Ale for the Soul

I haven't eaten at a Burger King restaurant in at least several years, maybe longer.  One of the perks of having a Walmart subscription is to receive virtual coupons for the fast food chain.  After procrastinating long enough, I finally decided to try it out.  On the day of my visit, I was pleasantly surprised to see a "Buy One/Get One Free" offer on the Whopper.  Ordering through the app at the table, I had a few minutes wait before receiving the order.  In that short span of time, I spotted the iconic paper crowns the restaurant gives out for fun and amusement.  I walked up and asked the employee if I could have one.  Thinking it was child's play to do so, I laughingly placed it on top of my head.  How foolish I must have looked, especially for a man 50+ years of age.  Who doesn't enjoy acting like a kid again?  Anyway, the thought lingered with me.  How foolish I must have looked to the true Sovereign of the universe, our Father ...

More than six months have transpired since getting canned at the smoke shop.  I have no regrets about the termination as the shop was very toxic.  Unfortunately, I was one of many casualties to have worked there.  Of course, I'm not completely innocent of the misfortune as I could have counted it a better blessing to work there than the way I did.  In addition, I had huge areas of improvement in how I could have better honored my boss and his family.  Thankfully, I don't need to dwell on the past.  I have a great and awesome Father God in Heaven to whom I can confess my shortcomings, learn from my mistakes, and move on trusting in Him for my daily provision.  Looking at where I am now, I firmly believe traditional employment is no longer and option for me.  After applying for and interviewing with jobs that should have had no reason not to hire me, I am still without gainful employment.  Even such low-hanging fruit as a janitor/busser job at ...

 **Wrote this for a contest that I didn't win.  Figured it would be good to let my audience read it.**                 Pulling into the gas station at the appointed time, I notified the contact of my arrival.  Figuring time was on my side as I was twenty minutes early for the rendezvous, I quickly pulled next to the pump and stepped out for a quick fill-up.  Pressing the appropriate keys for the “Pay at the Pump” feature, I could finally hear the sound of liquid fuel coursing its way through the hose, then to the nozzle, and finally into the gas tank.  This trusty Buick must be thirsty after the almost four-hour drive to this central Texas metropolis.  “Ahh,” I can’t help but to sigh in relief as I began to lean against the vehicle, gaining some personal time to gather my thoughts.   Barely noticing the view from the corner of my eye, the first black and white law enforcement vehicle pulled up.  “What a...

I did it!  I finally finished watching all seven seasons of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine .  This was no small feat as there were technical issues and competing demands on my time along the way; however, I finally finished.  Woohoo!  The last few minutes of the final episode showed flashbacks of the different characters and key events in their lives during the series.  Seeing these events stirred something within me to recall certain milestones along the journey of my life.  For example: Spending my last night in Grandma's house in Austin with a faint realization that I would never set foot in there again.  As I dropped the keys in the mailbox I simply looked at the door, placed my hand upon it, and took a deep breath of air knowing this was it.  It is moments like that in which I feel an overwhelming peace and joy, not the fake happiness and contentment that the world gives, but the deeply rooted feeling of security knowing everything was okay in sp...

It has been a little over three months since becoming unemployed again.  Time sure flies when one enjoys their freedom.  Ha ha!  I applied and interviewed for a job with Cigars International.  The whole process was rather strange.  After failing the background check, I was still sent onboarding paperwork as if nothing had happened.  Then I received a phone call giving me the greenlight to start work.  I was on the fence about taking the job.  The packaged deal was part-time with about 24 hours at a rate of $12 an hour.  The only part of the job offer that I didn't like was the scheduled hours from 4 p.m. to midnight.  Yuck!  In the end, I passed on the employment opportunity thinking something better might come along.  (The price of gas and limited work hours also played a factor in my decision.)  I continue to think how much I would like to work for myself.  Who wouldn't?!  For years, possibly decades, I felt Go...

 At the very end of the movie Mr. Holland's Opus, the master of ceremonies speak to her former teacher, "Mr. Holland had a profound influence on my life and on a lot of lives I know.  But I have a feeling that he considers a great part of his own life misspent.  Rumor had it he was always working on this symphony of his.  And this was going to make him famous, rich, probably both.  But Mr. Holland isn't rich and he isn't famous, at least not outside of our little town.  So it might be easy for him to think himself a failure.  But he would be wrong, because I think that he's achieved a success far beyond riches and fame.  Look around you.  There is not a life in this room that you have not touched, and each of us is a better person because of you.  We are your symphony, Mr. Holland.  We are the melodies and the notes of your opus.  We are the music of your life. "   As I look back in life, there are definite hallmarks along...

One week ago today, I set out on the open road for a week-long adventure.  No hotel stays were involved, so I needed to meticulously plan the itinerary for several day trips.  Staying with family in the Victoria area would provide for a base of operations.  The first destination was the Alfred D. Hughes Unit in Gatesville, Texas.  A friend is assigned to that unit, and I try to visit whenever I can.  The last time we saw each other was when he was assigned to the Ellis Unit in Huntsville.  We had a great time of fellowship, and the two-hour visit passed by as if it were only a few minutes.  Who knows when I'll get to see him again.  Before heading out to the Victoria area, I was able to drive around town.  Gatesville is a former stomping ground in a former life when a friend and his family lived in the area.  Now it has been roughly 24 years since I have been in the area.  Even travelling to Gatesville was different.  I had nev...

