- It doesn’t matter the size or quantity of the gifts; what matters is the love you feel all year long.
- It’s more important to have love in your heart than to have a Benz in the driveway.
- No amount of gifts can replace the feeling of snuggling with a loved one in front of the fire.
- A gentle kiss on the cheek can express more love than a thousand words.
- Love is getting your back rubbed without having to ask.
Moose and Buddy Rabbit
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Various Thoughts on the Christmas Season
Been thinking a lot about the holiday season and want to share some of my feelings:
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Christmas Pictures
Toy soldier in entry
Living room fireplace
Another toy soldier
Dining room
Living room tree
Toy soldier
fireplace
Console table
reindeer
entry
front steps
Frosty
Sleigh
Santa
Bedroom
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Buddy Decorating
It's a little dark but this is Buddy trying to help decorate. He's helping us place the tree skirt around the tree.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Video of the Play Date w/ Roger Rabbit
On 11/26/10, Buddy went to visit a bunny that is up for adoption named Roger. This is a short video of Buddy & Roger's first meeting.
They got along pretty.
Roger is full of life, very curious. Buddy, being older, is way more reserved. But anyway, here is the video.
They got along pretty.
Roger is full of life, very curious. Buddy, being older, is way more reserved. But anyway, here is the video.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Zip line video
When in Gatlinburg, TN, we went on a Zip Line tour with a company called Climb Works. They were great. I strapped a camera to me, but the footage is a lot shaky and very rough. If you can do the real thing, you really should. but here is the video.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
My Father Sees a Ghost
Today, I was riding my mountain bike through the woods. Alone, riding under dense cover my mind began to wander. I recalled a story my father told me when I was a boy that I’d like to pass along to you since Halloween is coming up in just a few weeks.
My father was a child of the Great Depression. He grew up on a farm, one of nine children. His father and the older boys grew crops and had a small lumber business. But when the depression hit, the lumber business dried up, so they had to make do with what little they could grow on the farm.
After harvest, my dad’s father grew ill. They didn’t have the money to pay for a doctor, but they didn’t think whatever he had was particularly serious.
He stayed in bed for several days trying to get well. My father, about 9 at the time, went with his brother to the field behind the house. They kicked dirt clogs and ran in the field for quite some time when they saw a man coming from the house toward them.
They stopped their running when they recognized it was their father.
“You boys get back to the house. Your mother is about to put dinner on the table,” their father called out.
“Yes, sir!” my father replied. They ran over to him.
“Are you feeling better now?” the brother asked of his father.
“I’m feeling really good now. You boys get inside and eat your supper.”
They ran in leaving their father in the field looking at the cleared land.
Sure enough, their mother was putting the food on the table. “Go wash up and ask your daddy if he feels like eat’in anything.”
The boys looked at each other. “What do you mean? Daddy is in the field out back. He said he felt fine.”
“Well, he’s still in the bed!” replied their mother.
They went into the bedroom and found their father had passed away that afternoon.
My father, to his own dying day, swore the story was true and so did his brother.
Just thought I’d pass it along since it was this close to Halloween and all.
My father was a child of the Great Depression. He grew up on a farm, one of nine children. His father and the older boys grew crops and had a small lumber business. But when the depression hit, the lumber business dried up, so they had to make do with what little they could grow on the farm.
After harvest, my dad’s father grew ill. They didn’t have the money to pay for a doctor, but they didn’t think whatever he had was particularly serious.
He stayed in bed for several days trying to get well. My father, about 9 at the time, went with his brother to the field behind the house. They kicked dirt clogs and ran in the field for quite some time when they saw a man coming from the house toward them.
They stopped their running when they recognized it was their father.
“You boys get back to the house. Your mother is about to put dinner on the table,” their father called out.
“Yes, sir!” my father replied. They ran over to him.
“Are you feeling better now?” the brother asked of his father.
“I’m feeling really good now. You boys get inside and eat your supper.”
They ran in leaving their father in the field looking at the cleared land.
Sure enough, their mother was putting the food on the table. “Go wash up and ask your daddy if he feels like eat’in anything.”
The boys looked at each other. “What do you mean? Daddy is in the field out back. He said he felt fine.”
“Well, he’s still in the bed!” replied their mother.
They went into the bedroom and found their father had passed away that afternoon.
My father, to his own dying day, swore the story was true and so did his brother.
