Communication
Gesticulation
Irritation
Aggravation
Exasperation
Provocation
Escalation
Altercation
--------------
....
James was driving towards his daughter's school.
He was going to pick her up as he usually did on Tuesday's after school.
He would then drive her straight to swim practice
at the university's olympic pool.
He always gave himself enough time to get there,
particularly since the speedlimit in the school zone was very slow.
James made a right hand turn
while continuing to drive 30 km/hr. as was the limit.
In his rearview mirror he could see a black SUV bearing down on him.
The car gave no sign of slowing down.
A moment later the SUV was right on his tailgate.
In response to the other driver's dangerous driving
James' reaction was to slow down to 25km/hr.
At this point the other driver started to honk his horn nonstop.
James looked back at the other driver in his rearview mirror
to see that the man was giving him the finger.
-"Jesus! What is that guy's problem?" James wondered in irritation.
"He's going to cause an accident."
James continued to drive below the speedlimit
in the hopes that the driver of the SUV would pass him.
But instead of passing him, the other driver just leaned on the horn.
The driver's incessant honking made his aggravation very clear.
James sighed in exasperation and decided to pull over
to let the SUV driver pass him.
As James pulled over to the right,
the angry driver pulled up alongside of James' Honda.
James looked over to see the man's face.
The man's eyes were bulging out of his head.
His face was beet red.
His teeth were bared like the fangs of a wild animal.
Blue veins were popping out of the man's neck
as he reamed off a series of expletives.
James was shocked by the man's savage aggression.
Then his adrenaline kicked in.
-"Why don't you just pass me, you stupid idiot?", James yelled in the man's direction.
He was sure the man would get the general idea.
The man got it, alright.
The other driver's face was so red
that he looked like his head would explode.
He slammed on the brakes.
Then he leaned against his door to open it.
The driver of the SUV stepped out of his car.
He then turned towards his back door, opened it,
and reached down to pick something up.
James froze for one second
until he saw the man approaching his car with a baseball bat.
As he reached for his cell phone
he wondered how the day could go so terribly wrong.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
First Cycle of Communication - CW
Communication
Conversation
Perception
Misconception
Repetition
Reception
Comprehension
Accomodation
Reconciliation
-------------
....
Elaine: -"Well, can we at least talk about it?"
Paul: -"We've already gone over this, Elaine.
What is there left to say?
You've made your point very clear."
Elaine: -"But I feel as if we are not understanding each other."
Paul: -"I understand what you are saying perfectly well.
You want me to leave my job."
Elaine: -"I did not say that. You see.
We are not hearing the same things.
I said that I wanted you to leave you job earlier at night.
Sometimes they have you working overtime until 9 o'clock.
We never see each other anymore. I miss you.
What kind of a life is that?"
Paul: -" Oh! I misunderstood.
I thought you wanted me to leave my job.
Look! I miss you too. But the project is finished in two weeks.
Can you hold out for another two weeks?
Then I'll speak with my boss and tell him
that I can no longer work past 6pm.
Truth be told I'm exhausted.
And if he doesn't accept my conditions
I'll start looking for a new job. Promise!"
Elaine: -"Oh! Paul----That's all I wanted.
I am tired of always being alone. I love you.
And I want us to have more time together.
That's all. As long as you speak with him
after your project is finished in two weeks,
I can wait. We have our vacation in five weeks, anyways."
Paul: -"I love you too.
Don't worry. I'll talk to him in two weeks.
C'mon. Let's get to bed."
Conversation
Perception
Misconception
Repetition
Reception
Comprehension
Accomodation
Reconciliation
-------------
....
Elaine: -"Well, can we at least talk about it?"
Paul: -"We've already gone over this, Elaine.
What is there left to say?
You've made your point very clear."
Elaine: -"But I feel as if we are not understanding each other."
Paul: -"I understand what you are saying perfectly well.
You want me to leave my job."
Elaine: -"I did not say that. You see.
We are not hearing the same things.
I said that I wanted you to leave you job earlier at night.
Sometimes they have you working overtime until 9 o'clock.
We never see each other anymore. I miss you.
What kind of a life is that?"
Paul: -" Oh! I misunderstood.
I thought you wanted me to leave my job.
Look! I miss you too. But the project is finished in two weeks.
Can you hold out for another two weeks?
Then I'll speak with my boss and tell him
that I can no longer work past 6pm.
Truth be told I'm exhausted.
And if he doesn't accept my conditions
I'll start looking for a new job. Promise!"
Elaine: -"Oh! Paul----That's all I wanted.
I am tired of always being alone. I love you.
And I want us to have more time together.
That's all. As long as you speak with him
after your project is finished in two weeks,
I can wait. We have our vacation in five weeks, anyways."
Paul: -"I love you too.
Don't worry. I'll talk to him in two weeks.
C'mon. Let's get to bed."
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Sangria on a terrasse....
Well, last night, despite the chill of the evenings,
I sat outside with a friend
and had what might be the last Sangria of the season.
It felt so good to eat outside in mid-September.
Great company.
Good food.
And great Sangria!
I sat outside with a friend
and had what might be the last Sangria of the season.
It felt so good to eat outside in mid-September.
Great company.
Good food.
And great Sangria!
