now. Then Sparky and I continued our catching up. TJ said about me to Sparky, "He knows everyone." He agreed.
TJ says I am crazy. She says there is no way anyone could forget me. Seems Dad's influence reaches far.
Lest anyone think I am neglecting the influence of a stubborn, little German woman, think again. I have a lot of her in me as well. TJ says I have her bullheadedness, stubbornness, and her generosity. Dad was generous, but practical. Mom is generous to a fault. It is a good fault, though.
Mom sings like an angel. Dad could not carry a tune in a pickup truck.
I think we are all influenced by things around us, whether that be location or heredity. I know we can rise above bad influences. I know we can overcome good influences as well. We must embrace the positive influences in our lives and fight the good fight agaisnts the bad influences.
Still ... there are influences.
Monday, February 09, 2009
I think I am winning the fight
that is .. the fight with the cold. I have been taking the Contact-D semi-regularly (as often as I remember it .. even with the times written in the packets.) There are still some sniffles, but I did manage to sing the entire National Anthem today without one sniffle. Auditions are Saturday at 2:02 PM. If you aren't doing anything, and you happen to be in Lexington, Kentucky, come on over to Fayette Mall. I'll be one of the 400 trying out. TJ will be trying at 2:04 PM.
In other news, Kyle is fever-less tonight. The DR said he had a touch of the flu and some stomach flu issues as well. It appears he will be attending school tomorrow.
I will be singing a few practices each day, working myself up to Saturday.
"Oh, say can you see ...."
In other news, Kyle is fever-less tonight. The DR said he had a touch of the flu and some stomach flu issues as well. It appears he will be attending school tomorrow.
I will be singing a few practices each day, working myself up to Saturday.
"Oh, say can you see ...."
Sunday, February 08, 2009
A good day
It has been a good day.
Church was good.
I had asked a young couple to bring me a pic of their 2-yr-old son so I could sketch him. They did. When we got home from church, I worked on his drawing. When I finished, I took it to them (they live about 25 miles from us.) We had a great visit. While there I picked up a picture of their 5-yr-old daughter. I drew it when I got home.
Before church, I had some time, so I drew a fellow blogger's son.
Here are the pics. First: blogger's son, Second: 2-yr-old, and Third: 5-yr-old
Church was good.
I had asked a young couple to bring me a pic of their 2-yr-old son so I could sketch him. They did. When we got home from church, I worked on his drawing. When I finished, I took it to them (they live about 25 miles from us.) We had a great visit. While there I picked up a picture of their 5-yr-old daughter. I drew it when I got home.
Before church, I had some time, so I drew a fellow blogger's son.
Here are the pics. First: blogger's son, Second: 2-yr-old, and Third: 5-yr-old
Saturday, February 07, 2009
at last
The final child is drawn .. I found some (77) old pics of the kids and this is Chas at 10 .. we hate her .. she looks just the same .. she is 25 now and still looks like her kid pics ..
Friday, February 06, 2009
What a difference a day makes
The temperature is 47°. The snow is disappearing. We are fighting the cold. School is back in session, although, Kyle missed it today since he has a fever of 101°.
I am taking Contact D. Yes, that is it in the picture. Yes, I do write the times I am taking it on the package so I don't forget when I took it or when to take it. I am bright like that.
This is today's dosage marked at 1PM, 5PM, and 9PM. I hope to be in bed asleep for the 1AM dosage, but I doubt it.
Anyway, the day is brighter, literally. The sun is shining. I took my honey out for lunch. It has been a good day. Let's see if we can keep it that way.
I am taking Contact D. Yes, that is it in the picture. Yes, I do write the times I am taking it on the package so I don't forget when I took it or when to take it. I am bright like that.
This is today's dosage marked at 1PM, 5PM, and 9PM. I hope to be in bed asleep for the 1AM dosage, but I doubt it. Anyway, the day is brighter, literally. The sun is shining. I took my honey out for lunch. It has been a good day. Let's see if we can keep it that way.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
is that a temperature ?
We woke this morning to 2° F or -17° C. I realize it has been colder. I realize it is colder in other places this morning. However, not one piece of that information makes my feet any warmer. It is just cold. It is days like today that almost make me want to rethink my 'winter is my favorite season' stand. Almost. It is just after 2PM here in KY and the temperature is all the way up to 19° F or -7° C. The weatherman has alluded to temperatures above 60° by Monday of next week. It will be raining, but it will be warmer.
