Thought for The Day - Give Me a Beat!

Music

Composition

Arrangement

Vocals

Horns

Drums

Piano

Stringed Instruments

The sheer joy of it all! As I sat listening this morning, it occurred to me that music is where people come together! Even as I write, I consider the many aspects needed to make music a public presentation. The studio, sound engineers, those who tune the instruments, set up microphones, the managers, distribution channels both electronic and hard copies...simply amazing!

Seeing street performers in the Chicago downtown area, performing solo - or as I saw yesterday performing together - they keep time in their head, recalling the notes of the song being played and looking for a handout. Pouring their heart out through a saxophone, a guitar, perhaps singing along...

I'm not a musician and I wouldn't put 'me' on stage to sing to an audience! From my perspective, to entertain, to render a song as I would a canvas, that takes people with a certain amount of talent and a twist on guts! We all have talent, but not the same expression of it. We all have tenacity, stamina and a will to thrive and care for one another. But that expression also varies. When it comes to performing, some of us are best served working in the background, making sure the sound and presentation are smooth and serve the audience. When it comes to performing and serving the people, there are those who it well and with their very soul! And when I listen to music, while a certain musician or singer may be the "star," it simply amazes me at the sheer number of people who are involved in that overall expression. A band, an orchestra, a duet, trio, quartet or quintet; simply amazing when musicians come together!

I have a guitar I bought years ago...one day!

Thought for The Day - Was That a Tremor?

I'm sure you've seen it, that small quiver of someone's lips, perhaps it was a quick smile. The fact that they felt inappropriate to smile in that moment tells a larger story than quivering lip. Subtlety, implications, veiled compliments, threats and touches; we are good at telling "part of the story" and leaving the whole truth "partially buried." We don't ever "fully know;" life is full of mysteries that, even when we think we know everything there is to know, we wake the next morning with new questions. And that speaks volumes about the unseen and the yet to be be discovered.

For me, rendering is a matter of capturing those subtle stories. Like a wrinkled brow, a roll of the eyes. hiding a smile or a quick glance, the shading and texturing in a painting tells a portion of the story. It allows one's imagination to "fill in the blanks" and to add your impression to the larger narrative. Simply observe, feel, and imagine!

Thought for The Day - One Day

One day,
I'll wake early
Head to the basement
Turn on music
The lights
And sit in front of the easel four hours
But today
I sit in the dark
And stare at the dimly lit scene
And imagine...

One day,
I'll walk the land
The hills and valleys
Small streams running here and there
The sound of trees moved by breezes
High above
And the sound so deafening
It's as if I were in the middle of the ocean
But today, I sit in silence
The gurgle of aquariums around me

One day,
I'll take my brown horse
With his strong legs
And cross fields
Watch deer run
And birds fly
I'll ride from morning to evening
Making a complete circuit
Timing my day
With breaks in between
Sipping water
Eating an apple
Sitting under a tree
But for now
I close my eyes and imagine it all

One day,
Ill stare out the window from my studio
Seeing the pond behind my place
Watching the rain fall
And the land soaking it in
I'll sip tea
While reclining in my overstuffed chair
Sketch pad sitting in my lap
And then I'll get back to work
Creating worlds
Emotions
And Dreams...

Thought for The Day - A Parent's Prayer

I didn't grow up in the worst neighborhoods or attend terrible schools. I spent the first 12 years of my life in Chicago and the remainder in the suburbs. I've been exposed to several home break-ins, had money taken when I was a child, had several fights as a child and then life settled down. I live in a small suburb of Chicago and for all practical purposes, it may as well Chicago itself. The streets can be walked, but not without concern for one's safety. So the other day, when my son sent a text to me saying people were acting crazy at school and that it was reported someone brought a knife to school, I was concerned, but not surprised. I attended the same school, watched guys and girls get in fights in the same halls he walks now. I remember seeing police outside the school and around it for scuffles. And what's sinking in at the moment: there are neighborhoods where this and worse are everyday occurrences!

My concern is for my children, where ever they are. One is on the east coast and has a daily commute on public transportation. My middle child attends school in the midwest and my concern for him is, as a young black male, he is a constant target. And my concern for my youngest is that he attends the same school I did and felt nervous about. As a parent, you want far better for your children. You want them to have opportunities you never did, to be exposed to the better things in life. But in the same breath, I realize the only way to accurately expose them is not to shelter them, but allow them to explore as their heart desires. My role is to guide, instruct, and as they get older, to encourage, console and continue to teach. And over all, to pray for their well being and safety because ultimately, I can't protect them from danger. No the one who protects them when I am far away - or near - is God. And His capability exceeds mine.

