Joshua Tree Calling

I rarely do this. I originally had plans to visit mom at the nursing facility, but those didn't work out. On the drive home from work there were some beautiful bursts of rain, clouds and color. The lighting was just awesome. I needed to let myself have a break from routine. So I took the short drive to the National Park. As hoped; excellent clouds, color and contrasts.

Barker Dam at a low point. Apparently rains during monsoon season fill it to "normal."

The Coming King-The Emperor Has No Clothes

My employer circulated a memo this week saying that the company broadcast network will be airing the coronation tomorrow, so that any employee who wishes to view it can do so during their break or lunch. I have been informed by a number of people that Obama’s election means that the United States is now much more liked and respected around the world. That “almost everybody” that wasn’t proud to be an American the last eight years is NOW proud to be one. Obviously, they didn’t hear this speech by Hugo Chavez, who says that Obama has the “stench of Bush.”

I’ve been told that Obama will be solving the economic crisis (most likely by Tuesday), that folks will feel so secure with an Obama presidency they will immediately go out and spend money, thus invigorating the economy and restoring equilibrium. One of my customers told me that he will be glad if he has to pay more taxes, nay, delighted, because of all the benefits he’ll receive in the way of healthcare, social security, gas prices, greenhouse reductions, free Viagra, and world peace (okay, I’m making the world peace part up).

I feel a little like the child in “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” I keep telling folks; He hasn’t done anything yet! He is a politician, not the Messiah. Where do you see this beautiful raiment?

Let’s see what he does his first 100 days in office. Will he establish and maintain laws that give dignity to life, or establish such laws as The Prevention First Act, which would greatly expand government funding of abortion laws (among other things.) Will he recognize Ahmadinejad and Hamas as terrorists, or invite them over for tea? Will personal freedoms be enlarged, or taken away? I will wait and see.

One day soon, however, a King will come who will restore the world to its proper order and who will establish justice and peace.

“He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

Maranatha, come quickly.

Illustration by Gustav Hjortlund from
The Little Mermaid and other fairy tales by
Hans Christian Anderson

Tid Bits and Distractions

For you my readers, and for me; Truth is, the professor of the previous post is just a distraction from everything else going on in my life. Kind of like when you hit your thumb with a hammer to take your mind off your migraine. I've been awful tired lately, distracted, and in a contemplative mood. So better to post something lighter than wade into darker, uncharted waters. Here then are some thoughts that have been whirring through my mind these last days.

Shouldn't there be a law? Playing "Hotel California" as background music in a Skilled Nursing Facility seems wrong on a number of levels.

The minister from the Latvian church stopped by to visit my mom. She says they didn't discuss 'religion,' instead they talked about his upcoming marriage. "Hey, honey, I saw the oncologist today but we didn't discuss my cancer. We talked about his trip to Bermuda instead." I wonder if there's such a thing as heavenly malpractice suits?

Apparently, the world's going to end in four years. There goes Obama's 2nd term. This past week the History Channel had a show on Nostradamus 2012. I heard from a number of folks that 126,000 years ago an eclipse occurred with cataclysmic results. It's supposed to happen again in four years. I assured all the folks that this is a bunch of hooey-the bible says there will be seven last years, and we ain't in them yet. Plus, who recorded these events 126, 000 years ago? Shouldn't we trust the God who WAS THERE and recorded it all, instead of someone who wasn't there and is just guessing?

Mom's still in the skilled nursing facility and probably will be for another six weeks.

Meanwhile, I'm pursuing qualification for a home loan. Found out that the ex ran up a bunch of credit cards that my name is on as co-signer. Oooops! Apparently it can be fixed; but it's still a pain. Mea culpa for not doing a better job of following up on all the old accounts.

There's a quick update on some of the thoughts spinning round my head. Now, back to my dreams about the professor.

Mental Games, Professors, and Blondes

She is a Ph.d, and DDG*. Right, so I wasn't going to do this E-Harmony thing, but here I am. I feel rather foolish posting this, but there I go. It's that whole fear of rejection thing. All I have to do is send an email. Worst case scenario, she'll decline conversation.

I am a child of God. God is wonderfully good and wholly in control. I am wild at heart. I do not shirk dueling with the dragon because he's bigger than me, or more daunting, or hotter than me (as is the Professor). Do I not engage for fear of engagement?

My eyes glint, my nostrils flare, my adrenaline powerfully pumps when I step up to the plate. Stepping into fullness, and maleness---who I am and what I'm created to be.

When I was a teenager;shy, insecure and timid, I carried around this poem. In summary, it said you can either jump into the parade, or watch it pass by; wondering what would have happened if you had truly dared to be alive.

I'll keep you posted.

*Drop Dead Gorgeous

You Can't Do It All

On every trip, on every vacation, there are awesome things to see. Usually, time doesn't allow you to see them all. On this summers' trip to Yellowstone, I really wanted to visit the Potato Museum---that is, after I found out that such a museum existed! But time would not allow for it. Below is a partial list of things I may have missed out on:

Potatos in space: Russians launch Spudnik.

Best in Taste: Spudnuts

Best in televised live action: Cars and Mr. Potato Head---High spud chases.

And the Oscar for the Best Line About Potatoes in a film goes to:
Empire of the Sun, “You taught me that people will do anything for a potato.”

Really, it looks like fun. It's now on the list of places to visit.