Star of Wonder

PEACE!

Christ is the “C” Word

More and more, our world is split into the secular and the spiritual. We are asked by employers, friends, government and other general segments to keep our spirituality separate from their realm, as if there are domains that God has no business in. What a disgrace it would be to accept their propositions. Just because I walk through their storefront door, I am expected to leave behind, my God and Creator, my Savior, the Spirit that lives in me? I don’t think so.

I can’t practice my faith as I work? No one’s been able to stop it yet. Yes there is darkness and evil prowling the streets, and lurking in corporate boardrooms and executive suites, but the Light of the World will not be darkened.

Christmas is not a holiday season. It is a celebration of the birth and a homage to, the manifestation through Jesus the Christ, of God’s love for humanity; all of us, great and small, and everywhere in between. John 3:17 states, "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."

I will be busy a great deal of the remainder of the year, as will most readers. I don’t know when I will post here again. But, from beneath the Carolina moon, I wish for you all a joyful, Christ filled and centered Christmas.

Dread

Beauty is a "B" word

Beauty advertising has been around for a long time, promising potions, powders, and paints that will make and keep a person beautiful. Those ads and products are designed for one thing only; to make their manufacturers a profit. Those ads are about money, not beauty. It’s all a slight of hand trick. If the product does indeed help paint a picture of beauty on the purchaser, they will buy more thinking they are creating beauty. How gullible we humans are.

Last night and this morning, has been a full moon. Yes, the loonies have a head start on the day. I awoke at 4:00 AM myself. Of course I went back to sleep for almost two more hours. I’m not saying that I’m not a bit touched, and I’m not saying that I am. I’m just saying that the influence of the moon is at a peak. So, beware. At its fullness, both the influence and beauty of the moon are well known. The moon is a natural occurring beauty, and even then has evidently some negative effects. All the more cautious we should be of fake beauty.

In our society the body becomes a canvas on which to paint a picture of beauty. But that is all it is, a picture painted on, a flexible mask; like a framed picture, only a representation of real beauty. There seems to be much to do in our world about creating beauty and maintaining it. But, beauty that is only skin deep always fails. In the end it cracks, fades, washes away, or simply is gradually swept away a grain at the time by the winds of time.

The old adage that true beauty comes from within is true. Fake, thin, painted on beauty only lasts for the moment, and is truly only a mask over reality. A person’s true nature will show through at any age. True beauty created out of the love carried in one’s soul radiates to those who are receptive to it. It’s not in the least ironic that those who radiate that beauty from within that is love, are also the most receptive too it, and recognize and appreciate it, while others rush about clamoring over the latest layer of painted skin.

Of course the moon itself last night was beautiful. I noticed it as I went by to see the divine Miss N, who herself is a radiant beauty. She has that beauty that fired by love, radiates from within her soul. To find and experience such beauty and fortune right here beneath the Carolina moon is, well, beautiful; simply beautiful. God has blessed me richly to love and be loved in such a beautiful place, by such beauty, in so many beautiful ways, that I know I am a part of a greater beauty. We all are when we open ourselves to it. And, you don’t necessarily have to be beneath the Carolina moon.

Posted by Dread who taking Mr. Og’s advice, greets this day with love in my heart.

April is an "A" word

Every day someone passes that was widely known, that is famous, but not really a great person. Every day many others pass that were little known beyond a close circle, but they were really neat people. Those people should be acknowledged, and their lives celebrated. Such a person was Raymond Kane McLain.

I had never heard of him until about a week ago when I stumbled on his picture while searching Google for something totally unrelated. He had an interesting face, so I clicked on it. It turns out, he was an interesting man who led an interesting life, and left the world a better place for his having passed this way. That kind of person, and that kind of life, deserve mention.

I invite you to have a brief look at the life of Raymond Kane McLain, and find joy that there are people like him in this world. It’s a bit odd I suppose that the man had been dead for over three years before I even became aware that he existed, and now I pay homage to his life on my blog. April was the month of his birth. And that’s today’s post from beneath the Carolina moon.
Posted by Dread who finally just made time to get this posted.

Chicken Soup

Last night I had an Italian chicken soup with my dinner. I’m not ready for the structure of alphabet soup quiet so soon it seems. So here I am posting again without the alphabetical perimeters to contain my meandering musings. Or as I have been told, I am left loose on society to ply my mischievous misconceptions, uncontained by the bounds of common sense or moral judgment. I resent the implication that I exercise no moral constraints on my behavior or in my attempts to loosen the fetters to free thought.

After all is said and done, we aren’t so much what we eat, as we are what we think. I feel that I think responsibly most of the time. No one’s perfect. Left to my own devices to influence, I won’t dump an unsuspecting mind in the trash can. I will wave you over it, so that you get a whiff of where you could have ended up. If you later decide to dive into the garbage, should I feel guilty for introducing you to its putrid smell? I think not. Nor is there a need to discourse the rationality or irrationality of our lives here.

Suffice to say, those of us who can help ourselves should. Those of us who can help others should. Those who can do neither, are a good chunk of why the rest of us are here. Lee Iacocca used to say, “Lead, follow, or get out of the way!” Will Rogers said, “If you’re riding ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it’s still there.” The bull in a china shop approach bothers me. A little common sense never hurt anyone. A little whimsy can flavor our lives, or even our departure from this earth.

The divine Miss N notes a passing marked by whimsy on her blog today. I really don’t have a problem with someone who has a little fun with life right up through their end. Every time I read of a passing, I wonder where on the chalk board of life will I leave my final mark, and what it will be. And that my friends is the limits of my uncontained mischief for this spot today. There’s just so much else to be done today, here beneath the Carolina moon.

Posted by Dread who wasn’t quiet awake.

Questions to Answer

I'm not ready to start the alphabet thing just yet, so I posted these few questions I came across. I've actually been able to answer a good portion of these to my own satisfaction. That fact may be disturbing to a few of you. But then you may have your own answers.



Life never gets easier does it? Except on special occasions here beneath the Carolina moon. I don't think today is one of them.


Why is the third hand on the watch called the second hand?

Why do we say something is out of whack? What is a whack?

Why does "slow down" and "slow up" mean the same thing?

Why does "fat chance" and "slim chance" mean the same thing?

Why is it called "after dark" when it really is "after light"?

Why are a "wise man" and a "wise guy" opposites?

Why is "phonics" not spelled the way it sounds?

If all the world is a stage, where is the audience sitting?

If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?

If you are cross-eyed and have dyslexia, can you read all right?

Why is bra singular and panties plural?

Why do you press harder on the buttons of a remote control when you know the batteries are dead?

How come abbreviated is such a long word?

Why do they call it a TV set when you only have one?

Christmas is weird. What other time of the year do you sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of your socks?

Posted by Dread purely as a temporary escape from reality.

