Superstitions, also called, or related to: Urban Legends, Old Wives Tales, Folklore, Bizarre Beliefs, Myths, Taboos, Omens, and finally Good Luck or Bad Luck. Created in so many ways, beliefs, cultures, fears, the unknown. Some are so old, yet still active today. Most of the time we have know idea why or how they were formed, but we still believe. Pretty powerful stuff if you think about it.
There are so many I recall hearing from my grandparents,"Find a Penny pick it up, the Rest of the day you'll have Good Luck," "Don't Walk under that Ladder its Bad Luck," "Beginners Luck," That one has never worked for me,yet others totally believe. Although the itchy hand thing I swear by! How about "A Cat has Nine Lives," Sometimes they sure seem like they do, lucky suckers. And of course, since I was a child I've been looking for the end of the rainbow.
Friday the 13th is one of the most powerful superstitions, I think, around. I've read over 80% of high rises lack a 13th floor. Many airports skip the 13th gate, and airplanes have no 13th aisle. Hospitals and hotels often have no room 13. Many cities have no 13th street. Then you have Friday many believe Jesus was crucified on this day. Friday was the conventional day for public hangings in Brittan. It was also said to be the day of the flood in the bible, and Adam and Eve twas said to be the tempting of the apple, and so to the day they were cast from the garden. (sounds like this particular myth was spread by people with the same religious beliefs) Some people think that Friday is just considered an unlucky day, and 13 is unlucky as well. So when you put the two together, its about unlucky as you can get. Personally, I've never had a problem with the day or the number, but its quite intense when you think of the impact its had on our culture.
So watch out for that black cat, and hang on to that rabbits foot! Ya never know.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Saturday, May 12, 2007
LET THERE BE MUSIC
My list of enjoyable music feels endless. The history of music goes back farther then we can imagine; I feel as though I'm forever hearing something new. Just to name a few types of music: Rock, R & B, Blues, Hip Hop, ( some ) Rap, old Folk songs are cool, and so is old country. Appalachian music; also, intrigues me. It seems to have been an important part of their culture,performed in family gatherings, or with whole communities involved. Along with other cultures music; certainly, has been an important custom in their history.
Music can be delivered, received, and interpreted, in so many ways. We enjoy the metaphors, poetry, story telling, and words in their simplest form can be, so profound. There are so many poetic artists past and present. With some though, Its just the sound of their voice, or the music they produce that just makes you want to listen.
If I may, I'd like to speak of just a few artists to whom are dear to me. I'll start with the musician Maria Maldaur. Her first album, yes I used the "A" word, had some really cool folk songs on it. It also had the song that hit the charts, in 70 sumpin, sumpin, " Midnight at the Oasis." She somewhat reminds me of Norah Jones who's one of those artists that it really doesn't matter what they sing, I'd listen. Another great one is Van Morrison with his son "Moondance," it just seems to flow " Marvelous Night for a Moondance with the Stars up above in your Eyes, Fantabulous Night to make Romance." That song just never gets old to me. Cat Stevens has many songs I enjoy; in fact, I named my dog after one of them,"Moonshadow." And one of Annie Lennox's songs she sings, "Dying is easy its Living that Scares me to Death," sometimes I think I'm the only one that feels that way until she sings that to me and reminds me, I'm not alone. One of my favorites, and she hasn't been around very long, would be Alanis Morrisette's CD "Jagged Little Pill." When I first heard her I thought, what is this woman screaming about!? Until I really listened to her lyrics. Then I was absolutely hooked! The next thing I know I was screaming the words to her songs, In my car, at my house. People must have thought I was nuts. Her simple little words touched me so. I just love the song " Hand in my pocket," it says things like: " I'm Broke but I'm Happy," " I'm Lost but I'm Hopeful," " I'm Sane but I'm Overwhelmed," " I'm Hard but I'm Friendly." How simple, yet to me, so true. Another song that tickles my fancy is,"Isn't it Ironic," she states: " A Death Row Pardon two Minutes too Late," Good Advice that ya Just Didn't Take," " Ten Thousand Spoons when all you need is a Knife," "Life has a Funny way of Sneaken up on you," "Life has a Funny, Funny way of Helpen you Out." (love her, love her!) Other artist such as: Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Gnarles Barkley, and even Eminem ; however, alittle harsh and crude. I can still appreciate his artistry.As for the others, I'm just naming a few out of hundreds of performers that are so very talented.