Monday, September 12, 2011
4 Cycles of Communication - CW
Communication
Conversation
Perception
Misconception
Repetition
Reception
Comprehension
Accomodation
Reconciliation
--------------
Communication
Gesticulation
Irritation
Aggravation
Exasperation
Provocation
Escalation
Altercation
--------------
Communication
Flirtation
Appreciation
Adoration
Admission
Attraction
Permission
Affection
Reaction
Passion
Penetration
Exhileration
--------------
Communication
Acclamation
Acceptation
Distinction
Laudation
Ovation
Recognition
Reputation
Affirmation
Confirmation
Conversation
Perception
Misconception
Repetition
Reception
Comprehension
Accomodation
Reconciliation
--------------
Communication
Gesticulation
Irritation
Aggravation
Exasperation
Provocation
Escalation
Altercation
--------------
Communication
Flirtation
Appreciation
Adoration
Admission
Attraction
Permission
Affection
Reaction
Passion
Penetration
Exhileration
--------------
Communication
Acclamation
Acceptation
Distinction
Laudation
Ovation
Recognition
Reputation
Affirmation
Confirmation
Bistro Clémentine (Part I) - CW
The luncheon crowd has long gone back to work.
And the "Happy Hour" has yet to begin.
The waitresses have all left and the only person
on staff is the young man behind the bar.
Matthew Wright has worked here for a year, part-time.
He is a fulltime university student in business.
He likes his job but work is slow this afternoon.
The bistro is nearly empty save for three occupied tables.
At a table in the rear of the bistro sits an older man with gray hair.
Though very youthful looking he must be about 70 yrs. old.
He is fiddling with his Blackberry.
His name is Arnaud Loyer.
He is the owner of the bistro.
The bistro is named after his late wife,x Clémentine.
Towards the centre of the bistro, along the left wall
sits a couple who look to be in their late fifties.
Their names are Ian and Deborah Wellsley.
They are leaning in towards each other while quietly
discussing something that leaves them both with serious expressions.
And finally, the third table is occupied
by a man in his late thirties to early forties.
He sits at a table looking onto the sidewalk and busy downtown street.
He keeps checking his watch.
His name is Adam Seabring.
A young, attractive woman breezes through the door of the bistro.
Amanda Kent is late for an appointment.
As her eyes adjust to the change in light,
she unbuttons the top button of her coat.
Then she smiles in recognition.
-"Matt, I got the contract! Can you believe it?"
-"Sis, I knew you'd get it. How could they say no to your talent?"
Matthew and Amanda are half-siblings.
Amanda is six years older than Matt.
They share the same mother but have two different fathers.
Amanda's father died when she was only three years old.
Still young, Amanda's mother remarried two years clater to Jim Wright.
And Matthew was born a year later.
Though not her biological father, Jim has been her Dad ever since she was little.
And Matt is her brother.
No step this or that, just her brother.
Matt and Amanda are very close despite their difference in age.
Though still at university, Matt has always been Amanda's sounding board.
Amanda is an events planner.
And she started her own company almost two years ago.
The company is growing quickly to much acclaim.
Amanda is hoping that Matt will come
and run the business after university.
That would free up Amanda to take on larger events
and forge a bigger clientele.
-"My proposal was chosen out of the three companies
who submitted them."
-"Congratulations! Are you ready to speak with Arnaud?
He is sitting at his usual table in the back. I think he is ready to see you."
-"Excellent! We can get down to business."
At that moment Arnaud Loyer looks up from his Blackberry
to watch Amanda Kent walking towards him. Arnaud stands up
to greet her as she offers her apologies for arriving late.
-"Amanda, cherie, no harm done. I am just glad that you finally had time
to meet with me. Your brother tells me that your business
is booming. That is good news. Come. Sit down. I want to tell you
about my project. I'll need your help with it.
Can I get you something to drink?"
-"Yes, thank-you, Arnaud. A perrier with a slice of lime, please."
While Arnaud goes to the bar for her drink, Amanda removes her coat
and lays it over the back of the chair beside her. She then takes out her
portfolio and some company brochures. Even though Arnaud already
knows what Amanda's business is all about from previous meetings,
he might be able to pass on the brochures to potential clients among his
business associates. Amanda never misses an opportunity to promote
her company. Most of her business comes from referals.
Arnaud returns with her Perrier and sits with his back to the kitchen.
He clears his throat then starts in on his project.
-"You see, Amanda. Business is slow on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
I want to fill this place up like in years past. With happy, joyful people.
I want to start a singles night on one of those evenings. After work.
Almost like a matchmaking service like in the old days. Something very classy.
Something that will help people find love. And I need your help."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stay tuned for part II....
And the "Happy Hour" has yet to begin.
The waitresses have all left and the only person
on staff is the young man behind the bar.
Matthew Wright has worked here for a year, part-time.
He is a fulltime university student in business.
He likes his job but work is slow this afternoon.
The bistro is nearly empty save for three occupied tables.
At a table in the rear of the bistro sits an older man with gray hair.
Though very youthful looking he must be about 70 yrs. old.
He is fiddling with his Blackberry.
His name is Arnaud Loyer.
He is the owner of the bistro.
The bistro is named after his late wife,x Clémentine.
Towards the centre of the bistro, along the left wall
sits a couple who look to be in their late fifties.
Their names are Ian and Deborah Wellsley.
They are leaning in towards each other while quietly
discussing something that leaves them both with serious expressions.
And finally, the third table is occupied
by a man in his late thirties to early forties.
