Category: all posts Page 10 of 14

gardens and fairyland…

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On February 15, 2020

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Most people think of gardens as various plants, trees, bushes and the occasional water fountain. And they would be spot on. But today, a wonderful journey took me to a magical land, neither here nor there. Everywhere. Yes, I’m talking about “Fairyland”.

A place where elves roam and leprechauns dance, where castles of ceramic and leaves of gold proudly prance! Hope begins and grows, taunting the doubters to say otherwise. And if they doubt, their bellies will grow, a tail will sprout and no witches spells can remove the curse. So, there’s that.

While on the way to work today, I stopped at Hope Fairyland Gardens. Where only the invited are allowed to witness the hard working fairies complete mysterious tasks – while spreading love to all.

I secretly photographed the fairies in various poses after first asking if it was OK. I know, not so secret. But hey, it’s my story.

The Fairies were being mischievous in the last photo I took. They placed a rainbow on the photo where there was none beforehand. Tricksters they are and quite magical as well.

 

tombstones…

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On February 12, 2020

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A completely new post! I mean, this isn’t an old post because I am just now writing it for the first time. The first time. Yep. Aaannnddd…I’m doing something completely different for the first time. The first time!

Sayings you might find on a tombstone. OK. You didn’t see that one coming or maybe you did. No prizes are being awarded either way even if you did. Why? Eh, because. Because sunspots. Or something.

And here we gooooooo…..:

:”Hey guys, I think this mushroom I found is edible” -tombstone (cj)

:She always said her feet were killing her, but nobody believed her.
~Virginia tombstone

:Raised four beautiful daughters with only one bathroom – and still there was love  -tombstone

:”We finally found a place to park in Santa Monica” -tombstone

:My new healthcare deductible was too high -tombstone

:Dude, that really WAS a killer wave! -tombstone

I want my tombstone to say, “Died from not forwarding that email to 10 people in the next 5 minutes.”

 

snarkies

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On February 12, 2020

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Snarky? WTF? Who would even write such a word…(me!) And what does it even mean? And would you even say something that had snarky implications? Let’s take some examples:

-I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you.

-Therapy is expensive. Popping bubble wrap is cheap. You choose.

-Ambivalent? Well, yes and no.

-You say I’m a bitch like it’s a bad thing.

And the list goes on. Mostly snarky sayings are meant to be humor at first but can be hurtful if applied in the wrong way at the wrong time. When people use snarky sayings to jest with a friend or co-worker, without being condescending or critical, snarky comments can be a way to connect with another. To show support and love. When used for evil and to express something you are spitefully feeling about that person, you are going to hell.

Yep. So, don’t be trying any snarky remarks on me.

In fact, Earth is full. Go home.

 

rebirth

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On February 7, 2020

In all posts, ramblings

Recently, I went hiking, (I know, how unusual, huh?) and while walking back to the car, stopped at this tree that had been almost burned to the ground. In fact the whole hiking area was pretty much torched from the recent fires in Porter Ranch. This was and still can be one of the better hikes in the San Fernando Valley. With a stream that runs the length of the park called “Limekiln Canyon trail”, the greens of life overflow in abundance, from the trees to bushes, grasses and some exotic plants, it’s a place of calming beauty, tranquil river whispers, birds that chant “hello“.

Since the fire, most of that is now gone. Yes, there is the beginning of life returning to this once majestic hideaway nestled among the mountain ranges of San Fernando Valley. And yes, it will return once again, becoming a favorite among hikers and casual strollers looking to escape the tedium of the concrete forest known as “the neighborhood”.

What gives me this impetuous knowledge that all will be well again? What possibly could be my motivation towards such a positive outlook? Well, since you didn’t ask, I’m gonna tell you! And show you.

On the way back to the car, I stopped and snapped this photo of a completely burned tree, with new growth in defiance of the devastation that had transpired in it’s home. Proudly sprouting new limbs where none had been. Challenging the fire to once again, another showdown. Of course hopefully not anytime soon.

To me, this is life everywhere. When something seems impossible or a part of your life becomes almost unbearable and the odds that things will turn in your favor seem slim to nothing at all – remember this lone tree. Not taking no for an answer. Not giving up. Not giving in to the negativity and destruction that surrounds it.

