Circumstances

Sometimes we have to make adjustments that require us to deviate from our normal scheme of things due to unforeseen circumstances. How we handle those situations define, to a point the character that make up our being. 

Defining moments have a tendency to strengthen our character...or they can make us weak. Who we are at this moment in time, could derive from the lessons taught by others and the lessons learned from life. 

Attempts to get through it all by way of deception is of no benefit to the deceiver as much as they may think it is. They learn no true values of life and reap the hand they play. For the recipient of the deceptions, much is learned and they in turn grow wiser.

Good sound wisdom passed on, generates a fire that burns deep into the minds that seek knowledge for the betterment in life.

Circumstances are a necessity that is required for growth, and growth is necessary in life. 

  

I Have Experimented

I've noticed that some of my old post have been read lately and that has given me a curious look myself. I've opened a couple of them to see what I've written and noticed that I've done some experimenting along the way since I started this blog.

I recently deleted my second most read post because I wasn't really thinking when I wrote it and I thought it may have been offensive to women. Thinking back, I was angry not at women, but with TheWife and just happen to blurt out loud my frustration and the post really had nothing to do with why I was upset with her.

In general I am happy to say that my blog hasn't really changed although I have done some experimenting. 

This post...World Class gets a lot of reads and reflects the core of my blog. I believe that life in general is our place of learning. Not taking away from text books, but they can't give what life itself does. If we can't learn from life, all the books in the world are useless....that's just me.

Life Has...is another post that has been read most recently by a few people. After reading this again brought to mind a post I had written about Steps. 

Reading these reminded me of the style of poetry I like to write most although I have written a little on the dark side. 

A stroll down memory lane has brought back the experiences I have in writing this blog and what I've learned along the way. It's not a very popular blog but I do appreciate my followers and those who happen to drop in unexpected. I keep moving along and I'll see what this journey has in store.

A Bloggers Pic In Poetry 5

Welcome to

A Blogger's Pic In Poetry

This is number 5 and again Daniel Plumer is the featured photographer.

I just have one question...do u see what eye see?

Daisies Of Yellow

Slowly approach, does the Cloud Of White

Sneaky he is, disguised in upper top right

Under cover of thick and dark it seems 

Hiding behind glasses, his eyes are not seen

Laying in wait is the Rock Of Stone Mount

Face in center below, lips parched under its snout

Hand of left ready to batter what the cloud will bestow

His chest still and steady beneath the face, coming slow

'Tis a battle to commence betwixt these two fellows

See them flee the scene, all these Daisies Of Yellow

Photo by Daniel Plumer 

Poem by me  

   

A Blogger's Pic In Poetry 3

This is the third in the series

A Blogger's Pic In Poetry

Reading has taken on a technological turn and more people are reading on electronic devices and when I saw this it brought to my mind the art of reading a paper book. 

I don't remember how I found this one but it definitely caught my eye. The first click of the picture took me to Britta Nickel's Tumblr blog/page which is linked to Sweet Southern Nights also on Tumblr. On Sweet Southern Nights you will find an array of photos that range from A to Z.

Read

The art of reading in abnormal tradition

Feet in air bare monumental condition

Hard copy in hand, there's nothing like it

Twenty seven times straight, becomes habit

Photo taken by: Unknown 

Poem by me

  

                                                  

I Spoke Too Soon

I may have spoken too soon when I mentioned how bad it wasn't here, concerning Hurricane Sandy....not thinking about what may happen elsewhere. It began to unfold as I got bits and pieces of what was happening north of us while I was at work today.

As I sit here watching the news, the devastation is coming to light. I almost feel as if I was being selfish, but I posted that before the northern portion of our area had been hit. Still for me, it doesn't lessen the blow.

The loss of life and property is mounting and so does my feelings of being an idiot.

Lessons are learned in so many different ways. I wish I didn't have to learn this one.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families who have lost loved ones and to the survivors who will recover from this change that has taken hold of their lives.

It Just Takes One

It's funny sometimes how things work out or just plain Divine intervention...a wake up so to speak. Any number of people can tell you the same thing over time but when one person speaks it, you finally hear it. You actually stop to breath, and it feels so fresh. It puts things into perspective again. That happened today. So that coupled with what I have and haven't been doing brings a welcomed collision. 

What I haven't been doing is finishing some projects I started, but that did give me time to take the time to review what I have been doing with my designs and some other things I could be doing. So that got me started.

