“Rock stars come and go. Musicians play until they die.” (Eddie Van Halen)

If you were given the chance to regain the youthful energy of a rock star in your life, would you go for it? But let’s not deceive ourselves. For such a glamorous time might not turn out as all that it’s advertised to be. For you might find that your exuberance to perform as you like yet be popular with your audience might not both be easily obtained. Thus, how willing would you become to compromise those high standards of musicianship that might have originally enticed you to pursue this artistic path in the first place? It’s likely that your health might enter this equation as well as you ponder ways to keep up your physical stamina and emotional “high” to entertain others amid a rigorous “gig” travel schedule. As a rock music hero, you might also brood at times over how “solid” the human relationships in your band exist. For ultimately, rock band performers must work together as a musical and financial unit to play on over a longer period of time.

But let’s not shed grief about those humbling realities of rock star fame. For I present to you Johnson, our musical genius who desperately relished as 2020 ended, the opportunity to relive the youthful energy of such wildly entertaining times. For as an aging “baby boomer”, he once experienced musical stardom as a dynamic, horn section member and backup singer in a promising rock band called “Zodiac Groove.” He seemed fixated as well at this moment about the tempting allure of drug use and “groupie girl” options that had been available to him before and after after gigs on the road then. Know then that those vivid memories of these glamorous times to earn Blood Sweat& Tears/Chicago like status thus influenced Johnson to discover on this day an unexpected re-connection on Facebook with his old rock band mate, Joey. For over forty five years ago, this talented musician played trombone with Joey, the “fast hands” drummer of this busy touring band “on the road” during his college days. How then could Johnson manage telling Joey when they met in person, why he had quit music altogether to pursue the more conventional path of a classroom teacher? For he seemed envious of Joey’s successes in continuing his musical legacy to thrill audiences with his magical drums in live band performance throughout his entire adult life on the road.

So it seems logical to assume that Johnson unlike Joey at that moment, might have wasted his natural talents by foregoing a bonafide musical career. Yet upon closer inspection, the evidence seems clear that both of them faced uncomfortable moments of doubt as their respective careers “played out” periodically over time. For gifted drummer Joey found that his need to earn a steady paycheck forced him at times to weigh the option of joining country music bands who churned out uninspiring tunes of crowd pleasing “twang”. Similarly for Johnson, his fervent commitment to protest during the Civil Rights movement would drive him to abandon his Applied Music aspirations as a professional performer and thus divert his attention to changing the world for the better as an American History teacher. Yet this  idealistic “calling” to “shine” in the classroom  would tragically vanish at that time amid fifteen, tough  years of urban missionary teaching at troubled, inner city public schools in Miami.

Ultimately though, as Johnson delved more intimately into those nostalgic flashbacks in the mid 1970s years, he would find good reason to fully embrace a “glass half full” rather “glass half empty” concept about his rock band past. Consider back then in 1972 how the matter of his “well grounded” girlfriend Rita “played out”. For he would unexpectedly re-connect with Rita after an extended time breakup upon spotting her presence in a crowded audience as he played on stage at a college fraternity gig. In retrospect, Johnson would later realize that it had been Joey’s caring presence as his housing roommate during those challenging days in college that had motivated him to become more careful about making decisions at this critical juncture in his life. In this regard, Johnson now also concluded that it had been his friend’s timely advice to “wise up” at that time which enlightened Johnson to resume his dating relationship with Rita. Happily it seems, their marriage soon after college graduation would not dampen Johnson’s free spirited enthusiasm for finding live performance “highs”. So in fact, Johnson’s trusting covenant with Rita has thrived from their honeymoon to this day, as their inspired intentions to travel sets the stage to orchestrate so many unexpected moments of wanderlust excitement globally throughout the years.

You might thus wonder how deeply the lingering Corona pandemic in 2020 has impacted both of these talented musicians . For while Johnson sorely misses the thrill of hearing live music amid the shutdown, Joey faces the challenge to find live crowd options to perform now. It’s only fitting then that Johnson now exhibits a strong vision to pick up his t’bone and play together again with Joey as a way of counteracting his intense Corona emotions. For rock music stardom can never die for those who always dream to “shine” in the right moment. In fact, there’s a tune playing in Johnson’s head right now. Click on the link below.

