Sunday, October 14, 2007

Rebirth

Alicia: I just came across this as I was unpacking a box in my office today - yes, still unpacking. It's a poem I wrote in 1997 as part of a multi-media presentation for a summer photography class. I warn you ... it's fairly dark and I don't remember if the theme was death, but I do think it had something to do with light and dark. I'll see if I can't scan and post some of the images used.

Rebirth


Hands and hearts - yearning
Attempting the final ascent
Life weakened by the strain

Death strengthens its hold
Clouding our vision, our focus
Pulling us back from the Truth

As these hands of death
Grapple with just intentions
The entanglement becomes too great

Rendering helplessness
Shroud in the cloth of misery
And vain imaginings

Will we fight
Against these overwhelming odds?
And leave the despised threads behind?

Or shall we succumb to the dreaded fate
We rushed to in hasty hopes of love
In a world blackened by its very absence?

Will we join this lowly circle
And welcome the grim embrace?
Life from death emerges.

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Happy Birthday Brian T.!

Alicia: Today is my brother, Brian's birthday. He is 20 today! I can hardly believe it! I still remember him dancing the night away in Mexico City some, oh, wow, it's been about 14 years now. Good times! If you've seen the video, you know what I'm talking about! Some amazing footwork that little guy had! And, then oh so many fond memories of soccer games (both on the field and in the house - usually between him and my brother Geoffrey) and, until he became a close match in size, he would run at Geoffrey's legs attempted to tackle him or take the ball away and Geoffrey would just laugh and laugh - we all did. Brian had/has so much tenacity! Now he has grown physically and mentally, and I still see his tenacity and ambition played out in his many efforts to be of service wherever he goes. He has a strong sense of justice and wants to make a difference in this world. And he can do it too! And, then you combine that with his amazing creativity - what a combination! I love you Brian and I wish I could be there to help you celebrate! We hope to see you soon! Have a wonderful brithday day!

Braving the world every day in his own way
Rhyming his way into everyone's heart
Intelligence that will carry him far
Always sharing his heart - if you know how to receive
Never a dull moment when he's around

I love you Brian! ... and now for a couple fun, adorable photos of Brian ... will have to find some more ...




Tuesday, October 02, 2007

A Most Useful List

Alicia: I forget where and when I got this ... I just remember that when I read it, I found much comfort, inspiration, and motivation for the perfection of one's character and a reminder of what's really important. (If you're reading this and you recognize it as something you created, please let me know. I am not intending to plagiarize.)

A MOST USEFUL LIST
The most destructive habit ..... WORRY
The greatest joy ..... GIVING
The greatest loss ..... LOSS OF SELF-RESPECT
The most satisfying work ..... HELPING OTHERS
The ugliest personality trait ..... SELFISHNESS
The most endangered species ..... DEDICATED LEADERS
Our greatest natural resource ..... OUR YOUTH
The greatest "shot in the arm" ..... ENCOURAGEMENT
The greatest problem to overcome ..... FEAR
The most effective sleeping pill ..... PEACE OF MIND
The most crippling failure disease ..... EXCUSES
The most powerful force in life ..... LOVE
The most dangerous pariah ..... A GOSSIPER
The world's most incredible computer ..... THE BRAIN
The worst thing to be without ..... HOPE
The deadliest weapon ..... THE TONGUE
The two most power-filled words ..... "I CAN"
The greatest asset ..... FAITH


Be virtuous and have a wonderful day!