Ale for the Soul

March is Women's History Month, and I didn't want the month to expire without the opportunity of celebrating the impact women have made in society.  No one can make a stand of conviction without a solid family life, and I believe women are instrumental in maintaining the core of the family.  Then, and only then, can one rise above the fray in order to speak words beyond their years (wisdom) to a world in desperate need of a breakthrough.  One of the better examples of this is the women's suffrage movement dominate by such great figures as Susan B. Anthony, Lucretia Mott, and Elizabeth Cody Stanton.  Another area women have made a great impact, and one I would especially like to highlight, is in the realm of classic literature.  The authorship of contributing women like the Bronte sisters ( Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre ) and Louisa May Alcott ( Little Women ), have sent shock waves throughout the world, changing the perception of the woman's role in family an...

Engaging life usually places me in a great mood in the midst of everything haunting my mind.  This week is the first of the four-week work cycle and usually makes for a tough week.  However, I was able to take care of all the early assignments yesterday, thus providing for a day of rest in the beginning of the week.  As a result, I was able to read at one of the local coffee shops, meet with a friend for a time of fellowship and a smoke, and to check out one of the city's many parks.  This city park is kind of hidden, unless you know about it, and I thought it was worth visiting again.  (Yes, I've been here before, but several years have transpired since my last encounter.)  Bluebonnet Circle Park is in the exact center of a traffic circle or what I call a turn-about.  Really, there isn't much to the park except for a great scenic view of trees and a garden of sorts.  In the garden area, a monument commemorates Fort Worth's status as a Frie...

Today's obscure holiday really has nothing to do with this post; however, if I had to make up my own holiday, today's activities would demand Bicycling For Your Own Sanity Day .  Yes, today involved another one of my infamous outings to relieve boredom and to take pictures of Fort Worth's more interesting historical spots.  Since cancelling my gym membership with 24 Hour Fitness, I must now rely on bicycling for future forms of exercise.  No big deal as bicycling probably offers more benefits than working out in one fixed location.  First I cycled to the intersection of Henderson Street and Rio Grande Avenue in order to take pictures of the dilapidated Public Market Square.  Right across the street was a mural of what I consider a cattle drive of sorts.  Once on the way back to my side of town, I rode by a former fire station turned neighborhood meeting-house.  In between all that, I took pictures of several odds and ends, but nothing of any nota...

Solitude, the act of remaining with one's own company to wade through deliberations of the mind.  To some this may also include completely shutting out the outside world from further distraction and intrusion.  This sounds like paradise to me.  In the neighborhood I live in, the passers-by pose and perform for others, as if they are on stage strutting who they are and what they have.  Whether this is the latest car or current fashion in clothing, violating the Loud Noise Ordinance by blaring the vehicle's radio, or talking loudly so everyone can hear how he or she lives their life.  Sadly, this is what the world has come too.  When someone does find themselves alone, the immediate course of action is to dive in to the realm of digital and social media via an I-Phone, TV, or computer.  No one seems to be able to zone out in meditation anymore.  Are we as a society so scared of what may come welling up out of our hearts and minds?  Unresolved t...

This evening, a friend and I attended the Anniversary Part of Paladin Cigars.  Yes, they have been in business for roughly five years.  (Actually, the shop marked five years in business last December, 2016.)  I am one of their original customers as I stepped through the doors of the establishment as a patron the very first week they were open to the public.  My friend and I didn't get much conversation in as both of us were busy chatting with other regulars.  However, we did manage to squeeze in a few tid-bits here and there.  Neither one of stayed long as I was tired from a full day of work.  The three days a week I work for TNG are a full few days.  But this doesn't mean we didn't have time for the free B-B-Q and a few cigars.  Overall, we had a good time.  The Padilla Cigar Company had their representative on-hand to answer questions and to promote his product.  Of course I smoked one of his brand, along with an Oliva Serie V....

Located on University Drive in Fort Worth, Texas, the Log Cabin Village is a standing memorial to the settlers and history of Tarrant and the surrounding counties.  Several years ago, I visited this museum of sorts.  Today I thought another visit was way past due.  So I headed there and subsequently spent several hours looking around, taking pictures, and speaking with the people stationed at the different parts of the tour.  The village makes self-guided tours very easy and encourages taking your time.  For someone like me, knowing there was no rush to breeze through the cabins could lead to an all-day affair.  With a minimal entrance fee of $5.50, this piece of Fort Worth and Tarrant County's past is definitely worth multiple visits.  As a history buff, I always learn something new, especially that history is not linear but always ties together in the grand scheme of the big picture.  For example, I saw a log cabin Cynthia Ann Parker briefly...

