Tag Archives: Plutarch

Emulations of wonder….

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Ffolkes,

“Every man is a divinity in disguise, a god playing the fool.”

~~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~~

Sonoma scenery

Post-harvest wine country scenery….

Hajime…. As is sometimes the case, we begin today with an appropriate pearl of virtual wisdom; our selection is, in actuality, part of the composite pearl found in today’s final section, but, it fits in too well by itself in this locus to preclude using it twice….

“If you can spend a perfectly useless afternoon
in a perfectly useless manner, you have learned how to live.”

~~ Lin Yutang ~~

Those familiar with the way my mind works, (a challenge, for sure, but, not impossible, given enough exposure here on ECR….), will understand now why I use the word ‘appropriate’, as they will have noticed my complete absence from yesterday. Not a single word written, not a single email read, & only one blog visited, to leave a note for a friend in the hospital. In fact, the only time I spent on the computer yesterday was spent watching old movies, or listening to music. I am, as is also sometimes the case, unsure of just why I avoided all cyber contact, as it seemed an instinctual imperative more than anything else. I don’t feel even a smidgen of guilt, or even angst over not posting, and that, by itself, is a telling fact. To me, anyway…. It tells me blogging has assumed a lesser importance to my overall state of mind, replaced by the mere act of walking in the fresh air to be found out in the Big Blue Room….

So, my absence may have future repercussions for Exploring Consensual Reality. Not that my own explorations will cease; those words probably describe my life better than any others…. No, it merely bodes ill for consistent posting, or, for that matter, consistent writing, as my mind seems to prefer the more physically oriented rumination I find while walking in the wide world, seeking, and finding, moments of wonder wherever I go. As much as I enjoy the contact with others in the blogging world, (many of whom have become good friends, though never meeting in the flesh), it all seems less real than, well, the real world….

I have a problem with reality, I guess; the totality of what I perceive it to be often varies by a large degree from what others report, & I, like everyone else, tend to prefer my own perceptive ability’s take on it. This, as it does for us all, tends to create the potential for conflict, which, in my life, has been far too ubiquitous for my taste. I suppose that’s also the way everyone else feels about it, but, having dealt with what I consider to be more than my share of such issues, I am reluctant to enter into potentially contentious interactions, which is a long-winded way of saying I avoid people in general…. Go figure, eh?

I’m wandering, I know; it’s hard not to when wandering is what I have mostly been doing, in my head, for quite a long time. For now, I guess I’ll just stop, & go get this posted, as all the parts are in place…. I can’t say what will happen in the future, but, for us humans, that’s probably for the best, as our predictive abilities are no match for the vagaries of reality’s wondrous unpredictability…. Life is filled with ambiguity, so, for now, I’m going with the flow. I’ll let y’all know if I come up with any particularly valuable conclusions…. Until then….

Shall we Pearl?….

“Seeing death as the end of life
is like seeing the horizon as the end of the ocean”

.~~ David Searls ~~

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Today’s music is a default selection, chosen to accompany your reading today for the simplest of reasons; I’m lazy. That’s it. I just didn’t feel like searching out anything else, for this always hits the mark, as far as I’m concerned…. I do hope you enjoy it….. Really, I do, so why shouldn’t you?…. Abondanza, ffolkes….

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Classical Music

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Comedy_Tragedy

Meander….

Inimitable, grieving, garnering mere bargains, to taste;
naked apes, priapic by nature and choice,
filled up the only valid chalice, laid it to waste,
nobody asked, nor ever raised a single voice.

Formidable, dreams becoming so real;
clearly extraordinary, in a tawdry sense.
Deals to make, illusions to steal,
busy, busy, building fence after fence.

True nature’s existence, so to speak,
rests interiorly, as well as in your face.
Duality’s persistent insistence ain’t weak;
ignorance of reality leaves not a single trace.

Herds of commonality congregate before portals
shaking each other by the collar as they dance.
Chasing their illusionary dreams, as if they weren’t mortals,
born believing they ever had a chance.

Irony lives deep in the human soul, part, parcel, post;
holding four aces, betting a pair of jacks, or queens.
Expedience beckons toward mendacity, at most,
fox mocking grapes, while it dances and preens.

The wheel turns, inevitable, ponderously mundane,
grinding grain, chaff, and dust.
Bolstering connections aids those who may abstain
from the paltry tale of the bold, and just.

~~ gigoid ~~

10/5/2016

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pearls_3

Naked Pearls

More notes on Life at Large….

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As for courage and will
– we cannot measure how much of each lies within us,
we can only trust there will be sufficient
to carry through trials which may lie ahead.”

~~ Andre Norton ~~

*******

“If you can spend a perfectly useless afternoon
in a perfectly useless manner, you have learned how to live.”

~~ Lin Yutang ~~

*******

It is ridiculous to lay the blame of our wrong actions upon external causes,
rather than on the facility with which we ourselves are caught by such causes.”

~~ Aristotle ~~

*******

“Anybody remotely interesting is mad, in some way or another.”

~~ Dr. Who ~~

*******

“The virtue of all achievement is the victory over oneself.
Those who know this can never know defeat.”

~~ A.J. Cronin ~~

*******

“There are two sentences inscribed upon the Delphic oracle,
hugely accommodated to the usages of man’s life:
“Know thyself”,
and “Nothing too much”;
and upon these all other precepts depend.”

~~ Plutarch — Consolation to Apollonius ~~

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“There is a great deal of human nature in people.”

~~ Mark Twain ~~

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Such as it is, so shall it be. On that rather final note, I bid thee adieu until the next time, which lies in the relatively distant future. Not really, in a cosmic sense; in fact, it could conceivably happen tomorrow, or even again today. Who the hell knows? Not me, but, when I do, y’all will be the first to know. See ya, ffolkes; I’m off on walkabout for another day…..

Y’all take care out there,
and May the Metaphorse be with you;
Blessed Be, dearest Carole, Mark,Theresa, & Richy
and everyone else, too…

When I works, I works hard.
When I sits, I sits loose.
When I thinks, I falls asleep.

Which is Why….

Sometimes I sits and thinks,
and sometimes,
I just sits.

gigoid, the dubious

The *only* duly authorized Computer Curmudgeon.

PLEASE STOP READING THIS MESSAGE NOW.

“SCRAM!!!!!!!!!!”- Oscar the Grouch

Featured Image -- 14996

À bientôt, mon cherí….



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Ffolkes,


“After dark all cats are leopards.”


~~ Native American Proverb (Zuni) ~~


glorys


Morning Glory….