I have been busy coming up with some new designs and was in the process of putting products on the site when the server crashed. I did get a few items up but not what I really wanted because I didn't have the images in my basket on the site yet. 

So I'm actually pecking this out instead doing that. But this is one of those things I haven't been doing and has bothered me more than I should have let it. One of those things that I have struggled with the past few weeks. I haven't felt like writing or doing much of anything on the social network (which I have trouble with anyway), discouragement settling in and getting a pretty good grip.

Then out of nowhere, the words come to light and they shook me. A much needed breath of fresh air. So thankful that it finally clicked. It just took one.

Time's Relevance

Time's relevance is irrelevant at times
Other times, so vastly important
Seeking to achieve one's destiny
Time waits for no man at all times


Man's purpose, sought by man throughout
In degrees that vary for purpose in life
Some to persevere in want and need
By others in disillusionment and despair


Flashing moments portray accomplishments
Times even to them who feel failure
Remember one and all, remember
Time's relevance, in the hands of one

                                                         

New Neighbors

We spotted this cocoon in our Canna Lily yesterday.

This is on a branch hanging over into our back area.

On This Father's Day

I almost decided not to do this post but changed my mind again. I am reminded by events that brings perspective to what I'm doing with my life right now. The death of my brother sucked the air right out of me and it took awhile the start breathing again.


My nephew, my only sister's oldest son had a stroke last year. He was fortunate to have someone with him at the time. His stroke was bad, but he is currently recovering. He is walking on his own and takes morning walks by himself. He stutters when he speaks and keeps apologizing whenever we talk...I keep telling him that he doesn't have to do that. I really find joy when we do talk because he continues to make progress.


I talked to my sister today and find out that he has an aneurysm and will be having surgery. 


For whatever reason I didn't find out until three days after the fact, that my third oldest brother suffered a stroke this past Wednesday and he too happened to not be alone. Although his was not as severe as our nephew's, it is a stroke nonetheless. He was at home yesterday but will be off of work for at least 4 weeks. 


I can't help but to think about myself and my family....what can I do for them. What can I do now that will be of benefit to them in the future. Life insurance?...sure. What more can I do? Some may say that insurance is enough. Not me. 


These aforementioned events have touched that nerve...you know the one. That is why what I do is so important for me. I value my life and all that God has given me. My abilities, my desires, my love for those that have come into this life behind me. For me, it's not just a matter of raising your children, but helping them to reach and to achieve, to realize they too have goals that can be reached. 


So I continue to show my love by doing what I do in hopes that will be of substance to them in their future. Utilizing my time to build on the foundation that was started in my mind, many years ago...never giving up on that dream. 


With that, I'd like to say that my second clock sold this past Friday. Some of you may have seen the prototype. 


Here is the final design of the 8 x 8 clock...Rise Above...

MyQuesMark Rise Above Clock Design

Here it is in the shadow box I made for either wall mount or desktop
complete with painted frame

Here is Darcy holding his brand new clock...I wonder if he realizes he's holding the only clock of its kind (as per design)
I would venture to say in all the world.
Thanks Darcy!


If it all stops here and now, in my heart I have succeeded....I don't know how much time I have left and if I ask God, he wouldn't tell....besides, I don't want to know. I want to continue to work this time that I have because things are put into perspective,
On This Father's Day

Sitting Here Thinking

A thought just came to me....actually there were many....but this one I like.

Taking time to break the routine...as if I really had one. But it's giving me time to see other things...some unseen in that way for a time now. I also feel as if I'm beginning to "know" the area.

I have so much to say and do in the upcoming weeks. I have been a bit flustered of late but again, I believe that break in routine gives different light...casting light on other perspectives that opens other answers.

Spring is in the air and change is on the horizon.

Corners Of Hope

Hoping or wishing for something or several different things for me brings a sense of adventure, challenge. Some may say setting myself up for rejection, failure. Maybe I'm just dreaming.


Well for one thing, I have already had multiple failures! Rejection has laughed in my face upteen times!!


No, I'm not setting myself up for more of that...simply because "that" is already out there ahead of me. What I have to do is get better at avoiding them. 


Doing what you enjoy and having fun at it...in hopes that maybe someday, something just may break in a good way.

  
I think I gonna keep pecking away at what I love....continue to dream, hope, and wish.

