They call it writers' block, and yeah, every time I sit down lately, and bring up this blog, my mind goes completely blank. I am befuddled, becalmed, tongue-tied (or would that be finger-tied?), my brain is frozen, couldn't find a decent thought if my life depended on it, etc., etc. What's wrong with me? No clue. Maybe I need to shake my world up a bit. See things differently. Try to find a new perspective on things.
Let's face it, the world is pretty much the same. But my view of the world is stuck in a rut the size of the Grand Canyon. Maybe I've been human for too long. I should probably switch places with Eddie for awhile. Better yet, how about I trade consciousness with a wild bird. I could spend some time in a tree. I haven't done that since I was young teenager. That could inspire a new outlook on the world. Or, if I was an eagle, I could perch in high places, and view things from a completely new kind of perspective. That could be interesting. And that's not even considering the actual experience of sailing through the skies on feathered wings. I think I would really find that an incredible experience. And for me, being bird would have the added bonus of being self-pity free. Birds don't feel sorry for themselves. Humans spend too much time indulging in that particular occupation. At least I do.
Of course, that would assume I could actually find a bird that would wish to trade places. I don't think it would be easy. I mean, I'm human, and many times when I look at the behavior of some of the other humans I share the world with, I'm not sure I want to be.
There are a lot of good people out there, however. Once in a while, one of them is in the news, and there is the Ellen Show, which has more than its fair share of very decent people ,and is good for a spiritual lift (or a lifting of the spirit if you prefer). Of course, I am a very lucky fella' in the wonderful human beings department, because I get to see and meet quite a few through my work with Literacy Volunteers. So, yeah...there are some amazing people out there. And as far as I can tell, none of them are Republicans, or belong to the NRA.
Anyroad. Don't remember where I heard or read this, but to quote, Today is life. It's the only life we have. Make the most of it.
So, whatever you're doing, get on with it. Be well, and treat yourself and others as best you can.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Aarrrgg! Two Days to the Snow Apocalypse!
What a day...First, I woke in the wee hours of the morning when Albert mumbled something about going south for a week or two, and if I was smart I would, too. Albert, being a black bear, is hard to understand at the best of times, and I wasn't even close to awake, nor feeling like it was a best of times for that matter. So I went back to sleep. Unfortunately, I was unable to get the quantity of that wonderful drug (sleep) that I would have liked, and woke before the sun was over the horizon. And so, rather than lay in bed moaning and groaning, which would have aggravated my feathered friend, Eddie (a cockatiel with a feather challenged head; yep, male pattern baldness), I went out jogging.
What always amazes me, is that no matter how much time I have in the morning, and today I had quite a bit, the sand always runs out of the hourglass before I expect it to, and always before I come close to getting everything done I would need to. And then to add insult to injury (or is it injury to insult?), I always end being late getting to the Library, or wherever else I am supposed to be. And today, after finishing my stint as "talk show host" at the Library, I ran around town trying to get some of the thousands of errands done that I need to do this week. And the sooner done the better, particularly considering the current weather forecast. But more on that in a minute.
Now. On this particular day, I couldn't get a hold of my Mother, who I go walking with when we are both able to do so, for a good part of the day, covering about six hours. She does have some medical issues, so I became concerned. Anyway, I drove across town to her house, where I found her car gone, which did ease my fear of her lying on the basement floor after falling down the stairs, or something equally catastrophic. Instead, I could now worry about her being in a car accident, or in the emergency room at the hospital. Upon driving back home, I called my sister up north, who then said she would text my other sister. She called me back and said they were at Lincoln. So, I ask, Lincoln where? Lincoln, Nebraska? Nope. They went to see the movie, Lincoln. Wow. I'm now like an idiot, and as our British friends might say, quite put out. So much for that. I am, however, quite happy, that the outcome was what it was. It could have been so much worse.
If you watch the news, you are probably aware how weatherpersons (the PC version of weathermen) really enjoy the opportunity to scare the hell out of us when the chance of a big storm seems to be developing. And people do scare easy it seems, especially when there's going to be snowstorm. If you have ever gone to the supermarket the day before one of these life threatening meteorological events is scheduled to take place, big or small, everybody's there snatching up all the bottled water, milk and bread. It's like they believe they will never be able to buy these things again. It's the end of the world. But they refuse to die without being allowed to drink as much water and milk, and eat all the bread they can. After which, the snow and cold will claim us all. C'est la vie.
Anyroad, all those wonderful weatherpeople are forecasting a massive snowstorm starting Friday morning, and ending on Saturday, here in the winter wonderland of New England. That s.o.b., Albert, knew exactly what he was doing when he headed south. Well, to be honest, I kinda' like a good snowstorm. As long as we don't lose the electricity. At least, not for long. 'Cause if we do, I hafta' (have to) get Eddie to some place warm. Otherwise, he'll turn into a popsicle. And that, would just be too much trauma for me. Wouldn't be much fun for him either.
