May your New Year be Grand!

Ah well, why stop a good thing, eh?

hugs Everyone!

The 2013 Song by Troye Sivan.

I love this young man's blog:  http://troyesivan.tumblr.com.  Please go see him.    I find him cute, quirky, witty and very fun.  He's also a wonderfully talented person - a great actor, singer, and he uses his popularity to do great things.  Love ya, Troye!

A Little Help from my Friends...

Hi Everyone!

  For Christmas, I asked for a blue ray player.  Hey, they asked, I said what I wanted.  Well, I didn't get it... did get $100 towards it.  So, here is where I need help:

1.  Do I buy a blue ray player... or
2.  Do I buy a Roku???

What blue ray?  What Roku?   Why?

I want to release you all to give your opinion.  I won't be angry if I follow your opinion to find it not a good choice some time later.  What I really want is your thoughts since I have no experience with either product.

If you would rather, make your opinion to my email:  blundersonword@hotmail.com

I really do feel a bit in the wind on this, so your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

hugs

 

The lonely walker

This year, at about 9pm on Christmas Eve, my Aunt invited to join the extended family for Christmas Dinner.  I quickly realized the cost of this offer, so I accepted, despite my heart screaming "NO!".

~

  I think I told  you all about how my generation of my family has quite effectively ostracized me.  I live within 8 miles of my sister and cousins, but have seen none of them in years - and then only in passing.  I've never met my niece or nephew.

 At first, it was difficult, being judged and told what a horrible person I am.  Then, as years rolled by, I began to realize that I really don't need them, really don't care for the people they show themselves to be.  I found that there is peace and harmony in life spent away from those who don't love or like me, and while I hurt and ache for being judged and condemned, it has become more a hurt from the very act and less from the people doing the act.

  And so I sat watching as my cousins roll into my aunt's house, a house I realize I've not been in for more than the time it takes to complete simple tasks for over 20 years, laughing and wishing everyone a merry merry fucking holiday and I realized that being spiritually, emotionally and mentally kicked for so many years leaves me flinching in the face of these smiling faces.  I am suddenly more miserable than I thought I could be and still paste a smile on my face.  In short order, I found reason to leave.  I came home to my dog, to my wonderful Gracie who always loves me, and realized that life is far too short for being around people who don't choose to like me.
 

You know how they say "common sense isn't so common"?

Well, I guess the same can be said for common decency.

You know, when I look at things political, it occurs to me that there is a great deal of self interested, self important, self centered thought being bandied about as "political policy".
  In my area there are a number of folks in a far better financial position than I.  That is not something I begrudge them; I'm sure they are all hard working folks.  What bothers me is that these same people who have no concern about meeting their food needs, who live in nice warm homes and have warm solid clothing, would dare stand up and declare that they are 'tired of financing the lives of a bunch of lazy good for nothings'.  Now, who do you suppose they believe so unfortunate as to need their help?  Do you suppose it is a bunch of people who would rather see their children hungry, cold, poorly educated than go find a good paying job?
  I recently looked at the job postings in our local paper.  There were three.  One: part time bus driver.  Two: millwright.  Three:  Registered Nurse.  This is a fairly large market that once boasted numerous factories and founderies.  They are now gone.  The buildings stand empty or were torn down.  The heyday of the 60's - early 90's made this a great middle income area.  Those jobs are now in Mexico, India, China, but we are still here, still hungry.  And, what's more mind-boggling is that those factory workers who once would strike for better wages are now voting republican.... the very folks who seem to just love destroying unions!
  When Republicans give all of their attention to the fat cats who grow fat by labor in other countries, who stomp about in their self-righteousness and declare themselves "job producers" yet refuse to pay living wages for the few jobs in the country, then believe themselves fiscally responsible when they starve out the poor and shrinking middleclass, it is no wonder they seek to increase the loyalty of gun owners!    But, the funny thing about people:  quietly choke the resource supply and people will fight among themselves rather than the power choking the resource supply.  Suddenly, those who are choking the resources down are being actively supported by the stronger of the very people being choked.  Worse, those supporters feel supremely justified in their support.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Let love be

I have made no secret that I believe in Christ.  I believe there is more than I see, more than I can imagine to be, and I believe in a red-letter Christ.  What that means, I believe that what Christ said is far more important than what Paul said, what Moses said, what David said.... and that isn't to discount those sayings, but is to amplify what Christ said.
  He said, Love God, Love your Neighbor.  I shouldn't have to rationalize or worry about the rest, should I?  I can't imagine all the rules in the Old Testement, and Paul seemed like he was constantly creating more.... Jesus had two.  I can work on two.
At heart, I'm probably considered more Buddhist than Christian.  But, my thoughts:  if I get to the end of my life and find that caring for others is not the path to heaven, then I really don't belong, if I ever would have.  More, if casting judgement, shame, hatred and poverty on those around me is the path to heaven, as some seem to act as if they believe, then I'd be in the wrong place.
  I'm not perfect.  I have my huge list of "sins", of issues, of poor behavior and thoughts, but I want to believe in a world where love triumphs.  Probably means I'm naive and immature.... but, down deep, don't we all want to believe that if we are good Santa will bring us what we really want?

