• Reflections - TV and Film

    Personal Log

    Official Navy records of captain’s logs in the United States go back as far as 1776 (which is pretty good since that is the year the country declared independence).  This idea of recording events and interpretations was brought forward through history and into science fiction world of Star Trek. The series is famous for its progressive ideas that are easily discussed in a utopian future and has some intense quotes from each episode.  Most episodes have at least one official “log entry” and also a personal one from the main character of the episode.  The Personal Log shows the emotions…

  • Reflections

    Learning How to Read Again: The 5-Year Journey

    Background: When I was in elementary school, I read all the time.  It was encouraged at school and at home.  We had dedicated time to go to the school library and find a new book.  In the early years, I was all about the non-fiction.  The more science and math I could get my hands on, the better.  I later came to enjoy some novels and other parts of the fiction world.  Both my parents were (and still are) avid readers.  My mom would always have her hot tea and book ready to go in the evening.  My dad would…

  • Poetry - Reflections

    Worthwhile

    I reach back to the pastIn search for answersFrom childhood to my later youthI wander, aimlessly, or so it seemsGuided by those nearbyAnd further stillClose family and far-flung cousinsInfluences, all the sameFriends through life or just a seasonClinging to each momentSecrets hidden, or perhaps revealedEarning trustA shielded world was my experienceNot complete, but protectedEnoughWrapped in the knowledge of the CreatorSilently watching or actively directingAll the pain, suffering, death, and destructionExposed, but not a fearful stanceRaised against the mighty waveSails bent most severelyYet we live onA family tree with scars and troubleOnly less so when we hide the truthNot that humanity…

  • Poetry - Reflections

    A Journey Revisited

    North To the City of Wind The cornfields and windmills quickly disappear Industry Large pipes of liquid gold cross over Freight at double our speed Buildings hide humans within We slow to a crawl as we approach People On the streets Waiting for something to begin Urgency never satisfied South To the State of the Flowers Mountains wave up at us Traveling at inconceivable speed Occasion Dress to impress Everyone you already know Witness a joining of lives Celebration Dance with a stranger Consume decadent dessert Adoption Into a new family More reasons to visit Reality Always changing A life…

  • Reflections

    The First Day of Summer 

    A longing to be free again Away from this blank palette So many weeks of hiding Habits of the dark and cold Recycled air, recycle thoughts Broken by the obligation How long would this last without distraction? And so, I travel across the land Observing the food growing just beside me Only a few to feed the masses The sun beams down onto my skin Pale from the cloudy sky Or cloudy moods Organic is the world I digest To the horizon and beyond Separated by glass and steel Soundproof and windproof Filtered air hits my face Music surrounds me…

  • Reflections - Updates

    10,000 Miles

    Driving a car has been a cultural phenomenon in this country for many years.  The history is long and usually disturbing; however, my experience has been overall positive.  I purchased a new car after my previous car was flooded in one of those famous Florida hurricanes.  That car barely made it to 10,000 miles, and so this is a big accomplishment.  My current vehicle is running strong, brought me to Illinois, and used to make my weekly commute to the big corporate building for work.    There is nothing like blaring your music and cruising down the interstate going “65 mph”…