Welcome to Book Readers Heaven! Find Books, Reviews, Short Stories, Authors, Publicity, a little poetry, music to complement...and other stuff including politics, about life... "Books, Cats: Life is Sweet..."
Hypocritically Hypercritical Calvin Combs, married father of six, pillar of the community. A man of faith dedicated to the service of his fellow man, was this Calvin Combs. A motivational speaker who mentored, coached youth sports, taught Sunday School, led food drives and many other charitable acts over the years. Once a member turned Deacon in his home church, Calvin was recently elevated to Elder due to his service and dedication. Oh so proud was he of himself for the life he led. Calvin believed the Lord was pleased with his works, not bad for the product of the union of an addict and a young convict. Mr. Combs was certainly a survivor. He’d overcome dire circumstances to become a productive and contributing member of society, breaking the cycle of self destruction within his family. Calvin Combs, the rose that grew from the concrete. Patriarch of the Combs family, he was intent on providing a better life for his children than he was afforded as a kid. It was important to him that he be a great provider, protector and example of what a good Christian Family Man should be. Despite all of the good he’d done, somewhere Calvin lost himself along the way. Sins come in all different forms, they are not always in the physical.
“Those of us who profess to be the most Holy and righteous are just as sinful as those we profess to be so much morally greater than.” CR
Cam Rascoe starts this book with:
“I believe in HIM therefore, I believe in me.”
The Lord has Blessed each of us with different talents and abilities. To doubt what you can do with them is to doubt HIM. BE thankful for the gifts HE’s Blessed you with and do all that you can with them. But remember, those gifts are to be used for HIS purpose not ours.
This is his first book, Volume 1. I look forward to seeing future books. Rascoe, in order to incite a desire to read within today's youth, has made the decision to write stories, noting that he feels that, if he can get somebody to read a short story in less than a half-hour, he just might hook them into wanting to learn more! Personally, I think this is a wonderful idea...and have already determined that he has had a wide, diverse background, where he could watch people...or, even pull thoughts into a story from his creative mind that would, hopefully, give what I seem to fall back on calling, Life Lessons rather than just short stories...although that, too, is what they are...
Preparing the reader, Rascoe takes the time to set up the type of stories that he will be sharing in Ironies by, first, sharing a basic look at his title...
i·ro·ny [ˈīrənē] NOUN irony (noun) · ironies (plural noun) · dramatic irony (noun) · tragic irony (plural noun) 1. the expression of one’s meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect: “'Don’t go overboard with the gratitude,” he rejoined with heavy irony.'”
Each of us, at one time or another, might choose to use words that speak...without saying the true words. I tend to choose sarcasm, or did in th past... About the only form I've been using lately is adding a rather new slang word after something is said: Ah...Duh! It's short, humorous most times if it is used that way. If not, then the individual who hears the word(s) might easily get the point made by that one word...
I found it...ironic...to have found an individual story, called "Hypocritically Hypercritical Calvin Combs." which sounded like somebody I know... Which, by the way, reminds me...An interview with our Spotlight Author, Cam Rascoe, is coming next!...
I think the point of the story, above, just might be to remind us that each of us needs to look at ourselves, just as we may see or find something that is bothersome about others. Maybe even realize that we should first look at ourselves--to Know Thyself--first. And, always, that God sees us and knows...us...each... of...us!
Ironies contains well over 70 short and long stories, each with an ironic twist. The first one, provided below is short enough to maybe have you understand just what might be coming...in Ironies...
About A Girl
An easy friend is what you simply were to me, always with an ear to lend. You certainly fit the shoe but unfortunately for you, you never had a clue.
Never did you mind the bad habits that I had to serve. Your kindness I took advantage of while hanging out to dry. Enamored with my creation you were. The artist in me had your heart, but I could never love you or another more than I loved my vice. It was no longer just a vice it now consumed my life.
While with you I ate, bathed and gained strength to go out and do it all over again. You never judged or condemned me. But you also understood I couldn’t see you every night… free.
After being out in the wilderness or concrete jungle for a while I would come back veins filled with vice, heart weary, body fatigued. I’d be standing on your line. I do hope you have the time.
To me you’ll always be no more than number two but when in need I’d keep a date with you. Again I’ll take advantage while, you hang me out to dry but I can’t see you every night… free.
Whenever I returned you welcomed me with open arms and a warm embrace. From one baby to another it would seem that I’m lucky I met you. You, always the willing victim didn’t mind if my only duty was to completely drain you. You just yearned for that passionate kiss from my mouth to yours, I like you.
I’ll never love you because I couldn’t love myself but I could love myself better than you. You know it’s true so what should I do? When I’m through with you it’s like I’m high up on a plane; I can’t complain. When you are no longer able to satisfy my needs I must bid you adieu. Never will I burden my mind with memories of you. Once were you a person of purpose to me when I was in need of a warm bed and a hot meal. Service you I did as payment for my nourishment and lodging. Tears you shed after I fled but your hurt was of no consequence to me.
The respect you lacked, for yourself made it easier for me to flee because if you can’t love yourself better than this; how can you ever be loved by me?
Sometimes it seems like relationships are always out of sync... One individual might love another more than the other returns that love... Seriously, is that really going to work in a long-term situation? When somebody, especially talking "About A Girl," we may see that she is being used, horribly, by some guy who comes and goes without any feelings of shame. For, surely, she was so needy, he felt, that, really, he just couldn't fall for her... Rascoe has a talent to see that type, or similar types of interpersonal relationships and puts the situation into a few short words, to point out exactly what is going on...So, maybe, just maybe, you can see yourself...and realize, Girl! You Can Do Better!
