Sir Francis de Sales once said, ~Never be in a hurry, do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.~ Without a doubt, we oftentimes seem to be living our lives going a thousand miles a minute as each of us hurry to get to a particular point, moment, situation, or event in life that means something truly important. Yet, how high on the metaphorical scale of importance can your personal/professional objective really be and is it possible to patiently take your time getting there wherever/whenever that may be? For some, most, or all people it's a difficult question to answer because it's these types of people who generally tend to be overly emotional and extremely impatient when it pertains to certain things like traveling, business, and most of all relationships.
Let me ask you this question, when it comes to road trips do you know someone or is that someone who goes by a military-like set schedule where everything is on point? I think we would all agree that being around this person or you for that matter can be totally frustrating because their/your focus is getting to that intended destination at a specific time without any distractions holding them up. Distractions such as stopping at a rest area for instance so the people who are also traveling can use the facilities because if he/she/you had their/your way nobody would go to the bathroom, which probably would cause an all out mutiny among the family/friends against the driver. Anyways, the key thing to remember when on a road trip is you'll get there when you get there and always keep in mind that safety rather than time is the first priority.
Essentially, each and every one of us has that innate drive to succeed, but for some people they can be so driven they work non-stop in order to get to the top of the proverbial ladder of success. It's a sad situation indeed when one's only goal in life is to be that somebody of importance who has everything he or she ever wanted when it involves his professional life. For it in their own selfishness they feel that they have to make a name for themselves now or they won't ever be at the point in their lives that they planned to be at. You see, it's these people who constantly work to get to that next level and in turn they put pressure on themselves to accomplish those goals, whereby causing them to not only be completely stressed out, but also be vulnerable to high blood pressure, strokes, ulcers, heart attacks, etc. So does this describe you in any way?
Psalms 40:1 says, ~I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.~ For the question can be asked of you, how long have you waited to be in a significant relationship? At some point did you cry out to God both in a literal and spiritual sense? You see, when it comes to matters of the heart a person can be so impatient about love that when one does finally establish a relationship he/she is so happy they’re willing to do anything to make that person happy initially opening a can of worms that dared not ever to be opened. Such things are moving in together or tying the knot after only knowing him/her for only several months, which is the most stupidest mistake anyone can do. In any case, what it ultimately comes down to is asking God through fervent prayer to make it possible as you put your heart in His hands...it just takes patience on your part to have it answered.
In retrospect, every person has jumped the gun, in a manner of speaking, as we've made or are going to make a hasty decision that alters our life. No matter how immediate you want things to come to fruition like arriving at a certain place on time quickly, being at a certain point in life professionally, or sharing a part of your life with a certain someone special...it's better to wait because the patience you attain can bring true worthwhile happiness in the long run. In the end, nobody ever wants to regret making decisions that cause you to pay the unfortunate consequence later and whether its getting into a car wreck while traveling, experiencing health problems on the way to becoming "The Man/Woman", and/or getting yourself way over your head in a relationship I give you two simple words that best sum up this entire thought...slow down.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Back To Basics
Albert Camus once said, ~Truly fertile music, the only kind that will move us that we shall truly appreciate, will be a music conducive to dream, which banishes all reason and analysis. One must not wish first to understand and then to feel. Art does not tolerate reason.~ Without a doubt, music is something that you oftentimes don't need rhyme or reason to appreciate because you feel it within your heart and soul to the point where it can absolutely move you personally, physically, as well as, emotionally. However, when it comes to the music being created/sung about these days, there is a seemingly ridiculous trend of writing songs that instead of moving you they tend to have you scratching your head. For its the particular popular songs listened to on the radio among kids and adults alike that have you asking this question...what was he/she/they smokin'?
Let me ask you this question, when did a particular food item we've all eaten from time to time, especially during times of sickness suddenly become a hot topic to not only sing about, but also dance to as well? It truly befuddles the mind that the song Chicken Noodle Soup by DJ Webstar w/Young B, has immensely grown in popularity because after listening to it several times and then trying to read the actual lyrics of the song itself you find that they don't make any sense whatsoever. Granted, the beat of the music grabs your ears, so to speak, as the dance that was created for it gives any person the chance to learn it all-the-while physically shaking what your momma gave you, but when you look at the dance and listen to the song as whole it's basically a tweaked version of any country song line dance that is out there.
If you think about it, when it comes to certain beauty products that enhance particular features on a woman, it's undoubtedly praised to the point where word is spread through the proverbial female hotline to purchase said item(s). Now, to metaphorically sing its praises is one thing, but to actually sing praises about it going a bit overboard don't you think? With that being said, it's no surprise that the song Lip Gloss by Lil' Mama has become a smash hit among today's generation of kids, especially to the young female demographic, who personally benefit from using it and I can also add that its sound marketing strategy as well being that while she's singing about it she's also promoting/advertising the product. What's my point? Well, other than helping boost sales in the lip gloss industry that song is pointless and in the whole scheme of things has no relevant value to real music.
For the question can be asked, what comes to your mind when I mention the song titles Peaches and Cream, as well as, Candy Shop? If your answer is that they are both covered in sexual innuendo you are absolutely right and you essentially expect that from artists such as 112 and 50 Cent who tend to convey certain emotional feelings in their music like lust and/or desire. It would be safe to say that an artist such as Young Joc is no stranger to what 112, 50 Cent, or any other hip hop/rap artist sing and whether it's subtle or blatantly out there it's what makes the benjamins. Yet, you can't help but wonder what was going through Young Joc's mind when he wrote Coffee Shop because at first thought it's probably a song of sexual nature, but when you hear it you feel disappointed because its just about a coffee shop making the song itself a complete waste of time to not just watch, but also listen to.
In retrospect, it seems to me and probably for you as well that there are songs on the radio that just don't have any soul to where it personally, physically, and emotionally stays within your heart long after the song is over. It's a sad situation indeed when songs aren't written anymore without any thought/feeling and if it gets some type of reaction it's considered a hit to where writers/producers crank out more knowing that it's all a bunch of meaningless words. Hey, that's just my opinion and it's most certainly a slap in the face, in a manner of speaking, of artists such as Pete Mitchell, Jimmy Cliff, etc. who struggled for years to create hit songs whereas they do it in an instant. In the end, I think the writers/producers who are writing /producing really crappy songs for primarily profit sake should first find the soul of the song and in order to do that they have to get back to basics.
