Ya know how you get used to a view and then notice when something is out of place?
Well, I was sitting in my throne room having my morning meditations when I noticed that the rock wall next to the forest across the yard was strangely out of place. Some of the large roundish rocks were offset from the rest of the wall. Very strange indeed. On a second inspection I could see that they were in fact moving. The rocks had legs and were feeding on something under the snow.
Oh, it's just the wild turkey! Not the booze, but the actual wild turkey that frequent my land.
Perhaps word of the Thanksgiving outdoor turkey bake has made the rounds and they are circling me to exact their revenge. An interesting thought to start the day with all the same.
The War of the Woods. Haha!
But that's not what I planned on talking about today.
I want to tell you about a headless deer, a four pointed star, and a big ball of light.
I am so mad at my unsuccessful attempts to get into the Christmas spirit this year.
I tried to put lights on the tree in my yard.
I had several boxes of brand new lights and had ran the extension cord across the yard to the tree and begun hanging the lights with the utmost care. I know these things are delicate. I am just about done with the operation when half of the lights on every section went off. I tried jiggling them, then shaking them, then as a finale, I just started tearing at them and ripping them from the tree. I am not going to do the change each little twinkley light bulb one at a time thing to look for the weak link! I don't have that kind of patience any more. Not for a two dollar string of lights. But why would they sell these things in the first place if every string is gonna die that soon? Some kind of anti commercialism conspiracy?
I know I'm not the only one that suffers with this curse.
Driving home from work at night I see everyone's yard decorations lit up and among them is the star on a roof with only four of the five stars lit, and the wire frame deer in another yard that are lit up, except for the head on one of them. And just last night when getting home, the lights string hung around my outside door lost half of it's lights.
That brings us up to the big ball of dead Christmas lights in my wood shed...
and it's growing bigger every day.
While I'm on a rant, I'm sick of Christmas music too!
Every jock that gets on the radio this week for their four hours of fame think that they are going to have the definitive Christmas show. Sure it's only four hours to them, but it's a full week of non stop sap for me!
STOP THE INSANITY!
Ok, ok, I know I'm sounding like a humbug, and I don't even know what a humbug is.
I don't hate Christmas. In fact I did all of my shopping on-line a week before Thanksgiving.
Of course, nothing has arrived yet, so how is that going to make me look to my friends!
And, how's this for timing, the pump to my well burned up yesterday. Now, I've got no water!
I need a good session with Ebenezer Scrooge and his three ghosts to get me back on track.
What I do have is a warm house, a cat that loves me and a spiral ham for Christmas. (God bless the slinky pig that gave it's life for my eating pleasure.)
I think I'm going with no Christmas lights this year and hope that that's the worst that'll go wrong.
There, I've vented. I feel better.
Happy Christmas to you from your friends here on Planet Dandy!
As a footnote, the plumber was just here and he's gotta replace my pump. The good news is that it will be done before I get home from work tonight. So, I guess things are looking up. And since I can't take my shower this morning I didn't cut into my schedule by writing this.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Friday, December 16, 2005
Isolation
Life is getting to me lately.
Not life in general, just life specifically in the world around me.
Actually,
just a couple little teenie things.
So...
I'm going to build a fort in my living room.
A cool fort made of blankets draped over chairs.
I could crawl inside and no one could find me.
A stack of comic books. A bottle of Orange Crush and a flashlight. A party of one!
The people that want to tell me what to do and when to do it won't be able to.Not life in general, just life specifically in the world around me.
Actually,
just a couple little teenie things.
So...
I'm going to build a fort in my living room.
A cool fort made of blankets draped over chairs.
I could crawl inside and no one could find me.
A stack of comic books. A bottle of Orange Crush and a flashlight. A party of one!
Maybe if I could be invisible. That would be cool too! Just to disappear for a while.
Or... I could just unplug the phone.
Oh bother!
Life.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Remember
It's 10 degrees outside today, here in Maine.
I wonder how cold it was 25 years ago on this day in New York City?
As cold as a killers heart? I doubt it.
Back then I lived in Northern Michigan. I remember cleaning the snow off my car while warming it up for my drive to a neighboring town where my job was. It was late. I worked the graveyard shift in a factory.
I remember turning the car radio on and hearing the news bulletin.
A life altering event had occured tonight, one that was about to grip and unite the world in sadness.
"John Lennon was shot dead tonight in front of his New York City apartment."
I remember turning my car off and going back into the housed in shock and calling in sick.
I would not be going to work this night. I was sick to my stomach. Paralyzed in disbelief.
I lost a hero. The world lost a friend. How could this be?
Just typing this brings tears to my eyes. Why do I feel so connected?
It's been 25 years since he died, but it seems like a day.
John and I go back even further.
My first Beatles album was Sgt. Pepper. I was about 12 years old and it was like a great story book to me. I would listen to every word and in my mind I would see this whole movie playing.
It was more than music to me.
That was just the beginning of course, later I would follow all of the Beatles activities in the news, collecting articles from newspapers and magazines. I would spend hours reading their lyrics and trying to analyze each song, looking up every word and British slang that I didn't understand. It was only later, around the time of the break up, that I went back to Beatlemania and caught up with their entire history.
There was no video then, so I would put a cassette recorder in front of the television set so I could record John Lennon on the Tom Snyder Show, or record the news when Paul McCartney got busted taking marijuana into Japan. And then the night when every channel had special news reports on the death of the Beatle.
I guess my point here is that I grew up with Lennon. It was all very personal to me. The Beatles were the soundtrack to my life so far.
I still have a trunk full of books, newspapers, magazines, rare vinyl, and memories of the Fab Four.
From John, In His Own Write, to Yoko's Grapefruit.
Two Virgins, and The Wedding Album."
Headlines like, "John and Yoko attend the Watergate Hearings."
And from the N.Y.Post, "John Lennon Shot Dead."
I don't really know where I want to go with this story unless it's just to say that I remember.
My tears are real.
And though it makes me sad, I remember the happiness.
I remember the controversy of his honesty.
I remember believing that "All You Need Is Love."
I will continue to believe, and I will always remember.
I will remember someone who had the world at his finger tips and all he asked for was that we... "Give Peace A chance."
I wonder how cold it was 25 years ago on this day in New York City?
As cold as a killers heart? I doubt it.
Back then I lived in Northern Michigan. I remember cleaning the snow off my car while warming it up for my drive to a neighboring town where my job was. It was late. I worked the graveyard shift in a factory.
I remember turning the car radio on and hearing the news bulletin.
A life altering event had occured tonight, one that was about to grip and unite the world in sadness.
"John Lennon was shot dead tonight in front of his New York City apartment."
I remember turning my car off and going back into the housed in shock and calling in sick.
I would not be going to work this night. I was sick to my stomach. Paralyzed in disbelief.
I lost a hero. The world lost a friend. How could this be?
Just typing this brings tears to my eyes. Why do I feel so connected?
It's been 25 years since he died, but it seems like a day.
John and I go back even further.
My first Beatles album was Sgt. Pepper. I was about 12 years old and it was like a great story book to me. I would listen to every word and in my mind I would see this whole movie playing.
It was more than music to me.
That was just the beginning of course, later I would follow all of the Beatles activities in the news, collecting articles from newspapers and magazines. I would spend hours reading their lyrics and trying to analyze each song, looking up every word and British slang that I didn't understand. It was only later, around the time of the break up, that I went back to Beatlemania and caught up with their entire history.
There was no video then, so I would put a cassette recorder in front of the television set so I could record John Lennon on the Tom Snyder Show, or record the news when Paul McCartney got busted taking marijuana into Japan. And then the night when every channel had special news reports on the death of the Beatle.
I guess my point here is that I grew up with Lennon. It was all very personal to me. The Beatles were the soundtrack to my life so far.
I still have a trunk full of books, newspapers, magazines, rare vinyl, and memories of the Fab Four.
From John, In His Own Write, to Yoko's Grapefruit.
Two Virgins, and The Wedding Album."
Headlines like, "John and Yoko attend the Watergate Hearings."
And from the N.Y.Post, "John Lennon Shot Dead."
I don't really know where I want to go with this story unless it's just to say that I remember.
My tears are real.
And though it makes me sad, I remember the happiness.
I remember the controversy of his honesty.
I remember believing that "All You Need Is Love."
I will continue to believe, and I will always remember.
I will remember someone who had the world at his finger tips and all he asked for was that we... "Give Peace A chance."
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Don't Be That Guy!
Last night whilst shopping at the local Piggley Dixie Shopping Center on my way home from work...
All I needed was some cat food, butter, and eggs.
What I ended up getting was a bird feeder and a big bag of bird seed as well. This felt like under 8 items until I started putting the 20 cans of cat food on the counter of the express lane.
Beep...beep...beep...beep... (you know the sound of the scanner and a slow cashier)
Meanwhile the line behind me is growing. People with 2 or 3 items.
This wouldn't be too bad except when my total is coming up at $21.95 and I am finding that I only have 11 dollars in my wallet. I know that I had at least 35 dollars when I left the house this morning.
I start digging thru the pockets of my leather jacket pulling out handfuls of change mixed with hair ties and paper clips. The line behind me looks inpatient. That's when I realize...
I'm That Guy!
I'm the customer in the express lane with too many items and unable to make a speedy transaction.
Usually, I am behind that person. Holding one item and in a hurry.
So anyway, as I'm counting coins and approaching around 16 dollars, A hero appears!
An off duty cop that rents movies from me at my video store.
He offers to write a check for the amount that I'm short.
"To Protect and To Serve"
Me, being embarrassed at being That Guy, accept his offer without hesitation.
With him writing a check and me sorting change, at least there are two of us holding up the line now. I feel a little safer from the mob. (not to mention that I knew he was packing a .45 in his coat.)
Now I never meant to be That Guy. I'm never short of cash. I just forgot to restock my wallet.
When I got outside to my truck I found three 20 dollar bills that were tucked in my ash tray for fast food emergencies. Also three 50 dollar bills in my backpack from a recent bank withdrawal, and at least 15 dollars in quarters in a bag for toll booths and such.
I ain't poor, I'm just stoopid. And once in a while...I'm That Guy!
And the cop?
He was one of the people in line behind me.
I love this town!
All I needed was some cat food, butter, and eggs.
What I ended up getting was a bird feeder and a big bag of bird seed as well. This felt like under 8 items until I started putting the 20 cans of cat food on the counter of the express lane.
Beep...beep...beep...beep... (you know the sound of the scanner and a slow cashier)
Meanwhile the line behind me is growing. People with 2 or 3 items.
This wouldn't be too bad except when my total is coming up at $21.95 and I am finding that I only have 11 dollars in my wallet. I know that I had at least 35 dollars when I left the house this morning.
I start digging thru the pockets of my leather jacket pulling out handfuls of change mixed with hair ties and paper clips. The line behind me looks inpatient. That's when I realize...
I'm That Guy!
I'm the customer in the express lane with too many items and unable to make a speedy transaction.
Usually, I am behind that person. Holding one item and in a hurry.
So anyway, as I'm counting coins and approaching around 16 dollars, A hero appears!
An off duty cop that rents movies from me at my video store.
He offers to write a check for the amount that I'm short.
"To Protect and To Serve"
Me, being embarrassed at being That Guy, accept his offer without hesitation.
With him writing a check and me sorting change, at least there are two of us holding up the line now. I feel a little safer from the mob. (not to mention that I knew he was packing a .45 in his coat.)
Now I never meant to be That Guy. I'm never short of cash. I just forgot to restock my wallet.
When I got outside to my truck I found three 20 dollar bills that were tucked in my ash tray for fast food emergencies. Also three 50 dollar bills in my backpack from a recent bank withdrawal, and at least 15 dollars in quarters in a bag for toll booths and such.
I ain't poor, I'm just stoopid. And once in a while...I'm That Guy!
And the cop?
He was one of the people in line behind me.
I love this town!
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Smokin'
or...The ol' In and Out
Thanksgiving morning. I'm getting my turkey ready to put in the oven. I have a new pan to cook it in. That old disposable foil pan from previous years has moved on to the recycle center in the sky.