Never did get that darn pony!

  It's been a very enjoyable few days with my very republican father.  I love the guy, but.... wow.

a favorite song...

May you all get you heart's desire....

Merry Christmas!!

I'm hoping to start doing some more blogging.  Things got busy for me again!  But, I've a few days off, so should have a moment to spend with you all now and again.  Hugs!!

The Hatred

Hi Friends;
  I have seen this pic numerous times.  It's powerful, it's disheartening, frightening.  But, today... perhaps because I was looking into some things about Buddhism and some of my very well constructed walls had slipped a bit, it just hit me a bit harder.
  I have used the word "hate" like most people.  I have few "hates".... I hate those little silverfish bugs.  They disgust me, and seem to get into everything.  Birds and spiders don't seem to want to eat them... which makes me think their place on earth is less than wholesome (see "Men In Black"??).  I'm growing to hate this new bug to invade my area, the "stinkbug".  It gets into the house in the fall in attempts to winter over in my warm abode, which I find quite rude.  They scare Gracie, for some reason.  I get the feeling that she snapped at one and found out why they are called "stinkbugs".  When I was little, I "hated" sauerkraut.  Still don't like it.  I "hate" it when the screw falls off my drill phillips bit.  Dang magnets never hold, and if you are standing near by you will clearly hear me call it the worst names I can imagine.  I hate it that my hammer has a hard on for my thumb!  And, I hate that I inevitably have to then fix whatever I just threw my hammer at in frustration.
  But, I don't hate "people who..." anymore.  I will never again.  Because, I remember sitting just like that.

hugs

I'm So Far Behind...

... but I thought the best thing to do would be to just start with a bit of a narrative, tell you how things are going in my life for the moment.
  Right now, listening to Pandora, radio station Enya... and Phillip Wesley is playing Lamentations of the Heart.  Nice music to write to.  And now Breathe  by Greg Maroney.  I'm also having my dinner - a left over turkey sandwich.  I love left over turkey!
  So... as I've told you before, last week was the end of Leaf Season.  Of course, for some "Leaf Season" means oooh's and aaah's to the pretty colors.  For me, it means falling leaves and lots of work, and it's even worse in November because Michigan is one of the states that seem enamored with Daylight Savings Time.  I'm good with the summer time hours and really would just prefer they leave things alone come winter, but who am I.  The end result, though, is that it gets dark at about 5:00.  And, of course, it's cold.... and dark... and suddenly what I've enjoyed doing is less enjoyable by far.
  But, that is over.... and I went up to see Mom and Dad.  I managed a few pictures...

This is looking out the front window.  Too lazy to put shoes on...

Gracie wouldn't let me sleep in, of course.  Too many squirrels needing to be educated about the ways of the world that includes hyper dogs, I guess.  I swear those poor things have PTSD group meetings after we go home.  And, speaking of muttley....

... here she is quite obsessed with the Purina Dog Show.  She stood like that for 30 minutes.  I never did find out which one she thought was the 'best in show'.  And, yes, those are my big clods sticking into the middle of the picture.  Sorry.
  That little pine tree/bush is a Norway Pine that I bought Mom last year at Thanksgiving.  How she manages to keep these plants alive baffles me.  Obviously not something that came to me in the gene mix.  And, as you can see, Mom loves to knit.  
  We had a really good time.  I didn't get much done while up there.  I did manage to help Dad get the snow blower attachment on his tractor.  That dang thing weighs a ton and I spent more time on the cold ground than I would have liked.  Mostly, it was a good family time trip, and I was probably about a day long -- began to get a bit edgy, ya know?  I read a lot on my Kindle and Gracie had a really fun time every minute.
  Monday night, home again,  I again touched base with my friend and neighbor who brings her dog over for playtime with Gracie, then we take them for a walk - mostly from mailbox to mailbox.  I think I posted a short video of the dogs playing???  Here It Is  Anyway, when the dogs got done chasing each other around the yard we took them for a walk in the neighborhood.  I got a couple pics of a house that is just beautifully decorated.  My camera is a cheap one, and worse is that I have no idea how to use it, so these didn't come out anywhere near as good as standing there. 

These folks really did a nice job.  I wish the pictures showed better.

So, that catches you up on the interesting things going on in my life.  The rest of my life has been the grudging necessity of going back to work after four days off, to a mess no less, and the common household chores of cleaning and laundry and normal junk like that.  I like living alone, but it can be a chore sometimes!  Somebody in this house makes a mess....