Let me ask you this question, when did a particular food item we've all eaten from time to time, especially during times of sickness suddenly become a hot topic to not only sing about, but also dance to as well? It truly befuddles the mind that the song Chicken Noodle Soup by DJ Webstar w/Young B, has immensely grown in popularity because after listening to it several times and then trying to read the actual lyrics of the song itself you find that they don't make any sense whatsoever. Granted, the beat of the music grabs your ears, so to speak, as the dance that was created for it gives any person the chance to learn it all-the-while physically shaking what your momma gave you, but when you look at the dance and listen to the song as whole it's basically a tweaked version of any country song line dance that is out there.
If you think about it, when it comes to certain beauty products that enhance particular features on a woman, it's undoubtedly praised to the point where word is spread through the proverbial female hotline to purchase said item(s). Now, to metaphorically sing its praises is one thing, but to actually sing praises about it going a bit overboard don't you think? With that being said, it's no surprise that the song Lip Gloss by Lil' Mama has become a smash hit among today's generation of kids, especially to the young female demographic, who personally benefit from using it and I can also add that its sound marketing strategy as well being that while she's singing about it she's also promoting/advertising the product. What's my point? Well, other than helping boost sales in the lip gloss industry that song is pointless and in the whole scheme of things has no relevant value to real music.
For the question can be asked, what comes to your mind when I mention the song titles Peaches and Cream, as well as, Candy Shop? If your answer is that they are both covered in sexual innuendo you are absolutely right and you essentially expect that from artists such as 112 and 50 Cent who tend to convey certain emotional feelings in their music like lust and/or desire. It would be safe to say that an artist such as Young Joc is no stranger to what 112, 50 Cent, or any other hip hop/rap artist sing and whether it's subtle or blatantly out there it's what makes the benjamins. Yet, you can't help but wonder what was going through Young Joc's mind when he wrote Coffee Shop because at first thought it's probably a song of sexual nature, but when you hear it you feel disappointed because its just about a coffee shop making the song itself a complete waste of time to not just watch, but also listen to.
In retrospect, it seems to me and probably for you as well that there are songs on the radio that just don't have any soul to where it personally, physically, and emotionally stays within your heart long after the song is over. It's a sad situation indeed when songs aren't written anymore without any thought/feeling and if it gets some type of reaction it's considered a hit to where writers/producers crank out more knowing that it's all a bunch of meaningless words. Hey, that's just my opinion and it's most certainly a slap in the face, in a manner of speaking, of artists such as Pete Mitchell, Jimmy Cliff, etc. who struggled for years to create hit songs whereas they do it in an instant. In the end, I think the writers/producers who are writing /producing really crappy songs for primarily profit sake should first find the soul of the song and in order to do that they have to get back to basics.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Remember When
Peggy O'Mara once said, ~Marriage is wonderful when it lasts forever, and I envy the old couples in When Harry Met Sally who reminisce tearfully about the day they met 50 years before. I no longer believe, however, that a marriage is a failure if it doesn't last forever. It may be a tragedy, but it is not necessarily a failure. And when a marriage does last forever with love alive, it is a miracle.~ Let me ask you this question, what attributes do you think are important when it comes to achieving a long lasting marriage? Commitment, trust, communication, intimacy, patience, listening to each other, being open, honest, and understanding are most certainly going to be the obvious choices, but there's more to it than that. Essentially, when it comes to going the distance in marriage its important to do the following 3 things: get to know each other, give each other space, and fight fair.
If you think about it, getting to know each other is one of the most important attributes in the marriage relationship and yet there are couples out there who have no earthly idea who their partner for life truly is. It's a sad situation indeed when a husband or even a boyfriend for that matter isn't able to keenly observe the seemingly insignificant things that can touch a woman's heart to no end. For instance, every woman has a certain number of smiles that are initially hidden for a particular emotion or action she's exhibiting and it takes a very observant guy to be able to distinguish what type of smiles those are. Whether it's smiling after hearing/seeing something absolutely funny, thinking about what to do, somebody saying something stupid, talking to/with/about her friends, or just being self-deprecating, a woman will greatly appreciate a man for what he sees from within his own heart.
Oftentimes, what makes a marriage last is the ability to give each other space, whereby giving the bond of love room to grow within one another's heart. When I say space, I am referring to being able to enjoy activities that tend to peak the interest of men and women separately. As a guy, shopping isn't our forte because spending several hours with a woman to look at clothing that she may not possibly buy doesn't appeal to us whatsoever whereas women don't find it appealing to go with their men to look for tools to buy in order to build or fix something. What it basically comes down to is that by having separate interests you run less of a risk of not only avoiding being asked seemingly redundant/inane/stupid questions, but also avoid a double homicide happening because of experiencing anger towards each other.
1 Peter 3:7 says, ~Likewise ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledge giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.~ For the question can be asked to those who have been married for quite some time, how often do you butt heads with each other? Without a doubt, part of being married is going through conflicts and when you have arguments or what women like to refer to their discussions, you have to fight fair, in a manner of speaking. In other words, no low blows that involve reopening old wounds from the past, insulting each other, etc. which are mistakes a couple unfortunately tend to make. Let me tell you something, its better to be wise to where you hopefully learn valuable lessons from the conflicts as you both pray to God rather than to be a wise a** and end up hating each other because of it.
In retrospect, you have to applaud the marriages that have lasted 40,50, 60 years because its those couples that have set the standard of what true love is. These days with marriages lasting only a couple of years it can leave you with a bad taste in your mouth, so to speak, but when you come across an elderly couple who can touch your heart it gives you hope that one day you'll be in their shoes. It's remarkable that a marriage can have the capacity to stand the test of time despite going through some of the worst moments that are ever experienced in life and yet it's those times of utter strife that are, in some aspect, signs that he/she is in this for the long haul. In the end, the golden years of marriage are special as you're able to hopefully see the continued passion within each other's eyes and it's with love that each time both of you reminisce about the past it always begins with two words...remember when, which is a song by country superstar Alan Jackson.
