Ale for the Soul

"IT is not by any means self-evident upon the face of it that an institution like the liberty of speech is right or just. It is not natural or obvious to let a man utter follies and abominations which you believe to be bad for mankind any more than it is natural or obvious to let a man dig up a part of the public road, or infect half a town with typhoid fever. The theory of free speech, that truth is so much larger and stranger and more many-sided than we know of, that it is very much better at all costs to hear every one's account of it, is a theory which has been justified upon the whole by experiment, but which remains a very daring and even a very surprising theory. It is really one of the great discoveries of the modern time but once admitted, it is a principle that does not merely affect politics, but philosophy, ethics, and finally, poetry." 

Listening is a lost art form and a skill few truly understand how to use.  In the course of interacting with someone, dialogue isn't simply waiting your turn to speak.  Listening is required, but to openly take in what the other person is saying.  Surprisingly enough, this is called open-mindedness.  Of course it doesn't mean I accept or agree with what the other person is espousing, but to hear all the words and nuances of speech.  For, in fact, speech encompasses so much more than mere words.  Listening involves taking in tone of voice, rate of speed in speech, body language, and so many more subtle innuendos.  Practicing these tips will guard against reading in to what someone says.  As a result, I will know what was actually stated instead of what I thought was said.  The challenge I lay down is to truly listen to what the other person has to say without thinking of what your response will be.  Take in all of what the other person has to offer before formulating your reply.

Whenever I get in to the mode of self-pity and depression, I make a very earnest attempt to reform my state of being by bringing on an attitude of gratitude.  The official holiday of Thanksgiving only comes around once a year, but I should remain thankful each and every day and sometimes at multiple times throughout the day.  Immediately I recognize life could become far worse.  This isn't the result from the sin of comparison, as I look down on others, their lot in life, and recognizing I could not even have the basic staples of housing, clothing, and etc.  Rather, I simply look to God through his Son Jesus, who are the providers of every thing I need, and quite a few items which aren't true necessities.  My next breath and heart beat are given to me by Creator God.  Anything and everything beyond those two is an additional blessing.  God doesn't owe me one iota in this world apart from what He provides as a result of a relationship with His Son.  The work of my hand and

There's a reason For the sunshine day There's a reason Why I'm feelin' so high Must be the season When that love light shines all around us So let that feeling Grad you deep inside And send you reeling Where your love can't hide And then go stealing Through the summer nights With your lover Just let your love flow Like a mountain stream And let your love grow With the smallest of dreams And let your love show And you'll know what I mean It's the season Let your love fly Like a bird on the wing And let your love bind you To all living things And let your love shine And you'll know what I mean, That's the reason There's a reason For the warm sweet nights There's a reason For the candle lights Must be the season When those love rites shine all around us So let the wonder Take you into space And lay you under Its loving embrace Feel the thunder As it warms your face You can't hold back Just let your love flow Like a mountain stream A

This previous weekend I made a road trip to Yoakum, Texas.  Since I have to work the days immediately around Thanksgiving, I wanted to visit and spend time with family.  On Saturday I left Fort Worth at 5 a.m., and arrived in Yoakum a few minutes after 9:30 a.m.  I made great time.  Taking the toll road out of Austin always helps in reducing my travel time by at least half an hour.  A quick stop at the Czech Bakery in West, Texas didn't slow me down any.  This place is a usual stop for me as I always look forward to a hearty breakfast and a cup of fresh coffee.  By most people's standards, my time spent with family wasn't particularly exciting, but I don't necessarily need entertaining.  My contentment is found in visiting.  However, Mom and I did play three games of Scrabble, as well as to perform some shopping in Victoria, Texas.  During my trip, I also checked out one of the local cemeteries called Restland Memorial Park.  Of course I took lots of pictures.  I

What a glorious morning!  As I write this, it is about six o'clock in the morning, and I have been engaging the day since 4:30 a.m.  Mornings are my prime time to engage life, and it is when I am most creative, especially in regard to writing.  Presently, I am in Yoakum, Texas visiting family.  For only about a handful of times throughout the year do I have the opportunity to get out of Fort Worth.  Since I am scheduled to work the days immediately before and after the Thanksgiving holiday, I figured this weekend made for a great excuse to get away.  On Friday I woke up at 3 a.m. and left for Yoakum at 5 a.m.  Both mornings of my excursion have been beautiful.  In fact, the weather has been cold, or at least cooler, and have required warmer clothing.  In addition to mornings, I absolutely love cooler to cold weather.  (A person can always add more clothing when it's cold, as opposed to taking off the appropriate clothing when it is hot.)  What makes the day beautiful is so much

Emily Dickinson -- A Book There is no frigate like a book To take us lands away, Nor any coursers like a page Of prancing poetry. This traverse may the poorest take Without oppress of toll; How frugal is the chariot That bears a human soul! E. E. Cummings -- somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond any experience,your eyes have their silence: in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me, or which i cannot touch because they are too near your slightest look easily will unclose me though i have closed myself as fingers, you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens (touching skilfully,mysteriously)her first rose or if your wish be to close me, i and my life will shut very beautifully ,suddenly, as when the heart of this flower imagines the snow carefully everywhere descending; nothing which we are to perceive in this world equals the power of your intense fragility:whose texture compels me with the color of

Presents 100-Day Plan To Make America Great Again – For Everyone Gettysburg, PA: Today, in historic Gettysburg, PA, Donald J. Trump presented a game-changing plan for his first 100 days in office. This revolutionary “Contract with the American Voter” will ensure that America’s economy is revitalized and citizens are protected. “I’m not a politician, and have never wanted to be one. But when I saw the trouble our country was in, I knew I couldn’t stand by and watch any longer. Our country has been so good to me, I love our country, I felt I had to act,” said Mr. Trump in his address. “Change has to come from outside this broken system. The fact that the Washington establishment has tried so hard to stop our campaign is only more proof that our campaign represents the kind of change that only arrives once in a lifetime,” he continued. “I am asking the American people to rise above the noise and the clutter of our broken politics, and to embrace that great faith and optimism tha