I'm hoping to be more active now that the weather is cold and there is no extra work for me.  I'd hoped to find a second part-time job, but that isn't going so well yet.  But I would like to be able to spend a bit of time catching up with every one's blogs that I've been missing, write some letters I'm late on, and relax, so I guess I can coast on things for a bit.

I do hope your Thanksgiving - for those of you in America who celebrate it, and for others who don't, that your weekend was nice.  

Hugs!

and from this goofy turkey to you...

Hello Everyone!

  Tonight... well, perhaps tomorrow night.... is my last long night for the season.  I am finally done with leaf season, and tomorrow night I head up to see Mom and Dad for Thanksgiving.  These 12 and 14 hour days have taken their toll, but I'm feeling good.  I did only one "pro-bono" lawn this year....  couldn't manage to do more with the press of responsibilities and the uncooperative weather.

  So, I want to send off a quick note to everyone with the promise that I'll be more attentive to things in the near future.... you know, after I get home from seeing Mom and Dad.  And, I want to remind us all to be thankful... there are small and great things in our lives for us to be thankful.  I don't always remember that.  Sometimes I get down on the rough spots of my life.  I bet you do, too.  So, please know I send love, I send peace, I send hugs.   Happy Thanksgiving!

Dad sent me a pic

Hello All;

  Dad sent me a pic from their place.  You can look in past posts to see other pics from there.  It's beautiful there.... I wish I could spend more time.     hugs

O'Reilly: Transgender-Inclusive Locker Rooms Are Like Hooters Without Chicken Wings

http://mediamatters.org/blog/2013/11/13/oreilly-transgender-inclusive-locker-rooms-are/196872

The Sky is Falling! The Sky is Falling!  The Sky is Falling!

I looked up a bit of Statistics.  Outside of artificially maneuvered China, the natural and general population divided by gender in the United States and in the world is about 105 boys to 100 girls.  So, roughly half of us are born with one set of equipment or the other.  The mystery solved, Bill.

Now, I can imagine that some are quite shy of their particular plumbing.  I know I was, and still am to a fair degree.  But, one thing I admire about Naturism is that skin is skin.  The skin we are in does not define us, despite the way it is used to interact with the world about us.  What defines us is our mind, our character, our soul/spirit..... the thing that is still me if all of my other me is taken away.

Unfortunately, we in America have a long standing tradition of judging the book by the cover.  "Indians" are worthless savages standing in the way of progress and wealth.  Blacks are useless but for cheap labor.  Women are useless except for being barefoot, pregnant and in the kitchen.  Immigrants are useless... ad nauseum.   And, don't get me wrong, those same prejudices are often turned about as those who are misused judge others by the actions of those who abused them.   So, the fact that Billy boy can't look past the outer covering of a person and realize that the inner person may be totally different doesn't surprise me.

  Now, there is a huge difference between arousal and 'skin is skin'.  To presume that a person who is gender different is going into the other bathroom or locker-room for sexual gratification is quite small minded.  To presume that Hooters is not a place for arousal..... a place named for boobs, not breasts, boobs....but is the same as a gender different person coming into a locker-room is very small minded.

  I guess I am sad that people can't get past the whole "skin is skin" line.  We are such an immature lot.

I have the tendency to be an in house nudist.  I don't live in an area where I could be outdoors, but I figure that if my curtains are pulled, then i should be able to be free inside my own home.  Of course, this is a summer/warm weather activity.... it's a bit nipply in here in the winter.  But, I don't have the self confidence to be so free publicly, like at a resort/beach/etc.  I don't mind it around my doctor or in locker-rooms, and my doctors have been both female and male, but perhaps it's because it's expected.  Who knows, but I do have going to a nudist camp/resort/beach as a goal in my life.
  when i was a kid, it wasn't acceptable to be nude.  Not really even in underwear.  Just one more thing I wish i could do over in life...
  May your day be free.

hugs;
randy

how to know if your government is insane...

Hello Everyone!

  I'm in the picture mood, I guess.  I thought I would remind you of the pic I took on Saturday, and then compare it to the picture I took today.
  I am so very sore... I shoveled 4 driveways today.  I couldn't use my snowblower - it was a very heavy soggy snow, and dummy me didn't take the belt off over the summer so it stretched.  On the way to work this morning, I passed three accidents and topped out at 35 mph - for the majority of my drive, the speed limits are 45 and 55... not today!
  Good news.... I don't have to do leaf pickup tonight.   lol.    

Saturday, November 9th

Tuesday, November 12th

What a Difference 2 days Makes...

Gracie wanted to go play with her friend and take a walk.  I took a quick pic... well, two.

The Merits of Doing Well

Hello Friends;

  It's cold and windy out today... I think I'll stay in and write.

Recently I read just a bit about "The Society of St.Vincent DePaul".  Like any organization, I would bet it has a share of less than dedicated volunteers mixed in with those who are real in their mission, and I would bet that some aspects of reality strike at their mission to feed and clothe and house the poor.... but with all that said, I like the premise.  I like the idea of sanctifying oneself through service.  Not sure it is for me, but the concept is simply beautiful.

