The difference between a fairy tale and a sea-story, as I’ve always been instructed, is the fairy tale begins with “Once upon a time…” whereas the sea story begins “This ain’t no shit now…”. I’ve been known to spin a few in my time. Tonight I was sent on an errand to the shoe store … More Shaggy Dogs, Tighty Whiteys, and Too-small Shoes.
I’m in Santa Fe visiting a good friend, enjoying being unsure, and practicing good behavior and being helpful rather than a hindrance. A tall order for an old geezer with control issues and feelings of inadequacy. Enough about me, how are you doing? Here is a repeat story from the past. It is one of … More Busy and Unsure. So What! That’s Life. Move Along, Sailor…
A favorite topic, the light and the dark of ourselves. I prefer more to wonder about the shadow. Our shadow is the part of us that is invisible to everyone; not just ourselves, to our own best friends or family or someone who is very familiar with our ways. The shadow would be the glass … More Dark and Light: Feeling the Two at Once.
I’ve been quiet for the past several weeks, relatively speaking. With hurricanes, attendant grief and loss, as well as this latest unimaginable murder of people in Las Vegas I have been overwhelmed. There has been no moment to myself that has not been contaminated with outside violence or mayhem of some sort. I haven’t had … More Florence Pushee and the Finger Bowl.
WE DIDN’T LEARN A THING Vietnam. Of course any war will do for this discussion. They’re all the same. Scared people armed to the teeth. Jumpy as shit and not fully aware of their purpose or duties. Unschooled in ethical behavior nor should they be for the job they’ve been handed. I recall when my … More Vietnam the TV Movie
I’ve given the concept of culture some thought and what I’ve discovered is that I am not a team player. As much as I admire groups for their work and desire to improve their surroundings I resist joining in the effort one hundred percent because there seems to be a hidden cost involved. The hidden … More CONFORMATIONAL INTELLIGENCE, SALIENT FEATURES, AND THE HORRORS OF GROUPTHINK
TUAREG I Have Sisters and Brothers Living in Mali Someone asked me recently if I’d ever tried writing in stream-of-conscious style. I can’t remember who it was even though it was just a few days ago. But today I clearly demonstrated to myself I can certainly think in that fashion. Especially if I have an … More Sahara Tribes, Touareg, and Toronados! Oh, my!
This is one of my favorite stories. It needs work still but is good enough to publish here. I touched it up this early morning so it is more readable than before. The story is true and happened just as it is told. All the characters have undergone name changes to protect…what, I don’t know. … More Paying Homage to Bill Shamphan
I have been reading some tantalizing stuff lately. Psych stuff. Knowing one’s self. Being present. Letting things unfold. Patience, tolerance, recognition of self in the place one is, where one lives and breathes. The Shadow. The Dark side of our psyche. The difference between the two. So I wrote this piece today using knowledge and … More Picking Fly Shit Out of Pepper.
The day is overcast. I felt the muggy, warm air against my face when I opened the slider first thing this morning. It was warmer out than in. I stepped outside. Not like last night. Last night I stepped out naked after dark. After Labor Day the population around here drops by half or more. … More Brooding. It’s a Good Day For it.
Playing Fair and Being Kind 