You can start from the ashes once again. Whether it’s something simple or something overpowering, take now to imagine what your life can be like. What you want to experience. To learn. To love.

And then…?

 

condo on the bed

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On February 3, 2020

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Well, my cat has taken quite fondly to her new condo. I put it on the bed a few weeks ago since I destroyed her under the bed resting place. While I was hoping she would like it, I never realized how much.

The other day I walked in and there was an offer in earnest for quite a bit. Some kibble, a few cookies, a dead bug or two, along with some major fur balls, just waiting for my signature to release the condo to her. Frankly, what she didn’t know is it was already hers. A gift. One for her to cherish until she no longer required one. Since it faces the front window, she has a vantage point, almost magical I would imagine to her.

I signed the agreement anyways, made a big show of sealing the deal with a few treats as well – then moved on to more important things. Like, when was she going to catch a rodent? A moth? Any critter that didn’t belong in the house? Too many questions without any forthcoming answers. Oh well. Perhaps my expectations are too high?

My newest pup (getting bigger everyday) stares at her when I’m getting their morning breakfast. The cat is getting braver as well. Coming almost into the kitchen – less than 10 feet from the monster Malinois. Sometimes, she get chased back into the room with the condo. When she does, a minute later she’s back out and once again about 10 feet away. Small brain? Or as I like to think, they have all grown fond of one another with their various ways of making it known.

Where can you find cat condos – you ask? Why that’s an easy one – in a cat-alogue.

 

target…(not the store – little smile)

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On February 3, 2020

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The other day I went to the gun range. Yep. But not to shoot guns this time. Arrows. Lot’s of them. It was hailing arrows left and right, up and down. Just you and the target. An almost zen like mystical moment. From the time you nock the arrow, to a flick of the finger as the arrow soars through the air at up to 200 mph, you’re taking deep slow breaths, gazing along the sight, keeping the bubble level, silently estimating the wind and curvature of the earth before the tip reaches it’s intended destination.

OK. Maybe not the curvature of the earth, but that’s kinda poetic, huh? I mean, what better way to focus your mind and body then becoming one with your body, like a shaolin monk? Harnessing your chi, using your senses in a symphony of coordinated movements, all designed to bring an arrow to it’s intended destination. Of course this is after I was told to stop shooting the walking people. Who knew moving targets were off the menu? They did, I guess.

I was still determined to have fun in spite of the rules above. My chi was brimming with energy, waiting to be released. Instead of going on and on as some say, I will show you. One of me just about to release the arrow using a compound bow. Another with an almost perfect grouping. All this, after having one cup of mushroom coffee. Kinda makes you think differently about having a morning cuppa, eh?

A nice day spent with good friends. And praying they didn’t pick up on my bad habit of shooting walking objects. Until then…

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

life unplanned

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On January 30, 2020

In all posts, loves, movie reviews, music, ramblings

Starting to work on house again. Slowly. Because “fastly” would give me gas. Although I can get that just from eating chocolate with maltitol in it. A supposed sugar alcohol that makes something sugarless. Well, hate to bubble your burst – it doesn’t. In fact on the glycemic index it’s only a few points down from white sugar, raising your blood sugar almost the same. Diabetics beware, maltitol intolerant people – fart away – if you like eating chocolate. There’s a much better solution. Eating Choczero which is made with monk fruit. Zero G.I. Or even making it yourself like my previously mentioned ChocCarl bars in an earlier post.

Sometimes you go through life with blinders on. Hoping that things gets better. At least until you crash the car, burn the house down and fall on a branch while cleaning the dead brush for the upcoming clearance mandated by the city. That did not happen to me. But if it did, I would be crying like a newborn. I would probably curl into a fetal position and wonder if this is what Elvis did as he ate and ate and ate, becoming Mr. Elvis Pudgy. Not to make fun of the guy, he was one of my heroes as a young teenager. I wore tight clothes like him and could never understand why my voice didn’t change until the doc said “you need time to let the testicles drop, might want to get some looser pants…”

Ah, the pains and gains of being young. There were so many moments as I sprouted from a teenager into a man, that life became overwhelming. I never wanted to check out, as some say, I only wanted to grok what was happening. So, I read books, learned to play guitar, was possibly tricked into swallowing some LSD as a teen, and while I’m not admitting that exactly, it was amazing and humbling at the same time. I learned that people are not always what they seem to be. Some are, of course, but the tricksters in life come off normal or somewhat sane, fooling the best of us.

