Tuesday, November 4, 2008
One-Minute Writer
Today’s Blogger ‘blog of note’ is One Minute Writer. A blog that includes both a one-minute timer, and a daily writing prompt. The idea behind the blog is that visitors to it will write on the subject within the prompt, but only for one minute.
This seems like a very fun idea, and I’ve decided to give it a try.
Today’s prompt is:
What would you tell an 18-year-old American to encourage them to vote today?
My answer is:
When our ancestors sought to change government, to create a revolution, they had to fight and die to do so. Their right to self-government was purchased in blood.
We simply have to vote. To go to the polls. We can in this way have our very own revolution, throw every office holder out of his or her respective position if desired.
This seems like a very fun idea, and I’ve decided to give it a try.
Today’s prompt is:
What would you tell an 18-year-old American to encourage them to vote today?
My answer is:
When our ancestors sought to change government, to create a revolution, they had to fight and die to do so. Their right to self-government was purchased in blood.
We simply have to vote. To go to the polls. We can in this way have our very own revolution, throw every office holder out of his or her respective position if desired.
Two Days
The next two days will be very busy for me, and likely quite hard to enjoy.
Tonight I’ll be at an elegant dinner with friends, then up quite late watching the election returns at one of the countless parties organized for that purpose around our nation.
Tomorrow morning I’ll have to be up very early to make an 8:30 AM meeting, at a location two and a half hours from my home.
Maybe Thursday I’ll get to sleep!
It will however all be worth it if the elections go well.
Rick Larsen for United States Congress D
Dino Rossi for Governor R
Jason Osgood for Secretary of State D
Allan Martin for Treasurer R
Brian Sonntag for Auditor D
Doug Sutherland for Commissioner of Public Lands R
John Adams for Insurance Commissioner R
The Republican Slate for 39th LD State House
Yes on Initiative 985
Yes on Initiative 1000
No on Initiative 1029
These are of course my desires for my own little area of Washington State, so quite likely of no interest to most of my readers here.
There are other races on the ballot, most notably that for President of the United States. I frankly can’t care enough about those other races, or those candidates, to take the time to list them here.
Tonight I’ll be at an elegant dinner with friends, then up quite late watching the election returns at one of the countless parties organized for that purpose around our nation.
Tomorrow morning I’ll have to be up very early to make an 8:30 AM meeting, at a location two and a half hours from my home.
Maybe Thursday I’ll get to sleep!
It will however all be worth it if the elections go well.
Rick Larsen for United States Congress D
Dino Rossi for Governor R
Jason Osgood for Secretary of State D
Allan Martin for Treasurer R
Brian Sonntag for Auditor D
Doug Sutherland for Commissioner of Public Lands R
John Adams for Insurance Commissioner R
The Republican Slate for 39th LD State House
Yes on Initiative 985
Yes on Initiative 1000
No on Initiative 1029
These are of course my desires for my own little area of Washington State, so quite likely of no interest to most of my readers here.
There are other races on the ballot, most notably that for President of the United States. I frankly can’t care enough about those other races, or those candidates, to take the time to list them here.
Marriage Rights
Proposition 8 in California which would serve to amend that states Constitution to disallow gay marriage seems to be receiving a great deal of attention this election day. I am not a Californian, but if I were, I would vote to allow gay marriage; I would vote to expand rather than contract individual liberty for individual liberty is the fundamental foundation our nation is built upon.
Beyond the vote, I think that Proposition 8 gives people everywhere a good opportunity to think about the proper role of government.
In my view, the question of gay marriage should not even be addressed by law. It should not be legal, it should not be illegal, it should simply not be referenced. Like millions of other activities Americans engage in each and every day, there is no valid reason for government to even address this topic.
Marriage is a sacrament, a religious function, a religious tradition. That is the realm in which it belongs, and we as Americans should remember that our nation has done very well by keeping a wall of separation between our religions and our governments.
If, exactly like my wife and I did so many years ago, two gay men decide to marry, and if they can find a pastor or a church to marry them, they should be married. Our nations promise of religious freedom should give them that right, and likewise their individual rights to religious freedom should preclude any governmental interference.
If on the other hand our same two gay men are unable to gain a pastors consent to be married within his church, his religious tradition, that pastor should not be forced by the government to perform the marriage, the religious ceremony. For such coercion would also violate religious freedom. The couple would in this example need to look elsewhere for a church, pastor, and tradition that was more accepting of their position in life.
Marriage is not properly a function of the state. It is a function of religious tradition. No matter where we each fit on the political spectrum we should not be looking to the government to address every issue that affects our lives. To preserve individual liberty we must restrict government to its proper functions, and leave those functions that belong elsewhere, indeed elsewhere.
Our political foundation, our promise of religious freedom demands that for any marriage to take place only three elements are needed. Individuals who want to be married, and a pastor of any tradition willing to marry them. That is the promise upon which the United States was built. I find it very sad that the state has not upheld this promise, that the citizens have demanded and received governmental interference within the sacrament of marriage.
Beyond the vote, I think that Proposition 8 gives people everywhere a good opportunity to think about the proper role of government.