Hajime…. While I’m uncertain what to call it, today’s freshly produced Pearl has been completed, not because of any great effort on my part, but, rather, in spite of it. I know, that doesn’t sound logical, or even coherently rational; it remains, however, the truth. It’s been a funny day or two, in the “ha-ha”, ironic sense, not the actual amusing sense; not everything I’ve done, or seen, or heard, or experienced vicariously makes much sense. But, I suppose one can always fall back on the realization, that’s pretty much how life goes. So, instead of dwelling upon matters which would have no real effect on what happens next, we’ll go on to whatever happens next.


Uh, oh…. I just realized, I am the one who must decide where to go, & what happens next. Oh, boy…. that could be a problem. No, wait, that’s not accurate; that WILL be a problem, due to a completely unambiguous state of confusion which I find to be my most prominent feature of intellect so far this morning. In short, I haven’t a clue as to what, or where to go with any of this. Of course, that’s probably nothing new, from your perspective; it’s only my own sense of angst which makes it problematic. Oh, wait…. Okay, we’re good to go; I realized, this entire paragraph, thus far, much like all of what you’ve seen, is so far off the rails, nothing at all will have any real effect on the outcome. Good, I can go on to the next paragraph with a clear conscience….


Well, relatively clear, anyway. Since I’ve already lost any thread which might tie all of this together, (not that we ever had one in our grasp today….), I’ll use what little executive privilege I have to move us all onto the next section, where we may find a bit more competence. We’ll find good music, if nothing else, so, it’s probably the correct way to go. Given the previously demonstrated lack of coherence, I’ll even do so with dispatch, to avoid any further feelings of guilt over what I’ve done here, of which I can easily, and honestly say, probably isn’t the best intro you’ve ever seen. It does have one distinct advantage, which is, it’s now done….


Shall we Pearl?….


“Life is a tragedy to those who feel, and a comedy for those who think.”


~~ Jean de la Bruyere ~~


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playing-for-change


I got a late start, so, we’re going with one of our default music choices, to wit: the Playing For Change music mix available on You Tube. I am a regular contributor, a P4C Ambassador, & urge anyone to join & contribute what you can; it’s a great way to work for peace without having to leave your comfortable chair…. and, gives you access to some of the finest live music in the world…. In any case, enjoy!….


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Playing For Change

 Take Me Home, Country Roads


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Comedy_Tragedy


Manifesto, sotto voce


In retrospect, I have to say,

it’s all been rather a muddle.

Life is tough, so ‘they’ all say,

plenty of misery, without much cuddle.


Me, I’ve found life a bit different

than ‘they’ seem to have done.

It’s all been rather excellent;

I’ve had loads  & loads of fun.


Sure, there’s been some bad shit.

Who can’t say that?

All of that pales, all of it,

beside the love of a dog, a child, or a cat.


I’ve striven, perhaps more than my share,

against all the evil in life.

The pain that remains often seems unfair,

until I have to ask, why did I chose such strife?


The answer is found, always in the same place,

right where it has ever resided.

All we need is to embrace

the joy just living has provided.


Simple is good.

Balance is good.


Life is both.


~~ gigoid ~~


12/19/2015


edited 10/9/2017


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pearls_3


From 12/20/2015….


Naked Pearls


Life to Death


***********


“Nowhere is now here.”


~~ Nakagawa Soen Roshi ~~


***********


“It is past all controversy that what costs dearest is, and ought to be, most valued.”


~~ Miguel de Cervantes, “Don Quixote”, Part i, Book iv, Chap xi ~~


(Comment, sotto voce: Is this not an excellent definition of Life? — gigoid)


***********


“Between the great things we cannot do

and the small things we will not do,

the danger is that we shall do nothing.”


~~ Adolph Monod ~~


***********


“When an idea is wanting a word can always be found to take its place.”


~~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ~~


***********


“When Alexander asked Diogenes whether he wanted anything,

“Yes,” said he, “I would have you stand from between me and the sun.”


~~Plutarch, “Life of Alexander” ~~


***********


“At the bottom no one in life can help anyone else in life;

this one experiences over and over

in every conflict and every perplexity: that one is alone.

That isn’t as bad as it may first appear;

and again it is  the best thing in life

that each should have everything in himself;

his fate, his future, his whole expanse and world.”


~~Rainer Maria Rilke ~~


***********


“The world is no nursery.”


~~ Sigmund Freud ~~


***********


“Be obscure clearly.”


~~ E.B. White ~~


***********


“When you have only two pennies left in the world,

buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other.”


~~ Chinese Proverb ~~


***********


“When the first living thing existed, I was there waiting

When the last living thing dies, my job will be finished.

I’ll put the chairs on the tables,

turn out the lights,

and lock the universe behind me when I leave.”


~~ Death ~~


***********


“Knowledge by suffering entereth,

And life is perfected by death.”


~~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning ~~


~~ A Vision of Poets, Conclusion ~~


***********


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Living with a half-Siamese cat can be challenging. Had she not decided to ask for hammock time, this would have been posted in a timely manner; had she not gone psycho-kitty while in my lap, I wouldn’t be bleeding. I have to go stop the flow before it gets on my clothing, or the carpet, so, this is done. I’ll see y’all, just as soon as I can stop the bleeding, and find the wherewithal to finish another fresh Pearl. Until then, stay strange, & be nice to each other…. It’s really your best chance….. See ya, ffolkes….


Y’all take care out there,

and May the Metaphorse be with you;

Blessed Be, dearest Carole, Mark,Theresa, & Richy

and everyone else, too…


When I works, I works hard.

When I sits, I sits loose.

When I thinks, I falls asleep.


Which is Why….


Sometimes I sits and thinks,

and sometimes,

I just sits.


gigoid, the dubious


The *only* duly authorized Computer Curmudgeon.


PLEASE STOP READING THIS MESSAGE NOW.


“SCRAM!!!!!!!!!!”- Oscar the Grouch


Featured Image -- 14830


À bientôt, mon cherí….



					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Dancing with infinite patience….

			
						

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Ffolkes,


“Study the past if you would divine the future.”


~~ Confucius (B.C. 551-479) ~~


oops again


Is that supposed to be down there?….


Hajime…. What we have here, is a failure to cogitate. Yes, I know that’s mostly a stolen line, but, who cares? ‘Twas a great movie, & a better line, so, it’s fair game, for any poet or writer in need of it. It says so, right here…. or, maybe it was over there. Anyway, I’m using it, if only because it perfectly describes this morning’s progress so far. The Pearl I’ve cobbled together was half-done when I arose, & I fiddled around for much too long, waffling about finishing it, or blowing off another day here on ECR. The result of my waffling will become apparent, the further down the page you proceed…. Yes, you can blame me, though your blame won’t hurt a bit, for, quite frankly, I can’t find it in me to care, at all…


If that sound fatalistic, so be it. I’m in a mood, & don’t fell at all compelled to get out of it. Sometimes, it does a body good to NOT care, you know, & today, it’s definitely going to be a big part of the day’s program. That being said, I’ll add, it’s no doubt a good thing I have no plans to go out into the public, where my mood would most certainly contribute to the overall level of chaos already so well known to us all in today’s world. If I do, the odds are too high for conflict, & though I’m in the perfect state to deal with such, it’s best for us all if I refrain. So, I’ll stay home, & try not to take it out on my neighbors….


