In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
5/31/2010
5/30/2010
What Did You Say? Episode 4
Singing along to the radio with your teens in the car can be hazardous. Let me just leave it at this - the lyrics are not "Go Charlotte, it's your birthday."
5/29/2010
What Did You Say? Episode 3
What Did You Say? Episode 3
Do you know the song "American Woman?" Made popular in the 70s by The Guess Who and remade a few years ago by Lenny Kravitz, "American Woman" is a playful is not thought provoking romp through some classic rock. It is important, however, not to mishear the lyrics.
My son, tells the story on himself as hearing the words "American Woman" as "A Naked Woman." Insert that into the lyrics and you might understand why a pubescent male was so confused by the song.
Do you know the song "American Woman?" Made popular in the 70s by The Guess Who and remade a few years ago by Lenny Kravitz, "American Woman" is a playful is not thought provoking romp through some classic rock. It is important, however, not to mishear the lyrics.
My son, tells the story on himself as hearing the words "American Woman" as "A Naked Woman." Insert that into the lyrics and you might understand why a pubescent male was so confused by the song.
5/28/2010
What Did You Say? Episode 2
What Did You Say? Episode 2
There was a time when my mother was into crochet work, especially afghans. She made dozens of them and gave them to family members. They were wonderfully colorful, well made and fun to wrap-up in while sitting and reading.
One day my Grandmother was resting beneath one of mom's creations and answered the phone. I heard her reply (to what must have been the "Whacha Doing?" question), "Nothing. Just laying here under this African that Lib gave me."
There was a time when my mother was into crochet work, especially afghans. She made dozens of them and gave them to family members. They were wonderfully colorful, well made and fun to wrap-up in while sitting and reading.
One day my Grandmother was resting beneath one of mom's creations and answered the phone. I heard her reply (to what must have been the "Whacha Doing?" question), "Nothing. Just laying here under this African that Lib gave me."
5/27/2010
What Did You Say?! Episode 1
Laughing About What We THOUGHT We Heard - Episode 1
My son (now 21) tells the story of a car ride with his mom and older sister when he was a young teen. The song playing was "Jump, Jive an Wail" sung by Brain Setzer.
He rode in the back in disbelief as he witnessed his sister and mother 'seat dancing' and singing enthusiastically the song. His problem, he learned later, was that he had the chorus line wrong. What we know as "jump, jive" he heard as "drunk drive." See the lyrics below as he heard them.
Baby, baby it looks like it's gonna hail
Baby, baby it' looks like it's gonna hail
You better come inside
Let me teach you how to drive and wail
You gotta drunk drive, and then you wail
You gotta drunk drive, and then you wail
You gotta drunk drive, and then you wail
You gotta drunk drive, and then you wail
You gotta drunk drive, and then you wail away!
Papa's in the icebox lookin' for a can of ale
Papa's in the icebox lookin' for a can of ale
Mama's in the backyard learning how to drive and wail
(chorus)
A woman is a woman and a man ain't nothin' but a male
A woman is a woman and a man ain't nothin' but a male
One good thing about him
He knows how to drive and wail
Jack and jill went up the hill to get a pail
Jack and jill went up the hill to get a pail
Jill stayed up, she wants to learn how to drive and wail
(chorus)
Funny stuff!
My son (now 21) tells the story of a car ride with his mom and older sister when he was a young teen. The song playing was "Jump, Jive an Wail" sung by Brain Setzer.
He rode in the back in disbelief as he witnessed his sister and mother 'seat dancing' and singing enthusiastically the song. His problem, he learned later, was that he had the chorus line wrong. What we know as "jump, jive" he heard as "drunk drive." See the lyrics below as he heard them.
Baby, baby it looks like it's gonna hail
Baby, baby it' looks like it's gonna hail
You better come inside
Let me teach you how to drive and wail
You gotta drunk drive, and then you wail
You gotta drunk drive, and then you wail
You gotta drunk drive, and then you wail
You gotta drunk drive, and then you wail
You gotta drunk drive, and then you wail away!
Papa's in the icebox lookin' for a can of ale
Papa's in the icebox lookin' for a can of ale
Mama's in the backyard learning how to drive and wail
(chorus)
A woman is a woman and a man ain't nothin' but a male
A woman is a woman and a man ain't nothin' but a male
One good thing about him
He knows how to drive and wail
Jack and jill went up the hill to get a pail
Jack and jill went up the hill to get a pail
Jill stayed up, she wants to learn how to drive and wail
(chorus)
Funny stuff!
5/25/2010
Silence's Voice
Such a wondrous, bellowing creature is silence.