Damn, should have test driven this new pan before today. It doesn't fit in my oven.
Back-up plan. I will cook it in my outdoor smoker. The hard wood chips guaranteed to light without fluid and burns hotter than coals in minutes.
They wont light. I add fuel. They won't light. I add charcoal and fuel. Nothing still.
Plan three. I cram the turkey into a dinky pan just big enough for it's ass. It looks like the 50 foot woman in a 5 foot dress.
I re-heat the oven and the turkey is started once again.
Standing at the kitchen sink, washing the first mess of pans, I see the smoker...Smoking!
I check it and it seems ready cook after all.
Oven off, turkey put back into original pan and it's outside to the smoker.
Beer time.
Three and a half hours and eight beers later...
The turkey tastes awesome. Nice smoky flavour. And the Augratin potatoes that I cooked in the smoker next to it was excellent as well. My cat ate more than her share of turkey and is laying next to the wood stove now. I'm ready for my after dinner cocktails and once more, life on Planet Dandy is as it should be.
And that's a good thing!
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
The Other Shoe
"What Mr. Wonka Forgot To Tell Charlie"
Still in shock from inheriting the chocolate factory, Charlie wondered what he should do first.
Just then, the Oompa Loompa representative told him that the Oompa Loompas hadn't been paid for two weeks.
The book keeper said that the taxes had not been paid for over two months.
The last rent check had bounced and there were outstanding bills for trash pick up, telephone service,water, and countless medical bills. Willy had not been well these last few months.
Poor Charlie thought that he could just walk in and run the chocolate factory and everything would be well and good, but as it turned out, the cost of running it were greater than the money it actually brought in.
How did Willy Wonka do it?
As it turns out, Willy had been subsidizing the factory with money from his German and Swiss bank accounts. There was also the money he received from the military for his retirement. In reality, the factory was just a hobby.
Poor Charlie.
And now, all of Charlies friends thought that he was rich and wanted him to give them jobs so they could live in the wonderful happy chocolate factory too.
His advisor suggested that he take all the chocolate and wonderful things that he wanted and leave before the tax men came to shut it down. The bad news was that he only had two weeks to get it all out and he still had to continue making chocolate for ten hours a day.
What was to become of poor Charlie now that Mr. Wonka had give him the buisiness?
Still in shock from inheriting the chocolate factory, Charlie wondered what he should do first.
Just then, the Oompa Loompa representative told him that the Oompa Loompas hadn't been paid for two weeks.
The book keeper said that the taxes had not been paid for over two months.
The last rent check had bounced and there were outstanding bills for trash pick up, telephone service,water, and countless medical bills. Willy had not been well these last few months.
Poor Charlie thought that he could just walk in and run the chocolate factory and everything would be well and good, but as it turned out, the cost of running it were greater than the money it actually brought in.
How did Willy Wonka do it?
As it turns out, Willy had been subsidizing the factory with money from his German and Swiss bank accounts. There was also the money he received from the military for his retirement. In reality, the factory was just a hobby.
Poor Charlie.
And now, all of Charlies friends thought that he was rich and wanted him to give them jobs so they could live in the wonderful happy chocolate factory too.
His advisor suggested that he take all the chocolate and wonderful things that he wanted and leave before the tax men came to shut it down. The bad news was that he only had two weeks to get it all out and he still had to continue making chocolate for ten hours a day.
What was to become of poor Charlie now that Mr. Wonka had give him the buisiness?
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Nice Daze
Folks sho nuff likes to tell ya how nice a day it is!
The nicer the day, the more they want to tell you about it.
I work in a cave of a shop in a large old brick building, and as soon as someone comes in they say,"It is such a beautiful day out there! What are you doing in here?"
I mean, "Duh! I work here!"
"Do you know how nice it is outside? We could use more days like this! Can you believe how beautiful a day it is? You should be outside enjoying this beautiful day!"
"SHUT UP!, and go have your nice day"
The funny thing is, when the weather is real nasty, they never say anything like, "You sure are lucky to be inside on a day like this! It sure must be nice to be dry and warm."
Nope. It's more like, "I got soaked just running from my car to your door! I have to drive all the way home in this snow storm. Me, me, me, me, Me!"
The same people come to shop on one of them bank holidays when a lot of businesses are closed, but we are open for their convenience.
They always say, "Why are you open today? It's a holiday!"
So, why are you shopping? Shouldn't you be out there having a nice day?
People just gotta rub it in.
So, I say to you, "Have a nice day.
No, Really. Enjoy it!"
Because I'm going to find out where you work and visit you on my day off,
and if it's a nice day...
you can bet your ass I'm gonna tell you about it!
"Have a nice day."
The nicer the day, the more they want to tell you about it.
I work in a cave of a shop in a large old brick building, and as soon as someone comes in they say,"It is such a beautiful day out there! What are you doing in here?"
I mean, "Duh! I work here!"
"Do you know how nice it is outside? We could use more days like this! Can you believe how beautiful a day it is? You should be outside enjoying this beautiful day!"
"SHUT UP!, and go have your nice day"
The funny thing is, when the weather is real nasty, they never say anything like, "You sure are lucky to be inside on a day like this! It sure must be nice to be dry and warm."
Nope. It's more like, "I got soaked just running from my car to your door! I have to drive all the way home in this snow storm. Me, me, me, me, Me!"
The same people come to shop on one of them bank holidays when a lot of businesses are closed, but we are open for their convenience.
They always say, "Why are you open today? It's a holiday!"
So, why are you shopping? Shouldn't you be out there having a nice day?
People just gotta rub it in.
So, I say to you, "Have a nice day.
No, Really. Enjoy it!"
Because I'm going to find out where you work and visit you on my day off,
and if it's a nice day...
you can bet your ass I'm gonna tell you about it!
"Have a nice day."
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Tainted Love
A Random Rambling Rant
About 2 years ago, when I lived in the cabin that's a little ways down the hill, I was so into movies.
I would look forward to the new movie to be released on DVD and put it in my player.
I would run it thru the previews and right up to where the movie starts...Then, I would pause it.
This is where I would get about three of my favorite beverages and line up the remote controls.
One trip to the bathroom and I'm ready to rock!
After making sure that there are no smudges on my glasses, I would push [PLAY].
The rest was pure non stop 5.1 surround sound pleasure.
Somehow, now that I've been working in a video store for a couple years, I can't seem to focus on a movie for very long.
The very best of the bunch, I can. The new Indy flix and a lot of the foreign films are usually good.
But your general main stream grossed a hundred million dollar movies...Suck.
Now I bring home all of the new releases every weekend. The movies that are not available to rent until the following Tuesday. And I play them all, sometimes without ever hardly looking at the television. I get so easily distracted. Then later, back at the store, everyone wants to know if the new movies are any good..
"Did you see this? Is it good?"
"Dunno," I say. "I didn't watch it."
Oh well, the only reason I brought all of this up is that I was watching T.V. a few minutes ago and my cat was all curled up to me, and I got up for no reason that I could think of.
So, I made drink, looked in the woodstove, nibbled a bit, started typing on this thing, then wondered where my cat was.
Oh!, she's still layin there watchin T.V. and lookin at me like... "Where the hell did you go? Like I got nothin better to do than lay here keeping you warm! I didn't even want this movie, I wanted to rent Mouse Hunt!"
Meanwhile, this weeks hot new release is playing in the background. Lucky me. Maybe I should watch it. Maybe it's good.
Maybe I'll never know.
Maybe I should dust the book shelves.
About 2 years ago, when I lived in the cabin that's a little ways down the hill, I was so into movies.
I would look forward to the new movie to be released on DVD and put it in my player.
I would run it thru the previews and right up to where the movie starts...Then, I would pause it.
This is where I would get about three of my favorite beverages and line up the remote controls.
One trip to the bathroom and I'm ready to rock!
After making sure that there are no smudges on my glasses, I would push [PLAY].
The rest was pure non stop 5.1 surround sound pleasure.
Somehow, now that I've been working in a video store for a couple years, I can't seem to focus on a movie for very long.
The very best of the bunch, I can. The new Indy flix and a lot of the foreign films are usually good.
But your general main stream grossed a hundred million dollar movies...Suck.
Now I bring home all of the new releases every weekend. The movies that are not available to rent until the following Tuesday. And I play them all, sometimes without ever hardly looking at the television. I get so easily distracted. Then later, back at the store, everyone wants to know if the new movies are any good..
"Did you see this? Is it good?"
"Dunno," I say. "I didn't watch it."
Oh well, the only reason I brought all of this up is that I was watching T.V. a few minutes ago and my cat was all curled up to me, and I got up for no reason that I could think of.
So, I made drink, looked in the woodstove, nibbled a bit, started typing on this thing, then wondered where my cat was.
Oh!, she's still layin there watchin T.V. and lookin at me like... "Where the hell did you go? Like I got nothin better to do than lay here keeping you warm! I didn't even want this movie, I wanted to rent Mouse Hunt!"
Meanwhile, this weeks hot new release is playing in the background. Lucky me. Maybe I should watch it. Maybe it's good.
Maybe I'll never know.
Maybe I should dust the book shelves.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Trouble In Paradise
My world is in danger of being shattered by a runaway asteroid of unfortunate events. Life as I know it will be changed, most abruptly.
If and when these events occur, it will affect everything from the community that I rely on for inspiration, to the economy that keeps the very existence of Planet Dandy possible. Some of my emotions are running wild in the streets in a state of panic, and parts of me are just staring into space.
Shocked, stunned, wondering and waiting.
What happens when God drops his other shoe?
I'm a creature of habit and I loathe change that is not in my control.
I'm selfish and I'm scared.
All I can do is go about my daily routines until it happens.
Convincing myself that out of everything bad, some good will come.
After today comes tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that.
One step at a time, with my eyes to the sky.
Such is life.
If and when these events occur, it will affect everything from the community that I rely on for inspiration, to the economy that keeps the very existence of Planet Dandy possible. Some of my emotions are running wild in the streets in a state of panic, and parts of me are just staring into space.
Shocked, stunned, wondering and waiting.
What happens when God drops his other shoe?
I'm a creature of habit and I loathe change that is not in my control.
I'm selfish and I'm scared.
All I can do is go about my daily routines until it happens.
Convincing myself that out of everything bad, some good will come.
After today comes tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that.
One step at a time, with my eyes to the sky.
Such is life.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Afraid
I'm afraid of the future,
I'm afraid of my past,
I'm afraid I'm too happy,
and happy don't last.
I'm afraid for my job,
it's too good to be true.
Good things don't last,
then what will I do?
I'm afraid to get old,
I'll be all alone.
Who gets my stuff,
when I'm stuck in some home?
I'm afraid of my truck,
I could run out of gas,
or not make it home,
if I drive it too fast.
I'm afraid of freedom,
it can be taken away.
I'm afraid of a world,
that could make me afraid.
I'm afraid you won't like me,
if my verses don't rhyme.
and now I'm afraid,
that I've wasted your time.
I'm afraid of my past,
I'm afraid I'm too happy,
and happy don't last.
I'm afraid for my job,
it's too good to be true.
Good things don't last,
then what will I do?
I'm afraid to get old,
I'll be all alone.
Who gets my stuff,
when I'm stuck in some home?
I'm afraid of my truck,
I could run out of gas,
or not make it home,
if I drive it too fast.
I'm afraid of freedom,
it can be taken away.
I'm afraid of a world,
that could make me afraid.
I'm afraid you won't like me,
if my verses don't rhyme.
and now I'm afraid,
that I've wasted your time.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Smooch The Snooch
It's Cayos birthday. She's ten years old.
That's also how many years we've been together.
I like to call her "Snoochie".
She is so beautiful, and I tell her that constantly.
I mean, Look at her. She's georgeous!
She's never done anything to piss me off. Instead, she comforts me.
I kiss her all the time. I can't help it.
She's so faithful and affectionate.
Full of unconditional love.
She loves to snuggle up to me.