He sits at a table looking onto the sidewalk and busy downtown street.
He keeps checking his watch.
His name is Adam Seabring.
A young, attractive woman breezes through the door of the bistro.
Amanda Kent is late for an appointment.
As her eyes adjust to the change in light,
she unbuttons the top button of her coat.
Then she smiles in recognition.
-"Matt, I got the contract! Can you believe it?"
-"Sis, I knew you'd get it. How could they say no to your talent?"
Matthew and Amanda are half-siblings.
Amanda is six years older than Matt.
They share the same mother but have two different fathers.
Amanda's father died when she was only three years old.
Still young, Amanda's mother remarried two years clater to Jim Wright.
And Matthew was born a year later.
Though not her biological father, Jim has been her Dad ever since she was little.
And Matt is her brother.
No step this or that, just her brother.
Matt and Amanda are very close despite their difference in age.
Though still at university, Matt has always been Amanda's sounding board.
Amanda is an events planner.
And she started her own company almost two years ago.
The company is growing quickly to much acclaim.
Amanda is hoping that Matt will come
and run the business after university.
That would free up Amanda to take on larger events
and forge a bigger clientele.
-"My proposal was chosen out of the three companies
who submitted them."
-"Congratulations! Are you ready to speak with Arnaud?
He is sitting at his usual table in the back. I think he is ready to see you."
-"Excellent! We can get down to business."
At that moment Arnaud Loyer looks up from his Blackberry
to watch Amanda Kent walking towards him. Arnaud stands up
to greet her as she offers her apologies for arriving late.
-"Amanda, cherie, no harm done. I am just glad that you finally had time
to meet with me. Your brother tells me that your business
is booming. That is good news. Come. Sit down. I want to tell you
about my project. I'll need your help with it.
Can I get you something to drink?"
-"Yes, thank-you, Arnaud. A perrier with a slice of lime, please."
While Arnaud goes to the bar for her drink, Amanda removes her coat
and lays it over the back of the chair beside her. She then takes out her
portfolio and some company brochures. Even though Arnaud already
knows what Amanda's business is all about from previous meetings,
he might be able to pass on the brochures to potential clients among his
business associates. Amanda never misses an opportunity to promote
her company. Most of her business comes from referals.
Arnaud returns with her Perrier and sits with his back to the kitchen.
He clears his throat then starts in on his project.
-"You see, Amanda. Business is slow on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
I want to fill this place up like in years past. With happy, joyful people.
I want to start a singles night on one of those evenings. After work.
Almost like a matchmaking service like in the old days. Something very classy.
Something that will help people find love. And I need your help."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stay tuned for part II....
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Jack Layton's words revisited on 911.
My friends, love is better than anger.
Hope is better than fear.
Optimism is better than despair.
So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.
And we’ll change the world.
Jack Layton
--------------------------------------------
I don't think it can be said any better than that
on this, the 10th anniversary of the destruction of the WTC
and the death of so many unfortunate souls.
Hope is better than fear.
Optimism is better than despair.
So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.
And we’ll change the world.
Jack Layton
--------------------------------------------
I don't think it can be said any better than that
on this, the 10th anniversary of the destruction of the WTC
and the death of so many unfortunate souls.
Tomorrow's Another Day
I don't know what it is today but I am feeling
a little down and a little angry.
I am not sure what I am angry about.
But I can feel it.
It was a beautiful day today.
Sunny, warm.
More like summer than fall.
I spent the day alone.
I think that maybe it would have been better
if I had gotten together with a friend.
Perhaps I have been spending too much time by myself.
Ah! well....tomorrow's another day!
The start of a new week.
And so on....
a little down and a little angry.
I am not sure what I am angry about.
But I can feel it.
It was a beautiful day today.
Sunny, warm.
More like summer than fall.
I spent the day alone.
I think that maybe it would have been better
if I had gotten together with a friend.
Perhaps I have been spending too much time by myself.
Ah! well....tomorrow's another day!
The start of a new week.
And so on....
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Saturday Night Knitting Fever
Well another saturday night at the Bab's.
I was knitting and people watching.
While others on are their way out for a night of dancing
I am knitting up a storm.
Actually, it is a scarf. :)
I find it interesting that everyone is dressed
as if we were already at the end of October.
I plan on wearing my flip-flops for as long as I can
except for those rainy days because I don't want to fall
down the outside stairs of my triplex AGAIN.
Twice is quite enough, thank you very much.
Anywho, did I mention that I love the fall?
I love it!
It is a very comforting season as
we prepare to go into hibernation for the winter.
Well, I go into hibernation.
Like a bear.
C'est ça!
I was knitting and people watching.
While others on are their way out for a night of dancing
I am knitting up a storm.
Actually, it is a scarf. :)
I find it interesting that everyone is dressed
as if we were already at the end of October.
I plan on wearing my flip-flops for as long as I can
except for those rainy days because I don't want to fall
down the outside stairs of my triplex AGAIN.
Twice is quite enough, thank you very much.
Anywho, did I mention that I love the fall?
I love it!
It is a very comforting season as
we prepare to go into hibernation for the winter.
Well, I go into hibernation.
Like a bear.
C'est ça!
Creative Writing = CW
From here on in any Creative Writing pieces will
be annotated as such by the "CW" following the title
in the title bar. As I seem to be doing a lot of
creative writing shorts this will make the titles'
list cleaner (hopefully!).