If you think about it, getting to know each other is one of the most important attributes in the marriage relationship and yet there are couples out there who have no earthly idea who their partner for life truly is. It's a sad situation indeed when a husband or even a boyfriend for that matter isn't able to keenly observe the seemingly insignificant things that can touch a woman's heart to no end. For instance, every woman has a certain number of smiles that are initially hidden for a particular emotion or action she's exhibiting and it takes a very observant guy to be able to distinguish what type of smiles those are. Whether it's smiling after hearing/seeing something absolutely funny, thinking about what to do, somebody saying something stupid, talking to/with/about her friends, or just being self-deprecating, a woman will greatly appreciate a man for what he sees from within his own heart.
Oftentimes, what makes a marriage last is the ability to give each other space, whereby giving the bond of love room to grow within one another's heart. When I say space, I am referring to being able to enjoy activities that tend to peak the interest of men and women separately. As a guy, shopping isn't our forte because spending several hours with a woman to look at clothing that she may not possibly buy doesn't appeal to us whatsoever whereas women don't find it appealing to go with their men to look for tools to buy in order to build or fix something. What it basically comes down to is that by having separate interests you run less of a risk of not only avoiding being asked seemingly redundant/inane/stupid questions, but also avoid a double homicide happening because of experiencing anger towards each other.
1 Peter 3:7 says, ~Likewise ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledge giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.~ For the question can be asked to those who have been married for quite some time, how often do you butt heads with each other? Without a doubt, part of being married is going through conflicts and when you have arguments or what women like to refer to their discussions, you have to fight fair, in a manner of speaking. In other words, no low blows that involve reopening old wounds from the past, insulting each other, etc. which are mistakes a couple unfortunately tend to make. Let me tell you something, its better to be wise to where you hopefully learn valuable lessons from the conflicts as you both pray to God rather than to be a wise a** and end up hating each other because of it.
In retrospect, you have to applaud the marriages that have lasted 40,50, 60 years because its those couples that have set the standard of what true love is. These days with marriages lasting only a couple of years it can leave you with a bad taste in your mouth, so to speak, but when you come across an elderly couple who can touch your heart it gives you hope that one day you'll be in their shoes. It's remarkable that a marriage can have the capacity to stand the test of time despite going through some of the worst moments that are ever experienced in life and yet it's those times of utter strife that are, in some aspect, signs that he/she is in this for the long haul. In the end, the golden years of marriage are special as you're able to hopefully see the continued passion within each other's eyes and it's with love that each time both of you reminisce about the past it always begins with two words...remember when, which is a song by country superstar Alan Jackson.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Dream of Me
Someone once said, ~True love is when the reality of everyday life seems like a dream and every wonderful dream each night is fulfilled in real life.~ If you think about it, when it comes to matters of the heart, its oftentimes set in the same context as having your dreams come true and whether or not you actually believe in that touching sentiment is determined by how many times you've been badly hurt in the past. In any case, it would be say to say that there are people who feel lucky enough to be making the dream of true love an absolute reality as he or she lives it with someone truly special whereas others are instead still dreaming of the day where true love becomes a reality as they hope to be, in a sense, woken up from the restless state of consciousness that one has unfortunately been experiencing for quite some time.
Let me ask you this question, other than the typical celebrity who is the person that invades both your dreams and heart to where you want him or her to be by your side when you wake up? Its that particular person who gives you the most peaceful, as well as, pleasureable of dreams and when I say pleasurable it doesn't necessarily mean its totally erotic in nature. The term I am referring to is one that you simply dream of spending time with that person of interest as you imagine building a life together filled with love, laughs, happiness, tears of joy, kids, and living in the proverbial house with a white picket fence. For its those particular images streaming within your mind that you consider picture perfect to the point where you never want to be woken up, whereby leaving you with a smile within your heart, so to speak, and yet you know you do have to wake up some time.
Without a doubt, dreams can truly become nightmares especially when it pertains to potential and/or significant relationships. Women, more often than not, have in the past lived through the nightmares of meeting guys who were perceived to be the man of their dreams, but would later turn out to be the boogeyman who essentially scared their heart into hiding, in a manner of speaking. It's a sad situation indeed when a person thinks he or she may be living the dream of true love, but behind the facade the qualities you initially fantasized about concerning that person weren't there at all to begin with causing one to cover up their heart within the safe blanket of their own emotions because he/she doesn't want to go through that recurring nightmare that is utter heartbreak, which is an experience that can leave you in a cold sweat just thinking about it.
For the question can be asked, would you rather have the dreams of true love you can always mentally hold on to but were too afraid to make it a reality with someone or would you physically hold true love in your arms giving you the opportunity to experience something so exhilaratingly scary that once you get past the fear you begin to understand/feel how real love is for you? I would probably guess each and every one of you chose the latter because you will eventually learn a hard lesson like many of us have learned before. The particular lesson is that when you spend time chasing after a dream in the form of a guy/girl you end up not only forgetting why you were chasing him/her in the first place, but you also miss out on noticing that you didn't have to chase the dream after all because he/she has been right there all along standing next to you.
In retrospect, it's within our dreams that we feel comfortable enough in expressing how we truly feel not just in a potential relationship, but also in a significant one as well knowing we won't get hurt. We can find solace in the fact that when we close our eyes and see the face of that person the harsh realities of what heartbreak brings to our heart are all left behind. Thinking about it, on any given day we see thousands of faces that come across our path to where they show up in our dreams in some way, shape, or form and yet the questions remains whose face have you been seeing who you've been longing to gently touch with your hands, as well as, softly kiss on the lips? In the end, when you meet someone who is so far beyond your wildest dreams that as you get to know that person on a much deeper level you begin to wonder and ask certain questions such as: does he/she like me? Does he/she think of me? Does he/she dream of me? A song that best reflects this thought is one performed by Kirsten Dunst from the movie Get Over It.
Let me ask you this question, other than the typical celebrity who is the person that invades both your dreams and heart to where you want him or her to be by your side when you wake up? Its that particular person who gives you the most peaceful, as well as, pleasureable of dreams and when I say pleasurable it doesn't necessarily mean its totally erotic in nature. The term I am referring to is one that you simply dream of spending time with that person of interest as you imagine building a life together filled with love, laughs, happiness, tears of joy, kids, and living in the proverbial house with a white picket fence. For its those particular images streaming within your mind that you consider picture perfect to the point where you never want to be woken up, whereby leaving you with a smile within your heart, so to speak, and yet you know you do have to wake up some time.