 I would like to imagine that such are the people that, in deference to some of you who don't believe, if there is a God, that He looks down in pride and love.  I imagine Him saying "My Good and Faithful Servent, Well Done".  I want to believe that He makes the way for resources and what have you to be made available.  It's a good life in a hard job, I bet. Perhaps, as the old saying goes, one can live one's life helping his fellow man and come to the end of life to find that there was no god waiting for him with arms wide open.  But, in such a case, that person lived a life filled with love, caring for his neighbor.  It's a good life, I think.

  I was thinking about some of the things I am seeing recently in politics.  And, of course, this is why politics and religion should not meet.  They just don't play on the same field.  But, over and over again, we hear from the conservative right that we are giving too much in food voucher (snap), too much in unemployment insurance, too much in health care.   At the same time, we seem to step on ourselves trying to give ever more breaks to those who don't need the help - wealthy corporations, tax breaks for wealthy individuals, buying off other countries' politicians, etc.  You see, what bothers me is that these same conservatives will thump their chests proclaiming themselves of such and such religion, decrying the actions others take as blasphemous and horrible by the basis of that religion, and yet routinely acting in direct opposition to the very dictates of the man/God for which their own religion is named.

I think I now understand, acknowledging a belief in God is a necessity of Government because it maintains the understanding and humility that the government is not the ultimate, pinnacle, acme, end-all/be-all of life.  There exists something greater.

  But, to be a good leader, it is necessary to do what is best for the country, making the horrible decisions to put one need above another.  Sometimes that does mean putting limits on money spent to help the poor, the sick, the homeless... It's simple economics:  in my home if I don't allocate enough money to the heating bill it gets really cold in the winter.  If I give all my money to the heating and walk about in here like it's the tropics, I can't eat..... well, so goes government.  They have a job to do with the money allocated and sometimes cuts in food allocations or such are required in order to do a good over-all job.
Scary thought, eh?

Now, then comes this question:  Are our leaders in fact doing what is best for the country?

Fall colors in Michigan, or, what goes up a tree must fall... and be picked up.

Hello Everyone;

  It's been a while, but a bit ago I went to see my parents.  I thought I'd put up the pictures from that endeavor.... I just took a few... I'm posting these differently, so please let me know if they suddenly disappear on you.  I'll redo the post the old way.

This, of course, is my Gracie.  We hiked down to a near-by campground area early Saturday morning.  As you can imagine, Gracie loves it up there.  I believe if heaven exists for dogs, it would look a lot like this.

I liked this picture.  Sort of has all sorts of elements of a good photograph; movement, leading lines towards the center while above the eyes are able to easily open back out and view the whole, color, reflection, hard and soft colors.... now only if it had a good photographer to capture it!  Gracie went down these stairs to get a closer look at the creek and I tried to get a picture of her on the stairs.  I'm too slow.
  After a moment, I followed to get my own look and Gracie followed a squirrel smell off into the area above, then suddenly realized she couldn't find me.  Poor thing panicked.   Isn't it nice to be needed?

These two are from the folks house, looking out over the lake.  My parents bought this place when I was 11, going into it with my two aunts/uncles.  This is where we spent a great deal of time since it fairly well tapped out any reserve any of them had, but I lived on that lake as a kid.  Terrorized the poor bluegills and swam until I looked like a prune.    I hated to leave at the end of the stay - life seemed different there; the horrible things didn't seem to be there or I was off on my own so much that I simply escaped them.

And, now, a bit of the reason I've not been on line so much doing postings...

Fall has arrived!  I work my day shift job from can't see until 3:15, then come home and clean up leaves until I can't see anymore.  I love this time of the year, but I do get tired of doing leaves every dang day!

I hope you all are doing well right now.  I know November, especially in the northern states, can be grey and cold, depressing.  Write me if you like, we can be cold and grey together :) lol       Hugs!

The Butter Battle...

This story was written for kids.  It's the story of how two peoples who are basically the same, get deeper and deeper into hate, vengence, weapons... all for something quite basic and simple.  Originally it was written with the U.S/USSR cold war in mind.  I wonder if this also looks like congress?  If this also looks like gay rights/religion?

It's the story of how the world comes to the brink of destruction because two peoples can't simply acknowledge that each does something differently, does something that seems and feels and is right for them.
Maybe it doesn't work for anything but the cold war.... but maybe it is also a good lesson.  

hugs

Scottie do not read this post.

Hello Friends;

  I ran across a pic today, sparked my interest.  It is below and speaks for itself.

When I was much younger, I hunted some.  Mostly, I shot things... trees, cans, targets.  I no longer own guns, and for the most part don't need or want to.  But, I thought I would tell you my story about guns...