Thought for The Day - Doing What's Right

A unique spin on perspective; what I see and how I see it...

It occurs to me "this" daily process could go away; there's a possibility that my mornings can change. I've considered it for a while and not because there is a shortage of "thoughts." I write in this format to encourage, share insights and knowledge as it is communicated to me. I share my perspective and what I'm experiencing and yet...there is so much more to my life.

Writing a blog, poetry, stories; painting, drawing - my outlets. Listening, feeling compassion, being sensitive to the spirit of God's leading, my inlets! And yet, over the course of my life, it's been a constant ebb and flow of this task, this responsibility and "that" outlet. There have been times - there will be more - when I'm not "in line" with God's direction. There are times when I am so uncertain what to do next, that I'm agitated for days and months! But this one thing I know overall: I am making choices to follow God's leading and where He leads...

Thought for The Day - Another Day

As in I woke today and it is different from yesterday.  A coworker and I talked about the routine of life, how we get up, prepare for work, come to work, go home, eat dinner, prepare for bed to come to work again. I agree! But there is a difference to each day, not a rehashing of yesterday's events. While our routines need a refresh and many days, I would love to be on vacation in Aruba, still there is a certain amount of peace in familiarity.

The need for adventure, thrills and "something new" is a vital part of our existence. It takes us from the mundane to fulfilling our dreams, as well as being of service to others. Don't allow either side of this discussion to fill your life. We are made for both routine and adventure!

Thought for The Day - The Well

The River Bends

There may come a day when I look down this well and there is nothing there, but that isn't today. I might look for "the thought for the day" and the waters will seem cloudy because of confusion or fear. I might decide one day "I'm tired of this," or in the language of the day "I've moved on." But that isn't the case today.

I find this outlet, this way of reaching out is a necessary part of my growth. It requires reaching within, considering, weighing, measuring and writing on the fly. It requires sensitivity to both God and man (the readers).  I am challenged to both think about what I'm being presented and consider the thoughts of those who will read.

Years ago, having been challenged with the notion of writing to encourage and uplift, I toiled with a title to put to this...His Words seems so appropriate after all these years!

Thought for The Day - Impact

We all want "value;" by that I don't mean the word we usually see in association with cheap, generic brand items in Walmart or Walgreens. I mean the word in its truest form, as in something of worth and valuable. But we aren't the best at spotting a good value. Years ago, my sister-in-law gave me a little device with several office related 'gadgets' in one. Looking at it, a dull gray block, it doesn't look like much. But it has a stapler, calculator, a tape measure and a pair of scissors built into this block. I have carried this in my bag from company to company for the last few years, since I've worked as a contractor. It has been invaluable because often when you go to companies, they either are reluctant to give contractor's office supplies or they don't have many to give out. And I have used it in my home as well. It is invaluable at this point!

We all want to be considered valuable - invaluable even! We don't always act that way and in truth, when we do, we are often overlooked. In other words, to those we serve and assist, our "value" has been dismissed as menial and cheap. To family, we can seem like we aren't worth much, as our contribution is ignored in favor of another family member or a friend. In relationships, it will seem like we are no more than an old coat. But it is hardly what we are truly worth!

Like that old faithful "device" in the right hands and in the right perspective, your worth is far more than gold! And the value of your opinion, your thought and efforts, can change the world! But here's the thing: you don't have to leave where you are to "find your value," start where you are. You don't have to here the words "good job," or even a "thank you," simply determine whether you are doing something "worthwhile," and either continuing doing it, do it better or do something else. But most of all start with you. You decide you are valuable and worthy and by all means, be kind to others! That is the true worth of any human: our love for one another as God's creation!

Thought for The Day - No Limitations

Vast as an ocean
Large as the sky
And we are lost in the expanse of it all
Floating...
Drifting...

Consider the possibilities!

Thought for The Day - This is Where We are Now

Let's admit it: our crystal ball is broken and our "sticks" are defective. We can't see very well into the future, so we make guesses based on where we are at the moment - as if nothing new can ever occur.