** In honor of World Poetry day, I wished to post a poem by one of the United States' greatest poets.  Enjoy! This is the place. Stand still, my steed, Let me review the scene, And summon from the shadowy Past The forms that once have been. The Past and Present here unite Beneath Time's flowing tide, Like footprints hidden by a brook, But seen on either side. Here runs the highway to the town; There the green lane descends, Through which I walked to church with thee, O gentlest of my friends! The shadow of the linden-trees Lay moving on the grass; Between them and the moving boughs, A shadow, thou didst pass. Thy dress was like the lilies, And thy heart as pure as they: One of God's holy messengers Did walk with me that day. I saw the branches of the trees Bend down thy touch to meet, The clover-blossoms in the grass Rise up to kiss thy feet, "Sleep, sleep to-day, tormenting cares, Of earth and folly born!" Solemnly sang the village choir On that sweet Sabbath m...

[1] Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. [2] Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. [3] But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate-we can not consecrate-we can not hallow-this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here h...

Daylight Savings Time is already in affect as clocks have sprung forward an hour.  The weather is leveling out to consistent temperatures.  And Spring Break from school has ended as of today.  Wow, a lot has been happening.  For the first day of spring, I don't have much planned.  I am off from work both today and tomorrow, but my tight finances won't allow for much pleasure.  (Unless it is free!)  Over the weekend I had thought about travelling to Denton, as I have never been there.  The city does offer a few sights and sounds for visitors (tourists) like myself.  But I suppose that is a moot point now.  More than likely I'll spend the day reading at the coffee shop in downtown.  I am curious as to how my readers will celebrate the first day of spring.  In keeping with my intention to read, today is also Bibliomania Day .  I'll honor both holidays by reading and exercising my intellectual muscle.  Enjoy spring before...

Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. 3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. 5 They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. 6 Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. 7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. 8 They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression. 9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. 10 Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. 11 They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?" 12 This is what the wicked are like-- always carefree, they increase in wealth. 13 Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have...

Atoning sacrifice Keeper of this life Hallelujah You are Savior Beginning and the end Forgiver of my sin By Your mercy You have saved us Jesus You are stronger More than any other Hallelujah what a Savior Jesus You are higher My soul's deepest desire Hallelujah You are Savior You are the shepherd king You lead us by still waters Hallelujah You are Savior You are my only hope Your kindness is my friend In Your presence You restore us Jesus You are stronger More than any other Hallelujah what a Savior Jesus You are higher My soul's deepest desire Hallelujah You are Savior You are the way, the truth and the life You are my joy and my salvation Stood in my place, taking my shame Upon your shoulders Jesus You are stronger More than any other Hallelujah what a Savior Jesus You are higher My soul's deepest desire Hallelujah You are Savior Hallelujah You are Savior You are Savior

A few years ago, I read up on the holiday and discovered quite a few interesting facts about Saint Patrick's Day.  First, the original color of the day was blue, not green.  That one shocked me as I always had it ingrained in my psyche the official color was green.  Secondly, Ireland doesn't have any snakes.  You may ask what the heck this has to do with anything.  Well, if the island nation doesn't have any snakes, the likelihood is slim Saint Patrick drove out all the snakes.  Some may joke, if he drove out all the snakes, of course they don't have any.  Ha ha!  The three-leaf shamrock was used by the Saint as a spiritual lesson for the Holy Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  There are many other fun facts about the holiday, but I thought these were the most interesting.  My younger brother's name is Patrick.  Growing up I would always tell him how jealous I was of his getting a special day of commemoration.  Now he is...

