Twilight before Tomorrow

 A little something I penned a couple years ago for the Christmas season. I hope you enjoy it.

Twilight before tomorrow

 

I watch as the sun sets, its rays slipping below the horizon. My abode, silently lingers on the threshold of tomorrow. I feel the heat lapping from the hearth, tickling the stockings hanging by a cut nail in the mortar.

Above, I hear the slumber of young ones, tucked tightly beneath a winter's blanket to fend off the cold. I long for the call of a pillow, soft as new-fallen snow and I slide between linens cool to the touch. I snuggle close and inhale the breath of My Beloved as she nestles deep within her comforter.

Before I am able to surrender to night's lament, an unnatural call beckons from beyond my wall of solitude and my curiosity is bent upon exploration. My eyes behold the solitude of a pristine world caressed by the kiss of a winter's moon. The crescent light reveals a tiny traveler whose cherub face sings to his herd in the silent world.

His flight of fancy screams skyward, rocketing above the fold in which I am now embraced. My eyes, once tired and dreary widen to embrace the magic of his world. I fall back onto my bed as the sounds above me tap their way across my rooftop. I am aghast.

As quick as a dart, I dash from my room toward the halls below. My thoughts outpace me as I scamper down the stair, the rails aglow, polished by the light dancing from the chimney. I stop and stare in amazement as my visitor steps cleanly across the hearth, its bricks laden with fresh-cut wood, his cloak awash in pillows of soot.

His thick hand straightens his cap as he turns, his eye inspecting the table for his work this night. His cheeks are alight with a thousand years of joy as he slings his pack to the floor, its contents now a torrent of treasure awash across the worn, broad planks. The sparkle of wrapping and bows, enlivens my soul.

My chuckle slips to his ear as he turns and winks, his nod an acknowledgement of the secret we shall both keep this night, a night that lifts my heart to the heavens. He is gone in the blink of an eye and I am left with only the crackling flames dancing upon the logs on this winter's night.

 

"Twas the Night Before Christmas"

 

Merry Christmas to one and all.

Yes Virginia...

 Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

This could be one of the most famous lines ever printed in a US newspaper dating back to 1897 and the New York Sun newspaper. It is also suggested this editorial is the most widely read piece in newspaper history.

It might be, but here's my take.

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

Even in this year of civil unrest and upheaval, when those who do not know each other except on social media challenge each other's versions of right and wrong, I believe there is still an underlying truth that mankind in all its wisdom is but a child looking for its own truth.

Men are frail and insecure. We tease, fight and love with the same individuals we call sister and brother, mother and father from our birth to our deaths. Within that lifetime we strive to find ourselves as we reach out into the world around us and for some, into the cosmos. We are but a speck in a universe we do not understand, living on a blue, reflecting point of light in an immense expanse.

So what is this Santa Claus, this legend of the north blanketed in a world of cold and white? To me it is simple. He is light, and more than anything else he is hope; hope in the goodness of mankind that even through all the trials and faults we have we will always strive to see the goodness in ourselves as a people. The man on the street who gives his shoes to someone without; the woman who gives her heart to a child who knows only sadness; the unemployed father who hands the last five dollars in his wallet to someone standing on a corner; these are what that hope becomes as manifested in the hearts of those who believe, who believe in the spirit of hope and love.

For you see Virginia, each of us in some way is Santa Claus. We may not be able to show it each day of our lives but at some point, each of us will become a Santa Claus to another and give the gift of hope to someone who is on the brink, for Santa Claus lives deep within us all, even you, and you will find him when you need him most.

What's America about

 It has been some time since I've rambled on this blog, mid-summer actually, and I apologize for my absence. 

With all this election stuff pervading every nook and cranny of our lives, the thought crossed my mind today about what this country is all about and who understands it. Now, this is my belief in what we are or what we should be. Your view may be different to some extent but I'll wager they are similar enough, no matter if you call yourself a Republican, Democrat, Libertarian or something else...here goes.