• phones with cameras, email and text messages
• social networking with people you've never met in person, living in countries far away
• Traveling in trucks as smooth as a cadillac
• A four year degree that costs as much as a home

Our world is full of surprises and what we did yesterday may not be what we continue to do next week. Life shifts and the dream career becomes sour and unsatisfying. A child you thought would not accomplish much, surprises you and becomes the CEO of his own corporation. 

Roller coasters...that's what life like seems like. Hold on, we're going up, down and who knows maybe outside down!

Thought for The Day - I AM

Far away, Get away

Triplicate

I'm listening

Thought and motion
Speed and sound
Fast and slow
Tomorrow, yesterday and today
When you sleep I am awake
And when you awake we are at play
Your mind and mine
Blending
Crossing
Intersecting
I pull anxiety and delusional stress from your body
As if it were a blend of fiber optic chords
Active and dancing with chaos
I am both the sane an the sickly insane
I live in between your joints and the marrow in your bone
I am the rhythm of a a thousand vehicles
Stretched from her to there
Brakes lights blinking off and on
And the trillion thoughts
Darting from "She said ____"
And "the statistics say I'll never _____"
I am quiet country paths
Not qualified to be called roads
Worn by the press of old tires
Horse hooves
And the feet of humanity
I am lush green forests
Where tiny streams run on the surface
And beneath it
Too remote to experience machinery yet
And too precious to ever receive it.
I am peace and quiet
Sunrise and sunset
The finest most minute bit of energy -
I am -
And the spanse of billions of galaxies
full of life no human would ever recognize
When your thoughts won't allow rest
I am the quiet tremor running alongside
Silently pleading for your attention
And offering peace
I am both here and now
And completely out of touch
When tomorrow you sleep and dream
And tomorrow you wake
You won't remember me
But I will always be here
I am...

Thought for The Day - In The Dark

One day, I will get back to my series "Pre-Dawn Light." A great idea and series including charcoal and oil paintings of dimly lit subjects. I included a couple images above, though the one is difficult to photograph. That image is a bird flying over a lake. You have to see it in person to get the full-effect.

This time of the morning...the sun is a ways away and I'm working on hour two of wakefulness. I think the idea of being awake to prove I could, was how I got here. But that idea isn't what gets me out of the bed now. I get up at this time to get work done. Music plays in the background and beside me, the light gurgle of the aquarium keeps me "company." The street light shines through the plate glass window with a candle light glow; just enough so you know it's there and not bright enough to illuminate the room. On this day, I choose to keep the overhead lights off and the light from my monitor is enough to make the painting on the easel glow. Glow enough to give the impression that a "Storm is coming..." The place of creativity, sitting in my home as it does in my heart. In a tucked away spot and out of sight. But no less significant  than the remaining portion of the house and my heart.

Thought for The Day - What is Important

An Open Channel

Never Lose Sight of Your Goals!

I've been blessed; I've been given a great deal of identity, character and insight. But as opposed to being put "out front," I remain where I am: in the background. This is the training ground, and so often I wonder why I'm here? Where's the "front" and how do I get there? Is it my fault, God's plan or just a matter of the "real work" being here? Well, "back here," behind stage, in the stockrooms I am just like everyone else: getting my work done. And behind it all the Lord does more work than the eye can perceive.

So what is important? Is it important to be out front, to be seen, receive recognition? Is it important to help people and be available? Being available and approachable, a good listener has placed me in the life - it's obvious to me - of people who are also givers and providers. There are plenty of people who need to be heard because they serve others to the extent they don't have an outlet; they are more "ear" than they are "voice," and the world seems to pour on them, their problems and concerns.

Again the question: what's important? What is the purpose of my living if it is not to serve? If I serve "here" and not "up there," is that the purpose my life should serve? If I learn service, compassion and patience "here," surely, when called upon service not only continues but the audience, the needs of many become my concern.

That's important: service. Giving to others, being available to listen, to encourage, to support.

Thought for The Day - Routine

The "Same" is okay...even good...

3:35 am

Grab an apple and the green, plastic cup

Journal

Meditate

Stare at the painting

Dab paint on the painting

Leg day

Get to the train by 7:15

Take a walk at lunch for 45 min

The parts of our life we come to expect to be the same. The routine, the processes, while we desire to be different, remain the same. We crave variety, improvement and success, but these staples of our daily living come as a result of habits formed over the years. And yet, there is more to life than the routine of it all...