Screaming prerecorded messages
Demands for fulfillment
of parental needs
An eccentric racket, noisy nymph
Promoting historic agendas
Commands for realizing
Ancestors' wants
Such a wondrous, noisy nymph
Is Silence
Personally, I'm inclined to hear whispers more
Screaming prerecorded messages
Demands for fulfillment
of parental needs
An eccentric racket, noisy nymph
Promoting historic agendas
Commands for realizing
Ancestors' wants
Such a wondrous, noisy nymph
Is Silence
Personally, I'm inclined to hear whispers more
5/23/2010
Too Full for Words
Too Full
The quill rests full
Dripping onyx truths
Upon parchment
Unable to spill
Small enough droplets
To inscribe
You
5/22/2010
A Rose is A Rose
A weekend Rose for you, dear reader compliments of the local Arbor Acres rose garden. I hope you are enjoying the weekend.
5/20/2010
Forsyth Technical Community College Summer Tech Offering
I'm teaching two Summer Classes through the local Technical Community College. If you are interested, here is the information and you will need to register the 'old fashion' way by calling the phone number below.
Small Business Development Seminars
Pre-registration required.
Call 336.631.1320, 336.631.1167
or 336.761.1002.
Time: Noon - 2 p.m.
Cost: Registration Fee - $10
Location: Room 105, 4th Street Small Business Center, Chamber Building, 601 West 4th Street, Winston-Salem
Social Media Marketing: An Executive Overview
This Social Media Marketing Overview is a non-technical walkthrough of the different components of Social Marketing. If you are new to SMM or just looking to explore what this Web 2.0 strategy is all about, this is the workshop for you. This is not a “how to do it” workshop, rather a “why you should do it” executive overview. Course Code: #41786 Wednesday, May 26
Strategy & Success in Social Media Marketing
This workshop is an in depth discussion on social media marketing (SMM) strategies and how to measure your success in SMM. Find out what key performance indicators you should be watching. Learn how to “listen” for your brand on the internet. This workshop will show you how to take what you’ve learned in the previous sessions and weave it into your interactive marketing strategy for fabulous results.
Course Code: #41788 Wednesday, June 16
Small Business Development Seminars
Pre-registration required.
Call 336.631.1320, 336.631.1167
or 336.761.1002.
Time: Noon - 2 p.m.
Cost: Registration Fee - $10
Location: Room 105, 4th Street Small Business Center, Chamber Building, 601 West 4th Street, Winston-Salem
Social Media Marketing: An Executive Overview
This Social Media Marketing Overview is a non-technical walkthrough of the different components of Social Marketing. If you are new to SMM or just looking to explore what this Web 2.0 strategy is all about, this is the workshop for you. This is not a “how to do it” workshop, rather a “why you should do it” executive overview. Course Code: #41786 Wednesday, May 26
Strategy & Success in Social Media Marketing
This workshop is an in depth discussion on social media marketing (SMM) strategies and how to measure your success in SMM. Find out what key performance indicators you should be watching. Learn how to “listen” for your brand on the internet. This workshop will show you how to take what you’ve learned in the previous sessions and weave it into your interactive marketing strategy for fabulous results.
Course Code: #41788 Wednesday, June 16
5/18/2010
Moonlight
Moonlight
There is a full moon
In the daylight
I see your thoughts wander
Away from me
and
It isn't even dark, yet.
There is a full moon
In the daylight
I see your thoughts wander
Away from me
and
It isn't even dark, yet.
5/17/2010
Repost - I Found Myself Humming
I found myself
Humming into the mattress
With you
It was an accidental thing
An exhale that sent a slight vibration
Through the sheets
I enjoyed the sound
The sense
Of my humming
Beside you – with you
The vibrant ripples made me giggle
And roll joyfully
Leaving all tension and alarm
and there
I found myself
Humming
Into the mattress
With you.
Humming into the mattress
With you
It was an accidental thing
An exhale that sent a slight vibration
Through the sheets
I enjoyed the sound
The sense
Of my humming
Beside you – with you
The vibrant ripples made me giggle
And roll joyfully
Leaving all tension and alarm
and there
I found myself
Humming
Into the mattress
With you.
5/14/2010
The Dangling Conversation - A Wonderful Song
I often write about the value of human to human contact - real, in person, eye gazing into eye, breath mingling conversation. Do yourself a favor and listen to this song. Listen carefully and enjoy some of the best writing that this amazing duo, Simon and Garfunkle ever put together.
5/13/2010
5 Blogging Pet Peeves
1. Scrabbled layout: When I arrive at your blog there are several items I look for to get started – Your post section, blog roll and social sharing buttons. When these are scattered all over and up and down the page among awards, ads, animated links and widgets – I get distracted and often click on by. Please don’t hide the comment link. I prefer it at the bottom of the post so I can click on it after I read.
2. Random comment log-ins: Use at least one of the proven log-ins for leaving comments or give me the option to enter my info. Please don’t require me to use one and only one means of logging in, because if you do I probably won’t.