In fact, I’ve managed to work myself into a state in which strong emotions are bubbling, just below the surface of my consciousness; I can feel them waiting, hoping to find a release point, a chink in my armor, which would allow it all to come out, in a gigantic explosion of rage & anger…. At this point, I can’t say where it came from, but, I can say it’s probably for the best if I spend the day figuring out how to keep it from happening. It’s happened in the past, & the results are always negative, to put it mildly. Better for all if I keep it all to myself, I think….


So be it. This is, essentially, done, so, I’ll get on with finishing & posting it, & begin my self-imposed diurnal exile, where I, and the world at large, will find a better solution than any I might otherwise attempt…. Why don’t I quit fussing, & get to that?….


Shall we Pearl?….


“The best years of your life

are the ones in which you decide

your problems are your own.

You do not blame them on your mother,

the ecology, or the president.

You realize that you control your own destiny.”


~~ Albert Ellis ~~


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royalty-free-clip-art-vector-logos-of-black-and-orange-floral-acoustic-guitars-by-seamartini-graphics-6573


There is always more music to find & share on You Tube; I’ve come to believe a great deal of the greatest treasure of mankind is now on You Tube, where one may search for, and usually find, virtually any artist or group of artists, playing much of history’s finest compositions, as well as just about any sort of modern music one wishes to hear. For today, I’ve merely included some of the best classical music, which has already stood the test of time…. Enjoy, ffolkes; it’s our legacy….


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Classical Music






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“Gli arcobaleni d’altri mondi

hanno colori che non so.

Ma lungo i fiumi d’altri mondi

nascono fiori che non ho.”


[The rainbows of other worlds

have colors I don’t know.

But along the rivers of other worlds

flowers are born that I don’t have.]


~~ Fabrizio De Andre ~~


Comedy_Tragedy


Illusory Time


Viewed from askance, the river is long;

deep, uncompromisingly intent, swift and strong.

In duality, perception creates our only reality;

such faux metaphoric paradox enforces mutability.


By two we perceive, both zero, and one;

digital, binary, on or off, such fun.

Separate, melded, we exist, knowing not what we know

ego, striving to be solitary, looking above, seeing below.


Furiously asleep, cultural anomaly claims a victim of choice;

validly unconscious, nobody speaks, nary a voice.

Potential escapees stir in dreams, fighting to wake,

until taking the wheel, for their own bloody sake.


Pots boil in due time, when the fire’s hot,

time exists to our advantage; or, not.

The solitary warrior, head bent in pain,

fights on, with, or without gain.


Night fell, day after day it persisted;

of those who knew, none showed any care, or resisted

Angels, ministers, none had any defense, nor grace;

all that remains is a face.


~~ gigoid ~~


10/22/2016


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pearls_3


Naked Pearls


Subtle Notes on Process & Program….


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“We turn not older with years, but newer every day.”


~~ Emily Dickinson ~~


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“The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.”


~~ Plutarch ~~


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“Doing it the hard way is always easier.”


~~ Murphy’s Paradox ~~


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“We live as we dream. Alone.”


~~ Joseph Conrad ~~


*******


“Do not eat your heart.”


~~ Pythagoras ~~


*******


“Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns.

I am thankful thorns have roses.”


~~ Alphonse Karr ~~


*******


“When the night has been too lonely,

and the road has been too long,

And you think that love is only

for the lucky and the strong,


Just remember in the winter

far beneath the bitter snows,

Lies the seed, that with the sun’s love,

in the spring becomes The Rose.”


~~ Amanda McBroom, “The Rose” ~~


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Having thus completed the necessary tasks, I declare this Pearl done. To avoid any potentially unpleasant aftereffects, I’ll also declare it ready for posting, which allows me to do just that. I’ll get to that with no further self-abuse, too. See y’all in the relatively near future, should I successfully navigate the time which separates us from now to then…. I’m off to find my equilibrium, if it is there to be found….


Y’all take care out there,

and May the Metaphorse be with you;

Blessed Be, dearest Carole, Mark,Theresa, & Richy

and everyone else, too…


When I works, I works hard.

When I sits, I sits loose.

When I thinks, I falls asleep.


Which is Why….


Sometimes I sits and thinks,

and sometimes,

I just sits.


gigoid, the dubious


The *only* duly authorized Computer Curmudgeon.


PLEASE STOP READING THIS MESSAGE NOW.


“SCRAM!!!!!!!!!!”- Oscar the Grouch


dozer3


À bientôt, mon cherí….



					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Relatively persnickety when startled….

			
						

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Ffolkes,


“Keep the juices going by jangling around gently as you move.”


~~ Satchel Paige ~~


shadow man


A man and his shadow….


Hajime…. We begin today with a statement from one of my all-time favorite Georges….


“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community,

and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.

I want to be thoroughly used up when I die,

for the harder I work the more I live.

Life is no ‘brief candle’ to me.

It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment,

and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible

before handing it on to future generations.”


~~ George Bernard Shaw ~~


I was going to write a short, pithy piece with this as the starting point, but, babysitting duties have assumed precedence for today. I managed to get it done, but, unless I completely eradicate all surplus verbiage, I’ll never get it posted. Since I promised to do so, here ’tis, such as it is… I hope you enjoy this abbreviated version of an actual Pearl. I’ll flesh out the next one better, I swear. For now, this will have to do, for an intro, and for a Pearl…. Let’s  get right to that….


Shall we Pearl?….


“One idea spoken truly, even in a cave, can change the world.”


~~ Buddha ~~


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stevie guitarplayerdotcom


I feel like rock ‘n rolling today; as a baby sitter, I’ll need the energy…. If you like music, and especially when played by a master musician, then, you’ll like this…. Enjoy


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Stevie Ray Vaughan

 Live at Montreux, 1985






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Comedy_Tragedy


Because I could not stop for Death —

He kindly stopped for me —

The Carriage held but just Ourselves —

And Immortality.


We slowly drove — He knew no haste

And I had put away

My labor and my leisure too,

For His Civility —


We passed the School, where Children strove

At Recess — in the Ring —

We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain —

We passed the Setting Sun —


Or rather — He passed Us —

The Dews drew quivering and Chill —

For only Gossamer, my Gown —

My Tippet — only Tulle —


We paused before a House that seemed

A Swelling of the Ground —

The Roof was scarcely visible —

The Cornice — in the Ground —


Since then — ’tis Centuries — and yet

Feels shorter than the Day

I first surmised the Horses’ Heads

Were toward Eternity —


~~ Emily Dickinson ~~


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pearls_3


Naked Pearls


Short but sweet….