Just thought I’d pass it along since it was this close to Halloween and all.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
A relaxing bunny video
This is just raw video of Buddy getting rubbed and hopping around. He seems pretty contented.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
A Little Christmas Slide Show
It's early I know, but Christmas is only about four months away. So here is a little something to get you into the spirit early.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Halloween is fast approaching
We love Halloween and it is coming up pretty soon. Here is a little slide show that we hope to scare you into the mood....
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Fight of the Century
A radio announcer's voice, "Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to the big fight."
"It's the battle of the wills: Man vs. Rabbit."
"And in this corner weighing in at 9 lbs and 23 inches long, Buddy Rabbit. In the other corner, the Man: measurements unknown at this point, but he's pretty big."
"At stake, the man wants the rabbit to go to his pen to eat and sleep. The rabbit wants to stay out all night and play."
"Who'll win this battle of wills?"
[ ding - ding ]
"And there's the bell. The man approaches the rabbit and with a firm voice says 'Bed.'"
"The rabbit hunkers down for a back rub. The man gives a couple of rubs including a tickle to the belly. Again says 'bed.'"
"The rabbit, ears lowered, turns and snaps at the man but doesn't connect. He hops under the desk. What will happen next?"
"Still saying 'bed,' the man approaches the rabbit who hops out and hunkers down for a rub. The man falls for this. Fight delayed."
"A few rubs later, the man again says 'bed.' His voice is wavering; already showing signs of fatigue. The rabbit makes his first move toward the stairs, but fakes; running past the man back under desk."
"More coaxing, the rabbit comes out and moves again toward the stairs. He stops, looks at the man, tries his fake again but is blocked."
"We're in the hall now. Buddy Rabbit hides behind the curtain by sticking his head in but forgets his hide quarters. The man tickles Buddy's back and the rabbit is off. Threw a cat tunnel, tosses a toy and stops at the top of the stairs."
"He turns, cocks his head. More head scratches from the man. I think the rabbit should at least get points for being adorable."
"Ooops, I see movement."
"Sensing that this position is vulnerable, the rabbit hops down the stairs to cuddle with his stuffed bear."
"He's so cute, the man has to stop and rub the rabbit. Point for the rabbit."
"This might take a while, so let's take some time for a commercial break."
[ Commercials ]
"And we're back. After much rubbing, the man resumes his quest to get the bunny to bed."
"He repeats the word "bed" several times."
"The rabbit looks at him like he's crazy."
"Buddy makes general move toward the sun room and his pen. The rabbit makes some general movement toward his pen, but is down again for more back rubs. The man doesn't fall for it. 'Bed' he commands."
"Buddy reluctantly hops into the sun room. He looks at the backdoor as if he needs to go out. 'Bed' the man repeats."
"Buddy moves toward the pen. He looks in... But no! He goes under the curio cabinet. Score another for the bunny!"
"Wait, what's this? Buddy smells piles of food placed in his pen. Nose wiggles. He comes out to stare at the food."
"Buddy looks at the man. Gets more head pats. Hops into pen. It's over! The rabbit went to bed! All's well with the world!"
"It's the battle of the wills: Man vs. Rabbit."
"And in this corner weighing in at 9 lbs and 23 inches long, Buddy Rabbit. In the other corner, the Man: measurements unknown at this point, but he's pretty big."
"At stake, the man wants the rabbit to go to his pen to eat and sleep. The rabbit wants to stay out all night and play."
"Who'll win this battle of wills?"
[ ding - ding ]
"And there's the bell. The man approaches the rabbit and with a firm voice says 'Bed.'"
"The rabbit hunkers down for a back rub. The man gives a couple of rubs including a tickle to the belly. Again says 'bed.'"
"The rabbit, ears lowered, turns and snaps at the man but doesn't connect. He hops under the desk. What will happen next?"
"Still saying 'bed,' the man approaches the rabbit who hops out and hunkers down for a rub. The man falls for this. Fight delayed."
"A few rubs later, the man again says 'bed.' His voice is wavering; already showing signs of fatigue. The rabbit makes his first move toward the stairs, but fakes; running past the man back under desk."
"More coaxing, the rabbit comes out and moves again toward the stairs. He stops, looks at the man, tries his fake again but is blocked."
"We're in the hall now. Buddy Rabbit hides behind the curtain by sticking his head in but forgets his hide quarters. The man tickles Buddy's back and the rabbit is off. Threw a cat tunnel, tosses a toy and stops at the top of the stairs."
