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Mrs T
Thanks so much for your kind regard.
posted by
avant-garde
on November 25, 2006 at 4:57 AM
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Hi Avant... I am trying to catch up on my fav writers. This was brilliant
as usual. Thank you for sharing such a personal aspect of your life. I think everyone pretty much said what and how I felt about this piece. I am going to try and catch up with the rest of your posts.
Mrs T
posted by
Tanga
on November 23, 2006 at 12:48 AM
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Blanche
There has been many injustices in this world. I've been host to a few and I have also been the recipient. Anger and resentment has been a recurring theme in my life. I think it exists to learn forgiveness.
posted by
avant-garde
on November 20, 2006 at 3:39 PM
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I am a very giving person, Avant, to a fault, and my trust has been abused.
I've helped or attempted to help friends, although to be fair, she and I were sharing living arrangements to help each other out. She rewarded me by calling the police on me, not because I was actively threatening her (I wasn't home at the time), but because she wanted our apartment and my electronics. She is in Alaska, now, still ranting about "conspiracies" and the evils of government, but for me she has lost all credibility and yes, I have not only lingering resentment about the time I spent in King County Jail as a result of her, and my neighbors, but outright contempt and rage. I'm working on it, but it's better that I do not see her, or I can't trust myself to be controlled and civil.
She can rot for all I care, her and her snotty daughter.
posted by
Blanche.
on November 20, 2006 at 2:01 PM
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Blanche
You were right for saying no to a con. I believe that sometimes it is necessary to say no in order to ensure our own dignity. Becoming angry is certainly a sign that a lingering resentment exists, connected to the act of giving and receiving legitimate help.
posted by
avant-garde
on November 20, 2006 at 1:55 PM
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I would have helped him if I thought he were in dire straits, but I had $2
to buy a cup of tea to get in out of the rain myself. I wasn't about to waste it.
posted by
Blanche.
on November 20, 2006 at 12:26 PM
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I had two "street person" encounter downtown this weekend. I went off on
one that hounded me twice and would not let me walk away. That bugs me. He said he needed money for food, but we were standing in front of the Gospel Mission, which is a shelter for homeless people, so I knew he was lying. He was whining to me about only having a jar of almond butter and nothing to go with it.
He got mad at me because I broke off our conversation and told him I could not help him, after I went and got my book and was on my way back to the bus, he atttmpted to corner me "to talk". I told him he needed to get his act together and get his own money. I lose respect for those who will not help themselves and have no gratitude or humility for those who want to help them. I've met many such and it does make me cynical.
posted by
Blanche.
on November 20, 2006 at 12:25 PM
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Mason
I think we are all alike more than we realize, or would even like to admit.
posted by
avant-garde
on November 20, 2006 at 12:14 PM
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bel
Thank you for reading. How have you been?
posted by
avant-garde
on November 20, 2006 at 12:14 PM
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OFFBEATS
These feelings of being very tired of how the world operates resonates at the soul level.
posted by
avant-garde
on November 20, 2006 at 12:13 PM
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Blanche
PTSD: It's hard to fathom, when you're afflicted. I still have scars. I get around a bunch of street people, and I watch my back. I think it is good to be aware of my surroundings.
posted by
avant-garde
on November 20, 2006 at 11:49 AM
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Hello my friend.. I'm finally catching up on my reading...
..your posts are always so well written and an inspiration... we have traveled many parallel paths... thank you for sharing...
posted by
MasonGarrett
on November 19, 2006 at 10:45 AM
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Avant
Thank you for sharing something so very personal. This is beautiful.
posted by
bel_1965
on November 18, 2006 at 7:58 PM
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avant
This is an incredible secret you have shared. You blew my mind! I can't tell you how many times I too have wanted nothing more then to walk out of my apartment doors open...strange..Maybe we all feel that way some times in our life? As it turned out I didn't do it either..Things obviously worked out for the best for you my friend! Great story! Loved it~
posted by
Offy
on November 18, 2006 at 7:43 PM
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Avant-Garde, here's the Amazon.com description of the book I heard read:
This poignant collection, compiled from Kingston’s healing workshops, contains the distilled wisdom of survivors of five wars, including combatants, war widows, spouses, children, conscientious objectors, and veterans of domestic abuse. Vetrans of War, Vetrans of Peace includes accounts from people that grew up in military families, served as medics in the thick of war, or came home to homelessness. All struggle with trauma — post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and other consequences of war and violence. Through their extraordinary writings, readers witness worlds coming apart and being put back together again through liberating insight, community, and the deep transformation that is possible only by coming to grips with the past.
posted by
Blanche.
on November 18, 2006 at 7:36 PM
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Avant-Garde, I just got home from a reading on medics in war, I'll send
more info on this book (see my post for details) by tomorrow. I have to log off now, but much of what these men were describing made me think of you. I think you'd relate very well. I'll pick up the signed copy tomorrow, and can post excerpts. I hope you and your family are well, see you later.
posted by
Blanche.
on November 18, 2006 at 6:27 PM
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Avant-Garde, the C & P is full of kids, dogs and music today.
There were two adorable kids, a girl, of about 4 with her dad, and a boy of about the same age. He offered her a pine cone from the basket by the fireplace, they were so innocent and beautiful, it was a joy to watch, and the music sort of wove itself around that image. I'm only home for a minute before going back down the block to hear the last of the set.
I just wanted to give you that picture.
posted by
Blanche.
on November 18, 2006 at 12:39 PM
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AG, very well said, written....