Longer Than I Thought

I have made note of how I was coming along on my social networks but failed to come back here...so sorry.


Well if you got a chance to watch my first promo video before I snatched it, I'm sure you can understand why I did so. I'm not sure why the video quality degraded so badly. Software, images, whatever it is I don't want to spend the time to try and fix it. So instead I have decided to take a whole new approach....in the long run it will be much more beneficial. Again it's a work in progress and learning comes with it. 


The next one won't be exactly what I want, but better than the first...#workinon the audio right now. 


I am purposely holding back on some things I want to do and that is a time and place issue....life is good. 

Fear and Success

Image Credit

Image Credit

The Journey

Life is unpleasant though pleasant

The traveled roads are obscure

The hills and valleys beauty

Lend their purpose and fulfill

We tend to wonder at times

Traveling onward and on

Passively aggressive and mild

So tedious the brain is the mind

Push and shove duck and dodge

Make way and clear the roads

Though futile it seems

Moving that in the way

Thinking it done but finished not

Cause the roads clearing is naught

For now we dig and probe the things

That take the place of before

Hours work is evermore endless

As we journey through live

Nostrils filled with sweet stench

For the roads of life lingers on 

This is linked to Jingle Poetry At The Gooseberry Garden

Poetry Picnic Week 24

What Is The Right Thing To Do?

Our internet service went down last night and was restored a couple of hours ago. After the restoration, I really noticed how much email I had accumulated and decided to clean house. While going through my two major accounts it came very clear to me how different things are for me right now. One of the accounts showed me how much I had strayed away from poetry and the online friends I was beginning to become acquainted with. Not only that but a couple of blogs I was reading on a regular basis.


As I continued through the old mail, the dates brought to mind what I had already remembered long before starting this venture. The 1 year anniversary of my oldest brother's passing. I called my mom and talked to her for awhile and that made me remember even more how much I miss him. It was good to hear my mom's voice...still strong in my ear....realizing how much I miss her too.


Events in life never stop...they keep coming. How they affect us and how we choose to deal with them rest solely on our individual shoulders. Deleting those old emails did bring back memories but they also triggered a need....no....a desire to restore what I miss about me. Even though you may not have heard from me as much as before, I have not been idle. Changes have been taking place and the journey continues.


Eliminating that which hinders us sometimes may not seem the right thing to do in the eyes of others, but others don't have to live our lives. Remembering is not always a good thing, but forgetting can sometimes be the wrong thing to do. How we handle these rest solely on our individual shoulders.


Time doesn't stop, events continue to happen and changes do take their place. We must also take our spot and do what is right for us...even if others may think it foolish...they do not live our lives...and we don't live theirs. 


Making decisions are all a part of the journey and they have to be made...good or bad, right or wrong. 

Let Me Explain: Part 2

Difficulties in life can weigh heavily on the mind, body, spirit, and soul of anyone. For me it has been to the point of emotional drainage. Dealing with these and coming to grips has undoubtedly taken its toll but has not destroyed me although at times I have felt as if they have. 


I have always been a firm believer in God although I have not been in His presence the way I once was and I'm sure that is one reason for my present state of being. Prayer has made its way back into my life and is making a big difference. 


Many years ago when I was a member of New Life Worship Center, I prayed oh so many times about my marriage and how I so desired to have a loving relationship with TheWife again. When we first met, things were everything I wanted in a relationship, but that changed after we got married. We still had good times and I'm sure many can relate how changes take place after years of being together, but I also know that this in not the norm in many cases. Many people knew of my dilemma and I'm sure countless prayers went out on our behalf. 


I am an emotional, caring and sensitive person. Passion is strong in my being. I so desired to have these a part of my marriage but it was not to be and I wondered if I would ever rekindle these in the marriage. I tried talking and doing whatever I could to have my prayers answered because I knew that praying alone would not bring this to fruition. After years of emptiness I gave up and realized I was not going to have the answer I was seeking. I was bitter. Not at God, because I knew that all prayer does not bring the answer we are looking for. I was bitter at TheWife. I wondered why she chose to take the route she did in not trying to keep any kind of passion between us. I was truly perplexed. What puzzled me during our time in church was the fact that she began to give me the impression that because we were in church, it was wrong to have sexual thoughts and desires. For example, if we were watching a movie that had sex scenes, she would make comments about how disgusting it was....what?! I couldn't believe what I was hearing! I talked to her countless times but without success. It was as if she felt because she was in church it was taboo to even think that way. Sure we had what she thought was sex every now and again but far from what even came close to satisfying my needs. After awhile I felt it was pointless and made me feel even more despondent. 