"He turns, cocks his head. More head scratches from the man. I think the rabbit should at least get points for being adorable."
"Ooops, I see movement."
"Sensing that this position is vulnerable, the rabbit hops down the stairs to cuddle with his stuffed bear."
"He's so cute, the man has to stop and rub the rabbit. Point for the rabbit."
"This might take a while, so let's take some time for a commercial break."
[ Commercials ]
"And we're back. After much rubbing, the man resumes his quest to get the bunny to bed."
"He repeats the word "bed" several times."
"The rabbit looks at him like he's crazy."
"Buddy makes general move toward the sun room and his pen. The rabbit makes some general movement toward his pen, but is down again for more back rubs. The man doesn't fall for it. 'Bed' he commands."
"Buddy reluctantly hops into the sun room. He looks at the backdoor as if he needs to go out. 'Bed' the man repeats."
"Buddy moves toward the pen. He looks in... But no! He goes under the curio cabinet. Score another for the bunny!"
"Wait, what's this? Buddy smells piles of food placed in his pen. Nose wiggles. He comes out to stare at the food."
"Buddy looks at the man. Gets more head pats. Hops into pen.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
DADT
I recently wrote my Senator, Richard Burr asking him to support repeal of DADT. Today, I received a response from Senator Burr and thought I’d share his view.
I’d like to jump down to paragraph 4 of Senator Burr’s letter and I will quote:
“I strongly oppose and condemn unjust discrimination and would not support a policy that encouraged harrassment against any American. At the same time, our country is currently at war, and any changes to our military personnel policies must be carefully reviewed to ensure they do not jeopardize the security and safety of our men and women in uniform, including the gays and lesbians who are currently serving our country bravely. For this reason, I do not support a change in policy at this time.”
Well, Senator Burr. When it comes time for you to run again for office I hope you will understand when I don’t give money to your campaign.
And Senator Burr, I hope you will also understand that I will no longer vote for you to return to Washington.
You see, Senator Burr, I also “strongly oppose and condemn discrimination.”
I’d like to jump down to paragraph 4 of Senator Burr’s letter and I will quote:
“I strongly oppose and condemn unjust discrimination and would not support a policy that encouraged harrassment against any American. At the same time, our country is currently at war, and any changes to our military personnel policies must be carefully reviewed to ensure they do not jeopardize the security and safety of our men and women in uniform, including the gays and lesbians who are currently serving our country bravely. For this reason, I do not support a change in policy at this time.”
Well, Senator Burr. When it comes time for you to run again for office I hope you will understand when I don’t give money to your campaign.
And Senator Burr, I hope you will also understand that I will no longer vote for you to return to Washington.
You see, Senator Burr, I also “strongly oppose and condemn discrimination.”
Hello, World
“Hello, World!”
That’s the first thing that many programmers output from their first computer program when learning. At least that was the output back when I was in school.
“Hello, World” seems like such a simple thing to say, but it’s important in many ways.
It announces to the world that one is here and ready for the stuff the world throws at us.
So come on world! I’m here! Dish you your best!
That’s the first thing that many programmers output from their first computer program when learning. At least that was the output back when I was in school.
“Hello, World” seems like such a simple thing to say, but it’s important in many ways.
It announces to the world that one is here and ready for the stuff the world throws at us.
So come on world! I’m here! Dish you your best!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
A Shameless, Unsolicited Endorsement
Howdy!
Dad and I started listening to a new podcast called Flat 29. Three guys talk about a single topic on each episode. It’s a fun, tongue in cheek take on various subjects mixed with music.
We’ve fallen in love with this podcast. The guys are really talented.
Please give it a listen over at http://www.flat29.com/
I think you’ll like it.
Dad and I started listening to a new podcast called Flat 29. Three guys talk about a single topic on each episode. It’s a fun, tongue in cheek take on various subjects mixed with music.
We’ve fallen in love with this podcast. The guys are really talented.
Please give it a listen over at http://www.flat29.com/
I think you’ll like it.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Hawk
We saw the red tail hawk today. He’s a small one and the crows were chasing him away from the yard when we saw him.
He was still big enough to do some damage. We don’t want him to hurt one of the smaller birds in the yard or our precious bunny.
I feel really conflicted because the hawk is a beautiful bird.