I've told you all about when I was 11, and was raped by one of my neighbors.  I don't need to go over that again.  In the ensuing period afterward, I recall quite clearly getting my father's gun and putting it to my head.  As you can imagine, it didn't go off.  I don't recall if I didn't load it, or if I loaded it wrong... I remember pulling the trigger and nothing happening, then putting the thing back where it was and going into my room to stare at the wall for a while.

  In time, I was ok.  Mostly.  I had some fear issues and self esteem issues, still do.  I also had anger issues, and those still get me now and again.  Perhaps it just isn't something that can be fully put behind a person?  

  I, of course, had a bb gun when I was a kid.  I think my Dad may still have the darn thing stashed somewhere.  He's not good at throwing things out.  My friend and I got quite good at target shooting, and like most kids, were more creative than wise.  We would play war, shooting each other as we ran through the woods with the rule:  no shooting in the face.  Seemed quite safe then.... right?
  In time, I moved up to a .22.  Just a plinker rifle, cheap but accurate.  I recall coming home one day on the day before rent was due and getting stopped by the neighbor kids.  I talked with them for a while, and seeing their mother come from my house with something in a towel had me curious but unconcerned.  Well, come to find out, while I was at work my room-mate decided to pack up and leave, on the day before rent was due.  Since he was still there, the neighbor decided it was likely best if she removed my gun from the house before I got there.  It startled me at the time to realize how that was probably a good idea.

  So, I don't own guns anymore.  Don't need them, don't want them.  But, many people do, want them at least.  And, for those who are safe with them, I am mostly accepting of their rights.  But, look at my history with guns above.  Scary stuff happens, dumb stuff happens, and even accidents happen....
  

...  and when those scary, dumb, accidents happen, no amount of "oops - sorry" brings back the bullet.  

There be monsters there...

Hello Friends;

  I recently ran across a picture that startled me.  I, like most people, have certain things I focus on in my reading, other things seem to slip by without notice.  But, the pictures below made me think about other things, such as how the republicans seem intent on giving this country to corporations at every turn.  An article printed in 2011 by GreenBiz.com is an example of that.
  If you look beyond the article, you will see what the republicans seem desperate to arrange.  The sky in this picture right here is beautiful, but look what happens when unchecked emissions enter the environment.
  This is why I believe the republicans are the most dangerous little critters to arrive on this planet.

WASHINGTON, DC — The new spending plan laid out by House Republicans would slash theEnvironmental Protection Agency's budget by nearly a third and prevent it from using funds for greenhouse gas regulations.

The plan (PDF), referred to as a "CR," or continuous resolution, would reduce the agency's budget by $3 billion, while its research-driven Global Change program would also see about a 30 percent hit.

Other agencies working on energy or climate-related matters would also see their funding shrivel up, including the Department of Energy, Department of Interior, NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The moves are part of Republican efforts to trim $100 billion from the budget, largely driven by a raft of Tea Party candidates who joined the House of Representatives after the 2010 mid-term elections. The GOP originally sought cuts totaling $32 billion, but freshmen legislators forced the party to ramp up cuts and make good on their campaign promises.

I am Offended

Good Morning Everyone.
  I took a few minutes with my coffee before heading out to get to work this morning to look at the news, the blogs I enjoy - but rarely comment on. Sorry, randy is an idiot.   But, you knew that.  Anyway, here is why I found myself quite offended:

Now, perhaps I am just over-reacting.  Perhaps it is just my tired mind and body rebelling against the "rich and powerful".  I don't know...I understand politicians try to "blend in", dress like the common man and seem more like us.  But, let me tell you a few things that I see right away...

1.  That Carhart - style at least - coat costs around $100 or much, much more.  It is not an affectation, it is a tool (Much like mr. cruz yet differently).  The reason that the coat costs so much is that it breathes very well, helping a person who works hard to not sweat too much.  Further, they are near indestructible, standing up to a great deal of abuse and use.

2.  That Denim Shirt.  Again, such were made for their ability to breath and take abuse.

What you see there, my friends, is Rural Camouflage.  Just like hunters going into the woods where pictures of leaves, twigs and tree bark on their clothing to blend in and seem appear not dangerous to those living there, this man wears Urban Camouflage to appear harmless, "one of us".  Trust me in this, that hunter ain't no tree and this man is dangerous!

  You see, what pisses me off, as I get ready to go out and work for a living on a Sunday morning, is that I have never seen a Carhart in such nice shape.  Anyone who uses one, ANYONE, will tell you that they get scuffs, stains, etc.  And, that denim shirt - any bets it cost more that the jacket?
  Not only that....  you see, what pisses me off is that I have scars on my hands,  Dirt under my fingernails that just never seems to scrub out but lasts for days no matter what I try.  This man has a frickin' manicure!  (I looked at other pics).  His skin isn't torn from nails, engines, beams or whatever.   A frickin' manicure!!

I see you cruz.  Only dumb animals are fooled by that camouflage.

Is there a right to love?

I'll offer my thoughts after this heartwrenching article...

