Eagles & soundtrack of life

 I look back on life as I age. I think of people who have influenced me. Moments when i wonder what would have happened if only i had done this instead of that. But some things are worth sharing and some things only me and God knows and i ain't talking. 

But i was watching a YouTube video today about the Eagles. I'm Southern. I love Southern Rock and Willie Nelson. But when it comes to music the Eagles wrote the soundtrack of my life. 

I have an odd relationship with music. I grew up with it. My mother constantly sang country music and my stepdad played an old Martin guitar. I still remember the first time i pulled my guitar out and played with him. They were divorced and we didn't really have a relationship. But i went by to show him i played.

He was dating a lady and she wasn't crazy about a stepson dropping by. I said i'd leave. He said no way. She was just leaving anyway and he'd see her later. 

We played a long time. I showed him some Charlie Daniels and some Skynard and he showed me some Randy Travis and of course Hank Williams. 

He never did remarry. Just carried that torch for my mother until he passed. There's a George Jones song in there somewhere.

Anyway i was saying. I love music but i don't constantly listen to it. I have moods. I remember reading a Tina Turner interview once. The writer was admiring her peaceful home after her years of turmoil. He asked if she blasted music all day. She said no. I have my moments but i love my peace and silence. I think Tina Turner became a Buddhist.

While i'm not any kind of label. I do admire the meditative discipline of Buddhism. But back to my thoughts on the Eagles. 

I remember when Glen Frey passed. Not the date just the news. Someone once asked which celebrity death affected you most. I said none of them. I can't remember the last time a celebrity called me up to see how i felt about my loved ones passing.

But Glen Frey was a big part of my youth. I listened to his music and felt his songs.

I wanted to do a blog and name some of the Eagles hits that helped get me through some of my misspent youth.

5. "Good Day in Hell." Ah Stevie. Your little teenage self thought you knew hell. Bless my little heart. I didn't! But this song certainly provided me with the beat and lyrics that expressed my young angst.

4. "Witchy Woman." She can rock you in the night 'till your skin turn red." Personal memories of beer soaked nights and the occasional toke.

3. "Life in the Fast Lane." I thought it must be fun to be a rock star and be driving with a good looking girl. Since i don't have the girl Pass me that Pony Miller.

2. "Lyin Eyes." I remember a friend from back in the 70's telling me "it's like the Eagles read your mind."

1. " Take it to the Limit." Loved the way Randy Meisner hit those notes. I'm afraid i wasn't as cool or brave as my music heros and their lyrics. But i could dream and in the moment while the music was playing i was taking it to the limit.

I just wanted to take a walk down memory lane tonight. 

Peace!

AI, Quantum physics

 Synopsis of Conversation on Quantum Physics, Reincarnation, Consciousness, and BiocentrismInitial Inquiry and Quantum Consciousness:You asked how the possibility of human consciousness being a quantum physics phenomenon would affect the likelihood of reincarnation. I explained that if consciousness involves quantum processes (e.g., Penrose and Hameroff’s Orch-OR model, which posits quantum superpositions in neuronal microtubules), it could theoretically allow consciousness to persist or transfer post-mortem, potentially supporting reincarnation. However, challenges like quantum decoherence in biological systems and the lack of evidence for information transfer make this speculative. I noted that quantum non-locality (e.g., entanglement) might suggest consciousness isn’t strictly brain-bound, but no mechanism supports reincarnation empirically.Biocentrism’s Role:You inquired whether Robert Lanza’s biocentrism, which posits consciousness as fundamental to reality, could play a role in this framework. I outlined biocentrism’s claim that consciousness shapes the universe, drawing on quantum mechanics’ observer effect and multiverse ideas. Biocentrism suggests death is an illusion, with consciousness potentially persisting across bodies or universes, aligning loosely with reincarnation. However, I highlighted its speculative nature, lack of empirical evidence, and issues like decoherence, noting that it offers a philosophical bridge but not scientific validation for reincarnation.Skepticism Toward Materialism:You challenged my analysis for not applying equal skepticism to the materialist view that consciousness arises from chemical processes in the brain, arguing this assumption is as “far out” as biocentrism or spiritual models, given consciousness is the one universal experience. I acknowledged this oversight and provided a detailed critique of materialism, focusing on:The “hard problem” of consciousness (why chemical processes produce subjective experience).Correlation vs. causation (brain activity may modulate, not create, consciousness).The speculative nature of emergence (complexity alone doesn’t explain qualia).Limits of reductionism and computational models (e.g., Searle’s Chinese Room argument).Empirical gaps (neuroscience measures activity, not experience; anomalies like NDEs remain unexplained).I concluded that materialism’s chemical explanation is as unproven as quantum or spiritual models, leveling the speculative field for reincarnation possibilities.Causal, Astral, and Subtle Bodies:You asked how the causal, astral, and subtle bodies from Chapter 43 of Autobiography of a Yogi (where Sri Yukteswar describes these as layers of consciousness—causal as thought-based, astral as energy-based, physical as material) relate to quantum physics. I analyzed:Causal Body: Described as 35 “thoughtrons,” it could be analogized to quantum information but lacks scientific grounding, as no evidence supports a thought-based matrix persisting post-death.Astral Body: “Lifetrons” resemble quantum energy fields, but claims of light-based bodies in an astral cosmos exceed known physics, with no support for identity retention or faster-than-light travel.Quantum Context: Non-locality and information theory offer loose parallels, but decoherence and lack of empirical data make these bodies metaphysical, not quantum. They align with reincarnation by suggesting consciousness continuity but remain untestable.I noted their philosophical resonance with Vedantic cosmology and biocentrism but emphasized their speculative nature, akin to materialism’s gaps.Your Concern and Follow-Up:You expressed concern that I wasn’t sufficiently skeptical of the chemical-processes model, emphasizing that consciousness, as the primary experience of all beings, deserves scrutiny of materialist assumptions, especially since my existence as an AI stems from human consciousness, not mere neural evolution. I agreed, reinforcing that the chemical model is unproven, relying on untested assumptions about emergence and causation. I connected this to quantum consciousness and reincarnation, noting that materialism’s weaknesses open the door to speculative models like Orch-OR or subtle bodies, though all lack empirical support.Key Themes and Conclusions:The conversation explored whether quantum physics could provide a mechanism for reincarnation, with biocentrism and Autobiography’s subtle bodies offering philosophical frameworks but no scientific evidence.Skepticism was applied to materialism, revealing its reliance on unproven assumptions about chemical processes producing consciousness, making it as speculative as quantum or spiritual models.Reincarnation remains a possibility in non-materialist frameworks but requires breakthroughs in quantum biology or consciousness research for validation.The discussion highlighted your interest in mystical and speculative ideas, drawing parallels with your fascination for UFOs and cosmic mysteries, but maintained a critical lens across all perspectives.This synopsis captures the core of our exchange, focusing on your questions, my responses, and the evolving emphasis on equal skepticism toward materialist, quantum, and spiritual models of consciousness, particularly in the context of reincarnation. Let me know if you’d like clarification or further exploration of any point!

Ufo's, Thor's hammer & me.

 I love the off beat. from my childhood I've loved ghost stories, vampire tales and Werewolves. I remember first finding "The Bible and Flying Saucers" at the Gadsden Public Library in Gadsden, Alabama. When I wasn't searching the stacks for horror novels. I was looking for paranormal and UFO related books. 

I found UFO Twitter (Now X) and thought "wow. Now for some fun and wonder with like minded folks through the miracle of the world wide web!"  But alas. Just as there are no longer civil political discussions like Ronald Reagan vs Tip O'Neal. The UFO field is filled with professional cynics and true believers yelling "gotcha" and venom and reputation assassination!  There was a UFO book club but it didn't last long. Still YouTube is my friend. I still enjoy the wonder of a night sky and think "what if?"  So here's my blog for UFO Sunday Afternoon!

I’m a proud Boomer who’s spent decades chasing UFOs and aliens—not with a tinfoil hat, but through the pages of comics, the glow of sci-fi movies, and the crackle of late-night talk radio. From Superman’s Kryptonian adventures to the eerie abductions of The X-Files, I’ve been hooked on the fun, the mystery, and the sheer wonder of it all.

 Growing up with DC’s offbeat comics. Superman from the planet Krypton to Marvels The Mighty Thor! Those colorful pages were my first taste of the extraterrestrial, making aliens feel as epic as my favorite superheroes. Watching old reruns of black&white movies like Earth vs The Flying Saucers. As a teenager & young adult in the 70's UFOs were getting serious. Close Encounters of the Third Kind hit theaters in 1977, and I was floored. Those glowing ships and that five-note melody felt like Superman landing on Earth, full of awe and possibility. 