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“If all our misfortunes were laid in one common heap,

whence everyone must take an equal portion,

most people would be contented to take their own and depart.”


~~ Socrates ~~


*****


“Primum vivere, deinde philosophari.”

[First comes life, only after that philosophy.]


~~ Ancient Latin adage ~~


*****


“He is rich or poor according to what he is, not according to what he has.


~~ Henry Ward Beecher ~~


*****


“According to the proverb, the best things are the most difficult.”


~~ Plutarch — Of the Training of Children ~~


*****


“Nothing endures but change.”


~~ Heraclitus (540?-480? B.C.) ~~


*****


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Okay, it’s done, Zoe will be here soon, & this needs to be posted before that, so, let’s see if I can get that done. I shall see y’all in a day or two, when I’ve recovered, and can cobble together some more words. Until then, be well, and happy as you may. And, damn it, stay cool….


Y’all take care out there,

and May the Metaphorse be with you;

Blessed Be, dearest Carole, Mark,Theresa, & Richy

and everyone else, too…


When I works, I works hard.

When I sits, I sits loose.

When I thinks, I falls asleep.


Which is Why….


Sometimes I sits and thinks,

and sometimes,

I just sits.


gigoid, the dubious


The *only* duly authorized Computer Curmudgeon.


PLEASE STOP READING THIS MESSAGE NOW.


“SCRAM!!!!!!!!!!”- Oscar the Grouch


dozer3


À bientôt, mon cherí….



					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Tattered remnants of decency….

			
						

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Ffolkes,


“Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?”


~~ Abraham Lincoln ~~


coit tower


Coit Tower, San Francisco


Hajime…. Today’s Pearl is epic. Not because of its size, or the scope of its contents, but, rather, because of the effort I had to expend to get it finished. Without going into superfluous, as well as gratuitously graphic detail, I will say, it was immensely problematic, & that’s about as gently obscure as I can make it. To complement such restraint, I’ll go further to note, the effort remains, well, effortful, simply to get an intro done, a closing, and, finally, posting, all completed in a fashion with which I can be content, if not thrilled. I figure, y’all may have to follow a similar pattern, to get out of this intact.


That said, to our common dearth of purpose, I will now proceed to the closing section, sans further blather, so I can move on to the next day’s issues. The issues extant today are simply more than I want, or am able to deal with, &, to be frank, I’m planning on a rebellion, if only to take myself to bed for a time, to hide. So be it. Doing so may look like cowardice, but, believe me, it’s merely a reaction to the massive control I must apply to NOT fly into an uncontrollable rage against the world at large… In short, don’t ask.


Instead, just take it with the usual multiple grams of salt, pass to the end, & get on with your own life, just as if it mattered. It does, but, finding the ‘why’ is a tough row to hoe. And, that, ffolkes, is about as philosophical as I can get today. To save y’all from any more such displays, I’ll use some of my legerdemain, & take us out of here before it all goes sour. Here, eat this spoonful of sugar, close your eyes, & hang on….


Shall we Pearl?….


“Some men become proud and insolent because they ride a fine horse,

wear a feather in their hat or are dressed in a fine suit of clothes.

Who does not see the folly of this?

If there be any glory in such things,

the glory belongs to the horse, the bird and the tailor.”


~~ St. Frances de Sales ~~


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royalty-free-clip-art-vector-logos-of-black-and-orange-floral-acoustic-guitars-by-seamartini-graphics-6573


Due to circumstances beyond my control, if not understanding, today’s musical selection falls into the default category…. The selection was made solely by whim…. I do hope you enjoy it, a state in which I currently find myself unable to join you, but, will listen to, for the potential relief it may provide….


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Classical Music

 Antonio Vivaldi






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Comedy_Tragedy


Penance, Made Simple


After all the dross is sent away

a celebration can begin,

time will face up to space, to stay

willing, to shine from within.


Anger and confusion come in to share

brushing reason aside,

eager to welcome all that is fair,

alert to danger, eyes wide.


Re-gift the wicked with their own pain

stand with the just;

fail to partake of the ill-gotten gain,

living in honor, the only must.


Standing fast in the face of wrong

is its own prize and reward.

Holding on to truth makes us strong,

well worth working toward.


Little is left to chance by fate

our lessons are never free of cost.

Seldom does reality make us wait

only when alone, are we lost.


~~ gigoid ~~


10/23/2012


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pearls_3


Naked Pearls


Notes on Life at Large….


*******


“A life without cause is a life without effect”


~~ Barbarella ~~


*******


“Do not assume that he who seeks to comfort you now,

lives untroubled among the simple and quiet words

that sometimes do you good.

His life may also have much sadness and difficulty,

that remains far beyond yours.

Were it otherwise,

he would never have been able to find these words.”


~~ Rainer Maria Rilke ~~


*******


“Between those who use their neighbors, and those who use a cane.

Between those in constant power, and those in constant pain.

Between those who run to evil, and those who cannot run.

Tell me which ones are the cripples, and which ones touch the sun.”


~~ Ceili’s Muse “What you do with what you’ve got” ~~


*******


Socrates thought that if all our misfortunes were laid in one common heap,

whence every one must take an equal portion,

most persons would be contented to take their own and depart.”


~~ Plutarch — Consolation to Apollonius ~~


*******


“Nature forms us for ourselves, not for others; to be, not to seem.”


~~ Michael de Montaigne ~~


*******


“Glimpses do ye seem to see of that mortally intolerable truth;

that all deep, earnest thinking

is but the intrepid effort of the soul

to keep the open independence of her sea;

while the wildest winds of heaven and earth

conspire to cast her on the treacherous, slavish shore?”


~~ Herman Melville, Moby Dick ~~


*******


“The universe is moved by a power

which cycles endlessly from day to day.

Such greatness endures for all time.

As in heaven, so on earth.”


~~ I Ching ~~


*******


***************************************


Go figure…. I got so excited over getting to this point, I almost posted it without a closing section. Since I’m in a state where trying to make it good will, most likely, blow up in my face, this is all you get for that. I’ll merely say this: I will be back, in a better state…. Hell, it can’t get any worse just now; even knowing this, too, shall pass, isn’t helping it to taste any better. I know, I’ll spit it out…. How’s this for efficiency?….


Y’all take care out there,

and May the Metaphorse be with you;

Blessed Be, dearest Carole, Mark,Theresa, & Richy

and everyone else, too…


When I works, I works hard.

When I sits, I sits loose.

When I thinks, I falls asleep.


Which is Why….


