It's Really a Small World!

So my last post was about a woman that I noticed at WalMart after church this last Sunday. Well, we must run in similar circles because I literally bumped into her while I was running errands today. I had to get some things done early this morning and was out and about doing them and I was trying to get them done quickly. As I was rounding a corner I was looking in the opposite direction and I bumped into a person and we both found ourselves knocked flat on our keisters. At first I was in shock as to what happened and then it dawned on me as to what I had done and I felt so bad about it. Luckily she was laughing and actually apologizing as she was looking the opposite direction of where she was going too. Funny that!

Well, as I was clambering to my feet I noticed a Fish tattoo above her right ankle and then I shot a look at her feet (she was wearing flip flop type sandals) and I saw her flaky heels. But before I could flash back to the image of her beauty crumbling this past Sunday morning she said, "I am SO sorry about that. Are you alright?" And it snapped me out of my mental rewind and I told her that it was all my fault as I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. She started to laugh and confessed that she was doing the same thing. I really felt bad about my carelessness in my walking about and wanted to make it up to her and since it was 8:30 in the morning I offered to buy her a cup of coffee. She hesitated at first but then said that she was actually heading to a place for breakfast and asked me if I wanted to make it up to her by buying her the most important meal of the day. I said yes.

We headed to a diner that was two stores down and got a booth by a window. She ordered scrambled eggs and bacon and I got poached eggs and corned beef hash. Then we got to talking and about our "bumping" into each other and got a great chuckle over it. She said that I looked familiar to her and I said I don't believe that we'd ever met, however, I did let her know that I was at WalMart the other day and was behind her online. She asked how I remembered her and I said that I had noticed her Fish tattoo and then saw it this morning as we were getting to our feet. She blushed and gave a low moan when I mentioned the tattoo.

She said that she'd done that after her divorce 9 years ago as a sign that she was able to do as she pleased after being in a marriage to a very suffocating and controlling husband. She then went into what she had been through and how she was just getting her life back together and was looking to get back into dating but wasn't having any luck as "all of the good ones seemed to be already taken". And I told her that perhaps not all of them were, and then shot her a playful smile. She coyly smiled back at me and we proceeded to start a somewhat flirtatious dialog.

Perhaps it was because we were sitting at a table and I could not see her cracked flaky heels that had me giddy in playful banter with an attractive women. I mean every time I looked down all I saw were plates of eggs and breakfast meats, not heels crying out for pampering attention. I went with the flow and it seemed that we had some real chemistry and the next thing that I noticed was that we were holding hands across the table and it's been quite sometime since I've held the hand of a beautiful woman. I guess she was feeling a bit adventurous and able to express herself as she had never been able to do before. And it was this adventurousness that started the house of cards to come tumbling down because she decided to play footsie with me. I was wearing shorts and felt her toes start to run up my ankle as she had taken her foot out of her flip flops. It felt good and I have to admit that I really liked it. I liked it until her heel scraped my shin to which I flinched and sent my knee slamming up into the table knocking the carafe of coffee every which way.

The waitress came over quickly and cleaned the mess up and my breakfast companion asked me why I flinched. What could I say? I had to be honest and I swore that if I had ever met her before that my curiosity would get the better of me and it did now, throbbing knee and all. So I asked her what the deal was with her cracked, flaky heels. And when the words had left my mouth, hanging above our heads like a cartoon balloon, her face drained of all color and turned deathly pale. "How could you ask such a question?", she said. I was dumbfounded.

"I thought that you were different! I thought that you cared! You're just like all of the rest!" And then she reached down and grabbed a handful of scrambled eggs and flung them into my face and got up and stormed out, flaky heels and all. And me? Well I was left there with egg on my face.

Ah, none of this happened today. All I did today was get a haircut.

From Soup to Nuts

I saw something today whilst at WalMart that made me stop and go, "Hm?". I was standing in line behind an attractive lady and since I am single and not dead yet I gave her a quick top-to-bottom once over with my eyes. She had a pretty face with a stylish hairdo, bright eyes and an inviting smile. Her clothes were chic in a way that said that she doesn't need to spend top dollar on her duds but knows how to make them look worth a lot. She wore them well. And I liked the fact that she was wearing a skirt, knee length, that was light an airy. I just love when a woman wears a skirt. Too many are married to pants and pants alone. Boring IMHO.

She had decent legs and was sporting a Fish tattoo in the style of the Greek letter Alpha that is symbolic of Christ. I thought, "Nice a Christian woman with a sassy edge to her." She finished her ensemble with some stylish sandals with a bit of a lift. Her toes were well pedicured, which I have to admit that I find attractive and her toenails matched her fingernails(added bonus). However, as I looked at her whole foot I noticed that her heels were dry, cracking and flaky. The whole image came crashing down right then and there as I heard the WalMart cashier ask her if she wanted to apply for a WalMart credit card. She declined by the way.