Getting the Alphabet Right

This is the alphabet wrong:
This is somewhat better:

I prefer to do better yet. I have decided to dedicate the blog to another round of working through the alphabet. The limited readership here seemed to mildly enjoy and take interest in the last exercise of the elementary. I haven't decided the best path for that as yet. I am entertaining three theories. One is noticing three good things each day and emphasizing those, following the lead of Clare at Three Beautiful Things (alphabetically of course). Another would be to just randomly pick up an item or items each day similar to Sandy at So Many Blessings, also alphabetically of course. Or a completely different approach similar to the divine Miss N at SCGirlyGrl. All three are linked over there ---->

I may just take a dual approach, and work in my own odd twist. You would expect that of me anyway and be disappointed at any less wouldn't you? Yes things seem to have an eccentric odd twist to them, just as a natural course of order here beneath the Carolina moon. If you've ever read anything about disruptive technology, then you probably get the idea of the results of my subtle work. I'm not considered to be a disruptive person, yet my vapor trail cuts a strange pattern in the sky that leaves the view a bit different; hopefully for the better, and hopefully lasting.

I shall make up my mind and get started again on the alphabet shortly. Today I have a run to make out of town for a meeting that may or may not change the course of many lives, for the better or maybe just not at all; hopefully none for the worse. I shall sit and nod approval or scrunch my face in an "I don't quiet agree" expression. I intend to raise questions to guide in good directions. In the end, I may or may not make a difference. I will have been prepared, tried my best ways of influence, and given it my best shot. At the end of the day that's all we can do. Our full impact may still be years away. I shall pray for guidance, and that insight will be brought to the process. I also invite your prayers.

Soon, I shall start again with the alphabet. When I do, you will eventually see the pattern of my madness. I hope it will be a positive pattern to make a positive difference. In the meantime, visit the friendly links over there ---->, and lift a prayer.

Posted by Dread from beneath the Carolina moon.

Sundial Sunday

There are sundials out there with the following incription: “My face marks the sunny hours. What can you say of yours?” I couldn’t find but one pic of this dial on the net and it wouldn’t let me copy. So, there’s no pic for today’s post. Would this sundial and quote actually illustrate my blog post today? Not really, but then I don’t think it really matters.

An illustration that makes a point is an illustration that makes a point; even if it is a different point, or an off subject point. As this world fits together, in some mysterious way, everything is eventually relevant.

As you can tell from the dates of the most previous post and this one, I’ve taken something of an unannounced break from blogging. My entries dwindled down and then stopped. For one thing, I wasn’t sure what direction to take the blog after the alphabet work-out was complete. For another thing, life has had my head a bit gummy. That should also be evident from the most immediate past post.

I’ve blamed life, but actually, I think I brought the head gumminess upon myself. We usually do, and then want to blame people and things outside of us. But what do I know. I am but human. I live in the deep south. Our culture is emotionally charged. Sooner though, or later, if I listen close enough, the Heavenly Father will speak through the Spirit, or light a path, or perhaps both.

I am grateful for the paths that I have had laid before me during my life, and all the wonderful people and experiences that are now ingrained as a part of me. I am grateful for the opportunity to open my heart. My regrets are when I strayed off the path.

I have prayed prayers of gratefulness over the past few days, and also prayers with requests. I seek. Matthew 7;7: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”

Of course in all of these, it is we who must take the first step. Today I will pray with repentance, gratitude, and praise. Yes, I’ve a few requests also. I expect that somehow things are going to turn to accomplish God’s will. His beauty and mystery will unfold, and as is His nature, He will give as we are ready, and willing, to receive.

Psalms 62:1&2, “Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense, I shall not be greatly moved."

Posted by Dread from somewhere beneath the Carolina moon, in a place with a missing sundial.

Up In Bassackward Side Down Out

That’s the way things get turned sometimes. It doesn’t mean things won’t work just as well as they ordinarily do. It just may take a little different approach to get equivalent results. Additionally, sometimes previously unknown benefits are also discovered.

There’s an upside, a down side, a front side, and a back side to everything. Sometimes, they all come together and collide. It can make for an interesting time here beneath the Carolina Moon.

Posted by Dread who has found mental contortions to be more difficult than physical ones. Pray for relief. Pray for relief.

Skipping & TBTing

As anyone can see below, I skipped Wednesday through Friday. Hey, stuff happens. Today, I’m TBTing a brief post. TBTing is the habit of noticing three beautiful things during the day. The idea comes from Clare whose blog is linked over there -->

Here are my TBT’s for today:

Snuggling in the drowsy wee morning hours

The first sip of my first morning cup of coffee, coursing its way down, warming my insides, and waking every nerve ending in its path

My dog, Andy’s delight in sharing my cheese toast

Posted by Dread who finds many beautiful things each day beneath the Carolina moon.

Today is the 14th and Yesterday was Too!

Today is the 14th of November but yesterday was the 14th year of CPU time I’ve contributed toward cancer research. I haven’t been contributing CPU time for 14 years, I’ve just managed to load and run the software on enough computers since 2001 to add up to a total of 14 years worth of computing time. Let me clear this up a bit. I run a distributed computing program as a volunteer.

Distributed computing is where a large project, such as computing how a chemical would fit into or perhaps interact with a cancer cell, can be broken down to smaller parts. Each small part can be run on a small personal computer (PC) and then the whole of the results can be combined again. What is very neat about this is that everyday people like us who know nothing about doing cancer cell or drug treatment research can have a very active part in finding drugs to use against cancer.

It works like this; a central computer or server center over a internet connection serves up bits of the project to volunteers like you and me. The volunteers’ computers compute the data as a screen saver, and or as a background operation when they aren’t using their computer, then return the completed data to the server and pick up another block of data to process. It’s all done automatically so the computer isn’t slowed down when the owner wants to use it, but instead takes advantage of the time that the computer is actually turned on but no one is doing anything on it. You can load the software on as many computers as you would like and the software will keep up with all of your installations and inform you of its progress. It’s really just that simple and makes a great contribution toward finding cures for various cancers.

Have any of my computer installations been involved in a cure found to date? I don’t know, and probably never will. People who do this do it for reasons other than fame. Actually some continue to run the software because they are fascinated by the molecule models displayed in the screen saver. But no matter your motive. It makes a valuable contribution toward relieving much suffering and unnecessary and untimely loss of lives. Already there is a link in my sidebar for breast cancer awareness and support. Now I will also be adding a link to where you can get involved at no cost to yourself. You computer has central processing unit (CPU) power and abilities that you don’t even touch. Put it work for a good cause!

You can learn more about this exciting project and how to get involved here:

http://www.grid.org/projects/cancer/

I can’t remember whose slogan it is or exactly how it goes, but the essence is, “The life you save may be your own, or someone’s you love.”

Posted by Dread who has anxiously awaited this milestone, all while right here, beneath the Carolina Moon.