But the opposite can also be true, right... Some women realize exactly what they are looking for... And, maybe, just maybe, you aren't it?
More Than a Woman
More than a woman, is that what we’re looking for men? Yes… we all are! Even the most giving, self reliant, domestic, paternal and dedicated men are looking for more than a woman. More than a woman, when we find her do we ever truly know what to do? First: We should love her; love her the way we want to be loved by her. Powerful unconditional love. Love that gives you goose bumps, love that makes you ache when she’s not in your presence. Work days seem like an eternity only because you can’t see her loving face for those agonizing eight hours, five days a week. Second. Be A MAN… without being a man. Do the things A MAN should do, protect, repair, represent, secure and head your household. Don’t do the things men do, be selfish, domestically lax, behave entitled, excessively playing with toys, in other words acting like little boys again. She’s your wife not your mama. Third: Time, give time. Give time to your family, interact; involve yourself in ALL family activities, allow her time to herself (that may mean taking on more parental responsibility). Time given shows dedication to that special woman in your life making you worthy of her time. Make your love timeless. More than a woman is what we yearn for men, but are we up to the challenge? With great reward comes great responsibility and behind every great man is a greater woman. Be worthy of more than a woman, earn the greatness of her love.
And then there is another thing that happens with...Love...
Beating Out The Love
How could someone be so evil, so vile,
you have to understand
that it all started for him as a child.
This insanely heinous behavior
doesn’t just come about on its own.
This level of malevolence comes
from years of cultivation,
ingrained and taught,
it has to be shown.
No love was let in,
only pain,
strictly darkness no light.
What little love born within
surely has been beaten out
minus a fight.
Oh the horrors he has suffered
at the hands of those
charged with raising and loving him.
In his pain they found their joy
and even a little profit,
controlled substance or gem.
Cries went unheard and
were even muffled
to quiet the shame.
The crimes against
his young soul
were often initiated
as a friendly game.
Ravaged, ruptured, rooted,
run through
and now you wonder why
he would want to harm
a man like you.
You are the patron of the pain,
piercing their young souls
leaving scars that will never heal
. The lure is the trust
and the bait is the game
until a young spirit is broken,
no longer able to feel.
Numb to the pain,
numb to the shame,
temporarily forgetting
the horrible memories.
Therapists come up
with sound diagnoses,
medications, studies and theories.
No need to go to such
great measures to understand
how monsters are created,
we merely have
to hear your life stories.
Now you have caused harm,
taken life utilizing
your mouth, hands, feet
and eventually a knife.
Crime scene so gruesome,
three victims in all,
with the stench of violent loss of life.
No innocence in the room,
all engaged in evil debauchery
on earth with heaven above.
Now the monster has put
his training to use and
everyone is so appalled
but this is what happens
after you have beaten
out all of the love.
Beating Out The
LOVE
Friends, relatives, neighbors, it is a time when all of us must become more aware... I hope, through spotlighting Cam Rascoe, you will see that he might have words of wisdom that you consider reading. In fact, I highly recommend you start with this book, Ironies, his latest...
Statistics are terrible! We know that drug use, smoking and sexual experience, leading often to rape, incest and suicide are at an all-time high. And even experienced by children of younger ages than many of us could ever imagine... Human Trafficking, seduction of teenagers and children can easily be arranged via the internet, their phones...or even, in person if they are in groups with peers...
Violence is rampant... Oftentimes, caused by violence within the home, as Cam talked about in the last story above... Trust is impossible, isn't it? We have seen that people, perhaps even from churches, or the Boys Scouts have been found to have taken advantage of, or abused those children who we thought were in a good environment. WE MUST become more active... In multiple ways.
Needless to say, voting must be based upon a sure and clear knowledge of who and what each and very person running for office is the best one for the positions we will be voting on. Just within the last two days, I have been bombarded by mail and phone with lies about an individual running within my state... I know they are lies...but many times you may not know... So please take the time to find out! Vote people OUT who are opposing and condemning our children to Hate by conspiracy theories, lies, and more lies... It will be hard, especially when, as we earlier discussed in earlier posts, churches have been corrupted by members who are acting on behalf of a false prophet, for want of a better way to identify the past president. Church members participated in the January 6 insurrection are now running for office!!!
Violence within the home, on the streets, and more, especially, these days in schools...caused by those who corrupt the world with military-style weapons that should never be sold...As you are probably aware, it is the republican party that refuses to decrease in any way the sales of guns... WE MUST DO BETTER TO KEEP OUR CHILDREN AND CITIZENS SAFE!
Ras Cat believed that enjoying good food was a part of being southern and he loved a southern woman with a great love for food. After a second glass of sparkling water they discussed film and literature. They settled on the “Outsiders” and the feeling it gave them when they first read the book and then viewed the movie as teens. The theme song was timeless and no less than eight mega stars, young in their careers, were featured in the film. The film’s legendary director captured the book better than any director had ever captured the true essence of a novel, agreed the two lovers... From Restless for Retribution
(Black Bigotry)
Ignorance of Iesha
It had been a long time since I saw my homeboys in the hood. We were separated by life choices, decisions and responsibilities. Living only nine miles away from one another, it may as well have been light years. Church, many different youth sporting events, work, gym, community gatherings and backyard BBQ’s is how I spend my time. Being a father of six, most of that time is spent at youth sporting events and activities. Life for my homies was spent drastically different from mine. (From Ironies)
Cat never took offense in losing to a woman in anything, he recognized that we are all blessed with different talents and abilities. The key is to utilize your particular ability in the most effective way possible.