Without a doubt, dreams can truly become nightmares especially when it pertains to potential and/or significant relationships. Women, more often than not, have in the past lived through the nightmares of meeting guys who were perceived to be the man of their dreams, but would later turn out to be the boogeyman who essentially scared their heart into hiding, in a manner of speaking. It's a sad situation indeed when a person thinks he or she may be living the dream of true love, but behind the facade the qualities you initially fantasized about concerning that person weren't there at all to begin with causing one to cover up their heart within the safe blanket of their own emotions because he/she doesn't want to go through that recurring nightmare that is utter heartbreak, which is an experience that can leave you in a cold sweat just thinking about it.
For the question can be asked, would you rather have the dreams of true love you can always mentally hold on to but were too afraid to make it a reality with someone or would you physically hold true love in your arms giving you the opportunity to experience something so exhilaratingly scary that once you get past the fear you begin to understand/feel how real love is for you? I would probably guess each and every one of you chose the latter because you will eventually learn a hard lesson like many of us have learned before. The particular lesson is that when you spend time chasing after a dream in the form of a guy/girl you end up not only forgetting why you were chasing him/her in the first place, but you also miss out on noticing that you didn't have to chase the dream after all because he/she has been right there all along standing next to you.
In retrospect, it's within our dreams that we feel comfortable enough in expressing how we truly feel not just in a potential relationship, but also in a significant one as well knowing we won't get hurt. We can find solace in the fact that when we close our eyes and see the face of that person the harsh realities of what heartbreak brings to our heart are all left behind. Thinking about it, on any given day we see thousands of faces that come across our path to where they show up in our dreams in some way, shape, or form and yet the questions remains whose face have you been seeing who you've been longing to gently touch with your hands, as well as, softly kiss on the lips? In the end, when you meet someone who is so far beyond your wildest dreams that as you get to know that person on a much deeper level you begin to wonder and ask certain questions such as: does he/she like me? Does he/she think of me? Does he/she dream of me? A song that best reflects this thought is one performed by Kirsten Dunst from the movie Get Over It.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
The Comeback Kid
George Patton once said, ~Success is how high you bounce when you hit rock bottom.~ Well, you knew it would happen some time and the time is now as Britney Spears becomes the main topic of discussion for this particular yodaism. With that being said, it's a sad situation indeed to watch a seemingly talented and most certainly beautiful young woman fall apart personally, mentally, as well as, professionally right before our very eyes to where it inevitably becomes supposed great tabloid/tv fodder. You have to ask yourself at what exact moment/point did the downslide begin for her, whereby is a big question mark as to whether or not there is hope, if any, over the proverbial horizon, so to speak. Essentially, what it comes down it are the bad decisions that she's made in the past when it comes to marriage, her kids, and most of all her music career.
Without a doubt, Britney's marriage with KFed was an absolutely bad decision even though it looked seemingly stable at best in the beginning and it would probably be safe to say we've all voluntarily watched their series Chaotic. During the series we find out more relevant information through other media outlets about the shady past of Mr. Federline like fathering several kids with an unknown young lady at the time...Ms. Shar Jackson. In any case, you saw the playful and flirtatious interaction between the two and to be honest ladies how many of you actually cried at the end when he gave a special message to her and his unborn child. Unfortunately, fast forward several years later as they're divorced, having a nasty war of words with each other, battling over money, as well as, fighting to seek custody of their two kids who may or may not be affected by this when they get older.
Let me ask you this question to all the moms out there, what is more important: spending time with your kids or going out and partying all night long? From what has been shown in the media, her priorities as a mother have taken a back seat to the party lifestyle living it up along the resident bad influence, queen of the night life party scene, former prisoner, bad actress....I have issues with her as you can see...and all around waste of space Paris Hilton. In my opinion, being a mother takes precedence over partying any day of the week and don't get me wrong, going out every now and then for yourself is fine, but doing it every single night is completely out of hand. Wake up and take responsibility or lose what's most important in her life...her kids. Hey, if any of you moms out there, single or married, feel as if you've been personally attacked in a way I apologize, but you gotta see it from my perspective.
As we all witnessed at the MTV VMA's Britney made her triumphant return to the stage and when the dust settled, in a manner of speaking, her performance was a big disappointment. If you're a Birtney fan or at least a person who is rooting her on to get her life straight you wanted to see if she still had "it" and could prove she still has the chops to be called once again, The Princess of Pop. Anyways, you could actually look at people's faces as the cameras panned to 50 Cent and Diddy as they were in disbelief/confused at what they were seeing. From the very beginning of the song she looked like she didn't want to be there as she lip synced the song...badly mind you..all-the-while dancing without any feeling behind it. For it was sad, funny, and downright embarrassing to witness as the lackluster display on that particular night many such as myself with the opinion that her major comeback is still up in the air.
In retrospect, Britney Spears has been a force to be reckoned with since her debut back in 1999 and she can be a force to be reckoned with again. For the question can be asked, what will it take to get her to turn her life around? Having her kids taken away from her? A swift kick in the arse? Completely staying away from Paris Hilton? An all out intervention with people who truly have her best intentions in mind? Who knows, but something has got to happen or she'll never be able to bounce back because if she hits hard for the last time we may very well be remembering her through tributes if you know what I mean. In the end, I truly hope she gets her life back together, as well as, stops blaming everybody around her for what's she's going through and if she is able to put not only her heart, but soul as well into her music/performances then she can be deserving of the title The Comeback Kid.
Without a doubt, Britney's marriage with KFed was an absolutely bad decision even though it looked seemingly stable at best in the beginning and it would probably be safe to say we've all voluntarily watched their series Chaotic. During the series we find out more relevant information through other media outlets about the shady past of Mr. Federline like fathering several kids with an unknown young lady at the time...Ms. Shar Jackson. In any case, you saw the playful and flirtatious interaction between the two and to be honest ladies how many of you actually cried at the end when he gave a special message to her and his unborn child. Unfortunately, fast forward several years later as they're divorced, having a nasty war of words with each other, battling over money, as well as, fighting to seek custody of their two kids who may or may not be affected by this when they get older.
