tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84729642630687662952024-03-13T01:10:36.516-04:00Amusing A MusingJoel Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06196650833735881418noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472964263068766295.post-86814762142727568902010-03-16T04:11:00.007-04:002010-03-17T05:06:32.418-04:00On Midnight Bike RidesMy favorite thing in life, right now, are midnight bike rides. I just finished another, my longest in years, and while two hours isn't very long, sometimes they seem to last forever. Sometimes, I'm glad that they last forever.<br /><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;">I should confess that I did, in fact, sin, tonight. Jesus told me that it was okay, and Karma still favors me because I shared my secret pier with a wandering couple. Though no words were spoken, I knew what was up, as did they. Because I own this neighborhood.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;">... I do.</div>I freaking own this place.<br /><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;">What's that like, you ask? Well, most nights, I'll weave back and forth, crossing doubled yellow lines, and I smile, knowing that it's just for me, when I pass flickering street lights, as they turn back on. This is usually right after I provide those vicious bunnies some entertainment. Occasionally, I'll even pedal with no hands, toss my head back and embrace the skies with open arms, as I pray that I'm not writing a sequel for "City of Angels".</div><br />I also frequent Sherwood's forest, I'm always curious to where the people on Roanoke have disappeared, and I frequently pass cop cars like it's nothing.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;">Okay, that's a lie.</div><br />They pass me. However, as they do, I wish -- I pray -- that they'd stop me. They don't, of course, because I own these streets.<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">. . . . . . . . . . .</div><br /><div style="text-align: right;">Of course, there's reason for my ride. There's just something so peaceful in the stars; something so reminiscent of the belonging that one will experience as she burrows herself into her bed at night. These stars, they tell me where I've been and where I'm going. Their stories are my stories. The moon's reflection, on my lake, it hints of another world where I can be anyone that I want to be, and I wonder if my reflected self might want the same.</div><div><br /></div>I take part in this timeless ceremony with little more than a grin and watch as two become one, and that one becomes me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;">Tonight, as that Karma giving couple left, a thought and a friend remained. "Nothing is more natural than the moment, and the recognition and appreciation of what is." Contentment was there, a closer friend today, than yesterday.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">He's been coming around more, as he finds me wanting no more than he can give. See, his home is in the moment and his doormat says, "Aloha", which is appropriate, I think, as it serves both my greeting and farewell. The doorway to his home, it is a gateless gate, one that I enter, finding everything at once and a crossroads to and from eternity.</div><br /><div style="text-align: right;">Tonight, we sat together and knew that, tomorrow, the ceremony would continue. So, I left that moment, as I'll leave this one now, breathing in deeply... pedaling, both to and from my pier.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;">Dum Spiro Spero</div></div>Joel Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06196650833735881418noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472964263068766295.post-37038995133662065272010-03-15T05:10:00.006-04:002010-08-06T01:05:12.249-04:00On WinterWinter is such a peculiar season. As much as I love the sullen, dreary days that it brings, the days are often filled with an empty sensation, a necessary evil that ripens the soul.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;">Every season has a such a way of affecting me, and like biting arrows, Winter's wind and her never subtle, poisonous reminder of timing will always penetrate my every layer. No winter has ever found itself the exception, even in a state of perpetual sunshine. I may ignore her for as long as I can, but I am no stranger to the stillness and the quiet nights of a time, where even the most formidable of beasts seek comfort.</div><br />It is a time for reflection and a time for sowing. Reminders of yesterday are coupled with reminders of tomorrow, and together, they impregnate today with promise and possibility. For Spring will come, Summer will follow and I will find my color with the maples and the poplars of Autumn.<br /><br /><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I will be the scene that I've promised to make.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">. . . . . . . . . . .</div><br />So very mad is the restless heart of a vagabond! Hidden behind a stoic facade and his wind battered face, there is a fervor that burns, burns, burns. It grows in intensity and in hope for tomorrow, for adventure and a story, making him "mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time..."