Baked Plain Finally Done

I decided to include a few other stories (or whatever you want to call them) that might not have been appropriate for different reasons. One, "Shit Happens," which was actually a post from last summer right here on this blog, is downright nasty but what the hell... I guess. And "Your Windows To My Soul," the antithesis, was not really completed to my satisfaction... but what the hell... I guess.

http://www.lulu.com/content/194052

Reading TC Boyle's "Talk Talk." I like it but it isn't knocking my socks off. But it's summer, who's wearing socks anyway?

Nick had his third treatment last week. Now we know what to expect from the chemo therapy. On the road to recovery.

Life's Greatest Lesson

If you know somebody that is down and out, lonely, maybe a little scared, give them a kind word, a pat on the back, a true smile. If someone is sick drop them a line, give them a call, fire off an e-mail of encouragement. Because it's not really what you say, what you scribble down on a piece of paper, or labor over on the computer keypad.

It's only that you did. You thought of them. You let them know, even in some small way, that they are in fact not alone. You may forget about it but they won't.

And if you say oh, I don't know what to say, I'll probably just upset them, then the truth is it's only you that may be upset. You are the one scared to call. Yes, it's true, you hate that they are going through this, but you have your own life to live and maybe in the back of your mind you know that only too soon you're day will come.

Yes. It will. But you are doing them no favor by your silence. You are only doing yourself that favor. That's the damn truth.

I know. I've been there. I damn well did it. And now I know.

Now I've learned Life's Greatest Lesson. But have I really learned it? When this is all said and done will I return to my old ways, selfish and justifying my actions, or lack thereof, by happily plodding along, ignoring all the hurt and pain that others have dropped oh so cruelly and suddenly into their laps?

I hope not. Because if you fail Life's Greatest Lesson you are a bonafide bastard. We were put on this earth to create beauty, yes, it's true, but that's an egocentric engagement. But when we're not conjuring up wonderful things we'd better be helping someone else.

There's alot of suffering in this world. A lot of hate. Fear. Looking the other way doesn't make it go away. It takes a man, two arms, two legs, and a lot of heart.

Independence Day

Another 4th of July and it's hard to be happy. I feel weighted down with worry. Like I told Lou Ann, it's okay to feel it, but you must let it flow through you. You cannot allow it to stay inside of you, accumulate, fester. Easier said than done. In an effort to make this happen I try to stick to routine, excercise, redirect at least some of my attention to other interests.

This morning I plan on running the 8K Frigid Five Miler course over at Mitch Park. The same one I ran back on that cold February morning when all appeared well in my world. There was actually a race this morning but I just couldn't get myself ready for it. The start time was 7:30 am and quite frankly I might have embarrassed myself with my lack of energy. I need to start training a little more if I want to participate.

I finished Ron McLarty's "Memory Of Running" back in April. This wasn't some great literary achievement but I enjoyed it quite a bit. It had the most important of literary traits: heart! Another cross-country bike story and I totally dug that.

Just finished Philip Roth's "EveryMan". Now this gentleman can write and I got through it despite the fact that it was without question the most depressing novel I have ever read. In fact, given this dark June it was maybe a miracle I even stuck with it. I had the notion to toss it. But last weekend I just got in the right mood and finished it off. Felt like I needed to read it. And be done with it.

TC Boyle's new book "Talk Talk" will be released this week. Now that's something I plan on sinking my teeth into.

Well... I guess "Baked Plain" is finally finished. I took some photos for the cover the other day, none of which I will use so I need to get out there and find a more suitable locale (one with caked red dirt brimming up to the horizon). The above picture is one of the rejects. So - is the sun rising or is it setting?

Thank God the June of 2006 is over (and yes, the above sun is setting, but the one shining over Nick is rising and smiling). Feel it... but let it pass through.