Twenty Six

Is Twenty six a significant number? It’s two thirteens, which with thirteen being bad and all makes me unsure. If that’s true then our calendar is a bad thing. Each quarter of the year consists of thirteen weeks. There are twenty six weeks in six months, and four thirteens of course in the year, or fifty two weeks. But actually, fifty two weeks only amounts to three hundred and sixty four days, which is one day shy of a full year. There are really fifty two weeks and one day in the year, not just fifty two weeks even.

Twenty six weeks and one half day is actually one half of the year. Now if you’re one of those think ahead people you already figured out that there is no month that has a half day in it. So, six months really isn’t exactly a half of a year. It’s either a day short or a day over, but not exactly half a year. The reason being, you can’t divide 365 days into two equal whole numbers.

So what has this discussion of calendar math to do with the sleeping puppy? I figured that anyone who read all of this would be a sleeping puppy by the time they got this far, so… But anywho, today I celebrate twenty six weeks and one day of being nicotine free. And that my friends is truly a six months passage. Actually it’s been 38 weeks and a day since I smoked. This afternoon will be twenty six weeks and two days, and thirty eight weeks and two days respectively. I used the lozenges method to drop the cigarettes over a twelve week period, hence the twelve week split between time spent not smoking and time spent nicotine free.

Okay, so my twenty six isn’t as exciting as the TV show 24. The TV show is fiction. My life has changed for the better, for real. That’s pretty exciting to me! Thanks for listening. You can go back to sleep now. Lately, I’ve been sleeping pretty good, here beneath the Carolina moon.

Posted by Dread who thanks God for the stream of positive change, and prays to keep it flowing.

Today I Take a Pause

Today I take a pause for a formal introduction of the good Ms Kessler that I mentioned, and copped a pic from, earlier this week. I have added her blog link ("So Many Blessings!") to my list of links over there --->

Ms Kessler is an English teacher who fully gets it, that choosing the right message, and communicating that message, is way more important than grammar, punctuation, or for that matter spelling or even words, when a picture will do just as well or better. She says she’s retired, but I give you the following quote from her blog; “Some people come into our lives and they touch us in certain ways. Others fill our hearts to overflowing and we are never ever the same again.”

Ms Kessler, you may be retired formally, but in act you are not.

I have a feeling that there are a lot of people out there, who are wonderful people that every day, make other people's day, because someone once filled their heart to overflowing, and they were never the same again. I have an even stronger feeling that Sandy Kessler is one of those.

God has a purpose for each of us for each day that we are here. The fact that we’re even here today is proof enough of that for me. What may happen to us tomorrow is of no consequence. It is what He has for us to do today that matters. Do it with all your heart.

Posted by Dread who wonders why someone else’s apples always seem the sweetest. But, that’s okay, because we share, here beneath the Carolina Moon!

Z is a "Z" Word

In today's world of slang, the letter Z is also a word, perhaps more so than X. So there we have it. The beginning of the alphabet A is a word as is the end, Z. The English equivalent of the Greek alpha and omega. The beginning and the end.

So I was wrong about X. Shoot me! Well, please don't take that literally. There are people out there who would love to have permission to do just that; and shoot me. I can't say that I blame them, but that's a story (or several actually) for another day. At any rate, no doubt in the American slang use of Z, it is a word. And just a few days ago I thought A and X were the only two letters that stood alone as words in their own right, even if one of them wasn't official. Now we have one official, A, and two American slang, unofficial, common use (I guess common use is like common law) letter words, X and Z.

The thought has occurred to me, that as text messaging moves forward in our culture, I'll stand for further correction. For now, this post completes at least my first foray into the alphabet. I haven’t answered the question as yet of what will come next here beneath the Carolina moon. Another trip through the alphabet? A walk through numbers? Back to my nothing but rambling thoughts and mental sputters? I’m just not so sure at this point. One ending is always another beginning. Life and energy are cycles and circles. Unlike crop circles, they are true mysteries. There is never an ending without a beginning, even here, beneath the Carolina moon.

Posted by Dread who has entered a new cycle or perhaps has been enveloped by one. Either way, life has changed phases, but God continues to bless each day.

Yarmulke is a “Y” Word

What is interesting to me about the yarmulke is it’s widespread use by masses with very little plausible explanation. I may be offending a large population of people, whom I don’t really mean any offence to, but I bet a good whopping percent of people wearing a yarmulke (or kippah) really don’t have a clue why they wear it except to conform. I’ll leave it to Rabbi Shraga Simmons to explain it. If you’re interested in an explanation, you can find his here: Yarmulke Explained

If I read this correctly, and the good Rabbi is correct, there is no scriptural basis for the yarmulke. Hey! Maybe I’m wrong! Please correct me, and point me in the right direction (scriptural) if I am wrong. Personally, I think most people who wear the yarmulke, wear it not for the Rabbi’s explanation, but for the same reason a policeman wears a policeman’s hat. It says he’s a cop. There’s nothing wrong with that either. A lot of Christians wear crosses for the same reason. Graduates from the University of South Carolina wear USC rings, street gangs wear colors, militia wear uniforms, sports fans sport sports paraphernalia.

The point I’m getting to in all of this is that we all want a sense of belonging. It’s a basic human desire, and at the end of the day, scriptural basis or not, the yarmulke is an outward sign, and especially an inward reminder, to the wearer, that they belong and are a part of something greater than themselves, and share likeness with others.

I’ve probably managed to offend with this post, but at least, at core, they are a peaceful people who only attack when physically attacked. Ideology shouldn’t be an offence punishable by death. But danger lurks everywhere.

There’s a full moon today. 100%. And, definitely a new phase is beginning. Will it be a phase for the better or worse? I’m hopeful for the best. But, either way, life is taking a turn. Radical change is afoot. Could it be any other way here, beneath the Carolina moon?

Posted by Dread who doesn’t wear a yarmulke, a cross, a class ring, gang colors, a uniform, nor a cop hat (although he does own a Detroit Tigers cap, and is unashamed of it), but still has a sense of belonging, a sense of being one of God’s children, a sense of being forgiven his shortcomings and sins through the sacrifice of Jesus the son of God. And is still fault riddled, just forgiven, and perhaps on occasion, guided a little straighter than he would have been.

X has become an "X" Word

There was a day that there were no rating systems for movies. Then we started with the PG 13, R, X, and somehow I guess skipped over to XXX, or as its called triple X. Well I don't have anything X rated to say today except that X has now become a word on our cultural landscape. Strange that it and "A" are the only two letters that I am aware of that are actually used as words (at least in the US). While "ex", the prefix, has also become an abreviated slang word, it doesn't mean the same as X.

The pic posted today would make for a good ad for an X rated comedy, but honestly, I haven't a clue where it originated. I stole it off of another blog, a fascinating, irreverent blog by, well what else, another southerner. It's quirky. Did I have to tell you that? Check out "So Many Blessings" , and tell Ms Kessler that I sent you with my regards.

