Tame the dragon---

 

2.     Tame the Beast---enjoy…the Show!

 

“When you swing the line out, son, try to let it fall gently into the water; that might take away the “plop” of the cork which could chase the crappie off our bed.” Dad offered his young ward.

Silver-diamonds sparkled on the lake surface and gently beat a cadenced-rhythm against the flat bow of the anchored boat as dad and son enjoyed an afternoon of crappie fishing. The boy, a white “taw”-head of ten sat in the seat nearest the front of the little rowboat while dad manned the oars keeping the bobbing craft just off the submerged cedar tree bed where the crappie spawned. He and the boy had brought their Christmas tree, along with four other co-opted used ornament and light decoration, now bare of the adornments, to the clubhouse back in deep, cold January. They had wired the discarded trees together in one large “heap” once they had dragged them onto the then-frozen lake ice; securing the jumble into one huge package, dad had brought a half-dozen concrete blocks along to anchor the trees to the bottom for a “crappie-bed” where they now fished during the spawning season.

Wiring the heavy blocks to the mound of dead trees, dad carefully aligned the debris with land marks on the shore from two “benchmark” points about twenty feet out so that, once spring visited and the ice melted, causing the tree “fish-bed” to sink, the exact spot where the “shelter” lay submerged could be located, thus, resulting in easy crappie-catches on early fishing-trips.

The boy thought the “plan” absolutely ingenious! His dad knew everything ; could do it all!

Suddenly, the wind took a chill turn and switched directions; the boy snuggled deeper into his spring jacket tugging his prized baseball cap tighter onto his head, giving an involuntary shiver.

“Pull up the anchor, son.” His dad announced to the surprise of his boy.

Seeing the question on his ward’s expression, he added, inclining his head to the west, “Storm’s brewing. Came up real sudden. That wind change and the coolness tell me we’re about to get drenched. Figure we got just about ten minutes to get to the clubhouse for safety.”

Hauling the anchor aboard, the boy heard a crack of thunder just over the rise of hills.

Dad rowed mightily, heading for the dock. In six minutes they were mooring the boat and grabbing fishing poles and tackle boxes. The boy reached for the live-net containing the catch; they had pulled it into the boat for the journey to refuge.

“Put the fish bag over the side; leave the string tied to the oar lock. They can ride out the storm, here.” The boy did as he was told, learning a valuable lesson in the process.

Dad stepped ashore as the boy tied-off the net; they reached the clubhouse covered porch as the first cold drops fell. Closing the door tight behind them, dad lit the wood stove fire. A flash of yellow-white lightning illuminated the interior of the tidy shelter followed by a crash of thunder. The boy went to the window to watch the show; dad got busy warming food on the electric range. Hailstones pounded the roof of the little clubhouse as each delighted in the storm.

“Might try us some bass fishing in an hour or two,” Dad allowed. “They’ll be biting along the steep shore line, looking for an easy meal after the rain washes feed off the hill into the lake.

“Meantime, we’ll chow-down, warm ourselves by the fire and watch ole Mother Nature work her awesome-magic.” He looked at his son, smiling. “I love a good storm!” He allowed.

“Me, too!” Came the boy’s reply. His secret wish: One day to be as fine a man as his mentor.

 

Fear not! Follow Me! A brief synopsis of the Holy Bible.

 

Challenge life! Live! Love! Laugh! Fully enjoy thy time-space adventure!



Demons & Angels (Part 2 of 2)

 

Black-teeth started to say something as he took a deliberate step meant as an intimidating threat toward his newest victim; whatever the dimwit intended to say never reached his greasy, thin lips for audible-pronouncement. What emanated from his mouth was a surprised “Ugh!”

In a three-second blur, rotten-teeth found himself lying on his backside with Gramps towering over him. His hand had slipped from the pocket and an object lay harmlessly beside it; the brass-knuckle weapon had made an audible “solid”-thunk as it had hit the pavement. The would-be thief’s head buzzed and the suddenly incapacitated “wanna-be” thug blinked his dark eyes rapidly, trying to discern what had just happened to ruin his “perfect shake-down” scheme.

His smashed nose bled profusely; his absent teeth left a vacant, black hole; his right foot lay askew; his leg hurt like nothing he had ever felt before. Gramps thought the “baby” might cry.

Toothless shook his head in disbelief at the rapid turn of events. “Who are you? Mister!?”