Each year, parents and children alike look toward Spring Break.  The feelings associated with the week-long event can either become dreadful or exuberantly happy.  Parents may feel anxious at what to do with their children during their time away from school.  Students, of course, are excited about not having to attend class.  Teachers, if they assign homework, are viewed at party-poopers for spoiling one's vacation.  As a student in school, I once looked forward to the much-needed break as a time to get away from daily class attendance for a few days spent in the outdoors.  One year, I headed to Buescher State Park near Bastrop, Texas.  At another time, I spent the week in Austin with my mother and grandmother.  Now Spring Break carries no significance as I am neither in school nor available to head camping.  Disappointingly, I haven't been camping in almost two years.  Either lack of time or discretionary money have been the over-archin...

Today is a much needed day off for yours truly.  Yesterday, along with the previous Monday, I have been working with one of TNG's sister companies.  Now that I'm getting back in the groove of the work, I am quickly getting up to speed on the resets.  Working one day a week with this company is probably all I can handle.  I still need to balance everything with my responsibilities with TNG.  This week also brings on a new Kroger's store as I pick up the one in Cleburne, Texas.  My supervisor's district has realigned, and that store is now within her area.  Now all I need to decide is how to fit that in to my schedule rotation.  The sad news is I will soon lose the Kroger's on Hulen Street, as the store is set to close on May 3rd.  I'm disappointed!  What do I have planned for today?  Absolutely nothing!  Unless you consider reading at the coffee shop something to do.  Ha ha!  As of right now I'm still in my pajamas dri...

Early this morning at two o'clock, the time on the clocks "leapt forward" by one hour.  The purpose of this event is to prolong the amount of daylight hours on any given day.  I personally don't care for this reasoning as I prefer for the daylight to welcome me very early in the morning.  (Can you tell I am a morning person?)  Now I am not privileged to see the sun till around seven or eight o'clock in the morning, instead of roughly six o'clock.  As a bit of trivia, Germany was the very first country to institute Daylight Savings Time during World War I.  Lately there has been some talk in the news about abolishing the time change each year.  I'm not sure if that meant on the national level or only statewide.  Either way, I prefer for the sun to set earlier than seven o'clock in the evening.  Maybe I am the one who is weird.  Of course the other drawback to the time change is losing an hour of sleep during the night.  I suppose tha...

"Working in a coal mine.  Going down, down, down."  These are part of the lyrics to a tune sung many decades ago and capture the sentiments of how I feel today.  After a much needed day off yesterday, I must head back to work scanning for manager compliance at seven Kroger's stores.  This, at least, is the fun part of my job.  The rest of the week should fly by, which is good since Friday is payday and I have weekends off.  What I should ask myself is how to occupy my time this Saturday and Sunday.  Travel out of town?  Take care of odds and ends I've been procrastinating?  Whatever the goal is, I'm sure it will pass by just as quickly as the week will.  On my day off, I did take care of a few pressing chores.  First, I donated both my TVs to Goodwill.  They have a partnership with the City of Fort Worth to recycle old electronics, especially TVs.  Then I rearranged the living room of the apartment in order to fill the voi...

The Patterson Group, based in Canada, owns several subsidiary companies.  TNG (formerly The News Group) is one of them.  Another, a fairly recent acquisition, is Retail Merchandising Solutions Inc., or simply called by the acronym RMSI.  Since the purchase to become sister companies, merchandisers from TNG have been cross-trained to work at the other company.  Until recently, I have resisted working across company lines.  This isn't because I'm hesitant to learn a new marketable skill, but simply due to not wanting to give up my coveted four-day weekend.  That all changed as of this morning.  Realizing I can no longer live on very part-time work, I decided to take responsibility for myself in taking on extra shifts when available at the other company.  For my first day on the job, it was a long and full shift.  I worked well over thirteen hours.  Part of this included servicing three quick stops after working for RMSI.  The company ...

Hear my cry, O God;      listen to my prayer.   From the ends of the earth I call to you,      I call as my heart grows faint;      lead me to the rock  that is higher than I.   For you have been my refuge,      a strong tower against the foe.   I long to dwell  in your tent forever      and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.   For you, God, have heard my vows;      you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.   Increase the days of the king’s life,      his years for many generations.   May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;      appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.   Then I will ever sing in praise of your name      and fulfill my vows day after day.