Life unplanned, that’s what everyone born on this planet goes through. Some better than others. Choices are made and carried out while others appear to be forced on us. I watched all three John Wicks the other week. Sadly, I was cheering him on, watching the carnage unfold at rocket speed. Bodies were dropping left and right. I was his biggest cheerleader! The main story has his wife pass after being sick for some time. Two days after she passes – he receives a gift in the form of a puppy from his wife explaining he needed something to take care of after she was gone. Some jerk gang members break into his house later, beat him up, kill his puppy and take his car to teach him a lesson. All because he wouldn’t sell them his car. What the gang members don’t know is John Wick is the boogeyman. An assassin extraordinaire, that was employed when the odds were impossible to carry out. Yes, this movie is over the top. Yet, I found it intensely satisfying, mostly because they killed a defenseless puppy and John Wick, took them out for doing that, one by one.

I have a new puppy now.

Arrived at through a different route of course, no wife passed, no one beat me up or stole my car. Or killed one of my existing puppies. Although my pups will be doing that by themselves shortly as they are well past 18 years or so. I also say that every month  – and every day I wake up with a smile – seeing faces only a squirrel would love… i.e. to run away from as fast as possible in the other direction. Heck sometimes – I’m even scared seeing them in the morning, drooling over my face…ready to lick my skin completely off with their exfoliating tongues.

My new puppy is a challenge. I am learning patience all over again. I have always been forgiving of others. Forgiving of my pups. I lost that right before I first got the Malinois. Why I got the pup is a novel for another day. Suffice it to say, the NSA most likely know the truth. Where is Snowden when you really need him, hmmm? My reason for living, for life, for meaning, has slowly been returning to me. While I got her for a reason, I keep her for love. As much as she taxes my will, my patience, my responsibility, I am filled with hope. That the changes that are taking place within me, will lead to new adventures.

Life unplanned.

P.S. I love this song! God Gave Me You

Warms my little heart…

 

 

up north again

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On January 27, 2020

In all posts, events, photos, ramblings

Once again out of town for a few days. And guess what I found? Yep. You guys are so freaking smart it blows me away. Mushrooms. Amazing how they just grow when you least expect it. Or should I chalk that up to nature? Always letting things grow in the world. Eh, who would have thunk? Nature, maybe?

Well, I came across what looks like a puffball! Yay! But, upon closer examination was a lookalike. Puffballs have no stems and when I turned this one over before slicing down the middle, yep, you are correct, a stem. And gills. So eating this one would be the demise of Carl Jasper. And I have plenty of other ways to expire before succumbing to a lookalike. Geesh.

Then I found this group of shrooms, all huddled together. Haven’t identified them as of yet, but they sure are cuties! I could just snuggle up to them. Or not. Still deciding.

And of course this post wouldn’t be complete without a few photos of this beautiful property I was staying at.

The atmosphere of the place is intoxicating. When I finally relax and catch my breath there will be more posts coming up! Rules you know.

(smile)

 

 

watches and chocolate

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On January 22, 2020

In all posts

I’m addicted. Let’s take that word apart to discover the hidden meanings contained inside. “ADD” of course we all recognize that word. “Attention Deficit Disorder”.  The DSM-5 which is the bible of psychiatric disorders is no longer using this term. It’s now ADHD or “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder”.  Which of course doesn’t work when inserted thus – “adhdicted”. I may not be a great speller but the above sure is wrong as is milking nuts. However, who decided to call nuts that have been pulverized in a blender and strained “milk”? Geesh. But that’s another story for another day.

And where do all the plastic bags go that the nuts come in? Hmmm? Oh, look, a plane just went by. At one time I thought we were being subjected to chemicals being dropped from government planes to experiment on the unsuspecting populace below. Chemtrails. Nasty stuff. I have a crystal on my desk at home that keeps me safe. Eh, maybe not. If you believe in that sort of stuff. I like mushroom coffee. A lot. Sometimes I make it without coffee! Cool huh?