There were more performers at the Second Annual Pine Hills Day Celebration; The Rush Tree* rocked the crowd...
We shared our life and times with different types of people doing very different things. Nonetheless the love was still there; I would always have their back and they would always have mine. So from my suburban home in Ocoee I traveled east to my old stomping grounds of Pine Hills. Thirty years prior Pine Hills was my sanctuary as I escaped from life of torment utilizing my talents and athletic abilities. This fourteen year old product of and addict and a convict had grown tired of the burdens of his parents addictions, poor choices and criminal behaviors.
The dance studios’s three groups and six routines left the crowd in awe...
After a basketball season in which I rose from the ninth grade team all the way to varsity, I was offered the opportunity to play on an AAU U16 Basketball team that would be traveling to Florida for a tournament in which they would be playing teams from all over Orange country. Our last game was in Pine Hills at Robinswood Middle School.
I knew my grandmother lived in the area so when the final buzzer rang I told my coaches that I would not be traveling back with the team. They protested but couldn’t stop this head strong young man determined to find a better life for him self. Ironically, twenty years later I would be asked to speak to the students of the school and meet my wife who taught there for nineteen years.
Doing what we were called to do brought us together and created this busy loving life we now share. When I arrived in Pine Hills in the late 1980’s it was a much different place filled with optimism and ambition. The community was diversely dignified filled with home owners who took pride in their property and the developmental prosperity of their families. Pine Hills birthed or nurtured many a talented artist, musician, scholar, soldier, athlete, politician and pastor.
The sounds her keys made brought tears to some eyes, surprised that a child so young could play so well; the crowd began to root for her. “Go on girl, you better play it baby!”*
The crime rate was minuscule compared to today. The place that saved my life is now called “Crime Hills” more often than by its given name. Still I love the area for all it has given to me, but the community has drastically changed. I’m grateful to still have roots and ties, so on this day I was going back. The love was in the air. When I stepped out of my vehicle I was greeted with cheer. Sipping on a few beers, we caught up; I told a few jokes, just like old times.
Jill led into her favorite jazz tune “He’s Funny Like That” by Billie Holiday. The band backed her up perfectly...
Forever the comedian, I rehashed a few funny stories from our shared past that I hadn’t thought about in years. Again, I had ’em in stitches. I settled in a bedroom at the side of the house that had been converted from a garage with one of my homeboys and a chick he had been wasting time with over the years. I never quite understood why he was drawn to her but to each his own. I sat quiet as they engaged in banter about how they planned to spend their evening.
Hey, Ras Cat! I dropped by to sing with you! This is one of my favorite songs (and singers) that I sing in my head at the beginning of summer each year...and on through... Gabbie...LOL
Iesha wanted to make a call to secure more of her favorite narcotic and hangout at their favorite watering hole. Eventually their conversation changed and focused on race. Iesha had some strong feelings on Caucasian People and her distrust of them. “I ain’t never known no good White People. Man shit you can’t trust them Crackers for nothin’. I don’t fool wit White folks.”
...imitating Little Richard. her favorite performer of all time. (With a shout-out WOW to "Shut Up and Kiss Me" who seeks sharing of their songs on UTube... I loved it...so check them out!)
I was dumbfounded; I didn’t know how we got on to this and I couldn’t believe she was serious. So I asked her. “Iesha, you have never known a good White Person in your life? You think all White People are bad?”
Rhonda and Jill started in with a duet of “Boy is mine” and the crowd swayed...
She sucked her teeth and rolled her eyes before answering aggressively. “Hell to the naw! I don’t trust ’em and I don’t want them around me. They smell like wet dog anyway.”
The crowd really got excited when they were joined on stage by the rest of 407 as the quartet sang “That’s What Friends Are For.” The crowd sang along… “Keep smiling’, keep shining, knowing you can always count on me, for sure that’s what friends are for.”
I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. “You mean to tell me…” Just then two of my boys who heard I was kickin’ it in the hood bust into the room interrupting my rebuttal. I followed them back outside where more people were waiting. Iesha and I never got to finish our conversation but her disturbing words stayed with me.
Jill again covered the hit “Fallin’” and it’s challenging vocal pitch and playing; she nailed it,..
The rest of that night was a fun, full of reminiscing and laughter. Before leaving to return back to my stable, sober, plain vanilla life; I promised the homeboys I would return in a couple of days with disks of music I produced for our group years prior. Many of us were in a band together fifteen years earlier; I was the front man/ producer.
The last song she performed was “The Greatest Love of All” and again the crowd sang. “I believe the children are the future…”
As I drove home Iesha’s words ran through my head. I couldn’t believe the ignorance she spewed. I knew some people still thought that way but to actually hear it was shocking. I just had to share with my wife; she was equally appalled. Days later there I was in my minivan heading back to Pine Hills with music in hand. It was enjoyable to take a walk down memory lane listening to myself singing and rapping about things I would never say out loud now in my forties.