In my view, the question of gay marriage should not even be addressed by law. It should not be legal, it should not be illegal, it should simply not be referenced. Like millions of other activities Americans engage in each and every day, there is no valid reason for government to even address this topic.
Marriage is a sacrament, a religious function, a religious tradition. That is the realm in which it belongs, and we as Americans should remember that our nation has done very well by keeping a wall of separation between our religions and our governments.
If, exactly like my wife and I did so many years ago, two gay men decide to marry, and if they can find a pastor or a church to marry them, they should be married. Our nations promise of religious freedom should give them that right, and likewise their individual rights to religious freedom should preclude any governmental interference.
If on the other hand our same two gay men are unable to gain a pastors consent to be married within his church, his religious tradition, that pastor should not be forced by the government to perform the marriage, the religious ceremony. For such coercion would also violate religious freedom. The couple would in this example need to look elsewhere for a church, pastor, and tradition that was more accepting of their position in life.
Marriage is not properly a function of the state. It is a function of religious tradition. No matter where we each fit on the political spectrum we should not be looking to the government to address every issue that affects our lives. To preserve individual liberty we must restrict government to its proper functions, and leave those functions that belong elsewhere, indeed elsewhere.
Our political foundation, our promise of religious freedom demands that for any marriage to take place only three elements are needed. Individuals who want to be married, and a pastor of any tradition willing to marry them. That is the promise upon which the United States was built. I find it very sad that the state has not upheld this promise, that the citizens have demanded and received governmental interference within the sacrament of marriage.
Monday, November 3, 2008
The Libertarian Party
I’ve posted before about the fact that I am a Republican with a strong Libertarian bent. I am not opposed to the two party system that voters have effectively created by casting their votes the vast majority of the time for one or the other of our two parties. I do believe though that our two party system would be immeasurably improved if the Libertarian party replaced either of our current major parties. Certainly there is historical precedent for such a change to occur.
In order for this to happen, in order for the Libertarian party to start winning elections on a widespread scale it needs two things. Positive, effective candidates, and a willingness to message on the issues the vast majority of Americans cast their votes upon.
This year the Libertarian Presidential candidate is Bob Barr. Certainly the best-known candidate in party history, but also a candidate that brings a great deal of negative perception to his candidacy from his former service in Congress.
Despite his obvious failings Bob Barr is doing something exactly right, and hopefully his candidacy is teaching Libertarians a very important lesson. He is talking about the issues that the voters care about. Doing this is vital if the party ever hopes to supplant either the Democratic or Republican parties in our two party system.
The overwhelming majority of voters will never base their votes on Libertarian theory on the issue of narcotics use. Voters will however base their votes on the “Wall Street Bailout.” Mr. Barr understands this, and is messaging upon it.
The list goes on and on. The overwhelming majority of voters care about “Energy Independence,” “Government Spending,” “Health Care.” That majority agrees with Libertarian views on such issues. They must however learn about those Libertarian views. Mr. Barr is attempting to educate the public. Previous Libertarian candidates for President have not done so in my view, instead getting bogged down trying to explain complex Libertarian theory on a wide variety of issues. Theory that the average voter neither wants to understand, nor cares about.
Let us hope that in the next electoral cycle the Libertarian slate of candidates are positive, effective candidates and that they follow Mr. Barr’s lead in talking about the issues that have the potential to sway massive blocs of voters, for that is the only path to success.
In order for this to happen, in order for the Libertarian party to start winning elections on a widespread scale it needs two things. Positive, effective candidates, and a willingness to message on the issues the vast majority of Americans cast their votes upon.
This year the Libertarian Presidential candidate is Bob Barr. Certainly the best-known candidate in party history, but also a candidate that brings a great deal of negative perception to his candidacy from his former service in Congress.
Despite his obvious failings Bob Barr is doing something exactly right, and hopefully his candidacy is teaching Libertarians a very important lesson. He is talking about the issues that the voters care about. Doing this is vital if the party ever hopes to supplant either the Democratic or Republican parties in our two party system.
The overwhelming majority of voters will never base their votes on Libertarian theory on the issue of narcotics use. Voters will however base their votes on the “Wall Street Bailout.” Mr. Barr understands this, and is messaging upon it.
The list goes on and on. The overwhelming majority of voters care about “Energy Independence,” “Government Spending,” “Health Care.” That majority agrees with Libertarian views on such issues. They must however learn about those Libertarian views. Mr. Barr is attempting to educate the public. Previous Libertarian candidates for President have not done so in my view, instead getting bogged down trying to explain complex Libertarian theory on a wide variety of issues. Theory that the average voter neither wants to understand, nor cares about.
Let us hope that in the next electoral cycle the Libertarian slate of candidates are positive, effective candidates and that they follow Mr. Barr’s lead in talking about the issues that have the potential to sway massive blocs of voters, for that is the only path to success.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
A Dedication
I woke this morning to find wonderful messages from Miss Honey, both here on the blog, and in my email box. Her compliments, her encouragement, ensured a perfect start to my day.
Today’s posts are dedicated to Miss Honey, a woman who has given me much with her kind words.
Today’s posts are dedicated to Miss Honey, a woman who has given me much with her kind words.