Sometimes I sits and thinks,

and sometimes,

I just sits.


gigoid, the dubious


The *only* duly authorized Computer Curmudgeon.


PLEASE STOP READING THIS MESSAGE NOW.


“SCRAM!!!!!!!!!!”- Oscar the Grouch


dozer3


À bientôt, mon cherí….



					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Alluding to a former instability….

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
						

				6			

					


				

			
Ffolkes,


“Everything flows and nothing abides;

everything gives way and nothing stays fixed.”


~~ Heraclitus ~~


shelbourne pub


The Shelbourne Public House, Cork, Ireland


Hajime…. Of late, each time I sit to begin this intro, a veil of lethargy settles heavily upon me, sending my mind off on tangential trains, each idea discarded before beginning to type, as being unworthy, or otherwise unacceptable to those vague standards my mind applies when examining them for their value. Today has been no exception, which is why I decided to just write about it, just so it’s out of my head, where it might do some good. Doesn’t seem to be working, does it?


Oh, well, so goes it for another day. I suppose I’ll need to find another direction to lead us out of where we’ve now ended up, but, that lethargy seems to be preventing any decision. I can’t say, at this point, I am convinced of my ability to get us where we need to go, but, I guess I’ll just keep typing until something presents itself, & we can go from there. Hmm…. this is a rather odd place, isn’t it? I find myself both unwilling, and, unable to decide what should happen next, & if I don’t know, whom shall I ask? The only other entity within the domicile is currently off on her own business, & really doesn’t care. Me, I’m gonna bail, I think.


It may not be the best decision, but, it’s the one I found, so, I’m going with it. I know I can do better, and, given the barest of luck, may someday do so. For today, since we obviously have no luck on which we may depend, I’m going the ruthless road, again, mostly because, a) it works, and b) I can’t think of anything else. Go figure, eh? Ah well, such is life in the blog world; entropy is always there, waiting to chime in. However, having thus disposed of yet another chance to create a masterpiece, without any clear success or failure, it’s the best I can come up with. Gosh, look! It’s a way out. I’m taking it…. Watch that last step, ffolkes…..


Shall we Pearl?


“Whenever I climb I am followed by a dog called ‘Ego’.”


~~ Friedrich Nietzsche ~~


***************************************


Peggy-Lee-534065


Image from The Daily Express via Google Images


Back in the day, that is to say, during the 50’s, my first crush was this artist. I still think she is one of the most beautiful of women, with a voice that arrows straight to the heart of anyone, but, especially any man. She can still give me chills to hear her sing ‘Fever’….. I hope you enjoy this live concert from 1984…..


***************************************






Miss Peggy Lee

Live in 1984






***************************************












***************************************


***************************************


Comedy_Tragedy


Modest sounds of impatient concern….


Crowds converge at the raw and grisly scene,

comatose to compassion, curiosity tugging at the hem

with sharp, oh, sharp tools made obscene,

filing the essence of future hopes in spite of them.


Yet who has won the keys to the treasure,

who whipped up the fear of another brother?

Who spent the dreams of the old in selfish measure,

with such arrogant blindness grave issues to smother?


Fateful decisions may prompt still another pause,

to catch and release collective images of insanity.

Surely legitimate anger arises with ample cause

wallowing in self-made entrepreneurs, fluent in profanity.


A quartet of eternities must pass to guarantee change,

regardless of need, or desire, or autonomous manipulation.

Ancient rules and modern aggression is only passing strange

when golden delusion grasps futilely at its related illusory station.


~~ gigoid ~~


8/18/2013


***************************************


pearls_3


Naked Pearls


Notes on Life at Large….


*******


“Profound Truth differs from simple truth

in that the negation of a simple truth is a simple falsehood,

while the negation of a Profound Truth may be another Profound Truth.

E.g. a button with “Life is just as simple as it seems” on one side

and “Life is not as simple as it seems” on the other.”


~~ Subtle Bee ~~


*******


“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”


~~ Aesop (620-560 B.C.) ~~


*******


“Food for thought is no substitute for the real thing.”


~~ Walt Kelly, Potluck Pogo ~~


*******


“The more crap you believe, the better off you are.”


~~ Charles Bukowski ~~


*******


“There are two sentences inscribed upon the Delphic oracle,

hugely accommodated to the usages of man’s life:

“Know thyself”,

and “Nothing too much”;

and upon these all other precepts depend.”


~~ Plutarch — Consolation to Apollonius ~~


*******


“I do not know whether I was then a man dreaming I was a butterfly,

or whether I am now a butterfly dreaming I am a man.”


~~ Chang-tzu ~~


*******


“Just trust yourself, then you will know how to live.”


~~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ~~


*******


***************************************


Definitely a bumpy ride today, eh, what? To avoid any further contretemps, or possible litigation, I’ll end this rather abruptly, so as to keep from falling into the same sort of abyss in which we found ourselves above, in the intro. Abrupt, btw, is a good word; strong and clear. It pleases me to be able to show you exactly what it means….. which is to say, watch this, ffolkes…. See y’all tomorrow, given a fair wind & a rising tide….


Y’all take care out there,

and May the Metaphorse be with you;

Blessed Be, dearest Carole, Mark,Theresa, & Richy

and everyone else, too…


When I works, I works hard.

When I sits, I sits loose.

When I thinks, I falls asleep.


Which is Why….


Sometimes I sits and thinks,

and sometimes,

I just sits.


gigoid, the dubious


The *only* duly authorized Computer Curmudgeon.


PLEASE STOP READING THIS MESSAGE NOW.


“SCRAM!!!!!!!!!!”- Oscar the Grouch


dozer3


À bientôt, mon cherí….

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Squads of affable proctors….

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
						

				4			

					


				

			
Ffolkes,


“He took his vorpal sword in hand

Long time the manxom foe he sought

Till rested he by the tumtum tree

And stood awhile in thought”


~~ “Jabberwocky”, by Lewis Carroll ~~


london-bridge


Not falling down yet….


Hajime…. Fortunately for me, today’s Pearl came together smoothly, once begun. I can’t say why, other than to thank SB for being so cooperative this morning, and, thanking Leelu for showing patience with my need to get it done (she’s often less than pleased with me during my writing time; it takes my attention away from her when she wants to play). Perhaps a short shout-out to Murphy is in order, as well, for being busy elsewhere this morning, giving hell to some other poor sap. All in all, I’m pleased with the outcome, too, so, hey, good day, so far….


Kind of like being immortal, right? I AM immortal, so far…. *grin* Okay, no more cheap shots. Instead, I’ll give honor to the process of Pearling, by making this intro of a reasonable size and shape, rather than the customary amorphous mass of contradictory statements, its usual complements. How to go about doing that is a bit tricky, so, maybe we should get right to that, before I lose what little control over this I possess. It’s actually quite a simple technique, involving only a ruthless nature (tough for me, I know). Since we have reached the obvious jumping-off point for said technique, I shall proceed to employ it, while y’all are still unsure of how to react. Watch this, ffolkes….