Thought for The Day - Life is Art

I do this - the writing and painting - because it is as much a part of me as my race, height and love for God. I write because it is a form of expression easily understood. I paint because it's in my soul; it is a dance, a performance of joy and energy and truth.

My current work "Linen, A Storm's Coming, pulls out of me ideas and impressions that I need to sit down and document. The one thing that seems consistent is building layers of tone and color because that's how this world is constructed. "White" and "Black" aren't really that way, but layers of color - energy - built upon one another. So imagine a storm is coming...clouds move across the sky a little faster and depending on the time of day, the sun fights to display it's many shades and hues. Beneath that sun and cloud mix, wind moves or stirs whatever is around us. In this painting, the fabric is being stirred and moved. And for now, that's all you and I need to know.

Life is a canvas, a beautiful movement of dance and poetry. Observe, listen and taste it! While every part of it isn't pleasant, when savored, life can be oh so joyful!

Thought for The Day - A Couple Days Off

I'm taking a couple days off from work and really looking forward to it! It's been a busy year and I haven't made time to get to my "real" work. I've been using my vacation days when I was sick longer than the 6 days allowed for a year and cleaning water out of our basement. I've used days for doctor's visits and other errands, so these days will hopefully be somewhat relaxing.

I have a bunch of tasks to do around the house, so I won't completely relax. Still there is something to be said to get out of the routine of the daily commute, sitting at a desk and daily triage calls. Breaking the pattern of days long and exhausting, where I get home with only enough energy to arrange tomorrow's clothes...yeah I need this time off!

Thought for The Day - Power and Wisdom

The Phoenix

The strength of youth,

The wisdom of age...

Live long enough and the former gives way to the latter. It isn't that youth is not smart or intelligent, or even wise. But when you come to rely less on power and stamina, you learn to think before acting; age teaches us the "way" things are. Experience combines with a mental strength and we learn to temper our responses for a better outcome.

Enjoy your strength, nurture wisdom, for it is a blending of the two that speaks to divine nature in each of us.

Thought for The Day - Blogging Art, Pretty Pictures, Plain Words

It's a pleasure to present my work; to show the world my work.  And while it is readily available for viewing, and I write about the process, my work and I remain relatively obscure. But that's alright; those that know me, know my work and it appears regularly in this format.

I realize I don't have much to say about the purpose of my work. I can tell you it's driven more from my desire to express the layers of my mind, rather than to render beautiful renditions of life. That is "my current situation." I can easily get in a studio with a live model posing and paint as well. And one day I will. But for now, this is my heart's statement, my mind and body responding to the energy stored up inside.

Turbulence, like waves of water, rocks vibrating under the weight of sonic rumblings. bodies shaking under silk sheets...this is disturbance. This is quaking and violence!

No pretty pictures here...but the words say it all!

Thought for The Day - The Process

It seems, some days as if you are moving through oily and dirty sludge. Progress? No, more of the same.

Trust the process...

Tomorrow comes, believe me. The promise is fulfilled. Trust me. Deliverance is N O W!

Thought for The Day - Spices

It began when I was about 12 years old, one of those Saturday mornings when my mother decided to teach my sister and I how to prepare our own breakfast. Eggs, bacon and toast. That lead to eggs, bacon or sausage and french toast. And that lead to omelets, ham and eventually to pancakes, eggs and whatever breakfast meat available. The consistent part of breakfast was eggs. I had 'em scrambled, fried and the one I could never get used to: sunny side up. But the one part of eggs I loved was the variety of seasonings that could be added.

You grow up in various parts of the west side of Chicago and the western suburbs and the world is a small place. The interests and cultures may seem similar, but it is getting to know people that you find out their likes and dislikes, their habits and music preferences. Expand your circle and you find out how wonderfully complex humankind really is! Foods, music, books, religion; these can all be ways to divide us but they are ways to show how we blend together. You can live next door to a family or individual or a completely different culture and background and spend hours talking about your common interests as well what makes you unique! You can ride public transportation with a banker, nurse, street sweeper or a doctor and have extensive conversations about life and baseball. This is the spice of life!

Thought for The Day - Over Here!

Put your attention, your intention on me! It's what I have to remind myself often. Certainly, television, social media and the national news can be sources of information, but that's not really the issue, is it? When time that should be spent writing, painting and communicating is spent in these medium, they are distractions!

Be disciplined! Stay on target and on task! There is work to be done, Eddie. Get to it! So for this morning, I make this entry brief, to get back to the work.

