I'VE MOVED

I started another blog a while ago and realize it's just a continuation of what I started here. Please stop by and check it out. I have really focused in on what my hearts passion is all about.
So...no more posts here.

Check out: www.historicalgenealogy.blogspot.com

I've tried to link it here, but for some reason it isn't working. Please cut and paste.
Sorry for the inconvenience.

Cheers!!

Stone Reader

Thank God for Netflix!!!

I'm watching movies (mostly documentaries) that I would never have had a chance to experience. If you are an avid reader of books, please get your hands on the documentary "Stone Reader". It's very ruff around the edges as far as how it's filmed, but it's the ultimate journey in finding a talented author who slips through the cracks of being recognized.

Fog of War

I highly recommend the "Fog of War" documentary about McNamara's (Secretary of Defense under Kennedy and LBJ) own views (in his 80's) on his involvement with the Vietnam War and War in general. It's quite a good film.

I can breathe!!

This year has already turned out to be a positive year. My wife has finally found a job after many long months of applying for positions. I really admire her for waiting for the right opportunity even thou we were extremely poor and living on the edge. The job market is tough all over. My work has turned out to be very successful and rewarding in many respects. The good way outways the bad, and I haven't been able to say that for a VERY long time.

I'm doing many part time things which add up to full time. I, for the most part, have one boss, ME! THAT part is absolutely great because I work hard and don't have to worry about someone else's assessment or jealousy.

The future looks bright as soon as we can catch up on mortgage payments and overdue bills. My car is falling apart, so...hang in there Bessy! We only need you to make it until about May.

The Patriots lost last night and quite frankly, I'm glad 'cause I care far more about people voting on Super Tuesday than their distraction in a frigging parade thru Boston. Let's make history this year in a more meaningful way by going out in record numbers and voting our hearts out!!

I'm excited about a new administration in the White House soon. We ALL have a brighter future in store!!

New Year!

I usually don't make New Year's resolutions, but this year I am going to give myself one task. I vow to always attempt to see the beauty and blessings in my life. They are so many and I neglect to focus on them.

I am grateful that I have my health and a roof over my head.
I am grateful I am blessed with a partner who keeps me grounded when I fly way to far from reality, who I adore more than words can say, who challenges me to be better than I am.
I am grateful for the good friends I have in my life, who continue to be with me unconditionally.
I am grateful I have wonderful pets who warm my heart.
I am grateful I have made it this far despite all obstacles that have been put before me.
I am grateful that my challenge in life is to be the best human being I can and lead by example.

2008 will be a wonderful and challenging year! May we all meet that challenge with dignity and love. This will make it wonderful for us all.

World Without End

Finally...Ken Follett has come out with a sequel to his wonderful historical novel "Pillars of the Earth". I have read "Pillars.." 3 times, now going on 4. (had to re-read it before I started "World Without End".

I hope Follett's new book holds up to the task of being as enthralling as his first attempt at following his passion. He is best known for espionage novels such as "Eye of the Needle" and "Key to Rebecca". But, "Pillars of the Earth" was his creation back in 1989 after years of starting and stopping. He developed a passion for visiting Medieval cathedrals and learning about their histories. This is what inspired his journey, one fraught with being advised against doing this, because it wasn't his pigeon holed expectation. The novel was not a big hit at the time, but word of mouth propelled this book to be a constant seller to this day.

I just began to read "Pillars.." and find myself drawn back into what makes it a page turner. It grabs you helplessly from about page 20 through to the end. I'm sure I have some sleepless night ahead of me. Then....I will begin the sequel!!

Great Loss

As of 11:18am I just found out that Dan Fogelberg died yesterday at his home in Maine of Cancer at the age of 56. I guess it's a bit of dejavu that I was stuck in Portland, Maine yesterday in horrible weather that canceled a concert I was to perform in and left my wife and I in a hotel a day longer than usual. For some odd reason I had a horrible day yesterday and was completely out of sorts. I'm sure this was coincidental, but....

I have to say Dan F. was influential in a large part of my young life. His music, especially lyrics, hit such a chord with me growing up. I own every album, have sang along with every song, and I have used his gift to council my grieve and pain for a very large part of my life. I saw him perform live in the very early 90's, which was an amazing treat. His best music was never heard by the masses and boy...what you have missed. His first album came out in 1972 "Home Free" and is still not dated in my view. His songs span time never seeming dated. His genre was pop and would now be considered Country. Listen to "The River" which is probably my favorite song of his. This song is on the first album "Home Free". Listen to his next album "Souvenirs" and the next "Captured Angel". My favorite album would have to be "Netherlands" from 1977. These albums all came out before any hits really got notice, yet I consider this his finest work.

I don't know how else to thank him and morn his passing except with tears and gratitude. He was an environmentalist before there was a name for it as was John Denver, another musical icon who influenced my ability to be alone and find sanctuary in our undeveloped grazing areas across this country. They both loved the wild and beautiful American landscape more than we will ever appreciate.

We will miss you Dan! Cheers!

The River

I was born by a river
Rolling past a town
Given no direction
Just told to keep my head down.

As I took my position
A man fired a gun
I was so steeped in tradition
That I could not run.

I was raised by a river
Weaned upon the sky
And in the mirror of the waters
I saw myself learn to cry.

As my tears hit the surface
I saw what had been done.
I gave feet to my freedom
And I did run.

Someday later
I saw the writing in the dust
It told me how I should travel
It told me who I was.

I ran far from the river
Far as I could see
And as the sun hit my shoulders
I felt it burning me.

How I longed for the waters
As the fire raged
How I longed for the river
As I aged.

I will die by a river
As it rolls away
Bury me in the nighttime
Do not waste the day.
\
High above the waters
That roll on to the sea.
All the angels in heaven will
Laugh at me.
They will laugh at me.

My life was naught but a river
Rolling through my brain
Made of so many teardrops
Made of so much pain.

More money for the top

Non profit societies need to be scrutinized more carefully. Mr. Dick Hillenbrand has been keeping us genealogy buffs up to date on the practices of the President and trustees of the New York Genealogical Society. Article link http://ny-genes.blogspot.com/2007/09/nyg-society-will-be-saying-goodbye-to.html

Unfortunately, until there is a moral cry from the masses of society these types of things will only continue. CEO's and COO's etc... are raping the landscape of America with outrageous salaries and unsavory practices of downsizing everyone else's salaries and benefits while collecting hugh paycheck's and bonuses.

I'm open for suggestions on how we struggling Americans can save our Country from this.

No one seems to like my suggestion of upper management only making a certain percentage above the lowest paid employee on staff. (This meaning part time employees as well, cause I know the new corporate motto of part time means no benefits to supply).

Call me crazy!!