3. Floating ads or banners: I don’t like having something chasing me around on the page while I’m trying to read.
4. Music: Don’t do it. It takes longer for the page to load and if I want to surf the web while listening to music – I prefer to choose my own.
5. Heavy pages: in addition to music, having hundreds of animations, gifs. Widgets, social feeds and uncompressed picture photos make loading your site slow and aggravating. Don’t just add the latest greatest widget without deleting some old stuff. The only thing worse than a cluttered blog is one that is cluttered and loads slowly – I won’t linger.
I’m done whining now…
2. Random comment log-ins: Use at least one of the proven log-ins for leaving comments or give me the option to enter my info. Please don’t require me to use one and only one means of logging in, because if you do I probably won’t.
3. Floating ads or banners: I don’t like having something chasing me around on the page while I’m trying to read.
4. Music: Don’t do it. It takes longer for the page to load and if I want to surf the web while listening to music – I prefer to choose my own.
5. Heavy pages: in addition to music, having hundreds of animations, gifs. Widgets, social feeds and uncompressed picture photos make loading your site slow and aggravating. Don’t just add the latest greatest widget without deleting some old stuff. The only thing worse than a cluttered blog is one that is cluttered and loads slowly – I won’t linger.
I’m done whining now…
5/12/2010
Say It. Just say It.
The gift of a kind word is known by every human who but ponders the thought. Yet we too often withhold even the simplest of gentle utterances from those who deserve it. Why?
Today, I ask you to join me in speaking kindness to others. Thank someone. Compliment someone sincerely. Be kind in word, today. Say it. Just say it.
All in?
Today, I ask you to join me in speaking kindness to others. Thank someone. Compliment someone sincerely. Be kind in word, today. Say it. Just say it.
All in?
5/11/2010
Sunset
Your beauty
Laid out before me
Orange hues wrapped in purple haze
This sky
Brushed upon a palette
By the descending of the sun
Layers
Broadcasting the coming night
Filled with hope and promise
Your beauty is laid out for me
A beauty that seeks me
Reaches out and touches my eyes
Causing them to scan for you
A beauty that grazes my thoughts
Hunting for understanding
Beyond knowing the work of light
Reflecting through prisms
And chemicals reacting in mist
Longing to be known
Your beauty
Laid out before me ready to be known
As in an embrace lovers know
The caress of wonder
Possibilities of tomorrow
In each gentle sigh
Each kiss of moisture
Your beauty
Laid out before me stops
Longing is left alone
Desire
Calm and undisturbed
Even as your wonder
Strikes the lenses of my sight
Pounding
Nothing but a distant echo
Is heard
Tonight…
5/10/2010
Solitude verses Loneliness
What is the real difference between solitude and loneliness if not a spiritual matter?
Cutting to the chase, I sometimes find myself alone and enjoying the simple peace and independence that such time allows: reading, writing, listening to music, or riding the currents of thoughts and dreams. This is a type of alone time I truly cherish - I think of this when I use the word solitude.
Then there are times when I'm uncomfortably alone. Times when my thoughts and emotions run chaotic and intense, times when tumultuous tides seem to push me about from one feeling to another - and my natural reaction is to try to change the way I feel from the outside. These are dangerous times. Strangely enough, I am as likely to have these moments of loneliness when I am in a crowd of people as when I am alone. Loneliness seems to come from internal unmet needs, a sense - real or perceived - of lack, of want.
There are also moments when, as I live my life and learn the patterns of relationships and inward realities - that my loneliness will turn to solitude.
Recently, I came across this song by Suzanne Vega that captures part of this experience beautifully. I do like her poetic lyrics.
Cutting to the chase, I sometimes find myself alone and enjoying the simple peace and independence that such time allows: reading, writing, listening to music, or riding the currents of thoughts and dreams. This is a type of alone time I truly cherish - I think of this when I use the word solitude.
Then there are times when I'm uncomfortably alone. Times when my thoughts and emotions run chaotic and intense, times when tumultuous tides seem to push me about from one feeling to another - and my natural reaction is to try to change the way I feel from the outside. These are dangerous times. Strangely enough, I am as likely to have these moments of loneliness when I am in a crowd of people as when I am alone. Loneliness seems to come from internal unmet needs, a sense - real or perceived - of lack, of want.
There are also moments when, as I live my life and learn the patterns of relationships and inward realities - that my loneliness will turn to solitude.
Recently, I came across this song by Suzanne Vega that captures part of this experience beautifully. I do like her poetic lyrics.
5/08/2010
Poem by Unremembered Author
When I was in elementary school, I was given the assignment to memorize a poem. I found one at my home, tucked into a book and learned it proudly. Today I do not know who wrote it and haven't been able to find the author's name, but I remember the poem. If you happen to know of the author, I'd love to be informed.