To my avid readers, many of you already know of my passion for recycling.  Whether I am working or at home, I am always wondering what exactly can be recycled.  If a recycling bin is not readily available, I will take the items to the nearest receptacle, which, in my case, is the elementary school located about a half mile from the apartment.  Most of the time, I will make a weekly, typically on Sunday, deposit of recyclables in the container.  Making the most of items that can be recycled reduces landfill debris and litter on America's byways and highways.  Many times I am completely heartbroken at the behavior of the common individual.  These people will throw down their trash without any thought to the implication of their actions.  However, to reverse the trend, agencies such as Keep Fort Worth Beautiful and Reverse Litter (.org) are continually campaigning to make people aware of littering and the affect our behavior has on the environment.  These agencies also have designat

In December 2011, Paladin Cigars opened for business; however, at the time, the shop operated under the name Hatuey Cigars.  Working at Buffalo Wild Wings, a restaurant located about half a mile north of the shop, my co-worker informed me of the new cigar store opening up.  So I gave it a try and really enjoyed the product and atmosphere.  I eventually became a regular patron of the establishment, and am considered one of the original customers.  In fact, since I wouldn't begin working for Tobacco Lane until August of 2012, I can honestly say frequenting the establishment was not a conflict of interest.  (I had already been a regular customer at Tobacco Lane for almost two years at this point.)  At some point in the previous year or so, the two owners of the shop parted ways.  It was at this junction the shop became known as Paladin Cigars.  What is interesting about the name is the ties it has with history.  The Paladins were sometimes known as the Twelve Peers, the foremost wa

Alone From childhood’s hour I have not been  As others were—I have not seen  As others saw—I could not bring  My passions from a common spring—  From the same source I have not taken  My sorrow—I could not awaken  My heart to joy at the same tone—  And all I lov’d— I  lov’d alone—  Then —in my childhood—in the dawn  Of a most stormy life—was drawn  From ev’ry depth of good and ill  The mystery which binds me still—  From the torrent, or the fountain—  From the red cliff of the mountain—  From the sun that ’round me roll’d  In its autumn tint of gold—  From the lightning in the sky  As it pass’d me flying by—  From the thunder, and the storm—  And the cloud that took the form  (When the rest of Heaven was blue)  Of a demon in my view— Annabel Lea It was many and many a year ago,     In a kingdom by the sea,  That a maiden there lived whom you may know     By the name of Annabel Lee;  And this maiden she lived with no other

Originally called Armistice Day, this holiday commemorates the cessation of hostilities by warring countries in World War I.  Even though the Treaty of Versailles, officially ending the war, wasn't signed until June 28, 1919, most people recognize the date of peace at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918.  The Uniform Holiday Act, set forth by Congress, attempted to move the holiday to a Monday, but this caused an uproar and confusion among the citizenry.  President Gerald Ford returned the holiday to November 11th once again, the appropriate day of remembrance.  Other countries around the world also honor our veterans with their special day.  Canada calls it Remembrance Day, while Great Britain recognizes Remembrance Sunday.  Both my father and maternal grandfather served in the military: one in Korea, and the other in World War II.  They both live eternally in my memory, but today is their special day.  I honor them by appreciating and enjoying the

Today is visit an art museum day.  If at all possible, make plans to visit one this afternoon or evening.  Due to my work schedule, I unfortunately won't be able to do so; however, I have frequented many of Fort Worth's prized art museums in the past.  One such establishment is the Amon Carter Museum located on Camp Bowie Boulevard.  The great aspect of this museum is the fact it is free, and always will be, to the general public.  In addition to special exhibitions throughout the year, the museum has a permanent collection of Remington and Russell western paintings.  The Kimball Art Museum and the Museum of Modern Art are also worthy of visiting.  There is an admission fee to tour the Museum of Modern Art.  For the Kimball, the permanent exhibit is free while there is a nominal price for the special collection currently on view.  Fort Worth has a lot to offer in regard to art museums.  (Don't limit yourself to only art museums.  There are many other types out there.  M

The big day has arrived.  Today, the American populace of legal voting age and registration can make their voice heard in the electorate.  Your vote does count, in spite of what many a naysayer would have you believe.  The Electoral College is calculated on citizens of this country voting at the polling places.  Yes, there have been instances a candidate won the popular vote but did not win enough electoral votes to win the presidency; however, this doesn't happen very often.  Your vote does matter, so please get out to vote.  One can easily find his or her polling place by calling the local city or county government, or by simply looking up the information via Google on the internet.  This election is crucial and will determine the continued or changed direction in this country for the next four years and beyond.  Pray concerning God's Will, and act according to the prompting of His Holy Spirit.  The election and this country is in God's Hands.  Whatever the outcome, rest

Gentlemen of the Congress: Once more, as repeatedly before, the spokesmen of the Central Empires have indicated their desire to discuss the objects of the war and the possible basis of a general peace. Parleys have been in progress at Brest-Litovsk between Russsian representatives and representatives of the Central Powers to which the attention of all the belligerents have been invited for the purpose of ascertaining whether it may be possible to extend these parleys into a general conference with regard to terms of peace and settlement.  The Russian representatives presented not only a perfectly definite statement of the principles upon which they would be willing to conclude peace but also an equally definite program of the concrete application of those principles. The representatives of the Central Powers, on their part, presented an outline of settlement which, if much less definite, seemed susceptible of liberal interpretation until their specific program of practical terms was