Hopefully I'll be linking her blog here more permanently. We'll see. Being a retired English teacher, she may abruptly faint at my grammar and punctuation. Or, maybe she'll just send me hate mail. Oddly enough, I haven't had any of that lately. Perhaps I could stand a good straightening out on the word X?

Posted by Dread who suspects there are proportionately as many quirky eccentrics beneath the Florida moon as there are beneath the Carolina moon, and as many X rated thoughts.

Wow is a “W” Word

It was a real hard decision to pass up Word as the “W” word, and also passing up Woman was excruciating. But I had to settle on Wow. Wow describes both Word and Woman. It also describes finally making it to numero uno in a Google search. Never mind that I actually had a web site once, on my own server, named Beneath the Carolina Moon. If you did a search on Google or any other search engine for Beneath the Carolina Moon, you would come up with a book by Nora Roberts, a store in Columbia, SC, an old song, and general gobble-de-gook, but not my web site.

Today just on impulse, I did a Google search for Beneath the Carolina Moon and taah daah! This blog is the top listing, number one, top of the heap! I’ve never been the top of the heap, even in a pile of one, so this is really something to me! Naturally I said, “Wow!” Then as I thought about it, Word is wow. Woman is wow (especially the divine Miss N). So, Wow it is for the “W” word.

Yah know there are a lot of wow things in this universe, and wow stuff, and just wowness period. God is wow. Miss N is wow. The world is a bit wow. I hope to have a wow weekend, and I imagine I will. Beginning today and then the next two days will probably be wow for me, but then those could be like, “Oh wow.” or “Wow!” Time will tell. And, the truth of the matter is, there’s a lot of wow here beneath the Carolina Moon, enough for everybody. Get your share.

Posted by Dread who has been experiencing a lot of wow coming back into his life lately. Yeah, a whole lot of wow! Thank you God for the wow! Wow!

Value is a “V” Word

If you read that quote very (another "V" word) carefully you will find it a bit confuzzling. Never mind that. You will have your own valuable idea from it, and that's what matters. I had a difficult time picking from all the worthy “V” words for a word of the day. There seems to be so many positive and beautiful “V” words. I never realized! Maybe it’s more a matter of my outlook than dictionary. Honestly I haven’t looked in the dictionary yet, but already I have; victory, vim, vigor, vitality, vivacious, voluptuous, validation, valuable, vibrant, vision, virgin, virtue, vegetables, vanilla, veracity, vigilance, vindication, virtuoso, and vacation. Yes, even vaccination is a beautiful thing. Although it can be painful to receive, it prevents disease.

Do you have any positive and beautiful “V” words to share? Then post them in the comments. Meanwhile, let your value as a human being shine in all your words, not just “V” words.

Posted by Dread, who for the last several days of rushing about, has had a need for speed, or to put it in “V” terms, a value for velocity.

Ultimate is the Ultimate “U” Word

Any day when you learn something really neat is an ultimate day. What I learned today made me feel like I had totally missed something for the past four decades that there is no way that I should have missed. I have truly been out of it! I must be the ultimate cultural disconnect. How could I have missed ultimate? If that sentence didn’t make sense to you then you may join me on the sidelines and learn the rules of ultimate (hint: it’s a sport).

I just know I would have loved this sport! I still will be interested in playing if there are teams or groups playing within a decade or two of my age range. Unlike most American sports, especially ones founded in this country, this one does not involve a ball of any kind. It’s actually a Frisbee or Discraft game…discs made by Discraft are more commonly used than the Frisbee which is made by Wham-O or the Daredevil Discs.

Alright enough about technical trivia of the sport. Ultimate is written up on Wikipedia very nicely. To learn all you ever wanted to know, but probably not everything you will want to know about Ultimate, click the link below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultimate_(sport)#The_early_days_.28late_1960s.29

I bet when you read that today’s word was ultimate that you didn’t expect a post about a sport named ultimate. Well when I began this post, neither did I. But that seems to be the typical ebb and flow of life here beneath the Carolina moon. We get a lot of things in life we didn't expect.

Just because we don't think up somehting, doesn't mean that someone else doesn't, particularly God who also has a special affinity with the word Ultimate. If you don't believe what I have to say about it, just ask Him. He has the Ultimate Word on the Ultimate Matter and that my friends is ultimately all that really matters. To consult His Ultimate Word, click this link below.

http://www.biblegateway.com/

Posted by Dread, who owns a yellow, smiley face, Wham-O, Frisbee, and has declared today at his office to be Ultimate Monday. The first ten people to register will get preferential treatment, a free lollypop, and encouragement to pursue their ultimate blessing.

Trivial is a “T” Word

Trivial is a word I’ve come to appreciate, especially when associated with words like; trouble, problem, difficulty, concern, nuisance, predicament, setback, worry, pain, annoyance, hurt, frustration, aggravation, upset, irritation, disappointment, disturbance, malady, disease, sickness, injury and regret. When you put trivial in front of any of those words it immediately lightens the load by a huge factor; that is if trivial is truly the proper adjective.

Sometimes when our days deliver interruptions or distractions by masses of trivial matters, while we are in pursuit of what we consider greater goals, we become agitated to no end. Our impatience grows. Our tempers flare up. But it is precisely on those days we should be truly thankful for the trivial that has crowded out the major. After all, which had you rather have, several trivial, easily overcome setbacks, or one major difficult setback? Call me lazy but when it comes to troubles, I’ll take trivial over major any day.

Yesterday was one of those days of trivial bothers. At the end of the day though, with all things considered, life was good. There have certainly been worse days. I’m not giving a long narration of the trivial troubles of the day to bore you with, but here’s the short list:

My Palm Pilot slipped off my belt and fell into the toilet.
Rushed out forgetting to brush my teeth, after having garlic sauce on my pizza the night before.
Stepped in a big pile of dog pooh on the lawn, didn’t notice until it was all over my shoes and pants legs.
Repeatedly turned over my coffee mug in the truck until it all was wasted but three sips.
Miss N and I waited and waited and tolerated while the phone company piddled with getting her line hooked up so she could gain net access from home. In the end they didn’t finish the job.
I misplaced the tiny tubing adaptor/fitting for the fish pond water pump I was installing at work, which is a long story and I was in a hurry to get back to Miss N’s cause the weirdo phone guy was coming back, and the fish needed to be put back in filtering circulating water – near panic.
One of the buckets I was using transferring fish and plants to the pond had a leak in the side and… just say it was another mess to clean up.
Then there was dinner, which I don’t even want to go into.
There was a phone call from my mother that was rather cryptic.
Another shall we say social occasion with just plain obviously bad timing or something.
And finally I kept Miss N up on the computer way past either of our normal bed times.