If I curl up on the couch, she relocates to be next to me.
When I go to bed, she follows me and curls up at my side.
She's the first thing I see in the morning, and the last thing I see at night.
I've kissed her, at the very least, ten times a day, and that is a vast understatement.
That means that I've kissed her over 36,500 times.
That's a lot of kisses.
I guess you can tell that we are in love.
Happy together.
Even now, she is laying on the floor near my feet.
Our life is good.
Happy Birthday Cayo!
That's also how many years we've been together.
I like to call her "Snoochie".
She is so beautiful, and I tell her that constantly.
I mean, Look at her. She's georgeous!
She's never done anything to piss me off. Instead, she comforts me.
I kiss her all the time. I can't help it.
She's so faithful and affectionate.
Full of unconditional love.
She loves to snuggle up to me.
If I curl up on the couch, she relocates to be next to me.
When I go to bed, she follows me and curls up at my side.
She's the first thing I see in the morning, and the last thing I see at night.
I've kissed her, at the very least, ten times a day, and that is a vast understatement.
That means that I've kissed her over 36,500 times.
That's a lot of kisses.
I guess you can tell that we are in love.
Happy together.
Even now, she is laying on the floor near my feet.
Our life is good.
Happy Birthday Cayo!
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
The Succubus
Almost over night it happened.
The change occurred.
The yellow came.
Something is sucking the green from my lush jungle, leaving in its wake a wounded forest.
The trees that stood so proudly all summer guarding and embracing my hilltop paradise are now withering and wearing the rags of fallen warriors.
Orange and yellow adorn these proud giants where only yesterday their emerald armors gave shelter to the creatures of my land.
They may still stand strong.
But soon, they'll stand naked.
These molestations seem to coincide with the chilling of the night.
That's when "she" comes to prey.
To rape the honor of her victims and suck their life into her cold belly.
The only witness, a full, but silent Moon.
I am safe in my castle, for now, but it is a rude awakening.
A subtle reminder of what must be done.
Time is running out.
There are still things I must do.
Preparations to be made...
If I want to be ready for winter.
The change occurred.
The yellow came.
Something is sucking the green from my lush jungle, leaving in its wake a wounded forest.
The trees that stood so proudly all summer guarding and embracing my hilltop paradise are now withering and wearing the rags of fallen warriors.
Orange and yellow adorn these proud giants where only yesterday their emerald armors gave shelter to the creatures of my land.
They may still stand strong.
But soon, they'll stand naked.
These molestations seem to coincide with the chilling of the night.
That's when "she" comes to prey.
To rape the honor of her victims and suck their life into her cold belly.
The only witness, a full, but silent Moon.
I am safe in my castle, for now, but it is a rude awakening.
A subtle reminder of what must be done.
Time is running out.
There are still things I must do.
Preparations to be made...
If I want to be ready for winter.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Planet Dandy "Year One" Complete
Wow, I just realized that it has been a whole year since I started the Planet Dandy Blogs!
Happy anniversary to Me! haha
This year seems like it passed so fast.
I've made a few new friends, and gotten back in touch with a lot of old friends as well.
I've written about everything from Gwar shows, to alien invasions.
(not that there's much difference there.)
I've written about my cat.
Changes in the seasons, extreme weather, Feeders, Spores, Nine Inch Nails, Slayer, and Flying Jellyfish.
What else could I possibly find to write about?
I wonder.
This next year will tell!
As of this writing, 1,371 visits.
I really should've collected a dollar at the door!
Thanx for your visits and your comments.
Planet Dandy Loves You!
Happy anniversary to Me! haha
This year seems like it passed so fast.
I've made a few new friends, and gotten back in touch with a lot of old friends as well.
I've written about everything from Gwar shows, to alien invasions.
(not that there's much difference there.)
I've written about my cat.
Changes in the seasons, extreme weather, Feeders, Spores, Nine Inch Nails, Slayer, and Flying Jellyfish.
What else could I possibly find to write about?
I wonder.
This next year will tell!
As of this writing, 1,371 visits.
I really should've collected a dollar at the door!
Thanx for your visits and your comments.
Planet Dandy Loves You!
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Higher Ground
Day five.
The deluge continues.
I am not concerned about the rain that persists its attack. I live on high ground.
Although there is some occasional flooding of a side street down in the village, it too, is on a hill and everything ends up in the ocean...Eventually.
Everything.
Earlier this spring it rained for almost an entire month. That was in June and it affected the whole summer. Gardens were flooded or planted too late and schedules in general were all thrown off balance. It has left me feeling out of synch.
Now, I only wonder if this will have any effect on the winter.
I was actually looking forward to a fresh season for a fresh start. I just wasn't planning on building an ark.
Still, it is soothing hearing the rain on the roof at night, and there is no glare on the t.v. in the day. Those are good things.
Oh well, it just goes to show.
Just when it seems that there's nothing else to talk about...
there is always the weather, and even I, am not above that.
Let it rain.
It's all downhill from here!
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Creeping Death
These last days...
The view from the tower where I reside has been consumed by an eerie mist.
The wooded hills and all that is in them, shrouded by the spectral fog.
Sol, a hostage of the elements.
I enjoy the grey serenity. There is something calming about it.
Haunting, yet beautiful.
I watch it make its rounds.
Gliding in and out of the edges of the forest.
Like wraiths on patrol.
Guarding the perimeter of Avalon.
My home.
Planet Dandy.
The view from the tower where I reside has been consumed by an eerie mist.
The wooded hills and all that is in them, shrouded by the spectral fog.
Sol, a hostage of the elements.
I enjoy the grey serenity. There is something calming about it.
Haunting, yet beautiful.
I watch it make its rounds.
Gliding in and out of the edges of the forest.
Like wraiths on patrol.
Guarding the perimeter of Avalon.
My home.
Planet Dandy.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Slugish
I wish I could remember something that I never even knew.
I wish there was a secret about me that I never got to know.
Some fantastic story so amazing that it would change my life.
An epoch revelation that I was never meant to find out about, but did.
A truth that I was suppose to learn when I turned a certain age but was lost.
Something that would make me question my very being.
What's it like to wake up one morning to find out you were never even who you thought you were?
I suppose it's any poets dream to remove themselves from their own reality to seek inspiration from somewhere unknown to them.I wish there was a secret about me that I never got to know.
Some fantastic story so amazing that it would change my life.
An epoch revelation that I was never meant to find out about, but did.
A truth that I was suppose to learn when I turned a certain age but was lost.
Something that would make me question my very being.
What's it like to wake up one morning to find out you were never even who you thought you were?
I should just be happy knowing that I am who I am, where I am and enjoy my phlegmatic existence.
Besides, humans are far too complicated and fragile of a species to emulate.
Still...What if?
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Pussy
It's Sunday morning. I woke up a feeling little hung over, but then again, I always do, no matter how well behaved I've been.
Not much point in behaving I guess.
Before opening my eyes I stretch my arm over to the right of me and feel her warm body.
I knew she would still be there. She always is, and I take comfort in that.
She is so beautiful in the morning with the sun caressing her body and warming her hair.
I snuggle up to her for a few kisses then sluggishly wander down stairs to start the water for my tea.
Most days she would be right behind me, but today...Not even the sound of the television or the smells and sounds of breakfast tempt her to join me.
Should I have stayed in bed with her? Did she think I would come back? It's hard to know what she expects from me some times.
I prepare my breakfast.
Just as I'm setting my hash and eggs on the table she walks in and sits down. I should have expected this, her timing is impeccable.
She just sits there and stares at me, expressionless.
Now, am I supposed to feel some kind of guilt for something? I hate these awkward moments.
I put a little food on a plate for her. She just looks at it, then walks outside to sit on the back porch which is right outside the kitchen window.
She watches me watch her.
Whatever.
I enjoyed my meal alone while watching some romantic drama unfold on the television.
Now, all that's left, is for me to do the dishes.
Her food will stay on her plate.
She went out for breakfast.
I know this because I can see her from where I sit as I write this.
She went to her usual place. Her favorite place.
She loves sitting in that path that goes through the tall grass in the yard.
She'll sit there for an hour if she has to.
She always gets her mouse.
She's good.
I love my cat.
Not much point in behaving I guess.
Before opening my eyes I stretch my arm over to the right of me and feel her warm body.
I knew she would still be there. She always is, and I take comfort in that.
She is so beautiful in the morning with the sun caressing her body and warming her hair.
I snuggle up to her for a few kisses then sluggishly wander down stairs to start the water for my tea.
Most days she would be right behind me, but today...Not even the sound of the television or the smells and sounds of breakfast tempt her to join me.
Should I have stayed in bed with her? Did she think I would come back? It's hard to know what she expects from me some times.
I prepare my breakfast.
Just as I'm setting my hash and eggs on the table she walks in and sits down. I should have expected this, her timing is impeccable.
She just sits there and stares at me, expressionless.
Now, am I supposed to feel some kind of guilt for something? I hate these awkward moments.
I put a little food on a plate for her. She just looks at it, then walks outside to sit on the back porch which is right outside the kitchen window.
She watches me watch her.
Whatever.
I enjoyed my meal alone while watching some romantic drama unfold on the television.
Now, all that's left, is for me to do the dishes.
Her food will stay on her plate.
She went out for breakfast.
I know this because I can see her from where I sit as I write this.
She went to her usual place. Her favorite place.
She loves sitting in that path that goes through the tall grass in the yard.
She'll sit there for an hour if she has to.
She always gets her mouse.
She's good.
I love my cat.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
MONDO DANDY
It's Alive, IT'S ALIVE!!
(insert thunder and lightning)
My new blog site, MONDO DANDY, is now open for your pleasure.
MONDO DANDY will be used exclusively for PHOTOGRAPHS taken by me, with the exception of some photographs that are taken of me, in which case, it's still all about me! (humble lovable me)
I shall be scouring the planet every day to find an interesting view to share.
If I fail to capture something fresh, I will insert something from my historical archives.
Expect the unexpected. From the mundane to the extreme.
From road kill, to the bizzaro dimension that I like to refer to as my life.
MONDO DANDY awaits you!
(insert thunder and lightning)
My new blog site, MONDO DANDY, is now open for your pleasure.
MONDO DANDY will be used exclusively for PHOTOGRAPHS taken by me, with the exception of some photographs that are taken of me, in which case, it's still all about me! (humble lovable me)
I shall be scouring the planet every day to find an interesting view to share.
If I fail to capture something fresh, I will insert something from my historical archives.
Expect the unexpected. From the mundane to the extreme.
From road kill, to the bizzaro dimension that I like to refer to as my life.
MONDO DANDY awaits you!
Friday, September 23, 2005
Snoogins!
All things worthy of writing about, as of late, have been too much about other peoples lives around me and too personal to share so soon. Better left to use as retrospective memory stories later on, after the drama dies down a bit.
Also, I make it a personal policy to keep my stories about me or the magical and strange world around me. (Lately, those elements have been a little blah.)
However, After this weekend I will be unveiling a new multi-media project that will help me with my plans to conquer the world!
So, fear not. There's plenty more of me on the way!
For lack of anything else to submit right now, I have tweaked a couple of my recent blogs.
(Scroll down if you care.)
Snooky, snooky, snooch!
Also, I make it a personal policy to keep my stories about me or the magical and strange world around me. (Lately, those elements have been a little blah.)
However, After this weekend I will be unveiling a new multi-media project that will help me with my plans to conquer the world!
So, fear not. There's plenty more of me on the way!
For lack of anything else to submit right now, I have tweaked a couple of my recent blogs.
(Scroll down if you care.)
Snooky, snooky, snooch!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
The Mirror
Gaze if you can
through the mirror to your mind,
in search for a soul
that you can not find.
A distorted vision
awaits you there,
a face that no longer
can seem to care.
A life without meaning,
a means with no cause,
transgressions of years
scrawled with blood on the walls.
Surreptitious existence
evolved in your head.
Your questions unanswered
till too late,
you are dead.
(A little ditty I wrote during my Jim Morrison phase back around 1980.)
through the mirror to your mind,
in search for a soul
that you can not find.