“Veteran! U.S.M.C.! Viet Nam! 1967! Son!” He smiled. “And---you can call me…’Sir!’”

A mounted policeman approached. “Everything all right here? Sir?” He inquired.

“The old man assaulted me! I want him arrested!” No-teeth grumbled in a slur, not yet accustomed to the sound of his words now that he lacked teeth. “He broke my leg! I need help!”

Ignoring the complainant, the officer smiled, looking at Gramps. “Are you alright? Sir.”

“Yes!” Thank you! Officer.”

Then, with a hint of a smirk while pointing at the pile of useless-refuse unceremoniously sprawled on the concrete-walkway, Gramps said, “But, I’m pretty sure he ain’t so good!”

“I’ll call an ambulance---” The mounted policeman advised. “After…I get your information.

“I heard part of your---uh…conversation.” The patrolman smiled.

Then, he sat straight and saluted the old man. “Thank you! For your service.  Sir!”

Gramps returned the “honored” salute with respectful military precision.

The policeman nodded. “Afghanistan.” He allowed. “2012!”

Each veteran smiled a common “understanding”-of-comradery among fellow-warriors.

Gramps gave the officer his contact information and a brief synopsis of the short altercation; the policeman took down the information for his report. Once the perpetrator had been removed by ambulance, the officer said he would interview the lady on the far bench, a local known to him; he added that the unsuccessful thug had a record and this time, he hoped, a judge would send him where he belonged. “All I can do is bring them in, Sir. The rest is up to the courts.”

Being dismissed, Gramps shook the officer’s hand.

“You might be called to testify.” The policeman apologized.

“Be more than happy to accommodate, Officer.” Gramps offered.

Gathering Chelsea, they headed home stopping at the ice cream shop just down the block from their apartment for a sweet, cooling delight. Mom would be home soon; time to get supper.

 

In all the world are: Heroes!---myriad Saints!...a plethora-of-Angels!

 

God-bless them! Each and every one!

 

Amen!



Demons & Angels (Part 1 0f 2)

1.     Demons! & Angels!

 

“As the mean-ole dragon lunged its fiery head toward the knight…” droned the man in a hushed-whisper to emphasize the terror of the tale, all the while suppressing a clandestine smile at his young ward’s furrowed brow showing a concern-of-fear. He continued the narrative.

“…Sir Galahad loosed his long sword from its sheath at his side, the honed blade shining brightly-red from the fire of the beast. In a freighting roar from the dragon as it increased the length and ferocity of the flame, the brave knight stepped toward the threatening beast. Dodging to his left to avoid the fiery-flame, the knight feinted a retreat, then struck swiftly with his trusty sword, slaying the evil dragon.” Gramps smiled. “And, the people lived happily…ever after!”

The conclusion delighted the child; she clapped her hands and cheered.

Now six, the girl would begin her formal schooling in the fall, only seven months away.

“Oh! Gramps! You tell the very best stories.” Gramps beamed. Chelsea had heard the tale, in one version or another, myriad times previously. It didn’t matter; each delighted in the telling.

Waiting for her enthusiasm to abate, even if only a little, Gramps paused. In the play of their “little-game”, Chelsea knew the man had some “serious” thought about the tale to impart.

As Chelsea’s blue eyes widened and she focused attention on her Gramps in anticipation of the “moral” of the story, he said, “Revelation foretells: In the end---the ‘good’-guys…Win!”

She nodded to affirm “understanding” of his wisdom, as much as a 6-year old might muster.

As the old man had spun the tale to his granddaughter, little-Chelsea, his attentive eyes had witnessed a young man approach a lady on a bench across the narrow walkway from his own seat. To the observer, it was obvious that the man verbally intimidated the elderly lady to give him some money; too far to be definitely determined, it appeared to be a five dollar bill.

The frail woman seemed terrified of the hoodlum; he had not touched her person; he did not have to do so. Gramps noticed a “glint” of metal as the thug pulled his hand part way out of the right hand pocket of the heavy black leather jacket. The old man surmised what the object was.

Gramps watched as the thief stuffed the cash the elderly woman had given him with a shaky hand into his left black leather jacket pocket. Then, the “bum” eyed the old man on the far bench with a little girl; he smiled showing rotted teeth; he turned abruptly from the woman.