Shall we Pearl?


“In all affairs it’s a healthy thing now and then

to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted.”


~~ Bertrand Russell ~~


********************************


mariusz-goli


I’ve used this artist’s music previously, & will likely do so again. The first time I watched one of his videos, my jaw literally dropped open, at almost the first note. His brilliance as a guitarist is undeniable, and it is a joy to watch him play; he plays with intense focus and passion, putting everything he is into making the guitar speak for him. I regard him as one of the finest musicians playing today, and welcome the recent success he has seen. Enjoy, ffolkes; you’ll soon be paying big money to go see him play live….


*************************************




Mariusz Goli





*************************************








*************************************


********************************


Comedy_Tragedy


Seeing is Conducive to Belief


Folly sits so comfortably upon my fevered brow

one would easily believe that I would know how

to look at Life with a jaded, weary eye

seeing enough, and more, to know Why.


Such seems the case, as I will it to be,

an open book of a face, it looks so like me;

what’s known to be so, needs no close attention

familiar sights require no minding, nor mention.


The eye is drawn at once to the stark and new,

and sent back to sleep by successful review.

Once we find evidence we feel we understand,

curiosity languishes, dismissed at command.


Ancient sages knew the insidious value of illusion,

preachers and pundits know the power of confusion.

Each pair of eyes contains its own point of reference,

each mind sets its own standards of preference.


Seeing is believing, for those who live in thrall,

accepting what is perceived is all they ever recall.

Unknown to them, reality follows another set of rules,

Deeper, more dangerous, and no place for fools.


~~ gigoid ~~


10/11/2012


********************************


pearls_3


Naked Pearls


Stones on the path….


*******


“For after all what is man in nature?

A nothing in relation to infinity, all in relation to nothing,

a central point between nothing and all

and infinitely far from understanding either.

The ends of things and their beginnings

are impregnably concealed from him in an impenetrable secret.

He is equally incapable of seeing the nothingness out of which he was drawn

and the infinite in which he is engulfed.”


~~ Blaise Pascal ~~


*******


“It was the saying of Bion, that though the boys throw stones at frogs

in sport, yet the frogs do not die in sport but in earnest.”


~~ Plutarch — Which are the most crafty, Water or Land Animals? 7 ~~


*******


“Hope in reality is the worst of all evils, because it prolongs the torments of man.”


~~ Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche ~~


*******


“We usually get what we order from life.”


~~ Limon ~~


*******


“Humility is the better part of wisdom, and is most becoming in man.

But let no one disparage self-reliance;

it is, of all the rest, the greatest quality of true manliness.”


~~ Ferenc Kossuth ~~


*******


“Yet creeds mean very little,

Coth answered the dark god, still speaking almost gently.

The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds;

and the pessimist fears this is true.”


~~ James Branch Cabell, “The Silver Stallion” ~~


*******


“Independence?

That’s middle class blasphemy.

We are all dependent on one another,

every soul of us on earth.”


~~ George Bernard Shaw ~~


*******


********************************


I have to say it…. that went well. I realize such sentiments, stated aloud, are a temptation to Murphy, but, we’ll make the probably erroneous assumption he’s busy elsewhere; what’s life without some risk, eh? Rather than wait too long, we’ll take our leave post-haste, to increase the odds of successful disengagement. I’ll be back, fairly soon, I’m sure, as I’ve been feeling better, mostly, which increases efficiency, as well as improving mood. Go figure, eh? It may not be tomorrow, but, I’ll be back, of that you may be assured. For now, go have some fun, or work, or whatever floats your boat; I’ll do the same….


Y’all take care out there,

and May the Metaphorse be with you;

Blessed Be, dearest Carole, Mark,Theresa, & Richy

and everyone else, too…


When I works, I works hard.

When I sits, I sits loose.

When I thinks, I falls asleep.


Which is Why….


Sometimes I sits and thinks,

and sometimes,

I just sits.


gigoid, the dubious


The *only* duly authorized Computer Curmudgeon.


PLEASE STOP READING THIS MESSAGE NOW.


“SCRAM!!!!!!!!!!”- Oscar the Grouch


Featured Image -- 11762


À bientôt, mon cherí….

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Four signs, but, only two portents….

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
						

				4			

					


				

			
Ffolkes,


“Life, like a dome of many-colored glass, stains the white radiance of eternity.”


~~ Percy Bysshe Shelly ~~


yellow rose 1


Late blooming rose…


Hajime…. It has been well over a week since I posted a fresh Pearl; my psyche is feeling the buildup of angst quite frequently. Physically, I am still unable to sit for more than a few minutes before the conditions I’m working to improve tell me it’s time to get up again. There is some slow improvement, and a strong hope/plan to see more. For now, it’s all I’m able to do to spend five minutes at the computer before I’m compelled to go do something less sedentary, in a different gravitational configuration than the one sitting places us automatically. It makes writing, as might be guessed, a bit problematic; reading & surfing are also relatively hard to accomplish standing up for any length of time, so, I’m necessarily finding other things to do, all of which are healthier for me, though not as mentally soothing, in the sense of the release it gives my fractured psyche.


As this is being written in short spurts of sitting, I’m hoping to manage to keep this intro smooth, without exhibiting too much of the the broken timing so obviously a part of such a routine. To promote that hope, I’ll quickly issue an apology for missing so many of the posts of those I follow; I hope to be able to get back to it eventually. But, if I wish to live, with any degree of independence, re-establishing my health is of primary importance; I’ve still much to do before my time here is up, & I’d best be getting to it, before that time runs out. I hope to publish a bit more often, but, if not, I hope y’all can forgive me for being selfish to this degree….


I can’t think of any tricks, and I need to get up & move, so, I’ll end this here, & go close it off so I can get it posted. I’ll try to get by some other blogs today, if my time here in the chair doesn’t become too onerous. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the mess I’ve thrown together for your perusal… For the nonce, we’ll do this….


Shall we Pearl?


“Truckin’, like the do-dah man

Once told me “Gotta play your hand.

Sometimes your cards ain’t worth a dime

If you don’t lay’em down.”

Sometimes the light’s all shinin’ on me;

Other times I can barely see.

Lately it occurs to me

What a long, strange trip it’s been.”


~~ Truckin’ by Garcia, Weir, Lesh, Hunter ~~


********************************


playing-for-change


I believe this organization is doing as much as anyone in the world to promote peace and goodwill among men. I support them with a monthly donation, and feel I get my money’s worth every time I listen to a new tune…. Nothing better than live music ffolkes, and no better way to spend your time, or money than to hear/buy this music…. Enjoy!….


