Favorite Song

Plenty of folks have "that" song. The one that triggers a load of feelings, a ton of emotions, a variety of thoughts. It doesn't necessary have to be the ABSOLUTE favorite, because narrowing them all down and picking one can be quite the task. With that said, let's not get it twisted, especially when the notes drop and once they do, it's virtually impossible to conceal your reactions with any kind of mask.

How is it that a single song has that effect? What other instrument of communication can make us feel as vulnerable as when one of your favorite jams comes through your speakers? One of your favorite songs can instantly turn a good day into a great one, a sad day into a better one. It turns an insignificant moment into a trip back in time. Songs that leave a lasting impression do just that and even more. They make us feel something that we've rarely, if ever, felt before.

The sounds, so raw, passionate and real. The notes...so pure and romantic that you have no choice but to open yourself up and feel...it's a must. You have to. When it comes on, there is no playing it cool, and at that point, there's only one thing left to do.

3/11/14 @ 9:26 P.M.

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This Moment.

A snapshot, a quick glimpse, something that requires little-to-no-thinking. No room for heavy introspection, or deep and intricate thoughts. No desire for brain-racked thinking or so much analysis that it could fill up a thousand parking lots.

It's all about the moment.

The moment is what it is. It can be something as mundane as tying your shoes, picking up your keys or staring aimlessly at a screen with your mind consumed here and there. It could be sitting at your desk at work, passing time, responding to a text from a friend that seemingly came outta nowhere.

The moment is just that...a snapshot in time, something so routine and so ordinary, it really isn't worthy of being illustrated with words or packaged up and slapped with a price tag on it for sale. So if it's no big deal, why even bother writing about it? Because some moments are the root to something bigger down the line, and whether this qualifies as such...only time will tell.

3/10/14 @ 2:35 P.M.

Natural.

1. not having any extra substances or chemicals added: not containing anything artificial.

It's a sight to see when a person has the ability to make something seem so routine, so normal. The sight is even better when the one who does it is truly modest about what they do. It comes from the heart, comes as simple as the breath they breathe, or the steps they take, as smooth as the touch of their skin, as firm as their handshake. Dare say...it looks easy.

But it can't be; no way. To make the mark that you make, it takes work, requires passion, needs enthusiasm. If it was that simple, everyone would do it, but they don't...which is exactly what makes you unique. It gives people a smile, a pick-me-up, a source for inspiration even if it's been ages since you shared a neighboring seat.

There are other ways to describe the effortlessness in which you make a mark, the ability you have to create a spark, and the fashion in which you inspire others to do something as simple as pick up a pen and write a few paragraphs and several dozen words...words that can't begin to describe your ability to do special things, and even though all of these words pale in comparison to your ability to leave a lasting imprint, it's still worth a try. There's a passion inside that comes out every now and then....every once in a blue moon, but it would be a lie to say it's anywhere close to being as natural as you.

3/7/14 @ 11:46 P.M.

The Country Life

The country has slowed things down.

It's been over two years since I made a move from The City to The Country, and it literally has an effect on just about everything I do. I wake up early and go to sleep early. The days of staying up past 2 AM every night are looooong gone. My social life is pretty much non-existent these days. Back home, I could go out just about every night, simply because there was always something to do. It doesn't mean I would turn up every night, but it means the opportunities were there to turn up every night. The scenery was...it was plentiful...in abundance. It was paradise!

Here? Shiiiiiit, turning up is going to Raising Cane's since they don't close til 11 during the week (or maybe 12. I don't remember.) This place woulda been heaven for me in my undergrad days, because I would just hang out with my peers who went to the colleges in town. Now though? In my early-30s? Nah, cuh. All it has done is make me old and cranky.

But even with my social life going to hell in a hand basket, the peace and quiet is cool and a nice change of pace...gotta admit that. It isn't the worst thing in the world and pretty much ensures that if I have goals I want to accomplish, there's no reason to not get to them now, because there's nothing remotely serving as a distraction here.

The consistent happenings now are waking up at 5 AM, Monday-Friday, to go workout in the gym, going to work right after that and finishing my doctorate, and as much as I bitch about my surroundings due to the lack of...well, anything that resembles fun for a brother like myself, this is right where I need to be. On weekends, I hit the park down the road and run a few miles and there are always people out enjoying the scenery. Whether it's a family of four, or a young couple jogging together, or an elderly couple taking a stroll, it's cool. There's always someone running like I am and we'll give each other a high-five as we pass each other on the trail and motivate each other to keep going. That stuff I truly enjoy and don't take for granted at all.

2/24/14 @ 9:14 P.M.

Keep Dreaming

As long as there is air in my lungs and my brain has the ability to function, Imma continue to dream...

...and strive to make my dreams my reality...

...no matter what.

10/11/13 @ 4:14 P.M.

Photo courtesy of here.

Lost

I'm totally lost...in a book.

If I'm going to be lost, and I am, there's no place I'd rather be.

9/25/13 @ 3:44 P.M.

Dreams: A Statement

"Experience has taught me that you cannot value dreams according to the odds of their becoming true. Their real value is in stirring within us the will to aspire."
- Justice Sonia Sotomayor