Monday's To Do List.

Easter has come and gone and no I didn't find the prize egg, Damnit! Actually, I worked all weekend and didn't get the chance to partake in any of the Easter activities but then you won't see a tear in the corner of my eye, its never been one of my favorite holidays. At least by volunteering to work, I'm now looking at a few days off. But then a few days off, at this time of year down South, doesn't mean a few days off. There is a list of things needing to be done: grass needs cutting, weeds need pulling, need to broadcast some weed and feed to kill the weeds in the lawn and fertilize the grass, just like I need the damn grass to grow any faster, got to wash the vehicles . . . can't even see what color they are from all the pollen and bee crap, pressure wash the deck, clean the grill, did I say I had the day off? Well, maybe I'll get to enjoy one of these after I get through. Ok, get your mind out of the gutter, I was talking about the beer in his hand.  

Wishing You A:

Is It Time?

Well guys, I know it has been a few days since posting and I could say it was due to my hectic work schedule or perhaps my late night partying habits, or my even more exciting love life, but I can't. The truth of the matter is Stephen has been lost. . . lost somewhere inside himself these last few days. In fact, Stephen has been lost his entire life to himself and to his truth. Sitting here, thoughts racing, twisting, turning, swirling faster than the Kansas tornado that landed Dorothy into the Land of Oz. Stephen is wondering, Stephen is questioning, is it time?


The nurse steps into the room, "Stephen, it is time for your medication."

How Do You Spell Relief?

Tension building, heart pounding, blood racing, blood engorged cock, pounding, fisting, faster, nuts tightening, jacking, harder, toes curling:

Relief

It's A Small World

If you have been a reader of my blog then you are aware of the few post concerning the repairman, the first one was entitled: Almost and the other one hinted to possibly another encounter posted only a day or so ago entitled: Peekaboo. This is the conclusion.





He came into my world a perfect stranger, unimposing yet with an air of self-assuredness about him but then he was here to do a job. Had he walked into a room full of people some heads would have turned, but most would have only offered a glance or two before returning to whatever it was that held their attention, perhaps a book or back to a boring conversation, having made no lasting impression in their preoccupied minds. Admittedly, there was nothing Roman God like about him, no chiseled chest of muscles, bulging biceps, but there was something, and on this day he was standing in my doorway. There was no room full of people, only the two of us exchanging introductions, out stretched hands, firm handshake, nice hands. There was an aura of innocence, an essence of wholesomeness about him, he was no doubt a good son, a good brother, and from the ring of gold on his third finger of his left hand, a good husband. We talked while he did his work, steady, sure of himself and his ability, stopping on occasion to make eye contact, his eyes sparkling or was it only a reflection of my own I was seeing. What was it about this stranger that had me drawn to him as a moth is drawn to the flickering of a candle flame? Here I was a man wondering what it would be like to embrace another man. Here I was a man wondering what it would be like to slowly unbutton his shirt, button by button exposing more of what my eyes were already feasting on, a tuff of man hair peeking out from a few already opened buttons.





My eyes falling downward, I wondered what lie hidden from my view, lost for a moment in thought, perhaps I allowed my gaze to linger too long. Looking back up our eyes met, was there a slight smile on his lips, a twinkle in his eye? I wondered? I came close to throwing caution to the wind, I came close to opening the door of this closet and for once stepping outside, I came close. Believe me I thought about it, I thought about it more than once, I would be lying if I said I didn't but I let the chance slip through my fingers.






Fast forward a few weeks and call it what you will, bad luck perhaps good luck, but in either case there would be another meeting between myself and the repairman. Ok, I'm not ashamed to admit it, I found myself having warm fuzzies thinking about the possibilities. Heck, I didn't even know if he would be the same guy to come back or if another one would get the call but I guess the Gods were smiling down from above. The doorbell rang, door opens, and once again there is no room full of people, only the two of us, standing there. Another greeting, another handshake, nice hands, he followed me inside. The ease of conversation present as it had been on our first meeting, maybe more so.




We talked while he did his work, steady, sure of himself and his ability, stopping on occasion to make eye contact, his eyes sparkling, mine filled with lust and desire. My mind made up, I was going to chance it. I was going to swing open this closet door. My heart pounded like an African jungle drum from a Tarzan movie. We talked, he worked, the pounding of the drum got louder and louder, he found the problem, a minor one, no charge he was saying, he would take care of it, smiling, eyes sparkling, as he finished. Then it happened.....






Don't ask me how, but somehow it happened, what on my part had only been a first name was followed by a last name, followed by the son of, brother to, husband of . . . the pounding of the drums slowed as I was thinking it really is a small world after all. There is relief that "IT" did not happen. As a dear friend once told me, fantasizing about what might have happened can be more stimulating than what could have happened in reality.