A distorted vision
awaits you there,
a face that no longer
can seem to care.
A life without meaning,
a means with no cause,
transgressions of years
scrawled with blood on the walls.
Surreptitious existence
evolved in your head.
Your questions unanswered
till too late,
you are dead.
(A little ditty I wrote during my Jim Morrison phase back around 1980.)
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Lair of the White Worm
Did you ever see a picture of a human brain?
It looks like a giant white worm that has been crammed into a bowl that it can't quite fit into.
Well this morning my worm felt a little swollen from the vodka that I poured into it's bowl,
so to ease it's pain,
I am marinating it in beer.
That should tenderize it just enough to ease the swelling and allow it to lay comfortably numb in the bowl,
leaving just enough room for a few thought to move around without disturbing it...
too much.
Nnngh...err............doh...!
Damn, I was gonna close with a witty comment...
but when I tried to think of it...
my worm started to throb...
and I don't want to wake it...
so this time...
I will just slip..
out...
quietly.
shhhhh...
It looks like a giant white worm that has been crammed into a bowl that it can't quite fit into.
Well this morning my worm felt a little swollen from the vodka that I poured into it's bowl,
so to ease it's pain,
I am marinating it in beer.
That should tenderize it just enough to ease the swelling and allow it to lay comfortably numb in the bowl,
leaving just enough room for a few thought to move around without disturbing it...
too much.
Nnngh...err............doh...!
Damn, I was gonna close with a witty comment...
but when I tried to think of it...
my worm started to throb...
and I don't want to wake it...
so this time...
I will just slip..
out...
quietly.
shhhhh...
Saturday, September 10, 2005
What's On T.V.?
While taking a random visual inventory of the surroundings in my castle, I thought I would share one corner of it with you.
This is what is on top of my television.
- A raccoon skull that I salvaged from a road kill.
- The jaw bone of a deer that I found while walking through the forest a long time ago.
- The wing bone from a pelican that I found on a beach in the Dry Tortugas.
- An autographed coon dick (raccoon penis bone) necklace that I got from j.t. leroy as part of the promotion for his book, "Sarah."
- Two half burnt flesh colored candles that look like fingers. The wax drips red like blood as they burn.
- One leopard print votive candle.
- Three tiny stuffed animals. A polar bear, a leopard print tedddy bear, and Pooh's friend Eeyore.
- Three trendy rubber bracelets, all black, that say, "GETCHA' PULL-DIMEBAG R.I.P.
- Two colorful wooden match boxes with skeletons and sequins for celebrating the Mexican Day of the Dead.
- A green Alice Cooper snake skin wallet with a Billion Dollar Babies logo medallion on the side and a chain made of the same medallions.
- A simple iron legged lamp with a classy leopard skin lamp shade that I got at the dollar store.
- A red and black plastic lizard tail that some one gave me. It was part of something else at a better time in it's life.
- A provocative Disney's Tarzan statuette in the crawling on all fours position.
- And lastly and leastly...dust. (I ain't no Martha Stewart)
And, I've got a huge television.
Size DOES matter!
Thank you for visiting Planet Dandy.
So now, what's on t.v.?
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Igor Found Dead
Crisis struck Planet Dandy last weekend when Igor, the Planet Dandy computer, was found dead.
"It happened so sudden", commented a distrought Jim Dandy. " It was working fine Friday night, then when I tried to turn it on Saturday morning...Nothing! I'm in a state of shock! Every other thing that I do here in Castle Dandy, involves the computer. From using my digital camera and printer, to checking the weather and communicating with my friends on other planets. It could take me months to be able to afford a replacement. How am I going to blog? I wasn't prepared for this."
No memorial service is planned until a full autopsy can determine the actual cause of death. Any donations would be welcomed at;
"It happened so sudden", commented a distrought Jim Dandy. " It was working fine Friday night, then when I tried to turn it on Saturday morning...Nothing! I'm in a state of shock! Every other thing that I do here in Castle Dandy, involves the computer. From using my digital camera and printer, to checking the weather and communicating with my friends on other planets. It could take me months to be able to afford a replacement. How am I going to blog? I wasn't prepared for this."
No memorial service is planned until a full autopsy can determine the actual cause of death. Any donations would be welcomed at;
Planet Dandy Relief Fund
c/o Jim Dandy
P.O. Box 945
Belfast, Maine 04915
c/o Jim Dandy
P.O. Box 945
Belfast, Maine 04915
Epilogue...
This obituary was hand written by me Monday morning.
It was my plan to use the computer at the public library in the village to post it, so you, dear readers, would know why I was absent from the blogging community.
The library was closed for Labor Day. Damn.
I went to work.
Another unfortunate event on that same day was actualy responsible for me being able to finally post this from my home today.
A friend died Monday afternoon.
So, after me bitching all day about my computer biting the big burrito and wishing I could afford a new one...
it seems that I have inherited his laptop.
Awkward.
Be careful what you wish for.
This obituary was hand written by me Monday morning.
It was my plan to use the computer at the public library in the village to post it, so you, dear readers, would know why I was absent from the blogging community.
The library was closed for Labor Day. Damn.
I went to work.
Another unfortunate event on that same day was actualy responsible for me being able to finally post this from my home today.
A friend died Monday afternoon.
So, after me bitching all day about my computer biting the big burrito and wishing I could afford a new one...
it seems that I have inherited his laptop.
Awkward.
Be careful what you wish for.
Friday, August 26, 2005
The Dangerous Kitchen
My refrigerator is haunted.
This morning when I opened the door it threw an egg at me. I don't know how it even got out of the carton, let alone fly through the air at me.
I had to clean it up off the floor.
The second time I opened the door, all of the condiments on the top shelf in the door jumped out at me. Nothing broke but I had to pick them all up from the floor too.
The third time I opened the door, all of the condiments from the bottom shelf in the door did the suicide jump.
What the hell is going on here?
Do I need an exorcist?
Maybe a human sacrifice.
What does it want?
I know what it doesn't want. It doesn't want that dried up tuna sandwich in the back corner, or those shriveled up lime wedges leftover from Cinco de Mayo. And I think I've established that it doesn't want my variety of hot sauces and mustards. But, now that I think about it, every week I stock it up with quality beer and that always seems to disappear! So, since today is Friday, maybe it's a little anxious for the weekly offering. I don't know.
What I do know for sure is this. I was so eager to report this event as it was happening that while preparing my breakfast simultaneously, I burnt my bacon!
Black.
Damn.
To hell with the fridge, I gotta finish breakfast. Bring on the hot sauce!
First breakfast, then I shall do battle with the Ice Box from Hell!
Never a dull moment.
Boogie Chillin'...on Planet Dandy.
This morning when I opened the door it threw an egg at me. I don't know how it even got out of the carton, let alone fly through the air at me.
I had to clean it up off the floor.
The second time I opened the door, all of the condiments on the top shelf in the door jumped out at me. Nothing broke but I had to pick them all up from the floor too.
The third time I opened the door, all of the condiments from the bottom shelf in the door did the suicide jump.
What the hell is going on here?
Do I need an exorcist?
Maybe a human sacrifice.
What does it want?
I know what it doesn't want. It doesn't want that dried up tuna sandwich in the back corner, or those shriveled up lime wedges leftover from Cinco de Mayo. And I think I've established that it doesn't want my variety of hot sauces and mustards. But, now that I think about it, every week I stock it up with quality beer and that always seems to disappear! So, since today is Friday, maybe it's a little anxious for the weekly offering. I don't know.
What I do know for sure is this. I was so eager to report this event as it was happening that while preparing my breakfast simultaneously, I burnt my bacon!
Black.
Damn.
To hell with the fridge, I gotta finish breakfast. Bring on the hot sauce!
First breakfast, then I shall do battle with the Ice Box from Hell!
Never a dull moment.
Boogie Chillin'...on Planet Dandy.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
A Quick One, Before I'm Away
Well, this is one of those blogger posts where I start out with absolutely no idea of what I'm going to write about. It's just that I only have about 15 minutes before I have to leave to go to work. Therefore, I am making myself type this little quickie, just so I can feel a little less guilty about leaving my adoring public hanging.
"What's up on Planet Dandy?"
"Where's the next exciting story from your checkered past?"
(I can hear the cries of the internet blog readers in my head.)
"Dandy, Talk To Us!"
(O.K., I may be just a little bit full of myself here.)
But Hey, it's summer! I am on a vacation from myself!
I got nuthin' to say today!
I do however feel a small bit of responsibility (at least to myself) to post at least this much once a week.
If even only to say... that, "I got nuthin' to say."
There, I said it.
I feel so cheap!
Was it good for you?
"What's up on Planet Dandy?"
"Where's the next exciting story from your checkered past?"
(I can hear the cries of the internet blog readers in my head.)
"Dandy, Talk To Us!"
(O.K., I may be just a little bit full of myself here.)
But Hey, it's summer! I am on a vacation from myself!
I got nuthin' to say today!
I do however feel a small bit of responsibility (at least to myself) to post at least this much once a week.
If even only to say... that, "I got nuthin' to say."
There, I said it.
I feel so cheap!
Was it good for you?
Monday, August 08, 2005
WONDERFUL
I went to a Circle Jerks show at a small club in San Diego back in 1989. To avoid the mosh pit and still enjoy the show up close, I sat on the edge of the stage. When I heard the bass line intro for the song 15 Minutes, I yelled "15 Seconds!"
Kieth Morris, the singer, looked at me and said, "It's 15 Minutes, man!"
Oops, my bad.
At some other point, another fan handed Keith a quarter. Between the next few songs he would pull the quarter out of his pocket and flip it a couple of times saying, "I've got a quarter." Then he would put it back in his pocket.
So, I got an idea.
While he was singing in front of me I handed him a dollar and he put it in his pocket.
Then, after the next song, he pulled the dollar out of his pocket and said, "I don't need a dollar, man. I've got a quarter." And he handed the dollar back to me.
At the end of the show I got to shake hands with each of the band members as they left the stage.
I was in heaven that night.
The Circle Jerks were my favorite band back in those days and I still love them.
I even have a tattoo of their skank man logo on my leg.
I still have the dollar, too.
I wonder, though, does he still have the quarter?
Kieth Morris, the singer, looked at me and said, "It's 15 Minutes, man!"
Oops, my bad.
At some other point, another fan handed Keith a quarter. Between the next few songs he would pull the quarter out of his pocket and flip it a couple of times saying, "I've got a quarter." Then he would put it back in his pocket.
So, I got an idea.
While he was singing in front of me I handed him a dollar and he put it in his pocket.
Then, after the next song, he pulled the dollar out of his pocket and said, "I don't need a dollar, man. I've got a quarter." And he handed the dollar back to me.
At the end of the show I got to shake hands with each of the band members as they left the stage.
I was in heaven that night.
The Circle Jerks were my favorite band back in those days and I still love them.
I even have a tattoo of their skank man logo on my leg.
I still have the dollar, too.
I wonder, though, does he still have the quarter?
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Breakdowns
To begin this story about something that happened to me two weeks ago, I feel that I need to start it with a similar event that happened to me almost 30 years ago. (ouch!)
I was about 18 years old and traveling from Salt Lake City Utah to Pekin Illinois in a "66 Ford Econoline Van. Every thing I owned at that time was in that van. Guitars, Amps, record albums, clothes, and an Afghan Hound named Burt.
Somewhere around Nebraska or Iowa I broke down. Mechanically and mentally. The bearings on the drivers side front wheel melted fusing it into a smoking mess of hot metal. The wheel fell off.
I have never felt as lost as I did then.
I was in the middle of nowhere with nothing but corn as far as the eye could see. Me with long hair, wearing bell bottoms jeans and a vest with a big marijuana leaf embroidered on the back. I had a long haired hippy looking dog, no money, no experience, and no clue.
I cried.
I remember asking Burt what I was going to do. He was clueless and careless.
The important details here are a little foggy. (it was the 70's, ya dig?)