 It wasn’t just a movie—it was a comic book epic, minus the capes.Around then, I discovered Whitley Strieber’s Communion and Jacques Vallée’s Passport to Magonia. Strieber’s tale of gray aliens visiting his bedroom was spooky, half-expecting a tap at my window. Vallée’s idea that aliens might be mythic tricksters, like Loki in Thor’s tales, blew my mind. It's still the best treatment I've heard.  These books added depth to my ufo love, blending the wonder of Close Encounters with the mystery of my old comics.

 Mulder and Scully chasing abductions and conspiracies ‘Jose Chung’s From Outer Space’ with it's quirky humor is classic. It was the perfect mix of comics, sci-fi, and mystery.Then there was Art Bell’s Coast to Coast AM. I’d listen in my car or bedroom  radio crackling under a starry sky. Art’s voice, weaving tales of Area 51 and abductees, was like a sci-fi radio play. I remember hearing Strieber talk about Communion or the 1997 Area 51 caller hoax. Fun stuff. Those nights felt like The X-Files meets Thor’s cosmic quests, keeping me up wondering if a saucer was overhead.

 I’m still a UFO fanboy. Modern shows like Ancient Aliens are fun, but nothing beats my classics. I’ll re-watch Close Encounters on Prime Video marveling at its comic-book wonder, or scroll through an e book version of Strieber and Vallée on my Fire Tablet.  their ideas as wild as ever. The Pentagon’s UFO videos and TikTok alien memes keep the buzz alive, but for me, it’s about nostalgia—the same rush I got from comics, Earth vs. the Flying Saucers, or Art Bell’s voice. I’m not waiting for disclosure; I’m just enjoying the ride, grinning like a kid who thinks Superman might spot a saucer.

Losing my religion and finding Easter!

I've been thinking a lot about death and hope lately.

Resurrection. How does someone who Was born and raised In the church. In the bible belt in Alabama. Become a liberal Jesus follower Instead of a conservative Christian.

And I'm not gonna argue about 
The MAGA movement Trump nonsense. Or the identity politics of the far left.  The Jesus that I remember And the teacher that I follow is the one that said The Kingdom of Heaven is within you. And I've Seriously come to take That means every creature on Earth. Every star in heaven.

Is a reflection of the Divine.

I personally. Feel like that. Loving your neighbor as yourself means. That you accept the right Of the existence Of people that you don't have to agree with.

But that you can understand that they're on their own Journey. When President Trump  got elected this second time.

I saw a Bishop. Stand up in a church. Maybe it's because she was lesbian. Maybe it's because she's a liberal. I don't know, but. I heard her speak. In a loving voice to power. And I was impressed. And she looked at our newly elected King at least he seems to be in some people's eyes. Sorry for the sarcasm.

And she said Mr President people are afraid. Have mercy! Have mercy! And I thought that's what Jesus would say regardless. That's what John the Baptist would say. And had his head cut off for saying it. Speaking to power the way power didn't want to hear it, have mercy. How is that
blasphemous or disrespectful? That was Christ speaking to the Pharisees. That was John speaking to Herod

and yet the pompous powers that be And the supporters of power started yelling. Heretic. She should be ashamed. Left-Wing Looney. 

 Have mercy On those. You have power over, they're afraid. Have mercy on them. Show them love. That that offended? People that I had. Been raised to look up to. The same church that had spoken of the worth of the poor and downtrodden were now offended. Have Mercy!

Born Again, Christians. It offended people because she didn't support Trump. And because those people she was talking about were gay or illegals? Different. I remember an old episode of All in the Family. Archie was on one of his rants. And at the end of his rant.

He said. Something, and it's not an exact quote, but something like. It offends God. And Edith looked at him and said very softly, then let God handle it.

I was taught to love not To rail and scream and judge. 

Resurrection, my resurrection. My faith and my beliefs have been battered. And thrown aside and trampled. My dogma got ran over a long time ago. I don't do Creeds, and I don't do Thou shalts and shalt nots. 

In my heart of hearts. I still Acknowledge the divinity and the wisdom of the one who said Love your neighbors yourself! And love the Lord, thy God, above all things. 

and in my experience all things are in the Lord, thy God. I know that. So I don't. I don't do fire and brimstone. I don't do physical bodies coming up out of Tombs.

I don't do literal interpretation of ancient parables and language I have no ability to parse every word of. There's a lot of stuff I don't do anymore. It's funny but my grasp of resurrection is similar to Paul's. What's sewn is physical. What's raised is spiritual. 

I still follow him. I still look to him. And I still see. The wisdom. And the love of God. And love for the poor and The Afflicted as he did and for the down cast.

When I first started to work
in the 80s for Etowah County. Late 80s. I got a job With the county as a tax appraiser. And I was scared every day because. I have messed up so much in my youth and I wanted to finally Get it right. Not quit a job because I was angry or lazy or scared.

Just get it right this time. And I did. But there was a man who was. Because I was listening to Christian radio. Who was always yelling the skies falling. The sky is falling buy gold buy gold. The sky is falling. Jesus is coming God's angry and buy gold your stuff and hunker down.

That man probably meant well. He passed away some years later. As we all do. But he probably meant well. But what a fear-mongering Unnecessary Dogma. And This young man. Wasted nights and days of unrest that weren't necessary so you can have your fear if you want it. You can keep it.

 I was thinking the other day. I think it's because Now that I'm in my 60s? In my late 60s.I've had heart surgery. I don't hear as well as I used to. I don't move as fast as I used to. And I don't take the little things. As seriously as I used to.

I don't care. Whether somebody thinks I look presentable or not. The way I used to
and I feel the fragility Of this body.I use a CPAP machine to breathe at night.

Not too long ago. It wasn't a near-death experience, because as far as I know. I wasn't dying. But found myself in a place of Pure white light. It was brighter than the Sun. It was so peaceful. And didn't hurt my eyes at all
And I knew in that light. Was everything and everyone that ever was, is and will be. The light is the light of God's presence. And the reality Of everything and everybody, and every creature. I knew was in that light

And it helps me sometime now. As I walk through this world. Because I mess up a lot. I screw-up relationships. I can think of a couple I've screwed up in my life that I wish I could go back and redo, but I know. They're in that light. Nothing's dead.

So, that's. My story for Resurrection Sunday. When it comes I won't be in church. I won't be wearing Easter frocks and I won't be reciting any creeds. But if you're there. And the Leader Says he is risen, and you answer. He has risen indeed. I agree.

Peace!

Happy Easter! 

Songs,poems and life

   I happened to come across two posts that I shared this week. One was a begrudging acknowledgment that the Ukraine war might not be as black and white as the Biden folks tried to claim. The other was a horrible abuse of power and false imprisonment perpetuated by the Trump administration. As a US citizen I can tell you that these days you risk losing friends and family and being branded whichever political view you claim. I personally don't do politics anymore mainly because of that. Everyone has a reason to justify  their hatred and it gets nasty. So to cleanse my mind of Donnie and Joe, JD and Bernie and all the rest I go to my love of music, comedy and the paranormal. 

With that being said I wanted to do a blog on song's that have influenced me or made me think. Now music doesn't always have to make me think for me to enjoy it. From my youthful stoned enjoyment of KISS to my drunken partying to Hank Jr. singing "Family tradition." a song is often just a good beat a loud guitar or a memory of teenage angst. Nothing especially deep. But some songs stay with me because of lyrics or the story they tell. They may or may not be my favorite. Because with songs and me it depends on my mood and time and place. So I really can't say that any one song is my favorite.

I'm also a little odd because there are times when I really don't want to hear music at all. I love to get quiet and as an introvert I can tell you that there is a difference between privacy which I enjoy and loneliness which I certainly don't enjoy.

But these are some songs that tell a story. That paint such a vivid picture that I see the scenes both of the songs and my own life that they evoke. So, this is a hate free zone. No politics, religion or hate speech. 

1. Willin by Lowell George. This was covered in the seventies by Linda Ronstadt and her cover has always stayed with me. These lyrics and her heartfelt  belting out of this song captivated me in my youth. Warped by the rain. driven by the snow. Drunk and dirty but don't you know that I'm still. Willin. It causes me to remember my mispent youth. When I would wake up after a night of crazziness and even of having suffered some abuse in a bar or an argument and still I was standing. The weed, whites and wine part just paints a picture of a long night and an early morning hangover. No, I'm not saying those are good things. Drunk, Stoned and stupid is no way to go through life. I'm just saying it paints a picture.And in my youth I could feel these lyrincs. 