C'est ça!
be annotated as such by the "CW" following the title
in the title bar. As I seem to be doing a lot of
creative writing shorts this will make the titles'
list cleaner (hopefully!).
C'est ça!
Friday, September 9, 2011
A Request - Creative Writing
Can I ask you a question?
To which you will reply
without sighing
or holding back.
Without that defensive tone you sometimes get.
Can you tell me the truth?
The whole truth
The simple truth
The truth as you see it
So help you God.
Can you tell me what you want?
For today and tomorrow.
In order to feel good.
About your day
About your life.
About yourself.
Can you help me to understand?
How things can be so different
And yet remain the same
All at once.
Can you tell me about yourself?
The part that you never share with anyone.
The part that is usually in the dark
The part that you try to hide
Until the sun goes down.
Can you trust me?
to love you
and to protect you
no matter what
So help me God.
Can I ask you a question?
Can we just be
together
Alone but together
Loving, living, laughing.
Just you
Just me
Together
To which you will reply
without sighing
or holding back.
Without that defensive tone you sometimes get.
Can you tell me the truth?
The whole truth
The simple truth
The truth as you see it
So help you God.
Can you tell me what you want?
For today and tomorrow.
In order to feel good.
About your day
About your life.
About yourself.
Can you help me to understand?
How things can be so different
And yet remain the same
All at once.
Can you tell me about yourself?
The part that you never share with anyone.
The part that is usually in the dark
The part that you try to hide
Until the sun goes down.
Can you trust me?
to love you
and to protect you
no matter what
So help me God.
Can I ask you a question?
Can we just be
together
Alone but together
Loving, living, laughing.
Just you
Just me
Together
Thursday, September 8, 2011
So did I mention....
....that I no longer have TV?
I am really happy to go without TV for a while.
I can still rent movies....
but it's not the same.
TV is bubblegum for the brain.
The more you watch,
the softer your mind gets.
I know there is free will and all, but still.
I have never had cable
because there are other things in life to do than watch TV.
And with one hundred channels
it becomes exponentially harder to turn the damn box off.
So I kind of feel like a pioneer.
In the age of information I am disconnected.
Completely.
No news.
No bubblegum.
No background noise.
Just the film in my head.
24/7
Wow!
I'll keep you posted....
I am really happy to go without TV for a while.
I can still rent movies....
but it's not the same.
TV is bubblegum for the brain.
The more you watch,
the softer your mind gets.
I know there is free will and all, but still.
I have never had cable
because there are other things in life to do than watch TV.
And with one hundred channels
it becomes exponentially harder to turn the damn box off.
So I kind of feel like a pioneer.
In the age of information I am disconnected.
Completely.
No news.
No bubblegum.
No background noise.
Just the film in my head.
24/7
Wow!
I'll keep you posted....
A Regular Day - Creative Writing
I am a simple man.
I go to work.
I come home.
Today was just like any other day.
It is now dinnertime.
I am standing over my oven.
In my underwear.
Waiting for my frozen pizza to cook.
This is the beauty of living alone.
You can eat in the kitchen in your underwear.
Such freedom.
While waiting for my pizza to be ready,
I grab the milk from the fridge.
All my glasses are dirty
so I drink from the milk carton.
Refreshing.
There is nothing on TV that I want to w.....
Wait a minute.
That's right.
I no longer receive a signal with my rabbit ears.
Analog to digital.
I'm screwed......no TV.
I check on the pizza.
Then for lack of anything better to do,
I scratch my balls.
This occupies my mind for all of two seconds.
I check back on the pizza.
My life is simple, really.
I live alone.
I eat alone.
I sleep alone.
And then I scratch my balls from time to time.
Just a regular day.
I go to work.
I come home.
Today was just like any other day.
It is now dinnertime.
I am standing over my oven.
In my underwear.
Waiting for my frozen pizza to cook.
This is the beauty of living alone.
You can eat in the kitchen in your underwear.
Such freedom.
While waiting for my pizza to be ready,
I grab the milk from the fridge.
All my glasses are dirty
so I drink from the milk carton.
Refreshing.
There is nothing on TV that I want to w.....
Wait a minute.
That's right.
I no longer receive a signal with my rabbit ears.
Analog to digital.
I'm screwed......no TV.
I check on the pizza.
Then for lack of anything better to do,
I scratch my balls.
This occupies my mind for all of two seconds.
I check back on the pizza.
My life is simple, really.
I live alone.
I eat alone.
I sleep alone.
And then I scratch my balls from time to time.
Just a regular day.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Silver Squirrel (Part I) - Creative Writing
Yesterday I ran across a silver squirrel.
I saw him on the way home from my walk with Miko, the dog.
We were crossing the parking lot behind the arena
when I came across a man looking up at the back wall of the building.
I saw nothing until I heard the sound.
A cry for help.
I looked toward the sound and found there to be a silver squirrel
caught upon a wire about sixty feet above the ground.
The squirrel was caught high above the pavement,
unable to turn around and make his way down.
He was quite distressed, screaming out for help.
By this time the man had left and I was alone to figure this out.
I wanted to help him down
but I realized that I could be of no comfort with the dog in tow.
I would only cause the squirrel more distress.
So I decided to take Miko home and then come back to help the squirrel.