Beginning next week, I will be working somewhat full-time as I am picking up some extra shifts with one of TNG's sister companies.  In view of the upcoming reduction in free time, I wanted to spend at least part of today enjoying an activity I don't normally get to participate in.  Namely that involves travelling, even if it isn't very far from the D/FW Metroplex.  I headed about half an hour west to the small town of Weatherford.  In spite of the rain, I made the trek.  Mainly I wanted to visit the cigar shop, Tobacco Lane on the Square, in the area surrounding the courthouse.  The owners formerly owned a cigar shop in downtown Fort Worth, the one I spent six years of my life employed by and as a loyal customer.  Prior to stepping in to the cigar shop, I ate at Yesterday's Sandwich Shop and enjoyed a roast beef sandwich, a side salad, and a cup of chicken tortilla soup.  At first, I thought the price was a little steep, but I soon found out ho...

Every day should be National Grammar Day.  Proper communication is vitally dependent on correct usage of grammar, both in spelling and in the application of the word's meaning, along with punctuation.  Overall sentence structure has lost his integrity in today's society.  Many times, people will make a statement or ask a question not realizing what is verbalized does not lead to the end result they are desiring.  Then they respond, "You know what I mean!"  No, actually, I don't.  I am not a mind reader.  Effectively communicate what is on your mind, and I will know exactly what your intentions are.  Double negatives in speech are another minefield of communication.  (If you don't know what I mean, don't worry about it.)  Every day I receive e-mails fraught with spelling errors, punctuation disasters, and improperly used words.  The body of the message is atrocious, and I am appalled by such intellectual laziness.  Simple proof-...

This evening I had the distinct privilege of attending a performance of the Christ Chapel Bible Church pop orchestra.  They played scores from some of Broadway's biggest musicals and plays, as well as Hollywood's screen blockbusters.  Last year I missed attending, but I am very grateful I was afforded the opportunity to soak in the audible delights this year.  It truly was a feast for the ears.  Listening in on the music, I often sat back with my eyes closed while tapping my foot to the beat of the melody.  One thought quickly came to my mind, and that was listening to a similar group of professionals play in Galveston.  For many years, the city would sponsor Tuesday on the Square , a time to enjoy show tunes and other musical numbers.  Tonight at Christ Chapel Bible Church was no different.  How I often wish I could enjoy more times such as this.  Until I am able to do so, I will take tonight's excursion as an oasis in the desert.  L...

I am a reader!  For those people who know me any at all, this may be stating the obvious.  In order to succeed to any degree in life, a person must become a proficient reader.  Television and the internet have their places, especially when sourcing for news and political commentary, but old-fashioned reading of the newspaper and books is never a lost art form.  Reading increases intellectual growth, including sharpened reasoning and analytical skills, along with greater breadth in and proper usage of vocabulary.  Another peripheral benefit is the ability to converse on about any subject.  Becoming a better conversationalist takes practice, but reading makes for a great beginning.  Reading proficiently doesn't occur overnight, it also takes work and many years of continued, diligent use.  Challenge yourself in what types of books and magazines you read.  Read to yourself out loud, or read to your children.  Doing so will help you, as well...

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go I'm standing here outside your door I hate to wake you up to say goodbye But the dawn is breakin', it's early morn Taxi's waiting, he's blowin' his horn Already I'm so lonesome I could cry So kiss me and smile for me Tell me that you'll wait for me Hold me like you'll never let me go I'm leavin' on a jet plane I don't know when I'll be back again Oh babe, I hate to go There's so many times I've let you down So many times I've played around I tell you now, they don't mean a thing Every place I go, I think of you Every song I sing, I sing for you When I come back, I'll wear your wedding ring So kiss me and smile for me Tell me that you'll wait for me Hold me like you'll never let me go I'm leavin' on a jet plane I don't know when I'll be back again Oh babe, I hate to go Now the time has come to leave you One more time let me kiss you Then close your ...

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States, and Citizens of America: Tonight, as we mark the conclusion of our celebration of Black History Month, we are reminded of our Nation's path toward civil rights and the work that still remains. Recent threats targeting Jewish Community Centers and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries, as well as last week's shooting in Kansas City, remind us that while we may be a Nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms. Each American generation passes the torch of truth, liberty and justice --- in an unbroken chain all the way down to the present. That torch is now in our hands. And we will use it to light up the world. I am here tonight to deliver a message of unity and strength, and it is a message deeply delivered from my heart. A new chapter of American Greatness is now beginning. A new national pride is sweeping across our Nat...