Nicotine
I suffer a terrible weakness for tobacco, the enjoyment of tobacco in almost all of its forms. Copenhagen Long Cut, a mainstay of my life. Marlboro Red, luckily I’m not an addict, but a fine cigarette on occasion just can’t be beat. Partagas, I wonder if heaven can be any closer than one of these cigars. Dunhill pipe tobacco in an exquisite English pipe, tobacco in its most elegant and ultimately pleasing form.
I’m not an addict, yet I must admit to an unreasonable adoration and attachment to this most noble of plants.
Booze, a rare pleasure. Drugs, no interest within me. Tobacco however, she is my mistress.
I’m not an addict, yet I must admit to an unreasonable adoration and attachment to this most noble of plants.
Booze, a rare pleasure. Drugs, no interest within me. Tobacco however, she is my mistress.
Delightfully Poly
Last night our neighbors hosted their big annual Halloween bash. We live in such a small area that most everyone in the neighborhood can comfortably fit within their house for such parties. Unfortunately, due to work commitments we were unable to attend the party this year.
I am quite certain though that we were the talk of the party.
I learned from a friend recently that some of my neighbors are concerned about me. It seems that Mrs. CM, the filthy slut, is having an affair with one of my best friends. They have been spotted walking hand in hand, spotted kissing in our yard. When my neighbors brought their serious concerns about Mrs. CM’s whoredom to my friend’s attention he just wasn’t sure what to say to them, for he knows that we have chosen to live different, so he said nothing, let them stew in their worries.
Mrs. CM and I are not swingers, although we have done a fair bit of swinging in our distant past. Nor do I consider us to have an open relationship, which rather implies that each partner tolerates, or allows the outside sexual involvements of the other.
We are delightfully poly. I love my wife deeply, yet I love and fuck others as well. I believe that she loves me just as deeply, yet she loves and fucks others, perhaps it seems with a touch less discretion around the neighborhood than I exercise.
I don’t allow her to have an outside relationship, I am thrilled by the fact that she does, and immeasurably pleased that her time with him makes her so happy. She doesn’t allow me to have an outside relationship; she encourages me to do so, and supports me and my lover however she is able.
Jealousy is not an issue for us. Years ago it was, but we have through the years learned how to do away with this negative and destructive emotion, learned that the joy another brings into our lives is worth so much more than any discomfort associated with him or her that jealousy just can’t be allowed a place within our emotional selves.
This form of relationship, our marriage, is perfect for us. I do not claim that it must or would be perfect for everyone, but I do believe that if more people had the courage to try polyamory, and to deal with their own jealousy there would be more happy relationships in the world because I believe that polyamory would well suit a significant percentage of the population.
I encourage you to try it; you might just like it!
I am quite certain though that we were the talk of the party.
I learned from a friend recently that some of my neighbors are concerned about me. It seems that Mrs. CM, the filthy slut, is having an affair with one of my best friends. They have been spotted walking hand in hand, spotted kissing in our yard. When my neighbors brought their serious concerns about Mrs. CM’s whoredom to my friend’s attention he just wasn’t sure what to say to them, for he knows that we have chosen to live different, so he said nothing, let them stew in their worries.
Mrs. CM and I are not swingers, although we have done a fair bit of swinging in our distant past. Nor do I consider us to have an open relationship, which rather implies that each partner tolerates, or allows the outside sexual involvements of the other.
We are delightfully poly. I love my wife deeply, yet I love and fuck others as well. I believe that she loves me just as deeply, yet she loves and fucks others, perhaps it seems with a touch less discretion around the neighborhood than I exercise.
I don’t allow her to have an outside relationship, I am thrilled by the fact that she does, and immeasurably pleased that her time with him makes her so happy. She doesn’t allow me to have an outside relationship; she encourages me to do so, and supports me and my lover however she is able.
Jealousy is not an issue for us. Years ago it was, but we have through the years learned how to do away with this negative and destructive emotion, learned that the joy another brings into our lives is worth so much more than any discomfort associated with him or her that jealousy just can’t be allowed a place within our emotional selves.
This form of relationship, our marriage, is perfect for us. I do not claim that it must or would be perfect for everyone, but I do believe that if more people had the courage to try polyamory, and to deal with their own jealousy there would be more happy relationships in the world because I believe that polyamory would well suit a significant percentage of the population.
I encourage you to try it; you might just like it!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Correspondence from TH
“you are something of a Master to me. I need healing. I need some discipline. I am giving you permission to take that role in my life”
One of the things I most love about TH is her unashamed ability to ask that her needs and desires be met. That is something that very few people can do, especially when those needs are considered outside of the norm.
Discipline between us has been a game, a form of foreplay, a way we relate sexually. Now she is asking for it to become more than that. For it to spill out into her life. This I can do for her, this I will do for her. It will though take some more discussion between us before I am prepared to do so.
TH has brought so much to my life, improved it immeasurably. I don’t feel that I adequately communicate that fact to her; it is something I need to pay special attention to as our relationship enters this new phase.
One of the things I most love about TH is her unashamed ability to ask that her needs and desires be met. That is something that very few people can do, especially when those needs are considered outside of the norm.
Discipline between us has been a game, a form of foreplay, a way we relate sexually. Now she is asking for it to become more than that. For it to spill out into her life. This I can do for her, this I will do for her. It will though take some more discussion between us before I am prepared to do so.