To reward the crows for their hard work, we put out piles of peanut butter crackers. They love those.
It’s nice to fight nature with nature, but the crows are eating lots of food these days. Also, our mocking birds hate the crows. But for the most part, the wild birds seem to get along pretty well.
Our wild rabbit is living in the yard a couple of doors down from our house. As long as he’s safe and happy, we’ll keep putting out food for him too.
We have a lot of happy animals living around our house.
He was still big enough to do some damage. We don’t want him to hurt one of the smaller birds in the yard or our precious bunny.
I feel really conflicted because the hawk is a beautiful bird.
To reward the crows for their hard work, we put out piles of peanut butter crackers. They love those.
It’s nice to fight nature with nature, but the crows are eating lots of food these days. Also, our mocking birds hate the crows. But for the most part, the wild birds seem to get along pretty well.
Our wild rabbit is living in the yard a couple of doors down from our house. As long as he’s safe and happy, we’ll keep putting out food for him too.
We have a lot of happy animals living around our house.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Rain
Rain drops crash against my window pane mingling with the dust as they tentatively inch toward the sill.
The rain is a welcome sight. For too long, we’ve watched as the grass turns from vibrant green to sickly brown. But today, wilted plants spring back to life as they gulp the life giving water.
Slowly and steadily, the rain falls with little ticks against the pane. Its rhythmic music lulls me to sleep as I curl on the window seat.
Book in hand, my head too heavy for my neck to hold upright. Head falls on to my chest; I start awake to watch this simple miracle of nature.
Gray clouds block the sun as they slide silently through the sky. A wisp of wind blows more droplets against the glass causing the rabbit to perk his ears toward the sound.
Yes, some would be disheartened by the gloomy sky, but today it brings joy to my being. A quiet day at home with a loving family and the rain; what could be better?
The rain is a welcome sight. For too long, we’ve watched as the grass turns from vibrant green to sickly brown. But today, wilted plants spring back to life as they gulp the life giving water.
Slowly and steadily, the rain falls with little ticks against the pane. Its rhythmic music lulls me to sleep as I curl on the window seat.
Book in hand, my head too heavy for my neck to hold upright. Head falls on to my chest; I start awake to watch this simple miracle of nature.
Gray clouds block the sun as they slide silently through the sky. A wisp of wind blows more droplets against the glass causing the rabbit to perk his ears toward the sound.
Yes, some would be disheartened by the gloomy sky, but today it brings joy to my being. A quiet day at home with a loving family and the rain; what could be better?
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
allowance
Maybe pets should get an allowance.
Here’s my thinking: I had to steal dad’s credit card last month to make a donation to the Humane Society.
I just need money for good causes like that one, so I don’t need much. I’d never be selfish and buy toys even though I love the pet toys.
Speaking of which, Dad, I need a new bunny rattle. I accidentally ate the willow ring off the one I have and then kicked the wood part into my litter box. It’s a little messy now.
I know; Gross!
But back to the main topic, maybe a weekly pet allowance. Set a little aside each week for a bunny to give to charity. After all, we give so much to the humans every day.
It’s just a thought.
Here’s my thinking: I had to steal dad’s credit card last month to make a donation to the Humane Society.
I just need money for good causes like that one, so I don’t need much. I’d never be selfish and buy toys even though I love the pet toys.
Speaking of which, Dad, I need a new bunny rattle. I accidentally ate the willow ring off the one I have and then kicked the wood part into my litter box. It’s a little messy now.
I know; Gross!
But back to the main topic, maybe a weekly pet allowance. Set a little aside each week for a bunny to give to charity. After all, we give so much to the humans every day.
It’s just a thought.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Just a picture
Just a quick picture post of a relaxie bunny. Have started 2 stories, but don't know where they are going just yet. They need a lot of work.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
A Spring Day
My mind is totally blank as I stare at the computer screen. I’d like to write something for the blog, but I’m at a loss for words right now.
I’d like to say something about how happy I am to be alive on these warm spring days; to say how refreshing it is to wake up to a brisk chill in the air; to say that I enjoy the warmth of the sun streaming in through the back porch as the day progresses.
The sight of azaleas bursting open, full of pink flowers, fills every nook and cranny of the yard. Fragrant blooms attract birds and butterflies as our garden awakens from its long winter nap.
The air is crisp without a hint of the humidity that saps one’s energy in the summertime here in the south.