This country was founded on the principles of self determination. A group molds together to form a government to rule for the common good. The government is to represent and protect the interest of the people.

Self-Determination is a process that is built upon these 5 principles:

• FREEDOM. To decide how one wants to live their life.
• AUTHORITY. Over a targeted amount of dollars.
• SUPPORT. To organize resources in ways that are life enhancing and meaningful to the individual.
• RESPONSIBILITY. ...
• CONFIRMATION.

What this government is not required to do is be the answer to everyone's personal problems in life. As you read down this list of five items, as taken from the internet, the fourth is responsibility. What is severely lacking in these times is personal responsibility. The role of the government is to provide a level playing field as best as it is able for all of its citizens. It is not to be the hand-out king to provide for every want and need of every citizen. 

 I have no issue with those who want our government to have a safety net for those who are unable to provide for themselves; the elderly, children and those who have special needs due to circumstances beyond their control such as those born with mental disabilities. The world isn't fair; life isn't fair. I face different challenges as a white male born into a lower-middle class family in the Midwest than say a Black man who was born into poverty in Detroit. He most certainly faces different challenges to get though life than I do, but I face challenges he does not. 

What I do not accept are those who point only to their circumstances as a reason for their lot in life; it's not my fault mentality. That's a cop-out. Too many people have climbed out of their holes in life to become doctors, lawyers, bankers, elected officials, scientists, et al. Being successful doesn't mean you have to become a millionaire. In my mind who is successful is someone, man or woman who has provided for their family to the best of their ability, has strived to do it the right way and can hold their head up and be proud.

Unfortunately we have fallen prey to our own elected officials who have put their self-preservation above the national interests. This election year of 2020 is proof of that to the nth degree. Now politics has always seemed to be a dirty business when you peel back the carpet and let the light of day shine. It was in the beginning of this country, and it is now. 

There is little to no bipartisan work done between parties that genuinely benefits the people of this nation. It is simply one news-tweet squabble after another plastered across whatever screen you choose to use to view it. If the 'D' party says one thing the 'R' party says the exact opposite and the fighting begins. Gone is a spirit of cooperation to resolve anything that is important. As a country, we should not be at each other's throats but at the throats of our elected officials who have put us on the back burner.

Go to the polls this coming month and vote. Vote not only for the candidate(s) you think will benefit the country as a whole but may also begin to work for us and not for themselves. At some point I was about to give up hope that I would want to vote for any of these people. But then, I looked at my grandson and knew in my heart I couldn't do that to him. He knows nothing of this but it affects his world for my world is coming to a close. 

I know who I will be voting for. I hope you do too.

The Penny's Value

What is the value of a penny? Depending on who you are, it may be more than you think. If the average person today saw a penny on the ground they would have no impetus to stop and pick it up. It is worthless to them. And I don't mean 'virtually worthless', I mean worthless.

My parents began their teenage years in the early years of the Great Depression. It was a time when a loaf of bread cost 5-8 cents. Potatoes cost 18 cents for 10 pounds. Finding a penny on the street was like finding $1.10 at today's value. When feeding a family that penny could mean the difference between feeding all your family or feeding just the kids.

So what does that mean? Simple. Many people complain about the loss of values or say that their values are the same as their parents or grandparents. I say that is no longer the case. What is or was important to those generations seems trivial in today's world. Those people who had their formative years in the Great Depression raised a generation who indeed had the same value that were placed on the things we see every day in life. It is that generation that has failed to instill those same values in the following generations.

Those who are growing into 'their time' complain about how difficult it is to live and the burdens placed upon them. These last two groups do not understand the hardships of those before them. In my early years I know full well there were times when my parents weren't sure there was enough food in the house to feed the entire family with anything other than soup or bread. Contrast that with those who complain their $800 phone is two years old and needs to be replaced. And those are not just the rich and affluent. That is the language of all groups no matter their level of affluence.

