T i M e

by Lawrence J. J. Leonard

I hope one day to be living
in the aftertime,
and then my airtime
will be open anytime.
It gets real
at bedtime!

HOPE is not a four-letter word

by Lawrence J. J. Leonard

“Allegory of hope” Francesco Guardi  1747

In speaking English or learning to speak it, there are some idiomatic phrases which take on certain meanings.

Expressions and exclamations are usually formed when certain words become more commonly used by active groups or pockets of society.

This makes the language more useful and in some cases more colorful and expressive.

More people are then very willing to use a new expression in regular conversation because it is helpful in conveying the meaning of something important.

The subject of much contemplation this summer I am concentrating on is hope. 
Hope is defined as “the feeling that what is wanted – can be had.
Also, it can mean that what is wanted will turn out for the best.”

What is it about hope that causes us to feel optimistic?

Saddest Songs of Rock and Roll – #35

by Lawrence J. J, Leonard

We communicate with our body position, with our eyes, and even when we do nothing at all. We can send signals of ‘yes’ with a wink and a signal of ‘no’ with that same wink. We write notes but these days we write electronic messages which are not as personal. Some things that we wish to say we don’t say because there can be no good outcome. This was not the personal philosophy of the leader of one of Rock and Roll’s most successful bands Van Halen whose communication style was inadequate.

Eddie Van Halen the lead guitarist formed the band in Pasadena, California, with brother and drummer Alex Van Halen, bassist Michael Anthony, and from 1973 to 1985 vocalist David Lee Roth. The band has been riddled with controversy following the exits of David Lee, Sammy Hagar, and Michael. Each one complained that Eddie had problems taking seriously the business of the band. They said he did not talk about his alcohol abuse but finally went into rehab in 2007. Some have a hard time accepting fame and the changes it brings.

Early on, Van Halen’s self-titled debut album was essentially a live-to-tape production in 1977. Their touring garnered fans nation-wide. The following year when the album was released radio gave America what it was hoping for, rock theme songs such as “Runnin’ with the Devil” and “Feel Your Love Tonight.” But one song with heavy metal overtones lamented the hopes and dreams of a young girl in love.

Fans were intrigued by this melancholy tune with a dance beat which was released as a single just two months after the album was in the stores. Critics used the opportunity to  proclaim the band doomed to failure in the same way they declared an early end for British electric blues band Led Zeppelin. The song decries the power of lust tempered by the choice of reason and a personal letter not sent.

Saddest Songs of Rock and Roll – #36

by Lawrence J. J, Leonard

We have heard cries for help from little children who got their feelings hurt. Some pleas may have come from colleagues, peers or friends who needed money, more time to fix a problem, or even a little emotional support. It is not always easy to ask for someone to care about our issues much less a crisis. So, we live in fear that the one we ask will say ‘no.’

In 1970 Pete Townsend of the British rock band The Who was writing songs for the band’s fifth album. Pete was on tour with lead singer Roger Daltrey, bass player John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon in Denver, Colorado. Rumor has it that  Roger encountered a spiritual conflict as he turned down a romp with a groupie. He then went back to his hotel room alone. Because he followed the enlightenment teachings of Meher Baba, Roger wrote down his wishes to make himself a better person. The words called on the divine force to help him keep true to his beliefs.

When Pete heard about it, he collaborated with Roger on setting the experience to music. The two of them recorded a first version of the song at the Record Plant in New York in March, 1971. The band recorded a second version at Olympic Studios in London which took nearly three months to complete it. Sometimes we have to do something over and over until we get it right.

Back ward mask 001

by Lawrence J. J. Leonard

You can read this passage more easily by using a mirror.
The essence of truth and light cause all realms to be conquered.

Taller than the trees

by Lawrence J. J. Leonard

Night falls
upon the forest
yet every tree
is still.

The stars
highlight this motionless
thrill.

By this petition

by Lawrence J. J. Leonard

As the world is filled with wonder,
the Righteous Advocate will accomplish a new work.

It calls in the stillness.
Listen for the soft voice. What does it say?

Pre-recorded future

by Lawrence J. J. Leonard

Just when you are told your struggle there
has reached the time of victory,
that is your sign to prepare
for the worst days to come.

How God created the animals (maybe) – Part 1

by Lawrence J. J. Leonard

Please enjoy this holiday repartee between the Creator and the helpers.
Happy Holidays!

Alligator
G:  Take that rolling green log in the river and fill it with teeth.
Angels: What about eyesight?
G:  Give it two eyelids and uh , , ,  a tasty tail.

Profile of a Trump Supporter

This is another beautiful reason why I love New York
and the Republican patriots who live there.
Check out this thoughtful treatise on truth.

Just click on the “view original post” link, my friends . . .

BeautyBeyondBones

I was going to do a cheeky post on Taylor Swift or something, but…I just couldn’t. As much as I realllly didn’t want to write about the election, ignoring the state of our nation right now just didn’t sit well with me.

Scrolling through social media and watching the news today, there was definitely a tone. An overwhelming consensus of, almost arrogant disbelief in our country that manifested in highly divisive and passive aggressive comments.

A few highlights: written by my friends on Facebook or sent directly to me:

Trump supporters are “dumb, uneducated, delusional idiots pushing for change, regardless of what disaster may entail. This country is breeding ignorance.”

“If you voted for Trump, explain to me why your female, black, latino/a, LGBTQ+, and Muslim friends don’t matter to you.”

“Trump Supporters: racist, xenophobic, sexist, homophobic, misogynist clowns with an affinity for orange spray tans.”

“Wow. There are racist…

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