Thought for The Day - Five Minutes

"I'll be ready in 5 minutes! (more like 30)"

"This will only take a minute."

"Give me just 5 minutes of your time."

Nothing and a lot can happen in five minutes...and that is testament to the life we live. There is always something going on and yet there is a great deal of our time wasted within the same time frame. It is my sincerest prayer that "your time" is filled with productive time, even if you simply need to "take five," i.e. rest. There is a great deal at stake and far too much divine potential in us to spend time waiting for "things to happen."

Thought for The Day - Cracker Jack Surprise

A rectangular box about 4 inches tall and 3 inches wide, full of caramel corn and caramel covered peanuts. A cartoon image of a little boy in sailor blue and whites, smiling on the box. The snack itself was okay, but for a child, the joy was the surprise inside. And the way "life" goes, rarely was the surprise at the top of the box. I was never really sure if the manufacturer planned it that way or it settled to the bottom by the time you opened it, but there it was, wrapped in a wax wrapper! And what was it? A tiny toy, maybe a tiny book or a tiny doll. Not much in value, but to a child, the "gift" was worth the stuffed belly and possible tummy ache!

When it comes to waiting and anticipating, so much of life is that way. You work hard for 30 years or more and what awaits you on the other end of the rainbow? If it's a pot of gold, it's the type in the form of gold coins with cheap chocolate inside. Most retirees have to be concerned with stretching their income over an indefinite life span and juggle failing health, doctor visits and possible mistreatment by unfeeling, underpaid aids. Graduate from kindergarten, elementary school, high school and you get a piece of paper with your name on it and a date of graduation.

So what is life? What is the true value of it and it's reward? Why do we strive for recognition, applause and fame when the results are fleeting? Are we "wired" for minimal returns on so much effort? Well life is for the living and recognition and even fame is part of the journey. Along the way, life is to be savored. I dare say we should savor the "depths" and "dips" of life because there are lessons to be learned in the darkest days. Trophies, prizes, blue ribbons and banners are placed in places of prominence. They are reminders that we worked, we strived and we won. The monetary value of the prize is minimum, but the eternal benefit of remembering accomplishments...

Thought for The Day - Life and Lessons in Death

Since the summer began, I have had an obsession with tropical fish and aquariums! My oldest son came home from college with a beautiful betta fish, he called brownie and it rekindled all my old hobby habits. I remember changing the water in my ten gallon aquarium once a month the old fashioned way. That is, I scooped out the fish and completely drained the water. I carried the tank to the sink to wash it and the rocks, WITH EACH WATER CHANGE! And I did it EACH TIME! I didn't lose fish the way I have with the modern conveniences and recommendations!

I bought a 10 gallon aquarium and filled it with Buenos Aires Tetra and Tiger Barb. It was the most fun to come in each evening and place my hand on the side of the glass and watch them swarm over to my watch my fingers! Twelve fish, swimming in close formation and playing! But them one morning, I came into my space and one of the tiger barbs was dead and stuck to the filter! Well not much loss, there were plenty of others to keep me entertained! And in the aquarium hobby, loss of fish is normal. That was earlier this week; today there are only 6 fish in the tank! An outbreak of "ich," a parasite that affects tropical fish, killed off the other fish in a little over 48 hours. Now from what I'm hearing, I wasn't proactive enough and if I'm quite honest, I didn't take any precautions at all.

An attachment is formed between people and their pets. An attachment is formed between people! Any loss of life is always a blow. This week's experience has taught me to slow the pace a bit! Take time to enjoy what's in front of me and cherish it. Whether it is pets or people, all life is valuable!

Thought for The Day - Fall, Saturdays

A day off, the "to-do" list extensive, the "if-I-had-time-for" list much longer and buried beneath necessity. Saturdays in the fall: haircuts, grocery shopping, raking leaves, clipping branches and cleaning gutters. Taking the car to a repair shop for winterizing, or the latest round of repairs.

Saturday afternoons are now spent with a palette in one hand, a brush in the other, standing or sitting in front of a canvas.  A ride in the car is filled with adventure, absorbing the many colors of leaves changing before falling to the ground. Maybe I'll open the sunroof to get a bit of fresh air. Maybe I'll treat myself to walk along a stream somewhere. Or maybe I'll catch a quick nap and dream...

