Ale for the Soul

In the six years I have lived in Fort Worth, I have been a frequent regular at two places: Einstein Bros. Bagels near TCU, and Buon Giorno on the southwestern edge of downtown.  Both of these coffee shops, as I like to call them, have become places of fellowship and a reprieve from the hectic day-to-day demands of life.  Each place offers food and coffee-based beverages made to order.  The crowd who usually hangs-out at these places are starkly different from another.  In fact, I commonly find new people to meet, as well as acquaintances I see from time to time.  Most are ones I know from the shops, but others are people I know from around town.  They must have the same attraction to these restaurants as I do.  Or if I'm in the mood to simply read undisturbed, I can sit in an obscure corner to pursue my own endeavors.  Fun times and memorable moments can be had at both places.  For the Einstein Bros. Bagels, it is typical of a place near a major university dotted with people dilige

Did you know the national tree of the United States is the oak tree?  I didn't!  Daily I receive in my Yahoo account an email from Trivia Today celebrating events which took place on this day in history, among other such notable occurrences.  Of course there are holidays dedicated to tree planting, conservation, trash and litter pick-up, and so on, but today is the day people celebrate trees.  Most everyone may have some inkling of the importance of trees and the various functions they serve in the environment.  For example, during the day trees "breathe" in carbon dioxide and release oxygen in to the environment.  (At night, trees actually transition over to breathing in oxygen and release carbon dioxide.)  To plant a tree(s) helps to prevent or retard soil erosion.  Also, planting trees near buildings lowers the energy cost of cooling/heating a building during the appropriate season.  There are many benefits of planting a tree.  For me, it is the satisfaction of helping

Last week the nation of Germany celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Beer Purity Laws.  What a feat in having such a law on the books!  To keep the law's explanation simple, it simply states beer can only be made by four ingredients: hops, barley, water, and yeast.  Over the last few years, advocates critical of the laws have raised concerns it impedes innovation in brewing, especially in considering the rise of such novelties as craft beer.  I disagree, maybe because I hadn't ever found a craft beer worth drinking more than a few times every so often.  Don't misunderstand me, there are some great craft beers out there, but I am a very loyal follower of what I like and enjoy.  (Keep in mind I am almost ten years sober, abstinent from the consumption of alcohol.  However, enjoying a great beer is something to become passionate about.  Even though I do not drink anymore, I still reminisce about the good ol' times of drinking with friends.)  A few of my favorite beers,

This afternoon at 1:30 p.m., I got a jump start on enjoying a three-day weekend.  I was quick to take advantage of the time by loading the bicycle on to the rack of the truck for a soon to be bicycle ride.  The desire for adventure took me to a city park I have never been too.  It is located on Bryant Irvin Road in Fort Worth, and is called River Park.  As you might deduce by the name, it is located along a portion of the Trinity River and the Trinity Trail.  The actual park is very small, but the Trinity Trail runs alongside great lengths of the Trinity River.  Yes, the same river which cuts through most of Fort Worth and beyond.  I wasn't out for very long, maybe thirty to forty-five minutes as the weather was getting hot, but I had a blast.  Of course I took a lot of pictures.  Then I visited a cemetery located about a block and a half away from the park.  If you've been reading my blog for any amount of time, you will recall I am a cemetery junkie.  This is due to the histo

**Since it is difficult to "read" a poem on a website, I at least wanted to post a few poems I really liked.  Hope you enjoy!** To me, fair friend, you never can be old, For as you were when first your eye I ey’d, Such seems your beauty still. Three winters cold, Have from the forests shook three summers’ pride, Three beauteous springs to yellow autumn turn’d, In process of the seasons have I seen, Three April perfumes in three hot Junes burn’d, Since first I saw you fresh, which yet are green. Ah! yet doth beauty like a dial-hand, Steal from his figure, and no pace perceiv’d; So your sweet hue, which methinks still doth stand, Hath motion, and mine eye may be deceiv’d: For fear of which, hear this thou age unbred: Ere you were born was beauty’s summer dead. William Shakespeare Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,  And sorry I could not travel both  And be one traveler, long I stood  And looked down one as far as I could  To where it bent in the undergrowth; 

Don't wish it away Don't look at it like it's forever Between you and me I could honestly say That things can only get better And while I'm away Dust out the demons inside And it won't be long before you and me run To the place in our hearts where we hide And I guess that's why they call it the blues Time on my hands could be time spent with you Laughing like children, living like lovers Rolling like thunder under the covers And I guess that's why they call it the blues Just stare into space Picture my face in your hands Live for each second without hesitation And never forget I'm your man Wait on me girl Cry in the night if it helps But more than ever I simply love you More than I love life itself And I guess that's why they call it the blues Time on my hands could be time spent with you Laughing like children, living like lovers Rolling like thunder under the covers And I guess that's why they call it the blues Wait on