Gramps stood up, pulled Chelsea off the bench to her feet, smiled at the child and told her to go to the swings where Miss Kathy and Miss Mary Ellen were standing near-by with Nanny-Jodi as the three conversed while attending their own wards. Gramps had befriended the ladies in the months prior when his daughter had moved in with him after her divorce. Gramps had become little Chelsea’s “Nanny” and fit right in with the other custodians at the park. While his daughter worked at a stock brokerage, he became “Mr. Mom” running the household and babysitting.

Mary Ellen saw Chelsea coming to the swings; catching Gramps’ eye, she nodded and smiled letting her friend know that she would tend the young girl and see to it that she was safe.

Realizing that his ward was now in good hands, he turned to face his coming tormentor.

Gramps gauged the man to be around twenty, or so. He wore the “necessary” black leather jacket, greasy and filthy, as was the man’s once-white tee shirt. The denim jeans were old, ragged, torn and greasy as the stringy black hair escaping the wool cap. Gramps stared, alert.

“Old man,” came a guttural growl, “I need five bucks. Comply---we all go home …safe.”

As the hoodlum spoke, he eased his right hand from the jacket pocket just enough to show brass-knuckles on his fist; he smiled showing the blackened , rotted teeth. Gramps took notice of the weapon he had identified when the creep had accosted the elderly lady on the bench.

 

 

(Part 2 of 2 tomorrow)

Youth-celebration!

 

Joyful-Spirit Youth Celebration-eternal!

 

Grandfather’s pleasant-loving face sparkled bright-blue eyes

That “twinkle” tweaked a child’s-appreciation of cerulean skies

 

His son-“Poppy” well-taught our grand-Mother Nature delight

Seasons’ subtle change buds to green to color to snow-white

 

Dad enhanced the learning-experience begun on this Rebel! Rascal! Rogue!

Yet---I reckon! Sure enough!...compliant…I simple-humble reverent-strode

 

My mentors subtle taught discernment of sacred-right from evil-wrong

A single demarcation-line concludes-decision pleasant Celebration-song

 

In the space from then to now and on my time developed loving-space

Me-progeny, I intended proper-respect toward life-love in Nature’s-place

 

And---now…these sacred-grandchildren celestial universal-blessing

I try instill a charity-generous attitude toward Mother-Nature addressing

 

A lesson for my progeny---any pure kindness offered…sweetens thy heart

If one demands “respect” is faux-command: Before the horse, place the cart

 

We enjoyed events-adventures myriad loving the beast-noble friend

And, sports and more and all of Christmas-every day in joy song-send

 

With time-space of behavior-complimentary comes around to the circle-end

Grandpa! Poppy! Dad! (Me)! And Thee & Thee! Back where it did begin!

 

Sure enough! I reckon!---a circle-time complete…the deed concluded

But!?---I pray…generate a circle-axis…create a glorious-sphere included

 

On generation-knowledge promulgated living-life through practiced-Love!

Embrace yon dawn---adore high noon sun…kiss alabaster full-moon above!

 

And---just for me…one day view summit high; play tag with blue-Pacific surf

Ride the equine-friends---pat their neck for me…cross-country sail the jump-turf

 

If?---any that I wrongly-taught…my sincere-“apology”…I challenged each belief

Remember this---me teasing-smile…search-out me spirit among clear yon ocean-reef

 

For the “now”---“Good-night!” Me ancestors…”Sweet-sleep!” Me progeny!

Truly! Pray  I!---I did my very best…If not? Thee are my salvation-contingency!

 

Amen!


Forward to my forthcoming book: "Vignettes"

 

In obfuscated-reality” of “youthful”-animation I challenged existence

with insatiable-wondering of the time-space of inevitable pending-Future!

 

Quite, so natural---I grew up amongst those who would “bring” the future.

 Self-included, by divine-design…even, if not, through any focused-effort.

 

Most of the contemplated-“thought” about “coming-events” much more

sub-conscious than a developed-cognizance concluded faux-“ambivalence”.

I never understood “going-looking” for trouble---it will…find “You”!

 

And, so, for some 18, or so, years, I stumbled through the “falter”-maze

Expending all energy simply in the “living”-experience---too busy in a

life pursuit-of-adventure than any redemptive-reflection. Thus---a Hedonist!

 

I cherished Love in valued-memories (people & places)---held my found-trinity

Faith! Family! Freedom! as sacred-reality…set a very “high”-standard; lived it!

 

My childhood-contemporaries did “well”-enough with life-success---Bravo!