Let me ask you this question to all the moms out there, what is more important: spending time with your kids or going out and partying all night long? From what has been shown in the media, her priorities as a mother have taken a back seat to the party lifestyle living it up along the resident bad influence, queen of the night life party scene, former prisoner, bad actress....I have issues with her as you can see...and all around waste of space Paris Hilton. In my opinion, being a mother takes precedence over partying any day of the week and don't get me wrong, going out every now and then for yourself is fine, but doing it every single night is completely out of hand. Wake up and take responsibility or lose what's most important in her life...her kids. Hey, if any of you moms out there, single or married, feel as if you've been personally attacked in a way I apologize, but you gotta see it from my perspective.
As we all witnessed at the MTV VMA's Britney made her triumphant return to the stage and when the dust settled, in a manner of speaking, her performance was a big disappointment. If you're a Birtney fan or at least a person who is rooting her on to get her life straight you wanted to see if she still had "it" and could prove she still has the chops to be called once again, The Princess of Pop. Anyways, you could actually look at people's faces as the cameras panned to 50 Cent and Diddy as they were in disbelief/confused at what they were seeing. From the very beginning of the song she looked like she didn't want to be there as she lip synced the song...badly mind you..all-the-while dancing without any feeling behind it. For it was sad, funny, and downright embarrassing to witness as the lackluster display on that particular night many such as myself with the opinion that her major comeback is still up in the air.
In retrospect, Britney Spears has been a force to be reckoned with since her debut back in 1999 and she can be a force to be reckoned with again. For the question can be asked, what will it take to get her to turn her life around? Having her kids taken away from her? A swift kick in the arse? Completely staying away from Paris Hilton? An all out intervention with people who truly have her best intentions in mind? Who knows, but something has got to happen or she'll never be able to bounce back because if she hits hard for the last time we may very well be remembering her through tributes if you know what I mean. In the end, I truly hope she gets her life back together, as well as, stops blaming everybody around her for what's she's going through and if she is able to put not only her heart, but soul as well into her music/performances then she can be deserving of the title The Comeback Kid.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Live Free
Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld once said, ~The terrorists wanted Sept. 11th to be a day when innocents died. Instead it was a day when heroes were born.~ Here is a sad statistic and that is at least 2,823 people were killed not only in the Twin Towers, but also in the planes that hit them. As each of soberly reflect on this most tragic of days you have to be thankful for not just the unsung heroes on that day who risked their own lives to find survivors at Ground Zero, but to God also for being given the gift of life as there are men, as well as, women out there as we speak fighting for a cause that we tend to take for granted at times. For it’s our freedom we all thoroughly enjoy and yet there are "bad guys" out there who despise us for having the right to do such things as expressing our opinions, bearing arms for protection's sake, and voting for the next President of the United States.
Without a doubt, we all have freedom of speech when it pertains to certain issues that are either in the news or concerning our daily lives. Whatever is on your mind can be freely expressed out loud without being threatened with imprisonment, bodily harm, or something much worse like death for what you personally believe in. Looking back on our history, this country was built on the views of many and even though you may not agree with it you respect what they're all about. However, you have to walk a fine line between having your own opinions and just being maliciously hurtful towards your fellow man/woman. With this being the technological age, internet and video blogging has become the norm whereby giving people such as myself an open forum to freely express their personal views and whether or not you accept it, you take it for what its worth.
Let me ask you this question, do you own any kind of firearms in your home for the expressed purpose of defending what's most precious to you such as your spouse, kids, family, and friends. The right to bear arms is a constitutional amendment in which a number of people support in order to protect by any means necessary what is most sacred to them and if anybody tries to harm that in any way then he/she/they will suffer the consequences by having their life taken away. Although I'm not the type of person who has never owned or fired a gun for that matter, I have friends who do and I respect them for that because they have families of their own to consider. It's unclear as to whether or not I will ever own a gun, but it's not out of the question being that I may someday have a family of my own, causing me to take the initiative so my family can be safe.
If you think about it, one of the greatest freedoms we have in the United States is being able to vote whereby giving us the power to choose who runs our country whereas with other countries they have a monarchy or radical, tyrannical dictator to rule over them...but I digress. As we've all seen in past months the candidates have been campaigning to win us over and being a Republican I have chosen my 3 presidential candidates: Former New York Mayor Rudy Gulianni, Sen. John McCain, and Sen. Fred Thompson. When it comes to Thompson, I didn't base my decision on him being a former cast member on the hit tv show Law and Order. I based it on the issues such as his stance on foreign policy, gun control, gay marriage, and abortion in which he is prolife. In any case, whether you're for Obama, Clinton, or whoever you choose who you think would best put America on the right path.
In retrospect, we're all considered heroes as we live life to the fullest without fear knowing there are dark outside forces who have made it their mission to destroy what freedoms we have. Personally speaking, I'm proud to call myself an American and even though I wasn't born in this country I've enjoyed much of the freedoms that it has offered me. What it comes down to is choice as we decide to listen to the music that makes us feel good, buy the clothes that we like to wear, criticize our nation's leaders for doing seemingly stupid, etc. and they are just a handful of freedoms each and every one of us have. In the end, we all continue to live free because our armed forces put their lives on the line spilling their blood for us to do whatever we want, within legal reason of course, and thinking about it imagining not being able to live without freedom is something truly unimaginable.
Without a doubt, we all have freedom of speech when it pertains to certain issues that are either in the news or concerning our daily lives. Whatever is on your mind can be freely expressed out loud without being threatened with imprisonment, bodily harm, or something much worse like death for what you personally believe in. Looking back on our history, this country was built on the views of many and even though you may not agree with it you respect what they're all about. However, you have to walk a fine line between having your own opinions and just being maliciously hurtful towards your fellow man/woman. With this being the technological age, internet and video blogging has become the norm whereby giving people such as myself an open forum to freely express their personal views and whether or not you accept it, you take it for what its worth.
Let me ask you this question, do you own any kind of firearms in your home for the expressed purpose of defending what's most precious to you such as your spouse, kids, family, and friends. The right to bear arms is a constitutional amendment in which a number of people support in order to protect by any means necessary what is most sacred to them and if anybody tries to harm that in any way then he/she/they will suffer the consequences by having their life taken away. Although I'm not the type of person who has never owned or fired a gun for that matter, I have friends who do and I respect them for that because they have families of their own to consider. It's unclear as to whether or not I will ever own a gun, but it's not out of the question being that I may someday have a family of my own, causing me to take the initiative so my family can be safe.
