Tough Week

So far since last Friday-
One staff member lost her mom, one staff member went AWOL for 3 days due to continuing grief after losing his son last month, one staff member after being missing for three days ended up in the hospital due to multiple health issues that I can't even begin explaining, and another staff member requested time off, starting next week, to be with her daughter while she undergoes a mastectomy. In addition, a past staff member died of a heart attack just hours before his wife lost her battle with cancer.

Whew!

And counting my blessings.

Branstorm Mad!

Another short exchange from my WIP AIN'T DEAD YET. An exchange between Charles Dunbar and Porter Rockwell:

“I’m assuming he just figured out we crossed back the other way.” Dunbar commented with a laugh.

“Yeah, I imagine so.”

“He’s going to be pretty angry if he ever catches up to us.”

“Yeah, I imagine so.”

“Do you do this kind of thing all the time?”

“What’s that?”

“Get people so hopping mad at ya, they can’t do anything but scream your name at you?”

“Occasionally, but mostly just with the wife.”

Need Not Be Commanded in All Things

"Do not approach the Bison"

I read this several times during our day trip to Antelope Island. Located in the middle of the Great Salt Lake, away from the civilization of the Wasatch front, the island is teaming with wild life. You know, the animals that don't eat from a provided food dish and water bowl. Deer, antelope, rabbits, coyotes, Mountain sheep, and buffalo all roam free. Throw in a few badgers and bobcats and it's a Western Style Safari.

The massive buffalo roam free and are seen grazing in nearly every open grassland field, which is the most of the island. Some were close and some were far away. I have even been stopped by them as they crossed the road and really don't care because, well they are big and they are wild. They need us for nothing and they, well, like I said, they're big.

I have never, ever thought of petting one. It surprised me that warnings would have to be issued. I mean, really.

I figure if you get to the point in your life where you travel on your own, or even with others, and haven't figured out that life is not a petting zoo, that bad things can happen when humans leave the comforts of their houses and cars and mingle with wild animals, or that it's no one's job is to make sure you're not too stupid for yourself; maybe a good buffalo sized lesson might be in order.

Just saying.

Old Tricks

“The old throw-the-rock-to-my-side-to-distract-me-trick, eh?” Branstorm called out. “I thought you were beyond that sort of nonsense, Rockwell. Did you really think I would fall for that?”

“Not really.” Porter spoke up, standing right next to Branstorm, having approached from the other side, his gun held ready. “But it seems like it always works.”

Excerpt from WIP- "AIN'T DEAD YET". 

A Deliberate Life

"No one owes you happiness."

That line hit me hard last night watching what I thought was just another fishing film at the IF4 showing last night in Orem, Utah.

You have to make your own happiness, the film went on to say. You have to want it, find it, and accept it when you have it.

You have to fight for it. You have to fight for everything anyway, why not for the things you love and want.

I might be a little guilty of waiting around, waiting for happiness to find me. I've been working on a few things, but maybe not hard enough.

The words of last night echo in my head.

Am I going to let another 20 years go by waiting and picking at it? Why not life a deliberate life of happiness?

What is my happiness? Why not go and get it? Why not be happy now? Right now?

What about you?

http://vimeo.com/53914270

Natural Order

If I do it, I'll do it.
If I don't, I don't.
Leave it to fate,
And your will, it won't.

Insecurity

“The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else's highlight reel.” ~Steve Furtick

AIN'T DEAD YET- Looksie

“I didn’t figure you much of a religious man, Rockwell, but,” Wells held up the bottle. “To the wheat and the tares!”

He took one last drink and handed it back to Porter who returned the gesture, re-corked the bottle and slid it down into the saddle bag.

“I just believe in God’s judgment.” Porter concluded.

Weekend Homework

I used to hate doing homework, back in the day, back when I had to. Especially when it invaded on my precious weekend. Not so much anymore.

I attended my first ever writers conference on Saturday. Held on a college campus, in classrooms, it felt like being in school again. I have to admit, though, I liked it.

It's funny how as an adult, learning is so much more enjoyable. We, this weekend, were all chomping at the bit to hear the next piece of wisdom that we each needed so desperately. We awed at the published authors imparting their wisdom, sharing their secrets, and we clapped at their conclusions.

If the other writers were like me, they left with copious amounts of notes, many with stars and exclamation points on things to start, improve or to forever cease and desist. New rules by which to live our writing lives. I left different, full of thoughts and ideas, and excited to get back to work. My work. My writing. My passion.

If you have a passion for something, fear not to try to learn from others more about it. It is not like the homework of old. It is worth surrendering a weekend, or a few bucks, or a little humility to admit someone knew something you did not. Add it to your arsenal of tools for better results and/or enjoyment.

Homework, even weekend homework, as an adult rocks!

Turning a Corner

“So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.

Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none.

When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.”

~ Chief Tecumseh (Poem from the movie Act of Valor)