Dear Friends...

When two dear friends have a tangle with each other, it can be quite unnerving for them and for uninvolved observers. I rarely, if ever interfere in the affairs of others. These things need to work themselves out (or not, depending on the situation). But that's not to say that I won't express an oninion or two on the matter...


Pickle and Bacon - you are both extremely strong-willed individuals. Neither one is afraid to say what you think or feel. I'd like to believe that those are among the qualities that brought you two together in the first place. There are times when we all say things that we regret. I understand that it's one thing to forgive and another to forget...and in fact, forgetting may not be possible. But it isn't really neccessary - forgiving another for things that were said or done is all we need to do. Accepting one another, warts and all, is what true friendship is about.

Disagreements happen all the time, but good relationships CAN endure. I'd like to think that yours WILL.

No Way Out...

How many of us are aware of the effects of karma? Yeah, I know that word usually conjures negative thoughts; "Man, karma's a bitch, ain't it?" While that sentiment is all too true, there are other positive aspects to it as well. The truly good and selfless acts that we perform on a daily basis are rewarded by the universe, just as surely as the heartless actions of evil that we witness are punished through karmic retribution. Even if we don't see it immediately, good attracts good and evil attracts evil. The key to seeing the truth of this concept in action is patience. The way to win over your enemies is to simply outlive them. They will eventually have to pay the piper. Remember, "Time wounds all Heels"!

Sad Days...

Losing Howard Zinn and J.D. Salinger in the same week. Sadness great, yet not unbearable, their loss to the literary world cannot be minimized. Zinn for bringing us a more accurate accounting of this country's past, present and future (A Peoples History of the United States) and Salinger for writing the most censored and second-most taught book in American High Schools (Catcher in the Rye).
Rest in Peace, Gentlemen.

Good Morning!

Wakey, wakey...and I'm referring to your brain. Have you ever considered the damage caused by overindulging in certain chemical compounds? Not just those that you buy from friends, coworkers or bartenders, but the meds that Dr. Feelgood prescribes...if you find that you are incapable of performing simple motor tasks, you are likely overmedicated. Add to that list the inability to form complex sentences or process linear thoughts through to a logical conclusion, and you may be in trouble. If you are driving, working (I'm being generous here, Folks), or simply interacting with others while under the influence, you're not doing anyone any good! Wake the hell up or get the EFF out!

???

Attention All Bloggers:
Kindly refrain from utilizing poor grammar, punctuation and spelling. It causes undue stress to those of us with above average intelligence. Furthermore, please educate yourselves in proper word usage - you're vs your - too / to / two - I think you can see where I'm leading. And, if all else fails, do not blog while under the influence.

Blog, blog, blog!

Got something to say? I don't...at least at the moment.
Stay tuned...

That Time of Year...

In late December, our modern traditions lean toward kindness, charity, goodwill to others, peace and love. But delving further back, I've learned that the Winter Solstice is one of the oldest known holidays in human history. As the shortest day (and longest night) in the northern hemisphere, it signals the first day of Winter but can also be seen as the start of a New Year. Many of the most ancient stone structures made by human beings were designed to pinpoint the precise date of the solstice. The stone circles of Stonehenge were arranged to receive the first rays of midwinter sun.

So, is it coincidence that all of the "Big Three" celebrate their highest of holy days at the same basic time? Obviously not. Solstice celebrations extend back aproximately 30,000 years, back to a time before the dawn of the agrarian age. Back to when we were "hunter / gatherers". When we looked to the universe as the giver of all things - a source of mystery and wonder, but also the great provider. Have we lost that sense of appreciation for the gift of life? Have not the World's religions attempted to stake claim and appropriate this season as their own? Preposterous notions, all! If the God of Abraham is indeed the foundation of Islam, Judism and Christianity, why do so many practitioners disagree with one another so strongly?

I feel that we must return to the true "reason for the season", and be thankful for the opportunity to make causes for our own happiness. It is unnecessary to curse the "unbelievers" (those who think differently) who are uninterested in following any number of outmoded belief systems. Take a tip from the Ancients - be grateful for being alive and celebrate the start of a (hopefully) truly New Year!