Anyways, let’s take the second part of the word “ic”. That’s easy to interpret. It’s either integrated circuit which is an electronic chip used in manufacturing TV’s, computers etc…or it means “ewww” your boogers are hanging from the edge of your nose! One time, when I was out of town, I lost my phone. I think there may have been sun spots involved.

Ok, back to the last part of the word. “Ted”. Which is short for Teddy Bear. I have those. They were on my dresser until I remodeled recently. Now they’re in a box. Well, not a box, a storage container. Like the kind you get from Home Depot etc. It has a yellow top. Pretty cool looking.

Now that I’m looking at the title of this post, I’m wondering where that came from? I have a watch, you know the kind that pretends to check your blood pressure etc? And I’ve eaten chocolate. Many times in fact. Oh, the mailman is here! Oops, I slipped up! MAIL PERSON. Like fer sure, we are in PCFornia after all. (Politically Correct)

Lunchtime! Yeah. Thanks for checking in with me on the blog. I just got a call from my therapist who is telling me I broke something in the DSM-5. He said they’re thinking of adding a new term to the DSM-5. “CARL BRAIN SYNDROME” or CBS. Which would be weird because I use to watch shows on CBS when I was younger. Now they charge for a few new shows so I stopped watching.

Hope I don’t have to pay for breaking the new book…gotta run!

another sad holiday by the same agency that enabled it…

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On January 20, 2020

In all posts, ramblings

MLK. Most know those initials as Martin Luther King. Who, we know, was shot on April 4, 1968 and died an hour later at a hospital. The events surrounding his death in the years to come, would be filled with conspiracy theories and a changing narrative, obscuring the actual moment for decades to come.

I was about 12 years old at the time. While it didn’t have the same impact on me at that age, I have grown into someone who researches and draws my own conclusions to historical “facts”. For obvious reasons, such as: just a kid, president of service club (was I now a target from my fellow elementary peers? Would I be “eliminated” as well?) Yep. Being a kid had some advantages. The world revolves around us. There is very little else except the sense of self. So it comes as no surprise decades later that I understand more about how our government operates.

Was there a conspiracy? Did MLK get the cut from life because popular opinion was turning against the wars we were fighting? Well, here’s a cut and paste for ya..

Pepper said King was killed because of his opposition to the war and his planned“poor people’s march” on Washington. Those activities angered big-money defense contractors and threatened a redistribution of wealth in America, he said.

King planned to assemble thousands of protesters at a tent city in Washington and those in power “were afraid that mob would overrun the capital,” Pepper said.

The order to kill King, Pepper said, came from the head of organized crime in New Orleans to a Memphis produce dealer who got Jowers to handle the payoff and murder weapon. An Army sniper squad was in place to shoot King if the Mafia hit failed, Pepper said

A jury awarded the King family $100 after they found there was a massive conspiracy by our government and other groups to assassinate MLK. Does this make it true? Nah. On the flip side, does this make it false? Nah. But until the juries findings are disproved, history will always find in a small footnote in legal documents, that MLK’s assassination was the result of a conspiracy with our government.

And we continue to accept that the government has our back, protects our citizens, never imposing it’s might for the wrong reasons. Could “government protection” be an oxymoron like “open secret” or “liquid gas”?

I don’t know what happened that fateful day. Is the world better off without MLK in it? His death has made history around on our planet and brought to life a grass roots effort to break down the walls of ignorance. On the other hand, how much more would he have accomplished, allowed to live his life and spread his truth? We will never know. But anytime someone is shot over their beliefs, the world becomes smaller.

We know that around the globe, governments kill their citizens for not agreeing with the policies that are being imposed on them. Is this what America has to look forward too as well? I hope not. For now, I am grateful there was a person called MLK, with hopes and dreams that all could identify with. I know in my heart we can overcome the ignorance and bullying our government imposes on us. Just electing the right people to office can make a small difference that slowly takes hold and becomes the law of the land.

Am I political? Nah. I’m a musician first and foremost, an electronic tinkerer second and a critter enjoyer third. So, how do I know we’ll eventually prevail?

Because once again, I have faith.

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