TH has brought so much to my life, improved it immeasurably. I don’t feel that I adequately communicate that fact to her; it is something I need to pay special attention to as our relationship enters this new phase.
November
A month of danger for my home is located a very few feet from a wild and raging river. A river that occasionally can not handle the November rains, which rises to damage and destroy all that I possess.
A month of masculine tradition for men from throughout the area will gather under my watch to smoke tobacco in a very traditional way. To relive the pleasures accepted as commonplace by their fathers, grandfathers, and beyond reaching into history.
A month of family for we will travel to share a meal of Thanksgiving with parents and siblings. An obligation, yet perhaps a positive obligation for it is important to remember where one comes from, important to remember the honor ones family holds.
A month of intimate friends for on the holiday itself we will not travel. We will cook our own meal, a meal that we will share with our friends, lovers, our chosen family.
A month that has today broken in sunshine. The green of the hemlock tree outside my bedroom window perfect in it’s vibrancy. A month that will end in rain. Life-giving water falling to continue the circle of existence.
A month of masculine tradition for men from throughout the area will gather under my watch to smoke tobacco in a very traditional way. To relive the pleasures accepted as commonplace by their fathers, grandfathers, and beyond reaching into history.
A month of family for we will travel to share a meal of Thanksgiving with parents and siblings. An obligation, yet perhaps a positive obligation for it is important to remember where one comes from, important to remember the honor ones family holds.
A month of intimate friends for on the holiday itself we will not travel. We will cook our own meal, a meal that we will share with our friends, lovers, our chosen family.
A month that has today broken in sunshine. The green of the hemlock tree outside my bedroom window perfect in it’s vibrancy. A month that will end in rain. Life-giving water falling to continue the circle of existence.
Change
The one constant in my mind is change. Changing interests, changing passions, changing desires. I am not today the same man I was yesterday, will not tomorrow be the same man I was today.
I believe that this change keeps me forever interested in my life, forever interested in my passions. I hope that it serves to keep me interesting as well, prevents those around me from becoming bored listening to me. I like to think that they, like me, find broad interests, broad passions, and broad conversation forever interesting.
The elegance that comes from good form, good function, good behavior, this elegance is the only constant I seek. My passions change, my interests change, but these changes move only from the elegant to the elegant. Perfection to perfection, function to function. Elegance not in continuing use, but elegance in and by design.
Today I may devote my entire energy, my complete focus to the elegant design, the form and function of vintage and restored Airstream travel trailers, these past icons of the highway, reborn, returned to their former glories. Tomorrow I may forget that passion, that focus, as it is replaced with a similar energy devoted to the very finest in English smoking pipes. On and on the changes occur, inevitably returning to past interests of course, yet one never knows when. An interest in antique smoking pipes will flare within me, then wane, always to return, yet on a schedule impossible to predict.
Tonight I may dream of a woman, energetic, strong, passionate, selfish, demanding, perhaps a bit cruel. Me her obedient toy struggling to bring her bliss. Serving her lusts, satisfying her lusts at her command, and as she commands. Tomorrow in my dreams she has changed. A woman yielding, soft, submissive, bound, taken, overwhelmed. Her body existing to be used for my pleasure, obeying my demands that she give up her will to find a more perfect bliss.
These changing passions, my changing desires, these changes are not frightening to me, rather they are liberating. They liberate me from the mundane, liberate me from sameness.
I want a life of color, a life of excitement, explosions of color. Never grey, never drab, and never dull. I fear that a plain life, a life of grey, a life in which passions are not embraced, are not explored, is a life barely worth living. A life that must be tolerated instead of celebrated.
I believe that this change keeps me forever interested in my life, forever interested in my passions. I hope that it serves to keep me interesting as well, prevents those around me from becoming bored listening to me. I like to think that they, like me, find broad interests, broad passions, and broad conversation forever interesting.
The elegance that comes from good form, good function, good behavior, this elegance is the only constant I seek. My passions change, my interests change, but these changes move only from the elegant to the elegant. Perfection to perfection, function to function. Elegance not in continuing use, but elegance in and by design.
Today I may devote my entire energy, my complete focus to the elegant design, the form and function of vintage and restored Airstream travel trailers, these past icons of the highway, reborn, returned to their former glories. Tomorrow I may forget that passion, that focus, as it is replaced with a similar energy devoted to the very finest in English smoking pipes. On and on the changes occur, inevitably returning to past interests of course, yet one never knows when. An interest in antique smoking pipes will flare within me, then wane, always to return, yet on a schedule impossible to predict.
Tonight I may dream of a woman, energetic, strong, passionate, selfish, demanding, perhaps a bit cruel. Me her obedient toy struggling to bring her bliss. Serving her lusts, satisfying her lusts at her command, and as she commands. Tomorrow in my dreams she has changed. A woman yielding, soft, submissive, bound, taken, overwhelmed. Her body existing to be used for my pleasure, obeying my demands that she give up her will to find a more perfect bliss.
These changing passions, my changing desires, these changes are not frightening to me, rather they are liberating. They liberate me from the mundane, liberate me from sameness.