Wow, is it almost March already?!  This year is taking off like never before.  As I grow older, as most people can probably attest, time flies by at ever increasing speeds.  And the adventures don't let up one bit.  Seems like yesterday I was taking a First Day Hike at Cleburne State Park in Cleburne, Texas.  Then various holidays, including Valentine's Day and the beginning of the forty days of Lent leading up to Easter, leaves me trying to catch my breath.  Looking for the break pedal to moderate the passage of time, but no such luck.  Unfortunately, life gives a mix of bad along with the good and throws it my way in order to keep life interesting.  Last Saturday I was "let go" at my job working at Tx Smoke (cigar shop).  The whole ordeal blindsided me from out in left field.  Didn't realize there were any issues as I was the only staff member alongside the owner/manager.  Whatever the perceived issues were, I must give credit to ...

As I grow older, the holidays are simply another day in the successive onslaught of time.  That's probably why I don't make resolutions for the entire year.  I take each day as a stand-alone time to work on me and bless others in the process.  Remember, we are not guaranteed tomorrow.  Each day is a gift to be stewarded for God's glory.  Have I been obedient to His Will?  Or have I been lazy and procrastinate with the very activities I know needs to be taken care of?  Father God has blessed me very richly as I see His goodness all around me.  The year 2025 came to a blessed closing as I celebrated Christmas, New Year's Day, and my 52nd birthday.  Since I need to work for a living, as the job is one avenue or channel of God's provision, I wasn't able to visit family for the holidays.  As a result, I took to the city parks and nature preserves for time spent in nature: Veterans Park, Oak Cliff Nature Preserve, Crystal Canyon Nature Area, L...

A few weeks ago, Thanksgiving came early as I was able to travel a few hours in order to visit family in the hill country.  This made up for being on my own for yesterday's Thanksgiving holiday.  Not wanting to waste away the day in nothing-ness, I set out for Sherman, Texas.  Someone asked me, "What's in Sherman?"  My response was meant to be humorous, "Don't know...never been there before!"  Ha ha!  I did have a loose itinerary as I performed an internet search of activities available in the Sherman area.  First on the list was West Hill Cemetery.  As some of you may already know from reading a few of the previous blog posts,  I am an active genealogist on the Find A Grave website.  My great-grandfather's brother and sister-in-law are interred in this cemetery, and for quite some time I've been wanting to go check it out.  Having never been to this particular cemetery, finding it wasn't very difficult; however, figuring out the la...

The boss and I made a deal on the schedule.  He needed a few days over the weekend in order to visit family in Beaumont.  This was while I was trying to see what I could wrangle out of him for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.  Haven't seen my own family in quite a while and didn't want to have Mom spend Turkey Day all by herself.  Even though the timing was a little off as the holiday was still two weeks away, I couldn't be picky.  With bags packed and loaded in the vehicle the night before, I was up bright and early the next morning and departed somewhat on time.  I had three glorious days off to enjoy before needing to come back to reality in working three double shifts for the boss.  In the end, the trade-off was well worth the sacrifice and effort.  Mom still needed to work during two of these days; however, we still enjoyed a day filled with shopping and eating in Victoria.  On the other days, I was able to connect with a contact throu...

     Life has been fairly status quo and routine, hence the lack of blog entries for the previous few months.  This doesn't mean absolutely nothing has happened, but maybe nothing of noteworthy expression.  Once back from the family vacation to Corpus Christi in May, I began working part-time at Tx Smoke, a cigar shop near the West 7th District of Fort Worth.  Yes, it does appear yours truly is a job hopper, not staying at any one job beyond a few months at a time.  Most employments are ended due to a combination of mis-matched personalities at the business and unrealized expectations from both parties.  Most of the time, it's simply my outspokeness and rough edges that cause life to go sideways from time to time.  At any rate, I have now been at Tx Smoke for roughly three months, and the employment so far seems to be smooth sailing.      About a month ago, I learned of the passing of a longtime friend of my maternal grandmothe...

On Saturday, May 17, I took off out onto the open road once the shift relief showed up at work.  Surprisingly, I was wide awake and alert for the drive.  I had been up since three o'clock that morning and had a concern about being able to safely drive to Yoakum.  Even after a few stops to visit and take pictures of historical sites, I arrived at Mom's house around 5:30 p.m.  We visited a short while before heading to bed.  I was exhausted!  Our next four days of vacation in Corpus Christi would provide an exhaustingly good time as well.  The time spent was a whirlwind of activity from almost the time we woke up till we arrived back at the hotel.  Honestly, I don't remember the last time I was in the area.  May have been over forty years since I've been on this section of the Texas coast.  We had a blast!  We did all the touristy type stuff: Art Museum of South Texas, Museum of Science and History, Texas State Aquarium, U.S.S. Lexing...