Saturday night is relaxing and tranquil. As I get older, I miss the Saturday nights when I went to a jazz club to hear a group perform. Nothing fancy, some local talent playing through their usual set. It was an opportunity to see what the rest of the world was doing and hear good music. In this period of transition - isn't every "period" a time of transition - there is a reflection of the past, measuring the present and hoping for ______ in the future.

It's Saturday, it's Fall and the season is changing...

Thought for The Day - Drip!

That's how it begins,

A drip

Small

Singular

A notion

An idea

An intention

Soon

Another

And Another

And Another

Before you know it

The number and actions that result from that single drop, that single thought, are too numerous to tell! And you are well on your way to a life worth living!

Thought for The Day - Start of the Day

Fresh Opportunity...

It's dark, but it's a new day. This time of the year, the birds are sleeping in at this point in the morning. The only noise I hear are occasional trucks rumbling down the street or a car. But this is my time to quietly reflect. This is my time to pour out my soul in the best ways: on paper or on a canvas. In the sanctuary of this solitary place, in the quiet, I find peace before moving into the world for service.

I can imagine it is this way for many, rising early in preparation for a new day. My way of starting the day is as individual as can be, and I'm certain it is the same for many. I was told years ago that a "Christian" should rise early to spend time reading the Bible and pray and I tried it for many years. But I spent a lot of that time trying to stay awake; the "devotion" was less than sincere. This method is no less sacred or "devoted;" I am more committed to this process as I was the maintaining of man's interpretation of God's word. And the remainder of my day finds me as devoted to the cause of Christ as I've ever been.

It is the individual's responsibility to carry out his mission in life. It is each person's responsibility to see their way through this life, exercising one's individuality and service to both God and man. And it begins with a commitment, a desire to do so. It is maintained by constant vigilance and discipline of self. When a person learns to master self, they learn the value of life.

Thought for The Day - Reinvention

I'm Listening

Re-work

Re-do

Re-invigorate

Re-alize

One day, you're going to get sick and tired of being sick and tired!

Thought for The Day - Searching for Me

Gathering the pieces

Not as in lost or abandoned

But as one gathers new and necessary components

Improving on the "model"

It's a life long process, discovering, letting go, making room, adapting and adjusting.

There is always a degree of self-examination to improve what is my life at the moment.

Thought for The Day - Knowing Self

My newest hobby: freshwater aquariums. Growing up, I would see them in the store - back then, nearly every major department store carried a selection of goldfish and "one-offs." As long as my mom would allow, I would stand in front of the tanks, listening to the water filtering in and out and watching the fish. At 15, I got my first aquarium; a ten gallon aquarium that I cleaned faithfully for the next three years or so. Filled it with black Mollies and gold Platys and a bunch of snails. But this year, on my birthday, my wife bought a huge 37 gallon aquarium! It was all I had not to go out the same day and fill it with fish! Since that time, I have filled it and will add more as the tank matures.

My wife's one thing: I don't have many colorful fish in it. She's right, but the pet stores of today are "extremely helpful" - the good one's anyway. They made suggestions for 'starter' fish, creatures that are hardy and can tolerate fluctuations in temperature and chemicals naturally produced in our unstable industrialized water supply. They happen to be plain and small. Again, it was all I had not to populate the tank quickly, but that being said, I ignored advice from the sales reps in the store and good friends at work who also have or had aquariums. Angel fish had to make it in the tank and so far, they get along well with the rest of the community.

I'm sitting in my space at the moment, staring at my "third" tank. I wanted a smaller aquarium for my space, to look at while painting and writing. Tranquil, peaceful and lively... I filled it with fish that are as just as unappealing as the larger tank, but fish that love to be in schools of 6 or more. There movement as a group is beautiful and relaxing...

Some of my coworkers and others I've talked with spoke of their aquariums. The fish they've had are far more appealing. Beautiful colorful fish, but aggressive and in some cases predatory. The type of fish you feed with smaller fish! Mind you, I want colorful fish, but not predatory fish. And the one thing each person that had these fish said: "circle of life." meaning you see bigger fish eat smaller fish. Nope, not me. Community, unity, one place, like the world I desire...

My music preferences:

• Relaxing
• Romantic
• Soft
• Truthful
• Inspiring
• Thought-provoking

My book preferences:

• Educational
• Informative
• When violent, with a purpose
• Historical
• Romantic

My Desired World:

• Thoughtful
• Community - other minded
• Unified
• Peaceful
• Nurturing
• Growing