Wherever you are, stay warm, be well, and look out for each other.
What always amazes me, is that no matter how much time I have in the morning, and today I had quite a bit, the sand always runs out of the hourglass before I expect it to, and always before I come close to getting everything done I would need to. And then to add insult to injury (or is it injury to insult?), I always end being late getting to the Library, or wherever else I am supposed to be. And today, after finishing my stint as "talk show host" at the Library, I ran around town trying to get some of the thousands of errands done that I need to do this week. And the sooner done the better, particularly considering the current weather forecast. But more on that in a minute.
Now. On this particular day, I couldn't get a hold of my Mother, who I go walking with when we are both able to do so, for a good part of the day, covering about six hours. She does have some medical issues, so I became concerned. Anyway, I drove across town to her house, where I found her car gone, which did ease my fear of her lying on the basement floor after falling down the stairs, or something equally catastrophic. Instead, I could now worry about her being in a car accident, or in the emergency room at the hospital. Upon driving back home, I called my sister up north, who then said she would text my other sister. She called me back and said they were at Lincoln. So, I ask, Lincoln where? Lincoln, Nebraska? Nope. They went to see the movie, Lincoln. Wow. I'm now like an idiot, and as our British friends might say, quite put out. So much for that. I am, however, quite happy, that the outcome was what it was. It could have been so much worse.
If you watch the news, you are probably aware how weatherpersons (the PC version of weathermen) really enjoy the opportunity to scare the hell out of us when the chance of a big storm seems to be developing. And people do scare easy it seems, especially when there's going to be snowstorm. If you have ever gone to the supermarket the day before one of these life threatening meteorological events is scheduled to take place, big or small, everybody's there snatching up all the bottled water, milk and bread. It's like they believe they will never be able to buy these things again. It's the end of the world. But they refuse to die without being allowed to drink as much water and milk, and eat all the bread they can. After which, the snow and cold will claim us all. C'est la vie.
Anyroad, all those wonderful weatherpeople are forecasting a massive snowstorm starting Friday morning, and ending on Saturday, here in the winter wonderland of New England. That s.o.b., Albert, knew exactly what he was doing when he headed south. Well, to be honest, I kinda' like a good snowstorm. As long as we don't lose the electricity. At least, not for long. 'Cause if we do, I hafta' (have to) get Eddie to some place warm. Otherwise, he'll turn into a popsicle. And that, would just be too much trauma for me. Wouldn't be much fun for him either.
Wherever you are, stay warm, be well, and look out for each other.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
The Good, The Bad, & The Fake
News, is what I think I'm referring to. The good news? As far as I can tell the world is still here. Of course, have you ever wondered if it might not be the same world today as it was when you fell asleep at the end of yesterday? It's not. The only thing constant in life is change. Sorry. I forget who said that. But, that it's true, I have no doubt. And there is the multiple alternate world theory. Every time we make a decision, an alternate world is created where we decided the "other" way. So think about this, what is the "real" world?
Anyroad, it's good to be here. So say I.
The bad news? You know as well as I. Human beings are treating other human beings in horrible and dreadful ways. Not to mention what some do to animals. Murder, mayhem, torture, cruelty, indifference to all those less fortunate and the inhumane conditions they live in, such as hunger and poverty. And more.
I prefer my horror and violence to be fictional. And, I do have to say, I love a good story. It doesn't matter whether it's one of science fiction, fantasy, horror, crime noir, steampunk, or whatever other fiction genre or label that comes to mind. It just has to be a truly exceptional tale. Well. At least a very good one. It doesn't even have to have a happy ending. But it has to move me. The best tales, be it short story, novella, or novel, leave me not just changed, but uplifted in an undefinable way. So. Throw in some excitement, a few tense and/or horrible moments or situations, some romance (as long as it fits in with the story line), with random elements of violence, apocalypse ( I have always liked apocalyptic novels), magic (good and/or bad), heroic but flawed protaganists (main characters), and very importantly, a villain or villains that I love to hate.
I will list some of what I've been reading on my other blog, Books & Birds, but not today. Hopefully before next week.
And as for the Fake, mentioned in the title of this post, there are a lot of fake things in the world. Scam artists try to sell knock-offs to us. Fox News tries to convince us that their "fake" news is the real thing. And sometimes our own minds have real trouble telling the lies (including our own) from the truth.
In conclusion, staying the same is impossible; it's good to be alive; all violence and horror should be fictional; and it does take a clear head, and heart, to know the difference between what is fake, and what is real.
That, I think, is enough for today. So, embrace life no matter what, and try to take care of each other. And of course stay out of trouble if possible. If not, well...have fun getting in trouble at least.
Anyroad, it's good to be here. So say I.
The bad news? You know as well as I. Human beings are treating other human beings in horrible and dreadful ways. Not to mention what some do to animals. Murder, mayhem, torture, cruelty, indifference to all those less fortunate and the inhumane conditions they live in, such as hunger and poverty. And more.