A Friend
I want to help you all I can
In all I say or do
Because you are so friendly
And I think the world of you
My services, however great
May not amount to much
But they are always your to use
By any sound or touch
I want to keep you comforted
And turn your tears away
And carry out whatever wish
Your loving lips may say
I want to keep you smiling
And forever to be sure
That you possess the happiness
That surely will endure
-Unknown
A Friend
I want to help you all I can
In all I say or do
Because you are so friendly
And I think the world of you
My services, however great
May not amount to much
But they are always your to use
By any sound or touch
I want to keep you comforted
And turn your tears away
And carry out whatever wish
Your loving lips may say
I want to keep you smiling
And forever to be sure
That you possess the happiness
That surely will endure
-Unknown
5/07/2010
Friday Flash 55 - Myth Defined
I'm not sure the protocol for playing, and am open to direction. But, I discovered Friday Flash 55 over at Jingle. Here is my Flash Friday 55 Poem. (Write a poem that is fiction in 55 words)
Myths are made of misfortune
Reasoned out by those who failed
and Survived
then Thrived
Myths are tall tales of adventure
Carried on by those misled
and Corrected
then wised
Myths are truer than facts
Recorded by scholars who suceed
and die
then forget
Myths are larger than reality
Confounded by dreams remembered
for eternity
Myths are made of misfortune
Reasoned out by those who failed
and Survived
then Thrived
Myths are tall tales of adventure
Carried on by those misled
and Corrected
then wised
Myths are truer than facts
Recorded by scholars who suceed
and die
then forget
Myths are larger than reality
Confounded by dreams remembered
for eternity
Too Few Words
Sometimes I have so much to say, there aren't enough words. Such moments are best observed in silence.
5/05/2010
Familiar - On Knowing Your Muse
Familiar
who are you,
this creature with my face and eyes,
small and fleet running rampant on my soul?
what quest brings you here again
to devour my joy and chase away my peace
ever laughing as you go, flinging scorn and disdain?
come, troubler of spirits
rest here on my lap and tell me what fuels your frenzy
how comes your recent troubled flight into my thoughts?
sit with me
let us wait together for the rain
waterfalls often bring sprites in drops of tears and sweet dew.
for i know you like them so
abide here with me then - my familiar.
5/04/2010
A Man's Poem - I Need
I need
I know I am able to stand alone
I know I can work hours and days
To build our home
When feelings rise that would weaken me
I know I will stride through them
Fearlessly
But tonight my love I need your hand
I need your touch
A heart to understand
I need to be weak and broken through
I need your passion
I need you
I know how to be decisively stern
I know I can remain
Standing firm
Lose or win I speak honestly
Clasped on to the task
I will believe
But tonight my love I need your hand
I need your touch
Your heart to understand
I need to be weak, helpless and lost
I need your passion
No matter the cost
I need to be weak and broken through
I need your passion
I need you
I know I am able to stand alone
I know I can work hours and days
To build our home
When feelings rise that would weaken me
I know I will stride through them
Fearlessly
But tonight my love I need your hand
I need your touch
A heart to understand
I need to be weak and broken through
I need your passion
I need you
I know how to be decisively stern
I know I can remain
Standing firm
Lose or win I speak honestly
Clasped on to the task
I will believe
But tonight my love I need your hand
I need your touch
Your heart to understand
I need to be weak, helpless and lost
I need your passion
No matter the cost
I need to be weak and broken through
I need your passion
I need you
5/02/2010
Old Guys Rule
Today was my birthday, and in honor of the milestone passing, I thought I would share an age related story from my life this past week. First we have to go back a couple of years...
My wife and I were vacationing in Bermuda when I spotted a T-Shirt that said, "Old Guys Rule." I loved it. As an 'aging man', it was affirming to read those words so proudly displayed. I made a mental note to check out into getting one. Months later, at Christmas I received not only the shirt but a white decal displaying those words.
"Old Guys Rule" turns out to be a bit of a retail movement with hats, shirts, decals, bags, etc. I now own several items sporting that motto. I find it playful, fun and affirming. The decal is displayed on the lower corner of my driver's side windshield. Over the last two years the only comments I have received have been positive. People like it. They seem to "get it" until one morning last week.
I was parked in front of my son's home waiting to pick him up when two woman walked by walking their dogs. One of them started talking to me through my closed car window. I rolled down the window to hear her and she pointed at the decal and asked, "Old Guys Rule?" I smiled and replied, "Yes." She snorted - yes actually snorted - and said, "Not over me they don't!"
What? Is it possible to affirm ANYTHING without offending someone? Well, I'm another year older today and I'm just saying, "OLD GUYS RULE!"
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