While my brain festers and boils over such wonders as the Raven's Gate, some more Angus frivolity, and a sonnet or two, I figured I'd take a few minutes and spill a little positivity out onto all of you, dear readers.
As the title states, YOU CAN DO IT!
Whatever it is, you can! I remember bobbling into and out of various seminars over the years, you know those motivational ones? Yeah... I thought they all sucked, too. Well MOST of them, anyway. There was exactly ONE that was tolerable, but eventually became a sales pitch for the damned organizer, so Franklin-Covey? Yeah. You sucked too. The problem is that they all seemed so disingenuous, like who were these people and why do they deserve to be all frikkin happy and positive.. I never found out WHY they were positive, just that they were and that was that. Right... Like THAT is reality. I always felt like there was something missing from the presentations - something PERSONAL. I want to know that the guy telling me to be happy and positive had a problem this morning, spilled coffee on his new suit, had to buy a new one and a bucket of salve before showing up to present, and was in excruciating pain right now... But that never happened. The presenter was just a boring guy with a script to read from. Big whoop.
These days, I'd like to think that there are a few people feeling better about their positions in the world because they were cheered on. And it feels pretty damned good to be that cheerleader, I think. Everyone has a bad day, many people have a LOT of them. Sometimes it's because of nonsense, others just because...well... 'Just Because' can be a reason. It would be nice if 'Just Because' was a reason to have a good day as well, but it usually isn't. Easier to feel bad than good, it seems.
So here's the story. If you need a little cheering up, Let me know. I have a LOT of cheer these days (or so it seems) and I'd be happy to poke at you a couple times a week and give you a Rah-Rah. If you need a little less cheering, that's okay too... just lemme know the level of Prompting you need and we are off!
Because you CAN.
I believe in you.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Unexpected Win
No matter where my life takes me, or how long I am there, I continue to be amazed by the breadth of the experiences I am allowed to be party to.
I got a phone call today from a very unexpected person. She wanted to share with me her exuberance over the days events, and I was more than happy to listen. She spoke passionately about what I would consider a major win in ANY circumstance, and through her voice and her projected smile, I could tell that she was genuinely proud of herself, and rightly so.
She told me how thankful she was for the experiences we shared as husband and wife. And I got to thinking that maybe I should have thanked her for the same. I never thought of myself as anyone even remotely interested in the agricultural side of life (at least not as an adult), nor as a "horse person". Seems I am. I find I approach animals with a different outlook as well... She treated them better than some people treat their children, and it appears that I kept a little of that in me. We had some very wonderful adventures, she and I. And I am truly thankful for them, and for her being a part of my life. We are apart now, but forever connected through the ribbon of a wonderful little girl. Looking on the bright side of everything keeps her face in the sunshine...and her smile did love sunshine.
No matter the spread of time or distance, we were happy once, Niki. I do remember those times. And I AM proud of you.
Now go kick some ass and embrace that power you felt today. And like you said: "You did it!"
YOU.
Huzzah.
Martin.
I got a phone call today from a very unexpected person. She wanted to share with me her exuberance over the days events, and I was more than happy to listen. She spoke passionately about what I would consider a major win in ANY circumstance, and through her voice and her projected smile, I could tell that she was genuinely proud of herself, and rightly so.
She told me how thankful she was for the experiences we shared as husband and wife. And I got to thinking that maybe I should have thanked her for the same. I never thought of myself as anyone even remotely interested in the agricultural side of life (at least not as an adult), nor as a "horse person". Seems I am. I find I approach animals with a different outlook as well... She treated them better than some people treat their children, and it appears that I kept a little of that in me. We had some very wonderful adventures, she and I. And I am truly thankful for them, and for her being a part of my life. We are apart now, but forever connected through the ribbon of a wonderful little girl. Looking on the bright side of everything keeps her face in the sunshine...and her smile did love sunshine.
No matter the spread of time or distance, we were happy once, Niki. I do remember those times. And I AM proud of you.
Now go kick some ass and embrace that power you felt today. And like you said: "You did it!"
YOU.
Huzzah.
Martin.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
The Sun Still Shines Past 40
Well, here I am. Another birthday rolled on into town, and I find myself with some changes this year: Single again, a new address, a new vehicle, better checks, and some new challenges. But I must admit that once again, the journey takes me into places I did not expect, and my life continues the meandering path onwards.
As always, I am accompanied by some of the most wonderful people ever to have graced this spinning blue marble. I am so grateful for what is added to my life as a result of being associated with the likes of you, my friends and family. So much of what I do every day is made better by my contact with you, the jokes we share, the troubles we discuss, the dreams that are cast out of out mouths and into the ether, and the sheer volume of well-wishes I encounter. I see the path behind me, so difficult, riddled with mistakes and missteps. I see the pain and the joy, the bewilderment and the focus, all of it. I see the parts I'd rather forget, but know I have to learn from. I see the things that I did well, and surprisingly, there are enough of them to make me smile.
So 40 was a great year for me, and a terrible one in some ways, but I will just accept that in light there must be darkness, and step on. 41? Well that's another story entirely.