I have worked around multiple generations in my career bringing teenagers and early 20's adults into the working world. No one can tell me there hasn't been a change in those generations because I have seen it first hand. Yes, there are many who put their nose to the grindstone to get ahead but I know that that percentage of individuals is shrinking rapidly. Too many are waiting for a handout or expect to be rewarded to a position they have never earned simply because they think it is their right. No one has that right.

As for me, I will still pick up that penny. It's the value that was instilled in me.

Your best effort

A week or so ago there was an image on fbook of a welding bead and accompanied with the story about a welder who applied for two jobs. One job as for $15 per hour and the other was for $30 per hour. The welder ran two beads as part of the interview. One was sloppy and of poor quality, the other almost a work of art. The interviewer asks, why the two welds? The applicant replies, one is a $15 per hour weld and the other a $30 per hour weld.

I thought it was rather amusing at the time but the more I thought about this the more irritated I got. Now, this actually has nothing to do with welders, I'm sure most welders are cool dudes, it's about what the two welds in the fbook post stand for. (And before anyone blows up about the word dudes, I know women are welders too. Get a life.)

The older I get the more I see this in the younger generations. I have been supervising people as a retail manager for forty years so I have a track record at this. I was raised to do the best you can whatever you're doing. In a job, you're hired to do the job so do the job. It shouldn't matter how much you're paid to give your best effort. Got that? Your best effort. The weld for the $15 job should be as exquisite as the weld for the $30 job.

Minimum wage jobs were never meant to become the sole source of income for individuals or families. They are to be stepping stones to learn how to work, to be on time, to actually show up for work and give your best effort. Sadly, these traits are lacking in many who are in the workforce. The effort provided their employer is minimal at best. I understand every person's situation is different and higher paying jobs are lacking in some cities and areas but I also ask, what did you do to better your situation? Did you do just enough in school to 'get by'? Is that how you handle most every situation in your life?  You don't learn anything from giving minimal effort, you don't grow as a person and you won't grow in the workplace if all you're looking for is a handout to what you think you're really worth and you'll give the effort when someone pays you what you think you should be paid.

Sadly, you'll remain right where you are and it will be your fault no matter who you blame.

Get dressed

Hi to all.
Yes, I've been away from this blog for several weeks. It isn't because of the quarantining going on. I still go to work every day but unlike many of you I still have to leave my home. I guess the world thinks I'm essential. I'll go with that.

What it has done is allow me to do a lot of things around the homestead. It's spring and the grounds of our palatial estate are in need of cutting and trimming and edging and ... well, you get it.

One of the things that I've found I don't understand is how so many people during this lockdown complain about being cooped up. I understand that if you live in an apartment and don't have a house and yard and lawn to take care of as spring rolls through on the calendar. Too many are tired, listless and don't know what to do with themselves.

Here's a thought, get out of your pajamas and get dressed. I've never understood how someone sits around in PJs or lounge-wear all day. Virtually no one gets anything of substance accomplished that way. (Well, maybe Hugh Hefner but he's a different animal.) Why? Because it is the height of laziness. If you're not motivated to get dressed in 'real' clothes you're not going to do anything the rest of the day. All you will be driven to do is sit around which makes you more tired than if you actually did something.

Even on my days off from the working world, after my breakfast and morning coffee, I get dressed. Even during those few times I was laid up at home with a medical issue I dressed for the day. Even if all I could do was dishes or dust furniture I did it in regular clothing. Nothing saps one's strength more than sloughing around in pajamas.

The country is waking back up from this nightmare and everyone needs to get back to business with their lives. You do that by first, getting dressed to face the day.

Oh, and Happy Mother's Day to all the tremendous mothers in this world. I know I had one such mother. I'm sure you do to.

Quarantine

It's been a while since I've rambled. Life has been very busy as most of us now know. The world situation concerning the Coronavirus has exploded and the globe has almost shut itself down. It's very strange how things happen.

As I sit here My Beloved and I are watching Live PD. All the hosts of the show are doing their parts from their homes. Strange indeed. The rest of the world is following suite. I however work at a business that is deemed essential and is excluded from the lockdown so many  businesses face. The good part for me is I still receive a paycheck. I suppose the bad part is I am exposed daily to whomever decides to come into the business whether they are sick or not. I guess I am possibly sacrificing my health for the greater good. I don't really feel that way.