I brought Miko home and returned to the arena.
On the way back I kept praying to God to keep the silver squirrel safe.
I was wondering what I could do to help the animal
down from such a height.
As I turned the corner of the building I immediately
tried to locate the place where the squirrel was perched high above.
I could no longer hear his cries.
-"Over here", a voice called out.
I thought that perhaps the same man had come back
to help the squirrel and was calling for my help.
But the parking lot was empty.
-"No. Over here by the bins."
I looked over at the two industrial waste disposal bins
but the man was not there.
-"Come closer."
Only as I moved closer towards the bins did I see him.
On top of the far bin sat the silver squirrel,
munching on a french fry recovered from the garbage within.
I looked around again.
It could not be possible.
-"Yes, I'm talking to you."
I moved towards the bins and the squirrel,
never truly believing that he could be talking to me.
I walked around the bins in search of the voice.
-"Ah! Another disbeliever! I thought you'd be different."
There was no-one anywhere around the bins
or in the whole of the parking lot for that matter.
Fact is fact.
The silver squirrel was talking to me.
-"Boy! This could get tired really quickly!"
To which I had no intelligent response.
You see, I was not in the habit of conversing with a squirrel.
I did not know what to say.
What would be appropriate subject matter?
-"Well, let's get down to it. What shall it be?",the squirrel nattered at me.
-"I beg your pardon?"
-"Your wish. What shall your wish be?
You get one wish to repay you for your prayers of protection.
God heard your prayers and helped me find the way down
from that dreadfull height. And now I shall grant you one
wish as a sort of thank-you of my own."
To which my mouth gaped open as if blowing bubbles.
-"Come now. We don't have all day.
I am needed back in the forest relatively soon." he squawked.
I was at a total loss.
What to wish for when only one wish is allowed.
From a magic squirrel.
A magic, silver squirrel.
All that can be given,
can be taken away.
I knew this and so I felt no need
or desire for material things.
All that I could truly keep with me was knowledge.
But I could not make a wish to gain knowledge
when I knew it must be earned.
-"Well, time's up. For what do you wish?" the silver squirrel insisted.
-"Well really I have no desire for things," I replied.
"What I really need is knowledge.
How to get on better in life with what I already have."
-"Amazing", chirped the squirrel.
"Never in all my years....
So what kind of knowledge would that be, specifically.
There are lots of ways to learn to live a better life."
-"Uh!", I was at a loss for specifics.
"I was kind of hoping you would know just what I need."
-"Well, I may be a magic squirrel, but I am no clairvoyant.
Nor am I an expert on all that which pertains to humans.
I can only tell you about what I know: squirrel medecine.
I am not sure that it will improve your quality of human life......
but it certainly will make you a better squirrel!
I decided to wish for squirrel medecine in my life.
I made my request to the silver squirrel
and it seemed to make him quite happy.
-"Squirrel medecine it is then." he informed me
as he rubbed his little paws together.
"Follow me."
For Part II, come and visit my blog soon....
I saw him on the way home from my walk with Miko, the dog.
We were crossing the parking lot behind the arena
when I came across a man looking up at the back wall of the building.
I saw nothing until I heard the sound.
A cry for help.
I looked toward the sound and found there to be a silver squirrel
caught upon a wire about sixty feet above the ground.
The squirrel was caught high above the pavement,
unable to turn around and make his way down.
He was quite distressed, screaming out for help.
By this time the man had left and I was alone to figure this out.
I wanted to help him down
but I realized that I could be of no comfort with the dog in tow.
I would only cause the squirrel more distress.
So I decided to take Miko home and then come back to help the squirrel.
I brought Miko home and returned to the arena.
On the way back I kept praying to God to keep the silver squirrel safe.
I was wondering what I could do to help the animal
down from such a height.
As I turned the corner of the building I immediately
tried to locate the place where the squirrel was perched high above.
I could no longer hear his cries.
-"Over here", a voice called out.
I thought that perhaps the same man had come back
to help the squirrel and was calling for my help.
But the parking lot was empty.
-"No. Over here by the bins."
I looked over at the two industrial waste disposal bins
but the man was not there.
-"Come closer."
Only as I moved closer towards the bins did I see him.
On top of the far bin sat the silver squirrel,
munching on a french fry recovered from the garbage within.
I looked around again.
It could not be possible.
-"Yes, I'm talking to you."
I moved towards the bins and the squirrel,
never truly believing that he could be talking to me.
I walked around the bins in search of the voice.
-"Ah! Another disbeliever! I thought you'd be different."
There was no-one anywhere around the bins
or in the whole of the parking lot for that matter.
Fact is fact.
The silver squirrel was talking to me.
-"Boy! This could get tired really quickly!"
To which I had no intelligent response.
You see, I was not in the habit of conversing with a squirrel.
I did not know what to say.
What would be appropriate subject matter?
-"Well, let's get down to it. What shall it be?",the squirrel nattered at me.
-"I beg your pardon?"
-"Your wish. What shall your wish be?
You get one wish to repay you for your prayers of protection.
God heard your prayers and helped me find the way down
from that dreadfull height. And now I shall grant you one
wish as a sort of thank-you of my own."
To which my mouth gaped open as if blowing bubbles.
-"Come now. We don't have all day.
I am needed back in the forest relatively soon." he squawked.
I was at a total loss.
What to wish for when only one wish is allowed.
