the saturday morning lottery

troubled slumber breaks apart as the sun slashes the steel slivers sneaking through the sky. a chance of rain cooled off the night at late hours, but not before the neighborhood frenzy of young people wild in the streets threatened chances of an early morning rise. but the fatigue a sledgehammer brings is not easily conquered, and also there has been a funeral. I served respectfully as I have many times before with hands on the box; not my own kin but close to one who is closest to my heart. during the weekdays it is a new kind of peace, this routine. it tames the day into less of a shock; it is moments of meditation and rivers of coffee. but saturdays are different. sometimes there is other work to be done. sometimes there is thunder and love, sometimes there is smoke sneaking out of the basement from the lips of tired-eyed flower waiting to bloom. she struggles against the day and the heat...the smothering sweating heat I love. oh let it last just a little longer, please.

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the fine art of living, part one

I will never forget that drunk in that horrible bar in my hometown that struck up a conversation with us. years ago. appearing homeless, he was very out of place in the chaos of trendiness and the deep well of shallow. I suppose that is why we found his ramblings so engaging.. I'll never forget the last sentence at the end of his improbable preachings. he stated in his own pleading way of defining disbelief..."you gotta keep it simple, that way no one gets hurt."

I love my life and the way my soul feels inside my heart and mind. I love my family and friends. I love my beautiful woman. I love music and words. I love pushing my body to its limits. I love the amazing things people I love bring into my life. I love the world in its natural glory. I love old cars, old houses, old guitars and bringing new life to them. I love creating. I love good food and good beer. I love demolishing structures that have been abused and ruined. I love making music.

I spent decades as a very angry young man. doing things that only added fuel to the fire. I look back on it with a sort of foolhardy nostalgia of disbelief, but not regret in any way.

but I'm not such a young man any more. and in this day and age why waste precious time? I won't be annoyed or bothered, or hateful, or depressed or jealous. I will not let these things fill up my life. I haven't, and I won't.

"life is yours to destroy or fulfill" and I truly hope all can find their way to choose beauty over tragedy.

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