If my life were written in book form, mine would leap off the pages as one story would quickly unfold only to give way to another without breaking the repetitive cycle.  An old proverb states truth is stranger than fiction, and I can definitely attest to the integrity of the statement.  Some of my life stories are the stuff of legend among my closest friends, many of whom have known me in excess of fifteen and twenty years.  Some of the events have a very dark side to them, and weren't very funny in the midst of living through them.  But in hindsight, I have learned to laugh by re-telling the story for the amusement of all concerned.  Of course a little elaboration is in order, but who hasn't caught that four foot bass when it was really only four inches.  The fact is...you caught the fish.  Get my point?  The purpose of the day is to tell a story, but how can I when most of the stories are intricately intertwined?  However, one memory comes to mind.  Upon taking my very first

John James Audubon, and the people who are of the same ilk as he, had a remarkable life.  He walked in the footsteps of other great naturalists and outdoors-men, as well as set the standard and pace for those who followed.  Certainly I won't recount his entire biography, but I will mention his love for the study of birds.  The five dollar word for this is ornithology.  What I love about people like this, especially about Audubon, is his determination to follow his passions in life.  Occasionally I'll see someone get really excited about an event in their life and then promptly apologize for acting in such a childish manner.  What are you talking about?!  Get excited!  A person's passions and the burning desire of one's soul is what makes us who we are.  Don't ever apologize or act embarrassed about getting excited when it comes to what we love and pursue.  Act like a kid if you have too.  Jump up and down!  Have we as humanity at-large become too sophisticated we ca

The common populace, the "average Joe" running around on earth, may or may not realize we live in a world in which there is a cultural battle of ideas waging around us.  This battle is more spiritual in nature than most think or give credit for, but the ramifications are played out in how one behaves as a result of what his or her foundational premises for life are.  In other words, what the Bible clearly states is so true, "...for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart." and "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he."  These axioms are very true and essential to understanding human nature.  They are also the truth, for truth doesn't have to be believed for it to remain the truth.  To take it to its logical end, the thought thread also leads me to state: God is God, reigning supremely on his throne, whether or not you and I believe in Him.  He doesn't cease to exist simply because I ignore Him.  Everything emanates from the Creator of the un

Life is full of transition, whether good or bad.  Right now I'm sitting in my apartment on a Monday morning wondering what I'm doing with a sudden day off from the job.  In the course of moving from merchandiser to trainer, both Monday stores and one Tuesday store have been reassigned to another employee.  Hmm?!  I suppose that's okay in view of the bigger picture, but in the meantime I have the responsibility of supporting myself through earning income.  Losing today's shift doesn't help any.  Is it bad I'm already thinking I made a mistake about this trainer position and have thoughts of looking for another form of employment?  Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself in understanding the situation.  Over the course of the forty-two years I have spent on this earth, with God in charge, life has always worked out for His glory and worship.  Some of the transitory seasons of my life have been very hairy and nerve-wracking.  Others have been times of excitement as I

Yes, today is Earth Day!  Personally I believe everyday ought to be Earth Day.  Recently the Keep Fort Worth Beautiful agency, a division of the city, held a city-wide litter collection drive.  In a few more days and/or weeks, the Trinity River trash pick-up will be held as well.  Even though I haven't officially participated in these activities for quite some time, I do manage to get out at least once a week to pick up litter and trash around the apartment complex and surrounding neighborhood.  It is appalling at how nonchalantly people trash their environment.  This is testimony as to the disposable society we live in: trash, tires, electronics, and the stretch isn't as much as you think...abortion.  People are so inconvenienced by their own personal responsibility, they act savagely and wonder why this nation is in the state of decay it is presently experiencing.  Not only do I think littering should be penalized harshly, but also believe recycling should become mandatory.  