I want a life of color, a life of excitement, explosions of color. Never grey, never drab, and never dull. I fear that a plain life, a life of grey, a life in which passions are not embraced, are not explored, is a life barely worth living. A life that must be tolerated instead of celebrated.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Young
All healthy heterosexual men look at beautiful women. I think everyone knows this fact, but perhaps I’m a tad bit different because I admit that I do it. Frequently. Every chance I get as a matter of fact.
I have noticed, in my looking, that my tastes have changed through the years, aged as I have aged.
Some men are forever attracted to the very young. The 18 to 21 year old hottie.
I am not. I notice that when I see such a ‘hottie’ in person, they look way too young to me. Not hot, not sexy, just young.
This is very disconcerting on occasion when it comes to erotica. Intellectually I know that the woman in question must be over eighteen years, but she looks like a child to me. I must confess that I don’t see the attraction men my age (late thirty’s) have for these very young women, as the women who are now so very sexy to me are indeed closer to my own age.
I wonder if some men get stuck somehow. If their erotic imaginations don’t become stuck at a certain age, and remain there for the rest of their lives. I wonder if an extreme form of this ‘fantasies getting stuck’ phenomenon isn’t one of the reasons for the horrible crime of child molestation.
All I do know for sure is that I am not stuck. Give me thirty plus years any day!
I must say that I think my finding of more mature women as the most sexy of women has a very practical benefit as well. Practice does indeed make perfect, in the bedroom as in everywhere else. That eighteen year old hottie most men seem to lust after just hasn’t had enough practice!
I have noticed, in my looking, that my tastes have changed through the years, aged as I have aged.
Some men are forever attracted to the very young. The 18 to 21 year old hottie.
I am not. I notice that when I see such a ‘hottie’ in person, they look way too young to me. Not hot, not sexy, just young.
This is very disconcerting on occasion when it comes to erotica. Intellectually I know that the woman in question must be over eighteen years, but she looks like a child to me. I must confess that I don’t see the attraction men my age (late thirty’s) have for these very young women, as the women who are now so very sexy to me are indeed closer to my own age.
I wonder if some men get stuck somehow. If their erotic imaginations don’t become stuck at a certain age, and remain there for the rest of their lives. I wonder if an extreme form of this ‘fantasies getting stuck’ phenomenon isn’t one of the reasons for the horrible crime of child molestation.
All I do know for sure is that I am not stuck. Give me thirty plus years any day!
I must say that I think my finding of more mature women as the most sexy of women has a very practical benefit as well. Practice does indeed make perfect, in the bedroom as in everywhere else. That eighteen year old hottie most men seem to lust after just hasn’t had enough practice!
Perspective
Mrs. CM and I are not suffering during these tough economic times. In fact we are looking upon them as a tremendous opportunity to build long-term wealth. This is partly because our little area of the country has not been hard hit by the economic downturn, but also because we have given up many things in life to not become overextended as so many others have. We look in horror at the negative five percent savings rate in our country, and find security in our positive net worth. We also firmly believe that when people blame the government for their economic woes it is nothing but a refusal to take responsibility for their own personal actions. If you are in dire economic straights right now, it is very likely because you made poor financial and employment decisions. It is not the fault of GW Bush, or the United States Congress, although we too hold deep dissatisfaction with the performance of both. We have, in the past, been extremely poor. That was our fault, no one else’s.
I do recognize that financial security can be stripped from anyone at any time. Sometimes through absolutely no fault of the individual who looses it. We can loose our money, our homes, our possessions, our wealth, and the security that these things bring.
If the meaning of an entire life is based upon these material things, then it is all too easy to loose ones life. If ones life meaning is based upon any given thing outside of oneself, then it is all to easy to loose ones life. Holding as the most important part of life material possessions, anything outside of oneself, or anyone outside of oneself is a fundamental error of perspective. None of these things can be a major part of the meaning of our individual lives, so a rational perspective could never allow them to occupy the most important places within our lives.
We must, I think, if we want to survive and thrive in tough times find the meaning of our lives in things that we can control. In things that cannot be taken away from us by anyone, for any reason.
Thoughts and words do that for me. No matter what ever befalls me, I will always have the ability and occasion to read, and not just to read, but to read the very finest humankind has to offer. I can also never loose the ability and occasion to write. To drive myself to write in the very best way I know how. I can always, under any circumstances find meaning in thoughts and words, my own, and those of others. This is comforting to me.
I will admit that I do suffer from the same material desires as everyone else, perhaps even more so. I simply don’t give into those desires unless and until I can actually be reasonably assured of affording them long term. My wristwatch is probably the very best example of this. I spent a bit more than the first 30 years of my life absolutely refusing to wear a wristwatch. I refused to wear a wristwatch unless and until I could wear a Rolex wristwatch. Things worked out well for me, and I type this wearing my Rolex Oyster Datejust with gold and diamond accents. It does not though give my life meaning, my life would not be worse if I were forced to give up the watch for whatever reason. To feel that my life would be worse if I did not possess this fine watch would be to have a badly distorted perspective of life, and what is important within it.
I can though always possess the very finest words of man. Shakespeare, Hemmingway, Nin, Churchill. No one can take these away from me. Except perhaps senility, and may either God or man grant me a death with dignity before that occasion ever rears it’s terrifying head.