Suffice to say that somehow with the help of a local farmer with welding skills and a kind heart, I got back on the road. I remember him saying that he would hope that someone would help one of his kids if they were in trouble far from home.
Eventually, after two more minor breakdowns,one of them mechanical, I made it to my destination. I don't know how but I made it. You can not begin to imagine the deluge of relief that that flooded my being.
I went thru so much stress those few days that, even then, I knew nothing could ever be as bad as that. Now, whenever I ever break down I am always thankful that at least I'm in my own town, or my own state, or whatever. I can always imagine how much worse it could have been. I can always find a way to put it into perspective.
Deja vu.
A couple weeks ago while taking a short cut to Michigan from Maine through Canada, I break down.
It's Sunday morning, around 2 a.m. my head lights started fading. At first I thought it was the rain storm making it look that way, but then the sputting began and I limped half way up an exit ramp and on to the shoulder of the road just as everything died. Using my limited automotive skills I cleaned up my battery terminals hoping for a simple remedy. That may or may not have helped. I got about a half mile further to a gas station where at least there was light. Then it went completely dead.
I'm in the middle of nowhere, in the dark, in the rain, with a cat named Cayo, and no clue.
hmmm, I've been here before.
Fortunately, this time I have a cell phone and call AAA. (that's CAA in Canada, eh?)
I get towed to a garage that conveniently will be open on Sunday, and I wait.
I wait a long time. The thunder storm continues and I wait.
Talking to my Cayo, I apologize for putting her thru this, because I know she has no idea why we are just sitting in the truck for so long. I also praise her for her patience. She was very calming.
The garage opened at 10:00 and I gave them my sad story of being stranded in a strange land, waiting for 8 hours in the rain with my cat, while trying to get home to see my mother, and to top it off, it's my birthday! (it really was!)
Two and a half hours (and $500) later, I had a new alternator and battery and was on the road again. At this point I've been awake for 30 hours and still have another 7 hours of driving left. I should have been there by now. Oh well.
Keep On Truckin'!
It could have been a lot worse. That was the last exit for a long time and had I broke down a mile further down the road, I don't know where I would've ended up. I definitely wouldn't have been able to tell the tow truck driver where to find me. Then, to actually have parts and service on a Sunday was a miracle.
As bad as it was, I've been thru worse.
I've paid my dues and it don't pay to panic!
This time the breakdown was strictly mechanical.
It's all easy to laugh at now that I'm home again.
Back in Maine.
Safe on Planet Dandy.
Some Birthday, eh?
I was about 18 years old and traveling from Salt Lake City Utah to Pekin Illinois in a "66 Ford Econoline Van. Every thing I owned at that time was in that van. Guitars, Amps, record albums, clothes, and an Afghan Hound named Burt.
Somewhere around Nebraska or Iowa I broke down. Mechanically and mentally. The bearings on the drivers side front wheel melted fusing it into a smoking mess of hot metal. The wheel fell off.
I have never felt as lost as I did then.
I was in the middle of nowhere with nothing but corn as far as the eye could see. Me with long hair, wearing bell bottoms jeans and a vest with a big marijuana leaf embroidered on the back. I had a long haired hippy looking dog, no money, no experience, and no clue.
I cried.
I remember asking Burt what I was going to do. He was clueless and careless.
The important details here are a little foggy. (it was the 70's, ya dig?)
Suffice to say that somehow with the help of a local farmer with welding skills and a kind heart, I got back on the road. I remember him saying that he would hope that someone would help one of his kids if they were in trouble far from home.
Eventually, after two more minor breakdowns,one of them mechanical, I made it to my destination. I don't know how but I made it. You can not begin to imagine the deluge of relief that that flooded my being.
I went thru so much stress those few days that, even then, I knew nothing could ever be as bad as that. Now, whenever I ever break down I am always thankful that at least I'm in my own town, or my own state, or whatever. I can always imagine how much worse it could have been. I can always find a way to put it into perspective.
Deja vu.
A couple weeks ago while taking a short cut to Michigan from Maine through Canada, I break down.
It's Sunday morning, around 2 a.m. my head lights started fading. At first I thought it was the rain storm making it look that way, but then the sputting began and I limped half way up an exit ramp and on to the shoulder of the road just as everything died. Using my limited automotive skills I cleaned up my battery terminals hoping for a simple remedy. That may or may not have helped. I got about a half mile further to a gas station where at least there was light. Then it went completely dead.
I'm in the middle of nowhere, in the dark, in the rain, with a cat named Cayo, and no clue.
hmmm, I've been here before.
Fortunately, this time I have a cell phone and call AAA. (that's CAA in Canada, eh?)
I get towed to a garage that conveniently will be open on Sunday, and I wait.
I wait a long time. The thunder storm continues and I wait.
Talking to my Cayo, I apologize for putting her thru this, because I know she has no idea why we are just sitting in the truck for so long. I also praise her for her patience. She was very calming.
The garage opened at 10:00 and I gave them my sad story of being stranded in a strange land, waiting for 8 hours in the rain with my cat, while trying to get home to see my mother, and to top it off, it's my birthday! (it really was!)
Two and a half hours (and $500) later, I had a new alternator and battery and was on the road again. At this point I've been awake for 30 hours and still have another 7 hours of driving left. I should have been there by now. Oh well.
Keep On Truckin'!
It could have been a lot worse. That was the last exit for a long time and had I broke down a mile further down the road, I don't know where I would've ended up. I definitely wouldn't have been able to tell the tow truck driver where to find me. Then, to actually have parts and service on a Sunday was a miracle.
As bad as it was, I've been thru worse.
I've paid my dues and it don't pay to panic!
This time the breakdown was strictly mechanical.
It's all easy to laugh at now that I'm home again.
Back in Maine.
Safe on Planet Dandy.
Some Birthday, eh?
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Temple of the Road
I, your wizard, am about to embark upon a hazardous and technically unexplainable journey into the outer stratosphere, to confer, converse, and otherwise hob-nob with my brother wizards.
I am long over due for a road trip and things have suddenly worked out in my favor for me to take two weeks off from work to dust my broom.
I believe the course of my life was recently changed by N.A.S.A.'s Deep Impact Project when it nudged the Temple 1 comet into a slightly different orbit, thusly altering my destiny.
This will positively the finest expedition ever to be shown.
And I hereby decree until what time, if any, that I return, the Feeders (by virtue of their superior brains and eyesight) shall rule in my stead.
Assisted by the Blood Sucking Freaks (by virtue of their voracious appetite) and the Flying Jellyfish (by virtue of their shocking disposition).
Fear them as you would me.
Hopefully, I shall return with exotic treasures of wild new tales from the road and the knowledge of which side of the rainbow I actually live on.
Leave a light on, I'll be back soon.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Nothings Shocking
While laying on my lawn with my cat, enjoying the perfection of a summer day, I observed how much life was in the air just above the ground. Grasshoppers, mosquitoes, pollen, and all of those seeds from plants that float on the air. Dragonfly's, butterfly's, and winged things that I can't even name. So much traffic going every which way. Some of it was landing on me looking for it's next meal. The blood sucking insects kept me busy swatting in self defense and also made me appreciate something that I had never thought of before.
What if jellyfish could fly?
Can you imagine if they were filled with a lighter than air gas (like helium) that would enable them to float on the air? Living dirigibles of death! Visualize a floating Man of War with silky electric tentacles drifting into you as you sun bathe in your yard, getting caught in your hair and sticking to your skin!
On one hand, they would be a wondrous sight to see. Imagine the luminescent ones glowing in the night like alien angels. Beautiful, but deadly.
Having pondered that, I feel fortunate now. All I have to worry about are the mosquito's and black flies. That's not too bad.
Therefore, the next time you find yourself running from a harmless bee or swatting an annoying fly, pause for a second to put things into perspective. It could be alot worse, but it's not.
Jellyfish can't fly!
Friday, July 01, 2005
Metamorphosis
I am flying out of the clouds.
Out of the black and into the blue.
Soaring above it all.
I didn't get my mind back as previously planned, instead it's free.
The transformation brought on by the cocoon of spring, a month of rain, and the space dust finally ran it's course.
I didn't get my mind back as previously planned, instead it's free.
The transformation brought on by the cocoon of spring, a month of rain, and the space dust finally ran it's course.
Guided by The Beatles and T-Rex , the de-evolution included deletion of recent cultural influences from my brain and a hiatus from a long relationship with artificial stimuli.
Next was the physical change, to be made obvious by the removal of my long hair. Symbolically shedding my skin and flying.
Next was the physical change, to be made obvious by the removal of my long hair. Symbolically shedding my skin and flying.
On the simplistic wings of destiny.
Armed with Pistols , Nails, and Helmet.
I am free again.
Nirvana.
Ready to grow.
Ready to grow.
Rock.
I complete me.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Spiders from Mars
I hesitate to mention this. I don't want to sound paranoid or anything but I think my spiders are ganging up on me.
So far we have lived in relative harmony. I see them in all the corners of the castle and I let them be. I don't see any sense in killing them just because they're there. Yeah, so they can be a little creepy when they jump out in front of you on the bathroom sink, or hanging in front of your face as you walk into the bedroom, but hey, I'm willing to share my space. I also assume that we have common enemies of the annoying flys and mosquitoes and that my spiders are doing their best to keep these pests in line so that I am less bothered by them.
As of this morning I am suspicious that they are stepping out of their corners and feeding on me. Besides all the huge bite marks on my arms, legs, and elswheres, I found myself walking through spider webs that spanned my hallways and even across my living room. Now are these guys working overtime to keep up with the pest population or am I dinner?
I don't plan any rash retaliation yet. I am willing to lay low and let them work, as long as it's not on me. I will, however, have my guard up.
I may only have two eyes but they are open.
One spider looks at me sideways and it's...
Bam Bang, to the the Moon!
So far we have lived in relative harmony. I see them in all the corners of the castle and I let them be. I don't see any sense in killing them just because they're there. Yeah, so they can be a little creepy when they jump out in front of you on the bathroom sink, or hanging in front of your face as you walk into the bedroom, but hey, I'm willing to share my space. I also assume that we have common enemies of the annoying flys and mosquitoes and that my spiders are doing their best to keep these pests in line so that I am less bothered by them.
As of this morning I am suspicious that they are stepping out of their corners and feeding on me. Besides all the huge bite marks on my arms, legs, and elswheres, I found myself walking through spider webs that spanned my hallways and even across my living room. Now are these guys working overtime to keep up with the pest population or am I dinner?
I don't plan any rash retaliation yet. I am willing to lay low and let them work, as long as it's not on me. I will, however, have my guard up.
I may only have two eyes but they are open.
One spider looks at me sideways and it's...
Bam Bang, to the the Moon!
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Dande's Inferno
If you've made it this far, you are almost out of the haunted forest and aproaching the castle. You're not out of the woods yet, though. You still have to get past my flying monkeys.Abandon hope, all ye who enter here.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
SPORE
Aliens are trying to take my body.
This happens every year around the same time. It must be the alignment of the planets or something.
It takes all of my energy to resist.
They come at night and try to poison me. Once I am completely sedated, they will assume control of my body and become a host. I can only thank my sleepless nights for surviving as long as I have.
Somehow, they spread a fine yellow dust all over my house and surrounding property. Sometimes in the morning, I can see clouds of it floating down out of the trees. My truck is covered with it. Do they think I don't notice?
The space dust dust gets into my immune system and shuts it down. I can feel it surging through my sinuses and throat.
I can't breathe without coughing, my nose won't stop running, my eyes are watery and I am overcome with fatigue.
If they have their way, I will drift into a dreamless sleep and awaken as one of them. A mindless zombie that drinks light beer and rents Ben Stiller movies.
Well not me, mister! I would rather die first!
I will fight for my planet and for all that is good!
Viva La Resistance!
Long Live Planet Dandy.
This happens every year around the same time. It must be the alignment of the planets or something.
It takes all of my energy to resist.
They come at night and try to poison me. Once I am completely sedated, they will assume control of my body and become a host. I can only thank my sleepless nights for surviving as long as I have.