I couldn't understand why a woman would go through almost every effort to make every part of her appearance radiate beauty, fashion, and style but overlook something as gross as her heels. I equate that with brushing only the teeth that people see when you smile; your incisors and canines but letting your molars go untouched. Maybe she thought that no one would notice and she didn't have the time nor the moisturizing lotion to take care of business. I know that I've had the occasion where my fly was down without me knowing until it was pointed out to me. I felt embarrassed for a moment or two but then realize that these thing happen. However, it's not like I left the Mens room with the thought, "I am kind of tired right now. Too tired to zip up my fly. I am leaving it the way it is." No, I've never had a thought like that. It just happened.

Am I being unfair? Maybe. Yes, I know that that woman is more than her appearance but let's be honest, our appearances do matter and make a difference one way or another, at least first impressions do. I am sure that the women is a nice person and interesting and maybe I will get to know her someday. And if I ever do get that chance I am the type of person who would have to know what the deal is with her heels. Shallow on my part? Perhaps. But my curiosity would get the better of me.

Anyway, that was my interesting moment of the day. Wonder what tomorrow will bring.

Some Thoughts

Hey there! Yes it's been a while, a long while, since I last posted anything here. Not that I haven't wanted to but I've been extremely busy and trying to find the time to post. However, excuses are cheap and actions speak loudly. So, I am back at the end of the year to posit some musings garnered from my journeys in 2009.

The year started off rocky but finished on a definite high note as things have changed for the better. What a year it's been and I am filled with a renewed optimism for the future and my life. Family relationships have been strengthened, old friendships have been renewed, and golden opportunities have appeared.

There have been some minor setbacks and other areas where I strive for change for the good, but nothing that has made me lose Hope. And Hope is the key, isn't it? Without we are lost and give into despair and slide down a slippery slope of self-loathing. Hope is eternal. Hope is renewing. Hope heals.

I look forward to the 2010 and make the vow to be more diligent in blogging. I've heard from some dear friends that they think that I am a decent writer, and perhaps I am and I owe some of those friends a thank you for encouraging me to write, write, write(That's you E.C., J.D., and M.F.). Whether I am or not I realize that I LOVE writing and it brings me great joy. If it brings others joy too then that is the icing on the cake.

Here's to wishing you and Happy, Safe, and Blessed New Year!

Mac

Things Do Get Better

I have had the most interesting journey in my life for the past 5 or so years. Things have been topsy turvy and for the longest time it didn't appear like it would get better. There were glimmers of hope but they soon passed. I found myself falling into the miry pit that Psalm 40 talks about in the Bible. The good thing is that just like in Psalm 40, the Lord has lifted me out. The evidence of this was found in the last two weeks where I spent the most wonderful time with my parents, with whom I had been estranged for far too long. My three sons were with me on this trip and it was good that they were there to witness the Lord's healing hand. While my daughters were not there I know that they will see the results of God's tender mercies.

I also was able to reconnect with some very special friends in my life, though there were others I just could not get to see due to time being hectic but also due to the healing that was taking place. I guess I had forgotten who I was and started to believe the lies that I heard from people who really didn't care about me. Through it all I have grown closer to my parents and see just how beautiful they are. I am a blessed man to be their son and I thank God for their love and support. I thank God also for my dear friends who are special to me as well, even though we have not seen each other in years.

I am not sure that I deserve all of this love, but I am thankful for it and will do my best to reflect it back to my family and friends and to pay it forward to those whom I meet in my daily live's routine. I guess the biggest lesson that I have learned is that people DO change and that by God's hand. I've heard time and time again from others that, "People just don't change" and on their own they probably won't. But God is the God of the Impossibilities and nothing is undoable to Him. He has changed my heart and my outlook as he has done so with my parents. We had long been praying for this and God listens. He might not respond right away but He will respond.

So don't ever give up hope, like I did. Keep standing firm in faith in Christ and know that He wants the best for you. God does change people even if they are running from Him and He can do it in an instant. Trust Him with all of your heart and He will never lead you astray.

Here Endeth the Lesson,
Mac

Signs of the Impending Apocalypse Part II

OK, I saw another commercial that caught my eye and made me laugh with the absurdity of it all. Perhaps you've seen this one as well. It's a Dunkin' Donuts commercial that begins with three little children in a darkened room with zombie like looks on their faces as they are watching cartoons. The TV is holding them in some sort of zombie-making tractor beam and it's actually drawing them towards the TV.

Then the door opens and this bright light fills the room and it's their dad holding a box of donuts beckoning the imps to come get one. Upon hearing this they awaken from their cartoon slumber and head out to the kitchen all jazzed up at the tasty sugary sweets that await them.

The only thing wrong with this was that the kids did not have sunken eyes nor expanded waists. I mean what were the people of Dunkin' Donuts thinking with this commercial. "Hey if you have couch potatoes for kids just feed them these empty calories to keep them tuned in the Cartoon Network all day long!"

That commercial is a far cry from this.