“I’ve learned what true unconditional love is thanks to them. The deep relationship between me and each of my pets has made me a better person for sure.” (Cristina Jones)

The typical onset of winter’s wrath in New York City in late December never seemed very appealing to Jeff. While this urbane bachelor felt fortunate to have found an affordable apartment in Midtown Manhattan, the drafty and poorly insulated walls of his “flat” only exacerbated his restless urge to “get out and about” this time of year. So after listening to his favorite podcast of weekly travel happenings a few days before Christmas, he “jumped at the chance” to get away from his stressful office job. Thus with cheap airfares readily available now, he impulsively decided to “fly down” to Florida where a much promoted Star War Convention was taking place in the balmy environs of Key West. As a dedicated science fiction “nerd”, in particular, he reasoned that this intriguing fantasy event “down south” would present him with an ideal opportunity to honor his favorite Star Wars character, “Chewie” then. So he would take along his wildly bearded “Chewbacca” costume and make ambitious plans to to wear it proudly during these tropical convention wanderings.

Only one problem with these travel arrangements, however, seemed unsurmountable to overcome. For how well would he function without his pet cockatoo “Klee” for a week? For this talented bird had learned to mimic phrases like “Love You”, “Kiss Me”, and “Good One” of unconditional comfort to him in times of need. Thus Jeff reasoned taking along “Klee” for this vacation as the best option to resolve this dilemma. For he had envisioned “high hopes” that his “Calm Bird” tranquilizer potion could be utilized to sedate his precious bird from interrupting airline passengers and convention attendees with his incessant vocal squawking for the duration of the trip.

While “Klee” functioned admirably in sluggish doze on the plane as expected, an unforeseen problem would soon arise as this latest adventure in South Florida began. For as Jeff chose to allow loyal Klee to remain perched on his shoulder throughout the daily outdoor proceedings of this convention, he failed to realize that little birds and humans like him who are not accustomed to this tropical wilderness, can become tasty prey targets for hungry reptilian predators in waiting.

Being a “city boy” at heart, Jeff had likely not anticipated to what extent those sweat and itch discomforts inside his bulky “Chewbacca” attire would slow him down, thus requiring him to make unanticipated stops amid such uncomfortably overheated conditions. Nor did he seem aware that there were imminent dangers to his life presented by his human encroachment at these dense mangrove groves nearby. Such matters would intensify during those sweltering afternoon sessions when he made his way to and from outdoor tent exhibits. For he would mindlessly take off his “Chewie outfit” at times when cooling down to rest. Meanwhile on those idle occasions, his precious bird remained loyally perched by his side.

Unlike the heroic survivor of Star Wars fame, Chewie”, that he was impersonating then, Jeff’s most egregious human error of judgment could have cost him his life on the last day of the convention. For why had he failed to heed the sign stating “CAUTION: ALLIGATORS NEARBY in positioning himself in a shady spot near a drainage canal on this particular clothes shedding break? Fortunately, while Jeff chose to “kick back” and close his eyes to nap amid such ominous dangers, the more observant “Klee” clinging to his chest would become the improbable “Chewie” hero that day. Know then that our avian hero would awaken his master to move quickly away from this most certain gator attack by harnessing his well practiced vocal skills in bellowing out “Danger, Danger…” For the hungry gator had no doubt planned it’s slow death lurch attack to swallow the tasty bird and perhaps ingest Jeff’s arm or leg into its belly as well. With Jeff’s “close call” in surviving this alligator incident in mind, may a “Force Be With You” spirit likewise protect you as you risk holiday travel during these fearful pandemic times. Notice the stars of this drama in the photos below.

“I am forever a Cleveland Browns fan. “ (Jim Brown)

Since my childhood days growing up in Northeast Ohio, I’ve been an avid Cleveland Browns follower. Having lived in balmy South Florida for many years since, however, has not stopped me from seizing an opportunity to return to my former home, brave the winter cold, and attend a Browns home game in person. Yet traveling  to Cleveland this holiday season for a game would become particularly difficult with Corona pandemic concerns, stadium attendance restrictions and a night street curfew recently enforced in the state of Ohio. However, I ultimately decided that flying up for the pivotal game matchup on “Monday Night Football” between The Baltimore Ravens and my beloved Browns at First Energy Stadium would be well worth the risk. As a further enticement, this game represented my first opportunity to be present at a live sporting event since the pandemic had deepened in March of this year.