But my muse hasn’t come to visit me today. Yes, I’m at a loss for words. They just won’t flow from my finger tips into the electronic ether.
Oh, but if that sprite would come, I could entertain and enthrall with witty banter.
But instead, my mind is filled with chirping birds, flitting butterflies and pink blossoms.
They distract me so.
So, please come again another day; a rainy day perhaps. Maybe the rain will drive my muse to my side and push away my distractions.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Just a thought
Do you love him?
That line appeared in a movie I was watching.
It’s a pretty heavy thing to ask, if you think about it.
That line appeared in a movie I was watching.
It’s a pretty heavy thing to ask, if you think about it.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Ode to a Peanut Butter Cup
Oh, Peanut Butter Cup!
How you tempt me;
Your smooth peanut butter
Covered in creamy milk chocolate
Call out "Eat Me!"
It’s been six weeks;
Six long weeks since this diet began.
My resolve weakens before
Your gooey goodness.
Oh, Peanut Butter Cup!
You don’t fight fair.
From the tips of my ears
To the bottom of my ample bottom;
Every molecule of my being
Is drawn to you.
The crinkle of your wrapper teases.
It slips off with such ease.
That first whiff of chocolate rushes my nose.
No! No! I must resist!
Oh, Peanut Butter Cup!
Sitting there on your cardboard tray.
How innocent you look.
But not for long.
How you tempt me;
Your smooth peanut butter
Covered in creamy milk chocolate
Call out "Eat Me!"
It’s been six weeks;
Six long weeks since this diet began.
My resolve weakens before
Your gooey goodness.
Oh, Peanut Butter Cup!
You don’t fight fair.
From the tips of my ears
To the bottom of my ample bottom;
Every molecule of my being
Is drawn to you.
The crinkle of your wrapper teases.
It slips off with such ease.
That first whiff of chocolate rushes my nose.
No! No! I must resist!
Oh, Peanut Butter Cup!
Sitting there on your cardboard tray.
How innocent you look.
But not for long.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Wright Island Tale (part 2)
Note: The first part of this story was back in August and can be found here. http://buddyrabbit.blogspot.com/2009/08/wright-island-tale-part-1.html
I don't know where I'm going with this. Just letting it kind of flow out of me. More later.
***
“Hi… you ok?”
Walt started at the sound coming from above him. He rolled over on his side groggily; squinting at the sun. He could make out the form of a man, about his age, standing over him.
“I… I was afraid you were hurt or needed help in some way,” the fellow stammered. “You looked dead.” His voice trailed off to a whisper.
“I must have fallen asleep,” muttered Walt glancing at the ocean. The tide was completely high. He must have slept for hours. “What time is it?”
“It’s about 1:30. I’m Barry, by the way.” Barry stuck his hand out to shake.
Walt felt his thick penis flop against his leg as he started to stand up. He had forgotten that he pulled his swim trunks off. He reached for them and quickly slid them on as he stood.
“Walt” he said extending his hand. He blushed slightly, “Sorry about the no clothes thing. Didn’t expect to sleep so long.”
“No problem. I was worried about you. Sorry to wake you, but you were so still.” Barry stumbled for the right words.
“Better safe than sorry. You surf?” Walt scanned the waves and thought he might be able to ride a few.
“No, I’m just up here walking. Wanted to get away for a while and clear my head. You go ahead.”
Walt grabbed his board, tucked it under his arm effortlessly, and trotted to the water. When the water was just above his knees, in one fluid motion slid the board into the water, landed on top and started to paddle out just as a four foot wave broke at the board’s nose. Automatically, he forced the board under the wave as he ducked his head and continued to paddle.
He broke free of the wave, gliding in an easy rhythm further out to sea. When he sensed he was in the right spot, he whipped the board around and almost immediately caught a wave. It wasn’t a wave that would win an award at a surfing contest. It was just a little six footer, but he milked it for all it was worth only to turn around and do it all again.
**
Barry wanted privacy.
He woke up that morning expecting to go to class but as he dressed, his stomach started feeling like it was tied into a knot.
He felt an internal turmoil that he couldn’t explain and didn’t know how to deal with. He should have been on top of the world. He was about to graduate from college with honors. He had a good job lined up. He just had one problem. He was in love with his roommate; his male roommate.
He didn’t know what to do. He hadn’t acted on his feelings, keeping them a secret. But every time he thought of moving out of the apartment and into his new life, he felt like he would throw up.