Mine is not a popular opinion on this situation. I firmly believe it is completely overblown. Yeah, I hear the numbers and see the reports on a daily basis just like everyone else. Is it a new pathogen that has leaked into the world? If so, why is it imprinted on the back of a Lysol spray can? It's not new.

What is new is how this is portrayed in the media. Many people get extremely mad when someone compares it to the flu. Okay, I won't do that. What I can compare it to is how the flu effects people. The contagion is higher for the flu. The death rate is higher for the flu. The range of ages it adversely affects is higher for the flu. You can be mad all you want about that but those are the numbers.

Am I concerned that anyone is dying from this? Sure. I'm not a fan of anyone dying from anything. I am of the belief this has been whipped to a frenzy due to how we communicate every tidbit of information in this world. If this were the 1970's or the 1980's the reporting on this would be virtually nonexistent. Because of that there would be no panic and most would simply have gone about their day with no change. People are panicking because they are driven to panic. They see every symptom possible and now are convinced they are infected and run to the hospital. If the concern for life were as true as we are now led to believe many countries should shut down every flu season. But you know what? That doesn't happen. Ask yourself, why is that? Why is this different?

I for one am simply not going to panic. That's my take on all of this, like it or not. You're welcome to leave comments telling me I'm a horrible person. That's your right. I don't block comments other than spam. I may make an exception for hate. To comment, use logic and reason. Those won't be removed, I promise.

Leadership forgotten

There are many ways to inspire and ignite a spark beneath those who are working to rise up through the ranks in their respective professions. Several years and companies ago when I was a much younger lad, one of the development pieces we were to perform consisted of reading through a few books on leadership and development. At the time, I thought that wasn't too bad of an idea.

I won't bore you with the titles or author names as there were several and frankly, they are irrelevant, at least to me. It wasn't that there weren't lessons to be learned. I think one can learn something from nearly anything they read as long as the presentation is coherent. The lessons taken from these sort of books can be either good or bad. That doesn't always mean they are right or their lessons reflect how the business world actually works.

I remember one such 'lesson' was on how companies should go about passing on the helm to a successor. The case study was a very large and well known corporation. The man who built and guided this company was considered one to put the welfare of the company first. The true way to continue growth and success was to chose someone who had the same values. That is an excellent lesson, if it were true in practice.

Over the years in my career I've come to realize that lesson is for a bygone time, an era that no longer exists. I've gone through too many changes in the business models of my career to believe many of these leaders understand the basic ideas of how the business runs. Sure, there are changes in every industry. One must adapt to ever-changing environments, but too often now the attempt at growth undercuts the foundations of the company. Wall Street and stock prices now drive the business instead of a solid base. The investors come first. Unfortunately that is what is getting so many businesses in trouble. Growth that can't be sustained ultimately leads to failure of the company and where is the investors now? They're left with loss or nothing at all.

And what happens to those who run these companies when things begin to go bad? They wind up with golden parachutes worth more than the combined payroll of all the rest of the associates in the company. Hardly the lesson put forth in the book and certainly not something commonly in practice in this day and age in the business world.

Coldest day

Today is supposed to be the coldest day in a year here in flyover country. Actually, the high temperature is projected to be twenty-two degrees. In my opinion that's not really all that cold as we haven't had a hard winter in the last few years. Heck, this winter we haven't even had double digits in snow and it's half way through February.

You know what us old guys say...back in my day...

The one thing that gets me every winter whether it's a real winter or just a false winter like these last couple have been is the number of people I run into that are always complaining they are cold. Well yeah, it's winter. You're going to be cold.

Hey, here's an idea; dress for the winter season with winter clothing. But Robert, we just want to be comfortable (or fashionable). Well let this old guy tell you, being cold isn't comfortable. Even in the dead of winter I see too many people walking around in the same clothes they wore during the warmer months of the year and simply toss on a coat.