<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;">But, today? Today, he dreams and he writes. He writes his scene, finding purpose in the day, for it brings forth tomorrow. The seeds that he plants and the labor he bears; the cold, winter days that he endures in the process, they serve and remind him of the potential of an open road.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div>His feet itch, all too often. They are insufferable and he dreams unceasingly of letting go, having the current take him wherever it may; for yellow bricked roads and another blank page to govern.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">. . . . . . . . . . .</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;">Momentum is such a difficult thing to find in the cold, dark days of winter, but my journey is light. I carry nothing more than my pen and paper, maple seeds and soil, my dreams and routine. I want -- rather, I need -- to know and to be Love, to experience a life of change that can fill the many pages that I'll write.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Life and Death.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The New and the Old.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ebbing seas of Pain, Joy, Bliss and Sorrow.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Contentment.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;">... all these things, I want pouring from my heart and dripping from my pen, as I write letters full of stories and send them to everyone.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I mean, there's just no room to hold onto anything else.</div></div>Joel Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06196650833735881418noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472964263068766295.post-39220251841009913152010-02-20T16:03:00.007-05:002010-08-11T16:43:05.083-04:00The Natural FlowMy imagination is so...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">limitless</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Left to it's own, it's power can leave cities in crumbles and worlds torn apart. Focused and aware, it brings forth life in the most violent of manners, not unlike that Creativity that births everything that is and will be.<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">There is this one thing in life, controllable and manipulated: Awareness.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><br /></div>Our thoughts, our hopes, our wants and desires, our fears, our insecurities, everything -- mothers of action, their children receive all of the attention.<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">The present is all that we touch and all that we know. The future will always be the future, an untouchable creature dressed in all that we crave.</div><br /><br />I find Direction, here, at the center of the universe:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">Heaven does not strive, and yet it overcomes.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">It does not speak, and yet is answered.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">It does not ask, yet is supplied with all its needs.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">It seems to have no aim and yet its purpose is fulfilled.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">It is natural for things to unfold as they should. Always.</div><br /><br />Lost in translation, I grasp at everything but my awareness, destroying cities and tearing worlds apart in the process. I am the Creator of this confusion, this pain. I turn around to find the past running off, having raped my present, and as I turn to see him, it is myself that I find running away.<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">I act when the world is ruled by letting things take their course. It cannot be ruled by interfering. When nothing is done, nothing is left undone... and so I wait, pregnant but not expecting, enjoying the mystery and being always surprised.</div>Joel Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06196650833735881418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472964263068766295.post-38919621523308607072009-10-08T04:50:00.003-04:002009-10-13T03:27:54.837-04:00Invisble Dogs...I'd imagine that relatively few people have heard of "Improv Everywhere" but let me just say that those who haven't are missing out. These people create scenes of chaos and joy in public places... Aka: the most wonderful idea ever.<div><br /></div><div>Some of their events have hundreds of people freezing or going in slow motion at the exact same time. Others have people riding subways with no pants. There is one where a simple Little League game turned into a near World Series experience as dozens of cheering "fans" showed up for each team. Concessioners passed out popcorn, programs with full rosters were handed out, professional videotaping came into play and a truck with a jumbotron came to display two live broadcasters for the game. Did I mention the mascots, the blimp, and that neither the teams nor the parents knew it was coming? Ridiculous!