Somehow, they spread a fine yellow dust all over my house and surrounding property. Sometimes in the morning, I can see clouds of it floating down out of the trees. My truck is covered with it. Do they think I don't notice?
The space dust dust gets into my immune system and shuts it down. I can feel it surging through my sinuses and throat.
I can't breathe without coughing, my nose won't stop running, my eyes are watery and I am overcome with fatigue.
If they have their way, I will drift into a dreamless sleep and awaken as one of them. A mindless zombie that drinks light beer and rents Ben Stiller movies.
Well not me, mister! I would rather die first!
I will fight for my planet and for all that is good!
Viva La Resistance!
Long Live Planet Dandy.
Friday, June 10, 2005
The Nothing
There is something really relaxing about doing nothing.
Doing nothing right is easy. To do nothing properly is an accomplishment.
I think that could be why I get up so early everyday. It gives me a few hours to do nothing before I go to work. If I have too much time to do nothing, inevitably, I will wait till the last minute and it's not as satisfying.
Doing nothing involves keeping your thoughts on the present. Not planning anything or thinking about what you will do, want to do, or should be doing. Simply being. Not doing.
The trick is to make yourself think that you are doing something without actually doing anything, and not thinking about what you are or are not doing.
I can spend three hours doing nothing before I go to work and be totally relaxed and feel like I've already accomplished enough, so the rest of the day I can feel mentally unchallenged.
I hate to be rushed. I have been rushed and hurried most of my life and only recently realized that I was the one rushing myself.
Many years ago, a former employer complimented me by saying that I have, "A sense of urgency to every thing that I do." I don't need that stress any more. I want to be the opposite of that. So what if I ain't doing much. Doing nothing means a lot to me.
With that thought, I have to go.
I have nothing to do and I am running out of time to do it.
If I waited till the last minute, I would have to rush.
--and that would be something!
Doing nothing right is easy. To do nothing properly is an accomplishment.
I think that could be why I get up so early everyday. It gives me a few hours to do nothing before I go to work. If I have too much time to do nothing, inevitably, I will wait till the last minute and it's not as satisfying.
Doing nothing involves keeping your thoughts on the present. Not planning anything or thinking about what you will do, want to do, or should be doing. Simply being. Not doing.
The trick is to make yourself think that you are doing something without actually doing anything, and not thinking about what you are or are not doing.
I can spend three hours doing nothing before I go to work and be totally relaxed and feel like I've already accomplished enough, so the rest of the day I can feel mentally unchallenged.
I hate to be rushed. I have been rushed and hurried most of my life and only recently realized that I was the one rushing myself.
Many years ago, a former employer complimented me by saying that I have, "A sense of urgency to every thing that I do." I don't need that stress any more. I want to be the opposite of that. So what if I ain't doing much. Doing nothing means a lot to me.
With that thought, I have to go.
I have nothing to do and I am running out of time to do it.
If I waited till the last minute, I would have to rush.
--and that would be something!
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Blood Sucking Freaks
It's not safe outside.
They are waiting for me.
Waiting for my blood.
I thought that if I was quick enough, I could do some work in my garden without being noticed.
I was quiet and discrete, staying close to the ground.
Wearing camouflaged coveralls and mask, I attempted invisibility.
That was vain.
They could smell my fear.
They crave the meat under my skin.
My meat is life to them and they devour it without hesitation.
I am cattle to their slaughter.
It is their purpose in life, their only thought, their passion, their job.
I managed to get my garden planted in short intervals.
I could only stand the attacks for so long before running back to the safety of my castle.
Summer is in bloom on my mountain top and I long for the peaceful walks through the forest.
That pleasure will have to wait awhile.
They are out there. Waiting for my blood.
In time, they will die.
Die from too short a lifespan? Die from lack of feeding?
I don't care as long as they die!
Then it will be my time. For now, it is their time.
The vampires of Maine.
The winged carnivours.
Oh, how I hate the Black Fly.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Monday, May 30, 2005
Purgatory
Spring usually makes me want to pick up and go. This year has been more like, get up and blah. The rain hasn't stopped for about three weeks. It is Memorial Day today, but still just another rainy day. I should be getting ready for work but here I sit, trying to coerce inspiration onto this page so that you, dear reader, don't think I died.
An ethereal fog shrouds my yard as I write this, or is it a low flying cloud? From where I am sitting I can see the princess sitting in the tall grass staring at the sounds that mice make. The mice are no doubt looking for breakfast as well. My trees are fully dressed now, in cloaks of green and red. Some wear flowers. Soon the edge of the forest will be carpeted with lush ferns. Then, suddenly, it will be summer. That is, if the sun ever comes out. The fog makes my world dream like.
I can also sense that a change is in the air for my being , as well. I can only wonder what it will be. I haven't touched alcohol in over a week. I want my body clean when it arrives. The change. I've also been listening to my old Beatle records again. They help unclutter my mind and take my thoughts back to simpler times, although, I know that there is no going back. My life seems to cycle in "ten year" increments. The change is due. Even a snake gets to shed it's skin and start fresh. It will be fun to fly out of the cloud and see the new horizon. Out of the fog and into the sun.
Out of my skin.
Flying.
Let it be.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
The Downward Spiral
The plan was simple. Get in and Get out.
Unfortunately, it would not be that easy.
Too much anticipation had already numbed the excitement. And so it started, a day like any other day. Breakfast, dishes, vacuuming, television. Who would have thought that this was preparation for a road trip to see a Nine Inch Nails concert 400 miles away.
We thought it would be casual to leave around 11:00 a.m. and enjoy a leisurely 4 hour drive, arriving in Boston with 4 hours to spare to do the downtown thing, hang out, find a pub, and get psyched for the big show.
What we didn't anticipate was A tractor-trailer carrying 1,600 pounds of ammonium nitrate and blasting caps to overturn in the southbound lane of the Maine turnpike, paralyzing traffic for 13 miles. This happened around noon and we became hostages of a one mile stretch of the turnpike for over 3 hours, leaving just enough time to get to Boston for the 7:30 show.
We arrived in Boston around 6:30. According to our directions we were only a couple miles from the theater. Even with a map-quest route printed out in detail, we found ourselves immediately lost. Wicked lost. No clues. Driving aimlessly in circles around the heart of an all American(sic), non English speaking ghetto. Not one person could even point us toward the big evil highway 93 that we had strayed from on most likely an incorrect exit.
Further down the spiral. It's 7:00. I have no idea where we are. We're not going to make it!
We found ourselves accidentally crossing a huge bridge that would take us most assuredly to the wrong side of the river. Besides paying a whopping $6.00 toll to cross the bridge, I expected to have to pay again to get back to where we were so we could continue being lost where we started.
Things look up. The toll both operator reassured us that we were headed in the right direction and kindly gave some simple instructions to get us closer to our destination.
Whew! It's 7:15. We might just make it!
We found the theater district. Then we lost it. It's not my fault. Boston has some really messed up streets with no sense of direction. The street names change at intersections, streets suddenly turn into one way traffic coming toward you, and the usual logic of back tracking doesn't easily apply.
Yup, still lost. Even after finding the theatre around 7:45 it took another half hour to find a place to park. Finally, we are in the theatre at our assigned seats at 8:15. We catch the last 2 songs from the opening band.
We made it!
Basically, we have just enough time to take a couple breaths before Trent and his boys take the stage. All I can think of is, "I can't wait to get home!"
For the next hour and a half, though, It was bliss.
NINE_INCH_NAILS LIVE: WITH_TEETH_2005
They kicked serious ass, playing all my favorite tunes, old and new. [Click on comments for the set list.] Loud and Hard with no down time. The band was tight. The balcony was shaking, literally! (The Orpheum Theatre was built around 1850.) And the light show was intense!
But alas, it was over too soon.
Around 10:30 we were back at my truck. Trying to follow the reverse version of the directions that got us lost in the first place. We finally get on a familiar northbound highway at midnight. That was the most relief I felt all night, at least until around 4:15 when we finally arrived home. Planet Dandy.
I never went to bed. The sun was on the horizon and I was so relieved to be on my hilltop in the country that I couldn't have slept.
It's kind of funny. The deer were frolicking in my yard that morning. Chasing each other and rolling whimsically in the tall grass. A total contrast to the pounding techno metal noise of NIN and a somewhat ironic ending to the stressful adventure of the previous 20 hours.
I'm still trying to put it all into perspective. Like the over turned truck? It never even exploded. What a rip off!
But hey, I seen Nine Inch Nails, and now I'm back in the peaceful country side of Maine.
Closer to God.
I think that's pretty special!
Was it all worth it?
Would I do it again?
..."Hell Yeah!"
Unfortunately, it would not be that easy.
Too much anticipation had already numbed the excitement. And so it started, a day like any other day. Breakfast, dishes, vacuuming, television. Who would have thought that this was preparation for a road trip to see a Nine Inch Nails concert 400 miles away.
We thought it would be casual to leave around 11:00 a.m. and enjoy a leisurely 4 hour drive, arriving in Boston with 4 hours to spare to do the downtown thing, hang out, find a pub, and get psyched for the big show.
What we didn't anticipate was A tractor-trailer carrying 1,600 pounds of ammonium nitrate and blasting caps to overturn in the southbound lane of the Maine turnpike, paralyzing traffic for 13 miles. This happened around noon and we became hostages of a one mile stretch of the turnpike for over 3 hours, leaving just enough time to get to Boston for the 7:30 show.
We arrived in Boston around 6:30. According to our directions we were only a couple miles from the theater. Even with a map-quest route printed out in detail, we found ourselves immediately lost. Wicked lost. No clues. Driving aimlessly in circles around the heart of an all American(sic), non English speaking ghetto. Not one person could even point us toward the big evil highway 93 that we had strayed from on most likely an incorrect exit.
Further down the spiral. It's 7:00. I have no idea where we are. We're not going to make it!
We found ourselves accidentally crossing a huge bridge that would take us most assuredly to the wrong side of the river. Besides paying a whopping $6.00 toll to cross the bridge, I expected to have to pay again to get back to where we were so we could continue being lost where we started.
Things look up. The toll both operator reassured us that we were headed in the right direction and kindly gave some simple instructions to get us closer to our destination.
Whew! It's 7:15. We might just make it!
We found the theater district. Then we lost it. It's not my fault. Boston has some really messed up streets with no sense of direction. The street names change at intersections, streets suddenly turn into one way traffic coming toward you, and the usual logic of back tracking doesn't easily apply.
Yup, still lost. Even after finding the theatre around 7:45 it took another half hour to find a place to park. Finally, we are in the theatre at our assigned seats at 8:15. We catch the last 2 songs from the opening band.
We made it!
Basically, we have just enough time to take a couple breaths before Trent and his boys take the stage. All I can think of is, "I can't wait to get home!"
For the next hour and a half, though, It was bliss.
NINE_INCH_NAILS LIVE: WITH_TEETH_2005
They kicked serious ass, playing all my favorite tunes, old and new. [Click on comments for the set list.] Loud and Hard with no down time. The band was tight. The balcony was shaking, literally! (The Orpheum Theatre was built around 1850.) And the light show was intense!
But alas, it was over too soon.
Around 10:30 we were back at my truck. Trying to follow the reverse version of the directions that got us lost in the first place. We finally get on a familiar northbound highway at midnight. That was the most relief I felt all night, at least until around 4:15 when we finally arrived home. Planet Dandy.
I never went to bed. The sun was on the horizon and I was so relieved to be on my hilltop in the country that I couldn't have slept.
It's kind of funny. The deer were frolicking in my yard that morning. Chasing each other and rolling whimsically in the tall grass. A total contrast to the pounding techno metal noise of NIN and a somewhat ironic ending to the stressful adventure of the previous 20 hours.
I'm still trying to put it all into perspective. Like the over turned truck? It never even exploded. What a rip off!
But hey, I seen Nine Inch Nails, and now I'm back in the peaceful country side of Maine.
Closer to God.
I think that's pretty special!
Was it all worth it?
Would I do it again?
..."Hell Yeah!"