I suppose each of us has had the same thought at some time of our lives; when overwhelmed with the stresses of the world for extended amounts of time. I crawled, slithering my way into my sabbatical about three years ago leaving the corporate world behind venturing on my own; not wild nor wooded, but of solitude none the less, private bookkeeping, quiet and serene. It has been a spiritually enlightening three years, a grown-up time out. I've rested, gathered myself and feel stronger now and ready to move into the next chaper of my life. The next challenge, my purpose and God's plan.
Your occupation is of such high stress and you're obviously giving it your all; your writing could very well be your sabbatical, your moments of grown-up time out. Contributing so much of yourself on the streets; congratulations on the nomination! You are also contributing here in your moments of sabbatical; your writing is a blessed gift.
posted by
roadscross
on November 18, 2006 at 12:10 AM
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Sounds like kids, Avant, the C & P is full to brim with the inquisitive
ones. I get to spend time holding Pete and Cameron's 9 month old twin boys, Tyler and Madison, they are a joy and not at all identical, it's becoming more and more obvious they are fraternal only Tyler is the bigger of the two, and more outgoing, although he's grouchy cause he's teething.
Addy, Cameron's Aussie Heeler guards them, and gets a little aggressive and high strung, she's having sibling rivalry issues and taking a back seat, not liking being "just a dog".
posted by
Blanche.
on November 17, 2006 at 6:13 PM
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appleworks
No, but I've read some good books. I've always been an autodidact. Just be careful and pay attention. You'll learn a lot just by using the saw. Watch the tip. You get kickback when you saw from the tip.
posted by
avant-garde
on November 17, 2006 at 5:02 PM
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Blanche
I caught it when you wrote it. No big deal. It feels good to write. Mostly, I have to wake up two hours before everyone else and do it. It takes quiet and concentration on it exclusively. Most of the time, the boys are asking me a million questions.
posted by
avant-garde
on November 17, 2006 at 5:01 PM
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TAPS
You're right. No matter how it is used, it is useful. I plan on teaching the boys when they get old enough to be interested. I want it to be fun for them.
posted by
avant-garde
on November 17, 2006 at 5:00 PM
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avant
six cord of wood is in the yard now. i piled it nearly a month a go. the weather has been very wet. two tarps have been on it most of the time. a stretch of dry windy weather would be great. i would like to get it inside, soon.
have you taken a saw course? i was thinking you likely need a course or school training to get a job in this. unless you do what you have.
posted by
appleworks7
on November 17, 2006 at 2:32 PM
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I think I responded to the wrong blog here, Avant, I meant this comment for
your blog on The Senator in Ditch Doctor. What I meant to say here, is Good, I'm glad you are letting the writing flow and compose itself, loosening up a bit. That's a healthy thing, imho.
posted by
Blanche.
on November 17, 2006 at 12:57 PM
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That would get on most people's nerves, Avant, no one likes to be demeaned
or see others disrespected.
posted by
Blanche.
on November 17, 2006 at 12:42 PM
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avant-garde, your abundant knowledge of woodland plant life outs here on Blogit every now and then I have noticed. It is a good knowledge to have.
posted by
TAPS.
on November 17, 2006 at 12:08 PM
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appleworks
Thanks, my friend. How's the firewood going?
posted by
avant-garde
on November 17, 2006 at 11:56 AM
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faholo
It's like a huge puzzle, the pieces of which become visible after the fact. Thanks. You have a great weekend, too.
posted by
avant-garde
on November 17, 2006 at 11:56 AM
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SYMPHONY
Thanks. That's very kind of you to say.
posted by
avant-garde
on November 17, 2006 at 11:55 AM
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Troosha
It's funny how the desires of the heart are always fulfilled. Thanks.
posted by
avant-garde
on November 17, 2006 at 11:55 AM
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Tanga
Your writing is wonderful. Thanks, though. You're very kind.
posted by
avant-garde
on November 17, 2006 at 11:54 AM
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Blanche
I was trying to convey the feelings I felt at the time, more than writing style. But, I thank you for the compliment. Writing is a lot like music: you have what you like, and then there's what others like. I don't think you ever know beforehand.
posted by
avant-garde
on November 17, 2006 at 11:54 AM
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avant
living wild has been a dream for me. hearing of this stuff from you is very interesting. i believe so much can be learned from animals and nature. and much from you, too.
posted by
appleworks7
on November 17, 2006 at 8:48 AM
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Hi, Avant, I missed you! You have learned by
following your heart you find God and recognize His will for you. You are the clay and His is the Potter and you really seem to live this truth. Blessings on you and yours. Have good week-end as you walk in the light of God's love for you!
faholo
posted by
faholo
on November 17, 2006 at 7:37 AM
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Take care.....I have missed your posts, I know that you are busy.
But, I am just being selfish - I want to read you all the time - like I did before.
hurry up back full time....hehehe
posted by
_Symphony_
on November 17, 2006 at 7:24 AM
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Although your path took an unplanned turn
it sounds like the road you found is a loving and fulfilling one. With success and recognition in the work you do, a family, and the solitude of the woods always there for a visit - who could ask for more? Journey on....
A beautifully written piece - exposing heart and soul.
posted by
Troosha
on November 17, 2006 at 7:02 AM
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Once more I wish
I had as much skill in writing
posted by
Tanga
on November 17, 2006 at 4:16 AM
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Simple, powerful and stark story, Avant-Garde, the paucity of adjectives
and excess verbiage makes it more powerful. Every life is an unfolding journey, those of us who follow the path of the spirit, take a winding road, that is not clear at the outset, but there is no other path to follow. I wish you every happiness on yours, as it continues to unfold. You are a gifted writer.
posted by
Blanche.
on November 17, 2006 at 3:34 AM
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