Back in my youth, It was hard rock for me. AC/DC was profound and poetic to my ears. Along with Arrowsmith, Led Zepplin, and all the hard rock I could get at the time. It went right along with drinken, partying, and my rebellious ways, music seemed to help me vent my youthful anger. Of course, I'm still aroused by this music because of all the youthful memories they hold.
There are many artists and types of music I could talk about. And hundreds more I've , yet to discover. The bottom line is " Music is Great!" It's a gift, and still brings people together. Although not like it used to, music is still the source of: gatherings, topics of conversation, It sooths you, gives you energy, makes you happy,and sad. Music is even said to be healing. Heal away!
Music can be delivered, received, and interpreted, in so many ways. We enjoy the metaphors, poetry, story telling, and words in their simplest form can be, so profound. There are so many poetic artists past and present. With some though, Its just the sound of their voice, or the music they produce that just makes you want to listen.
If I may, I'd like to speak of just a few artists to whom are dear to me. I'll start with the musician Maria Maldaur. Her first album, yes I used the "A" word, had some really cool folk songs on it. It also had the song that hit the charts, in 70 sumpin, sumpin, " Midnight at the Oasis." She somewhat reminds me of Norah Jones who's one of those artists that it really doesn't matter what they sing, I'd listen. Another great one is Van Morrison with his son "Moondance," it just seems to flow " Marvelous Night for a Moondance with the Stars up above in your Eyes, Fantabulous Night to make Romance." That song just never gets old to me. Cat Stevens has many songs I enjoy; in fact, I named my dog after one of them,"Moonshadow." And one of Annie Lennox's songs she sings, "Dying is easy its Living that Scares me to Death," sometimes I think I'm the only one that feels that way until she sings that to me and reminds me, I'm not alone. One of my favorites, and she hasn't been around very long, would be Alanis Morrisette's CD "Jagged Little Pill." When I first heard her I thought, what is this woman screaming about!? Until I really listened to her lyrics. Then I was absolutely hooked! The next thing I know I was screaming the words to her songs, In my car, at my house. People must have thought I was nuts. Her simple little words touched me so. I just love the song " Hand in my pocket," it says things like: " I'm Broke but I'm Happy," " I'm Lost but I'm Hopeful," " I'm Sane but I'm Overwhelmed," " I'm Hard but I'm Friendly." How simple, yet to me, so true. Another song that tickles my fancy is,"Isn't it Ironic," she states: " A Death Row Pardon two Minutes too Late," Good Advice that ya Just Didn't Take," " Ten Thousand Spoons when all you need is a Knife," "Life has a Funny way of Sneaken up on you," "Life has a Funny, Funny way of Helpen you Out." (love her, love her!) Other artist such as: Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Gnarles Barkley, and even Eminem ; however, alittle harsh and crude. I can still appreciate his artistry.As for the others, I'm just naming a few out of hundreds of performers that are so very talented.
Back in my youth, It was hard rock for me. AC/DC was profound and poetic to my ears. Along with Arrowsmith, Led Zepplin, and all the hard rock I could get at the time. It went right along with drinken, partying, and my rebellious ways, music seemed to help me vent my youthful anger. Of course, I'm still aroused by this music because of all the youthful memories they hold.
There are many artists and types of music I could talk about. And hundreds more I've , yet to discover. The bottom line is " Music is Great!" It's a gift, and still brings people together. Although not like it used to, music is still the source of: gatherings, topics of conversation, It sooths you, gives you energy, makes you happy,and sad. Music is even said to be healing. Heal away!