In between all that, hopefully nothing else that I didn’t notice went very badly wrong. I did eventually get my teeth brushed, cleaned up some of the material messes, found lost objects, and most things were working by the end of the day. I’ve probably left a few people wondering about my sanity, but that’s not such a new thing. The point is, most of this stuff is trivial when taken in perspective of the big picture of life, and all of the really horrible things we hope and try to avoid.

When I went to sleep last night, everyone as far as I knew was safe, most of the trivial problems encountered during the day were overcome, and as a friend used to say, “Hey, at least nobody was killed.” I had hoped to make today a little better of a day, but so far I’ve hit the stumbling block of “what do you do when nothing goes particularly wrong?” I figure its just a matter of making plans and then trying to act on them. As it is, I forgot to make plans for today. Well not completely, just not many.

Posted by Dread who prefers trivial troubles to no plans at all.

Sourcefork is an “S” Word

Sourcefork is an “S” Word, and I just made it up! (I’m so proud of myself) So what is a sourcefork? A sourcefork is what occurs when you back trace something from its feeder sources and encounter a fork. For example; when traveling up stream through a river and you encounter a fork where two tributaries come together to form or contribute to the river, that’s a sourcefork.

One should not confuse a forward fork with a sourcefork. A forward fork is like a fork in the road you encounter. You choose one path or the other. A sourcefork is like merging traffic. Something you maybe didn’t expect or maybe did, but it is added to what is already moving along the path.

People tend to look at life as a series of cross roads and forks in the road, at which they have to make choices, and those choices decide their life outcomes. Well I’m telling you life’s highway has cross roads, forks, and a whole lot of on-ramps. That means there’s tons of traffic joining you that you didn’t personally invite on your life’s trip. So now you know where all those good, aggravating, sweet, dangerous, inspiring, depressing, brilliant, idiots came from; sourceforks.

Now, I know sourcefork could be two words, source, and fork, but then it wouldn’t be a new word; just a new term. I liked the idea of having a unique word coined on this blog. First, inventing anything new is always so kewl (yes I spell kewl differently). Secondly, if you have a unique word on your blog that no one else has, and if anyone else ever has the same thought, or just gets brain stupid and types it into Google, well there you are, not only number one in the list, but also the only one in the list. At least in theory, that’s the way it works. I suppose this will be a live test of sourcefork. Who knows what will happen? That’s the way life is here beneath the Carolina moon; full of sourceforks you didn’t know existed, until you look back. Which is a subject for another day.

Posted by Dread whose life has had and continues to have more crossroads, forks, and sourceforks than he ever expected. The skills of dodging idiots in merging traffic and potholes, while not confusing an off ramp with a fork, continue to be necessary skills of growing significance. Courteous drivers and compatibly tempered passengers are appreciated deeply. And, you thought learning to parallel park was the toughest part of driving?

(post log: if you ever find a word that Google can’t find, use it quick. I don’t think Google ever gives up, nor that we're only one, or number one. sourcefork sourcefork sourcefork sourcefork sourcefork sourcefork sourcefork sourcefork sourcefork sourcefork sourcefork there!)

Remarkable is and “R” Word

Once again I’ve read over all the “Blogs of Note” on the Blogger front page. The last time I did that I found Three Beautiful Things, which was in reality the only blog of note that day, and has been ever since. I linked Three Beautiful Things here and still read it every day. Today’s Blogs of note, truly aren’t, at least in my book. A blog of note should be truly remarkable, like Three Beautiful Things. Why would a bad or sorry blog, a boring one at the very best, be called a blog of note?

But then, we all have good days and bad days. I think the difference is some people just take whatever kind of day they are handed and make it a remarkable day on almost every day. These are remarkable people, and they make life better for the remainder of us. I’m glad we have them sprinkled about here and there. I don’t consider myself remarkable, but I do consider myself fortunate to know many remarkable people. They make my life remarkable. If you are one of them, thank you! You probably don’t realize who you are, but thank you anyway.

The pic today is of a magnolia blossom. The magnolia tree, except for its giant sweet scented blossoms, is an unremarkable tree. But taken as a whole with its heady scented blossoms, it becomes a remarkable symbol of the deep south. All in all, it’s a rather remarkable place to live, here beneath the Carolina moon.

Posted by Dread, who lately has had days, which weren’t bad. Given the recent months’ track record, that’s pretty remarkable.

Quiz is a “Q” word

Quiz is not usually a fun word. But a fellow blogger pointed me toward a page of odd, fun quizzes. Quiz Meme is the site name. I took the candy quiz to find out what kind of candy I am. I’m not telling! It wasn’t what I thought or wanted to be, so I was a bit disappointed. You can figure out your own candy. There are other oddball quizzes there also ranging from “What color are you?” to …well see for yourself at this link:
http://www.quizmeme.com/

Also if you really, really just have to know, you can take the nerd test here:
http://www.nerdtests.com/ft_nq.php

After taking those two quizzes, if you’re still feeling quizzical, ask yourself this question. Is this normal, or do I need to seek help? I’m not going to tell you what my answer to that one was either. I did discover an endless supply of quizzes out there on the net. If you want to spend your life taking quizzes, it is possible.

I also discovered that while police “question” suspects, witnesses, and persons of interest here in the US, in the UK it seems they “quiz” them. So, what’s the difference between a question and a quiz? Is that a question or a quiz?

Posted by Dread who on even his best days has more questions than he does answers, but most of the time, enjoys the challenges, and knows there is a single ultimate answer to all questions that have ever been posed or ever will. Whether question or quiz, you will hear many answers. But, ultimately there is but one Truth.

Passion, Politics, Power are “P” Words

Is this person someone we know? Actually there is an uncanny resemblance erh? So what has this picture of Marilyn got to do with passion, politics, and power? Passion, politics, and power in that order can be a good thing, reverse, or mix it up, and it can be a deadly thing.

Miss “N” was just last week telling me some things she had read recently concerning the untimely demise of Marilyn Monroe. How ironic that I would, while surfing around today, run across an article on the Reader’s Digest site, addressing some of the issues mentioned by, Miss “N”. It was very intriguing reading.

One avenue that the RD article didn’t go down was the connection between the Sam (Momo) Giancana family and JFK. The connection between Hollywood and La Cosa Nostra is common knowledge, and given the info in the RD article, it’s conceivable, for various reasons, that Marilyn was murdered. Especially since; (a) plans to murder or overthrow Fidel Castro may have been discussed by either or both, Bobby Kennedy and or JFK, in front of or even with Marilyn, and (b) it is also known that Sam Giancana also met with CIA reps concerning the potential murder of Castro, and (d) one could go on and on about the Mafioso and the Kennedys, and Castro, and womanizing, and double crosses, but I will give it a rest here.