<div><br /></div><div>I found myself completely in raptures while perusing their website. There are lots of videos and each are ridiculous. Their most recent venture involved "invisible dog leashes" and more than 2,000 people walked around this small portion of their city for an hour with leashes attached to no dog... The videos with large masses of people are my favorites. The ruckus that this must cause has to be nothing short of amazing, as so many bystanders watch hoards of other people do something so unexpected at the same time. It's crazy, it's silly, it's awkward and I love it!</div><div><br /></div><div>That being said, here's a video of "Invisible Dogs":</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/i9iq9gdeIE4&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/i9iq9gdeIE4&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object></div>Joel Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06196650833735881418noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472964263068766295.post-48888688561103516072009-01-02T22:19:00.000-05:002009-01-05T03:25:19.940-05:00On Eating My Peas...Yeah, I had resolutions for 2008. Not many, but enough to give me a little push. Here they are and how they went...<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Run 500 miles: I ran 345... but more than I've ever done in a year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Learn Spanish: Rosetta Stone helped out a little on this one, but just a little.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Okay, so I can't remember my third one, just that I had it...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Anyway, a friend of mine recently commented that many people tend to believe, each New Years, that our lives will mysteriously change and life will suddenly be different. A conservative observation but a valid one... I mean, why not be content with who you are? It is a fresh beginning but most people <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">do</span> fail to live up to their resolutions. Look at me! Me llamo Joel. I can't even <span class="Apple-style-span" style="">remember</span> my last one!</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, I admire resolutions and those who make them. To be honest, I think they make a huge difference. Some may consider them wishful thinking, but they seem to me, much closer to prayer. Eisenhower said, that "In preparing[...] I have found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable." I love that, because what matters most is not that we change the world but that we change ourselves. We may not find the outcome to match our ideal but it's in those moments that we explore our selves that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">we</span> are changed, a little here and a little there... enough to matter and to make a difference.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, with that, here are my simple resolutions for 2009:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Run 1000 miles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Read 12 books of my choosing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Remember my third resolution...</div>Joel Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06196650833735881418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472964263068766295.post-41491976165198160962008-12-30T05:33:00.000-05:002008-12-30T22:51:26.762-05:00A Wrinkly Dinky Dee, Dinky Do...<div>Some of my friends have said that I act like an old man. That's probably true. I can't wait until I'm old. Sometimes I wonder about what kind of old man I'll be. The coolest grandpa, for sure. I also can't wait until my ears droop this low.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6vIrgI6QPgt0bn6XM9R_L4my36mMxiv2n-5z01HJMP_66oQ1vZXOGfsO_FJ2GNwDBK4Cp19Pgjd6NLu6VBvfXmJcZnHHHTTdfjnXMLYjZBLuxy8-b6eK0NDyXZoJMg-obvMJ0fOkr8k/s1600-h/1029reilly.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6vIrgI6QPgt0bn6XM9R_L4my36mMxiv2n-5z01HJMP_66oQ1vZXOGfsO_FJ2GNwDBK4Cp19Pgjd6NLu6VBvfXmJcZnHHHTTdfjnXMLYjZBLuxy8-b6eK0NDyXZoJMg-obvMJ0fOkr8k/s400/1029reilly.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285792580366913490" /></a><div><br /></div>"Age imprints more wrinkles in the mind than it does on the face..." So says Montaigne, anyway, speaking of the wisdom in growing old and how we are all moving toward our perfection and decay. But for some odd reason, here I am, looking forward to both.Joel Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06196650833735881418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472964263068766295.post-22901316786946272162008-10-25T04:56:00.000-04:002008-11-04T03:10:08.402-05:00So there I was...<div>I'd have sworn that it was deja vu all over again. After all, it happens every year and Walmart just so happens to be where I buy a lot of groceries. Anyway, a Walmart run isn't a Walmart run unless it's with your friends at 2 AM. It's just better that way. With the Supercenter to ourselves, I took the liberty to do my shopping in one of those 3 mile-per-hour motor carts, with comfy seat and basket. My brother and Daniel could have walked faster but we all tend to shuffle our feet in true slacker form so I kept up well.