A 15-year-old Florida boy who's been in foster care his entire life is so desperate for a family to call his own, that he recently took matters into his own hands.

Davion Navar Henry Only gathered his courage and stepped up to the pulpit at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in St. Petersberg, Florida, asking, directly, if anyone there might want to adopt him. He told the parishioners, "I know God hasn't given up on me. So I'm not giving up, either."

After learning that his biological mother, who gave birth to him while she was in prison, had passed away, he asked his caseworker, Connie Going, to take him to church so that he could make his request. She agreed.
Arriving in a donated black suit too large for him, wearing a zip-on tie that he wouldn't have known how to tie himself, he followed intently along with the sermon before declaring, "I'll take anyone. Old or young, dad or mom, black, white, purple. I don't care. And I would be really appreciative. The best I could be."

In a piece that ran in the Tampa Bay Times earlier this month, reporter Lane DeGregory recounts that the boy was shy, but he was determined to speak at the church.
His mother had been in jail on petty theft and cocaine charges when he was born. After his 15 years in foster care, Davion looked her up for the first time and found out that she had died. Since then, he's been working to manage his temper and pick up the grades he let slump.
He couldn't let nerves and shyness deter him from showing the people in the pews that he could become somebody's son. So he walked to the front of the church, and he let his earnestness speak.
The Tampa Bay Times story detailing Davion's plight has gone viral. The piece got 14,000 shares on Facebook just from the paper's page, and thousands more from aggregation in the Daily Mail, ABC News, People magazine and others. His story has even been shared in Australian media.
If this were a movie, the happy ending would place Davion within a warm household, where he would learn to be loved and continue to ace his way through high school. But whether or not his brave stunt will earn him a home in real life remains to be seen.
Connie Going, the Eckerd adoption specialist in charge of Davion's case, could not be reached for comment, but data from the Administration for Children and Families' Children's Bureau suggests that Davion's chances aren't great.
An agency report shows that black and Hispanic children made up the majority of kids in foster care at the end of the 2012 fiscal year. And out of 400,000 children in foster care last year, only 52,000 were adopted.
The Times reported that two couples asked about Davion at the time his story was published, but none neither had moved forward with an adoption.
Florida Department of Children and Families spokesperson Terri Durdaller said the agency got around 300 calls about Davion earlier this week. Since then, the number has risen to "several hundred."
"We hope everyone who calls is a potential parent," Durdaller said. "We're hoping to connect him with a forever family and that this will bring recognition to the foster system in Florida."

  Hello My Friends;

  As you all know, I've not done a lot of posts lately.  In great part, I've been very busy with the leaf season lawn work.  But, that is not the full reason.... sometimes I just don't have a lot to say.  I've told you that before, but it's true even still.  But, I'm having trouble writing this.  It is just a terribly simple thing, so very basic, yet words seem to fail me.  I feel sad, fearing that this poor boy is not to find what he wants and needs.

  As I read this article, it occurred to me that we throw out cartoons, signs, rant and rave, and in some scabbed over calloused portion of our heart, we know that what we say is a sign of our pain, our frustration, our anger with the hope yet the doubt that those who are in power will ever change... and yet, this young man just stands up and declares "this is what I need".    I can't help but to wonder if someone will help.
  But, yet... let us look at the people who could help him:  Could a gay couple?  Perhaps, but doubtful.  Gay marriage is yet questionable in Florida.  Gays adopting a young teen?  I can see the slurs and jokes now.  And, no matter how straight, a single man is not likely to be allowed to adopt.  And, sorry to say, a black teenager brings out more stories to cause fear in the news than care or concern.  Will people see his heart?   Somehow we simply figure that the state, which has eaten away at our freedoms and our humanity at every turn, will care for him.  It's not our problem, because likely we wouldn't be allowed to help anyway, why try.

  So, what we have, then, is a young man, desperate to be loved and understand the concept of family, where he will be loved for who he is as a person.  Still.  It's a real life, not a congressional bill bandied back and forth by pompous bootlicking congresspersons who care only about their wallet and how it can be made fatter.  It's a heart, a young mind, willing to be loved, hoping to be loved.

  Wow, if he only knew the dreams that represents for so many.  How many of us came from homes or know people who came from homes where we were not loved for who we were?  How many of us understand the concept of unconditional love, respect, support?

  No, what makes me sad, this young man is so very much alone.  I can't even help him if I wanted to.  In a world where people believe in the "right to life" but not the "right"... or at least the "freedom to love", where we see the theory of "trickledown economics" as really important, the freedom to purchase a firearm - multiple firearms without pause for investigation into the reason for such dangerous items that have but one purpose:  to kill; the derision of a single mother seeking an abortion and calling her a murderer for that horrible need, yet then when she needs money to raise the child she is sneered at for seeking welfare, scorned for going to work without childcare, and called horrible things when her child gets into unsupervised trouble!.....where the feeding and caring of our poorest, most needful, as "handouts" always said with a sneer, and to even care for those less fortunate is considered a weakness, a Sunday Morning Penance at best, in this whole mess sits this poor lad is wanting to simply have a home.  I wish him all the best.

