A Dream Saga

I awoke the following morning in my drop dead gorgeous suite. Opening my eyes I lay there watching the fish swimming above me. What a novel idea, a fish tank surrounding the headboard of the bed, but then this is a dream and I can sleep anywhere I choose. Getting ready for the day took forever. I had brought what seemed to be a whole trunk of nothing but cameras. My 35mm Cannon 620 EOS was there, along with a pocket sized digital 14mp Sony, one single forlorn looking Brownie, and an antique accordian style piece that has been in the family for at least a hundred years. Much to my surprise I had brand new film to put on the old wooden rollers inside. Eos around the neck, digital in the pocket of my jeans and three more in a sizable briefcase(I have no clue where the Mavica came from but it was in there along with several brightly colored floppies)the cameras and I exited to the hall. The view from the hallway windows next to the elevator was astonishing so I snapped away as I awaited the arrival of my ride down. Downstairs I was greeted with the scent of baking bread and delightful pastries. The breakfast buffet, continental style, was awesome! Fresh fruit of every imaginable kind, and donuts(in a previous incarnation I'm certain I was an officer of the law), caramel rolls, and a tiny little corner niche with covered pans holding sausages, bacon, pancakes, scrambled eggs, and an assortment of breads I could toast for myself. I grabbed two plates of food a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a tall glass of orange juice. It was time to feed the body and go over the details of the assignment in my mind. I usually take notes on whatever my plans are and what I think I may be doing just in case I forget. Enjoying my leisurely breakfast(most meals take me at least an hour to consume, but this may take longer)I munched and wandered through the corridors of my mind enjoying visions of other places I had enjoyed a breakfast much like this one. This was the dream. There is more to it but space and time do not allow right now. I am quite subject to "recurring" dreams so I have no doubt this one will begin again or continue another night as I slumber. Oh, by the way, it has led to the next book. I'm writing every day as I haven't done in a few years. God bless, Preacher.

Dreams Too Real

I awakened(I pray this is so)from a short slumber in which I was dreaming. I had been hired to do a photo essay on one of the oldest hotels in the state. No longer in service as a hotel but used for various purposes on different levels of the establishment. Not long after my arrival I met with the folks paying for my time and they gave me a brief explanation of what I was to do for them. The strangest request they made was one of my being able to utilize my collection of vintage cameras from pictorial history to do the shoot. I questioned why I needed the vast array of cameras for the story and the only explanation I was given was, "You will have to follow your instincts and take whatever pictures you take with what you believe will work best for the shot." Then they left me sitting in the newly renovated cafe on the street level. It was right next to what had been at one time the main desk of the grand hotel. The entry/registration area was vast and now was parent to a number of portals leading to a boutique, a computer/cell phone/gaming center, and what appeared to be an old men's haberdashery. Actually the general appearance was one of a collage. The nostalgic, modern, and vintage all separated by their period store fronts and the backdrop of the ancient hotel lobby. My first duty was to check on accommodations for my stay. I chose a nearby motel within walking distance and proceeded to unpack my things in the cheery suite which my employers so graciously had provided. I love being on the road and staying in a variety of places so this was perfect. A three day shoot, great digs, a wonderful stroll down the paths of time and every amenity available within walking distance. Street level, where I met with the vaguely familiar folks footing my bill, faced the motel. My third floor windows looked out on the everyday scene of mainstay America. Automobiles and trucks going every direction at the corners with people paying absolutely no attention to their driving. Ah, it was good to be home. What I believe is happening is the start of my next book. It was too strange to get any depth on this opening blog page. I will write every day until the tale is told to the best of my ability. God bless, Preacher.

A Dream Car

I have been seeking the next car to buy. I have not purchased one in 22 years. Had no need, but now I do so I began my search for an old favorite, the Mustang. The year had to be between 1999 and 2004 as a result of the body style. Here began the criteria in an outline form: Mustang Criteria Color................................No red, blue, yellow, gold, Year..................................1999 - 2004 Prefer................................40th Anniversary In Black Must have...........................The Hood Scoop Preferred...............................40th Anniversary Deluxe #2......................................Premium GT #3......................................Electric Driver's Seat #4......................................Leather Interior The Black one shown on this page really appealed to me on first viewing. Then as I got further into the research I came to rest on the White 2004 in the collage. It happens to be in Dallas, TX(top on my list of favorite state). So now I have a decision(LOL.....that only took the better part of six months)based solely on the appearance of an automobile that pulled in to our station five years ago. You have now determined that I don't really 'jump' into things. All good things happen in their own time. Now I have to secure financing for the aforementioned vehicle or one like it and go wherever it is and bring it on home(that's part of an old song about love)to me. Time, and God willing, there will be my next auto sitting on the driveway or snuggled deep within the confines of the "CAVE" next to a pair of Harleys. Mine to drive at my leisure and finally with the top down. Did I forget that it has to be a convertible. Nothing else will do because I truly don't like cages and then even in the winter I stick my nose out in the wind(sort of like the dog does when the window is down or if they happen to have the joy of riding in the back of the truck)smelling the air and relishing the rush of it in my hair. Well, that's it. Everything I need to say on this topic is finished for tonight. I'm certain if things come together the way I would like them to I shall be posting something on this topic again. For now I pray you blessings and happiness in life. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