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My typical routine for shopping involves starting in the back, then working my way forward. So off I rode, on the way, picking up my leg and crossing it as if it really didn't work. There was one moment that I was very tempted to ask a worker to grab something for me off the top shelf... but I chickened out, just laughing at the idea. When I finally reached the back and passed the eggs and juice, I headed for the milk and suddenly without warning, a glimpse of heaven caught my eye! Could it be, so early in the season? I was nearly giddy with excitement and little could contain it. There, behind the hand smudged door to the refrigerator, sat bottle after bottle after bottle of cold, creamy, delicious egg nog!</div><div><br /></div><div>Needless to say, I bought some... as did my brother and we all drove home happy and excited, reminded of the coming Christmas season.</div>Joel Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06196650833735881418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472964263068766295.post-38316614385389113812008-10-20T18:58:00.000-04:002008-11-04T03:12:46.957-05:00It's the Season for Falling...<div>So, I recently signed up for eHarmony... and don't hate. I did it for the personality profile. It's a good one, measuring 29 dimensions of compatibility! Anyway, it asked me what three things I'm most thankful for and being my typical indecisive self, I took an hour to decide.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>First on my list: Autumn and the change it represents. I know... It sounds so romantic and deep, right? I couldn't help myself. Seriously though? This is my absolute favorite season. I love this season more than any other season, as it flirts with me, seductively blowing that chilly air in my ear... And all week long, I've worn light jackets and sweaters. The past two days? Overcast, little to no rain, and need I say perfect?</div><div><br /></div><div>Perfect!</div><div><br /></div><div>It's late but it's finally fall and I feel that I'm falling in love, with life and everything in it. If the environment really does set my mood, maybe I'll just have to move up north again...</div>Joel Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06196650833735881418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472964263068766295.post-86692363730503988292008-10-14T03:46:00.000-04:002008-12-30T22:44:16.133-05:00My Second Rhyme<div style="text-align: center;">What can be said of these feelings inside?<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Born out of Beauty, chasing the night<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Feelings of wonder, of love, and of hope,<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But also of how I’ve adopted my rope<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bound to my fear, I’ve continued to be<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">No worse than before, still yet to live free<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This someone in me, I’m hoping will bear<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">More wanting to know, to relate, and to dare<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I want to step out, this time, to succeed,<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If not to gain these, then only to bleed.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Joel Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06196650833735881418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472964263068766295.post-76066103773415424492008-08-09T02:55:00.000-04:002008-08-09T04:09:20.130-04:00On Breaking Up With My Seasonal Girl<div>Lately, I've been getting that feeling that milestones are coming to an end, excitement is in the air, and Dick Clark is just around the corner. So, I've prepared myself to give a New Years kiss goodbye to my seasonal girl.</div><div><br /></div>Summer's way too hot for me anyway. And being so, I know she'd leave me soon. Actually, for once, I'd like to up and leave <i>her</i>. If you ask me, I think she's noticed too... Because she seems to stick around longer nowadays, like the half of certain relationships that wants to feel wanted, that needs to feel needed, and takes it too far to get some attention. So she stays a little longer and a little longer and it's suffocating.<div><br /></div><div>As a man who loves cycles, it does happen to be this time of year that feels most like New Years with its confetti made of falling leaves and textbook receipts. Summer is fun, don't get me wrong. Even when we're doing nothing, I enjoy it but I need a change. I need a change for camp-side moods, coats with hoods, and turkey-pumpkin-winter foods. You know? A change for Starbucks runs, college fun, and Bama football run-and-guns. For things that Summer barely knows and places that she rarely goes... but how do I tell her that?</div><div><br /></div><div>It's not you, it's me?