*************************************






Playing For Change






*************************************












*************************************


********************************


Comedy_Tragedy


To fill in this space without resorting to the work of others, thus avoiding any embarrassment for them, here is a poem I wrote exactly five years ago yesterday. Since it’s been raining here for about two weeks straight, it fits right in…. I hope you enjoy it….


An Old Man, Snoring….


Winter arrives with gusts of wind and rain,

clover spreads green amongst the hedges.

Urban gardens quiver, and dream of spring again,

gargoyles stoically crouch on corniced ledges.


Umbrellas sprout over heads shrouded and hatted,

dotting the sidewalks in colorful profusion.

Urban denizens pose sketches, framed and matted,

adding casual beauty to fill the illusion.


Hissing tires, swishing along with the wipers

join nature’s orchestra smoothly, as percussion.

Dripping gutters sound gong tones, true pipers,

a sudden roar of wind hushes all discussion.


Dreams of summer heat form the crux of desire

as winter chills our souls from without.

Sitting in warmth, gazing into an imaginary fire;

content to know spring will come, no doubt.


~~ gigoid ~~


12/21/2012


********************************


pearls_3


This pearl came together over several days, managing to maintain its original shape and purpose the entire time. Here then, for your reading pleasure, is a rather classic old-school pearl, with a fine message…. Enjoy….


*******


“A life without cause is a life without effect”


~~ Barbarella ~~


*******


You can be happy or you can be miserable – the choice is yours.


~~ Subtle Bee ~~


*******


“We turn not older with years, but newer every day.”


~~ Emily Dickinson ~~


*******


“Fear is the lock and laughter the key to your heart.”


~~ Steven Stills~~


*******


“For water continually dropping will wear hard rocks hollow.”


~~ Plutarch — Of the Training of Children~~


*******


“If you cannot find it in yourself, where will you go for it?”


~~ Confucius ~~


*******


“Death is every man’s final critic. To die well you must live bravely.”


~~ Edward Abbey ~~


*******


********************************


Having completed my task, I shall bid thee adieu, until next time, which, hopefully, will be relatively soon. Compared to recent times, that’s a pretty good bet. See ya when I am able, ffolkes…. Stay strange; it’s cool out there….


Y’all take care out there,

and May the Metaphorse be with you;

Blessed Be, dearest Carole, Mark,Theresa, & Richy

and everyone else, too…


When I works, I works hard.

When I sits, I sits loose.

When I thinks, I falls asleep.


Which is Why….


Sometimes I sits and thinks,

and sometimes,

I just sits.


gigoid, the dubious


The *only* duly authorized Computer Curmudgeon.


PLEASE STOP READING THIS MESSAGE NOW.


“SCRAM!!!!!!!!!!”- Oscar the Grouch


Dozer


À bientôt, mon cherí….

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
The blank faces of myrmidons….

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
						

				2			

					


				

			
Ffolkes,


“Socrates thought that if all our misfortunes were laid in one common heap,

whence every one must take an equal portion,

most persons would be contented to take their own and depart.”


~~ Plutarch ~~


~~ Consolation to Apollonius ~~


belfast-009


The Bar at White’s Tavern, Est. 1630, Belfast, Ireland


Hajime…. Hmm… Here ’tis, early in the morning before the day our society’s most common delusion is celebrated. Those of us who don’t buy into that particular fallacy have not much reason to join in the game being played during this massive distraction from reality, but, we enjoy the simple fact that all who do are, usually, in a better mood, making it less likely we will need to employ any curmudgeonly techniques to keep them at bay; sort of a mini-vacation, as it were, from the stress of maintaining the socially amenable face so necessary during the rest of the year, negating the necessity of engaging in dishonorable battles of wit with an unarmed populace. I guess you could call that our seasonal gift….


That said, I’ll refrain from any further comments on the season, other than to wish y’all a peaceful holiday, filled with love and family, and a happy new year, whatever that means. Don’t worry, no ranting today. In fact, the Pearl for today is done, I’m just filling in this space, as is our wont, so it won’t look so empty and cold. It’s cold enough outside, right? Right. Wet, too, around here, anyway. But, that’s a story for another time.


For now, I think I’ll just get this slow on the toad, so we can all go about our scheduled activities…. On such days, it’s for the best; ffolkes have other stuff to do, and reading my drivel probably isn’t at the top of the list….. S’okay by me; even us curmudgeons have people to see this time of year…. Not that we expect them to be home, but, hey, the drive is always nice….


Just kidding; I’m going back to bed a while, then going for a long walk. In the meantime, here’s today’s mess, all dressed up & ready to go. Take a deep breath, & close your eyes…. It’s less scary that way….


Shall we Pearl?


“Most people are on the world, not in it…”


~~ John Muir ~~


********************************


camille-saint-saens-photo2


Camille Saint-Saëns


Image from mfiles.co.uk via Google Images


Rather than play another playlist of boring Christmas music we’ve all heard too many times, here is one with music from one of the most prolific composers of the Romantic Era…. He’s one of my favorites, for I’ve never heard any of his music I didn’t enjoy…. You will, too….


*************************************




Camille Saint-Saëns




*************************************








*************************************


********************************


Comedy_Tragedy


Last year, at this time, I was going through the final stages of withdrawal from the opioids I had been taking for ten years. I’m not sure how, or, why, but, on this date, I wrote a poem for Christmas; here ’tis again, just because I can….


A Seasonal Gift


Affordable, these moments in time,

all quite free, not costly, nor for sale at all.

Merely more misspent periods making rhyme.

seeking a peaceful heart, as my words fall.


A price, many will tell you, or me,

is due for every transaction.

In truth, everything you see is free;

Illusion seldom offers any real satisfaction.


Some also tell us we need some sort of god,

we’re told ’tis the only path to immortality.

On the path I’ve followed, that seems rather odd;

I’m quite happy with honorable mortality.


Some days it gets a bit lonely, for a bit,

out here in the cold light of reason.

Solitude is, however, well worth it;

Love, felt and treasured, gives warmth all season.


I suppose one could easily say,

this poem is the only gift I’ll give.

If I can teach love and kindness with the words I say,

such will be fine; it’s enough to live.


Happy Winter to All…


~~ gigoid ~~


12/24/2015


********************************


pearls_3


Naked Pearls


Notes on the Journey….


*********


“If you come to a fork in the road, take it.”


~~ Yogi Berra ~~


*********


“Since everything in life is but an experience perfect in being what it is,

having nothing to do with good or bad, acceptance or rejection,

one may well burst out in laughter.”


~~ Long Chen Pa ~~


*********


“You may not, cannot, appropriate beauty.

It is the wealth of the eye, and a cat may gaze upon the king.”