The crowd continued to sway as the band extended the song; another beautiful beautiful day was had in Pine Hills filled with love, art, culture and peace.
As an artist I could respect how brazen and unapologetic the lyrics and beats were. The subject matter left something to be desired, oh to be in my twenties again. Oh, my how my art has changed since then. I pulled up to the house and rang the door bell. I was greeted by the elder women of the family. I’ve loved them since I was a teen. These women sometimes mothered me when there was no maternal presence in my life. Hot plates and words of wisdom were offered and accepted.
Hi, Iesha, Gabbie here Girlfriend... Yeah, I know, I know, you are thinkin' I ain't no girlfriend of yours... But, then, that can change, right? Like me, you may not have been around too many white girls...and some of them can be real...bitches, you know....?
Before I knew it an hour had passed as we caught up about our lives, our children’s and their grandchildren’s lives. I still have no grandchildren because our children are more focused on earning diplomas before birthing dependents. These women, still in their sixties had been great grandmothers for years. Unfortunately our children had different goals and focuses for their lives. I realized sitting there chatting that this is where I belonged. I had much more in common with grandmothers than men my own age trying to recapture their youth or hold on to the past.
For me, it was not until the 7th grade that I had ever even talked to a Black girl...Her name was Marian and she was best friends with Carolyn... Both of those girls were on the school bus when I was first driven to school!
Eventually I was summoned by one of my homeboys to leave the presence of my new peers and join them in the garage. We started listening to our youthful voices saying some outlandish things harmonizing and rapping over low budget beats. Listening reminded me of my true calling in life. I was born an artist but God intended for me to utilize my talents in a different and more productive way. A silent prayer I said to myself thanking the Lord for the talents He had Blessed me with. The music was good but it was local, not major. We could move crowds here in the south but we were never going to create a new movement or rise to the level of our favorite recording artists.
Iesha, those two girls made the first move to me, welcoming me... I learned, later, that Carolyn was a Catholic... Well, in my house, we were told that we couldn't date catholic boys, so I figured that Carolyn really shouldn't be my friend, according to my directions from home... You know what, though, I really didn't think it was the right thing to do... After all, I had learned differently in Sunday School...
Well, we all three became best friends... And whatever differences that adults seemed to have about people different from us, I just couldn't see it... Race? Religion? Marian and Carolyn were my friends, and any differences didn't matter...
Now when I place my fingertips on a different type of keyboard I leave my heart on the page, inspiring, motivating, educating and entertaining. Evoking deep feelings from my readers is my new goal giving them thoughts and sensations they never new could be received through the written word. After an hour or so of a listening session we started talking about this and that. Iesha sat in the corner sniffling from time to time with white residue around her nose.
One day, Marian taught me a special lesson about her background...and maybe yours? The three of us had gone over to a bakery that was across the street from the junior high school in Masontown, PA... They had sputnuts (and if you've never had one, well, you've missed a great treat--it is a doughnut made with potatoes...Wow, really can't describe the taste, but I always got one of those). Marian had gotten a brownie... She wrapped the paper around the brownie and asked me if I wanted a bite. I said no, that's alright. I'm good... But, then, she added...You can have the first bite..."
We greeted one another when I entered the room but said nothing to one another since then. She seemed to enjoy our greatest hits as we talked about the times traveling, recording and performing. People started inquiring about my family and when I intended to release my next novel. I shared freely and honestly about the pros and cons of my new life.
I had learned a little about race relations by that age...and suddenly Marian was presenting me with a "living" example. Were all children taught to fell some type of subservience, even as from their historical stories, gave their best to their "masters".... Often, much more than they should have been. But, I remembr when Marian offered me the first bite, I realized that she must have been taught to present her best offer of herself to "white" people... And, even if she was just being kind...it was I who learned just how patient and...impatient...those who are Black must be at any given time or part of their lives...
There is a lot of love in my life but very little time for self or artistic creation. I figure you have to take the good with the bad and I must admit that fathering six children never leaves you with a lack of material to write about.
When I started working, I found that I was working with many who were Black... I remember, one day, I learned another life lesson, when, within Affirmative Action, I had been required to hire John. If there were no laws at that time, I would have promoted internally as I have always tried to do, knowing that I would have to train anybody hired, due to the specialized tasks of the job... John was doing a fine job... and he was easily working within the usually busy office. One day, he was off at lunch when a male student came in... I was the only one covering lunch that day, so I went out to see if I could help the young man. He had asked for Mr. Brown and when I explained he wasn't there... He said that he should probably come back to speak with Mr. Brown... I quickly realizd another type of bias... He expected John to be in the higher position in the office than I. I calmly responded, "Well, John is one of my employees, but I am sure that I can help you with anything that is his job..." He had the grace to hesitate with a red face, and we went on to work on his request...
Iesha spoke up asking me about meeting my wife. “When are you going to bring your wife around?”
I gave her a curious look. “Around who, you?” She laughed it off before restating it. “Yes, around me, us.”
“I’m not.”
So Iesha, I know how you feel... I've seen how some of the world is about anything or anybody and It's sometime been an effort to follow the words from God... "Be the world a better place..." (BTW, this last video is a true God Incident...it sure fits what we must do today!) Think simple... Cam Rascoe does that often...even writes about it. I've found him, even as a Black man, you know...LOL... that he has become my friend in God...and in life... How Cool is That?!