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Sunspot Baby
Like a dust mop with feet, shirking her duties, she's grounded in the corner entertaining the sun.
"Shirk what?" She says nonchalantly. "I'm a cat. It's what I do."
"Shirk what?" She says nonchalantly. "I'm a cat. It's what I do."
A wisp of chimney smoke frolics outside my window like a lost spirit trying to find a home.
"I'm not lost." It says insouciantly. "It's what I do."
Why do I ponder minutiae and impose significance on the mundane? I ask myself ostentatiously.
"It's what I do."
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Rainy Day Dream Away
"Rainy day rain all day
Ain't no use in gettin' uptight
Just let it groove its own way
Let it drain Your worries away
Lay back and groove on a rainy day
Lay back and dream on a rainy day"
---Jimi Hendrix
Perfect words for a perfect day. The weekend is upon me and it will rain all day today and tomorrow. It's darkly tranquil on my mountain top. The field is turning lush green. A hint of the summer that approaches and a fitting contrast to the charcoal skies above.The trees almost seem to form leaves as I watch. My world is in slow motion.
The fire in my woodstove is like the last breath of a dying friend whose company I will soon miss. For now, though, the comfort of the heat on a cold rainy day is a guilty pleasure.
Music assaults my senses from all directions as the trees outside slam dance to the wind.
The forest is alive.
Neither happy or angry.
Just moving.
Moshing.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Only in Maine
I seen a poster in town for an upcoming supper at the Methodist Church.
"A Traditional New England Pot Luck."
And at the bottom of the poster in big letters...
"IT'S WICKED GOOD!"
And at the bottom of the poster in big letters...
"IT'S WICKED GOOD!"
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Feelin' Lucky... Punk?
I was barely 16 when I first got my drivers license.
I remember zipping all over the side streets of my small town, watching out for the police car (there was only one in town) and wondering if he would notice me.
He did.
Officer McRoberts pulled me over right down town. He said that he had noticed me zipping all over the side streets of our small town and asked me if I could afford a speeding ticket.
Silly me, I said, "I don't know. How much are they?"
It was later that I realized that he may not have meant "afford" in the monetary sense.
He just told me to watch my speed and let me go.
I felt noticed.
Fast forward eight years...
There is a knock on my door. I open it to see McRoberts standing there. Or rather, a slightly more disheveled version of the former Officer McRoberts. He said that he had heard that I played guitar and sang and was wondering if I would consider playing in his country band.
Rewind a month or two...
The father of a close friend of mine had a country band, and as a hoot one night, I sat in with them to sing some harmonies on a couple songs.
I assumed that McRoberts had heard about me through them.
I thanked him for the offer and explained that I had other things going on.
I remember zipping all over the side streets of my small town, watching out for the police car (there was only one in town) and wondering if he would notice me.
He did.
Officer McRoberts pulled me over right down town. He said that he had noticed me zipping all over the side streets of our small town and asked me if I could afford a speeding ticket.
Silly me, I said, "I don't know. How much are they?"
It was later that I realized that he may not have meant "afford" in the monetary sense.
He just told me to watch my speed and let me go.
I felt noticed.
Fast forward eight years...
There is a knock on my door. I open it to see McRoberts standing there. Or rather, a slightly more disheveled version of the former Officer McRoberts. He said that he had heard that I played guitar and sang and was wondering if I would consider playing in his country band.
Rewind a month or two...
The father of a close friend of mine had a country band, and as a hoot one night, I sat in with them to sing some harmonies on a couple songs.
I assumed that McRoberts had heard about me through them.
I thanked him for the offer and explained that I had other things going on.
(Primarily, punk and heavy metal)
At least I got noticed.
I could have said, "See here copper, you'll never make me sing!"
But in retrospect, I suppose,
At least I got noticed.
I could have said, "See here copper, you'll never make me sing!"
But in retrospect, I suppose,
I should have said...
"Can You Afford Me...Punk?"
"Can You Afford Me...Punk?"
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Jekyl or Hide?
Once upon a time there was a big cuddly teddy bear and all the children loved him.
Or another way to say it would be...
Once, while working as a busboy at a holiday Inn somewhere in Detroit Michigan, I had the privilege of wearing a giant Teddy Bear costume as part of a Christmas party for a bunch of children.
Although the costume was very hot, it was rewarding. It was fun being automatically loved by strangers. In a costume you tend to forget who you are and become who they think you are.
After a couple hours of handing out presents and being adored by children full of Christmas spirit, it was time to become human again.While walking out through the lobby I smiled and said goodbye to a child, that only a few moments before I could hardly peel off my leg. Naturally he, and his mother, looked at me like I had the plague.
Oops...
How dare a long haired stranger approach them!
"What was I thinking? "
After all, this is Detroit City.
I might be a dangerous hippy.
I couldn't say, "Hi, I was the Bear...You were clinging to my leg?"
It just seemed awkward at that instant because I was the same lovable person on the inside, and had forgotten that I looked different on the outside.
Loved one minute, rejected the next.
This was a lesson in human perception and quite possibly a metaphor for something much bigger.
People may like you for who they believe you are. Or, maybe people like you for who you let them believe you are. (or maybe people don't even like you, haha) It's up to you.
The internet is kinda like a big Teddy Bear costume.
You can be yourself, and if you're a nice likeable person, hopefully, that is what people will see.
Just don't take your costume off.
Here is the crux...Beware of the Wolf in Sheeps clothes.
May You Live Happily Ever After.!
Or another way to say it would be...
Once, while working as a busboy at a holiday Inn somewhere in Detroit Michigan, I had the privilege of wearing a giant Teddy Bear costume as part of a Christmas party for a bunch of children.
Although the costume was very hot, it was rewarding. It was fun being automatically loved by strangers. In a costume you tend to forget who you are and become who they think you are.
After a couple hours of handing out presents and being adored by children full of Christmas spirit, it was time to become human again.While walking out through the lobby I smiled and said goodbye to a child, that only a few moments before I could hardly peel off my leg. Naturally he, and his mother, looked at me like I had the plague.
Oops...
How dare a long haired stranger approach them!
"What was I thinking? "
After all, this is Detroit City.
I might be a dangerous hippy.
I couldn't say, "Hi, I was the Bear...You were clinging to my leg?"
It just seemed awkward at that instant because I was the same lovable person on the inside, and had forgotten that I looked different on the outside.
Loved one minute, rejected the next.
This was a lesson in human perception and quite possibly a metaphor for something much bigger.
People may like you for who they believe you are. Or, maybe people like you for who you let them believe you are. (or maybe people don't even like you, haha) It's up to you.
The internet is kinda like a big Teddy Bear costume.
You can be yourself, and if you're a nice likeable person, hopefully, that is what people will see.
Just don't take your costume off.
Here is the crux...Beware of the Wolf in Sheeps clothes.
May You Live Happily Ever After.!
Friday, April 15, 2005
Another World
My universe is expanding!
There are more true and amazing stories on the way!
They are bouncing around in my head waiting to be channeled onto this site.
In the meantime, click THIS, for a peek at my Planet of daily rants, raves, and goings on of a more personal nature. It will contain short daily entries and links to cool stuff.
This planet will continue to supply you with stories of my reality as I see it. (hopefuly at least once a week)
Thank You for visiting the Planets Dandy.
And Keep on Space Truckin'
... Y'all Come Back Now!
There are more true and amazing stories on the way!
They are bouncing around in my head waiting to be channeled onto this site.
In the meantime, click THIS, for a peek at my Planet of daily rants, raves, and goings on of a more personal nature. It will contain short daily entries and links to cool stuff.
This planet will continue to supply you with stories of my reality as I see it. (hopefuly at least once a week)
Thank You for visiting the Planets Dandy.
And Keep on Space Truckin'
... Y'all Come Back Now!
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Night of the Feeders
They're back.
The snow is almost gone from the field.
In the forrest it's still deep.
That could be why they're back.
When I get home from work at night I feel their eyes all over me.
I can't tell how close they are through the darkness.
The thick calm.
I walk from my truck across the yard to the back door.
I know they're out there.
I walk slow.
They watch me.
My cat sits at the window.
Cats have a keen extra sense.
She knows they're there.
Some times I'll shine a flashlight around the yard and their glowing eyes are everywhere!
All eyes on me.
My cat can see them too.
They are out there!
It is morning as I write this.
The sun begins its journey to the night.
I can see them at the edge of the forest that surrounds my yard.
They are coming.
Yesterday morning there were six of them right outside my window.
They are definitely back.
I took pictures.
They don't care if it's day or night.
They've come to feed.
They like it here.
They are safe
for now.
Safe for the summer.
At least until...
Deer Hunting Season!
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Somewhere Over the Wood Stove
It's Easter.
I cooked a ham and some sweet potatoes.
I did it all on my wood stove.
I Thought it would be a good day to drink wine as well.
Being the lover of a good theme day, I watched The Last Temptation of Christ and The Passion of the Christ.
My perennial favorite for Easter is Life of Brian, but it was not available this year.
I didn't do anything with eggs today.
I didn't color, look for, or cook eggs today.
In fact, I completely skipped breakfast and went straight for Mamosas!
Is there a point to all of this, you ask?
No, should there be, say I?
Remember,
I had wine for breakfast so
a sudden change in topic should be of no surprise either.
Did you ever just suddenly notice that your hair is longer?
I mean, it grows the same every day.
Then suddenly one day you look in the mirror and say,
"Holy Shit! My hair is longer!"
It's like in The Wizard of Oz.
When they filmed that, Judy Garlands hair gradually got longer.
Her pony tails were just touching her shoulders when they started filming. Later on they were hanging down to her breasts.
In some places, they had to go back and re shoot parts of the movie and if you watch close, you can see her hair go from short to long in the same scene.
That's what I thought of this morning when I realized that my hair was suddenly down to my nipples.
So...
that was my day.
I watched two crucifixions, Hammed it up, and watched my hair grow.
Now, if I click my slippers together three times...
There's no plate like ham.
There's no plate like ham.
There's no plate like ham.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Double Bubble
I went into the village yesterday as I do every Monday.
That's where I work.
Also, I receive my mail in a post box there.
It's safer than the beat up mail box at the end of my road.
As previously etablished, it's a little over a mile from my castle to the main road and the postal carriers are afraid to travel thru the haunted Forrest.
Hence, the post box in the village.
Now back to the story at hand.
In my post box were two things that would brighten any mood.
My INCOME TAX check
and my tickets to
NINE INCH NAILS!
This was especially good timing as my co-worker was home ill, and Mondays are very busy for two of us.
I dreaded having to go the day without her.
A little bit because we're a good team,
but A LOT because it's fun to be with her!
The day went without disaster though.
I was with full life force!
And with the added energy of the NIN tickets in one pocket, and a heap of cash in the other,
I managed the 10 hour shift without effort.
Well, that's a lie.
It took a lot of effort!
That just sounds more noble and poetic, ha.
But...
I'm not out of the woods yet.
It's Tuesday morning now and time to do it again!
Toil and Trouble!
Sunday, March 13, 2005
HURT
I remember the first time a spanking didn't hurt.
Don't get the impression that I was beat, mistreated, or had an unhappy childhood. I wasn't and I didn't.
None the less, corporal punishment was in effect.
Now, there are two things that can be as bad as a good whipping.
The first is waiting in the wood shed till ,"Your father gets home!"
The second is seeing him walk towards you "cracking" his belt.
Don't get the impression that I was beat, mistreated, or had an unhappy childhood. I wasn't and I didn't.
None the less, corporal punishment was in effect.
Now, there are two things that can be as bad as a good whipping.
The first is waiting in the wood shed till ,"Your father gets home!"
The second is seeing him walk towards you "cracking" his belt.
(cracking the belt is where you fold a leather belt in half, then holding each end firmly you make a loud cracking noise by pushing the two ends together and quickly pulling them away from each other.)
"CRACK!"
So, anyway...
I did the "waiting", suffered the "cracking" and was ready to receive my punishment.
The crime was for having been moved to another desk in school because of talking in class.
