Reading is Better the Second Time Around

When I went to enter my review on Goodreads, I saw that I had read this book eight years ago.  I knew it was familiar but I didn't remember what was going to happen.  So I kept reading.

I like Brother Cadfael's mysteries.  I enjoy the twelfth century history.  The setting is England during the civil war between Stephen and Maud.

St. Peter's Fair happens once a year, and this time a murder is committed.  There's usually romance in the stories and this one is no exception.  Emma and Philip will live happily ever after.  Emma's uncle was the murdered victim.  But she has no reason to be unhappy, for long.

There's always a happy ending.  What's not to like?

Only Compete With Yourself

 There're others who are better at sports than you, or better at school, or better at cooking, or better ....  Why do we always have to compete with others? Everyone seems driven by competition.  I don't think this mentality is healthy.  Someone will always be better.  So what?  

Don't waste your time competing against a brother or anyone.  Just work at being your personal best; you can't do more than that.  Besides, competition is a very worldly activity.  What does it gain you to win a trophy, medal, or money, if you don't win the race to Jesus' home?  Mark 8: 36.

Russo's Mom

 "Elsewhere" by Richard Russo is a brutally honest review of his upbringing.  His mother is the center and his life, then his wife's, and finally his children's all are affected by her.  

    Nothing could satisfy his mother.  She wanted out of town but then she wanted to go back.  She wanted to work but every job was unsatisfactory.  She wanted friends but they weren't right for her.

    Through it all, Richard Russo did the best he could.  He had a life and family and tried to make it all work.  It was impossible.

    Later, after her death, he could see that she was mentally and emotionally ill.  It probably ran in the family.  At the time, however, going through it, you are caught up trying to keep afloat through the tumultuous cares of each day.  You do the best you can.  Many would have quit, but Russo isn't made that way.  He is lovingly loyal and has faith that all things pass and things will get better.  

     I see Russo in his fictitious characters.  I see Russo's hometown in his novels.  I see an acknowledgment of the reality of situations with hopeful eyes looking ahead.  

One Dot.

 

There are those that say that Jesus never said anything about:

Abortion,

Homosexuality,

War,

Etc.

Need to read Luke 16: 16.

…it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for dot of the law to become void.

Jesus does not negate the laws in the Old Testament, not even the minute details! 

Listening on O'Connell St.

 Speaking of listening, I wrote this after I thought about all the times I put things on the long finger..... And about some people I met along the way I like to call the yes people ((+:.......for those of you Stateside the clock referred to is on O'Connell St in Dublin where couples would meet for a date or night out....I might have been there once or twice back in the day ((+: Anyway, here it goes :

 LOUD AND CLEAR: 

listen, can you hear anything I say?
Or are you just nodding, hoping I'll go away?
I write I talk, I call on the phone
Telling you everything you need to know.
A few days later I call you back,
the first thing you say is,
Hey, " how's the craic " ? 

I go on a visit to see an old pal,
Say's he, " now if you need anything,
I'm your man" !
So I take a chance and ask for something,
Sure wouldn't you know,
it all turned into nothing. "

 See you under the clock around eight,"
one of the lads tells his mate,
She stands in the rain till almost nine,
ah, Jasus she thinks, " was it eight or nine??

 Hey, Mickey, sorry about your brother Blake,
I wished I made it to the wake.
Ah, you mustn't have listened to what I said,
 He's gone on a trip with Club Med!!!

 Missing and thinking of you all today
God's Peace, 

 Jazzer 

A Prisoner's Dream!

                                  A Prisoner's Dream! 

  

Yesterday I had a really nice email from my brother telling me about the funeral service for my mother at Glassnevin Cemetery back in Dublin Ireland. I was sad; I wasn't there once again for a very special occasion but then I thought about a poem I wrote years ago that reminded me of things we did together.....for those of you in the states.... The Church on the hill would be my local parish where I went many many time with her, she love The Mount and would tell me stories about it long before it was our parish Church of Mount Argus, you can check it out on the Google thing its a pretty cool place. Stephen's Green is also a place I went with her as a kid sometimes to feed the Ducks and Swans.....I think its easy to forget we were all innocent kids one time until someone is gone, but isn't in nice to remember the good times when that sadness comes your way!!

 O' how lonesome I feel when I'm far far from home, 

When nighttime comes found

 Its there that I roam.

 I see all the places 

Where my feet often trod

 Past the Church on the hill 

I gaze at the cross. "What's that there !" 

I say in my dream, As hundreds of people

 Stroll about Stephen's Green. 

Closer and closer, I can't make it out

 Just a minute, I can see it, its coming to me now. 

All of a sudden 

The lights flash on.

 I hear "Stand For Count" 

And my dreams are all gone! 

I open my eyes , as my feet hit the floor,

 Another night over

 I'm dreaming no more.

 Love and Prayers to you all 

God's Peace 

 (Jazzer)

    

Mt. Argus, Dublin, Ireland

         Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin, Ireland

God's Gifts are for Others

 This is really historical fiction.  Ta-Nehisi Coates was inspired by the real-life saga of William and Peter Still and their family.  It is written for the point of a slave, which is referred to as Tasked.  The slave owners were called Quality and their slaves were called the Tasked.  In "The Water Dancer," the main character is Hiram.  His mother was taken away when he was a child.  His father was the plantation owner. Eventually, Hiram was called up to live in the plantation house to be an influence on his owner's son.  This son is Hiram's brother.  Eventually, the Quality Son dies.  Hiram wants to run away to the Undergrown RailRoad.  How he does that is the plot and it's an exciting, harrowing,  and strange story.

    Hiram has special gifts, which the plot dances with, which really is the story. How Hiram works is worth learning.  It is different and enjoyable.