You see, Iesha, most of us have at least a basic fear of anybody who is different, looks different, talks different, or these days, even those who vote differently... I know...right now, I seem to be a black sheep in my own family... I voted for Biden!
“Why?” “Because you’re a bigot.” Chuckles went around the room but Iesha didn’t find it very funny.
“What do you mean I’m a bigot?” I shook my head then looked over to my long time friend before answering. He shrugged, inviting me to continue on.
“The last time I talked to you, you told me you don’t trust White people. No White people. My wife is half German, half Norwegian with blonde hair and blue eyes. You don’t get much whiter than that and you told me that you don’t deal with “crackers” as you say.” I could tell that she was put off after learning that my wife was a Caucasian woman but she tried to save face.
Iesha, girlfriend, I've been feeling a lot like you during the last four years...even evangelical christians, who I once trusted, seem to be corrupted by this insane need for power...Yeah, you're right, just like the Masters that your race had to serve as slaves... Yes, we do owe you...But, don't think that everybody is ever going to feel the same way that many of us do...We care! I hope, though, you are seeing some differences in the last months as a new president is in...who cares about all of us, no matter what color...
“I know but if she is your wife I’m sure she is alright. She’s probably one of the few good ones.”
I was once again dumbfounded. I repeated her words. “One of the good ones. You know that is a phrase that many racist White people have used to describe me over the years because I am well read and understand much of their American Pop Culture. They feel safe around me, see me as nonthreatening. In other words they see me as an anomaly because in their eyes Black people shouldn’t be intelligent or well spoken. What you said the other day is just as bad. You haven’t met every White person in the world but because of your ignorance of them you allow yourself to vilify them all.”
We are reaching a point, sometimes, when we don't feel that we can even talk to those we love--family, people who were supposed to be our friends-- But, really, I have also learned that it takes each of us to take a step. Anothet step. And another step... But I've also learned that we've each got to have good vibes coming back to us, don't you think?But, girl, I just have to tell you...that nothing is going to change if you don't get off those drugs... Nothing, no world in which we live, should be enough for you to feel so badly about yourself... Yeah, you heard right. Go out there and find out what is something that interests you--like I did, when I had to leave my job, which I loved... I turned to books! Books can take you away...and you don't need to get high on anything but life...and how good it can be...
I could see light bulbs turning on in peoples’ heads around the room but she was still unrelenting.
“But you know that bad shit they do trying to keep us down. If it was up to them, they would make us slaves again.”
I decided that it was time I made my final point and exit this din of the dimwitted. “Again, that’s all White people?”
“Most of them.”
Yeah, I'm gettin' there...Maybe you even were hoping to hear about an answer... You see, in case you didn't know, there's a friend I'd like to have you meet... His name is...Jesus...
“Do you know that my wife and her two sisters have taught here in Crime Hills for almost two decades? Do you realize that we only met because she wanted me to come in and speak to her class to inspire them? She reached out to me because she was investing in the children of this community. We both met the love of our lives doing what we were called to do in service of our people.” Iesha’s face was still sour. “Everywhere we go in this county we are approached by some young adult or teen that my wife has taught and inspired to be something greater. She has used her vocation to elevate three generations of our Black and Brown children and Lord knows she doesn’t get paid a lot for it. Doctors, lawyers, businessmen, politicians, professional athletes and future scholars have passed through her classroom and left with the desire to be greater. Her only reward is their development and growth as productive citizens and the praise they offer her for her efforts. My wife is a compassionate professional who doesn’t judge people by the color of their skin yet by the content of their character.” Iesha kind of sucked her teeth and rolled her eyes. With her lack of response or rebuttal I continued on. “While she is helping to raise the Black children of the Hills you sit in here in this garage getting high everyday and you have three children of your own, home at your mama’s house that you are neglecting.
You know, Iesha, it's been a wonderful life knowing that Jesus is always there for me, maybe even to just hold my hand, but, more, to know and be secure in His love... Wanna talk more about it, just let me or Cam know... Yeah, Cam is the best guy to talk to--he's been around your neighborhood for quite a while and knows just what you might want to talk about... and He's been given a special gift of wisdom to tell it like it is, just like he's already spoken to you... But, believe me, he's one of the good guys! If you're not ready to talk, you can read some of his words of wisdom...there are words that you just might find to be written just for you! Yes! Just take that first step... Put your hand out...
Now tell me again how all White people are wicked and evil.” I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was a friend letting me know that I had made my point. But I had one more thing to say. “If a White person wanted to generalize about or stereotype all Black people by your actions they would say that we are all lazy, slothful drug addicts who neglect their children. That’s the example you show to White people giving them what they believe is credence to assume we are all like that. Thank you sister!”
With that I stood up and starting saying my goodbyes. I had enough of the hood for a little while. Catching up and reminiscing was cool but I had more important things to be doing with my time.
Our history I will never forget, I will always love them but some of the people that hold such ignorant views of the world I cannot surround myself with. It just shows that racist come in all sizes, shapes and colors.
In no relationship should the apologies always be offered by one party. None of us are perfect so we must all be at fault or mistaken on occasion.
Everything’s their fault, taking all the blame, you accuse with no shame forever in the right, right? They love you, so they accept your inequities and emotional abuse over loving truth. If ever the nerve to protest is reached they could never tell you to your face so instead they leave for you a letter.
In the writing they express their dissatisfaction in your actions while simultaneously professing their love for you.