I do recognize that financial security can be stripped from anyone at any time. Sometimes through absolutely no fault of the individual who looses it. We can loose our money, our homes, our possessions, our wealth, and the security that these things bring.
If the meaning of an entire life is based upon these material things, then it is all too easy to loose ones life. If ones life meaning is based upon any given thing outside of oneself, then it is all to easy to loose ones life. Holding as the most important part of life material possessions, anything outside of oneself, or anyone outside of oneself is a fundamental error of perspective. None of these things can be a major part of the meaning of our individual lives, so a rational perspective could never allow them to occupy the most important places within our lives.
We must, I think, if we want to survive and thrive in tough times find the meaning of our lives in things that we can control. In things that cannot be taken away from us by anyone, for any reason.
Thoughts and words do that for me. No matter what ever befalls me, I will always have the ability and occasion to read, and not just to read, but to read the very finest humankind has to offer. I can also never loose the ability and occasion to write. To drive myself to write in the very best way I know how. I can always, under any circumstances find meaning in thoughts and words, my own, and those of others. This is comforting to me.
I will admit that I do suffer from the same material desires as everyone else, perhaps even more so. I simply don’t give into those desires unless and until I can actually be reasonably assured of affording them long term. My wristwatch is probably the very best example of this. I spent a bit more than the first 30 years of my life absolutely refusing to wear a wristwatch. I refused to wear a wristwatch unless and until I could wear a Rolex wristwatch. Things worked out well for me, and I type this wearing my Rolex Oyster Datejust with gold and diamond accents. It does not though give my life meaning, my life would not be worse if I were forced to give up the watch for whatever reason. To feel that my life would be worse if I did not possess this fine watch would be to have a badly distorted perspective of life, and what is important within it.
I can though always possess the very finest words of man. Shakespeare, Hemmingway, Nin, Churchill. No one can take these away from me. Except perhaps senility, and may either God or man grant me a death with dignity before that occasion ever rears it’s terrifying head.
Halloween
A holiday of joy for so many. Can we adequately remember the pleasure we found as children in this holiday? Pleasure in our costumes, pleasure at being surrounded by candy treats. Can we imagine the pleasure cross-dressers feel on this day? Pleasure in the one day in which society does not frown upon them dressing as their desires compel them too.
Candy for the kids, cracking open of the closet for some pervy folks. A tremendous holiday for many.
Alas, I am neither a kid nor a cross-dresser. I also live in a strikingly rural place, so will have no Trick or Treaters stopping by this evening. The holiday for me then will not be a night of revelry, but it does afford me a very interesting opportunity to think and reflect upon life, upon my life.
I am not normal. I do not lead a normal life. I am not surrounded by normal people.
This is good, for I do not approve of normal.
Normal is working at a job one hates. Normal is spending more than one can afford. Normal is a marriage filled with conflict. Normal is visiting family one just doesn’t enjoy. Normal is stress and busywork.
I must believe that life is supposed to be exciting, an adventure, full of joy. I must believe that our lives need to make a positive difference to the world in which we live. For these reasons I am not normal, I choose to be something different from normal.
I write, and I love to write. My job is interesting, and important to society as a whole. I live in a very small, but very desirable home, one that is easily affordable due to its size, yet much coveted due to its feel. My family is fun for those who are included in it add value to my life, relatives who do not are not seen out of any twisted view of obligation. My family is not limited to relatives, but includes wonderful intimate friends. I avoid unnecessary stress. I prefer hedonism to busy work and pursue/avoid according to those preferences.
Mrs. CM shares my divergence from what is normal, and perhaps our lack of the normal is most visible in our marriage. Our marriage is long standing, 19 years now, and we love each other very much. In fact, we do not honestly know of another marriage that is happier. That said, our marriage is quite far from normal.
We both enjoy radical sex, and we both pursue sex that ranges far beyond what we call plain vanilla. Neither of us believes in monogamy, and we both pursue love and intimacy with others, wonderful people who have become a part of our chosen family. We are together because we choose to be together. Not because being together is the easiest or only option available to us. Our individual lives, and our shared life together are immeasurably richer due to this fact.
On the outside we look normal. We look like good conservative Republicans. That’s likely because we are good conservative Republicans, with a Libertarian bent of course. We are though quite far from normal, and thrilled with the fact that we don’t allow ourselves to be normal.
On this night of dress up, of nightmare and fantasy, I must wonder.
On this night when everyone normal pursues fantasy, should we gleefully pursue normalcy, for to us normalcy is the fantasy?
Candy for the kids, cracking open of the closet for some pervy folks. A tremendous holiday for many.
Alas, I am neither a kid nor a cross-dresser. I also live in a strikingly rural place, so will have no Trick or Treaters stopping by this evening. The holiday for me then will not be a night of revelry, but it does afford me a very interesting opportunity to think and reflect upon life, upon my life.
I am not normal. I do not lead a normal life. I am not surrounded by normal people.
This is good, for I do not approve of normal.
Normal is working at a job one hates. Normal is spending more than one can afford. Normal is a marriage filled with conflict. Normal is visiting family one just doesn’t enjoy. Normal is stress and busywork.