I have some pretty interesting things coming up, and I am excited to FINALLY be able to entertain in the new digs (not just yet, but soon). I see new opportunities presenting themselves, and I simply cannot believe my good fortune to be in the presence of such Fabulous people (Yes, my wonderful niece, YOU are Fabulous!). I think i might be sounding a little repetitive here, but it IS good to hear, no? And how could I forget my family? Never.
Ladies and Gentlemen, here's to what is to come.
Aww.. hell...
HUZZAH!
(clink!)
As always, I am accompanied by some of the most wonderful people ever to have graced this spinning blue marble. I am so grateful for what is added to my life as a result of being associated with the likes of you, my friends and family. So much of what I do every day is made better by my contact with you, the jokes we share, the troubles we discuss, the dreams that are cast out of out mouths and into the ether, and the sheer volume of well-wishes I encounter. I see the path behind me, so difficult, riddled with mistakes and missteps. I see the pain and the joy, the bewilderment and the focus, all of it. I see the parts I'd rather forget, but know I have to learn from. I see the things that I did well, and surprisingly, there are enough of them to make me smile.
So 40 was a great year for me, and a terrible one in some ways, but I will just accept that in light there must be darkness, and step on. 41? Well that's another story entirely.
I have some pretty interesting things coming up, and I am excited to FINALLY be able to entertain in the new digs (not just yet, but soon). I see new opportunities presenting themselves, and I simply cannot believe my good fortune to be in the presence of such Fabulous people (Yes, my wonderful niece, YOU are Fabulous!). I think i might be sounding a little repetitive here, but it IS good to hear, no? And how could I forget my family? Never.
Ladies and Gentlemen, here's to what is to come.
Aww.. hell...
HUZZAH!
(clink!)
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Spark, Gossamer, And Hope
Morning broke on the horizon, but the ship had already been busy for hours. My mates and I served our stations as the boatswain of the shift looked on, nodding approvingly. Our crew was well-oiled, and were driven by that spark of ambition fueled by the reward of gold and glory. We had both in spades. Our ship, the Good Lady Gossamer, was a fine Brig. She kept us well through some trying moments, and we paid her our respects by keeping her deck tidy and her rigging neat. Every man on that deck would give his life trying to keep that lady from going down. She carries our dreams and our fortunes, as well as 16 guns, below decks, and we are all happy to have earned a place in the line of 90 men serving her needs. She brought us to safety more times than we could count, and her wounds were tended with haste and care. Faster against the wind than she should be, the 'Lady keeps us returning to pay our tabs at the haunts we so dearly love. She brings us hope that we will be safe and whole when we return.
The boatswain moved aft as he continued to nod in approval. All was well with the 'Lady. Just as he finished his walk, the Captain appeared on deck with a pistol drawn and a scowl. "Gather round, Lads!" he shouted. " A vote is needed! " The crew looked confused, but moved as a group towards him. He never acted rashly, and never gave the crew a reason to doubt his command when he gave an order, but this was out of character. "Lads!" He charged, "We have a choice. Gold or Glory?" The crew groused, and a hushed murmur came over them. A small clump of men pressed a single one from the group. Thompson. A Gunner.
"Glory, Sir! There's enough gold in the 'Lady's hold for now. Any more an' we'll sink!" The Captain smiled widely.
"Glory? Today it's Glory? Do you all agree with Thompson? Yes? Well then, Glo..."
"Love, Sir." I interrupted.
"Begging your pardon? Love? What say ye, lads? Glory or 'love' as this man asks?" The men laughed. They all knew my story. They all saw the letters when I had fallen asleep in a drunken heap and let my guard down. And they make sure I remember how foolish it made me look to them. But I am a part of the crew, and that buys me a fair amount of room.
Thompson stepped up, stood straight, and put his hand on my shoulder. "Cap'n, Let's get this man home." My heart sank in my chest, and rolled over. I could not possibly have imagined this taking place. Thompson turned to the rest of the crew. "What do ye say, boys? Do we get this man home in the name of love?" There was a silence greater than the depths of the sea, and then the boys cheered. "LOVE!"
The Captain smiled. He came forward, put his hand on my shoulder and pulled me up to the rail with him. He looked at me with eyes that have seen the ends of the world. He stared deep into me, and then his face went softer than I had ever seen it before. "Lad, does she mean so much to you that you would let the crew put their fortunes and very lives at risk? Does she mean more to you than this fine ship and your service to her?"
I paused, wondering if that soft face was understanding of the situation. I saw in his gaze the look of a man once so in love that he would have made this choice if he could have. We all heard stories, but never from his own lips. His face, here and now, spoke volumes to me and my situation. I let a tear roll down my face. "More than that, Cap'n. I would give..."