</div>Joel Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06196650833735881418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472964263068766295.post-53912628668812349992008-08-01T18:28:00.000-04:002008-11-24T04:40:13.215-05:00On Today's Decrease Of ManlinessSo, today I decided to take my dad's motorcycle for a drive. I'm not unfamiliar with driving a motorcycle but his is bigger than I'm used to driving. I took it easy at first but, being adventurous, it didn't take long before I decided to hit the main streets of Evergreen, Alabama!<div><br /></div><div>On second thought, maybe I shouldn't have.</div><div><br /></div><div>I stalled numerous times in front of countless people, burnt my leg on the exhaust and almost laid down the bike in front of an older man cutting his grass. That's almost as embarrassing as when I had to push the bike out of the way of an oncoming truck. At one moment, as I approached a stop sign, I stalled out but played it super cool. A few young construction workers said "Hey!" and "What's up, dude?" and, to feign any problems I had, I quickly shifted gears, restarted, and drove off... feeling like it was smooth but deep down knowing that today was so unmanly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah, funny but so embarrassing.</div>Joel Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06196650833735881418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472964263068766295.post-17638533816737404992008-07-17T16:18:00.000-04:002008-07-18T00:24:05.341-04:00On Who I'd Want to Be...I found in my email, that my dad sent me a quote of the day. He knows that one day I'd like to teach. His note said this:<br /><br />"The best teacher is the one who suggests rather than dogmatizes, and inspires his listener with the wish to teach himself."<br />~ Edward Bulwer-Lytton<br /><br />I love that. You know... He's taught me well too, my dad. He really is an example I'd want to become. Yesterday was his birthday and, as we met for lunch, my grandmother reminded me of a note she passed to me during church a few days ago. We were sitting in a Sunday school class that my Dad teaches and she couldn't get over how much he reminded her of her own father, Papa McGraw. Here he was, showing that he'd become the great example she would have hoped he would. One that her father shared. One that inspires me to teach myself and also to become that sort of teacher.<br /><br />I hope that I do become that teacher, if not just that sort of father.Joel Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06196650833735881418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472964263068766295.post-68087318729596061612008-07-16T23:44:00.001-04:002010-03-07T13:34:35.217-05:00On Eating Books and Chips for DinnerI love PostSecret. Those who send in their secrets never cease to amaze me with their honesty. While many show the serious side of life and learning, other secrets admit some really funny and unusual behavior. Prime example:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyM6Dralae90V59p3sjf2seISfEJ4Vda77L5EnZyyUP_AaSYH_Idj57G9SE6r7ko47GSfr5IVXPuGZ-Rd0E5WoHNcWyZJ6kPzFFqH2Cfwi8h00cOyWALSMNFL-r0NK7TqWEawTF_-ejjY/s1600-h/eat.jpg"><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyM6Dralae90V59p3sjf2seISfEJ4Vda77L5EnZyyUP_AaSYH_Idj57G9SE6r7ko47GSfr5IVXPuGZ-Rd0E5WoHNcWyZJ6kPzFFqH2Cfwi8h00cOyWALSMNFL-r0NK7TqWEawTF_-ejjY/s320/eat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223834274048168914" border="0" /></a><br />It's SO bizarre that I find myself wanting to start doing it! I can't help but picture myself in my room, all alone, finishing a book and then actually considering it. I'd probably get hysterical just for thinking it. Then, to actually do it, I can't imagine how crazy I would feel! I'd probably feel pretty ridiculous... but then again, in the end, wouldn't that be the point? To feel, to experience, no matter how absurd, little things that no one else might understand...Joel Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06196650833735881418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472964263068766295.post-18585500332101860332008-06-17T15:13:00.000-04:002008-07-01T03:13:27.120-04:00On Living in the PastI've done a lot of traveling lately. I'd guess I've spent about 100 hours on the road just in the past month. School trips for history's sake, road trips with family, and bus rides to reunite with old friends have made this past month one to remember, and to remember. In all of the traveling, it would appear that for every destination, I haven't been able to avoid that one scenic route we all love to visit: Memory Lane.<br /><br />It seems longer than I remember. Also, as much as I cherish my return it's a little difficult to drive on. My conservative soul is sensitive and so change can be hard. I really consider myself fortunate to have the experiences I've had and the friends who have come and gone. They make it easy to pass through life wishful that some things will never change.