From a magic squirrel.
A magic, silver squirrel.
All that can be given,
can be taken away.
I knew this and so I felt no need
or desire for material things.
All that I could truly keep with me was knowledge.
But I could not make a wish to gain knowledge
when I knew it must be earned.
-"Well, time's up. For what do you wish?" the silver squirrel insisted.
-"Well really I have no desire for things," I replied.
"What I really need is knowledge.
How to get on better in life with what I already have."
-"Amazing", chirped the squirrel.
"Never in all my years....
So what kind of knowledge would that be, specifically.
There are lots of ways to learn to live a better life."
-"Uh!", I was at a loss for specifics.
"I was kind of hoping you would know just what I need."
-"Well, I may be a magic squirrel, but I am no clairvoyant.
Nor am I an expert on all that which pertains to humans.
I can only tell you about what I know: squirrel medecine.
I am not sure that it will improve your quality of human life......
but it certainly will make you a better squirrel!
I decided to wish for squirrel medecine in my life.
I made my request to the silver squirrel
and it seemed to make him quite happy.
-"Squirrel medecine it is then." he informed me
as he rubbed his little paws together.
"Follow me."
For Part II, come and visit my blog soon....
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Tuesday is garbage night.... - Creative Writing
The sun has not yet gone down
and so I am not allowed to put out my garbage.
All that is rotting must be put out after dark.
So that it is not visible by the light of day.
Only the moon, barely a quarter of its usual grandeur,
can shine down on the black bags filled with waste.
As the chemical reactions of decomposition
start to give off gases with the most foul of odors,
the bags multiply up and down the avenue.
Like huge, dark mushrooms the garbage sprouts
in the shade of the trees lining the street.
Shade that can only be seen by the light of day.
As the night becomes darker, the scavengers, both human and animal alike,
come out to feed off of that which is no longer wanted.
They sift through food scraps and tin cans
in the hopes of finding something of worth,
something that is still good.
Something the insiders may have overlooked.
Inside their homes after dark, the citizens are safe
from the stench which will overtake the night.
The stench in which the scavengers will bath in order to find some rotting treasure.
A piece of meat on the bone.
A soda can to recycle.
Persistence and repetition arm the scavengers for success.
Sooner or later the animals find rotten morsels
while the humans add another five cents to their mental tally.
And inside,the blue squares give off a shine
much like that of the moon but much less reserved.
While outside, the blue luminescence glows from each window
and mixes in with the foetid stink of garbage.
and so I am not allowed to put out my garbage.
All that is rotting must be put out after dark.
So that it is not visible by the light of day.
Only the moon, barely a quarter of its usual grandeur,
can shine down on the black bags filled with waste.
As the chemical reactions of decomposition
start to give off gases with the most foul of odors,
the bags multiply up and down the avenue.
Like huge, dark mushrooms the garbage sprouts
in the shade of the trees lining the street.
Shade that can only be seen by the light of day.
As the night becomes darker, the scavengers, both human and animal alike,
come out to feed off of that which is no longer wanted.
They sift through food scraps and tin cans
in the hopes of finding something of worth,
something that is still good.
Something the insiders may have overlooked.
Inside their homes after dark, the citizens are safe
from the stench which will overtake the night.
The stench in which the scavengers will bath in order to find some rotting treasure.
A piece of meat on the bone.
A soda can to recycle.
Persistence and repetition arm the scavengers for success.
Sooner or later the animals find rotten morsels
while the humans add another five cents to their mental tally.
And inside,the blue squares give off a shine
much like that of the moon but much less reserved.
While outside, the blue luminescence glows from each window
and mixes in with the foetid stink of garbage.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Stream of Thought & Vision - CW
Dark sky, birds fly.
Clouds of steele.
Right turn at a stop sign.
Flashing light.
Wind dance.
Grocery bags full.
Pointing here and there.
Push, push.
Grunt, grunt.
Wheels spin then stop.
Couples hand-in-hand.
Tricycle, bicycle.
First date banter.
Family drive.
Umbrella in hand.
Newborns everywhere.
Young girls.
Flipping their hair.
Pigeon's flight.
Dark of night.
Descends.
The New Village.
Boys on wheels.
Recycling bag.
Neon skate.
Crosswalk, take-out.
Chinatown.
Golden leopard.
Dark sky, jets fly.
Bus pass.
Flip-flop.
Day's end.
Begin again.
Clouds of steele.
Right turn at a stop sign.
Flashing light.
Wind dance.
Grocery bags full.
Pointing here and there.
Push, push.
Grunt, grunt.
Wheels spin then stop.
Couples hand-in-hand.
Tricycle, bicycle.
First date banter.
Family drive.
Umbrella in hand.
Newborns everywhere.
Young girls.
Flipping their hair.
Pigeon's flight.
Dark of night.
Descends.
The New Village.
Boys on wheels.
Recycling bag.
Neon skate.
Crosswalk, take-out.
Chinatown.
Golden leopard.
Dark sky, jets fly.
Bus pass.
Flip-flop.
Day's end.
Begin again.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
The Angry Teapot - Creative Writing
The following creative writing piece
was written during my afternoon writing session with Lorraine.
We had to choose an inanimate object
and then give it a voice.
--------------------------------------------------------
The Angry Teapot
I am so tired.
I get so hot.
Then I get the chills.