Sunday, May 6, 2007
DESERTED ISLAND
What three things would I "take" on a deserted island. To start, I would like a large pocket knife with a striker on it. So that I may start fires, cut wood, and make spears for fishing. I could consider taking one of those contraptions that turn salt water into fresh. But since its my story, I'm going to say there is plenty of fresh water already on the island. Secondly, I might consider some sort of tarp or tent to shield myself from the elements. Although sleeping under the stars, with sounds of the ocean all around me, would be nice. I would sun bathe, catch fish, and pick from all the bountiful variety's of island fruit.
On my island, "mine" because there's no one around to argue with me about it, there are plenty of animals that I can pleasantly observe and enjoy. Of coarse none that wish to eat me, nor I them. Hopefully I can keep my menu to the sea and to natures gifts of fruit. I don't consider my self much of a hunter; I guess if I had to hunt I would . I'd really prefer to make friends with the local wild life, then prey upon them.
The more I think about it, I might just give up my tarp or tent for a really good book. I can almost feel my self laying in the sun, cuddled in the warm sand, reading the day away. Heck, cause if I needed shelter, I'd just hop in my fifty foot Sea Cruiser. Now wouldn't I!!!!!!!!
On my island, "mine" because there's no one around to argue with me about it, there are plenty of animals that I can pleasantly observe and enjoy. Of coarse none that wish to eat me, nor I them. Hopefully I can keep my menu to the sea and to natures gifts of fruit. I don't consider my self much of a hunter; I guess if I had to hunt I would . I'd really prefer to make friends with the local wild life, then prey upon them.
The more I think about it, I might just give up my tarp or tent for a really good book. I can almost feel my self laying in the sun, cuddled in the warm sand, reading the day away. Heck, cause if I needed shelter, I'd just hop in my fifty foot Sea Cruiser. Now wouldn't I!!!!!!!!
Monday, April 30, 2007
HOME TOWN
I was born in Los Angeles county, I spent about eleven years in the area. I have lived in: Burbank, Glendale, North Hollywood, Sun Valley, and Tujunga, Just to name a few. I haven't spent much time there in the last thirty years. So I will be speaking from, quite clear childhood memories. Not of cities: over crowded, too expensive, and of rudeness and violence. Descriptions I hear so much of, these days, about my home town.
In the past, I have written about my love of old houses and such. Los Angeles is definitely not lacking older dwellings, buildings, parks, In and out door exhibits, just to name a few. Even the cemeteries were a great place too go and explore.(although maybe I get that from my mother) There was just so much character hidden all the nook and crannies.of L.A.. Of course It didn't hurt having a mother with a sense of adventure, or maybe I mean no sense at all.She found all kinds of cool hideaways, she would always point out all the intricate details, and the uniqueness of it all. We would sneak in old churches, at least she made me feel as though we were sneaking, of all denominations. Being in those old structures left me in awe. My mother had found ways into the fenced off areas of the L.A. river,or extensions there of. For all I know it could have been the L.A. sewer, I just know it was fun.There were many other people who snuck in too. There were fifty ft. slopes covered in moss, that you could slide down. We'd have to climb back up, holding the rope tied at the top, I'd pull myself up, all the while trying to keep my balance on the moss. So coming up the slope was almost scarier the going down. As a child it was a grand place to live, back in the day. Being such a large place with so much historic value and so much to do. Back then it was so nice that people looked out for each other. When I was about six or seven: I could walk to school and back,go tho the park unattended, or to the store. I'd visit the local bowling alley, where my grandmother used to bowl every week, slipping into the bar where the bartender would always hand me a Shirley Temple.
Los Angeles was good to me, in my youth. If I could I would probably want to change it back to the way it was. we'd like to do that with many things. But life goes on, things shift and change for reasons unknown to us. I'll just keep my memories intact,and smile.