“Was he gay?” he wondered. He hadn’t had much time for dating, but he used a heavy course load as an excuse. He could be just scared about entering a new phase of his life, but he wasn’t sure.
All he knew for sure was that he had to get some time alone to think.
Barry decided blow off his classes and head to Wright’s Island, to the north end where it would be totally isolated. He knew that he could get his head together there.
**
Barry got to the island midday. The sun felt hot on his skin, so he left his shirt in his car. His lean six foot frame hadn’t seen too much sun having been stuck in classrooms for the last three years.
He’d set a goal of graduating before he turned 21 and he would graduate three months shy of his twenty-first birthday; for that he felt proud. But he hadn’t had much time to do social things that other people did in college. No time for dating, few friends, almost no parties. No, he had a plan that he stuck to.
He hadn’t counted on the handsome roommate moving in to share expenses during his final year. From the moment Barry saw him, he felt a longing he hadn’t felt before.
Barry saw a few people close to the island’s parking area, so he headed north. The tide was high, so he had to walk close to the sandy dunes. He knew that almost no one went up here. He’d most certainly have it all to himself to work out his demons.
He walked a long way before seeing the naked man lying between two dunes. He stopped not knowing what to do. He stood and stared at the almost perfect body lying ever so still. The man was darkly tanned with ropey long muscles stretching down to a perfectly sculpted butt. The man didn’t move and Barry just stood there staring.
He didn’t know for how long he stood there, but Barry decided that he had to meet the man. But how? It appeared he was sleeping, but he could have been in trouble.
I don't know where I'm going with this. Just letting it kind of flow out of me. More later.
***
“Hi… you ok?”
Walt started at the sound coming from above him. He rolled over on his side groggily; squinting at the sun. He could make out the form of a man, about his age, standing over him.
“I… I was afraid you were hurt or needed help in some way,” the fellow stammered. “You looked dead.” His voice trailed off to a whisper.
“I must have fallen asleep,” muttered Walt glancing at the ocean. The tide was completely high. He must have slept for hours. “What time is it?”
“It’s about 1:30. I’m Barry, by the way.” Barry stuck his hand out to shake.
Walt felt his thick penis flop against his leg as he started to stand up. He had forgotten that he pulled his swim trunks off. He reached for them and quickly slid them on as he stood.
“Walt” he said extending his hand. He blushed slightly, “Sorry about the no clothes thing. Didn’t expect to sleep so long.”
“No problem. I was worried about you. Sorry to wake you, but you were so still.” Barry stumbled for the right words.
“Better safe than sorry. You surf?” Walt scanned the waves and thought he might be able to ride a few.
“No, I’m just up here walking. Wanted to get away for a while and clear my head. You go ahead.”
Walt grabbed his board, tucked it under his arm effortlessly, and trotted to the water. When the water was just above his knees, in one fluid motion slid the board into the water, landed on top and started to paddle out just as a four foot wave broke at the board’s nose. Automatically, he forced the board under the wave as he ducked his head and continued to paddle.
He broke free of the wave, gliding in an easy rhythm further out to sea. When he sensed he was in the right spot, he whipped the board around and almost immediately caught a wave. It wasn’t a wave that would win an award at a surfing contest. It was just a little six footer, but he milked it for all it was worth only to turn around and do it all again.
**
Barry wanted privacy.
He woke up that morning expecting to go to class but as he dressed, his stomach started feeling like it was tied into a knot.
He felt an internal turmoil that he couldn’t explain and didn’t know how to deal with. He should have been on top of the world. He was about to graduate from college with honors. He had a good job lined up. He just had one problem. He was in love with his roommate; his male roommate.
He didn’t know what to do. He hadn’t acted on his feelings, keeping them a secret. But every time he thought of moving out of the apartment and into his new life, he felt like he would throw up.
“Was he gay?” he wondered. He hadn’t had much time for dating, but he used a heavy course load as an excuse. He could be just scared about entering a new phase of his life, but he wasn’t sure.
All he knew for sure was that he had to get some time alone to think.
Barry decided blow off his classes and head to Wright’s Island, to the north end where it would be totally isolated. He knew that he could get his head together there.
**
Barry got to the island midday. The sun felt hot on his skin, so he left his shirt in his car. His lean six foot frame hadn’t seen too much sun having been stuck in classrooms for the last three years.