How satisfying it thus seemed on this frigid and windy winter Monday night to join this crazily loyal Browns crowd above the famed “Dog Pound” bleacher section to witness this talented Browns team compete “toe to toe” with the dominant Ravens in a 47-42 ,” nail-biter” contest. Yes, the Browns lost a close one. But I jubilantly exulted as my team provided a multitude of electrifying, sports entertainment moments for me this night. Therefore, it would seem logical that my sudden emotional jolt after this exciting game would motivate me to visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame in nearby Canton the next day. For I was psyched to discover much more about the triumphant traditions of Cleveland Browns football throughout N.F.L. history.

So I invite you to take a look at glimpses of my “Browns Heaven” in the following photo set. Feel the intensity of game action for a team that has appeared in ten N.F.L. championship games and won seven league titles. Observe the distinguished profiles of some of their legendary players and coaches that have earned sports immortal status. Consider the meanings of iconic images that have symbolized the Browns football winning power over the years. Now that you have done this; repeat with me. “ Here we go Brownies – “Woof, Woof, Woof!”

Continue reading “2020: Rising Above The Fray” →

“Towns are like people. Old ones often have character. The new ones are interchangeable.” (Wallace Stegner)

For so many tourists who decide to visit Key West, Florida, it’s popular image as an exciting party town along Duval Street and Mallory Square tends to be a major reason for deciding  to visit there. Such hedonistic intentions, however, would definitely not be the case for Ruth and I, as two curious and Corona wary wanderers on our recent vacation “getaway” in America’s southern most situated city earlier this week. For this three day stay in the heart of Key West’s “Old Town” corridor away from the tourist crowds would become an enticing invitation to take an extended look at authentic living history from the 19th century there.

Picture then this unique district of historic residential buildings situated amid a lush tropical environment. You might then be traveling back in time to those early years of Key West history where one could have gained great wealth from sea- based or possibly cigar making endeavors. For such newly acquired fortune would have enabled a successful entrepreneur to build an impressive mansion there of striking pastel colors, unique wall turrets, wraparound outside porches and white picket fences. Beautification of your landscape would have most likely been enhanced by freshly clipped hedges, towering Palm Trees and a twisting Banyan Tree or two enveloping your property. Imagine that over generations of time through the Victorian era, your neighbor might even have been someone famous like Ernest Hemingway, Robert Frost or Tennessee Williams.

In fairness, I might point out also that our Old Town Key West tour did not happen easily. For we were facing the challenging of covering a relatively large section of the city containing roughly 4,000 acres and approximately 180 historic buildings. Know as well that bicycle riders frequently dodged in and out as we drove along these narrow streets while on- street parking spaces were rare to be found. A can of spray repellent would also have come in handy during walking times amid the dense tropical underbrush that naturally attracted hordes of mosquitos and other insect pests.

Nonetheless,  an Old Town Key West focus  might be considered as a wiser alternative for those who are considering to visit this area to close the year. For I recently read that the city would be cancelling its traditional News Years Eve celebration along the Duval Street corridor while imposing a 10: 00 pm. curfew that night because of Corona pandemic concerns. You might instead consider for your Key West visit at holiday time a relaxing twilight meal at a well spaced table outdoors at “Blue Heaven Cafe” or contently sitting on a park bench to enjoy a Cuban Dinner “Takeout” from “El Siboney Restaurant”. Then stroll to your heart’s content amid the more subdued holiday splendor of close-by “Old Town” neighborhoods until the midnight hour.