That's not how it works folks. If you want to be warm in the winter you need to dress in winter appropriate clothes. That means heavier jeans, not stretchy fabrics that have no insulation to them, heavier tops, thicker socks (as I constantly see others without socks on) and, God forbid, long underwear.

I personally know no woman (that I am aware of) who wears thermal underwear beneath their clothing. I know a few men who do but even that is a rarity. For me, once it gets cold I wear thermals all winter long, indoors and out. Guess what? I'm comfortable...inside and out. On really really cold days, like back in the olden days of my youth, I may perhaps put on a sweater if I'm sitting still in a chair writing on the computer...or something like that.

So, if you're generally someone who complains they're cold and you are dressing like it is June and you have flip flops on, I don't want to hear it. At that point you simply chose to be cold.

Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day...we still have four and a half weeks left of winter. Damned groundhog.

Unintended consequences

Sometimes things happen, unexpected things. Sometimes these are small, inconsequential steps that simply add up when you're not expecting it.

Several months ago, My Beloved and I along with Ragin' Cage and his dad went to the nearby (sort of) Pumpkin Festival. Actually, this festival is during the fall months here in fly-over country. So, you see it's been several months since then. Yeah, so?

Well, during the festival filled with rides and fair food there was this game...land a ping pong ball in the bowl of water and win a goldfish. Those games are very hard to win, not that I'm saying they're rigged against you, but well, you know. The problem is, his ping pong ball landed in one of the bowls and he was the happy winner and now owner of a fabulous goldfish.

So again, what's the problem?

Well, we took the goldfish home, now named Mr. Waffles and put him in a large glass bowl. And there he sat, and sat, and sat. We kept changing the water every few days but Mr. Waffles lived on. We figured what the heck, goldfish don't live too long. But he kept on going, and going, and going until finally, we had to do something.

And so it began. We finally had to break down and spend money on a small tank for him to live in. I got tired of seeing a bowl of water on the kitchen counter. So, twenty-five dollars later for a small filtered tank and Mr. Waffles had a new home. But Mr. Waffles looked lonely. He swam around and hid behind the plastic plants for a couple weeks before we broke down and bought a companion fish, Oreo, another goldfish.

So they have been swimming around now for another month living happily together. Today however the tank had to be cleaned. We realized Mr. Waffles was getting black spots and likely an ammonia buildup was the cause, so, another ten dollars for a siphon to clean the bottom of the tank.

This little fifty-cent gold fish has now cost us about $44 in equipment and supplies, not to mention a companion. I guess that's the price you pay for raising a little boy. Oh, we also have a tree frog, but that's another story altogether.

A writing challenge

It is the new year, welcome to 2020.

Often it is time for many of us/you to set new goals for the year to hopefully improve ourselves for the coming year. Many times we succeed, many times we fail. I'm not one that usually makes new years resolutions either professionally or personally. I have a general idea where I'm trying to go in life and carry on.

Now, in my writing career I've sold a few books; not as many as I would have hoped over the years but just enough to pat myself on the back. Making a career as a writer isn't for the feint of heart especially when there are bills to pay, a family to keep and life to face in the everyday world. I may never be able to retire from the day job and become strictly an author but hey, you have to keep the dream alive.

So where is this going Robert? Glad you asked.

For the year I have given myself a writing challenge, a type I've never done before. I have two novels to work on this year, finishing Serrian Sector, the fourth book of my sci-fi series and picking up work again on the third book of my fantasy series which I have let languish due to the former series. But the other challenge I've set for myself is a 365 challenge. I will write one paragraph per day for 365 days and post it to my facebook author page and on Twitter.

The story is a continuation of two first person fantasy short stories that I had no intention of continuing but, inspiration happens. If you would like to follow along and see how far I go with this challenge feel free to follow along on either Robert Thomas / Black Cover Books or @42rthomas

My challenge began on December 26th, the birthday of my beloved brother 'The Stache'. Perhaps he will follow along as well, but I won't count on it. He's very busy in retirement these days.