The Captain watched from the rail as the man's body plunged over the side. He put the smoking pistol back in his belt and turned away. He quickly wiped his own tear from his own face. "You're home now, Lad. No more longing." He turned back to the crew and bellowed. "GLORY Today, my boys!" And they cheered...
fin
"Grey Funnel Line
Don't mind the wind nor the rolling sea
The weary night never worries me
But the hardest time in a sailor's day
Is to watch the sun as it fades away
Chorus:
It's one more day on the grey funnel line
It's one more day on the grey funnel line
The finest ship that sails the sea
Is still a prison for the likes of me
But give me wings like Noah's dove
I'll fly up harbor to the one I love
Chorus
There was a time my heart was free
Like a floating spar on the open sea
But now that spar is washed ashore
It comes to rest at my real love's door
Chorus
Every time I gaze behind the screws
Makes me long for St Peter's shoes
I'd walk on down that silver lane
And take my love in my arms again
Chorus
Oh Lord, if dreams were only real
I'd have my hands on that wooden wheel
And with all my heart I would turn her 'round
And tell the boys that we're homeward bound
Chorus
I'll pass the time like some machine
Until blue water turns to green
Then I'll dance down that Walker Shore
And sail the Grey Funnel Line no more
And sail the Grey Funnel Line no more "
The boatswain moved aft as he continued to nod in approval. All was well with the 'Lady. Just as he finished his walk, the Captain appeared on deck with a pistol drawn and a scowl. "Gather round, Lads!" he shouted. " A vote is needed! " The crew looked confused, but moved as a group towards him. He never acted rashly, and never gave the crew a reason to doubt his command when he gave an order, but this was out of character. "Lads!" He charged, "We have a choice. Gold or Glory?" The crew groused, and a hushed murmur came over them. A small clump of men pressed a single one from the group. Thompson. A Gunner.
"Glory, Sir! There's enough gold in the 'Lady's hold for now. Any more an' we'll sink!" The Captain smiled widely.
"Glory? Today it's Glory? Do you all agree with Thompson? Yes? Well then, Glo..."
"Love, Sir." I interrupted.
"Begging your pardon? Love? What say ye, lads? Glory or 'love' as this man asks?" The men laughed. They all knew my story. They all saw the letters when I had fallen asleep in a drunken heap and let my guard down. And they make sure I remember how foolish it made me look to them. But I am a part of the crew, and that buys me a fair amount of room.
Thompson stepped up, stood straight, and put his hand on my shoulder. "Cap'n, Let's get this man home." My heart sank in my chest, and rolled over. I could not possibly have imagined this taking place. Thompson turned to the rest of the crew. "What do ye say, boys? Do we get this man home in the name of love?" There was a silence greater than the depths of the sea, and then the boys cheered. "LOVE!"
The Captain smiled. He came forward, put his hand on my shoulder and pulled me up to the rail with him. He looked at me with eyes that have seen the ends of the world. He stared deep into me, and then his face went softer than I had ever seen it before. "Lad, does she mean so much to you that you would let the crew put their fortunes and very lives at risk? Does she mean more to you than this fine ship and your service to her?"
I paused, wondering if that soft face was understanding of the situation. I saw in his gaze the look of a man once so in love that he would have made this choice if he could have. We all heard stories, but never from his own lips. His face, here and now, spoke volumes to me and my situation. I let a tear roll down my face. "More than that, Cap'n. I would give..."
The Captain watched from the rail as the man's body plunged over the side. He put the smoking pistol back in his belt and turned away. He quickly wiped his own tear from his own face. "You're home now, Lad. No more longing." He turned back to the crew and bellowed. "GLORY Today, my boys!" And they cheered...
fin
"Grey Funnel Line
Don't mind the wind nor the rolling sea
The weary night never worries me
But the hardest time in a sailor's day
Is to watch the sun as it fades away
Chorus:
It's one more day on the grey funnel line
It's one more day on the grey funnel line
The finest ship that sails the sea
Is still a prison for the likes of me
But give me wings like Noah's dove
I'll fly up harbor to the one I love
Chorus
There was a time my heart was free
Like a floating spar on the open sea
But now that spar is washed ashore
It comes to rest at my real love's door
Chorus
Every time I gaze behind the screws
Makes me long for St Peter's shoes
I'd walk on down that silver lane
And take my love in my arms again
Chorus
Oh Lord, if dreams were only real
I'd have my hands on that wooden wheel
And with all my heart I would turn her 'round
And tell the boys that we're homeward bound
Chorus
I'll pass the time like some machine
Until blue water turns to green
Then I'll dance down that Walker Shore
And sail the Grey Funnel Line no more
And sail the Grey Funnel Line no more "
Write, Will You?
I realized this morning that I have not touched the Raven's Gate in nearly a month. Too many distractions, and that thing called life seems to intrude on the writing time. No fears though, our intrepid adventurer will continue his journey as long as I have fingers to write. As The Darkest of the Hillside Thickets said..."Color me Green"
Thanks for staying tuned... I appreciate your patience.
Thanks for staying tuned... I appreciate your patience.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Cinquains...
I
The Sun
In the morning
Warming me as I am
Turning to meet his majestic
Embrace
II
Heartbeats
Longing to be
In time with our kisses
Hungry lips begging you to please
Say yes
III
Goddess
Breathing her in
Makes my soul fly away
In her eyes I am forever
In Love
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