I always wish them “well” and “happiness” and---mostly…Peace! Amen!

Each, so far as I know, contributed in positive-manner to the “good”-of-man.

I applaud each of their efforts praying I came quite so well, myself. Hmm!?

 

Optimistic---I am by nature…“the world is in ‘good’-hands!” Amen! To that.

 

And, so, quite naturally “my” generation moved-on into my progeny’s time-space.

 

Exemplar!---they are! Proud!...am I, of them. Their contemporaries, too!

 

Now, I’ve survived long enough to witness yet another changing-of-the-guard.

 

Bravo! Yet, once again, me-kiddos! Good-job! Much better than simple-humble I!

 

That profound Good vs. evil-altercation still rages---the Good-guys always…Win!

 

The family took us to dinner to celebrate Father’s Day---our “cute-as-a-button”

little waitress hosted our entourage with deft skill-attention---just…Perfect!

Little-Miss Hostess attended our party with graceful-attentiveness. Delightful!

Thank you! Missy! For your contribution.

 

Her Christian-attitude of generosity and pleasantness bespeaks a free-spirit proud-soar!

 

Once more I am persuaded of my “We are in very capable-hands”-determination!

 

Is it really quite so simple? Purpose-seek Love to permeate found-Peace! Hmm!

Ah!---"Saints" among us..."Angels", too!

 

Gentleman-Uncle Craig & Lady-Aunt Angie

 

 

When I penned Creed of the Mountain Man I had not

had the pleasure of meeting Uncle-Craig; when, at long

last we became acquainted, Miss Jen’s uncle was the 

absolute embodiment of my fantasy-image in the book.

 

A “true”-man of Christian-generosity!---always…

putting other people first and foremost in his life.

 

In my manner of trying to point out people’s “Goodness”

without seeming “gratuitous”, the other night at Jen and

Z. Tyler’s rehearsal-dinner Uncle Craig gave the blessing

performing the task admirably and beautifully. I later shook

his hand and thanked the “Reverend” for his inspiration.

 

Today at Jen and Z’s wedding---Uncle Craig…officiated! Wow! 

 

I had no idea Craig really was a “Reverend”!

 

And…

 

Aunt-Angie is his perfect-mate complimenting his qualities

with support and a “like”-mind for generous-intent.

 

I offer you some reading material. The Christmas Treasures

book is for Colton for Grandpa & Grandma to read to him.

 

We gave Miss-Jen a book Love Echoes for her shower; in it

are more of the thoughts presented in Becky’s wedding reading.

 

It is my distinct pleasure to call Uncle Craig and Aunt Angie---Friends!

 

Ah!---The very Saints among us…Angels, too!

 

I leave you with a couple of thoughts:

 

Live! Love! Laugh! Focus-contemplate!

Vigilant-be! No one’s future is ever late!

And---

Faith! Family! Freedom! Might just be all there really---Is!

In one eternal instant the only mercy-blessing will be…His!

 

Enjoy! Candy & Carl

84,600/day!?---Hmm!...Interesting!

 

$86,400/day! Lifetime!

 

 

The state announced a new lottery game---

and…You already are the Winner!

(Also, you don’t even have to buy a ticket!)

 

Wow! At the stroke of midnight, every-day, 86,400 will be

deposited into your “bank account” to use at your discretion!

But---

Any assets left in the account that have NOT been utilized

will be forfeit as the new sum is credited to your fund;

the overage disappears---lost…forever!

 

Too good to be true!? Not really! Not at all!

You have Already---Won!...Carpe diem!

 

When a prospective customer balks at the cost of a

salesman’s offering, the professional smiles and says,

“Think of it as an investment in an education as obtaining

this widget will increase your revenue profit-center; if

you think education is expensive, try ignorance!”

 

And,

 

Time and space are equal to everyone;

Think! Consider! Contemplate! Act!

As ye “spend” thou Treasure!

 

So? How does this windfall accrue to thee?

Simple! It already has!

 

Each day contains 86,400 seconds credited to your

Life-account! Until death, that time is your own!

 

If you gave thought to spending $86,400 every day, consider

very carefully your expenditure of that same amount in time!

You have already been doing, precisely, just that---each day!

 

So---Careful what you wish for…you might just get it!

 

Pray! For wisdom! In investing your daily-replenished future!

 

I wish thee Peace! Mon Amie!

Amen!