The Event Begins On August 8th Come 

Age & Beauty - Life & Learning

My box was filled with responses to some of the more recent posts when I tapped in to see how my day was going to go. I enjoyed reading several of the pieces and then realized they all contained a commom thread; thoughts about getting on in years. I can only think of one alternative to getting older, that is to "NOT" get any older. The poet writes that beauty will fade.........but some things endure, maybe that's what aging is about, enduring. The cute fur ball in the picture below is Kodiak. He belongs with my sister in law but quite often can be found hanging out with my wife and I. At one time in my life I raised herds of Pomeranians. Loved them more than words could ever do justice. One pair, Brandy & Funky lived respectively, 17 & 18 years, which is a long, long life for a canine. They were with me through three wives a dozen affairs with motorcycles, and all over the US they lived, for the most part in a 1971 Ford van that I bought brand new for touring. Except for the few years I spent vacationing in Beautiful Southeast Asia courtesy of an uncle of mine, they were constant companions. One lady I have known for more years than either of us cares to remember has a saying, "If I'd have known I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself." I'm sure you've heard it before. We lost another of the young ones, this time 49 years of age with three children still at home. It's that whole stress thing that causes these massive coronary attacks, I become more convinced of that with each passing day. Please rest assured that we can't get through this life without stress(some comfort here, huh)but it doesn't have to take such a heavy toll on our health. Life is a big circle. At age three we think a great day is one in which we don't pee our pants. At age eighty three we think a great day is one in which we don't pee our pants. Another long time friend adds, "I wish I'd have been born rich instead of so good looking and talented." Aging continues, dogs pass on far too soon, beauty fades, and life comes full circle, and what have we learned from this......It is good not to do life alone!........In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Becoming Best Of Friends! 

Taking Time To Let The Wind Out Of My Sails

It's about one in the morning, and I think I'm finally ready to call it a day. Two chapters on the book have reached completion. I'm on chapter 46 now and the final tally will be under 55. It is with much relief that I find myself in full view of the end of that project. And today marked the beginning of another project that has been hanging fire. The CD of all original music and lyrics has reached the studio as of this afternoon. Our technologically advanced world is a wonderful playground for musicians and songwriters alike. Most of the really tough stuff was done before Christmas. I even tried to get one of the singles out for the holidays, but that was not part of God's plan, so according to His schedule I am on track(s fifteen of them)as of today. Cheryl is excited about seeing it come together. I guess I am, too! I'm just a little weary on the edges tonight. It would seem that I have begun to settle in to our home. I really didn't think that was going to happen, but it did! Just in time for the state to decide to tear up a mile of highway that is our only access to this house. Matt, the gentleman from the state office, tried rushing us into signing some papers allowing them to literally tear our front lawn apart, we declined to sign without first knowing what they were planning to do. Sometimes we get blessed in ways that are surprising. Matt told us they would only disturb a foot out by the sidewalk. Now that the surveyors have staked it out and painted my driveway it is quite obvious that he was misinformed. We won't have enough room left during construction to park even one vehicle, let alone three cars a van and two Harleys. But, that is a year away, and only God knows where we might be then. World Day of Prayer is upon us. I try to pray for everyone everyday, but if you don't feel like you've been included let me know and I'll see to it that you are. Have a wonderful Wednesday and celebrate the rest of the week the life you've been blessed with. Hug those you love, and heap some coals on the heads of those you don't, maybe, so much. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Anitque Music, 1927 Baldwin & Fresh Flowers by Candlelight 

A Reminder For Each Of Us! 

Again, I Didn't See It Coming

A lot of Sundays ago our backyard was the most serene picture of quiet and solitude broken only by the revelry of a few local squirrels chasing each other around the trees and digging up the occasional nut secreted away last fall. Today was much like any other Sunday, I attended church, I played the piano, my heart sang, I ate heartily of pancakes and sausages and looked forward to changing my clothes and spending the afternoon touring the countryside looking for possible photo opportunities. I knew this day was coming and the temperatures were very inviting. So what was I doing? I was in the backyard listening to the incessant sound of a two-cycle chain saw, a four-cycle lawn mower and another oil plus gas propelled machine known locally as the "tiller." Their racous sounds assailed my ears on all sides, and they were my machines. Each one built for a specific task, and all running as smoothly as one could desire. The Harley, specifically designed for days exactly like this, stood on the driveway, leaning on her kickstand waiting, and waiting, but I didn't arrive. Postponed for another time, another day. I, in the meantime(I do know what MEAN TIME is) ran machines invented to squander energy in the form of exertion and fossil fuels with no other purpose than making our yard look nice. Well, now I can take a picture of it and everyone can see, as my honey puts it, "How nice our yard looks." Oh, it wasn't all that bad, and I tend to exagerate a lot, and at least I don't have to do it again for maybe a week.........
How was your Sunday? God bless, Preacher.