What else should they write? According to you, they don’t have the right. Are you never at fault or are you just too proud to ask for forgiveness? Is this what your love deserves or just all that you are willing to give?
Kelly got somewhat homesick being so far away from most of her family for so long. She thought that she would add a little touch to their new house to make it feel a little more like home. Keith made all of the other decisions; she thought surely he would allow her to have this one little thing. “You know Keith I was thinking; since we haven’t put sod down yet maybe I could plant a flower garden on the small plot on the other side of the driveway.” He gave a skeptical look as she continued on.
“I miss my mama’s garden. I’m a little homesick and I wanted to have something here to make me feel a little more at home. You know I’ve got a green thumb and I’ll plant the most beautiful flowers…. Just like mama.” She looked off into the distance reminiscing on her youth and times spent in her mother’s beautiful garden. She was snapped from her fantasy by Keith’s harsh short tone. “I don’t think so.” “What, why, why can’t I plant a garden Keith.”
He didn’t have an answer as to why. It was just that it wasn’t his idea to have a garden so there would be no garden. He thought of a quick lie. “I planned on planting a tree in that lot. Our boy needs a tree to climb, not a garden of flowers to sniff.” She gave him a look of disappointment. He didn’t care. Keith continued on. “I know your mama had a garden at her house but this is our house not your mama’s. We are in a new home with new traditions and I’ll have the tree planted on Tuesday...”
We've all done it, haven't we? We form an opinion about somebody just by meeting them, seeing them, hearing them, or even by having somebody else tell us about them. Is it a natural event, or do we make a point of doing it? Some might say we are gossiping, some would call us bullies, others will say that he was such a nice guy, that we would never have thought he'd do something so...bad...
I met Cam on Facebook where I joined his group. I've watched many of his posts, not all, but sometimes they are funny, some may be a bit nasty(LOL), but all, in one way or another seem to be a bit of wisdom--something that we find we ponder, yet most of the time in just a few words, we have gained "a thought" for the day.
Cam just recently posted info on his books. First, I didn't know he was an author, so I was pleasantly surprised, and pleased. It's so nice to meet writers who have shared their words in books and, just as with his posts, in other ways... Even today, as I was beginning to talk about his book, which, I confess, I had to think about how to share... Mainly because it is a book of short stories. Which is not an easy type of book to review. If you talk about just one story, it is not comprehensive for the whole; but, it would be impossible to talk about each and every story. And, for Cam, he gives us many words from his creative mind to digest.
And, so, I was even more amazed when I discovered that he has a series of short vids which are like a bit of sunshine--advice--or whatever topic he might have been "creatively" cogitating to cite! And he even gives each a title so if you have something you need advice on, you just might find one on his UTube site...
Now, his book... You know, I hate that Amazon does little to spotlight a book cover. In Kindle, it goes directly to begin reading, whereas when I read a book, I want to start with the cover and wonder what just might be covered. So, I'll give you a hint... Without thinking about the book title, you may not grasp the selection of stories therein...
Soooo, how does the vid about NCIS fit into this discussion. Well, I'm a fan, even though I was glad they took the early head slaps from Gibbs out...
Well, after thinking about how to talk about an entire set of stories, I hit on the key word - Mocking or Mockery
Mockery or mocking is the act of insulting or making light of a person or other thing, sometimes merely by taunting, but often by making a caricature, purporting to engage in imitation in a way that highlights unflattering characteristics.Wikipedia
Frankly, about half way through, without the "title word" in mind, I was thinking just how many of these dark tales are there going to be? Well, it will be for the entire book. So be prepared. It was hard for me to read because, at first, I turned to the "old" warning, "Judge not, lest ye be judged..." But, then, I began to see something--for the world we are living in today, I found that we can no longer afford to allow bad action on the part of individuals... I kept thinking about how many of us these days are being forced to witness the evil, the bad actions, of so many people in our political world.
Take for instance, the NCIS program. I'm a fan, even though I was sad to listen to the video, and still am not quite sure it is not just hype/PR... On the other hand, as we listen, we hear about the bad actions of the main character, Gibbs... And then proceed on from there... they place small spotlights on the actions of one individual in relation to another, don't they? On the outside, no viewers ever saw any of the friction... Perhaps Gibbs changed because of some criticism...or not...after all he is the star...
But really, is it any better to have the star--the leader--be the one who is doing the bad actions? I don't think so... And yet, we see many times, this is happening on a daily basis, perhaps, within your family, or your group of friends. Sometimes it might be so blatant that "everybody" see it... even at the highest level of the nation...
I admit that this is my opinion of our former president...but, then, many see him so differently... So, remember, when it is your own perspective as you read, you may find that you have no idea what is the problem presented in the story...In fact. each is written to keep you in suspense, even though Rascoe does sometime give the readers a "moral to the story..." ending...
It is clear that the writer is a people watcher...or has been able to be in so many different situations throughout his life that he has often seen, perhaps, that part of each of us that we would prefer not to be seen... That is, if we even realize how other people may see each other...