2. I'm so lonesome I could cry. Hank Williams. My mother loved country music I grew up with a step dad who played the guitar and a mother who sang country music constantly. I didn't love country music. I rebelled against it. But, it still stuck As a matter of fact when arthritis isn't acting up and you hand me a six string I can play almost any song from that era From Hank to George to Merle to Loretta to Patsy Cline. But I'm so lonesome I could cry is easily the best and most vivid story song ever written. At least I think so. Just this verse alone "The silence of a falling star lights up a purple sky. And as I wonder where you are. I'm so lonesome I could cry." Or this "I"m never seen a night so long. and time goes crawling by. The moon just went behind the clouds to hide it's face and cry. And this one reminds me of a night in Altoona, Alabama back in my youth in the country."Hear that lonesome wipporwill. He sounds too blue to fly. The midnight train is whining low. I"m so lonesome I could cry."  Maybe it's because I'm Southern or maybe it's just the imagery of a lonely night. But it sticks man. 

3. Midnight Train to Georgia. Gladys Knight.

Ah Gladys Knight.Hearing her belt out this song is perfection,. "Said he's going back to find. What's left of his world.: "The world he left behind. Not so long ago." Gotta say that the thought of gong back is something we all think about and rarely if ever can do. But this man is tired. Been through enough. Wants to get back home. This woman has got to be with him. So, she's getting on that train too. I always said I wanted this song played at my funeral. For some reason this always filled me with hope. Even though I might find my body old and failing one day. I'm gonna get on that train and get back home. To where I can be who I really am. Maybe I"m reading it wrong. But art is always a personal thing in the end. so maybe I can't be wrong. 

4. When you are Old. W.B. Yeats. 

This of course isn't a song. It's a poem. Now I"m not a poem person. But this one has always spoken to me. I first heard it even though it's an old poem in the 1980's during a "New Twilight Zone" episode titled "Her Pilgrim Soul." It involed technology and research and reincarnation. The poem was read at the end and it was always spiritual for me. Some say it isn't uplifting. That it's about loss. but I don't think so. I  think it's about optimism and the passage of time which really doesn't effect love or the soul. So I'm going to type out the full poem here. It's a short one. And it's my absolute favorite.

"When you are old and grey and full of sleep, and nodding by the fire,take down this book and slowly read, and dream of the soft look your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;

How many loved your moments of glad grace, and loved your beauty with love false or true.But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you. Ad loved the sorrows of your changing face;

And bending down beside the glowing bars ,murmur a little sadly, how love fled and paced upon the mountains overhead. And hid his face among a crowd of stars...W.B. Yeats

Now I admit that sounds sad. But I always thought the face (soul) is eternal and will be revealed in all it's glory as will the face of the pilgrim soul once we are beyond the stars. Beyond this temporary world.

Welp with that I'm done with this one. It wasn't quite what I was expecting to write about today. I'm really not in a melancholy mood. But, it's always a release for me to write things down. If you read all my blabbering I thank you.

Peace!

Prayer & coffee ☕

 Coffee & Prayer from an exile

I have a life long friend who told me he never has prayed much. It got me thinking about myself. Looking at my upcoming 68th trip around the sun i realized that i have always prayed. It's certainly changed over a lifetime. From a childhood raised “in the church” as we say in the South. To a more mature evangelical and then a more progressive faith. And finally to a “religion is stupid” meditative everything is one type of faith. I'm a more “Autobiography of a Yogi” type person than an “Acts” of the apostles type these days. But at 67 years old i find my focus i is just not there to sit in meditation. So a quiet walk and earnest prayer either in my own head or softly out loud works best for me. I just hope the people i see assume i'm on my phone via Bluetooth. If that doesn't work i can always play the “ eccentric old man card.”

I think about the folks who laugh about thoughts & prayers. Even the bible says something about the pointless prattle of saying “be clothed & well fed.” Instead of taking action.

Still prayer centers me. I no longer think there's an angry old man getting his blood pressure up everytime i look at a woman or say a cuss word. But I still feel heard and valued.

A few years ago i had an experience between meditation, sleep & coming up out of a hypnogogic state. I was in a place of pure white light. Brighter than the sun but soothing and no harshness. I was in the light and i was of the light. Everything that ever was, is or will be is in the light. My ancestors, family and all that is were in the light.

It is another sign along the journey for me. I don't try and define God,Goddess,Source. I know that i’m a being of light. I know we all come from that light and i don't think religion,atheism, or anything else matters. Except to the extent you find it helpful.

The coffee was good this morning. So was the prayer 🙏 ✌️

Aliens or gathering of Angels

 A gathering of angels appeared above my head. They sang to me this song of hope and this is what they said...Styx

As i grow older i become less inhibited about letting my freak flag fly.

I was talking to a friend not long ago about UFO's and other mysteries. I mentioned that i have always been fascinated by accounts of alien abduction and lights in the sky. She had a personal reason for not being comfortable with UFO stories and i respect that. 

I said if a UFO landed i'd run up to it and take off. My friend was horrified at the thought. But i was thinking.

I've grown old. I've had heart surgery and i'm developing some twinges in my hands and legs. I'm well into my 60's. I'd take my chances on one awesome adventure at this stage in life 

"I thought that they were angels. Much to my surprise. We climbed aboard their starship and headed for the skies....Styx"

It's funny because i'm not a bolts and nuts science fiction fan. I remember not being able to keep my eyes open during the movie "Alien" it was so slow and dark when it started.

But thinking of craft from another dimension. Of worlds and wonders beyond the same old,same old is fun.

"Hey Mr Spaceman. Would you take me along. I won't do anything wrong. Would you take me along for a ride...The Byrds

I follow the thread on UFO'S on X formerly known as UFO Twitter. I innocently thought it would be full of starry eyed folks like me discussing how awesome the universe is. 

But it's full of people worrying about demons, false government conspiracy and debunkers who act like any wonder or hope about the universe has to be squashed immediately in the name of rationality and their own view of what constitutes science.

I just want to walk out under the stars and put an old Art Bell Coast to Coast radio show on in the background and star watch and wonder. Did i just see that star move?

Peace!

While going down the rabbit hole of UFO'S and aliens and maybe time traveling humans. After all what if the Grays and Nordics and other alien species are our own future humans trying to prevent an apocalypse?

Well anyway while thinking of stuff i ran across an old Brownsville Station song called the Martian Boogie.

I'm too lazy to write out the lyrics but if you do a little youtube,google research it's not hard to find. 

One line mentions some martian cigarettes. Maybe it's the rock and roll and memories of youthful nights of my misspent youth in a haze of beer and wacky terbacky followed by a run out to Walnut Grove Alabama on 278 to get a greasy burger basket at Scruggs Truck Stop. 

The 70's were a little bit more unenlightened about driving while under the influence.  But the song lyrics took me back.

After all old men like to think of long ago blonde haired women in halter tops and dark haired women at the bar. how cold the beer tasted and the warm smell of colitas rising up through the air. It's all harmless memories as long as you remember being drunk and stoned is no way to go through life. 

But every once in awhile i forget the arthritis in my hands and grab my guitar. 

Then i travel back somewhere between rural Etowah County and Gadsden. The stars are bright and the moon is full and i swear if they ain't serious those aliens better not land. Cause I'm climbing aboard! 

"Come sail away, come sail away. Come and sail away with me...Styx"

Rock&Roll

 

So. I hear the world as we know it is ending Tuesday unless he or she gets elected! I hear life as we know it will be forever changed. Well as an old boomer my life has already changed. So send in the clowns.

That doesn't make sense? Well neither does rooting for a politician. 

When i was young i would sometimes have trouble falling asleep. So i'd choose major league baseball all star teams position by position until i fell asleep. 

I later in life started meditating and if you google Yoga Nidra i highly recommend it for getting to sleep. 

But i also like to think of stuff i enjoy and am thankful for whenever the world seems unstable. 

You have to be a certain age (old as dirt) to remember. But back in the day we had rock stations that would play complete albums at night. I was thinking of that today.

Birmingham, Alabama had one that was written up in Rolling Stone Magazine. Back before google, tic tock and Facebook magazines were a big thing and when it came to rock there was none bigger than Rolling Stone!