I know that it is not unusual for some people to lose there sex drive but I don't feel that was the case here. My thoughts were and still are today that she just didn't want to have sex with me, she kept me at arms length so as NOT to have that in our marriage. Why? I have a few guesses as to why (maybe in part 3?). 


I can't remember the last time we had a long passionate kiss or loving embrace. My heart weighs heavy and I'm sure you may be wondering why in the world would I stay in a situation like this and I wonder also.


When we got back together, I thought things would be better than they were before and that we would have a relationship that would resemble anything close to what I dream of. She seems to be content with the way things are and would be happy to have a sexless, passionless life together. I'm far from being dead in body, mind, spirit and desires of the heart. I want and need to have the touch of a woman that would take my breath away. I long to have my ear nibbled. I want to have a woman's hand to momentarily stroke or squeeze my butt to let me know that I still have it goin' on. When I look in the mirror I see a man... a real man....not out of shape. Sure I've aged but at almost 58 years old, still desirable.


I'm not bitter at God, but I have asked...why Lord? What have I done to deserve this emptiness?


I'm sure you can tell in my comments lately concerning TheWife that I'm not happy and I seem to be bashing her but I also know that it is and has been up to me to do something about it. Saying that, I have to say this....because I believe in God, I also believe in the vows I took when I got married. I believe in family. But I also believe I deserve better because I gave my all.


Is this what I get for being such a caring person?....


I know some of you say...fool...what are you still doing there? I have asked that same question. 


Lord, I know you are able to change anything and I also know that sometimes the answer is no....what to do....what to do.         

Does It Really Come Out?

Image courtesy of Photobucket

How many times have I heard that saying?.....it all comes out in the wash....and most important, how true is it? I've heard it and said it myself most recently. Of all the times I have heard or said it, I have never until this last time ever said this....I want to see that load when it comes out of the wash. 


Yes I would like to see if whatever it was that went into the load with the clothes actually gets washed away. It's never anything good that needs to be eradicated, but only mistakes and problems that get the spotlight in this situation. 


Next question is who does this laundry and when does it get done. Thinking about this for a minute, I would have to say that maybe the laundry never gets washed because so many of the same mistakes and problems still exists. Either that or the detergent that goes into the wash is not effective enough to do the job. Maybe the water is too hard or too cold, or too big of a load and not enough water.


Of course we all know what I'm saying is nonsense...but it is something to think about...don't ya think?

Image courtesy of Photobucket

No Title

I'm not sure where this one is headed but I'm throwing stuff on the wall to see what sticks. 


Yesterday I was feeling awful...just bad awful. I thought I was gonna puke but that never happened, so I had to deal with the other end. I was actually feeling fine early on, I had some fresh from the oven cinnamon rolls and not long after that it was all down hill. Those things stayed on my stomach for hours....churning, not digesting. All I could do was lay down and sleep. I had crackers and ginger ale later in the afternoon...I had all of two crackers.


As the evening wore on, I was feeling a little better but still unable to eat anything of substance. I was due back at work today and I could tell that I wasn't going to be 100 percent but I got through with crackers and ginger ale. By 2:00 I could tell the end was about there. I stopped on the way home to get chicken noodle soup to start the system slowly...along with crackers and ginger ale. 


See?...told ya. I don't have much. 


Hey, take a look at one of my latest designs. Don't laugh at my house, I drew it myself.

Yes, it's on the website but I'm think I'm going to take the background away for the t-shirts. If you hop over there you'll see what I mean.

Refreshed

This is what it kinda feels like right now. I had talks with I believe are some key people very recently. I was able to be candid and straight forward. I couldn't believe how much better I felt when I was finished after each conversation.

Apparently this was long overdue. 

I don't know what the end result will be when all is said and done, but what I do know....I feel as if I can now really move forward....no matter what happens.  

I have my sights set on other key changes/additions that I am sure will help to bring me to a state of even more stability and the want to continue in a positive direction.

Are you still with me?......I sure hope so.

The Spider

This nice size spider had taken refuge in the back of the house and has a grasshopper to boot.

I was amazed at how large this spider was.