I must believe that life is supposed to be exciting, an adventure, full of joy. I must believe that our lives need to make a positive difference to the world in which we live. For these reasons I am not normal, I choose to be something different from normal.
I write, and I love to write. My job is interesting, and important to society as a whole. I live in a very small, but very desirable home, one that is easily affordable due to its size, yet much coveted due to its feel. My family is fun for those who are included in it add value to my life, relatives who do not are not seen out of any twisted view of obligation. My family is not limited to relatives, but includes wonderful intimate friends. I avoid unnecessary stress. I prefer hedonism to busy work and pursue/avoid according to those preferences.
Mrs. CM shares my divergence from what is normal, and perhaps our lack of the normal is most visible in our marriage. Our marriage is long standing, 19 years now, and we love each other very much. In fact, we do not honestly know of another marriage that is happier. That said, our marriage is quite far from normal.
We both enjoy radical sex, and we both pursue sex that ranges far beyond what we call plain vanilla. Neither of us believes in monogamy, and we both pursue love and intimacy with others, wonderful people who have become a part of our chosen family. We are together because we choose to be together. Not because being together is the easiest or only option available to us. Our individual lives, and our shared life together are immeasurably richer due to this fact.
On the outside we look normal. We look like good conservative Republicans. That’s likely because we are good conservative Republicans, with a Libertarian bent of course. We are though quite far from normal, and thrilled with the fact that we don’t allow ourselves to be normal.
On this night of dress up, of nightmare and fantasy, I must wonder.
On this night when everyone normal pursues fantasy, should we gleefully pursue normalcy, for to us normalcy is the fantasy?
Black, Orange, and Brown
The colors of Halloween, and the colors of my blog today. Enjoy, for change is good, and life is meant to be interesting.
Discernment
I work with a large number of fundamentalist Christians. In fact, I believe that my workplace is rather unique because I think that it is populated by a much higher percentage of fundamentalists than is society at large.
Most closely I work with people who call themselves charismatic Christians. I must confess that I have no understanding of the differences between fundamentalists and charismatics, the beliefs, the leaders, and the heroes seem to be the same, and I must confess that I’m just not interested enough to try and learn what the differences might be. I do suspect though that the main difference might be a desire to escape the negative connotations associated with the term “fundamentalist Christian.”
What I have noticed about these particular folks I work with, and indeed the point of this post, is a shocking lack of discernment.
They understand that in our world there is good and bad, black and white, even grey. They understand that people can be good or evil, be good but do an evil thing, or be evil and do a good thing. They understand that most people live between these extremes.
There does not seem to be any serious breakdown in their ability to reason, to understand people, or the world around us.
They do however suffer a very serious breakdown in these abilities when the focus of discussion is someone who calls him or herself a Christian.
They have a knee jerk reaction towards wanting to help the child rapist who calls himself a Christian. A need to help the defrauder who calls herself a Christian.
They accept such people at their word. They believe that such people are Christian based upon professed belief instead of observed actions.
The child rapist is not a Christian, he is evil. He has declared himself a Christian while in prison because doing so results in certain privileges for himself. The fraud is not a Christian, she has declared herself such because by doing so her tricks on the unsuspecting are less easily discovered. Those fundamentalist Christians I work with seem utterly unable to understand this.
Their lack of discernment, their immediate desire to have faith in anyone who professes a strong and fundamentalist Christian faith is disturbing. Luckily it is not the only influence upon those with whom I work, so it does not affect the work we do, rationality always prevails after the initial reaction fades.
I am not a man of faith, but I am rational enough to understand that Christian faith without Christian works is dead. That being a Christian must be defined not only by ones professions of faith, but also by ones actions for the good as inspired by that faith.
Most closely I work with people who call themselves charismatic Christians. I must confess that I have no understanding of the differences between fundamentalists and charismatics, the beliefs, the leaders, and the heroes seem to be the same, and I must confess that I’m just not interested enough to try and learn what the differences might be. I do suspect though that the main difference might be a desire to escape the negative connotations associated with the term “fundamentalist Christian.”
What I have noticed about these particular folks I work with, and indeed the point of this post, is a shocking lack of discernment.
They understand that in our world there is good and bad, black and white, even grey. They understand that people can be good or evil, be good but do an evil thing, or be evil and do a good thing. They understand that most people live between these extremes.
There does not seem to be any serious breakdown in their ability to reason, to understand people, or the world around us.
They do however suffer a very serious breakdown in these abilities when the focus of discussion is someone who calls him or herself a Christian.
They have a knee jerk reaction towards wanting to help the child rapist who calls himself a Christian. A need to help the defrauder who calls herself a Christian.
They accept such people at their word. They believe that such people are Christian based upon professed belief instead of observed actions.
The child rapist is not a Christian, he is evil. He has declared himself a Christian while in prison because doing so results in certain privileges for himself. The fraud is not a Christian, she has declared herself such because by doing so her tricks on the unsuspecting are less easily discovered. Those fundamentalist Christians I work with seem utterly unable to understand this.
Their lack of discernment, their immediate desire to have faith in anyone who professes a strong and fundamentalist Christian faith is disturbing. Luckily it is not the only influence upon those with whom I work, so it does not affect the work we do, rationality always prevails after the initial reaction fades.