As a history buff I am a stickler for dates and events, the ever-linear timeline of life.  For example, every year on September 1st I acknowledge Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939.  I know that sounds very weird and is not disguised as some sort of political or idealogical message.  It is simply a fact of historical record that I chuckle about whenever I think of it.  Recently I had quite a few dates of remembrance.  First was January 30th, which is the date my maternal grandfather passed away fifteen years ago.  At the time, yours truly was under thirty days away from getting released from incarceration and was never able to see him again this side of Heaven.  Immediately following on February 2nd, I marked ten years since moving into my present residence.  Wow, have I really lived here this long?  When living in Houston, it seems like I was moving every six months.  Father God has richly blessed me with stability and somewhat afford...

Another year is upon us!  Where has the time gone?  Not only a new year, but I am blessed with a new day each and every time God sees fit to allow me to wake up.  I certainly don't need a brand new year to figuratively start over.  I can take each day as a time to assess where I am in relation to God's will and His holy scripture.  Only then can I move my life in concert with the Holy Spirit's direction toward what God would have me do.  Already 2025 has been a blessing!  Last week I rearranged the apartment, with the assistance of my neighbor, to move all my books and research material to the front living room.  This has afforded me the opportunity to once again sleep in the bedroom.  (Long story for another time.)  Not only is it warmer in there, but the move has added more security.  For the previous four plus years, I had been sleeping near the front door and porch window.  Considering the neighborhood I reside in, this pro...

Just found out a few minutes ago a very dear friend passed away back in July.  Guess I wasn't a very good friend in only having found out.  I am very sad nonetheless.  He and I disagreed on a few points in life, but he was a constant support and a good sounding board to discuss whatever came my way.  I initially met Don at Tobacco Lane on the Square, a cigar shop, in downtown Fort Worth.  Over the years, we would meet at other cigar shops in order to visit while I worked or on a day off so we could smoke a cigar together.  Don was always very positive and seemed to take life in stride whether it was good or bad.  We would constantly joke about the oddest stuff, which is what attracted me to him in friendship.  People like him are a great example of how we can be friends without having to agree on everything.  We found our commonality over a great cigar and a good time of fellowship.  He knew the good, bad, and ugly about me and still nev...

Once again, another year has flown by making my head spin.  Overall, 2024 can be placed under the "win" column as I have been able to scratch off quite a few bucket list items.  Primarily this has been the year to catch up on a few health issues: annual physical, lab work, cataract surgery, and so much more.  I still have one medical issue outstanding, but I remain diligent in taking care of yours truly.  In August, I celebrated 18 years of sobriety at my local A.A. group.  This was definitely a memorable event as I never thought I would be alcohol-free for this long.  A testament to the power and influence of God in my life.  Another focus is that of relationships.  As I grow older, especially after turning 51 a few days ago, the value and worth of friendships and family ties increases exponentially.  It is with great pleasure that I was able to help celebrate the marriage of my brother and his fiance with the blending of two families in the...

Today I began working a secondary form employment with Cartan's.  It is a shoe store selling men's and women's footwear located on Magnolia in the Near Southside of Fort Worth.  Ever since I moved here I have tried to get hired on with this place of business.  I formerly worked for the owner at the Rockport Shops in Houston.  Figured I was a "shoe" in with the amount of experience yours truly offered.  Finally, I was hired on and began by working from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  I dove right in and tried my best.  Slowly but surely, all of my skills and abilities will come back.  The manager seemed pleased and thought I really didn't need much help.  I shadowed him and a few other employees while they waited on customers.  In addition, I helped to put away drags, which are leftover shoes from the sale.  The store hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday.  Woohoo!  Think I have found my home....

Last week I was able to get away from the land of exile in order to visit and spend time with family.  Even though part of our plans for a trip to East Texas fell apart, I very much enjoyed spending three wonderful days with my mother in Yoakum.  During this time, as she still had to work her shifts at the church, I was able to scratch off quite a few items from the bucket list.  Many of these items have been on there for several years awaiting much-needed closure.  On top of the list, but really in no particular order, was to visit the Alchoholics Anonymous group in Victoria where I tried to get sober in 2004.  Even though I didn't recognize anyone in attendance, I did enjoy the time spent in fellowship.  Then a visit was made to Memory Gardens Cemetery where three acquaintances are interred.  One in particular, my friend Amy, was buried there in 2021.  Regretting not being able to attend her funeral services, I made every effort to locate her gr...

About ten years ago I stumbled across a website called Find A Grave .  It is a free website associated with Ancestry , possibly started by the same person.  For about nine of those years I was a "member", I dabbled with it until I began discovering family members.  Over the previous year, I quickly began connecting the dots on the family history: who was married to whom, dates born and died, where they are buried, and a whole treasure trove of information.  As I fell down the rabbit hole of genealogy, I discovered the tools at my disposal through the interactive site.  One of the tools is the Suggested Edit tab, in which I can fill in information and connect family members to one another: parents to children, husbands to wives, where they were born, and so much more.  In fact, I've taken the process far beyond the initial personal goal of finding kinfolk.  As of right now, I have a little under 8,000 memorials I manage and am slowly, but surely, workin...