He’d set a goal of graduating before he turned 21 and he would graduate three months shy of his twenty-first birthday; for that he felt proud. But he hadn’t had much time to do social things that other people did in college. No time for dating, few friends, almost no parties. No, he had a plan that he stuck to.
He hadn’t counted on the handsome roommate moving in to share expenses during his final year. From the moment Barry saw him, he felt a longing he hadn’t felt before.
Barry saw a few people close to the island’s parking area, so he headed north. The tide was high, so he had to walk close to the sandy dunes. He knew that almost no one went up here. He’d most certainly have it all to himself to work out his demons.
He walked a long way before seeing the naked man lying between two dunes. He stopped not knowing what to do. He stood and stared at the almost perfect body lying ever so still. The man was darkly tanned with ropey long muscles stretching down to a perfectly sculpted butt. The man didn’t move and Barry just stood there staring.
He didn’t know for how long he stood there, but Barry decided that he had to meet the man. But how? It appeared he was sleeping, but he could have been in trouble.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Corporate Political Contributions
I watch too much TV. I admit it. I really like watching courtroom dramas.
And if there is one thing courtroom TV shows have taught me is that if a lawyer, juror or judge is involved in some personal way with a case, that person has to step aside.
The Supreme Court just ruled that corporations can give and give large amounts of money to political campaigns. Now while I think that is not a good idea, the Supreme Court thinks it’s fine and dandy.
Who am I to argue with the Supreme Court?
Now in my opinion, since companies can give large amounts of money to campaigns, we don’t want any signs of our politicians appearing that their votes are for sale.
We need a new law here....
To avoid looking improper, if a politician accepts campaign money from a company, they should not participate in any way in voting for or against a law that might affect that company. Further, they should not even voice an opinion regarding that law while it’s being debated.
This non-participation period should run for at least two full terms from the time of the contribution and one term prior to the contribution.
Just a thought.
Moose
And if there is one thing courtroom TV shows have taught me is that if a lawyer, juror or judge is involved in some personal way with a case, that person has to step aside.
The Supreme Court just ruled that corporations can give and give large amounts of money to political campaigns. Now while I think that is not a good idea, the Supreme Court thinks it’s fine and dandy.
Who am I to argue with the Supreme Court?
Now in my opinion, since companies can give large amounts of money to campaigns, we don’t want any signs of our politicians appearing that their votes are for sale.
We need a new law here....
To avoid looking improper, if a politician accepts campaign money from a company, they should not participate in any way in voting for or against a law that might affect that company. Further, they should not even voice an opinion regarding that law while it’s being debated.
This non-participation period should run for at least two full terms from the time of the contribution and one term prior to the contribution.
Just a thought.
Moose
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Refection on MLK Day
Buddy’s dad here.
Monday was a national holiday here in the US honoring the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Let me start by saying that I’m an old guy, a child of the 60’s. I was 10 when Dr. King was murdered. I remember hearing the news broadcasts that he had been shot in Tennessee and the police were looking for a man driving a white Mustang.
It was over 40 years ago but I remember it like it was yesterday.
When I was little, I remember Iris, the first African American student to go to my elementary school. She was a pretty girl who came into my third grade class. I don’t remember any protests or issues at all. She was just there one day. We all played together at recess and ate at the same lunch table in the cafeteria. She was another kid, really no different from me.
The next year, another African American student entered my class and soon the schools were fully integrated. The county made the former black high school the middle school and I went there along with all the other seventh graders. From a kid’s perspective, all seemed to go pretty smoothly.
As a kid, I watched the nightly news with my parents. I saw video footage of riots in the streets in big cities. There were marches on Washington, fires and violent protests in cities that seemed so far away.
But it wasn’t just the African American community that was protesting. College kids were protesting the Vietnam War. There were people protesting at the presidential convention in Chicago. Women were protesting demanding equal rights. It seemed like everybody was upset about something.
There was violence. Every night on the news showed more: film footage of the carnage in Vietnam, footage of various protests, cities with whole blocks burned during riots. It seemed like it would never end and it was scary.
I seem to remember hearing Dr. King’s I have a dream speech broadcast on TV one night. It could have been a film shown in school, but I don’t think so. If you’ve never heard it, I would encourage you to listen to it on the web. It’s amazing.