I am not a man of faith, but I am rational enough to understand that Christian faith without Christian works is dead. That being a Christian must be defined not only by ones professions of faith, but also by ones actions for the good as inspired by that faith.
Anais Nin In Google Blogsearch
Searching blogs using the term 'Anais Nin' delivered me two gems this fine morning.
Delta De Venus a blog containing a small amount of fine art erotic photography. Unfortunately the blog has not been updated for a very long time, but the old postings are well worth a visit.
Dusting Off Anais Nin a post by Adriana Palanca communicating her changing view of Ms. Nin, her learning to see the woman, not simply the role model.
Delta De Venus a blog containing a small amount of fine art erotic photography. Unfortunately the blog has not been updated for a very long time, but the old postings are well worth a visit.
Dusting Off Anais Nin a post by Adriana Palanca communicating her changing view of Ms. Nin, her learning to see the woman, not simply the role model.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tools
Anais Nin wrote a truly remarkable diary over the course of her life, a work that will likely go down in history as one of the great literary feats of our time. She was forced to write the work with pen, paper, a large and heavy typewriter. She was forced to store the work in boxes, iron strongboxes for it's protection. As I understand it, to this day the diary in it's entirety can not be published because the sheer volume of the work makes doing so a financial impracticality.
Today we have amazing tools at our disposal.
I am able to write this post on a small and portable machine that not only accepts the keystrokes I input into it, but which also serves as the largest research library ever known to man.
I am able to publish these words instantly, without any financial cost to myself.
I am able to do these things from virtually anywhere. From my office, from the road, from my bed. Without wires, without artificial restriction.
When Ms. Nin's soul commanded her to create that creation was made immeasurably more difficult due to the lack of tools she had available to her. Today, when our souls command us to create, our tools make it possible to do so without a second thought as to the how.
Today we have amazing tools at our disposal.
I am able to write this post on a small and portable machine that not only accepts the keystrokes I input into it, but which also serves as the largest research library ever known to man.
I am able to publish these words instantly, without any financial cost to myself.
I am able to do these things from virtually anywhere. From my office, from the road, from my bed. Without wires, without artificial restriction.
When Ms. Nin's soul commanded her to create that creation was made immeasurably more difficult due to the lack of tools she had available to her. Today, when our souls command us to create, our tools make it possible to do so without a second thought as to the how.
Narcissism
Is not all writing a narcissistic endeavor? All writers narcissists?
Writing I think, is and must be that way. The very best writing being that most narcissistically driven.
Writing I think, is and must be that way. The very best writing being that most narcissistically driven.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Link To Sex-Worker Radio?
Sex-workers are denigrated by society. This is a grave mistake.
Sex-workers bring joy where none existed, fulfill fantasy that could otherwise remain only longing.
Living outside of convention they help create the culture of tomorrow by becoming ever more vocal today.
Sex-workers bring joy where none existed, fulfill fantasy that could otherwise remain only longing.
Living outside of convention they help create the culture of tomorrow by becoming ever more vocal today.
XXBN Radio
"XXBN is a collection of progressive, subversive, sex positive, indie talk shows produced by sex workers past and present."
This evening I greatly enjoyed reading the XXBN post: The Art (Of Writing) For Art's Sake by Gracie Passette.
This evening I greatly enjoyed reading the XXBN post: The Art (Of Writing) For Art's Sake by Gracie Passette.
Fiction or Non?
What will you find here? Reality or fantasy, real world or dream world?
Does it matter?
I cannot tell you if you will find fiction here, nonfiction here, or a blend of the two, for quite honestly, ‘here’ is not yet written.
You will find art here. Words are my art and I can promise that they will be in abundance here.
You will find truth here. My truth will be written, no matter if the form happens to be fantasy or reality.
Does it matter?
I cannot tell you if you will find fiction here, nonfiction here, or a blend of the two, for quite honestly, ‘here’ is not yet written.
You will find art here. Words are my art and I can promise that they will be in abundance here.
You will find truth here. My truth will be written, no matter if the form happens to be fantasy or reality.
About Me
I suppose that this post is the place to brag. I hold an important job, have held and hold impressive titles. I’ve been given, and grown used to exercising, a measure of authority, moral and otherwise.
None of that is important here though.
What is important here is that I am a writer. Some say an extremely good writer.
I’ve written for a long time now, successfully so.
For others.
I’ve not written for myself. Looked within myself and written my own truth, my own meaning. I hope to do so here, I plan on doing so here. I hope that you will continue to join me on this journey of inner exploration, as I believe that both of us, the writer and the reader can have fun, can find joy and perhaps meaning here.
I am a writer. Perhaps that is the most important thing I am.
None of that is important here though.
What is important here is that I am a writer. Some say an extremely good writer.
I’ve written for a long time now, successfully so.
For others.
I’ve not written for myself. Looked within myself and written my own truth, my own meaning. I hope to do so here, I plan on doing so here. I hope that you will continue to join me on this journey of inner exploration, as I believe that both of us, the writer and the reader can have fun, can find joy and perhaps meaning here.
I am a writer. Perhaps that is the most important thing I am.
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