Keep Your Paint Dry!

Saaay, you know what we’re missing these days? Some decent catch phrases! Where’d they all go? The world certainly seems a darker place without those familiar and catchy slogans lighting the way. The only phrases I recall noticing in recent times are half-baked ones like Juicy Fruit’s “Sweeeeeeet” or McDonald’s “I’m Lovin' It”. Here’s to hoping for more “Do you feel lucky? Well…do ya, punk?!” and “They’re grrrrrreat” caliber catch phrases. “Keep your paint dry” was a catch phrase I thought of when I was younger; I don’t know what it means exactly…but I stumbled upon it recently…written in an old book I have. And I’d like to think that my writing ability has improved since then…but the change doesn’t seem all that significant. It’s actually been a year now since I started writing on Blogger…and I’ve blogged my brains out…and in the end…you kind of feel like you’ve accomplished something. There are times when I should be doing something else of some importance…maybe it’s homework…or maybe it’s work-work...but the fact is, I can’t get my mind around what I’m doing, until I write what I’m doing, and get my head around where I’m going…in doing any of these things in life. You get a real sense of satisfaction seeing what you think fill a void other than the inside of your skull; and if I can bleed out these ideas for years to come…I will be satisfied.

Catch ya on the flip side,
BR80

Jack-O-Banter

You know...it’s as though our eyes rest in the indentations made by thumbs, and our lips arc, seemingly carved by a finger’s edge; the nose and cheekbones in themselves represent the intrinsic characteristics of an artisan’s sculpting touch...with both form and symmetry. It’s easy to see how distinctly the contours of our face resemble the impressions our hands make in clay...it’s difficult to replicate those contours through carving a half decent jack-o-lantern. Anyhoo...I always take Halloween this seriously...and I don’t see it as a real problem...just more as quirky obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Black and Orange,
BR80

Contentment

I know you far more than you think,
But not as well as I know,
That I know nothing of harmony
Without you
Here with me.

BR80

Characteristics of...

True
Honest
Earnestly open
Luring
Optimistic
Natural
Endearingly enticing
Lonesome
Open
Vulnerable
Ever hopeful
Intrepid
'
Loyal
Law abiding
Exemplary
Virtuous
Exceptional
Rarest of the rare
Wanted
Anticipated
Needed
Totally essential
Outstanding
Radical dreamer
Nexus
Enthralling
Encompassing
Duly sought
...
Trusting
Humble
Exceedingly genuine
Obliging
Nurturing
Loving
Yieldingly tender
Original
Nostalgic
Everything but ordinary
.

Longitudinal,
B
R
8
0

Heed

"...you’re the only song I want to hear,
a melody softly soaring through my atmosphere"

Lessons Learned

I attempted to enact a plan for payback some time ago; and so with the aim of both brutish and reckless reparation, I tried my hand at vengeance. Yet, in retrospect of that aggravation and those lucid thoughts of vengeance, I can’t help but recall upon that one sobering moment…the knife snapping shut on my hand…the deep gash I still wish I had...my deep, dark, blood: teacher of a lesson in hatred and forgiveness. Scarred hands strike a chord in me…they always have a way of reminding us of our debauched achievements…our lessons learned.

Battle-damaged,
BR80

Blind Aficionado

I know that love doesn't happen as one might suspect it does…within a moment, perhaps when two eyes meet, as mind-blowingly instantaneous as a stick of lightning struck dynamite; I know it’s far trickier than that...and far less stupid sounding. Understanding the complexity of love dismantles the idea of falling into it; and I, for one, know that we’d definitely fall in just as quickly as we’d fall out if we were to believe in love as a simple cliché. And for some, love is a simple thing, and it’s for those folks that love becomes elusive…because that simple thing is actually an unsteady, ever-changing, mess. We can assume love is as simple as spotting a girl ya dig…yet in that assumption comes the true weakness of eye sight…since sight is a never ceasing ever-roaming periscope, forever skimming the surface of the world around us…merely seeking what lies on top…something that “looks nice”…but has no substance…no depth. “Seeing” is all we human’s have to depend upon, and I won’t belabor the fact…but what I will say is that there are some days when sight becomes overbearing…and for me, it becomes a constant misconception...one which brims at my every chance to see people for who they genuinely are; and thanks to that, I sometimes lose sight of what love is.