Earlier this week, my direct supervisor asked if I was still interested in becoming a trainer with the company (TNG).  Of course I said yes, but only later did I give it any thought.  This is a blessing from God as the added responsibility will advance other future opportunities.  However, one of the thoughts rambling around in my brain was, "How long before I get bored of training and wish I was doing something else?"  For the most part, I've always known what I wanted out of life, especially in regard to a career, and how life should have unfolded according to the vision I cast.  But guess what, this still ain't it!!  I'm simply blowing in the wind, catching a few breaks here and there, and marking time till the day I get to shake off this disappointing world for the everlasting joy of Heaven with God.  Often I think of the parable of the talents in the Gospel of Matthew.  What troubles me is how harshly God acted in dealing with the servant who hid his talents

I was sure glad to see this holiday.  Maybe the month of April wanted its own piece of bicycle glory as a precursor to the Bicycle Awareness Month of May.  Whatever the case may be, I don't believe the benefits and fun of bicycling can ever be overstated or exhausted.  Granted, I don't ride my bicycle like I formerly did years ago upon moving to Fort Worth, but I still enjoy the recreation and exercise of a weekly ride through the public streets and city parks.  Once May approaches, I'll touch on the many laws concerning and benefits of riding a bicycle.  For now I'll simply encourage all my readers to try getting back in to the rhythm of the sport.  Personally I find bicycling one of the easier sports to undertake, unless, of course, it is for competition.  Then the training is intense.  In addition, the benefit of the outdoors and fresh air can not be compared.  Now that I have a bicycle rack on my vehicle, I also plan to take the bike with me on future camping trips.

Beginning last Thursday, April 14th, the Main Street Arts Festival is back in full swing this year.  I should say was in full swing as today's rain cancelled the last day of festivities.  It was a good thing my scheduled allowed me to enjoy the event for most of the afternoon yesterday.  The lazy part of my personality almost pushed me to postpone enjoying the event till today.  It's a good thing I didn't as I would have been disappointment and ticked at myself for not getting off my lazy butt to do so.  In still learning how to operate my new Apple IPhone, I accidentally deleted a few of the handful of pictures I took while passing by the art exhibits and vendor booths.  That's okay as I still have a few remaining, which I will post at the bottom of this entry.  Surprisingly I also ran in to a few people I knew as I walked the streets of Fort Worth.  To top off the afternoon, I enjoyed smoking a cigar at the smoke shop, as well as listening to the Fort Worth Symphony

Jude,  a servant of Jesus Christ  and a brother of James, t o those who have been called,  who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: m ercy, peace  and love be yours in abundance.    Dear friends,  although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share,  I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend  for the faith  that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.    For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you.  They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.    Though you already know all this,  I want to remind you  that the Lord   at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe.     And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgme

Sorrow is a lonely feeling Unsettled is a painful place I've lived with both For far too long now Since we've parted ways I've been wrestling With my conscience And I found myself to blame If there's to be any resolution I've got to peel my pride away Just between you and me I've got something to say Wanna get it straight Before the sun goes down Just between you and me Confession needs to be made Recompense is my way to freedom now Just between you and me I've got something to say If confession is the road to healing Forgiveness is the promised land, oh I'm reaching out in my conviction I'm longing to make amends, yeah So I'm sorry for The words I've spoken For I've betrayed a friend We've got a love That's worth preserving And a bond I will defend Just between you and me I've got something to say Wanna get it straight Before the sun goes down Just between you and me Confession needs to be made Recompense is my way to freedom

The title for this obscure holiday could be taken in many different directions.  But overall, I can think of several reasons why this day earns the title of National That Sucks Day.  First, 151 years ago today, Abraham Lincoln died after getting shot in the head the night before while watching a play at Ford's Theatre.  Yes, I can imagine that would suck big time.  Contemplate watching a play and having it ruined by some dimwit who thinks he is making a political statement.  Talk about having it backfire on Booth.  There's no reversing this one: both men are dead, and the Vice-President ascends in to office.  Andrew Johnson is a nightmare, and I can be sure Booth and his conspirators were re-thinking this one.  Maybe Lincoln wouldn't have been such a bad Reconstruction president.  Too late now.  A second reason this day may earn the title of suckiest day ever, is on this date in 1912 the Titanic sunk costing the lives of over 1,500 of its passengers.  As the people were fre

Today's obscure holiday was a surprise.  I had never heard of National Scrabble Day, but I am very well acquainted with the game.  Growing up around my house, Scrabble was a game played often.  Not only was it played often, it was played very competitively.  Wow!  Oh how the scores would reflect how eager we were to out-score our opponent through a Triple or Double Word Score , a Triple Letter Score , or whatever the case may have been.  My father typically became the victor in such games, but every so often I or my mother would rise to the top to take the crown as champion for ourselves.  When those times came around, we reveled in our victory because we knew it had been earned.  Fast forward many years since my father passed away.  Typically Mom, my brother, and I will still gather for a game of Scrabble over the Thanksgiving and/or Christmas holidays.  In the place of my father, I have become the most frequent reigning champion of the game.  However, this previous holiday seaso