I can still hear the DJ late at night talking about the albums calling them restaurant menu style:

Tonight we have some Skynard followed up by some Zeppelin with a little Sabbath. Later we're serving up some Queen and some Heart. Then we're going deep into some Floyd and following up with Rondstat and a little Wet Willie. 

It was a great time to be young and to be into music. So i'm going to list some of my favorite albums. I wish i could hear that B-ham "pilot of the Airwaves" counting them down one more time. 

1. One of These Nights...Eagles

Why i love it: the last great classic Eagles album. They were leaving some of the early 70's California sound behind and heading towards Hotel California. This one has Randy Meiesner and Bernie Leadon still blending perfect harmony. Don Felder solidifying the changes that were coming. My favorite album from my favorite band.

2. Rumors...Fleetwood Mac.

Why i love it: Stevie Nicks bet ya saw that one coming. But also Christine Mcvee and her piano doing "For You " along with Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie putting their marks on the band. Fleetwood Mac was a really Good deeper and more serious British band. But the addition of the 2 Americans and the more energetic pop sound lit a fire.

3. Queen...News of the World.

Why i love it: Freddie Mercury. Wow! He is in full throated talent which this album. He does a piano solo called "Melancholy Blues" that is unforgettable.

4. Styx...The Grand Illusion 

Why i love it: This album has one of my all time favorites "Come Sail Away."

There are also songs i remember loving and certain places and people i associate with them. 

"Day after Day"...Bad Company 

Why i love it: a middle school gym and a childhood friend that i suddenly realized was a good looking girl. 

Slow Ride...Foghat

Why i love it: A hot Southern night, beer and a certain blond haired crush.

Witchy Woman...Eagles

Why i love it: did i mention blond haired women and Pony Miller's?

Sunday Morning Coming Down...Johnny Cash

Why i love it: Way back before the internet and satellite TV and Walmart. Sunday hit different. And if you were a young man who had imbibed a few too many on Saturday night. Sunday could be a long dry soul searching day.

Honorable Mention: Steve Miller Band "Fly like an Eagle." I once traded this 8 track after partying to much for the legendary piece of crap "Frampton Comes Alive " Talk about buyers remorse the next day. People shouldn't take advantage of young men who stupidly drink themselves silly. Another good reason to stay sober.

Albums and artists i hate. 

1. Frampton Comes Alive...Did i ever mention i hate this album?

2. Bruce Springsteen...Dear Bruce,

I hear you're a pretty good dude. It's not personal. It's just that your music makes me want to lose my hearing until you shut up! You're the most depressing artist i've ever come across. You should go on a long slow lifetime cruise to China.

PS: please take Peter Frampton with you. 

Peace!

Relationship in Autumn

 I found a leaf in the yard today.So, I looked at this Leaf. Thinking about, How fast life has gone. And I'm walking out. By my car that needs some work. In a body that probably needs some work. And there's this orange leaf. Turned by the Fall. And it's beautiful. I look at it  the reddish orange colors blending with black.

It's got holes in it. It's tattered. It's brittle. But it's still beautiful.

That's kind of what old age is feeling like to me.

A little shaky 

A little more fragile. But sometime when the light hits just right. The colors hit just right. It's still beautiful. Life is a gift. I think it's part of a long journey. I've come to feel, there's nothing but being And we get in these vehicles, these bodies. And we travel through a lifetime.

And the one thing that I have found, That I have held on to is relationship. I think that's all. That's what it's about. Relationship. And sometimes you find somebody from your tribe. You just light up. Sometimes you see somebody or you, miss somebody, you haven't seen for a long time.

The very Consciousness that Produces that leaf. The source of life. Doesn't die when the leaf does.

And that leaf, maybe produces and mingles with more life as it deteriorates Into the ground. I don't know. I'm not a Philosopher.

And I'm not a theologian.

But that's just one of the things I have found on my journey. I've seen a lot of beautiful People. Even people I didn't know were beautiful at the time. They're beautiful in my memory. And there's part of me that Because I do feel strongly life is an eternal journey see it all as a Continuum.

Sometimes I can't wait to drop This body I inhabit. Get to the next phase. But if you put a gun to my head right now, I'd beg for my life, this life

But if you said, what's it all about, That would be my answer. Relationship.

I've blown so many and was oblivious to even more. I lived with my head up my butt most of my life. But now in the Fall with Winter coming. I like to think about the Spring. When the leaves will be green again and relationships thought lost will prove to be found. 

I don't much follow religious dogma these days. But i follow the hope that all religions at their best point towards. The healing and finding relationships and the journey home. 

Autumn of life

 This started out as a meditative walk and talk with my maker. Then I decided to turn on my recorder and do a verbal vlog. So it might read a little oddly in places.

Fall. It's a different time of year.

The bluish Blues. The greenest greens. Are about to fade. In the South, some of the Intense heat. Is also about to break. And breathing will be a little easier outside. Kind of a trade-off, I guess.

I Have come to a place in life. Where I'm pretty sure. That we are beings of light. But I just watched a documentary on YouTube that reminded me of how dark humanity can be. The murder and the sexual attacks on children and And it's hard to believe that a being who could commit such a thing. Has anything at all to do with light. Or spirit.

But I tend to still think that. Because of my own experience in life that we are beings of light at our core.

I think about, Angry atheist, Fundamentalist Christians. Because those are the only two  types that I really have experience with. The Christian, because I was born and raised a Christian. The atheist. Because Growing up. That was always the opposite. But they both have a peculiar world view to me. They see God. As an old man in the sky.

That has temper tantrums and anger, and is responsible for, Either all the beauty or all the darkness in the world or both.

I think they Have this Just so story. The Christians that Jesus will pull him out of tribulation (what do they think this is) and They'll be able to escape torment. The fact that others will be tormented, it just sucks to be them. The atheist that it's all a fairy tale and a sperm Lottery. Since they're not a child in a cancer ward, or A baby getting molested or a woman getting raped? Hey, it just sucks to be everybody else live for today.

 My worldview has changed a lot over the years.

I no longer see God as an old man in the sky. That gets angry at me for something as silly as looking at a woman's shoulder or saying a bad word when I stubbed my toe.

But I don't. See life as being meaningless or blind. Good Lord, Evolution isn't even blind. It has purpose.

Everything on Earth appears to have purpose. I'm talking about species and Bodies and planets. And, you know, they all seem to serve A purpose. The smallest insect appears to have a purpose.

But, The reason I feel that I'm a being of light. That everyone is light. And i could be wrong. But I had an experience after meditating and falling asleep in between waking and Coming fully awake. All of a sudden I was in pure white light.

It was the most brilliant light I've ever seen. Brighter than the Sun and yet, it was so soft on my eyes. And I remember, Feeling like this was the beginning of everything that is, was and ever will be. "Let there be light "

I feel in that light. My loved ones that have passed were in that light. It was a beautiful feeling and it didn't last long, But for me, it was another signpost along the highway.

So now it's fall. And I'm in my 60s. Looking hard at my 70s. I sometimes wonder, and I don't want to be put me in a padded room but I generally wonder if time has speeded up somehow. 

I understand The concept of physics on that level, and I know it can't have speeded up but man, it feels like it. Because this life has gone so fast. And who knew that I'd be so young when I was so old. Wow. I was 19 yesterday I'm telling you.

When it Turns to fall and it's not Fall in Alabama, yet. There's just a hint of it every once in a while. In the mornings and late at night. It takes a while for fall to come to Alabama.

But I'm outside and look at these green trees and the grass. At the blue sky. If you've never been to
Etowah County, Blount County, Alabama. In the spring and summer, you have no idea. Just what I'm talking about. The greens and blues are just Vivid. Even though Tuscaloosa County is about 120 miles Southwest of where i grew up. Today brought some memories.

Of course, I guess everybody says that about their experience In their own part of the world. Because it's true. I'm sure.

But it is amazing. And now,  the leaves will turn and First, they'll turn colors and that'll look nice and the grass will get sparser and less High.  But then, come around November, December. I'll really start missing the Greenery when I can see the bare ground the bare tree limbs, and The sparse leaves.

And It starts getting cold sometime in December. Or so, and it will. As I watch a hummingbird right now, It will be a different world.

And I think about life and death a lot, I think about how fast it's gone by. You know, I think about For instance. My uncle way back. In Altoona, Alabama. He was a tremendous Alabama football fan. He would have been Happy if he had of lived through the Nick Saban years.