Was Marilyn Monroe murdered in a manner to look like suicide and discredit her? Did she accidentally overdose? Did she intentionally just do herself in? The Reader’s Digest article is intriguing and informative, but of course, leaves so much unanswered. I give it a 4 out of 5. I think the subject bears further investigation. Do I smell a full length book in the making? Anyway, I recommend the article:

Bombshell
44 years after Marilyn Monroe's tragic death, just released government documents raise new questions about what really happened. By Anthony Summers
http://www.rd.com/content/openContent.do?contentId=29501

Power never was all it’s cracked up to be. Politics isn’t what it used to be. That just leaves passion. Which, brings me back to where this post started. Politics is always about either passion or power, or both. Power for the sake of power is an empty accomplishment. But passion? You don’t want to step out in front of that train.

I have a few things in my life that I’m passionate about; the divine Miss “N” being at the top of the list. They say that Marilyn was very smart also, maybe too smart. Maybe she came to know too much. And you know, she was almost as pretty as Miss “N”; almost. Too bad that she didn’t have the centering and strong anchoring that Miss “N" has. Things might have been different for her. For more reading on this subject also see these brief articles:
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/JFKcampbellJ.htm

Posted by Dread, who missed Miss “N” fiercely all day yesterday, but has high hopes of seeing her today.

Opportunity is an “O” Word

"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."~ Albert Einstein ~

Yes, deja vu. I’ve used that quote before, and not too long ago. I’m using it again. I use it frequently. It’s usually not easy to see or find or act on the opportunity, but it’s there. There are opportunities to ease the pain of someone who is hurting more than you, hungry, lost, confused, or just plain misguided.

The greatest opportunities cost no money, only effort. They are usually partially open doors that we just need to give a push or step through. Too bad we are usually busying ourselves beating on the door that just closed and locked behind us. How is it, we close doors all around us, and sit complaining about all the noise made by opportunity knocking? Don’t beat yourself up. We all do it. Even here, beneath the Carolina moon.

Posted by Dread, who hasn’t particularly looked forward to weekenders for a while, but for no particular conscious reason, has a spark of optimism that the weekender will uncover a hidden opportunity.

____ is my "N" Word

I’ve tried finding a suitable “N” word and haven’t found one I can share. I could have picked some flower name, but that would be a cheap out. There are so many either negative, nasty or naughty words that start with N that there's no reason to share here. But the truth is, I know of a few beautiful N’s, but one in particular tops my list. I can't think of other N words when she is on my mind. A mental block? No. A mental saturation.

She wouldn’t want me to make mention here, nor post a picture, so I won’t. Still, she is the most beautiful N in the world, and the only N that really matters to me. All of the other N words can just go fluttering away with the wind. In fact, I’m going to just cut this post off right here, and go get ready to leave for work. The quicker I get to work, the sooner I get my work done, and the sooner I can leave to go see my beautiful and loving N.

So, she’s the “N” word for today; the one I’m not mentioning. So for now, the “N” word is a secret at least to you.

Posted by Dread who has found the term “significant other” to be a preposterous understatement; is realizing this post will be meaningless to all but maybe a very few people, but is still feeling happiness in making it; and has started looking forward to most days with optimism, even when by public standards optimism isn’t warranted, because most days it really is.

Mystery is an "M" Word

Now I’ll give you a mystery, with hidden treasure, and pirates. You will laugh, you will think and reason, but not overly deep. You will meet the pirates, solve one mystery, raise another, and come away with all the answers you sought, but also burdened with more questions. That is unless you are of lesser intelligence than what I hope my readers are.

Here is the mystery. Why was this South Carolina town named Sugar Tit? This town actually once existed, but I don’t think it was ever incorporated, and later merged with another. I understand that the first ever BubbaFest was held there, featuring a wading pool of grits, a moon pie toss, a drawing for a second hand refrigerator, etc. So there we are, but left with the mystery of the name.

Are you ready to meet the pirates?
Go here: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoID=662937998

Are you ready to solve the mystery?
Go here: http://www.rootsweb.com/~txrober2/Stewart2.htm

Ah, the treasure? You’re on your own for that one. You’ve been given enough hints. Carpe diem! Go find it!

Posted by Dread who knows today will be dreary, with overcast skies and rain, but is trying to make it fun, and brighten up the day, or drive everyone crazy in the effort; but truly doesn’t believe in forced conformity, nor mean to be offensive. Erstwhile, he would have written about cities in Austria. Okay, never mind that.

Looking is an “L” Word

Looking Back, Looking at Now, Looking Forward to a Cure
Looking back; 1984 was the last time the Tigers were in a World Series. (World Series Champions 1935, 1945, 1968, 1984) I’ve dug out my old navy blue cap with the white old English “D”. These are hard to come by these days, and were made popular, and a bit scarce, during the Tom Selleck, Magnum PI, TV show days.

Looking at now; oh yeah, it could happen. Detroit could win. Outside of Detroit, there are what, maybe six fans? I took crap from my playmates as a kid for being a Detroit fan. Hey, so what? They were NY Yankees fans for crying out loud! These days, I mostly pull for Atlanta, but, if Atlanta can’t win, then definitely the team of my youth, Detroit! So we’ll see where this all goes.

Looking forward to a cure; a subject or rather cause that is near and dear to my heart is finding a cure for breast cancer. Actually, I contribute toward finding cures and preventions for all types of cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I don’t want people to just be aware of it, I want to see you get involved in prevention, early detection to increase cure rates, and yes ultimately, a complete prevention and cure. Please get involved! Click the link below, and do something!

http://health.yahoo.com/breastcancerawareness06

There will also be a perminant pink ribbon link on the side bar now.

Kiss is a “K” Word

I pondered and thought over the proper word for this “K word” post and just couldn’t get kiss off my mind. A kiss to me seems to be one of the most beautiful things in the world. Lips touching whatever and whoever is being kissed, lips touching lips, gentle smacks, nibbles… all beautiful… especially so or more especially so, for someone that is loved. The kiss of two lovers is near the perfection of human communication. The kiss says more than any language known to exist, because it is part of the language of the heart.

Have a really great weekender! Me? I'm going to give it my best go!

Posted by Dread who had multiple really superduper quadupulous, make you melt in your tracks, kisses today. All from the one wonderful person that matters, that speaks the langauge of his heart; fluently.

Joy is a "J" word

Joy is a word often associated with Christmas, and then completely neglected the remainder of the year. There is joy in much that we do, touch, see, hear, etc. There are people in our lives that bring us great joy just by their presence. We should celebrate the joy we encounter each da,y as readily as we lament the inconveniences and sorrows that litter our life’s walk.

I wish day wrecker people could just be ignored, while day makers could be promoted to the front page of the newspaper, with a the caption “Made Someone’s Day Great!” I think a lot of us do that, and maybe that’s why Katie Couric’s audience share has steadily fallen since her shift to the CBS evening news. Her demeanor also shifted. She went from being cutesy beaming, bubbly Katie to being seriously intense, to the point of appearing like a blonde Maria Shriver, dull edged, bubble popper.