If you think about it, one of the greatest freedoms we have in the United States is being able to vote whereby giving us the power to choose who runs our country whereas with other countries they have a monarchy or radical, tyrannical dictator to rule over them...but I digress. As we've all seen in past months the candidates have been campaigning to win us over and being a Republican I have chosen my 3 presidential candidates: Former New York Mayor Rudy Gulianni, Sen. John McCain, and Sen. Fred Thompson. When it comes to Thompson, I didn't base my decision on him being a former cast member on the hit tv show Law and Order. I based it on the issues such as his stance on foreign policy, gun control, gay marriage, and abortion in which he is prolife. In any case, whether you're for Obama, Clinton, or whoever you choose who you think would best put America on the right path.
In retrospect, we're all considered heroes as we live life to the fullest without fear knowing there are dark outside forces who have made it their mission to destroy what freedoms we have. Personally speaking, I'm proud to call myself an American and even though I wasn't born in this country I've enjoyed much of the freedoms that it has offered me. What it comes down to is choice as we decide to listen to the music that makes us feel good, buy the clothes that we like to wear, criticize our nation's leaders for doing seemingly stupid, etc. and they are just a handful of freedoms each and every one of us have. In the end, we all continue to live free because our armed forces put their lives on the line spilling their blood for us to do whatever we want, within legal reason of course, and thinking about it imagining not being able to live without freedom is something truly unimaginable.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
The Rose
Rob Cella once said, ~A relationship is like a rose. How long it lasts, no one knows. Love can ease an awful past, love can be yours, you'll see it last. To feel that love, it makes you sigh. To have it leave, you'd rather die. You hope you've found that special rose 'cause you love and care for the one you chose.~ As said before, a relationship is like a rose and how long it is able to last is primarily determined by how much of a delicate touch one has, in a manner of speaking, when it pertains to matters of the heart. Essentially, every person wants a beautiful, sweet smelling relationship that can hold and hopefully forever keep it fresh within the proverbial vase of their own heart, but if held too tightly one will feel the pain of utter heartbreak to the point where it inevitably wilts away leaving a person's heart metaphorically bleeding.
Let me ask you this question ladies, when was the last time a guy gave/sent you a rose or even a dozen roses and how did it personally make you feel within your heart? I would safely guess you were not only deeply touched, but also surprised because you may not have expected it, especially if it came from a guy whose heart is pure, honest, and absolutely genuine, which is very rare these days for a woman to find. In any case, it would most definitely put a smile on any woman's face if she were given a rose or a dozen roses for that matter because it shows that a particular guy is thinking about her and even though its considered the standard cliche gift to give, guys will generally take the risk anyway in hopes that he won't have it become a thorn in his side, so to speak, when he looks back on it with regret.
Without a doubt, we've all heard Bret Michaels’ song Every Rose Has Its Thorn and thinking about it, if you were in a bad past relationship the memories of it can feel like thorns sticking within your own heart. Oftentimes the thorns of past heartache can run very deep to where it takes time to remove whatever pain that is causing that person major discomfort in his or her slowly bleeding heart. Women, more so than men, have experienced too many times of being pricked by a guy whose words, as well as, actions left her with metaphorical thorns to deal with and depending on how deep those particular thorns run its unclear as to whether or not those thorns can ever be removed. What it comes down to is having a guy who has the right tools at his disposal to properly take out/remove the pain of those thorns which are a gentle touch, a caring/loving heart, and open ears to listen.
For the question can be asked to those women who have been married for quite some time, how many of you have kept not only the first rose your husband gave you, but also the petals that were from your wedding as well? If you think about it, being able to keep such a priceless memento in a very special place such as in a box/chest, scrapbook, wedding album shows the importance of how much love was/is still shared between you and that special guy in your life on that most memorable time in life. For its when a woman sits down months/years later to look at it, touch it, and smell the lingering fragrance it seems to instantly transport her to that specific point in time to where it not only a huge sigh of contentment is given, but tears are also shed because how meaningly if continues to be to her.
In retrospect, it's sometimes hard to touch a person's heart when past history has shown him/her all the countless thorns that surround it leaving you scared out of your mind to get close to him/her and vice versa. When it comes to any relationship, you must be willing to endure the pain of having those thorns of past pain metaphorically prick you/get thrown at you. It's a difficult situation indeed to go through, but if you love that person enough to not run away despite experiencing the stinging pain of what love can do that it leaves you, in all intents purposes, bleeding it shows him or her there is going to always be a strong, supporting stem right there by one's side. In the end, when you choose someone who is able to plant the seed of love, lets it have time to grow, and isn't afraid to bleed from the thorns of one's past pain, then he or she becomes the rose that truly never dies from within your heart, which is a song by Westlife that reflects this thought.
Let me ask you this question ladies, when was the last time a guy gave/sent you a rose or even a dozen roses and how did it personally make you feel within your heart? I would safely guess you were not only deeply touched, but also surprised because you may not have expected it, especially if it came from a guy whose heart is pure, honest, and absolutely genuine, which is very rare these days for a woman to find. In any case, it would most definitely put a smile on any woman's face if she were given a rose or a dozen roses for that matter because it shows that a particular guy is thinking about her and even though its considered the standard cliche gift to give, guys will generally take the risk anyway in hopes that he won't have it become a thorn in his side, so to speak, when he looks back on it with regret.
Without a doubt, we've all heard Bret Michaels’ song Every Rose Has Its Thorn and thinking about it, if you were in a bad past relationship the memories of it can feel like thorns sticking within your own heart. Oftentimes the thorns of past heartache can run very deep to where it takes time to remove whatever pain that is causing that person major discomfort in his or her slowly bleeding heart. Women, more so than men, have experienced too many times of being pricked by a guy whose words, as well as, actions left her with metaphorical thorns to deal with and depending on how deep those particular thorns run its unclear as to whether or not those thorns can ever be removed. What it comes down to is having a guy who has the right tools at his disposal to properly take out/remove the pain of those thorns which are a gentle touch, a caring/loving heart, and open ears to listen.