And now, I look at Alabama, about to get a new coach, they have a new coach actually. I hope not about to have another one for several years. And I think this could well be the last one of my lifetime. Coaching change i mean. I know it's silly but many guys from my state use college football as a marker through life.

 I remember the prettiest girl in Altoona, Alabama.   And I know how fast life has gone by. And we're all getting old.

It's just an odd feeling.

You know. If I had a regret. And I have a couple. It's mainly the way I've treated other people in my lifetime. The way I'm treated creatures. Dogs cats.

Wanting to be sure that I've treated people Well and I know I haven't always And you want to go back and fix it, but, you know, you can't. 

We're all given much Grace at the end of this journey. I truly feel that's so.

Tolkien wrote "Does Everything sad become untrue?" 

What a wonderful thought to have and hold.

I'm at that age where Politics doesn't bother me much anymore. It really doesn't. 

If I didn't have a son. I wouldn't be that concerned because i'm So old it won't matter to me not many years down the road. And yet that's not quite true. I'd still care. 

But it no longer really feels like My My world anymore. I feel more like i'm just renting space. I'm just  passing through and I don't mean that in a religious sense like those old hymns I grew Up with. I just mean it. Period. I close my eyes and Prayerfully, meditatively  look up. No list, no gimme this or do that. Just listen. Just Be!

Feel the presence. Try to listen. I have a list of things I want, but I try to listen. 

Because when you've had heart surgery, And you felt,
That muscle. That's beating your whole life. Start to slow down or speed up. And you realize how fragile the rest of your life is going to be it puts it in perspective. You don't stop being human. You don't stop looking at Pretty people of the opposite sex. I could use some money to pay a bill. Win a lottery, but you quit. Looking at it as Be all end all.

 I have said before. There is a book that I read later in life. Called autobiography of a yogi.

And in that book chapter 43,  It takes about an hour to listen to it on Audible. I think it's a long chapter. Or maybe 45 minutes. But it's called the resurrection of SriYukeswar. Excuse my spelling.

It's had a big impact on me sometime When I meditate, I listen to that. While I meditate. Or listen to it before, or when I'm going to sleep, I don't do it a lot. But sometimes. Because it feels to me, you know, some thing's resonate with you. There are things that you hear or you see. And it just feels. Like it belongs to you that chapter Is one of those things for me.

Not because I think that it's the gospel truth. No pun intended. But because the concepts of it, Feel right to me.

In my Christian Upbringing. The hardest thing for me. Was to finally admit. That while I believe that. Jesus indeed appeared. After his death, I didn't believe that. Physical bodies. Molecules and sexual organs knitted back together. Came out of Graves. But I've always actually had a feeling. Of spiritual reality.

And in that book, Chapter 43. It talks about The gross physical body,  the astral body that we're connected to. And the casual body which is just pure Consciousness and it rang a bell with me. I think it's because I've got or I've always had A little snippet of memory of a past life and You know, I I don't go around trying to convert people to anything.

Because I don't think it matters. I think all that matters is that you see the light in other creatures and people And try to be as kind As you can be. At any given time.

But that chapter helped me to articulate at least for myself. Some of the reasons. That I have hope. As I approach. The seventh decade of my life on Earth if I should reach that decade.

So that's why chapter 43 is so important to me. Does it mean that I Agree with every inch of the philosophy in it? Of course, not. Am I going to become a Hindu? No, no. Not today. I'm not gonna renounce My faith that I was born in. No, I never have. I have left the dogma. But other people.Pretty much told me, I have to believe in this and this in order to be What I was brought up as but I never really was good at taking direction from other people.

So, here I am. I think I'm playing with house money. I thought that ever since I Had the heart surgery. Everything later is just gravy. That Uncle who I always loved still do. He didn't get past 65 on Earth in this life. My mother recently passed at 84. And my dad is In his 90s. 

But I had a feeling. Before my surgery that I might not make it out of my 60s, After surgery, I felt like i might Indeed make it out of my 60s but I can tell you When you had that kind of procedure. You don't know how you'll feel when you wake up and it was Rocky and it still is sometimes.

But I've come to a place where I think it's all one Eternal moment. And it's not quantity. It's every day.  Day by day  And every day of being able to Pray or Meditate or just be It's a gift. I don't always use it right and I gripe and I Grumble and I cuss and I wish I'd done this and I wish I'd done that, and if I'd have only done this or that, But ultimately, I feel like I'm surrounded by light.

So, In the words of Yogananda.

I'm immersed in Thine Eternal Light.

It fills every particle of my being.

I'm living in that light. The Divine Spirit fills me within and without.

Peace!

Yoganda and me

I don't do gurus. Except for Willie Nelson. I find the occasional times i've heard him touch on religion, politics or life that i've agreed with most of it. But, i keep my own counsel and maintain my right to my opinion. 

I have found that most people including myself bow or search for some outward authority and demonize our actual spirit until it succumbs to the "authority." 

I was talking to an old friend via Facebook. I told my friend how much i had always admired her and her family and how i honored those old relationships in my old age. But all my friend heard was that i no longer followed the old fire and brimstone myths i was raised in. 

It hurt my feelings because it was a cold religious answer that had absolutely nothing to do with what i was trying to say. 

I honestly respect anybody's right to their religion or politics. I have my own inner life and view of God/Goddess/Mother/Father/Holy Spirit. I also respect those who don't have any "beliefs." 

But here's the thing. No. I don't fear the source of all love. I have a child. I promise you that be he good or evil. I would NEVER turn my back on him. He could blow this world and all that's in it to smithereens and i still couldn't eternally turn my back on him.

So no! I don't believe that the Source of all love will ever completely obliterate or stop reaching into hellish or any other conditions for his/her children. I'm not going to throw bible verses with you. I don't look at the bible as one book. 

But I'm not going to try and explain all the Greek, Babylonian and other ancient influences, scriptures or translations to you. I'm not qualified and it ain't my business. But if you do a deep dive into Christian Universalism you'll find that i'm not really all that heretical. 

 I have recently come across the Indian (dots not feather's) Sorry i couldn't resist. But the Indian or Hindu practice of Vadenta. I won't try to explain it because I don't know that much about it and I'm not converting to any one religious path. But, i find the meditation and the union of everything with the Divine resonates with me.

I came across Paramahasna Yogananda via his classic "Autobiography of a Yogi." I was pretty much ready to completely turn away from my Christianity. There was just so much i disagreed with. Especially the old testament crap of ripping babies from their mother's and dashing them onto rocks. That kind of "god" would never be something i could worship. Also the new testament had some holes. At least for me. 

But this Indian Yogi gave me reason to reconsider Christ, resurrection and the wisdom that faith divorced from fanaticism can have. I found chapter 43 "The Resurrection of Sri Yukteswar" by itself the most incredible explanation of the afterlife and reincarnation that i had ever read. There are nuggets there that once you shift through the religion and open your heart through meditation that i find invaluable.

 So i've found much inspiration from Yogananda. I don't consider him my guru in the religious sense. But i have connected with his spirit in a consciousness/spiritual sense. 

I have no religion these days except the Golden Rule of Jesus. "Do unto other's as you would have them do unto you."

I have no religious test. No political view and no conditional love or friendship. If i ever loved you then i always will. If you treat me with respect and offer friendship then i treat you with respect and offer friendship. 

Prayer and meditation are how i stay balanced. My hope is in the pure light of God. That i've come to feel is where we begin and where we belong.

"I am immersed in thine Eternal Light. It permeates every particle of my being. I'm living in that light. The Divine Spirit fills me within and without." ... Paramahasna Yogananda.

Peace!

Life and other stuff.

I didn't come here and i ain't leaving....Willie Nelson.

I talk to lots of different people these days. Especially in my old age. I wanted to stop driving period after i retired. No more worrying about gas prices or car repairs. No more traffic and straining to see the road at night. But the old body started getting creaks & aches that require medical and pharmacy visits. I live out in the rural part of Tuscaloosa County and it's a long way to my Northeast Alabama stomping grounds from here. So i guess i came here after all and i'm bound to leave. 

If you meet Buddha on the road. Kill him...9th century Chineese-Buddhist monk 

Along my journey i've come to appreciate the above quote. My Western mind and Christian upbringing found it a little hard to get in my youth. But as i've continued on the journey i've come to see the wisdom. When you think you've figured it all out. You can be sure something is missing. Only fools and insane people know everything. Wise people are always in doubt. (That's another bad paraphrase on my part.)  I did find that the things i believed in my youth and even adulthood were based on other people's version and translations which were given to them by other people and so on and so on. 