<br /><br />But oh how they do! It's funny to me how the things I love the most change more often than anything else. I don't know why. Friends move away, family members age, and opportunities to do the things I've wanted seem to slowly disappear. They remind me to take greater advantage of the present, to enjoy the moment, and in that respect, live more fully.Joel Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06196650833735881418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472964263068766295.post-61135222694768084802008-05-28T18:44:00.000-04:002008-05-28T17:10:01.756-04:00On Dreams and Perspective...I've found that I love writing letters, on life and love and sometimes God. With it, I become more familiar with the Book we're all reading and writing. My friend and I have spent a little time thinking about dreaming recently and written each other on the topic. I found it interesting as my favorite questions are "Why" questions and our discussion dealt with why we dream.<br /><br />Two notions were made. First was that we dream because God gives us dreaming for learning, particularly about ourselves. Second was the notion that, while we dream, we instead are the active creators of that dream, acting in whatever manner we wish. Suggesting that it's one or the other, created a problem from where exactly dreams originate.<br /><br />Despite the contradiction, I believe they paradoxically fit together. I think it's a matter of perspective, one no more right than the other. Any 4th grader is familiar with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd person pronouns. 1st person referring to "the person who is speaking" (I, me, we). 2nd person refers to "the person who is spoken to" (you and yours). Finally, 3rd person refers to the person or thing being spoken about (he, they, it).<br /><br />I find a better understanding of our problem by applying this approach to spirit and the source of our dreaming...<br /><br />For example, spirit in 1p is the Great I, the Maha-atman, the Overmind, Christ <i>in</i> me - the very Witness within ourselves of this and every moment. Spirit in 2p is the Great You or the all-giving God before whom I surrender in love and devotion, understanding my lack of self-sufficiency. Spirit in 3p is the Great It, the Great Web of life and existence, Gaia, the sense of spirit and energy being in all nature, in all matter, in all of creation.<br /><br />Most people are comfortable with one of these faces of spirit (or of God) but find trouble acknowledging the others. I have grown up in an environment which is very comfortable with spirit in 2nd person. These theistic traditions of which I'm accustomed have long had trouble coming to grips with spirit in 1st person. Until recently, I did too. If anything, now I have a harder time holding on to my appreciation of spirit in 2nd person.<br /><br />Whether we are the creators of our dreams or if God gives them to us, in my opinion our problem can't be answered one way or the other. They are both correct, none more right than its counterparts. Being the Creator, we see the source in 1st person. Receiving from the Creator, we see the source in 2nd person. I think if any choice is best here, it is the choice of acknowledging both rather than just the one of preference.<br /><br />In general, not only with dreams, approaching the topic of God seems best done while integrating all three of these aspects. One might have their preference but I think it's healthier to balance one's understanding with them all.Joel Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06196650833735881418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472964263068766295.post-12161665540940542352008-05-17T00:33:00.000-04:002008-05-17T00:37:42.082-04:00On My Hypocrisy...For some odd reason, there are times I feel like a hypocrite. Yet, it's not like one might expect. I don't find myself doing wrong, all the while acting like I'm perfect. I don't do one thing and say another, giving the impression that I'm better than I am. It's the other way around.<br /><br />I am perfect... I just act like I'm not.Joel Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06196650833735881418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472964263068766295.post-62478423987862368862008-05-14T00:44:00.000-04:002008-07-01T00:05:52.406-04:00On Procrastination...I'm learning to embrace my procrastination lately and it's a beautiful thing. No more worries of trying to become someone I'm not... No more empty promises to myself of getting work done early... No more wishful thinking that someday this may change... as if my character depended on it.<br /><br /><br /><i>I am a procrastinator...</i> and so what?<br /><br />Why is that a bad thing?<br /><br /><br />Procrastination gives me the freedom and time to nurture my creative side and don't forget about how good I've become at handling pressure. Numerous all-night dates with caffeine and textbooks, not to mention Wikipedia, writing paper after paper have made me one lean, mean, stress-fighting machine. I can handle some pressure.<br /><br />Laziness is another thing, albeit I can be lazy. If it's for someone else, I'll do it now. That's a matter of reliability and my character <i>does</i> depend upon that.