Reading the first story, about a wife who wanted to plant a garden, while the husband, who wants to control his new life, wants to plant a tree--a large tree... Well, this first story is sooo exaggerated that every reader will see that the new relationship was doomed...because of that tree. Or, speaking as the woman in the story, I kept wondering just how long she was willing to be controlled in such a way (yes, you can tell I'm single, and at my age, glad of it!) But, even then, it took years to evolve the entire result to the family... If you are intrigued by this first story, then, read on...but, beware, each story is so unique that you just may not actually see what is coming--
Cam is outrageous in his presentation, extraordinary in his ability to see what is actually happening in reality, even though he's not anything more than an observer. But, maybe, just maybe, he's been given a gift to see reality, and be able to talk about it to those who need to hear feedback, guidance and advice of what to do...before things have already gone too far... It takes someone who cares...yes, really cares about people, to try to help them see...their... faults... And, yes, we all have some, don't we?
Mock me, taunt me... I thought, I remember decades ago, when I was in the yard at my grandmother's house. One of my father's brothers was there with his family and my Mom was sitting with my grandmother and his family. Out of the blue, my Uncle Dale said, "Hey Fatty... (I didn't listen to what he said after that word).." I ignored him. He called again, and I ignored him. Finally, my mother said, "Glenda, your Uncle Dale is talking to you..." I turned to her and clearly said, "That is not my name..." and I walked around the house, leaving him... and the rest of the family...
Isn't there an old saying about "not suffering fools..."
You know, I will never forget that time, I must have been less than 10 years of age, but I was already attuned to how others related to me--or to other people... So, yes, I've been bullied, to some extent--but I never allowed the individual who was doing the bullying to "get through" to me... For whatever reason, God had already given me His love and it is strong... And I believe God also has given Cam a gift of seeing truth, reality...and the ability and willingness to speak out against those who seem to have no, or are unwilling to share sympathy or empathy...
But, I've already said it to him, I believe, God has given Cam the gift of wisdom--the wisdom to see and talk about issues more easily than most people are able to... BTW, you notice I haven't said anything more about the book... It is a book which requires readers to begin each story without knowing where it is going... You may think that he aims his stories toward men, but that will change in stories as you continue... I have to say that what he says about the women... well... some of you may recognize them, just like I did...
Gabbie's Thoughts: A couple of songs came to mind as I was reading the stories found in The Mocking Tree... I figure you really need to hear something as little hints...and relevant to the stories you'll be reading... See if you can determine what the "theme" of the story might be from the chosen songs... It just might zap you with a - I've Got To Read That!
Take a close look at the cover of this vid...yep, you'll find some murder and mayhem and many of the stories are one-on-one between two individuals...
So what do you do if your spouse is cheating? Lots of options come to mind, don't they... You may be right at your first guess!
Are there other ways to make money and would you do them if you were too lazy to mine coal or other kinds of "labor"?
Did you notice that most of the songs I selected were from the Country Music genre... Wonder what that says? Yeah, they tend to put issues right out there for us to ponder...just like Cam's stories...
Seriously, that could be just because my memory is for mostly older songs... In any event, I wanted to say a little more given the theme of the first story, Retribution--Vengeance, Payback comes to mind... They are all words that are more and more in our lives these days. Violence has increased more in the last five years--Children are being killed in schools, worshipers are being killed in houses of worship, people are being murdered by corrupt cops...and prejudice and bias are emotions that have been stimulated and incited at the highest part of our government, with subsequent violent actions against people of other religions, races, and more...
We need to start speaking out whenever lies are told, to bullies... and to all those who hate! Maybe Cam can help you think through what to do...in his stories--life lessons...
I woke with a jerk this morning, breathing a little harder than normal... It happened in the last sleep of the morning, after earlier reading, again, from Acts... Paul and others were going out into the towns and cities--names I'd never heard of--and was telling of Jesus, as Savior... Many believed; many didn't and they sent God's teachers from their area...
When I sat on the side of my bed this morning, realizing that I'd had a mixed-up dream again...of negative thoughts...of my mind pulling out normal things or even happy things that had been part of my life yesterday... and I heard in my left ear, from high up somewhere--Be Not Dismayed. It was a whisper. Was it from the Holy Spirit or just my memory... I find that I was now again emulating, Doubting Thomas, the apostle with whom I most closely identify... When I am afraid, scared, insecure, my emotionally damaged brain is incited...
Usually, in the past when it was closer to my being on the job, it would be job related... For instance, going back to my earlier years of office work, I may spend the night filing...or collating a report...or, you know, some tedious part of a job that is boring while it is a necessary task... Often these past days, as I heard about the ridiculous judge who has no business even being in her job, in my opinion, again held up the work of the Department of Justice... So, looking back, I knew that I was thinking during th day, when I heard the latest on the appeal, I remembered that my first job--at 18--was taking care of employee records--and handling everything needed to get everybody on the payroll and in the system... If, I, at 18, did my job, knowing that these records were to be kept confidential and...secured...how could anybody, sane, try to make people realize that a man, around my age, could NOT know he had committed a crime by taking top secret records out of the secured government files?! That irritation could have set me off in a nightful of filing...LOL
I laugh, but it really isn't funny, is it? The first think I saw when, after feeding my babies, I turned to the computer to write this, as it was fresh in my mind...and I knew that I would at least spend a page or two in my Memoir, writing and sharing my experience, in the event there might be somebody out there who would then learn about how dreams can affect you...negatively...