(I know, how dare I.)
Down came the belt.
Then again.
And again, and again.
I don't remember how many times.
What I do remember is that it didn't hurt.
WOW!
(Should I tell him?)
I felt like I had received some super power that protected me from pain in the lower extremity.
I think I smiled.
I also remember thinking that maybe I should fake pain to conceal my new power.
I would have to fain suffering, and be believably regretful.
I mustn't let my secret out.
From here on, I thought to myself, life is going to be smooth sailing!
I can do anything!
(Oh, don't worry. I didn't turn into a super villain or anything. They were already working on new forms of punishment to keep me honest.)
But that was the last time it hurt.
"CRACK!"
So, anyway...
I did the "waiting", suffered the "cracking" and was ready to receive my punishment.
The crime was for having been moved to another desk in school because of talking in class.
(I know, how dare I.)
Down came the belt.
Then again.
And again, and again.
I don't remember how many times.
What I do remember is that it didn't hurt.
WOW!
(Should I tell him?)
I felt like I had received some super power that protected me from pain in the lower extremity.
I think I smiled.
I also remember thinking that maybe I should fake pain to conceal my new power.
I would have to fain suffering, and be believably regretful.
I mustn't let my secret out.
From here on, I thought to myself, life is going to be smooth sailing!
I can do anything!
(Oh, don't worry. I didn't turn into a super villain or anything. They were already working on new forms of punishment to keep me honest.)
But that was the last time it hurt.
A funny thing though...
Later that day he apologized, saying he found out that it was another kids fault, not mine, and why didn't I say something in my defense?
(Because, I thought I was getting the belt for something else that I did do!)
Still, I kept my secrets.
Now...
How to get out of being grounded?
Friday, March 04, 2005
STARFUCKERS, INC.
I remember a time when a person actually had to stand in line overnight to get tickets to a Rock Concert!
Today, I sat at a computer and counted down the seconds to 5:00 p.m. when Nine Inch Nails tickets would go on sale.
I signed into my Ticketmaster account to save valuable time and then, with sweaty hands, watched the clock tick down, waiting for the "Now On Sale" to appear.
3...2...1...
It was my strategy to buy two tickets for the Thursday show, then snatch up two tickets to the Friday show, both taking place in Boston on May 12th and 13th.
What happened was, during the five minutes it took to buy the Thursday tickets, the Friday show had sold out already!
In fact, every show in the country went on sale at the same time and sold out in minutes!
Broken...
At first I was annoyed, because I really wanted to see both shows.
Hey, I'm greedy, ok?
I mean, if I'm driving all the way to Boston to see a the hottest band in the world, a band that only tours about once every five years...
Well...#$%@!!!
I'm getting myself worked up again, so let me just sum this up with a positive note.
At 5:oo this afternoon Nine Inch Nails tickets went on sale across the country, and within 10 minutes, all shows were sold out!
At this very minute Nine Inch Nails tickets are being offered on eBay for as much as $600.00!
I am happy (and lucky) to have two tickets.
A lot of fans are going to miss out on the tour of the year.
A lot of fans are going to pay scalpers a lot to be there.
Me?
I'm going to see Nine Inch Nails in Boston!
I paid 30 Bucks per ticket...
and I didn't have to stand in line.
...Fixed!
Sunday, February 20, 2005
House of Pain
I'm JUMPY.
I can't help it, sometimes I'm just JUMPY.
First...
I came home last night from a long day of condescending to high maintenance video customers.
That can wear a person out.
Next...
My driveway is a bitch!
After the winding mountain trail thru the haunted Forrest, I have to make it up the final hill at the foot of my castle.
Recent weather has left it pure ice.
After one failed attempt at getting half way to the top and sliding all the way back to the bottom with the breaks on, I surrender and put the chains on my tires.
I beat the bitch!
Now...
I'm mentally bankrupt, physically drained, and not in my most cheery mood.
I'm tired, and relieved to be home.
Alone.
I enter through the back door and step into the dark room that is the woodshed.
A voice...
"Don't have a heart attack."
...Yeah, right.
I Freak Out!
Immediately, I realize that there is a figure sitting in the corner in the dark, and
Speaking to me.
The next minute, I knew who it was.
But, in the seconds in between...
I JUMPED!
Then I yelled.
"What the Fuck, you stupid Fuck! What the Fuck you Trying to Do to Me?
FUCK!"
I heaved my back pack at him and bitched some more, then went into the castle.
Most times I might laugh it off a little quicker, but I was not in the mood. Not last night.
I needed to be alone.
I needed to know that I was alone.
He is a good friend and I feel bad that I bitched at him.
At the same time I feel closer to him because I know that I can bitch at him.
And maybe... Inflict a little pain.
Friendships are weird but beautiful.
Last night?
I'm over it.
but, I'm still JUMPY.
and...He won't do it again!
EVERYBODY JUMP!
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
A Day in the Life
What is a typical day in the life of Jim Dandy like?
Well, it's funny you should ask.
Well, it's funny you should ask.
I'm Jim Dandy.
I wake up with the sun in my face as it creeps over the mountain like some cosmic game of peek-a-boo. Lately, this is around 6:30 a.m.
I wake up with the sun in my face as it creeps over the mountain like some cosmic game of peek-a-boo. Lately, this is around 6:30 a.m.
My cat, Cayo, is always curled up against me, so I show her some love by snuggling and petting her for a few minutes, and it's up and atom!
Then...( like a television family from the 50's, I'll censor the bodily function details.) You're welcome!
Next, it's chuck some wood into the old woodstove and feed Cayo. Being careful not to chuck Cayo into the woodstove and...err, nevermind.
I like to start my day off with a movie. Something light, funny, and if possible, a little on the corny side.
Then...( like a television family from the 50's, I'll censor the bodily function details.) You're welcome!
Next, it's chuck some wood into the old woodstove and feed Cayo. Being careful not to chuck Cayo into the woodstove and...err, nevermind.
I like to start my day off with a movie. Something light, funny, and if possible, a little on the corny side.
I don't have any network t.v. or cable or satellite, so anything I watch is from my home library or brought home from work.
It could be Green Acres, Beach Blanket Bingo, or cartoons.
Last weekend I had a three "Gidget" movies. One for each day. Today, it's "Raise Your Voice", the new Hillary Duff movie. (it sucks, but who's watching anyway!)
While the film du jour is playing, I fix my tea and start breakfast.
Usually, it's some fried potatoes with onions, garlic and eggs. Some times I do a Mexican style with tortillas and salsa.
Whatever it is, it is from scratch and it's good.
Next I sit in front of the computer, which is on the kitchen table, and check e-mail, read a couple blogs, and eat my breakfast, while watching the movie that is still playing.
I'm big on multi-tasking.
(Today, I'm blogging as well!)
Now it's time to shave, shower, do the dishes, and dress for work.
Before I can leave the castle, I have to clean the cat box, put some little handfuls of cat crunchies around for Cayo to snack on while I'm gone, stoke the woodstove again, and turn the nightlights on.
It's dark when I get home at 9-10 p.m.
My job at the video store is about a half hour drive into the village, so I leave about an hour and a half before I need to be there, to account for any delays on the journey, and leave time for any errands in town.
Departure time, 9:30 a.m.
It could be Green Acres, Beach Blanket Bingo, or cartoons.
Last weekend I had a three "Gidget" movies. One for each day. Today, it's "Raise Your Voice", the new Hillary Duff movie. (it sucks, but who's watching anyway!)
While the film du jour is playing, I fix my tea and start breakfast.
Usually, it's some fried potatoes with onions, garlic and eggs. Some times I do a Mexican style with tortillas and salsa.
Whatever it is, it is from scratch and it's good.
Next I sit in front of the computer, which is on the kitchen table, and check e-mail, read a couple blogs, and eat my breakfast, while watching the movie that is still playing.
I'm big on multi-tasking.
(Today, I'm blogging as well!)
Now it's time to shave, shower, do the dishes, and dress for work.
Before I can leave the castle, I have to clean the cat box, put some little handfuls of cat crunchies around for Cayo to snack on while I'm gone, stoke the woodstove again, and turn the nightlights on.
It's dark when I get home at 9-10 p.m.
My job at the video store is about a half hour drive into the village, so I leave about an hour and a half before I need to be there, to account for any delays on the journey, and leave time for any errands in town.
Departure time, 9:30 a.m.
Nine or 10 hours of video rentals later, I come home to Planet Dandy!
(The events that occur during the work day are best left to future blogs!)
(The events that occur during the work day are best left to future blogs!)
After I fixing myself a coctail, I repeat the morning rituals, feed the cat, stoke the stove, fix some food, and hit the computer, while watching another movie.
The evening film has to be dark and scary. The opposite of the morning movie mood. Zombie movies are always good. Last nights selection was "SAW". (wow, saw is was spelled backwards!)
After getting thoroughly creeped out, it's off to bed, where I may read a comic book before turning out the light around midnight.
Once again, my cat is curled up against me, purring and keeping me safe.
And that ends my day.
The evening film has to be dark and scary. The opposite of the morning movie mood. Zombie movies are always good. Last nights selection was "SAW". (wow, saw is was spelled backwards!)
After getting thoroughly creeped out, it's off to bed, where I may read a comic book before turning out the light around midnight.
Once again, my cat is curled up against me, purring and keeping me safe.
And that ends my day.
I thrive on these seemingly mundane domestic routines.
I've had my share of adventures.
I'm no less wild, or through with adventure either.
Now, about my day off ...
Now, about my day off ...
That's another story!
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Gimme, Gimme, Gimme
I am the classic All American Boy!
I want it all!
I want this and I want that.
I have more than anyone could ever need.
I have rooms full of electric guitars, amplifiers, comic books, stereos, collectibles of every genre from Rock n Roll, to Famous Monsters.
New York Post...JOHN LENNON SHOT DEAD.
Autographs, Photographs, phonographs.
Posters and Coasters.
Cookbooks and Matchbooks.
I got more shit than a two seater outhouse!
Guitar Picks, Drum Sticks and Backstage Passes.
Leather Jackets and Old Ripped Jeans.
Concert shirts from back in my teens.
Now there's DVD and Internet too!
There's no stopping
the shopping
that this kid can do!
This isn't a poem,
so I'll End it soon.
It seems though,
that no matter how bad I want something,
as soon as I get it,
I want something else!
When is enough enough?
If they would just stop making stuff,
I could stop wanting it,
and finaly
have it
ALL!
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Time Machine
Almost a month?
Where has the time gone?
Where has the time gone?
Has it really been that long since my last entry on this thang?
Well, I won't list all of my excuses, that would be a blog in it's self.
Let me just get right down to a fresh thought that I had!
If I had a time machine...
Well, I won't list all of my excuses, that would be a blog in it's self.
Let me just get right down to a fresh thought that I had!
If I had a time machine...
I would go back in time to when there was no electricity and open up a video store. No one would no what a video was, so they wouldn't know that I wasn't selling them a video!
Instead, I would describe a movie to them.
Instead, I would describe a movie to them.
It would be in elaborate detail.
It would be a story that they could take home and share around the fireplace after dinner.
That's how folks entertained each other back in the olden days!
Now, I doubt that everyone was a born story teller, so it could get pretty boring around the ol' fireplace with no new stories.
Face it, they couldn't regale the children with stories about the olden days because the olden days were just beginning!
Yup, I can see it now...
JIM'S VIDEO, STORIES TOLD FOR A DOLLAR
The best thing would be, No Late Fees!
"Gather 'round the fire, children. Gramps is gonna tell a new story!"
"A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away..."
That's how folks entertained each other back in the olden days!
Now, I doubt that everyone was a born story teller, so it could get pretty boring around the ol' fireplace with no new stories.
Face it, they couldn't regale the children with stories about the olden days because the olden days were just beginning!
Yup, I can see it now...
JIM'S VIDEO, STORIES TOLD FOR A DOLLAR
The best thing would be, No Late Fees!
"Gather 'round the fire, children. Gramps is gonna tell a new story!"
"A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away..."
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