Mild mannered musings for my brother on his birthday:

Sitting on the couch has me thinking, almost wishing that I were home seeing
My brother opening cards and presents that say so much more than,
“Happy Birthday!-We love you!-You want cake?-We do too!”
The in-between lines are where we really say what we mean, the added comments
The quips, the puns, the fact that we spent more time searching for just the “right” card
Than in finding the present that cost much more. But that’s what we want you to know,
That we really did go and do that for you. Because we love you- because you are you.
No matter who it is that sends you greetings, precious readings of lines that someone else penned, for Hallmark, or Carlton Cards, or American Greetings,
Or even The Far Side, it is not my pride that makes me write these words for you,
My brother. My partner in crimes and justice,
My warrior-friend at my side in so many battles of boyhood days past,
Both in our imagination and in our neighborhood: you were always my protector,
There to keep careful watch over me, making sure that nobody, and I mean nobody,
Whether cowboy or indian, alien, or the bully from down the block,
Would ever supplant you as the only one who could give me a hard time.
I smile now at how you were so quick to step up for me if it was ever needed,
Though it was seldom required, I admired you for it every time.
When time came that I was given a chance to do the same I hope that I was there too,
For you’ve been a brother like none other, and should I have to have another
I would have to ask our mother for another such as you, although a sister might just do,
As either would be younger, and I’ve have to be the brother to be looked up to like the other, like the brother of their brother, like the one I know as you.
Let your days by full of joy, merriment, and love,
Your brother,
Dennis

"Let's be careful out there..."

I was reading the news and was reminded of Hill Street Blues.
I thought about it because I had read this. Now there's no need for this kind of lunacy. Even a 25 year-old security guard who drives a "luxury sedan" ought to know better.

Coffee, Tea, or What'll it be?

Ah, the steaming cup of dark liquid refreshment comes as part of the daily routine for so many people all over the world. Whether one lives in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, or even Africa, in any locale it seems that one can find either coffee or tea if it is desired. It is a a mark of civilization to an extent. I have been to places all over the world, and in all of them I have tried the local coffee to see how they make it. Tea is also ubiquitous and though the British Empire seems to take credit for speading its fame, the Chinese have been brewing it for centuries.

Coffee may have been first brewed as far back as 900 BC in Ethiopia, and it was a mainstay in the muslim world by the 15th century. It was called 'Kahweh,' after the arabic word for invigorating. It still seems to be invigorating today.

Tea, on the other hand, has been around the west since the 16th century but had its origins over 4,000 years ago in China. The first book written on the subject of tea was the Chinese book Ch'a Ching, which was written circa 780 AD. There is a plethora of information available on this history, but this site, has interesting snippets about tea customs.

Now, back to the task at hand...

Since I am currently sitting in a coffee shop called Shockoe Espresso, I shall first discuss my own thoughts on coffee.

I find coffee is something that I want to drink in the morning mostly. I like it brewed, rather than espresso, and I add some sugar and cream until it is nice and medium brown, like a nice tan color. Too much cream and it tastes too fatty, so it has taken a while to figure out the balance. Too much sugar makes it taste overly sweet, which kind of ruins the coffee taste for me. My dad would say that any sugar ruins the taste, but I cannot really take it black, as I find it too strong and bitter.

It seems to be a really good way to start my day. It helps to define the day that way. Almost as though the day doesn't really start until I have some to drink. Even if I don't drink much, it feels strange until I do, like something's missing. Of course it isn't a requirement, but it is a preference.

Tea is a better drink in the afternoon and evening. Besides having less caffeine, it is a lighter drink by and large. Though there are some teas, such as Lapsang Souchong, which have a very strong taste- Lapsang Souchong has a smoky taste, as though it were dried over a hickory fire. Very interesting taste. I prefer milder teas like Earl Grey, Lady Grey, Irish breakfast tea, and oolong tea.

Both tea and coffee provide one with an escape from the mundane tasks of life. It is a simple pleasure that takes time to complete. It requires care and attention to make a cup that is just right. And the reward for the effort is gone in the time it takes to drink. The longer it is savored, the more the pleasure. If one takes it too fast it burns, and the flavor is hidden by the river of hot liquid as it scorches the tongue. Besides, that's no way to treat a good cup of coffee or tea. It is there to serve, and it faithfully rewards its maker with delightful moods and good times. It is something that can be enjoyed no matter the weather, no matter the situation, and no matter the company. And on top of that it is legal everywhere.

Life is full of simple pleasures. Tea and coffee are but two of them, but having found them, I shall celebrate and enjoy them fully as I continue my quest to find others.

Is this wrong?