Chella has brought the plague into the house. She insisted on going to see her BF when he was sick. This, of course, gave her the plague, which she immediately brought home to the rest of us. There is sniffling, sneezing, coughing, nose running, congestion. She decides to bring this to us less than two weeks before TJ and I will be auditioning to sing the National Anthem at Lexington Legends baseball games next season. The auditions will be held on Valentines day in the center of the walkway, in the wing of the busiest mall in Lexington. Every year over 400 audition and the Legends chose approximately 70 to sing at home games. This is my fourth time auditioning. I have sang the Anthem at a game for the past three years. It is a blast. Long time readers of my blog will remember a post in July of 2008 which included a video of last years performance.
Last night I sniffled my way through a practice. TJ said it would have been better without the sniffling. I told her that I had to breath. I just had too. We are medicating. I have a terrible time with colds and other respitory ailments. They seem to linger forever. This one will probably be lingering when I audition. Therefore, I better learn to sing it with the cold, rather than without. Just in case.
Chella has brought the plague into the house. She insisted on going to see her BF when he was sick. This, of course, gave her the plague, which she immediately brought home to the rest of us. There is sniffling, sneezing, coughing, nose running, congestion. She decides to bring this to us less than two weeks before TJ and I will be auditioning to sing the National Anthem at Lexington Legends baseball games next season. The auditions will be held on Valentines day in the center of the walkway, in the wing of the busiest mall in Lexington. Every year over 400 audition and the Legends chose approximately 70 to sing at home games. This is my fourth time auditioning. I have sang the Anthem at a game for the past three years. It is a blast. Long time readers of my blog will remember a post in July of 2008 which included a video of last years performance.
Last night I sniffled my way through a practice. TJ said it would have been better without the sniffling. I told her that I had to breath. I just had too. We are medicating. I have a terrible time with colds and other respitory ailments. They seem to linger forever. This one will probably be lingering when I audition. Therefore, I better learn to sing it with the cold, rather than without. Just in case.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
All I want is a couple days off ..
Heuy Lewis and the News
Well, Kyle is getting his couple days off. There was no school today. They have had school 2 days out of the last 7 school days. Back when I was teaching, while working for the state, I loved these days. We were required to be at works since we were not employed by the district. If the Governor declared a state snow day, where state offices would be closed, we didn't have to go to work. Otherwise, it was a work day. Since we didn't have students, we could 'flex' our schedule a bit and come in early or late, as long as we got our 7.5 hours. Now, I have to put up with a 13 yr old all day. (update: School just called .. no school tomorrow due to inclement weather.) Oh, the huge manatee.
Well, Kyle is getting his couple days off. There was no school today. They have had school 2 days out of the last 7 school days. Back when I was teaching, while working for the state, I loved these days. We were required to be at works since we were not employed by the district. If the Governor declared a state snow day, where state offices would be closed, we didn't have to go to work. Otherwise, it was a work day. Since we didn't have students, we could 'flex' our schedule a bit and come in early or late, as long as we got our 7.5 hours. Now, I have to put up with a 13 yr old all day. (update: School just called .. no school tomorrow due to inclement weather.) Oh, the huge manatee.
Oh yeah, TJ is doing something that I cannot tell you about. So, bug her about it so she will blog it, lol. Ut-oh .. she is in here reading over my shoulder. Now she is kissing my neck. Gotta go!
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
white again and finally a kyle drawing
The snow is falling. School will dismiss early. We are expecting 2 to 3 inches. No ice.
Kyle has patiently waited for his drawing. He is not the last one of the kids to be drawn. Chasity has yet to be drawn. When you have seven kids betwixt you, it does take a little time to get them all done. So .. without further ado .. KYLE ! ! !
Kyle has patiently waited for his drawing. He is not the last one of the kids to be drawn. Chasity has yet to be drawn. When you have seven kids betwixt you, it does take a little time to get them all done. So .. without further ado .. KYLE ! ! !
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Tuesday Fiona
For some timeI will not speak
Of cancer
Of living
Of dying
I will not be involved in conversation
About hope
About faith
About healing
I will not read any of the best books
About moving on
About accepting
About providence
For some time
I will wallow
Shamelessly
I will cry
Uncontrollably
I will refuse
To be comforted
It could be long or short
Until you come to me
On the wings
Of an unbroken bird
Bringing memories
Of smiles
Of touches
Of life
You will visit
My dreams
My waking
My thoughts
There
You will minister
You will carry
You will comfort
For some time
Ron Simpson, Jr.
January 30, 2009
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