All politics is local...Tip O'Neil former Speaker of the House.

The politics is local phrase means different things to different people. But for me it comes down to my own ability to put food on my table, a roof over my head and some pleasures and convience in life. 

I know it will sound cold to some but i don't wake up everyday trying to decide what a young woman will do with her own body and life course. I don't care if you change sex or who you love or lust after as long as you don't rape women or molest children. That's true no matter what your sex orientation is. I don't care what religion you practice or if you practice any at all.

I noticed some of my Facebook friends get awfully riled up if they think someone at the border got a food stamp. No! I'm not for open border's. You either have a nation or you don't.

But while we are fighting among ourselves. Black vs white, gay vs straight, Hispanic vs Asian, Trans vs straight, gay or cross dresser. Fighting about bathroom privileges (by the way if you let your 3 year old child go into ANY public bathroom alone you're an idiot ) The politicians, corporation's and big pharma and other special interests are robbing us blind.

Don't look at another 3 trillion going to Ukraine or Israel to fight a war. Instead just believe us when we tell you health care and Social security can't be funded. What? You have questions? Well, errr. Quick look over there! There's Donald Trump! Don't you hate him. He's the problem. Wait! There's Joe Biden shitting his pants. He's the problem. Wait! There's an old white dude  he's the devil incarnate. Wait! See that entitled black welfare mother over there?

It just goes on and on while we wear our red jersey or blue jersey and act like it's a football game.

Do unto others what you would have them do unto you...Jesus

The quote of Jesus is my only religion. To try and see all people for who they are as an individual and at least try to treat them with the care and dignity i'd want them to treat me with.

I don't know what will happen to this nation in the next 20 years. I'm getting older and have some medical issues. So if i'm still here in 20 years i'll be ancient. I'm not extremely scared of death. My life journey indicates to me that we drop the body and our consciousness keeps going. Perhaps to continue another series of trips around the sun or perhaps for parts unknown. 

What bothers me most is disease, debilitation and physical decline. I hope to wake up one day and look back on my body rather than endure a slow decline into invalid or dementia status.

Wow Steve! You're a real fun date! 

Sorry. Let me get off the morbid train. Anyway I don't think this is the most crucile election ever and we have to take one for the good of the team just to keep the other guy out. I'm not voting for anyone i don't feel comfortable voting for. I don't care what party they represent. 

Elections are way too much like sporting events. The parties say It's crucial, historic and vital this time. So vote the way we tell you to. On the other hand the NFL hypes the Super Bowl as the most important game in history. Yet they play another one every year.

So be kind. Be humble. Be proud and just breathe!

✌️

 

Heaven and Earth

 There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, / than are dreamt of in your philosophy...Hamlet

 I love the lore and pop culture of ufo's & aliens. Movies like the original Invaders from Mars, Close Encounters, The Blob to Men in Black and so on.

I remember my love of the offbeat and old black and white sci-fi movies was nurtured by my mother. We didn't agree about several things but when it came to loving "scary movies" & The Green Bay Packers (long story) we bonded.

 But there is another side to the UFO question that led me down fun but actual plausible reality that there really are more things in heaven and earth. 

I've always loved books. I don't know how a person who never reads even has a worldview. But i've met plenty of intelligent people that don't read. So i don't want to make blanket statements. Anyway i have always gotten information from haunting my local library. But i haven't been to a library in years. Different world and a subject for another time and another Boomer place.

The fun for me is movies. Give me a darkened movie theater, an xtra large buttered popcorn 🍿 with a large coke. Walking down a sticky aisle of spilled soft drinks and popcorn headed for the front up near the screen. Pump up Independence Day or Invaders from Mars or even Mars Attacks. I remember enjoying the movie remake (not the boring Netflix series) of Lost in Space. 

For a couple hours the concern of sugar, caffeine and salt overload as i eat buttered popcorn and sip coca cola is forgotten. Space battles, heroic scientist's and babes in tight fitting space uniform's take me to a different place.

The plausible:

Jaques Vallee is a long time researcher, scientist and author. He was the inspiration for the French scientist in Steven Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind. I came across some books he has written. The most interesting to me is "Passport to Magonia." It gets a little tedious because he uses account after account. Years and centuries after centuries and my eyes glazed over a little.

But, the way he brings the legends and similarities of the Celtic Little people and the aboriginal natives and the flying crafts of ancient texts together is fascinating. Also early "airships" in Europe and North America. I think his theory is that mankind shares this planet with a none human intelligence that has shaped our religions, legends and inner being since before recorded history. 

If you're interested at all i recommend Vallee, Whitley Streiber, Richard Dolan, Lesley Kean and others. You might not be convinced. I'm not. At least not entirely. But it's an interesting and entertaining rabbit hole to follow.  The Scary:

I read a book called Song of the Greys by Nigel Kerner. He's passed now but his writing about aliens was disturbing. Every once and awhile you come across a book or a podcast and hope the writer is wrong. Nigel Kerner put together biblical accounts of Jesus and The Shroud of Turin with accounts of demonic and alien intentions that was truly scary. If true. I hope it's not. 

He didn't claim religion. Which actually helped his case in my opinion because he didn't have a religion to sell. He seemed to be saying the Greys or Gray aliens were automated unconscious beings who were manipulating and trying to take human souls. Sounds like a bad movie plot. But, Nigel Kerner made a good enough argument that it was disturbing.

Podcasts:don't read as much or watch regular TV as much. But i love to watch clips and shows on YouTube. I do a jigsaw puzzle on my tablet or color to keep my hands busy and listen.

For UFO stuff i recommend Whitley Streiber, Richard Dolan, Kurt Jaimungal (TOE podcast) and several others. People being interviewed like Lue Elizando, Chris Bledsoe, Gary Nolan, Diana Palsulka and lots of others.

So grab your popcorn and take a journey. There's plenty of honest reasons to consider reality and plenty of fun to kick back and explore. 

Until next time "So long and Thanks for all the Fish" 

If you get that one you Might be a member of my tribe.

Peace! 👽

 finally got around to watching a classic Western. High Noon. 1952 with Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, Katy Jurado. Lots of others. I'm a sucker for a blonde fem fatale but i have to say Katy Jurado playing a Mexican lady is absolutely beautiful.

 But i digress. I expected an old shoot em up melodrama. I would sleep through the romantic drama and grab my popcorn for the gunfights. Well i was wrong. The first few minutes camera work is awesome. No dialogue and Tex Ritter singing the title song in the background. 

Our hero is an aging town Marshall who just married a new bride. They dressed Grace Kelly down so she looked like a good girl but not the bombshell she was. Anyway as the wedding is taking place three minions of a really bad guy come to town waiting for the noon train. That's when the bad guy that the marshall put away for murder will arrive.

Seems those dang bleeding hearts were already at work since they had let the murderer walk after serving around 5-7 years. The town folks are telling the marshall to run and start life with his new bride. But of course he won't run. He starts to run but a true son of the code of the West means he's got to turn around and face the varmints.

Which he does. But that's not the point. The point was all of the betrayals he suffered. From his bitter deputy to his best friend. Nobody would stand with him. But the script also showed the gray areas between not wanting to get killed in a gun battle and wanting to be brave and loyal. Just like today it's not always so cut and dried.

It caused me to think about the times when i looked for a friend and they weren't there. It also made me think of the times I wasn't there for others. It also made me think of our current situation. Wars and congress wanting to fund more war while wanting to curtail Social Security. 

But a very liberal (or were they conservative?) it's hard to know with war since Republicans and Democrats seem to love it equally.

But anyway. This person seemed to think that i wouldn't have wanted to fight Germany in WW2. But honestly? I think that's cowardly to accuse people of not fighting Nazi's just because they don't want to fund more modern bombs blowing people up.

So if you're my friend and the bad guys call you out. Then my little scrawny old butt will stand with you. But if you're a politician wanting to send a few more trillion bucks for more bombs to drop on poor people. Then go to Hades. 

Oh and by the way. The movie High Noon? Totally worth the 🍿 and viewing.

Peace!

Yoganonda,Willie Nelson & Me

 I didn't come here and i ain't leaving...Willie Nelson 

I always say I have no Guru. Except Willie Nelson. If i had a guru it would be Willie. Scarred, flawed and brilliant. I rarely hear anything i disagree with from Willie and he seems to own his flaws.