So I came to Washington DC again- this time for Thanksgiving. I had a great time visiting with Kelly and Carter Harkins and her family. I haven't seen her in a long time so it was nice. She is the only friend from high school with whom I am still acquainted (aside from some I know from church anyway). It was really cold too.

Today they left and are now driving back towards Nashville. I on the other hand have come into the city to read, relax, and have some good coffee. But I feel a little weird. Mostly becuase I am blogging in the same coffee house that Trey uses all the time. It is called Murky Coffee.

He doesn't know that I am here though. Is that wrong? Mostly becuase I haven't called him yet. I just drove over, had a bite to eat, and then I came here and started writing. I'll call him soon. I mean, this is his bloggerdom, right?

But to prove he's well-known, I ordered a "dirty chai," which is a chai latte with espresso. When the barista, Nick Cho, asked me if I wanted it really dirty, like Christina-Aguilera-dirty, I said no, that I didn't think I wanted it that dirty, but maybe more like "Trey HIcks dirty." He laughed. And then he added an extra shot of espresso.

And speaking of George Washington, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Thanksgiving is a holiday (holy-day) that our nation has been celebrating in some form in autumn since 1621 in the Plymouth Colony. It has always been a day to thank God for all the many blessings that He has bestowed upon us. Lately, many people in our government and nation have begun to believe that this holiday is a day to "be thankful for what we have." As if there really is no object of our thankfulness, only that we are thankful in general. For, they say, wouldn't it be a breech of the "wall of separation of church and state" to be thankful to God? Well, according to our first president, it isn't. God rest his soul.

"Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor...

"Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

"And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplication to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our national government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a government of wise, just and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

"Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, AD 1789."

If I were a general, I'd be:

George Washington
You scored 62 Wisdom, 81 Tactics, 46 Guts, and 38 Ruthlessness!
Washington first served as a British officer during the French and Indian War, a war which he inadvertently helped to start. Afterwards, he resigned his post to marry Martha Dandridge Custis, a wealthy widow with two children. He was elected to the House of Burgesses and became a revolutionary leader at the outset of the American Revolution, attending both the first and second Continental Congresses. Washington was appointed Commander in Chief of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War (1775-83), leading the Americans to victory over the British, although sometimes in not the most scrupulous of ways. After the war, he served as president of the 1787 Constitutional Convention. Because of his central role in the founding of the United States and enduring legacy, Washington is sometimes called the "Father of his Country."
To take this test, go here.

Birthday Wishes

Another year passes slowly, yet gathering speed each time
Relatively speaking.
The year marked some endings and some new beginnings
Opportunities changing.
New experiences with language and culture opening up the world
It gets me to thinking.
Doors closing behind me as I move forward through the next one
Chances for the taking.
Never are things as I had imagined, no, quite different really
Continents are shifting.
Still I’m in love with the unreachable until it is reached and then,
The Rules are breaking.
The longer I’m away the more I believe that I’ll have it my way-
I’m just saying-
Friends and family send their love and I feel it deeply
But I keep wondering.
Not that they are not sincere, but I wonder about my own fears
And what I’m chasing.
Yet my heart is speaking true and louder than ever before
Upon it God is knocking.


DSW. November 16, 2005.

Dust: a Meditation on Romans 7

Look at me
I’m all about me, sometimes “we”
Because always it seems
That it’s all about me.
But who am I really?
Am I someone special?
Deserving a prize?
Should I esteem myself
In others’ eyes?
I’m nobody
I’ve been such a fool
To believe that I
Could be special or cool
Because of things that
I have or did or do
I’m only this
Because of you-
I am just dust
But proud to the last
Brittle as rust
I’ve been such an ___
Ask me why I think I’m great
Maybe I think I’m good
But hate
That’s the root
Of my envy, my pride
Drowning me
Pressing down on me
Crushing my insides
How can I get out
Of this arrogant tide?
If only I could be
On my own side
I trip myself up
Sabotage my own ship
I want to do right
But give myself the slip
My dust cries for glory
When I’ve earned none
It’s the same old story-
I’m not number one
I just think that I am
And that explains why
I cannot stand
When I try
Because I’m really just dust
Shaking my powerless fist
At the world as though
It owes me what I missed

And yet, deep inside
What I don’t want to admit-
That it is really my pride
That makes me feel like this
Each day I’m reminded
I’m both Cain and Abel
I feel I’ve been branded
Yet somehow, stable
I’ve no mercy for me,
Nor grace nor compassion
Just harsh reality
And bitter condemnation.
Who will rescue me
From my arrogant mind?
My heart is weak
And my sight is blind.


DSW, November 14, 2005

So I Caved!

Well, everyone else was doing the quizes, I thought maybe I could see who really knows me best- there are some easier questions, but some are there for the ones who know too much already...

Take my Quiz on QuizYourFriends.com!

How do I want to live? Like this man...