Source: Key West Architecture Invites Exploration https://fla-keys.com/news/article/9118/

“You can shake the sand from your shoes but not from your soul.”(Florida Keys Promotion)

As December arrived and hurricane season ended, it seemed the ideal time for Ruth and I to relax with a three day, Florida Keys interlude away from crowded South Florida before the upcoming tourist season arrived. We intended to enjoy a scenic drive south on this brief vacation along the U.S. 1 “Overseas Highway ending up in Key West for some engaging tropical amusement. Skirting west on the Florida Turnpike Extension to avoid the congested urban chaos of Miami on this surprisingly chilly Tuesday morning, we began to notice a stiff breeze blowing inland from the latest cold that had settled in overnight. Entering the Upper Keys in Key Largo, our first bridge crossings would now begin as the normally aqua serene waters of the surrounding bays appeared churned up by such gusty winds into a pale green torrent of rising, wave swept conditions. So why had we chosen to wear only an informal attire of shorts, flimsy tops, and no jacket today on this blustery morning today?

Continuing south to Islamorada, I then reflected fondly of those nostalgic days past of seafood feasts, hometown cafes, and music festivals when stone crabs, lobster, and tropical grogs were once purchased at more affordable prices. Traveling further along the Middle Keys and its shrinking land areas interspersed with adjacent shore inlets, I noted the stoic presence of fishermen braving the harsh weather conditions that morning along bridge catwalk corridors. During those moments, it seemed surreal to recall that I once had joined this parade of sea-hardened vagabonds to cast my fishing reel over these windswept waters to patiently await the big catch of the day.

Crossing through Marathon into the Lower Keys region, additional  memories of past youthful exuberance surfaced as we entered the spectacular overlook section of the Seven Mile Bridge. For in the 1980s. I twice ran the entire length of this bridge as a participant in long distance, run competitions. It felt exhilarating to feel an explosion of positive energy in this 2020 bridge crossing by being in sync again with wild ocean nature that I once had so euphorically experienced as a runner there. Settling into our quaint motel resembling a South Beach, “Art Deco” like structure in mid afternoon, our first evening would end quietly with a slow saunter along a holiday-decorated walkway in the heart of Old Town Key West. What new excitement then might lie ahead for us tomorrow and Thursday for these well seasoned travelers on this brief winter journey? Enjoy the photographs below.

“In order to understand more it is imperative that we improve our knowledge before choosing which side of the fence we feel compelled to belong.” (J.P. Robinson)

You might have fallen in in love with a beautiful mermaid. Or perhaps you could profess holding a meaningful conversation with a leprechaun, elf, or even a green headed space alien. The list of possibilities for alternative truth thus seemed endless at the annual indoor convention of the “Flights of Imagination Society” held during the second week of November in Memphis, Tennessee. You might wonder then what were these predominately unmasked participants like, that so fervently dedicated their vacation time to redefine their own realities of life during this “electric” vibe spectacle. As I curiously strolled amid the energized crowd during the three day festivities, I can share with you some captivating observations where seemingly no one was “playing possum” with their deep seated beliefs.

You might know then the majority of the attendees I met led seemingly routine lives on the surface as tax paying, middle class Americans. Yet underlying such apparent normality, it became clear to me upon closer inspection that an intense level of distrust in scientific fact and established truth pervaded the crowd atmosphere here. On several occasions on the floor of the indoor auditorium, for instance, I noted how so many of them vocally expressed their discontent with scouring traditional sources of information like printed newspapers and electronic social media. It follows from these conversations that they accordingly foresaw no drawbacks in subscribing to alternative dogma supportive of extremist cults and conspiracy theories prevailing amid the country today.

Let’s examine a few individuals more deeply that I conversed with in perusing the various promotional exhibits during these sessions. I thus vividly recall Mary and John, two backwoods rebels in Maine, who swore blind rejection of science in feverish praise, while boldly stating as well that they believed a species of reptilian lizards was currently running a dysfunctional government in this country. Then there was Glenn and Joe from Alabama, whose extreme right wing advocacy as part of the “Bringum Boys” movement publicized that public school children were being poisoned by morning juice boxes that turned them “gay.” Of final note, I reveal my intimate conversation with old timers Wendell and Allie, two devout Christian ranchers from Texas, whose spiritual compass revealed to me a belief in their “flesh and blood” conversation at a crop- circles field with the physical presence of God.