This image is a screenshot of a copyrighted television program or station ID. As such, the copyright for it is most likely owned by the company or corporation that produced it. It is believed that the use of a limited number of web-resolution screenshots for indentification and critical commentary on the stattion ID or program and its contents on this webblog for non profit purposes qualifies as fair use under the US copyright law. Any other uses of this image may be copyright infringement.

Although I personally was never overly impressed with her, evidently many people were, and she had a vast audience on the Today Show. The joy she previously relayed to her audience (whether it was faked or real) is gone. But then, I guess that it’s hard to report the Iraq casualty toll, and an atomic bomb test in North Korea by a mad man, with any joy. Maybe if they hired that guy from ABC, (the one that always has a painful wince on his face), to report the bad stuff for her, and she followed it with joyful stuff, it would help her audience share.

I really am not qualified to comment much about this, since I don’t watch TV news, but have only glimpsed it as it was coming on. When you see the expressions on the news anchors’ faces, you just know they don’t have anything joyful to report, so I turn it off. I read the headlines off the net each morning, then look for something good to happen. Despite some of the bad stuff, usually there are still more things to be joyful about than bad stuff to be wrecked up over.

Even here in the deep south where we make an art of sorrowful suffering, we also find joy in the larger picture of our lives as well as life’s smaller pieces. I look for Katie Couric to get her ratings back up then, gracefully resign, saying she is grateful to CBS for the opportunity, but it’s just not what she wants to do with the rest of her life. In short, at the end of the day, I hope the poor girl goes for the joy. Because, if you’re accomplishing what others envy, but you’re unhappy, it sucks like swamp mud.

Posted by Dread who thinks helping others find and celebrate the joy in their lives could be a worthy quest for anyone; and joyful; and further, agrees with you that this post is a paradox at best, and probably oxymoronic, but found a bit 'o joy in creating it.

Interest is an "I" word

Banks (greedy bastardos) are very interested in interest. But today I'm not writing about that kind of interest. I find the term “a person of interest” to be a phrase of interest. A lot of people are interesting, outside of crime solving circles and circumstances. Today I’ve added two blogs of interest to my links list. They interest me, and if they interest you that’s swell. If not, then don’t fret over it. I’ll use the links as easy to follow access for myself. They won’t be wasted.

I read all of the “Blogs of Note” listed on the Blogger home page, and found that none of them were, but one. I have linked it over there -> and it’s called Three Beautiful Things. I’ve linked it because I liked it and probably will eventually read it all and follow it. It will remind you of haiku, but different, and maybe some books you’ve read.

It’s not by a Carolina blogger, but one from Turnbridge Wells, Kent, United Kingdom. I agree with Blogger, Three Beautiful Things is a blog of note, hence I have added it to the links. You’re gonna love this girl’s attitude. Three Beautiful Things is more than an attitude, its a philosophy if you will. I highly recomend the blog and the practice.

Also another blog I’ve followed for a few weeks and find amusing, The Sudden Curve, has been added to the links. It’s maintained by, or rather sporadicly maintained by, a crew consisting mainly of Bob Wallace and Tom Novak. It’s odd, quriky, and unapologeticly gets in your face at times; most of the time actually. And, no matter who you are or how well behaved, it does you good to have someone in your face every once in a while; to just wake you up and remind you of where you stand, what you like and don’t, and who you are.

Well, I don’t think The Sudden Curve actually does all that, but it’s kinda fun. If you can be told that gun control should be hitting what you aim at, and that good diversity is owning multiple types of handguns; then in the next thought, laugh at the Rainbow hippies putting a batallion of over armed police to rest with mere words, then you probably have a balanced mindset that can tolerate The Sudden Curve. But then, the blog does warn right in the title splash, “unsafe at any speed”. So, enter at your own risk.

Posted by Dread who has missed multiple doses of various medications in the past 48 hours, but is sleeping more and better, and feeling much better; and thinks you should balance medical advice with your own research and common sense.

Home is an "H" word

When you see past meeting present in some kind of whimsical manner, it always presents an oil and water type incompatibility of mix. Still, there's a certain element of odd stupidity that makes it simultaneously campy neat. There seems to be an element of incongruity that people like and embrace.

Thankfully, the past and present represented in the picture, are both now past. Even though I have an affinity for round and unusual shaped houses, I don't think I would welcome these in my neighborhood. Still you gotta admit, most kids would love'em. Can you imagine the coolness as a kid, and the embarrassment as a teen if your family lived in one of these?

Actually they were motel, or as they were known in the day, "motor court" rooms. They were somewhat unique even in their day. These wigwam motor court villages actually sprang up across America. I'm really glad they didn't make it into the home builder's portfolio.

At the end of the day though, all this got me to thinking a little wider, and triggered a question in my mind. Has any other culture been so bastardized, exploited, destroyed, then continuously bastardized, exploited, and kicked aside, as the Native American plains peoples? Historically, the people who came here, eventually treated their slaves better than they have treated the people who were already residing here.

I have to ask about two H words. But, never mind my question about "home". Just who is the "heathen"?


Posted by Dread, who only now occasionally drops in a line or two.

Gone is a "G" Word

Gone is easy to understand. Like Gone With the Wind, by Margaret Mitchel, a tragic character herself, also gone for some time now.



And Bob Marley, the Rasta Man who only asked for a piece of equality and the equality of peace. He was also notorious for asking for a piece, may he rest in peace.

Yes, GONE is easy to understand. This blog format just never has quiet found itself, or sprouted wings. In fact, if anything, it's degenerated several layers, until there's really nothing left to do but throw the baby out with the wash water. So, until I come up with something better to do with this space, I'm parking the keyboard.




If I get a burst of southern inspiration from time to time, I will find a vent for it. Meanwhile it's back to full tilt to my crappy job until it plays out.




May the damnyankees rot in hell a hundred years before they're missed on earth, and may the midwesterners beat them there by two hundred more. As for southern traitors who help them out, hell is too good for them. We're preparing them a special place
where they can watch their children grow up with their chosen comrads.






From beneath the Carolina moon, where life is always more than it appears to be, I will now take my pause, and leave. Thank you.

Dread

Fish is an "F" Word

Just for clarity, let me say up front that today we are talking about fish the verb, as in fish, fishing, fished. For instance if you go fishing around, you may get more fish than you anticipated, like the guys in the picture. There are fishing jobs too. Some people have fishing jobs they really like. Some people have fishing jobs they hate. I suppose fishing is a lot like everything else in life, a lot of whether or not you enjoy fishing, depends on who you're fishing with. And I guess the experience can be colored by whether or not you catch anything; and what.

Sometimes the hectic pace of life and just life circumstances, prevent us from getting to fish at all. Some people just have an aversion to fishing and therefore intentionally don't fish at all. I love to fish, but haven't in a long time. I really do look forward to someday fishing again, and on a regular basis.