Apologetically,
BR80

I Gotta Know What's Goin' Down at Mr. Sub

I find no fault in those that practice principles other than mine; whether that means they choose a belief that will in turn hurt themselves is something I have no control over...a fact that sometimes kills me. My qualms lie in ulterior motives; I believe the actions of a person are entirely forgivable, but that their motives are a little more complicated to absolve. I’ll overlook your choices if you'll just let me know who you are…otherwise, I don’t know what I’m getting myself into. Anyhoo, now that I’ve spoken my mind...and sounded completely paranoid…goodnight.

Wary,
BR80

"I Will Follow You Into The Dark"

Love of mine some day you will die
But I'll be close behind
I'll follow you into the dark

No blinding light or tunnels to gates of white
Just our hands clasped so tight
Waiting for the hint of a spark

If Heaven and Hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark

In Catholic school as vicious as Roman rule
I got my knuckles brusied by a lady in black
And I held my toungue as she told me
"Son, fear is the heart of love"
So I never went back

If Heaven and Hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark

You and me have seen everything to see
From Bangkok to Calgary
And the soles of your shoes are all worn down
The time for sleep is now
It's nothing to cry about
Cause' we'll hold each other soon
The blackest of rooms

If Heaven and Hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark
Then I'll follow you into the dark

By: Death Cab For Cutie

The New Lyceum

If I were to create my perfect "Lyceum" it would consist of principles based upon:

Jesus Christ - Truth and Compassion
Aristotle - Wisdom and Logic
Da Vinci - Ingenuity and Creativity
Edison - Innovation and Practicality
Einstein - Knowledge and Understanding

Every student would experience and exhibit the above characteristics. We'd teach concepts of chivalry, honor, and all other knightly codes thought to be dead. They'd learn the value of faith and prayer, of God and country. They'd learn of the importance of helping others and of both unconditional and sacrificial love...ideals sorely lacking in a self-preserving world; and it's for these reasons that our students would be set apart from the world.

"The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding."
-Leonardo da Vinci

The school building itself would be something rarely seen...it'd be school on location...in true “Peripatetic” method; if it couldn't be experienced it wouldn't be worth learning in my Lyceum. We'd be explorers of the world, of countries, cultures, and history...and after seeing all that's been created around us, we'd begin to know ourselves, and in turn, know God...a kind of wisdom that can't be taught. The three greatest characteristics we as humans posses are the ability to love, explore, and to create; and as creators, we use our God given minds to take what we have at our disposal and forge something new. And that's what learning should be; it should be about experiences, which leads to wisdom, and ultimately, the ability to become creators of new and revolutionary ideas that change the world.

Learn'ed,
BR80

Fallen Faultless

Crawl cruel winds and wake
Whisper long drain and flow
Willful winter in all without
Much rather loss than loosen

Chaste yet taint
With brail read hands
Though felt unseen
In rightful tread

Our sleepless day
The slightest drop
The utmost fall
I fell and fought

BR80

Psalm Ninety-One

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the almighty. This I declare of the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I am trusting him. For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague. He will shield you with His wings. He will shelter you with His feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor fear the dangers of the day, nor dread the plague that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. But you will see it with your eyes; you will see how the wicked are punished.

If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling. For He orders his angels to protect you wherever you go. They hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone. You will trample down lions and poisonous snakes; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. I will satisfy them with a long life and give them my salvation.”

Today was an important day for me, both in past remembrance of those I love, and in future revelation of what I’m to become. I attribute all meaning I’ve ever had in my life to the great works God has had in me; I only pray that I can repay Him through undying faith and unmovable loyalty.

Resolutely,
BR80

My Thirty-three Objectives

1. Fly, float, or levitate for at least 30sec
2. Watch the sun rise and set from the exact same spot
3. Blowup a replica dummy of myself
4. Pose in a Sears Catalogue
5. Have a philosophical discussion with a Lama (Tibetan Monk or animal...whichever)
6. High five Clint Eastwood
7. Get married at 12 O'clock Midnight, New Years Eve
8. "Ride the rails"
9. Solve at least one mystery ("Whodunits" included)
10. Write a book of poetry
11. Move to a random place and change my name for a while (May or may not included growing a mustache)
12. Achieve the title of "Doctor"
13. Start a legitimate freelance detective agency
14. Fire off a potato canon in Ireland
15. Teach a dog to fetch the paper, my pipe, and slippers
16. Slow dance to "I'll Be Watching You" in a gymnasium
17. See my name mentioned in a noteworthy publication
18. Learn to sharp shoot
19. Travel through time
20. Save a life and/or soul
21. Endure for 40 days
22. Lose my sight for a little while
23. Make a pilgrimage to each church founded by the Apostles
24. Remix a classic
25. Assist MI6, Interpol, CIA, or any other secret agency
26. Control the elements (Earth, wind, water, fire, etc, etc.)
27. Visit the hospital room where I was born before May 6th 2035
28. Scale a volcano and throw a straw hat into some lava
29. Live in the countryside
30. Swim to an island
31. Learn a language only I and one other can know
32. Recite the Gospel from memory in the Church of Nativity, Bethlehem
33. Discover something never known before on the face of the planet