Of course, Google was reminding us to vote! And I grabbed the pic so that I, too, can remind people... I cannot believe that, in the United States, the past president and his followers has made it so much of an issue, that all of us are now totally insecure--will MY vote be handled properly?!!! Logically, I try to tell myself that things will be worked out...but... when the corrupt keep telling you what to expect, well, doesn't a little bit of your logical mind...believe they could do it? Truthfully, it is my opinion, that so much of what the republicans are doing, from within congress, and as leaders of states--trafficking those who seek asylum--into parts unknown without any words of kindness or concern...purely as an attempt at political gain...is certainly enough to wear anybody's state of peace down... So, don't be afraid to allow the child in each of us, to dwell in that part of us who becomes afraid...and...act! Realize that peace if available to you!
And tell yourself, over and over...until you believe...And then,
One of the reasons that I was worried, flustered yesterday was because neither of my helpmates had come...and I had garbage that needed to be taken to the road... If I were doing it, I would use the car...it is that far... But, this soon after the hip surgery, I was still not sure I could get the bags into the car and out again. So, I was feeling helpless, irritated at my own lack of ability to do something that should have been routine...
And then a cousin said just three words..."I told you..."
While at the same time, I was worried about getting my roof fixed or replaced but not really dealing with it... either one place didn't do what I wanted to have done...or didn't return my calls...
And, oh, one more "little" thing... I have been using food again as a comfort tool...
Soooooo, drumroll, please... This is the story my emotionally damageed self dreamed up for me...
I was at the home of a cousin (her son was named Paul) but was not the cousin that had once "touched me." Yet, nevertheless it was Paul telling me that he had just the thing I wanted... While, I was going through the refrigerator and cupboards, looking for a little kitten who was wrapped in a cloth, apparently lost from its mother, and I needed to find something for him to eat... eat...yes... I needed to eat, and so we all decided to order pizza... which arrived with only cheese...which started up an argument about who eats pizza with just cheese...while the delivery person was asking to be paid and nobody had any money, even though I had not ordered it, I went looking for my purse for money, explaining how I had money from recently being at the bank for something for Mom (my mother died years ago, as has the cousin who owned the house I was staying in...) and suddenly I looked up and a big delivery truck was outside the house backing up... and I watched, waving, as the truck plowed right into a car behind them where a man and woman had to run to get out of the way to escape being hit... Then realizing he couldn't proceed, for of course, the wrecked car was in front of him, he started to turn and back up...directly into the front part of the house! And, then the driver got out...yes, that happens all the times when we deliver, sorry about that, no big deal...but I got to get going... (sound like any of the liars we are all hearing these days)...got a delivery to make you know...
And that's when Stevie jumped on my bed and I woke up again...
And that, my friends, is how a muddled mind, crammed with negative vibes, concerns, and issues that should never become so impossible to handle that you are unable to do anything but call them...a nightmare... from an emotionally damaged mind...
By the way, Stevie, a mother cat who has been my best buddy for years not, had been outside while I was getting back to walking after the surgery... One day earlier this week, Rachel, my caring niece, had taken me to the grocery store. As we were driving into the cabin, Rachel called out...Stevie is carrying a kitten back to th cabin (she had been somewhere near the other end of my driveway). Perhaps because it had been raining so much... Or perhaps because she realized that, soon, she would not have enough milk to feed her growing kittens...
Stopping there, for an aside story, Stevie, one night, climbed up on the screen on the window where I was watching television, and cried and cried... I knew there was dry food out so I didn't try to help...Apparently, she had her kittens that night. If I had known, I would have let her in...I normally have a box ready for her since she wants me around when she begins to birth...When she wasn't there the next morning when I was putting the food out, I realized and felt bad...I wasn't there for her when she needed me...
This morning, when she bound up on my bed, I just started playing and talking with her... Somehow she had carried the four kittens down that long driveway to the door... When she brought the first one back, Rachel had opened the door while I was still slowly getting out of the car. Stevie ran in and went to a corner and disappeared... Apparently she had scoped out a place when she had visited me during the past weeks...
As soon as she was let out to go for another kitten, Rachel tried to find the kitten, while I got a box ready with a small blanket. Rachel couldn't find the cat... So...the next time she came in, we planned to stop her--not a chance! She zoomed past and again disappeared! A Mystery! Neither of us could solve as Rachel looked under cupboards, behind furniture... She had previously closed off some of the places that cats could sneak behind, knowing that one or the other would sometimes fly by me when I opened the door...
While Stevie was outside again, because we didn't know how many she had, I was planning, thinking... Well, I had stored two suitcases in that corner. I used the suitcases to store my off-season clothes since I have moved into the cabin that had very little storage space. With the rain, and perhaps because of my health, I was feeling chilly often and, instead of turning on the heat, I decided to wash some sweat clothes that I wear in colder times, and ask Rachel to lift one of the cases onto the dining table... And started to remove clothes, shaking them out, to wash... And, there, nestled between my clothes were the kittens!
By that time, Stevie was back with a third kitten! She looked at Rachel standing there and me standing near the table...and she zoomed past...back into the corner... Thankfully, we had the box ready for her and she jumped in... I handed the two kittens to Rachel, to help Stevie begin to trust her too, and when the two kittens were in the box with the third one, she settled down and washed off the smell of those who had touched her babies! LOL
But soon, she was out of the box and standing at the door... One more was to be brought into the warm house...and she knew that anytime she was hungry, all she had to do was come running into my room, jumped on the bed...and she had trained me to get up and give her food...
Ahhhh, living with a cat with whom you are simpatico, is truly a wonderful life... just like...