Now go out and do something creative!
Mac

10 Songs

I have been doing a tremendous amount of work online for the past month or two and during that time I've come to use and really like Pandora Radio, which is an online web-based radio program. What is nice about it is that whatever your preference in music Pandora has it and you can program a specific station with just your likes. Some of the music, however, is repetitive but the longer that you listen the more you find that that is cyclical. The station that I've created has an emphasis on Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, and Van Morrison. Other groups such as U2, Queen, Journey, and Tom Petty are mixed in here and there as well as others.

What I like about Pandora is that a lot of the songs are different versions of popular hits, or just great songs from albums that didn't get a lot of air play over traditional radio. So, from using this service I have come to hear some songs that, sadly I must admit, I did not know but should have. Some of those songs make this month's 10 Songs.

1. Highway Patrolman-Bruce Springsteen
This song is off of his Nebraska album which is underrated in my opinion. I was not a big Bruce fan when I was younger, but now, older, having lived life a bit, well his lyrics strike a chord with me and I am really getting into his music. I love this song about dealing with troublesome family members, here a wayward brother. The line that sticks with me is, "Nothing feels better than blood on blood." Great song! Johnny Cash did a cover of this song that is just as good.

2. Devils & Dust-Bruce Springsteen
The title song of the album. Is there any better American song writer right now? I am amazed at these nuggets of gold that I mine from Springsteen's discography. I love how it starts low and soft and builds throughout the song. The lines that get me are:

We've got God on our side
We're just trying to survive
What if what you do to survive
Kills the things you love?
Fear's a powerful thing, baby
It'll turn your heart black you can trust
It'll take your God filled soul
Fill it with devils and dust

Check it out. Great song.

3. Fire-Bruce Springsteen
Bruce got his career going as song writer, and some of his songs-as good as they are-were made famous by other performers. Blinded by the Light was done be Manfred Mann, Because the Night was done by Patti Smith, and Fire was done by The Pointer Sisters. The Pointer Sisters?! Bruce's version is much better.

4. I Wish I Were Blind-Bruce Springsteen
I will admit that while I have found love unexpected and welcomed recently after a tough divorce this song hit me a couple weeks back. I guess that there's a part of my heart that doesn't want to see my ex with another man, though she's found love and is on the verge of marriage. I heard this song and it brought up some feelings I didn't know that were still there that I am working on. Not feelings for her, but feelings at failing in a marriage and not liking to fail at anything it made me ponder my heart and where I had gone wrong. I wish her well, but when I see them I know that I failed, along with her, but the failure is there nonetheless.

5. Call it a Loan-Jackson Browne
I love Mr. Browne and his lyrics are so touching. I have quickly fallen in love with this song.

6. Sky Blue and Black-Jackson Browne
Another song of his I hadn't ever heard, but I love the melody and the lyrics. Good stuff.

7. Lawyers, Guns, and Money-Warren Zevon
I used to listen to this album, Excitable Boy, back in the day when I had a turn table and records. It was one of those records that wore out through use, so I'd have to buy another one within months. Not only was this song on it, but so was Excitable Boy, Werewolves of London, and Johnny Strikes up the Band. He left this world far too young.

8. Wake Up-The Arcade Fire
I watched the trailer for the Where the Wild Things Are movie (Looks really good btw) and I loved the song that was playing throughout it. Found out that it was this song by this group. I really like the song a lot.

9. Shining Star-The Manhattans
This song has special meaning to me because of someone who is back in my life now and that person has brought a lot of light to mine and I am eternally thankful to this person.

10. Emotional Rescue-The Rolling Stones
What can I say? I will be your knight in shining armor, Riding across the desert with a fine Arab charger.

Click on a song title and it will take you to iTunes. Give them a listen.

Chitty Chitty Hee Hoo

I was taking a break from running around Saturday in preparation for the feast and festivities of the following day which was Easter Sunday. My oldest son was flipping through the TV channels when we spotted Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which was a favorite movie from when I was a child and is a movie my children have fallen in love with as well. What's not to like? It was written by Sir Ian Fleming of James Bond fame, had Dick Van Dyke and Benny Hill in it, had songs about candy and toys, and also had a car that was the benevolent version of Stephen King's Christine.

Yet, I always was afraid of the Child Catcher in the movie. He scared the bajeepers out of me and still makes me feel uneasy. The thing that struck me upon viewing him this time was that he was reminding me of someone whom I couldn't place. It bothered me. Gnawed at me. It even kept me up a little too late thinking about it that night. Then, as I fell asleep I found myself back at a dance in high school and over the speakers the song Billie Jean came on and it hit me: the Child Catcher looks like Michael Jackson!

Then the irony of Michael Jackson playing the role of the Child Catcher hit me and I started to laugh. I mean, hasn't he been playing that role for years now? I guess Boy Catcher would be more honest. But honestly, both have that funky looking nose, are pasty white with jet black straight hair, dress in extravagant attire, and are sickly thin. Come to think of it I have never seen both people in the same place at the same time. Hmmmmm. Makes one scratch his head and wonder. Oh well, I will never look at either person the same, and both do give me shivers down my spine.

Just something that I thought that you'd like to know!
Mac