~~ Theodore Parker ~~


*********


“Don’t underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along,

listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.”


~~ Pooh’s Little Instruction Book, inspired by A. A. Milne ~~


*********


“How much pain have cost us

the evils which have never happened.”


~~ Thomas Jefferson, “Writings” Vol. XVI ~~


*********


“Nothing is so strong as gentleness,

and nothing is so gentle as true strength.”


~~ Ralph Sockman ~~


*********


“In anything at all,

perfection is finally attained,

not when there is no longer anything to add,

but when there is no longer anything to take away.”


~~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery , Wind, Sand & Stars ~~


*********


“An it harm none,

Do what ye will.”


~~ Wiccan Credo ~~


*********


“Isn’t this my STOP?!”


~~ Zippy the Pinhead ~~


*********


********************************


Okay, then; it’s done. Upon looking back over what I wrote, I can find much to improve, yet, nothing I’d change. I guess, for what it is, it’s about as good as it’s going to get. Go figure, eh? Funny how being done can make it look different, if not better. I suppose that’s what Einstein was talking about when he codified his Theory of Relativity… which, most simply stated, says, “It’s ALL relative…”. On that odd little note, I’ll take my leave, with the hopes that Santa’s sleigh doesn’t knock down your chimney, and that you have a very happy seasonal celebration, however you may choose to go about it. See y’all tomorrow, ffolkes; it’s my only hope….


Y’all take care out there,

and May the Metaphorse be with you;

Blessed Be, dearest Carole, Mark,Theresa, & Richy

and everyone else, too…


When I works, I works hard.

When I sits, I sits loose.

When I thinks, I falls asleep.


Which is Why….


Sometimes I sits and thinks,

and sometimes,

I just sits.


gigoid, the dubious


The *only* duly authorized Computer Curmudgeon.


PLEASE STOP READING THIS MESSAGE NOW.


“SCRAM!!!!!!!!!!”- Oscar the Grouch


Featured Image -- 2780


À bientôt, mon cherí….

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
The 11th of whatever….

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
						

				7			

					


				

			
Ffolkes,


“The measure of a man’s life is the well spending of it, and not the length.”


~~ Plutarch — Consolation to Apollonius ~~


blanket-fun


Fun with blankets….


Hajime…. Were I in any way normal, I’d still be in bed. Since I’m neither of those, I’m up, again, staring at the blank screen, wondering what the hell I’m going to write about to bring some joy into the lives of my Gentle Readers. I’m pretty sure such joy isn’t why most of my readers come here; it is, after all, in generally short supply anywhere in the world, and, here is not the exception. However, that doesn’t mean I can’t make it at least a temporary goal, right? Right. Doesn’t mean we’ll be successful, either, but, since any failure is just another way to find out how to succeed, we’ll give it a shot, & see what happens….


Okay, so, this isn’t happening, is it? I’ve just spent five full minutes, trying to figure out how to do what I wrote above, and, for the life of me, drew a bigger blank than I started with today. Go figure, eh? More proof of Murphy’s presence in my life, I suspect, but, rather than give him the satisfaction of knowing he’s done it to me again, I’ll cheat a little, by completely ignoring him altogether. I can do it, if I make an extreme effort, which, given the current stat of this intro (to wit: completely lost…), is pretty much mandatory, if we wish to get through this, at all. Here goes….


Well, that didn’t work, either. Still no ideas bursting through the fog to supply us with the means to finish this. Rather than continue to batter myself about the head and shoulders, I think I’ll resort to this old literary trick a friend showed me the other day. It works like this…..


Shall we Pearl?….


“To see what is right and not to do it, is want of courage.”


~~ Confucius Analects ~~


********************************


Eric_Clapton_Unplugged


I know I’ve used this video previously, but, oh, well… It just happens to be one of my favorite sessions, period, which I turn to whenever I want to hear some great guitar work. Since that’s what I want, that’s what you get…. I think we can all live with it….



********************************





Eric Clapton

Unplugged





********************************











********************************


********************************


Comedy_Tragedy


Random Exposure


If I only knew what I was doing here,

I could give others a clue.

Reality gets stranger every year,

and I’m not sure what I should do.


Singing happy old tunes, in an old, gravely voice,

gives me a lot of pleasure.

I’m only glad I can still make a choice,

to look at life, to take its measure.


Memorable moments keep passing by

gilded, framed in precious emotion.

I never have to ask anyone why,

no need for a stronger potion.


Everything in life is clear, to me

there is no doubt, no misunderstanding.

We’re all good, as you can see,

members of Life, in good standing.


Life can be hard, or it can be great fun;

the right path is there for each of us to take.

That choice is often a difficult one;

pay close attention to the choice you make.


~~ gigoid ~~


4/22/2013


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pearls_3



Naked Pearls


Walking the walk….


*******


“Everything that has a beginning has an ending.

Make your peace with that and all will be well.”


~~ Buddha ~~


*******


“But my dear man, reality is only a Rorschach ink-blot, you know.”


~~ Alan Watts ~~


*******


“And through the spaces of the dark

Midnight shakes the memory

As a madman shakes a dead geranium”


~~ T.S. Eliot ~~


*******


“As long as anyone believes that his ideal and purpose is outside him,

that it is above the clouds, in the past or in the future,

he will go outside himself and seek fulfillment where it cannot be found.

He will look for solutions and answers at every point

except where they can be found

–in himself.”


~~ Erich Frohm ~~


*******


“Some people never find it

Some only pretend, but me

I just want to live happily ever after

Every now and then”


~~ Jimmy Buffet ~~


*******


“Become what you are.”


~~ Buddha ~~


*******


“You’re at the end of the road again.”


~~ Subtle Bee ~~


*******


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Sorry about the abrupt exit from the intro; if I hadn’t done it when I did, we probably would never have made it to this point. Since we have, I’ll again take advantage of circumstance, to take my leave, letting y’all get on with your day. Hopefully, our efforts here today have enhanced your ability to address reality for the day; if not, well, we’ll refund every penny you paid. Hah! On that note, I’ll bid thee adieu, with the standard caveat, to wit: I’ll be back… It’s probably best if you note that in your calendar….


Y’all take care out there,

and May the Metaphorse be with you;

Blessed Be, dearest Carole, Mark,Theresa, & Richy

and everyone else, too…


When I works, I works hard.

When I sits, I sits loose.

When I thinks, I falls asleep.


Which is Why….


Sometimes I sits and thinks,

and sometimes,

I just sits.


gigoid, the dubious


The *only* duly authorized Computer Curmudgeon.


PLEASE STOP READING THIS MESSAGE NOW.


“SCRAM!!!!!!!!!!”- Oscar the Grouch


Featured Image -- 2780


À bientôt, mon cherí….