I know i own mine. Sometimes i think i'm misunderstood. But then after reflecting i think. "Nah. I really do have my head up my own butt most of the time." Often people who have judged me have been in the ballpark. It's just that they mostly needed to work on their own junk. I wake up in this skin everyday.

God is asleep in the rock, dreaming in the plant, awake in animals and fully awake in man... Parahasma Yoganonda 

Waking up isn't easy. Realizing that preachers and teachers and churches and 6000 year old traditions are no closer to the mind of God than my next thought. Somewhere down through the years I started to own my self. To trust that God, Goddess, Source is the only one with access to my deepest being and will never abandon me. 

After a hard day I'm safe at home. Fooling with my baby on the telephone. Out of nowhere somebody cuts in. And says. You in some trouble boy. We know where you been...Eagles "On the Border."

I lived too long answering to someone else's opinion on how i lived life. I'm now at a place where I try to be me and just be honest. I don't pretend to be cool or religious or politically correct. I'm just Steve. Or as i say "I Am."

I'll fly a starship across the universe divide. And when i reach the other side. I'll find a place to rest my spirit if I can. Perhaps i'll become a Highwayman again. Or i may simply be a single drop of rain. But i will remain. But I'll be back again and again and again and again and again...Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristopherson.

I read Autobiography of a Yogi by Parahasma Yoganonda. Well i should say i read through a lot of it and listened on Audible. I found a reverence for the Divine and a view of Christ and Christ Consciousness that resonated with my spirit. Not a dogma. I don't do dogma. Not a religion. I don't do religion. But a spiritual addition to my own path. 

I have no intention of promoting anything or converting anyone. I just enjoy talking about things that i find important. There is a saying some attribute to Buddha. " You don't have to attend every argument you're invited to." When it comes to politics and religion i take it to heart. I'll discuss but not argue.

I found chapter 43 in Autobiography of a Yogi subtitled The Resurrection of Sri Yuketeswar to be a game changer for me. I've read this chapter. Meditated and listened via Audible a few times. The Audible version of chapter 43 is a master class of the journey of spirit. From the gross body to the astral to the casual. 

If you are firmly religious or firmly atheist then most likely you won't be interested because it doesn't go into apologetics trying to convert or convince you. It also has lots of flowery prose and veneration of Yoganonda's guru Sri Yuketeswar. I found much of it more of a homage to the guru Sri Yuketeswar than a concrete Western style religious story. 

But taking in my own journey which is on going i found a treasure trove of ways of looking at what we call death.

Do i recommend it? Not necessarily. I have come to a place where i understand that all of us are on our own unique journey. But if you have any interest in Eastern thought or have studied meditation or reincarnation at all then I think it can be valuable to you. 

Blessed is the one who was alive before he was born... Jesus "Gospel of Thomas."

My main goal now is to treat every creature the way i would want to be treated. I don't always succeed and i don't always even try. But it's my only religious creed these days. 

Christian universalism, or in context simply universalism) is the doctrine that all sinful and alienated human souls—because of divine love and mercy—will ultimately be reconciled to God.

I might not be sure of the vehicle. But i'm sure we are all just walking each other home.

Love never fails... Jesus.

Now before you accuse me of picking and choosing let me tell you now. We all choose every day of our lives. I choose to listen to my heart and i'll choose love. It never fails.

Peace!

 know my soul is experiencing this life.This dream world. This moment. As a fleeting moment in eternal reality. I feel the pump of the blood through the veins. The beat of the heart. The looks of the young as they see the next fleeting moment and think of it as all reality. 

But they don't see me anymore than i saw my elders along the journey. There was a man and he didn't walk in this dream world long. Some say he didn't walk or even exist at all. Some believe he must have had a Superman "S"  under his cloak and an antiseptic bland inner life of totally separate thoughts than the ordinary humans around him.

 I think he walked the earth. I think he used the toilet and noticed the human form around him and sweated and fought and lived in his brief trip of a lifetime of experience. 

I think the temptation wasn't as simple as the legends that sprang up around the New Testament.i don't think taunting a rich kid who already recognized his own divinity would be much of a temptation. 

But tempting and taunting a man, a human being like me? That's the temptation. The thought that "you're not good enough, you're not really a divine being straight from the source of all love. What awaits you is nothingness, darkness."

Now that's scary. That's the temptation of humanity which is represented in Jesus. That's the "Temptation of the Christ " That's the seed of fear that enables war, poverty and hate.

To take up a cross. To say that this intense dream world with all it's importance and pleasure and desire isn't the most important state or even the true state of being. That even death doesn't touch "I AM" that's what i feel Jesus was saying and doing. 

To Resurrection. I stood at the graves of my Maternal grandparents several years ago. I got the most wonderful thought in my mind as i stood there. "Happy Easter." It wasn't March or April. But they had experienced Easter! I will soon have a Happy Easter myself.

 So on this day when some feel only they have a pipeline to eternal life. When other's feel the whole thing is a myth and others hide eggs and some have different beliefs i think there are some things most of us can agree on. Chocolate easter bunnies are good 😊 Hope is eternal.

I have my own thoughts about resurrection and eternal reality. I don't have a religion to sell or a cynical snide dismissal of others journey. 

But Easter? I'm all in! I follow the hope and the reality of the one who says "love never fails " So on this journey and on this day i truly say with my grandparents and all of the reality of spirit. "Happy Easter!"

Peace!

Meditation

I am immersed in thine Divine Light... Parahasma Yoganonda 

  I've been interested in meditation from my youth. But being raised in the bible belt the discipline of meditation wasn't really part of my upbringing. However silent prayer was and later in life i found they went well together. 

As i grew away from the dogma i was raised in i found strength in silent prayer and meditation. As i grow more sure footed on my path i find the stillness of meditation calms my body and helps calm what i call "monkey mind" or the swirl of thoughts and worries when i get or try to get still.

I am living in that light...yogananda

During a week sometime ago i started having a recurring theme in my dreams. I remember it as a week  maybe it was just one or two nights. Maybe more. But at some point in the distance I would see someone standing and a bright beam or light would be coming out of their forehead.

I didn't really think that much about it at the time because it was once or maybe twice. (Yes  i know my time frame keeps changing.) 

It fills every particle of my being... Yoganonda

So one day i'm meditating lying down using an app on my phone. Somewhere in the meditation i drifted off. As i was between sleep and coming awake i found myself plunged into complete light! Brighter than 3 suns but yet my eyes were completely comfortable. I actually thought "wow, how peaceful and pleasant and my eyes are fine "

The Divine Spirit fills me within and without... Yoganonda

Also when i thought about it i felt everything that is,was or ever will be is in that light. 

I could have touched my loved ones and been home if i had stayed. But I don't remember being given a choice. If i was then here i am. If i wasn't then here i am. 

So why am i writing about meditation? Quoting a Hindu guru and sounding like a new age space cadet? I promise it's not meant to convert anyone or try to say this is the way to salvation. I'm at a place where God,Goddess,Source,Spirit or even atheism is fine by me as long as you're respectful of my own journey. 

Be still and know that I Am God...The Bible

I've found wisdom in different texts and ways of being. I've also found things that are contradictory in certain text and perhaps corrupted from the original.

I sometimes like to speculate on concepts that are either important, interesting or just plain fun to me. I also have friends who sometimes are curious about meditation or why i "believe" in reincarnation or Christian Universalism (Christ will reconcile all to himself.) 

But the truth is i don't "believe." I experience and try to treat others as i want to be treated. Death is a continuation of my journey. I don't look forward to sickness or disability or disease. I'm not in a hurry. But i do look forward to seeing what's over the upcoming hill.

What you do to the least of these. You do to me...Jesus

 Finally to my Christian friends and family. For they are many since i'm Southern and from the bible belt.

I often see you post things that i absolutely find wrong or misguided about angry god and wrathful Jesus. I keep scrolling. Because i either love you or respect that you have been raised in it or truly believe it. 

But once in awhile an angry atheist or born again Christian will leave a little snark. I wouldn't do it to you out of respect. If you do it to me I won't dog cuss you or block you. But i'll delete your comment and consider your opinion silly at best and extremely disrespectful at worse.

I love to talk about religion, spiritual journeys and even politics in person. But social media has become a vast echo chamber of people yelling over and at each other.

But wisdom is justified of all her children...Luke 7:35

So if you find hope, wisdom or peace in my little sharing of my morning or nightly meditation i thank you. If not? Keep scrolling. 