In the past, I have written about my love of old houses and such. Los Angeles is definitely not lacking older dwellings, buildings, parks, In and out door exhibits, just to name a few. Even the cemeteries were a great place too go and explore.(although maybe I get that from my mother) There was just so much character hidden all the nook and crannies.of L.A.. Of course It didn't hurt having a mother with a sense of adventure, or maybe I mean no sense at all.She found all kinds of cool hideaways, she would always point out all the intricate details, and the uniqueness of it all. We would sneak in old churches, at least she made me feel as though we were sneaking, of all denominations. Being in those old structures left me in awe. My mother had found ways into the fenced off areas of the L.A. river,or extensions there of. For all I know it could have been the L.A. sewer, I just know it was fun.There were many other people who snuck in too. There were fifty ft. slopes covered in moss, that you could slide down. We'd have to climb back up, holding the rope tied at the top, I'd pull myself up, all the while trying to keep my balance on the moss. So coming up the slope was almost scarier the going down. As a child it was a grand place to live, back in the day. Being such a large place with so much historic value and so much to do. Back then it was so nice that people looked out for each other. When I was about six or seven: I could walk to school and back,go tho the park unattended, or to the store. I'd visit the local bowling alley, where my grandmother used to bowl every week, slipping into the bar where the bartender would always hand me a Shirley Temple.
Los Angeles was good to me, in my youth. If I could I would probably want to change it back to the way it was. we'd like to do that with many things. But life goes on, things shift and change for reasons unknown to us. I'll just keep my memories intact,and smile.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
READING REACTION REAL REWARDS
But how??
Television gives the "public" what they want. If there wasn't a demand for all the fake B. S., we would not be consumed by it. We have become overwhelmed by meaningless, superficial barf. Not to say I can't enjoy a good movie, a fine acting job, or a well written story. Never the less, enough already; indeed, acting can be hard work and take talent. But seriously they get paid millions of dollars a movie, how absurd. I can't believe the public really cares; what their wearing, who their with,on and on."Who cares," It has gotten to were I can hardly turn the television on at all.
The sad thing is they only give us "the public" what we want, what sales. What a shame because I would rather hear about the true stories,of police officers, firefighters, and doctors. Its sad that the majority of the public that buy into that crapola, have set the standards for generations to come. I guess shallowness and unrealism are the life styles to come. Apparently they are the majority, How sad....
Television gives the "public" what they want. If there wasn't a demand for all the fake B. S., we would not be consumed by it. We have become overwhelmed by meaningless, superficial barf. Not to say I can't enjoy a good movie, a fine acting job, or a well written story. Never the less, enough already; indeed, acting can be hard work and take talent. But seriously they get paid millions of dollars a movie, how absurd. I can't believe the public really cares; what their wearing, who their with,on and on."Who cares," It has gotten to were I can hardly turn the television on at all.
The sad thing is they only give us "the public" what we want, what sales. What a shame because I would rather hear about the true stories,of police officers, firefighters, and doctors. Its sad that the majority of the public that buy into that crapola, have set the standards for generations to come. I guess shallowness and unrealism are the life styles to come. Apparently they are the majority, How sad....
Sunday, April 15, 2007
SERVICE OF ONES OWN FREE WILL
I would like to volunteer for Hospice. Hospice is an organization that cares for individuals that are preparing for death. It is not easy to guess when someone while pass away, even people educated in the field have a hard time; Infact there are people who have been on and off hospice several times. The body just naturally wants to live in most cases. Hospice and there many employees and volunteers tend to client needs in many ways. They help medically, physically, and emotionally. they make sure they have appropriate medications, they try to keep their pain levels null or to a minim, and make them as comfortable possible. Hospice personnel bathe clients, for they are usually very fragile. They arrange for pressure relieving devices to help their injury sensitive body's. They talk with the clients to find out their beliefs, and what brings them enjoyment,or just something they were not able to get done. Then if possible they try to provide those thing for them.
I think I would be good at this, for I have years of experience working with the elderly. I have been there several times for people in their last days of life. I am able to handle being around someone dying and it brings me pleasure to give someone a smile or some sort of comfort in their last days. Unless your fortunate enough to die quietly and unsuspectingly in your sleep. Often times death towards the end seems to be some sort of battle whether it be the body,mind or soul we just want to hang on. This is why sometimes its just so hard for families.
I believe this would be a good area to volunteer.I am compationate and I can do what needs to be done with out getting too emotional. I seem to save that until its all over. While I am caring for someone, I seem to have tunnel vision. My main concern is them, I talk to them whether they can respond or not, and make them as comfortable as possible. So as a volunteer or even a job, I think I'd be a great asset to help those in need at Hospice.