I feel like a menopausal woman during a heat wave.
I wish that they would have a little more consideration
for my comfort.
Yes! My comfort.
It seems that I am always the one who is giving comfort:
in the early morning,
in the late afternoon,
and then again in the evening.
I am always thinking of others.
I am always doing for others.
When is it going to be my turn?
I love the fact that I can give
so much comfort to those around me.
But still....
When is it going to be about me?
People are always filling me up
then emptying me out one cup at a time.
Then there's the chilly rinse.
And the whole process repeats itself
the next time they need a moment of relaxation and comfort.
I am exhausted by these heat spells
and cold chills.
I am tired of being used for the pleasure of others.
When will I get the afternoon off?
It seems that I am always working.
I need a vacation from my life.
Maybe I'll go to Italy.
I hear they have no use for me over there.
All day it's coffee, coffee, coffee.
That would give me the rest I need.
Then I could enjoy life a bit, too.
Who knows?
Maybe I'll go to the beach and work on my tan.
Yes! That's it!
Italy sounds good. Very good.
A little bit of rest & relaxation from these English ways....
was written during my afternoon writing session with Lorraine.
We had to choose an inanimate object
and then give it a voice.
--------------------------------------------------------
The Angry Teapot
I am so tired.
I get so hot.
Then I get the chills.
I feel like a menopausal woman during a heat wave.
I wish that they would have a little more consideration
for my comfort.
Yes! My comfort.
It seems that I am always the one who is giving comfort:
in the early morning,
in the late afternoon,
and then again in the evening.
I am always thinking of others.
I am always doing for others.
When is it going to be my turn?
I love the fact that I can give
so much comfort to those around me.
But still....
When is it going to be about me?
People are always filling me up
then emptying me out one cup at a time.
Then there's the chilly rinse.
And the whole process repeats itself
the next time they need a moment of relaxation and comfort.
I am exhausted by these heat spells
and cold chills.
I am tired of being used for the pleasure of others.
When will I get the afternoon off?
It seems that I am always working.
I need a vacation from my life.
Maybe I'll go to Italy.
I hear they have no use for me over there.
All day it's coffee, coffee, coffee.
That would give me the rest I need.
Then I could enjoy life a bit, too.
Who knows?
Maybe I'll go to the beach and work on my tan.
Yes! That's it!
Italy sounds good. Very good.
A little bit of rest & relaxation from these English ways....
The Quiet Life
Today I went downtown and met Lorraine.
We spent a couple of hours doing some creative writing exercises.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
I might post one of the stories here.
Anywho------I am reading a really good book.
"Giovanni's Room" by James Baldwin (1956)
I am perhaps a third of the way through the book.
It is an excellent read.
Very dramatic.
I realize(with much glee)how little drama there is in my life.
And it makes me so happy.
When I was younger my whole life was about drama, it seems.
That is probably a distortion but still.....
I was very much into a dramatic existence.
I thought the rush of contrary emotions
helped me to feel more alive.
But in fact, all it did was create lots of anxiety.
The last five years of my life has been filled with real drama.
My brother was killed in a war in the Middle East five yrs. ago.
And my father just died of diabetes this past March.
And yet, despite these HUGE losses,
I still feel as if my life is relatively calm....and I LOVE IT!!!
I no longer need drama in my life
in order to validate my existence.
I am immensely satisfied with serenity.
I do believe that I am repeating myself.
But it is worth repeating.
I am so happy having a quiet life.
And now I know how to leave other peoples' drama to them.
I can listen. Interject.
But I don't let the drama suck out my energy.
I don't make the drama my own.
Thank God!!!
Of course, the ability to unplug is a work in progress.
I am not always able to remain a witness.
Sometimes I do get wrapped up.
But now I often catch myself before getting fully razzled by someone else's drama.
And I step back.
And take a breath.
And centre myself once more.
Then I can listen again without being zapped of energy.
How beautiful is that?
We spent a couple of hours doing some creative writing exercises.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
I might post one of the stories here.
Anywho------I am reading a really good book.
"Giovanni's Room" by James Baldwin (1956)
I am perhaps a third of the way through the book.
It is an excellent read.
Very dramatic.
I realize(with much glee)how little drama there is in my life.
And it makes me so happy.
When I was younger my whole life was about drama, it seems.
That is probably a distortion but still.....
I was very much into a dramatic existence.
I thought the rush of contrary emotions
helped me to feel more alive.
But in fact, all it did was create lots of anxiety.
The last five years of my life has been filled with real drama.
My brother was killed in a war in the Middle East five yrs. ago.
And my father just died of diabetes this past March.
And yet, despite these HUGE losses,
I still feel as if my life is relatively calm....and I LOVE IT!!!
I no longer need drama in my life
in order to validate my existence.
I am immensely satisfied with serenity.
I do believe that I am repeating myself.
But it is worth repeating.
I am so happy having a quiet life.
And now I know how to leave other peoples' drama to them.
I can listen. Interject.
But I don't let the drama suck out my energy.
I don't make the drama my own.
Thank God!!!
Of course, the ability to unplug is a work in progress.
I am not always able to remain a witness.
Sometimes I do get wrapped up.
But now I often catch myself before getting fully razzled by someone else's drama.
And I step back.
And take a breath.
And centre myself once more.
Then I can listen again without being zapped of energy.
How beautiful is that?