How does one tell a hungry child "I can't feed you because I have to give tax breaks to the wealthiest"?

Saw these pics... made me laugh. You too?

Some where, some day, maybe

Hi Friends;
  I was just feeling a bit down today.  One of the downsides of living alone - occasionally I need a hug...  So, listening to music today, this song started to play.  I sang along a bit and before long Gracie came to give me a hug.  Not sure if it was me voicing my need for a hug or her attempt to distract me from singing.  Poor thing, probably hurt her ears.  Oh well, feel better now.     Hugs to all!

Like?

I just got done talking with Scottie.  We IM a few times a week.  We talked about our morning.... I have been busy already caring for the neighbor's two dogs and realized how I never thought my dog really was so well behaved until having to clean up poop from the neighbor dog two days running.  Bleh!   But, back to my point... we were talking about this guy who is starting his own white supremacist town.  Here's the link to Scotties post:  http://scottiestoybox.com/2013/09/22/white-supremacist-town/    Now, it was a fairly intense idea, conversation, moral issues and... wow, I just felt depressed at the end of it from how trite and hateful people can be.  So, perhaps that is why I find myself unable to not post about this....

  You see, after talking about such a striking issue with Scottie, I went to check the weather.  I put both of those poopie dogs outside - one is little and not sure how long I can leave him out.  I checked the weather channel to see if I need to go let the little one back in. It's about 57 and sunny right now - nice morning, really.   Perhaps just a bit cold for the little guy.... and then for some reason, I found myself yelling at the screen.  I do that on occasion... the medications just aren't working, I guess.  Here is a similar pic to the one that had me screaming:
 Now, again, that is not the actual one.  I got this one from google images.   But, look.... does it really matter if we "love" or "ugh!" the weather?  Will it change if we offer enough negative opinion?  Maybe I can use logic and reason to change the weather's mind?
  At what point do we simply have to acknowledge that reality is what it is, and it really doesn't matter if I "love" it or, well, "ugh!".   And, why am I screaming at my screen again?

I sure hope you "like" my post...   ok, now I'm giggling.

Oxymoron: Spendthrift Politicians declare SNAP recipients an unfair drain on the economy???

Hello My Friends;
  I work a lot of hours.  I work 40+ hours a week at my day job, then I come home to do lawns.  Right now, I have 7 customers, but that does rise and fall as people decide to do their own lawn or whatever.  Still, I struggle a bit with my bills.  I don't go out to eat, I don't buy fancy clothes or new vehicles or whatever.  I live reasonably and frugally, choosing my enjoyments for their lasting value and hoping that I spend money responsibly otherwise.
  In some ways, I do resent those who live off my taxes.  I do resent having to pay more than I would like so that others don't have to work.  But, that's just a bit of selfish thinking that creeps in.... momentarily making its way past the understanding that folks need to eat, to have a place to live, heat, water, hope even.  In a perfect world, I wouldn't be paying taxes while others aren't.  But, in a perfect world, there would be no sickness, poverty, disability, hopelessness.  No child would be hungry, cold, afraid.  No adult, either.
  So, maybe I do resent having my hard earned money go for other things than my simple comfort.  But, I gotta tell you, I have a lot more problem having my taxes going to millionaires and dictators, or buying bullets and multi-million dollar killing machines, or other such.  Of all of it, having my tax dollars help someone be healthy, helping my very neighbors, seems a great use of that money.

Congresswoman Speier Pleads to Save Food Stamps (by Jackie Speier)

“In my district, California 14, we have about 4,000 families who are on food stamps, but some of my colleagues have thousands and thousands more. Yet, they somehow feel like crusaders, like heroes when they vote to cut food stamps. Some of these same members travel to foreign countries under the guise of official business. They dine at lavish restaurants, eating steak, vodka and even caviar. They receive money to do this. That’s right, they don’t pay out of pocket for these meals.

“Let me give you a few examples: One member was given $127.41 a day for food on his trip to Argentina. He probably had a fair amount of steak. 

Another member was given $3,588 for food and lodging during a six-day trip to Russia. He probably drank a fair amount of vodka and probably even had some caviar. That particular member has 21,000 food stamp recipients in his district. One of those people who is on food stamps could live a year on what this congressman spent on food and lodging for six days.

“Another 20 members made a trip to Dublin, Ireland. They got $166 a day for food. These members didn’t pay a dime. They received almost $200 for a single meal only for themselves. Yet, for them the idea of helping fellow Americans spend less than $5 a day makes their skin crawl. The families of veterans, of farmers, of the disabled, of the working poor are not visible to them, not even when they are their own constituents.”

What If?