For the question can be asked to those women who have been married for quite some time, how many of you have kept not only the first rose your husband gave you, but also the petals that were from your wedding as well? If you think about it, being able to keep such a priceless memento in a very special place such as in a box/chest, scrapbook, wedding album shows the importance of how much love was/is still shared between you and that special guy in your life on that most memorable time in life. For its when a woman sits down months/years later to look at it, touch it, and smell the lingering fragrance it seems to instantly transport her to that specific point in time to where it not only a huge sigh of contentment is given, but tears are also shed because how meaningly if continues to be to her.
In retrospect, it's sometimes hard to touch a person's heart when past history has shown him/her all the countless thorns that surround it leaving you scared out of your mind to get close to him/her and vice versa. When it comes to any relationship, you must be willing to endure the pain of having those thorns of past pain metaphorically prick you/get thrown at you. It's a difficult situation indeed to go through, but if you love that person enough to not run away despite experiencing the stinging pain of what love can do that it leaves you, in all intents purposes, bleeding it shows him or her there is going to always be a strong, supporting stem right there by one's side. In the end, when you choose someone who is able to plant the seed of love, lets it have time to grow, and isn't afraid to bleed from the thorns of one's past pain, then he or she becomes the rose that truly never dies from within your heart, which is a song by Westlife that reflects this thought.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Flying Without Wings
Leonardo De Vinci once said, ~...and once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been and there you long return.~ If you think about it, falling in love is similar to skydiving as you take the ultimate risk and jump out of your comfort zone into the wide open unknown knowing that those around you are thinking or saying to your face you're absolutely insane. Yet, you take the risk anyway knowing full well the possible consequences you may suffer such as a broken heart or a metaphorical death because the impact of that person's rejection left you without a working parachute, in a manner of speaking. Without a doubt, nothing can ever truly prepare you for what you are going to mentally, emotionally, and personally experience as you decide to take that leap of faith, which is the best decision you'll ever make in your life.
Let me ask you this question, how many of you have ever been skydiving before and can you give a clear explanation of what you were going through mentally? Thinking about it, it's hard to put into words the thoughts that run through your mind while experiencing such an intense adrenaline rush and trust me when I say you really don't have time to think when you're freefalling at least 125 miles per hour with the wind pushing at your face. In a sense, that is how falling in love is as your first initial thought is what in the world am I doing up here, but once you close your eyes, pray to God that he will keep you safe from harm all-the-while put your entire trust in him, then take a deep breathe and you basically go for it with all your heart without letting your head stop you because of the possible things that you've imagine going wrong.
Essentially, when it comes to skydiving the easiest part is sitting in the plane as it's considered your comfort zone and yet in order to experience the thrill of a lifetime you have to go through the open door that has you inevitably stepping out of it, which is very scary indeed. Metaphorically speaking, the door to the plane represents the door to our own heart as each of us emotionally step through from where we feel safe, let go of the feelings we hold a tight grip on to that tend to scare us, and simply take the plunge whereby leaving us most definitely vulnerable to being hurt. You see, by opening the emotional door within our own heart and making the decision to step completely through it you begin to sense the hard hitting reality of it all because once you move forward you can never go back as you reach the point of no return.
For the question can be asked to those who skydived, what did it personally mean to you to accomplish something that scared the shiznit out of other people who refuse to do it? It would be safe to say for those who took the risk they probably felt a sense of unwavering pride for doing something so mind boggling scary that family, friends, and that special someone gave them props, as well as, respect for having the cojones to jump whereby leaving them without any regrets whatsoever. Let me tell you something, how many people can truly say that when it comes to falling in love they felt a sense of pride for at least taking the biggest risk of all with their heart to the point where if the jump, so to speak, was successful they continue to experience a pure adrenaline rush that is felt to this day with their tandem skydiving partner for life.
In retrospect, falling in love is one of the most scariest things you will ever experience and at the same time its the most rewarding. Oftentimes, looking into the face of what you're most afraid of gives you the opportunity to squash some, most, or all the fears you have to where it becomes fun. What it comes down to is not focusing on the aspect of how love can hurt you, but instead focusing on the aspects of how love can make you very happy that count the most and when you do that your surroundings seem a lot more peaceful. In the end, to those of you who have found someone special who you would risk going to the extreme for I say: May your feet never touch the ground, always feel/share the adrenaline rush of love with each other, and hope that both of you continue to have that feeling as if you're flying without wings, which is a song by Westlife that tends to reflect this thought.
Let me ask you this question, how many of you have ever been skydiving before and can you give a clear explanation of what you were going through mentally? Thinking about it, it's hard to put into words the thoughts that run through your mind while experiencing such an intense adrenaline rush and trust me when I say you really don't have time to think when you're freefalling at least 125 miles per hour with the wind pushing at your face. In a sense, that is how falling in love is as your first initial thought is what in the world am I doing up here, but once you close your eyes, pray to God that he will keep you safe from harm all-the-while put your entire trust in him, then take a deep breathe and you basically go for it with all your heart without letting your head stop you because of the possible things that you've imagine going wrong.
Essentially, when it comes to skydiving the easiest part is sitting in the plane as it's considered your comfort zone and yet in order to experience the thrill of a lifetime you have to go through the open door that has you inevitably stepping out of it, which is very scary indeed. Metaphorically speaking, the door to the plane represents the door to our own heart as each of us emotionally step through from where we feel safe, let go of the feelings we hold a tight grip on to that tend to scare us, and simply take the plunge whereby leaving us most definitely vulnerable to being hurt. You see, by opening the emotional door within our own heart and making the decision to step completely through it you begin to sense the hard hitting reality of it all because once you move forward you can never go back as you reach the point of no return.
For the question can be asked to those who skydived, what did it personally mean to you to accomplish something that scared the shiznit out of other people who refuse to do it? It would be safe to say for those who took the risk they probably felt a sense of unwavering pride for doing something so mind boggling scary that family, friends, and that special someone gave them props, as well as, respect for having the cojones to jump whereby leaving them without any regrets whatsoever. Let me tell you something, how many people can truly say that when it comes to falling in love they felt a sense of pride for at least taking the biggest risk of all with their heart to the point where if the jump, so to speak, was successful they continue to experience a pure adrenaline rush that is felt to this day with their tandem skydiving partner for life.