Friday, September 2, 2011
Husband By-the-Hour - Creative Writing
The following news article is the inspiration
for my creative writing piece called
"Husband By-the-Hour."
------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on January 18, 2011 14:54:29 EST by nickcarraway
A new business in Georgia is offering single women who need household help the chance to hire 'husbands' by the hour - but the company's owner admits that all that some of his customers need is love.
"Our service is here to assist those women who need help with tough housekeeping tasks, such as for example minor repair works," company owner Beso Mchedlishvili told AFP.
But he said that many women had been confused by the company's name - A Husband for an Hour Limited - and had been asking for something more.
Since going into business in the ex-Soviet republic two months ago, the number of calls from women seeking a more intimate hour has significantly exceeded the orders for the company's actual services.
"So we have to explain to them that our guys are not male prostitutes," Mchedlishvili said.
"They can help with repairing a leaking tap, but their job description says nothing about providing affection."
Hiring out a 'husband' from the Tbilisi-based company costs 17 dollars (13 euros) an hour, Mchedlishvili said.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Husband By-the-Hour.
I am not married
and I don't want to be.
But sometimes it would be nice
to rent a husband by-the-hour.
There are some tasks that I'd prefer not to do.
I am quite capable
but I just don't want to have to deal with the garbage.
And those heavy boxes that need to be taken out of storage.
I am very strong
but I'd rather have a man to move them.
A surrogate husband.
A man I could rent by-the-hour.
You know.
A man I could call
to come and massage my feet when they hurt.
For just one hour.
Or when my back aches.
When I've had a bad day
And would like someone to come home to.
A man who would take me in his arms and hug me tightly.
That's when I'd rent a husband by-the-hour.
I am an independent, contemporary woman.
But still.
It would be nice to rent a husband by-the-hour.
Perhaps when I'm sick with a cold
and can't find the courage to go to the drugstore
for much needed remedies.
Or in the dead chill of winter.
He could warm the bed for me
with his furnace-like heat.
And keep my monkey feet warm against his body.
We could spoon
and I'd fall into peaceful slumber.
I like my space.
And I LOVE my own company.
But even I get overcome by waves of nostalgia.
I get tired of being alone.
I dream of what it would be like to be in the perfect relationship.
At times like those I'd pick up the phone
and dial for a husband by-the-hour.
I might even call on some Friday nights.
When I am tired of eating by myself.
I'd cook us dinner.
And we'd talk about our day.
Then maybe watch a movie at home.
Ah! What matrimonial bliss.
Cuddling and commenting on the movie.
We'd create our own happy ending.
I never realized that there are so many advantages
to having a man around the house.
Hey! Maybe I should just get married.
Perhaps I could start by dating.
Nah! I'll just rent a husband by-the-hour.
for my creative writing piece called
"Husband By-the-Hour."
------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on January 18, 2011 14:54:29 EST by nickcarraway
A new business in Georgia is offering single women who need household help the chance to hire 'husbands' by the hour - but the company's owner admits that all that some of his customers need is love.
"Our service is here to assist those women who need help with tough housekeeping tasks, such as for example minor repair works," company owner Beso Mchedlishvili told AFP.
But he said that many women had been confused by the company's name - A Husband for an Hour Limited - and had been asking for something more.
Since going into business in the ex-Soviet republic two months ago, the number of calls from women seeking a more intimate hour has significantly exceeded the orders for the company's actual services.
"So we have to explain to them that our guys are not male prostitutes," Mchedlishvili said.
"They can help with repairing a leaking tap, but their job description says nothing about providing affection."
Hiring out a 'husband' from the Tbilisi-based company costs 17 dollars (13 euros) an hour, Mchedlishvili said.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Husband By-the-Hour.
I am not married
and I don't want to be.
But sometimes it would be nice
to rent a husband by-the-hour.
There are some tasks that I'd prefer not to do.
I am quite capable
but I just don't want to have to deal with the garbage.
And those heavy boxes that need to be taken out of storage.
I am very strong
but I'd rather have a man to move them.
A surrogate husband.
A man I could rent by-the-hour.
You know.
A man I could call
to come and massage my feet when they hurt.
For just one hour.
Or when my back aches.
When I've had a bad day
And would like someone to come home to.
A man who would take me in his arms and hug me tightly.
That's when I'd rent a husband by-the-hour.
I am an independent, contemporary woman.
But still.
It would be nice to rent a husband by-the-hour.
Perhaps when I'm sick with a cold
and can't find the courage to go to the drugstore
for much needed remedies.
Or in the dead chill of winter.
He could warm the bed for me
with his furnace-like heat.
And keep my monkey feet warm against his body.
We could spoon
and I'd fall into peaceful slumber.
I like my space.
And I LOVE my own company.
But even I get overcome by waves of nostalgia.
I get tired of being alone.
I dream of what it would be like to be in the perfect relationship.
At times like those I'd pick up the phone
and dial for a husband by-the-hour.
I might even call on some Friday nights.
When I am tired of eating by myself.
I'd cook us dinner.
And we'd talk about our day.
Then maybe watch a movie at home.
Ah! What matrimonial bliss.
Cuddling and commenting on the movie.
We'd create our own happy ending.
I never realized that there are so many advantages
to having a man around the house.
Hey! Maybe I should just get married.
Perhaps I could start by dating.
Nah! I'll just rent a husband by-the-hour.
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