Have you ever played "What If"?  What if is a great exercise.  While in one extreme, it can task the ludicrous and temp silliness with plausibility.  But, in a healthy approach, it is a great way to remove the situation from the core concepts, the truth behind the facts - if you will.  So, this is a question I would send off to Mr. Lively and those of his ilk.

  You see, there are no real statements we can point to clearly showing that Christ was sexually active in any form.  We can draw some very simple conclusions, and yet they are all quite misleading with a simple point of view change.
  I would guess there is someone out there who will respond with "so what".  And, then my response would be "Exactly".

If Jesus Were Gay

By Emanuel Xavier

If Jesus were gay,

would you tattoo him to your body?

hang him from your chest?

pray to him and worship the Son of Man?

Would you still praise him

after dying for your sins?

If it was revealed Jesus kissed another man,

but not on the cheek,

would you still beg him for forgiveness?

ask him for miracles?

hope your loved ones get to meet him

in heaven?

If Jesus were gay,

and still loved by God and Mary

because he was their child after all

hailed by all angels and feared by demons,

would you still long to be healed by him?

take him into your home and comfort him?

heal his wounds and break bread with him?

Would wars be waged over religion?

Would world leaders invoke his name

for votes?

Would churches everywhere rejoice

and celebrate his life?

Would rappers still thank him

in their acceptance speeches?

If the crown of thorns

were placed on his head

to mock him as the “Queen of the Jews”

If he was whipped

because fags are considered

sadomasochistic sodomites,

If he was crucified

for the brotherhood of man

would you still repent?

Would you pray to him

when you were dying?

If he didn’t ask for you to be just like him,

If he only wanted you to love yourself,

If he asked that you not judge others,

Would you still wait for him to come back and save your soul?

Would you deny him?

Would you believe in peace?

Would there still be hate?

Would there still be hell?

Would there be laws

based on the meaning of true love?

What would Jesus do?

What would you do?

Who I am, Who you are.

Hello Friends;

  I read a post by Jay recently, and it was a great post - but it bothered me.  I couldn't put my finger on why, and that bothered me even more.  Here is his great post:  http://jayinva.blogspot.com/2013/09/top-of-mind.html
  I am a very poor "blogger friend".  I rarely comment, and it's not because I don't care.  It has more to do with the fact that it is rare that my thoughts are all that unique to what is already made in comment.  I will often simply comment to let the person know that I visited, that I care - maybe pass on a thought, but mostly to let them know that I care.  In this case, I wanted to tell Jay he was simply horny, but that would have been sarcastic and not respecting the thought and intent of his post.  I do hope you will read it!
Then there are the times when, much like a gorilla passing a playground spinning wheel, my mind is sent on a blur of odd thoughts and memories, fears, hopes and dreams by a post.  Sometimes it isn't what the blogger had in mind at all, but as a
testament to his/her ability to convey ideas that breed ideas that spin-off into to sky, there I am with a confused look on my face.  It takes me days, weeks, or never... I may never understand what is bothering me about the post, about the ideas and thoughts that I found from the post.
  Much like Jay, I've kept my true self hidden for a very long time.  Unlike Jay, I've yet to have the courage to be completely open with the world about who I am.
    Many moons ago, I made a post with an odd picture of a boy in strange garb.  I say that with the utmost respect, so please don't shoot me - well, dang, let me see if I can find it... ok, here it is.   I thought the young man beautiful, and at the risk of using a phrase that is surely to be turned, I have that same flower growing in my own garden, so it further caught my eye.  I enjoyed the colors, the odd rope thing, the flowing cover, and the weird interplay between confidence and vulnerability that I see in his expression.  I gotta say, don't like the ear thing - sorry.  Not into that.  But, no matter, I was so very drawn to the picture because, in my mind, it cried out "Here I am.  I am beautiful.  Accept me."..... ok, made me just a bit horny, too.  But, you get my point.
    Today, I saw this post, and I'm going to give you the link and the pic... enlarge the pic if you need to see it better:  http://boyboxrebellion.blogspot.com/2013/09/dolly.html

What bothered me, in Jay's post, in my own thoughts, and began to gel in this new post I saw on 'rebellion..... We are so very much more that the image we portray, the concept or judgement of those about us.  We are influenced, even to the point of allowing those things to begin to define us, but we are so very much more than that.
  Martin Luther King Jr.called out his dream of a time when people would be judged on the content of their character.  Even in such a utopian image do I find difficulty, because who says that judgement to be fair or accurate?  You see, I too have a dream:  I have a dream that Life will be considered Unique and Treasured.  I have a dream that all little boys and girls will be judged not on the colors they wear, but will be treasured for the beauty of their heart and mind, their Spirit.  That each of us will be understood as a masterpiece of Unique sculpture, impossible to be exactly reproduced and priceless.  I have a dream that all of us will treat others with respect, care and no one will be hungry, cold, afraid, alone.    Hugs.       May your dreams be Grand.