<br /><br />Even if I did plan out my schedule, in order that I got my work done early, I still wouldn't do anything better with the time I had saved. I'd stay up watching <i>Scrubs</i> or hang out with a friend. Even now, I could be sleeping because I have a meeting at nine. But, when would I ever write this? <i>Would</i> I ever write this? Would I ever write <i>this?</i><br /><br />I'm serious, you know? I really do think it's a good thing, this procrastination of mine. It has its good fruit. I think it's somewhat beautiful too, because it's rare, to recognize that aspect of my self and accept it when so many would rather me be rid of it.<br /><br />And so... My name is Joel Williams... and... I'm a procrastinator. But, you know what? I'm not staying for the meeting.Joel Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06196650833735881418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472964263068766295.post-39892566460064281412008-04-05T21:55:00.000-04:002008-07-01T00:06:39.479-04:00On the Virtue of AlcoholI have many friends who drink, who like sipping back on grandpa's old cough medicine if you will, and they will. It's a little something to make them feel good. Whatever. Serving as the universal designated driver over the past few years, I've done a good bit of observing. I've seen some crazy things that make for crazy stories and things I hate but there are little things I really do like.<br /><br />For instance, there's the guy who thinks he can dance but can't really. Then there's how everybody loves each other. Of course, sometimes that love can be a little too strong and babies are made or cold sores given... People need to control it. Be temperate. However, the way some get more excited or others get more mellow, how either way they're much more sociable, the way people act in ways they rarely do but would more often if only they were more comfortable being themselves. Who can't like that?<br /><br />Is that weird? Enjoying the beauty in it all when many might condescend the behavior? It is bad for you. I know. It has too many calories... but seriously. It's not that bad...Joel Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06196650833735881418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472964263068766295.post-83132751760444576872008-03-17T19:36:00.000-04:002008-12-13T08:07:58.512-05:00On Becoming a Spanish RunnerLately I've felt more present and here in the moment than I have in quite some time. It's weird. Many people talk about trying to live this way more often, not being as distracted on the past or the future, but I haven't really tried at all. It's just sort of happened.<br /><br />Jokingly earlier today, Kirk said "Hey, new man" as if he's noticed a change...<br /><br />Is it really that noticeable though?<br /><br /> One of my New Years resolutions was to learn Spanish... Los hombres y un perro!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_9c7uj3z0PjSGj9Kbxu-1iNz5kYoqhUm1tfxpMHlG7yPWfJSWs6uFTp1U5C-46-y0U1bXdoXLJEVBxmmnvp2KganMuIhSu8ThuXrzdZrCEsyIJPVTk4FzacdB82j5QMhCRoNkWT8yWI/s1600-h/los+hombres+y+un+perro.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_9c7uj3z0PjSGj9Kbxu-1iNz5kYoqhUm1tfxpMHlG7yPWfJSWs6uFTp1U5C-46-y0U1bXdoXLJEVBxmmnvp2KganMuIhSu8ThuXrzdZrCEsyIJPVTk4FzacdB82j5QMhCRoNkWT8yWI/s320/los+hombres+y+un+perro.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178872697486714338" border="0" /></a><br />So, I have a lot more to learn... Whatever.<br /><br />Another resolution was to run 500 miles this year and while I had a dismal 33 going though the 5th of this month, I've since doubled it. I feel many of my relationships are closer and I'm getting school work done earlier. Things I tend to put off, in every area of my life, I do now. It's odd because my life defines procrastination but now, over the course of a month, I've become more determined than I've been since I don't know when.<br /><br />Back to Kirk Carey... Vice President of SBLC and my personal dish washer... he also told me that I'm more myself now than I've ever been and you know what? I like that. I like it a lot actually.Joel Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06196650833735881418noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472964263068766295.post-74238834661179212442008-02-27T02:35:00.000-05:002008-02-27T03:29:18.274-05:00Beginnings...I've always had a love for quality time, especially with myself. However, I've recently recognized a significant difference in the amount of time I spend alone. At one time, I was quite independent and gave a lot of my time to writing and reflecting on life. I don't seem to do either nearly as much these days.<br /><br />Maybe I just don't remember reflecting because I stopped writing...<br /><br />Regardless, I can't say I like either too much so I've decided to return to blogging, an old flame of mine. It appears to me that as personal growth increases, it cycles through stages, alternating its focus on collective or individual aspects. Perhaps my shift of focus is a sign of growth! If so, it's a welcome one. If not, well... whatever. Blogging should entertain me nonetheless.Joel Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06196650833735881418noreply@blogger.com0