You know I don't think I want to write anymore about fishing. This is supposed to be just a short fun blog post, and suddenly it seems to be leading somewhere else, if it ever got off the ground to start with. Tomorrow is "G"word day. That shouldn't be as difficult for my muddled head.

Posted by Dread, who wonders how you call something an "F" word, illustrate it with a giant catfish, and then write about it with clarity, dignity, or respect for the reader. Some days you try to reach beyond yourself, and just don't quiet make it. That's the way it is here beneath the Carolina moon.

Embarrassed is an "E" Word

My wife reads audio books. Yeah I don't get it either. When I read a book, I read it. When I listen to an audio recording, I listen. But, she says she reads audio books on tape and CD. Okay. I'll just accept that, and let it go at that.

The latest audio book she has is "Southern Fried Divorce". I read the synopsis of it on the net, and I don't like the scenario; seems sucky. A divorce should be just that; a divorce and done with it. Gone. Finished. Ahhh anyway, its just a book...an audio book..that she's "reading"..hmmkay.

I listen to the radio in the car on the way to work some days. I never read the radio, except the tuning dial. So there we have the exception. I can read the radio, when I read the dial. I always knew I was lacking something. Now I finally know what it is. I can read books and dials, but I can't read audio. Oh the shame of it! I'm so embarrassed I could just die! But, I won't.

In fact, I'm perfectly happy in my imperfection. Laaaah-deeee-daaaah! Okay, the truth: I'm not embarrassed; not in the least! But, embarrassed is an "E" word, here beneath the Carolina moon. Continuing the series here, tomorrow will be an "F" word.

Posted this day by Dread, who is slowly, but surely gaining momentum on once again having fun in life.

Day is a "D" word

It's Monday! A new week, a new day, and I'm reaching for a new attitude. (yes still!) If you don't like my attitude, then just wait 15 min. Its usually about as unpredictable as the weather. Speaking of the weather; the forecast was for storms and rain both Saturday and Sunday. Thankfully, the prognosticators missed it horribly, and the weather was beautiful all weekender.

You know, perhaps I take other peoples attitudes too seriously, along with my own. So, I'm going to do some fun stuff this week, some of which may offend, or not be so funny to a few. I'll try not to be overbearing with it. If you're overly sensitive or easily offended, then you may want to stay away from me this week. But then again, I may be good therapy for your condition. Who knows?

So, we start the week with a scene I've seen repeated a few times over the years beneath the Carolina moon on a hot summer day. And its always, just people having harmless fun. And the people who are shocked by it, usually aren't, and weren't to start with. (having fun)

Posted by Dread, who has learned in the last two months that whether you drown in your own sorrows or someone else’s, you still drown.

Swim! Love! Live!

Weekenders

WEEKENDERS RULE!!!










... and for a good reason too!!

Enjoy yours,

Dread

Confusion is a "C" Word

Confusion is about the most familiar thing in my life at the moment. But then we tend to be quiet the confusion factory here in the deep south. Lately it seems, there is an abundance of it. They must be selling off the surplus down at the confusion factory. Normally I would know since I work there, but they are moving the factory and I've been a little out of the loop. And since things are so loopy, that suits me just fine. It just leaves me a little confused about the confusion.

So, if this post seems a little confused by all the confusion, try not to get confused about it. I wasn't very confused when I started this post but now I am. Actually, I think I was confused before, but then I may be confused about that also. In all the confusion I seem to have lost track of my confusion. Gaaaah!

Confused beneath the Carolina moon,

Dread

Biatch is a "B" Word

The

Story

of

My

Life

.

.

.

Yes, there is more to life than just attitude, especially here, beneath the Carolina moon.

Dread

Attitude is an "A" Word

I really have been trying to work on my attitude. I realize that just because I work for heartless dogs of illegitimate birth, doesn't mean that I can't have a bright, healthy, optimistic attitude!

Speaking of attitudes; I thought the North Koreans might be interested in the fact that what they work at seriously, many Americans do for a weekend hobby. Are the North Koreans sure they want to continue firing those little toys around, and playing with radioactive materials? Do they realize the kind of people they are messing with? Below to wit:



The North Koreans really should seriously consider adjusting their attitude. Cause, sometimes, you know, our hobbies are more successful than their serious work.



And yah know a southern gentleman will smile, and be polite, and mannerly to you, right up to the split second before he gets mad enough to finally blow your freaking head off. And that's just the way it is, here beneath the Carolina moon; sometimes with an attitude.

Dread

"O wad some Power the giftie gie us To see oursels as ithers see us!"

From: To a Louse, by Robert Burns (as quoted daily here to the right->)

To a REAL louse! My boss as ithers see'im!

And, that's how I see it, beneath the Carolina moon.

Dread

TGIFF!

Thank God it's finally Friday!...Ha! You thought I was gonna use that other word didn't you? Plitttt!



It got crazier at work this week, another long timer was shown the door. That's two out the door this week. Soon there will be no one left that knows what they are doing. I plan to enjoy the weekendender, one way or the other, probably the other... Work will still suck on Monday, so I plan to let it lie there without my worry, all weekend. There! Take that neglect, you sucky work!

Dread

Moving Again!

I am moving my office for the eighth time since June 2004. Think about it. That's an average of less than four months per location and closer to three. You know what? I'm rather sick of it all. I keep having to remind myself; hey, it's just a job.

Dread

A Revisit? A Dream?

Perhaps Grandfather taught me of the many qualities of spirit, and there at his knee, I also learned of the beautiful qualities of spirit that later, I found in you.

You know who you are, as I know who you are. We have soared on the wind together, and celebrated the simple wonders that are life and love. We share wonders in replacing question with joy.

The brave and the wise know of the existence of the dark, but explore and gain their power in light. It is the angry, the foolish, and the greedy, who seek the power of hiding in darkness. In light there is joy, there is wisdom, there is generosity. True life, love, and light are one.

Perhaps I was led this path not to recall Grandfather, but to recall and apply his wisdom. Have I not prayed for wisdom? Tonight I sleep in peace, with assurance of the qualities of spirit that I have as my one that, I have found in my one, who joins me with the One.

There is assurance, there is joy, in the life, love, and light we share. It is not to be caught with a dream, but with our spirit. Such are the things we sometimes ponder, here beneanth the Carolina moon.

New Monday

Alrighty, It's another Monday, and a new week! We've just survived the lunacy of another full moon here, so there is reason to be thankful and rejoice.

The pic featured today, I took a couple of years ago off the north end of Carolina Beach, North Carolina. It was an early day for me so I managed to catch this sunrise peeking through the haze, floating above a super calm, almost flat, sea.

Each day here is like opening a gift wrapped package, you never know what it will hold for you. Such is life beneath the Carolina Moon, even at sunrise, on a Monday.

Yes, I know its 9/11. Life will never be the same. Complacency has a horrible price. I'm just not going there. Nuff said.

Dread