On the last day of the convention, an unexpected event happened that severely impacted the closing proceedings. For on that fateful Saturday morning of November 9th, a “dead silence” ensued in the auditorium upon hearing media reports that the current President of the States had been defeated in the present election. But what happened after that moment can be best described as pure chaos as vengeful shouts of anger intensified amid the stunned throng throughout the remainder of that morning. I slowly concluded then how deeply revered the dethroned “King of Conspiracy Theory” had been to so many of these mutinous disobeyers of fact at this festival. Great optimism exploded in my mind for I now realized that today’s victory for  truth and reason would become the correct path for healing my county’s current woes in the years ahead.

“When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. “(Tecumseh)

Jackson typically led a quietly unspectacular life in his small, Midwestern Iowa hometown. His favorite times happened in those private moments of worshipping at church, walking his dog, and spending quality time with the family. As he never imagined himself as the type for lavish social celebration, the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday for him normally seemed to be a foolish facade of food – filled excess. Yet there had been earlier signs that Jackson wanted to “break out” of his self confining shell. For in October, he began to deliver overstuffed food baskets and Corona preventive masks to homeless people as a volunteer advocate downtown. Clearly, he had demonstrated on those occasions, a stronger compassion awareness for these poverty stricken pawns of the system. As the Corona pandemic deepened again in his surrounding community in early November,  Jackson’s new activism began to manifest in other ways. For he began to engage in vehement,  public protest speeches on social media in response to encountering town residents who were not wearing their masks or taking socially distanced gatherings seriously.

Jackson’s changing persona of assertiveness would continue to intensify during his latest food basket “run”on the day before Thanksgiving. For what pangs of guilt would drive him to embrace Freddie, a talented homeless man who bellowed out offensive rap song lyrics to him upon being given his turkey basket on the town square? For what purpose as well would the suddenly bolder Jackson fervently coach other unfortunate individuals “surviving on the street” to then join Freddie in forming a chaotic choir of feast filled gratitude with some talented singing efforts of their own? As dusk fell early on that Thanksgiving Eve, he also organized a homeless conga line along this unsanitary street pavement. So why would our “new look” Jackson next take the time to lead this scraggly group of Corona masked wanderers in “Pied Piper” fashion around the entire town?

With so many curious onlookers in town witnessing this parade of homeless victims  that night, Jackson had thus spread a realistic measure of truth with his intended leadership message. Wake up people. Go ahead an enjoy the holiday in private tomorrow. Feast on turkey,  relive past times,  play with the kids,  or indulge in whatever “suits your fancy”. But let’s remember to give thanks that our lives are worth living for for ALL! Happy Birthday Joe Biden.

“The world is a book and those who do not travel, read only one page.” (Saint Augustine)

Are you feeling a persistent urge to “get out and about” these days amid the continuing crisis of the Corona pandemic lockdown? In fact, clear evidence has accumulated that there lies a genetic component in those who possess such “Wanderlust” predispositions in their day to day existence. Perhaps you then would like to shed some light on how deeply the “spirit of travel” urge runs within your soul. So I have added a live poll below for you to complete in order for you to obtain a rough idea of your “Wanderlust” intensity and how your results compares with other readers who have likewise completed this survey . It’s likely that the more yes responses you select, the stronger your “Wanderlust” compulsion. For more information about the scientific explanation of “Wanderlust”, click on the following link.

“Democracy is based upon the conviction there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people.” (Harry Emerson Fosdick)

When Ruth and I embarked on our most recent road trip on September 26, I realized an opportunity that our cross country travels would place us in an advantageous position of seeing firsthand some 2020 pre-election vibe in places we would visit along the way. With no particular strategy in mind for the most part, we soon experienced some extreme political messaging amid the Deep South, Midwest, and Rocky Mountain regions of our country.

One striking caption for example posted on billboards along I-95 in the Carolinas compared Donald Trump’s status as a religious savior on par with God. Another catchy phrase posted on the side of a parking delivery truck in farmland Iowa made reference for Trump “Degenerates” to rally now for him in “Let’s Roll” style. Mobile messaging for Trump most prominently took place as well on passenger cargo trucks in rural counties with “Make America Great Again” banners flashing in the breeze. In striking contrast to the Trump Ad blitz we encountered then, Biden/Harris signs throughout the trip were found “far and few between.”