Kyle Lake, the pastor of University Baptist Church of Waco, TX, died during Sunday morning services at his church. The following is the conclusion of the sermon that he wrote but wasn't able to give.

Live. And Live Well.
BREATHE. Breathe in and Breathe deeply. Be PRESENT. Do not be past. Do not be future. Be now.
On a crystal clear, breezy 70 degree day, roll down the windows and FEEL the wind against your skin. Feel the warmth of the sun.
If you run, then allow those first few breaths on a cool Autumn day to FREEZE your lungs and do not just be alarmed, be ALIVE.
Get knee-deep in a novel and LOSE track of time.
If you bike, pedal HARD… and if you crash then crash well.
Feel the SATISFACTION of a job well done—a paper well-written, a project thoroughly completed, a play well-performed.
If you must wipe the snot from your 3-year old’s nose, don’t be disgusted if the Kleenex didn’t catch it all… because soon he’ll be wiping his own.
If you’ve recently experienced loss, then GRIEVE. And Grieve well.
At the table with friends and family, LAUGH. If you’re eating and laughing at the same time, then might as well laugh until you puke. And if you eat, then SMELL. The aromas are not impediments to your day. Steak on the grill, coffee beans freshly ground, cookies in the oven. And TASTE. Taste every ounce of flavor. Taste every ounce of friendship. Taste every ounce of Life. Because-it-is-most-definitely-a-Gift.

Kyle Lake, b. 6/12/1972
d. 10/30/2005

Thanks, Kyle. May we all strive to live each moment knowing that it is a gift.

Happy Birthday Uncle U-turn!

Today is my friend Dean's birthday. So send him a quick email greeting, even if you don't know him. He's a great guy and a want to recognize him- and he needs to read my blog more...

Surf John Steven? Who's that?

Well, it seems that once in a while a musician comes along who doesn't fit. The establishment doesn't understand. The consumer doesn't appreciate the music. But it is still good. Like Jazz and Classical blended with folk and rock and little country, with a smattering of old and a little originality for good measure. That is the case with Sufjan Stevens. He is unlike any musician I know of, and his music is created as if in a vacuum, unaffected by the winds of change and foul weather that so often besets young artists during their formative years. Apparently Sufjan taught himself music and the instruments that he uses, so having no classical or traditional training, he seems to fly into the music like Icarus on his homemade wings of melody, bouyed up by the choir and collection of instruments that he uses like so many thermals under a gliders wing.

Anyway, thanks to a couple of friends who are always introducing new music to me, I am now a fan. And I used to not like Tom Waits either.

So, nobody cares about Baltimore?

I guess it is a good thing when peotry takes priority over tales of traveling and stuff, but did anybody read this?

New Lines

(I decided to write another poem after getting such nice comments on the other one. This one is maybe a little easier to understand, as I decided to use less metaphor and more english. It is kind of my thoughts about the creative process in general, and why I think I couldn't write anything that is much longer than a few pages.)


How do I write something new?
Something never before heard that’s true
To my heart, to my spirit
So that everyone who may hear it
Knows that it is mine?

It seems to me that when I write
I always want to reserve the right
To use something I heard one time
Something with a special line
Known only to a few.

A line of beauty and grace
Serves to brighten the face
Of anyone who hears it-
All who may come near to it
Warm to the imparted word of life.

When I write a line like this,
I often secretly make a wish
That those who may ever read it
Will be drawn, no even need it;
Water, quenching the beggars thirst.

Hard as it can be to compose
Lines with beauty like a rose
With the thorns of hardship
Yet the petals so delicate
That it must be cherished,

So I continue my endeavor
To reveal that which holds the treasures
That I may record my soul’s longings
Whether desires or wanderings,
And through them, I am free.

So where's Cal Ripkin live?

Since this is a travelogue of sorts, I suppose it is always a goood idea to write a little bit about where I have been. Right now, as you are aware, I am spending a season in Eastern Virginia in a small town. Reminds me of a scandalous movie with Raquel Welch and a girl named Crista whom I once met and later had lunch date with (and the usual outcome- nothing worth writing here), but I digress. Again.

Last weekend I decided to go to Baltimore, that beautiful city on the East Coast of Maryland. Lots of history there, especially important battles during the second war of independence (aka the war of 1812), and among other things, it was there that Francis Scott Key penned the words to our national anthem.

It was a really nice trip. My friend Nadia, whose brother has been a friend of mine for only about 17-18 years, showed me some of the sights. It was a lot of fun. We went to the harbor, downtown, and later with a couple others to a lantern parade in a park. It was kind of chilly, but we had fun. Capped off with a really good pizza at a hole in the wall called Murhpy's (I think), it was a nice trip. I should go back sometime during baseball season though...