Ambitiously,
BR80

Transformer

Tonight I realized that I had never listened to her speak in such depth before. She told me everything. And maybe I’m completely selfish...but I secretly hoped that I might’ve been the source of all that happiness and anticipation in her voice. I sat and pondered; and in the midst of our conversation a moment was taken to reflect upon the years in which I had known her…I mused…it was amazing how familiar her face had become within that time…amazing how memorable her words and mannerisms seemed now. I had never figured her out…I only knew her the best I could…and now even that familiarity seems stricken from me. She’s grown into someone new and I see that now, and I’m more proud of her than I’ve ever been. She’s beautiful and intelligent, and most of all, convicted in her principles. She’s always becoming someone different…someone better...and that's why she’s the girl I can never truly know.

Best wishes,
BR80

Riddlespeak

What is yesterday tomorrow and was tomorrow yesterday? It’s today. Today is just yesterday tomorrow…today is just tomorrow yesterday. Lately I’ve been trying to think of how I can overcomplicate the simple things in life. For example, instead of simply saying “I love you”, I’ll say, “I only lie to those I love, and frankly, I hate you”, which of course would be a lie, and thus, I love them dearly. It’s my attempt to bring some sort balance to my life. Insane? Yes. But come on people, I’m tired and cloudy.

Must…sleep…
BR80

"Half Life"

Half life wastes before it goes
It's funny how your bee sting touch never leaves me whole
It's not enough to stay here almost trying
You keep your last laugh watch this dying
It's just your half time vertigo
And if you want an answer...I don't know

If you had completed me
Don't think I'd be pleased with you
Don't think I'd compete with you
With half of me to take

Half life nothing I'd call home
It's lucky how these phantom limb bee stings never show
It's not enough to leave this falling kindly
You burn my star down twice as brightly
It's just your half light undertow
But if you need forgiveness...I don't know

If you had completed me
Don't think I'd be pleased with you
Don't think I'd compete with you
With half of me to take

Half light breaks with nothing wrong
Just a corner of my bed where you don't belong
It's kind of you to notice no-one's dying
You had your last laugh almost crying
It's just your half life long to know
And if you need a reason...so it goes

If you had completed me
Don't think I'd be pleased with you
Don't think I'd compete with you
With half of me to take

By: Sneaker Pimps

Skeleton Clown

The Sum of Our Parts

Maybe I’m unromantic in thinking this, but I never really thought love would be the answer to: “What’s going to make me happy in this life?” Aristophanes (an ancient Greek comedian/philosopher) figured that man and woman were once joined together as one spectacular being…so spectacular that the gods themselves felt threatened by these beings and decided to split them in two…two fragments, two genders…man and woman…which is why we seek our other half, so that we may feel “whole” again…united as one being. Crazy, hey? I thought so; since it doesn’t seem to reflect how I feel about the whole “love” thing. Yet, it seems to be what the entire planet wants to believe; and maybe I want to believe it too. But I can’t allow myself to think something so reckless. All be it, it would be a simple answer to everything if it were true.

"Love is simply the name for the desire and the pursuit of the whole." -Aristophanes, 450-385 BC

Imagine if all you had to do is fall in love with another person to feel whole. With that logic I should be the most wholly complete person on the planet! I fall in love and my brain falls out of my skull. I’ve got to love smarter. I’ve got to recite this religiously: the answers to my questions do not lie in any person, no matter how much I love them. It’s self-centered to think that my own romantic satisfaction grants me a greater understanding of this world around me and the people within it.

Wholly,
BR80

Lesson of the Day

I’ve discovered that the line between friendly and creepy is uncomfortably thin.

-BR80

Shock 'N' Burn

With no texture to voltage or fire the closest one gets to feeling either is by shock and burn. I find that strange; strange that there are some things in this world we are unable to feel without pain as the only result. Love: as equally painful as is equally intangible; unable to feel it in itself, we are left only with its effects...its many shocks and burns.

Ow,
BR80