In retrospect, falling in love is one of the most scariest things you will ever experience and at the same time its the most rewarding. Oftentimes, looking into the face of what you're most afraid of gives you the opportunity to squash some, most, or all the fears you have to where it becomes fun. What it comes down to is not focusing on the aspect of how love can hurt you, but instead focusing on the aspects of how love can make you very happy that count the most and when you do that your surroundings seem a lot more peaceful. In the end, to those of you who have found someone special who you would risk going to the extreme for I say: May your feet never touch the ground, always feel/share the adrenaline rush of love with each other, and hope that both of you continue to have that feeling as if you're flying without wings, which is a song by Westlife that tends to reflect this thought.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
A Touch of Magic
Someone once said, ~Love and magic have a great deal in common. They enrich the soul, delight the heart. And they both take practice.~ Without a doubt, love or true love for that matter can be considered magical for two so called magicians who continue to be in awe of each other because they are still able to see the mystery that surrounds one another. For it's a kind of mystery in which you want to find, as well as, learn more of the magic of love works so you can be able to master your feelings and emotions in such a way that one's words/actions flow smoothly. However, for some couples the mystery faded out as their perception of a seemingly magical love has been skewed to the point where they see it all as merely an elaborate illusion filled with smoke and mirrors that simply plays tricks, so to speak, not only one's eyes, but also one's heart as well.
If you think about it, there is something absolutely amazing about magic that it has the power to put a smile on your face and bring you to a point where you find yourself speechless. In a sense, that is how love is or should be as you want to meet someone special who is able to work his or her magic on you without any outside assistance whatsoever or has any bad intentions up under one's sleeve. For it's the type of person who honestly and genuinely puts in the effort to harness the skills one has learned to try to always have that person's focus fixed on you and if you're is able to hold it for a long period of time you will most definitely be able to hear the oohs/aahs/laughter, as well as, see the smiles on his/her face, which inevitably causes an encore chant to be heard echoing within not just his or her heart, but soul as well.
Let me ask you this question, has a past, potential, or even a significant relationship ever pulled a disappearing act on you to where it left you both personally and emotionally hurt? It's a sad situation indeed when someone you like or truly care about pulls a Houdini on you and leaves you high and dry at a particular place or event. It's when you ask for a reasonable and honest explanation from that person you hope it's not a made up excuse that he or she miraculously pulled out of the one place that tends to get severely kicked/chewed out, which is one's buttockal region. It would be say to say that guys, more so than girls, have the ability to pull an explanation/excuse out of where the sun don't shine, but unfortunately it doesn't work half the time causing a woman to pull the proverbial trap door and close the curtain once and for all, in a manner of speaking, on the relationship for good.
Essentially, when it comes to love and magic they both need tremendous amounts of practice to get it perfect or close to perfect as it possibly can. You see, without practice you won't be able to work out potential problems/kinks that may possibly arise when you're right there on center stage in front of that person who you want to perform flawlessly for. Yet, there are times where you just end up having stage fright because of thinking about the grand scale of it all that it causes anxiety/doubt and that's when you have to step back, breathe, and attain one of the most important things that you need to succeed...patience. Let me tell you something to all those who keep coming back on stage after experiencing bad performance after bad performance, have patience and keep practicing because sooner or later you'll be sharing center stage side by side with someone truly special.
In retrospect, we can all be considered magicians like David Copperfield, Lance Burton, Criss Angel, Harry Blackstone, Harry Houdini, etc. who bring joy into our lives by doing something such as making people/places/things disappear and then reappear within a blink of an eye. In some aspect, we all want to meet someone who can do that same thing when it pertains to making things like past heartbreak/pain completely disappear and have re-appear in its place the dreams/happiness you always wanted to come true within your own heart. Though it may not be instantaneous, it will be gradual to where your hope is restored in the magic of love. In the end, there is a touch of magic that exists within every person's heart and its just a matter of truly believing someone out there has the ability to bring to life what others seem to think is just flat out hocus pocus.
If you think about it, there is something absolutely amazing about magic that it has the power to put a smile on your face and bring you to a point where you find yourself speechless. In a sense, that is how love is or should be as you want to meet someone special who is able to work his or her magic on you without any outside assistance whatsoever or has any bad intentions up under one's sleeve. For it's the type of person who honestly and genuinely puts in the effort to harness the skills one has learned to try to always have that person's focus fixed on you and if you're is able to hold it for a long period of time you will most definitely be able to hear the oohs/aahs/laughter, as well as, see the smiles on his/her face, which inevitably causes an encore chant to be heard echoing within not just his or her heart, but soul as well.
Let me ask you this question, has a past, potential, or even a significant relationship ever pulled a disappearing act on you to where it left you both personally and emotionally hurt? It's a sad situation indeed when someone you like or truly care about pulls a Houdini on you and leaves you high and dry at a particular place or event. It's when you ask for a reasonable and honest explanation from that person you hope it's not a made up excuse that he or she miraculously pulled out of the one place that tends to get severely kicked/chewed out, which is one's buttockal region. It would be say to say that guys, more so than girls, have the ability to pull an explanation/excuse out of where the sun don't shine, but unfortunately it doesn't work half the time causing a woman to pull the proverbial trap door and close the curtain once and for all, in a manner of speaking, on the relationship for good.
Essentially, when it comes to love and magic they both need tremendous amounts of practice to get it perfect or close to perfect as it possibly can. You see, without practice you won't be able to work out potential problems/kinks that may possibly arise when you're right there on center stage in front of that person who you want to perform flawlessly for. Yet, there are times where you just end up having stage fright because of thinking about the grand scale of it all that it causes anxiety/doubt and that's when you have to step back, breathe, and attain one of the most important things that you need to succeed...patience. Let me tell you something to all those who keep coming back on stage after experiencing bad performance after bad performance, have patience and keep practicing because sooner or later you'll be sharing center stage side by side with someone truly special.
In retrospect, we can all be considered magicians like David Copperfield, Lance Burton, Criss Angel, Harry Blackstone, Harry Houdini, etc. who bring joy into our lives by doing something such as making people/places/things disappear and then reappear within a blink of an eye. In some aspect, we all want to meet someone who can do that same thing when it pertains to making things like past heartbreak/pain completely disappear and have re-appear in its place the dreams/happiness you always wanted to come true within your own heart. Though it may not be instantaneous, it will be gradual to where your hope is restored in the magic of love. In the end, there is a touch of magic that exists within every person's heart and its just a matter of truly believing someone out there has the ability to bring to life what others seem to think is just flat out hocus pocus.
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