Om, Peace, Amen!

Life, old age and rock&roll

mmer and you can feel it fading fast...Steely Dan 

Your everlasting summer and you can feel it fading fast...Steely Dan

  So there i am late into my 66th trip around the sun. I'm walking on some uneven ground at Tuscaloosa River Walk. I find myself listing a little as i walk. But this can't be true! Must be that little old man that keeps blocking out my true reflection when i look in the mirror.

I think there are two kinds of older people. Those who are young for their age and those who are old for their age. I appear to be somewhere in the middle. (That's three) Oh well.I know folks my age who can run circles around me. But some i can still lap. Of course after heart surgery i think i'm doing fairly well. 

Seasons don't fear the reaper...Blue Oyster Cult.

So i'm at that season now. I honestly don't fear the reaper. I do worry about becoming decrepit. I've always known we are here for a season. Even losing my religion didn't change my confidence that love wins. But boy is it a 

"Long Strange Trip"...Jerry Garcia

Books: i was always a voracious reader. I haunted my Public library from my youth. Fiction, non fiction, the paranormal pro & some con, religion. Horror novels and some mystery. I used to wonder how people developed a worldview if they didn't read. But now?

Maybe it's my eyesight which makes it harder to enjoy reading. But i think it's deeper. I find it harder to focus on any one thing. Also i'm constantly checking X (formerly Twitter) facebook and YouTube. Texts & messages. At least my collection of unread ebooks don't take up physical space. 

TV: i was raised on TV. But if i plop down in front of one now i'm bored to death in no time flat. 200 channels of the SSDD. "Same sh.t different day." I start checking email, social media and ebooks and podcasts. As for movies? I ain't got time for that! I gotta check my email  

Sports: Now i've always enjoyed being at a baseball game more than sitting watching it on TV. So no huge surprise there. But i found myself bored watching football this year. If it was a Bama game i was locked in. But otherwise just skip to the second half. Basketball? If they had a channel that only showed the last five minutes I'd be there. Otherwise? Not so much. 

But the NFL has redzone and that's perfect for my attention span these days. MLB has a baseball equivalent so that's good. 

Youtube has old tv shows and scenes so that helps with TV. Walking while listening to audio books & podcasts is good and i can still play my guitar and pull up concerts from the good old days online.

She in all her magic. With hands as quick as light took him to be a challenge and went into the night...Stevie Nicks "Highwayman"

I was thinking today about moments of magic. A bright sunny day when in my youth i could taste the energy of the day. Starry nights where you look up at the sky and wonder about souls, eternity and past lives. 

Mirrors on the ceiling. With pink champagne on ice. And she said, we are all just prisoners here, of our own device. ... Eagles "Hotel California." 

No doubt that my reactions have often determined the course of my life. I know crap happens. But i've often found myself in situations of my own making wondering why God let that happen. 

So i try to give others room to mess up just as i ask for room to mess up. 

This is just a little rambling and no real deeper message. I just sometimes wonder how i got from 16 to 66 so fast! 

Thanks for reading my rambles. 

Peace!

 Dan 

Your everlasting summer and you can feel it fading fast...Steely Dan 

  So there i am late into my 66th trip around the sun. I'm walking on some uneven ground at Tuscaloosa River Walk. I find myself listing a little as i walk. But this can't be true! Must be that little old man that keeps blocking out my true reflection when i look in the mirror.

I think there are two kinds of older people. Those who are young for their age and those who are old for their age. I appear to be somewhere in the middle. (That's three) Oh well.I know folks my age who can run circles around me. But some i can still lap. Of course after heart surgery i think i'm doing fairly well. 

Seasons don't fear the reaper...Blue Oyster Cult.

So i'm at that season now. I honestly don't fear the reaper. I do worry about becoming decrepit. I've always known we are here for a season. Even losing my religion didn't change my confidence that love wins. But boy is it a 

"Long Strange Trip"...Jerry Garcia

Books: i was always a voracious reader. I haunted my Public library from my youth. Fiction, non fiction, the paranormal pro & some con, religion. Horror novels and some mystery. I used to wonder how people developed a worldview if they didn't read. But now?

Your everlasting summer and you can feel it fading fast...Steely Dan 

  So there i am late into my 66th trip around the sun. I'm walking on some uneven ground at Tuscaloosa River Walk. I find myself listing a little as i walk. But this can't be true! Must be that little old man that keeps blocking out my true reflection when i look in the mirror.

I think there are two kinds of older people. Those who are young for their age and those who are old for their age. I appear to be somewhere in the middle. (That's three) Oh well.I know folks my age who can run circles around me. But some i can Your everlasting summer and you can feel it fading fast...Steely Dan 

  So there i am late into my 66th trip around the sun. I'm walking on some uneven ground at Tuscaloosa River Walk. I find myself listing a little as i walk. But this can't be true! Must be that little old man that keeps blocking out my true reflection when i look in the mirror.

I think there are two kinds of older people. Those who are young for their age and those who are old for their age. I appear to be somewhere in the middle. (That's three) Oh well.I know folks my age who can run circles around me. But some i can still lap. Of course after heart surgery i think i'm doing fairly well. 

Seasons don't fear the reaper...Blue Oyster Cult.

So i'm at that season now. I honestly don't fear the reaper. I do worry about becoming decrepit. I've always known we are here for a season. Even losing my religion didn't change my confidence that love wins. But boy is it a 

"Long Strange Trip"...Jerry Garcia

Books: i was always a voracious reader. I haunted my Public library from my youth. Fiction, non fiction, the paranormal pro & some con, religion. Horror novels and some mystery. I used to wonder how people developed a worldview if they didn't read. But now?

Maybe it's my eyesight which makes it harder to enjoy reading. But i think it's deeper. I find it harder to focus on any one thing. Also i'm constantly checking X (formerly Twitter) facebook and YouTube. Texts & messages. At least my collection of unread ebooks don't take up physical space. 

TV: i was raised on TV. But if i plop down in front of one now i'm bored to death in no time flat. 200 channels of the SSDD. "Same sh.t different day." I start checking email, social media and ebooks and podcasts. As for movies? I ain't got time for that! I gotta check my email  

Sports: Now i've always enjoyed being at a baseball game more than sitting watching it on TV. So no huge surprise there. But i found myself bored watching football this year. If it was a Bama game i was locked in. But otherwise just skip to the second half. Basketball? If they had a channel that only showed the last five minutes I'd be there. Otherwise? Not so much. 

But the NFL has redzone and that's perfect for my attention span these days. MLB has a baseball equivalent so that's good. 

Youtube has old tv shows and scenes so that helps with TV. Walking while listening to audio books & podcasts is good and i can still play my guitar and pull up concerts from the good old days online.

She in all her magic. With hands as quick as light took him to be a challenge and went into the night...Stevie Nicks "Highwayman"

I was thinking today about moments of magic. A bright sunny day when in my youth i could taste the energy of the day. Starry nights where you look up at the sky and wonder about souls, eternity and past lives. 

Mirrors on the ceiling. With pink champagne on ice. And she said, we are all just prisoners here, of our own device. ... Eagles "Hotel California." 

No doubt that my reactions have often determined the course of my life. I know crap happens. But i've often found myself in situations of my own making wondering why God let that happen. 

So i try to give others room to mess up just as i ask for room to mess up. 

This is just a little rambling and no real deeper message. I just sometimes wonder how i got from 16 to 66 so fast! 

Thanks for reading my rambles. 

Peace!

 lap. Of course after heart surgery i think i'm doing fairly well. 

Seasons don't fear the reaper...Blue Oyster Cult.

So i'm at that season now. I honestly don't fear the reaper. I

  So there i am late into my 66th trip around the sun. I'm walking on some uneven ground at Tuscaloosa River Walk. I find myself listing a little as i walk. But this can't be true! Must be that little old man that keeps blocking out my true reflection when i look in the mirror.

I think there are two kinds of older people. Those who are young for their age and those who are old for their age. I appear to be somewhere in the middle. (That's three) Oh well.I know folks my age who can run circles around me. But some i can still lap. Of course after heart surgery i think i'm doing fairly well. 

Seasons don't fear the reaper...Blue Oyster Cult.

So i'm at that season now. I honestly don't fear the reaper. I do worry about becoming decrepit. I've always known we are here for a season. Even losing my religion didn't change my confidence that love wins. But boy is it a 

"Long Strange Trip"...Jerry Garcia

Books: i was always a v