One Marine's Response, to Sen. Feinstein's Gun Control Proposal: One U.S. Marine was more than a little displeased with California Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s draconian gun control proposal, which includes an assault weapons ban and provisions on handguns and even “grandfathered weapons.” The letter, written by U.S. Marine Joshua Boston, was titled “No ma’am” and was first posted on CNN iReport on Dec. 27. The letter has since gone viral and has been shared extensively on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, as it seemingly has resonated with a segment of the American population. Read Boston’s entire “No ma’am” letter below and then share it with others: Senator Dianne Feinstein, I will not register my weapons should this bill be passed, as I do not believe it is the government’s right to know what I own. Nor do I think it prudent to tell you what I own so that it may be taken from me by a group of people who enjoy armed protection yet decry me having the same a crime. You ma’am have overstepped a line that is not your domain. I am a Marine Corps Veteran of 8 years, and I will not have some woman who proclaims the evil of an inanimate object, yet carries one, tell me I may not have one. I am not your subject. I am the man who keeps you free. I am not your servant. I am the person whom you serve. I am not your peasant. I am the flesh and blood of America. I am the man who fought for my country. I am the man who learned. I am an American. You will not tell me that I must register my semi-automatic AR-15 because of the actions of some evil man. I will not be disarmed to suit the fear that has been established by the media and your misinformation campaign against the American public. We, the people, deserve better than you. Respectfully Submitted, Joshua Boston Cpl, United States Marine Corps 2004-2012 I copied and pasted this from a post on FB. I believe it is relevant to the present danger we face in America. Our country is facing the largest attack it has ever experienced. This is an attack on our founding fathers, our constitution, and the liberty so many have fought and died to preserve. Each of us that loves this land must do what we can to tell others what is happening. Joshua, although not as eloquent as some, has stated his case succinctly and truthfully. He is not alone. He is not the first nor will he be the last. We all have a duty to perform. President Kennedy put it well in words we can all understand, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." I share this and all the above with my whole heart, spirit, mind, and patriotic fervor. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Christmas is upon us once again. We did a family thing this year in the Blackhills of South Dakota. The plan was to gift everyone with the opportunity to share Christmas in a chateau high atop Edelweiss mountain. It worked very well. Unfortunately there was no snow! We had a wonderful time but(wife said that was all we were doing for gifts this year for family members)if they didn't come then we had to go out and start purchasing presents we could give. All in all it probably will work out. The main thing to remember is the extreme blessing the trip was for all who attended. I am also in the process of looking for an automobile. I haven't purchased one since '91 and I have the hankering for a special winter ride. The rest of the time I go on two wheels. This year I did 250 days on my Ultra, 190 of them consecutive. Lol, you'd think I "live to ride" & "ride to live." Truly I say unto you, "My worst day on two wheels is far, far better than my best on four." Now about that convertible: Seeking a 1999 - 2004 Mustang convertible. It's the particular body style that I truly want. 2002 is dead in the center of these years and would be preferred. So far I have found hundreds of the aforementioned vehicles. There are pics of a few that have got my attention right now. If you know of one or someone who has this beautiful beast contact me at RevTerryl@gmail.com.

Losing track of stuff has become a way of life. Someone once told me that happens when we get older. Older or not I just forget. That's why when I'm working construction here at the house I try to have a least two yardsticks, tape measures, hammers, tool kits, etc. you get the picture. This year I've lost track of how many consecutive days I've been out on two wheels. I thought the latest run began on June 12th, but when I figured up the X marks on the wall they total 143 so that can't be right. Whatever, the season is drawing to a close. Snow was in the air this afternoon and it took a battery charger to start the Ultra with the temperature hovering just under 21 degrees. It was brisk on the streets to say the least. I'm going to miss my daily putts. It puts life in a more proper perspective on a day to day basis. Like yesterday when the rain came down(it was 47 degrees at that time)and I knew it was time to head for the shed. I did gas up one more time just in case. Life is like that. We try to be ready for everything and then when something happens it is usually unexpected. Like Mitt expecting to win. What a night of elections! Good or bad we take it all in spit it back out and come up with a smile for everyone. God bless my country! It is still the best in all the world and even though I may not always agree with the political winds I must reverently bow to the coming of another winter! Maybe the sun will shine four years down the road. As for today, I know that spring is coming. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Four Years In

We are beginning our 5th year in the new/old house. I'm still in the process of construction. Studio and bedroom/bath and the office are showing signs of light in the basement. Uncovering one of the library walls I rediscovered 40 square feet of books on history, religions, faith and living. Taking a break from the process of building I grew more greatly drawn to my books on the Muslim world. Following the events of this year's 9-11 attacks I reflected on how much things have changed. There was a wonderfully recorded time when things were different. We'd get a whole bunch of our guys together and line up, they would do the same and we would charge at one another with personal weapons of human destruction. Now there seems to be nothing that is done in the open. Little attacks by night, secret bombs planted, and lots of dirty deeds done without any care of human cost. The honorability of the an entire religious group has become less seemly than it has ever been. It never has made sense, nor will it ever, why we must do such dastardly inhuman slaughter. There should be an end to it. I know as a power on the globe we have the solution. As misguided and horrible as it was Hitler had a cure for the German people's ills long ago. As I go on pounding nails and building my sanctuary I pause to pray for the cause of humanity. I don't think it is ever going to change so why not just stop the evil in its tracks. The allies defeated the axis. Why not just do away with the Muslim problem the same was. All out declared war. Challenge them to line up and get it on once and for all. They won't do that, of course, but it would be nice. No more sitting around waiting for the next "big" thing to happen. Diplomacy sucks and so do the folks that believe it is a solution. Time to line up, repeat history one last time on the battlefield and be done with it! Just one person's opinion, but it would seem that it has always been and will continue to be necessary. In Christ's Love, Preacher.