I prefer my horror and violence to be fictional. And, I do have to say, I love a good story. It doesn't matter whether it's one of science fiction, fantasy, horror, crime noir, steampunk, or whatever other fiction genre or label that comes to mind. It just has to be a truly exceptional tale. Well. At least a very good one. It doesn't even have to have a happy ending. But it has to move me. The best tales, be it short story, novella, or novel, leave me not just changed, but uplifted in an undefinable way. So. Throw in some excitement, a few tense and/or horrible moments or situations, some romance (as long as it fits in with the story line), with random elements of violence, apocalypse ( I have always liked apocalyptic novels), magic (good and/or bad), heroic but flawed protaganists (main characters), and very importantly, a villain or villains that I love to hate.
I will list some of what I've been reading on my other blog, Books & Birds, but not today. Hopefully before next week.
And as for the Fake, mentioned in the title of this post, there are a lot of fake things in the world. Scam artists try to sell knock-offs to us. Fox News tries to convince us that their "fake" news is the real thing. And sometimes our own minds have real trouble telling the lies (including our own) from the truth.
In conclusion, staying the same is impossible; it's good to be alive; all violence and horror should be fictional; and it does take a clear head, and heart, to know the difference between what is fake, and what is real.
That, I think, is enough for today. So, embrace life no matter what, and try to take care of each other. And of course stay out of trouble if possible. If not, well...have fun getting in trouble at least.
Monday, February 4, 2013
That's No Bluebird On My Shoulder
Rough week, last week. But after all is said and done, I survived some how. Eddie had a rough few days as well. I have seriously spoiled him by being home the majority of most mornings, and of course, giving him a good amount of attention. Last week, however, there were at least 3 mornings (+ Saturday morning) I had to run out the door almost immediately after getting him up for the day. He didn't take it well. But after my being a couch cowboy yesterday, and being around the house most of today, he seems to have gotten over his dissatisfaction. Truly a blessing for me.
And, after a complete down day yesterday, I was able to get something done around the house. Which helps with my feeling of being able to cope with the insignificant, but very necessary, bullsh-- of day to day living. I am pretty much a failure as a conscientious house keeper, among other things. Albert, my sometime roommate, doesn't care in the least. If anything gets in his way, he bats it aside with one of his baseball mitt sized paws (He's a bear. Literally). And Eddie makes an incredible mess all by himself. As long as he has food to eat, and water to drink, and can demand headrubs routinely, messy or clean makes no difference to him.
But I believe he does have bad dreams sometimes. It would appear that the carefree bird stereotype is not a true picture of life as one of our feathered friends. My sleep is routinely interrupted by symptoms of my chronic fatigue syndrome, and I often hear him whimpering (best word I can think of to describe it) in his sleep. Sometimes I say something to him, and it seems to help, but I really can't say for sure. I don't know what worries or fears my little friend harbors in his dreams, but I wonder about it occasionally. But I do try to make his daily life as pleasant as I can. He deserves it. He adds color to my life.
Anyroad. Life is a funny old bear (an expression that more commonly ends with dog). Which leads to another old expression, Some days you eat the bear, other days he eats you. And no, I'm not talking about Albert. Lucky for me, thanks to my lending Albert shelter when he wants it, he's at least grateful enough to not eat me. But if I were someone else, say you for instance, well...all bets are off. And as for life, I don't need to eat the bear. I'm happy for a draw (tie).
And, after a complete down day yesterday, I was able to get something done around the house. Which helps with my feeling of being able to cope with the insignificant, but very necessary, bullsh-- of day to day living. I am pretty much a failure as a conscientious house keeper, among other things. Albert, my sometime roommate, doesn't care in the least. If anything gets in his way, he bats it aside with one of his baseball mitt sized paws (He's a bear. Literally). And Eddie makes an incredible mess all by himself. As long as he has food to eat, and water to drink, and can demand headrubs routinely, messy or clean makes no difference to him.
But I believe he does have bad dreams sometimes. It would appear that the carefree bird stereotype is not a true picture of life as one of our feathered friends. My sleep is routinely interrupted by symptoms of my chronic fatigue syndrome, and I often hear him whimpering (best word I can think of to describe it) in his sleep. Sometimes I say something to him, and it seems to help, but I really can't say for sure. I don't know what worries or fears my little friend harbors in his dreams, but I wonder about it occasionally. But I do try to make his daily life as pleasant as I can. He deserves it. He adds color to my life.
Anyroad. Life is a funny old bear (an expression that more commonly ends with dog). Which leads to another old expression, Some days you eat the bear, other days he eats you. And no, I'm not talking about Albert. Lucky for me, thanks to my lending Albert shelter when he wants it, he's at least grateful enough to not eat me. But if I were someone else, say you for instance, well...all bets are off. And as for life, I don't need to eat the bear. I'm happy for a draw (tie).
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