Even as a little boy, I understood what he said. I heard the truth he spoke. I heard the passion in his voice. His words brought clarity to a frightened little boy that prior to those words didn’t understand why all the adults were fighting.
To say Dr. King was a great man may be the understatement of the century. He was a leader who could express the injustice we felt in our hearts. He could stir passion in his listeners and prompt people to try to right wrongs. He didn’t listen when people told him to be patient; that justice would come in time. He promoted peaceful protest and led people to take charge of their lives and their futures.
He is someone that I wish was here today to lead us. His wisdom could help this country in so many ways now.
Back in 1968, a murderer robbed the people of the United States of one of its most valuable thinkers of the twentieth century. We so need him today.
Monday was a national holiday here in the US honoring the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Let me start by saying that I’m an old guy, a child of the 60’s. I was 10 when Dr. King was murdered. I remember hearing the news broadcasts that he had been shot in Tennessee and the police were looking for a man driving a white Mustang.
It was over 40 years ago but I remember it like it was yesterday.
When I was little, I remember Iris, the first African American student to go to my elementary school. She was a pretty girl who came into my third grade class. I don’t remember any protests or issues at all. She was just there one day. We all played together at recess and ate at the same lunch table in the cafeteria. She was another kid, really no different from me.
The next year, another African American student entered my class and soon the schools were fully integrated. The county made the former black high school the middle school and I went there along with all the other seventh graders. From a kid’s perspective, all seemed to go pretty smoothly.
As a kid, I watched the nightly news with my parents. I saw video footage of riots in the streets in big cities. There were marches on Washington, fires and violent protests in cities that seemed so far away.
But it wasn’t just the African American community that was protesting. College kids were protesting the Vietnam War. There were people protesting at the presidential convention in Chicago. Women were protesting demanding equal rights. It seemed like everybody was upset about something.
There was violence. Every night on the news showed more: film footage of the carnage in Vietnam, footage of various protests, cities with whole blocks burned during riots. It seemed like it would never end and it was scary.
I seem to remember hearing Dr. King’s I have a dream speech broadcast on TV one night. It could have been a film shown in school, but I don’t think so. If you’ve never heard it, I would encourage you to listen to it on the web. It’s amazing.
Even as a little boy, I understood what he said. I heard the truth he spoke. I heard the passion in his voice. His words brought clarity to a frightened little boy that prior to those words didn’t understand why all the adults were fighting.
To say Dr. King was a great man may be the understatement of the century. He was a leader who could express the injustice we felt in our hearts. He could stir passion in his listeners and prompt people to try to right wrongs. He didn’t listen when people told him to be patient; that justice would come in time. He promoted peaceful protest and led people to take charge of their lives and their futures.
He is someone that I wish was here today to lead us. His wisdom could help this country in so many ways now.
Back in 1968, a murderer robbed the people of the United States of one of its most valuable thinkers of the twentieth century. We so need him today.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
The Wren
Monday was warm, even fairly early in the day. Sun shown through the bare branches of the few trees that dotted the parking lot of the shopping center that housed Brueggers Bagels in North Raleigh.
We sat at the table beside the big plate glass window in the front of the bagel shop. A little brown wren caught our eyes as he stood on the sidewalk watching the world go by.
He stood there as cars pulled into parking spaces. He stood there as people passed by. He even stood there when a man walked his dog (on a leach) just a couple of feet from him.
His head turned from side to side as taking it all in. He watched the people, the dog and the other birds. He didn’t seem phased by all the hustle around him.
This was his place and his time. The wren would duck under a sidewalk table from time to time to snatch a crumb, but for the most part, he just stood watch.
Most of the people didn’t even notice the wren. They were too busy shopping or talking on cell phones, but the wren saw them. And silently, he stood his ground and watched.
We sat at the table beside the big plate glass window in the front of the bagel shop. A little brown wren caught our eyes as he stood on the sidewalk watching the world go by.
He stood there as cars pulled into parking spaces. He stood there as people passed by. He even stood there when a man walked his dog (on a leach) just a couple of feet from him.
His head turned from side to side as taking it all in. He watched the people, the dog and the other birds. He didn’t seem phased by all the hustle around him.
This was his place and his time. The wren would duck under a sidewalk table from time to time to snatch a crumb, but for the most part, he just stood watch.
Most of the people didn’t even notice the wren. They were too busy shopping or talking on cell phones, but the wren saw them. And silently, he stood his ground and watched.
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