I think I would be good at this, for I have years of experience working with the elderly. I have been there several times for people in their last days of life. I am able to handle being around someone dying and it brings me pleasure to give someone a smile or some sort of comfort in their last days. Unless your fortunate enough to die quietly and unsuspectingly in your sleep. Often times death towards the end seems to be some sort of battle whether it be the body,mind or soul we just want to hang on. This is why sometimes its just so hard for families.
I believe this would be a good area to volunteer.I am compationate and I can do what needs to be done with out getting too emotional. I seem to save that until its all over. While I am caring for someone, I seem to have tunnel vision. My main concern is them, I talk to them whether they can respond or not, and make them as comfortable as possible. So as a volunteer or even a job, I think I'd be a great asset to help those in need at Hospice.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
FEARS COME IN MANY FORMS
I have a fear of love, giving, and receiving. Just intimacy in general with close friends,or lovers. I have always been extremely fearful of getting hurt. I would either not let love happen at all, or I would break it off early. Somehow I would be mean or do something intentional, to make them stop wanting to be around me. As I write this, I think how terribly selfish. It seems our fears can be are greatest enemies. The very thing we think we are protecting ourselves from can hurt us the most. I was so concerned with my pain or disappointment; I had no regard for others feelings. I did not intend to be so cruel, but protecting myself from emotional harm was my #1 priority. Emotional harm was abundant when I was a child. Something big must have happened in order for me to have created such a protective barrier, and for so long. What I was doing was keeping at a distance all the things I truly needed.
When I did let a man into my life, it had to be on my terms and my terms only. They could never be in charge, nor were they allowed to help me too much. For then it might appear that I needed them. They had no say over my sons, nor were they allowed to spend much time together. Heaven forbid I allow my children to become attached, for I knew it would not last, how very sad for my children. It makes me cry even as I write this, again, how selfish. Its one thing to harm yourself. I believe once you recognise these things it only makes you stronger. When it comes to your children; in fact, it rips your heart out. You can never say your sorry enough or fix it and make it better. One can only hope that they "get it" sooner then we did. And that they love you regardless. The one thing my children have taught me is unconditional love. After years and years of ( love?) with conditions. There certainly are none with them for they are the loves of my life.
What am I doing to deal with my fear? That is not an easy question to answer. Just acknowledging it is a great first step. Its no solution, but ya have to start somewhere. I've been conditioning myself this way for years, I'm not so sure I know how to let go. I'm not sure how to bond with women, let alone meeting or talking to men. I just know that I'm working hard,staying with the same job. I'm going to college to expand my horizons . Taking and getting to know more and different people. I just keep trying to improve myself, and become self assured. Hopefully my higher power permitting will slowly let love and intimacy back into my life.
When I did let a man into my life, it had to be on my terms and my terms only. They could never be in charge, nor were they allowed to help me too much. For then it might appear that I needed them. They had no say over my sons, nor were they allowed to spend much time together. Heaven forbid I allow my children to become attached, for I knew it would not last, how very sad for my children. It makes me cry even as I write this, again, how selfish. Its one thing to harm yourself. I believe once you recognise these things it only makes you stronger. When it comes to your children; in fact, it rips your heart out. You can never say your sorry enough or fix it and make it better. One can only hope that they "get it" sooner then we did. And that they love you regardless. The one thing my children have taught me is unconditional love. After years and years of ( love?) with conditions. There certainly are none with them for they are the loves of my life.
What am I doing to deal with my fear? That is not an easy question to answer. Just acknowledging it is a great first step. Its no solution, but ya have to start somewhere. I've been conditioning myself this way for years, I'm not so sure I know how to let go. I'm not sure how to bond with women, let alone meeting or talking to men. I just know that I'm working hard,staying with the same job. I'm going to college to expand my horizons . Taking and getting to know more and different people. I just keep trying to improve myself, and become self assured. Hopefully my higher power permitting will slowly let love and intimacy back into my life.
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