Stephen slowly shuts the door.

Peekaboo

Ok, enough of the blue skies, it is time for some man stuff, here at Southern Closet. There has not been a rain cloud in sight for days but that didn't stop the Gods from pissing on me this weekend. The "Bad Luck Fairy" flew in and dusted me with some of his "trouble dust" Saturday morning and I've been hotter than a ho' in church all weekend. Remember ***** looks like he will coming back. Maybe it isn't all bad luck after all.

Blue Skies

Well, guys, there is nothing new to report, other than it looks like it is going to be another gorgeous Spring day. I've got another day all to myself with nothing lined up and Lord knows I'm trying to be a good boy and not get into any trouble but I could think of a few things I would rather be doing than having a late breakfast, on the deck, watching these crazy squirrels chase one another around and around, but "you're" not here. So I guess I will surf some blogs on the laptop as I enjoy these blue skies.

Day Off

Today started just like any other, no different than yesterday or the day before or even the day before that day. The alarm clock with its predetermined wake up call did not fail to arouse me from a night of dreams. Waking from the clutches of the darkness, I laid there half asleep, half awake, before I realized there was a difference, much like the difference between a 5" cock and a 10" cock, there was a big difference. Today was Stephen's day off, no work, no predetermined responsibilities, no obligations for Stephen to take care, today was mine. I don't have the slightest idea how I want to spend the day but the weather is too good to stay indoors. I only wish I had some of my blogging buddies here to enjoy it with me.

Enough

I need to feel your arms holding me, me holding you.
I need to feel the warmth from your body.
I need to feel your skin against my skin.
I need to see you breathe.
I need to feel alive.
I can not think of anything I would rather be doing.
I can not think of a place I would rather be.
Here with you, is enough.

WHY?

Long hours and long days all running together, seemingly with no beginning and no end, leaving me drained and questioning why? The promise of a life, a future, a world just beginning, ending all to soon. Why? What makes this day, any different than the day before? What is it that makes this day the last day? Life and death and all the what if's that go along with it. Never any answers only questions of why, but when you find yourself, holding in your hands the head of a dead teenager . . . how can there not be questions of why?

Escape

Sometimes, it seems the more I struggle against the bonds that bind, the tighter they become, struggling to escape the darkness, lost in a cavern with no light, cold, wet, I shiver in the darkness. Twisting and turning I fight to become free, struggling from the boa constrictor grip holding me captive.

To the outside world there is no visible signs of a struggle, no conflict, no raging war, but within there is bleeding, blood gushes from the open wounds. Half a person peering out into a world, an open book but with blank pages, no words written for the prisoner locked inside this darkness. Obligations and responsibilites for the person of light, dreams and hopes for the person of darkness. I struggle to break free of these bonds, I struggle to be free.


Ok, I know what you must be thinking but everything is alright. Stephen has not stepped off into the deep end of an empty pool and landed on his head. Everything can't always be roses and sunshine, everything can not always be simple, life is complicated, we all have our problems, we all have our demons and mine just reared it's ugly head and it took me a few days to kick it's ASS!

What Lies Hidden

How can three. . .little . . .simple. . .words cause so much anguish and pain. Come on, how hard can it be to get around three little simple words? Hidden inside this world of darkness, door locked, key on the outside, self imposed exile from happiness because of three little simple words. Will the beginning be the end? Will there be a day when everything will be a open book, where everyone will already know the ending of the story without ever having read the last line in the Book of Stephen? Will there ever be a day, my life will be an open pair of jeans, everything bared for the world to see?

A Day of Escape

A Monday afternoon in Savannah was just what the doctor ordered. Spring was in the air and I could not take being cooped up in doors another day, so when the opportunity came to get out and enjoy the day, how could I resist. It turned out to be a beautiful day spent in Savannah, lunch at Olive Garden, a visit to River Street (photo of Waving Girl), a little shopping and some eye candy watching at Lowe's, Home Depot, Best Buy, rounded the afternoon off, all in all it was a perfect afternoon escape.

Springtime

I was confined inside those walls of concrete and steel this weekend and was unable to enjoy Mother Nature's awakening of a new season. I know, Spring does not officially start for a few more days, but low and behold, it was here in all its warm sun shining glory this weekend, and there I was, locked inside but it will not happen today. Today I will be outside listening to the birds sing, looking at the flowers blooming, filling the rays of warm sun shine against my bare skin, and who knows I may be lucky enough to see the first season's shirtless man as he gets a early start on his yards, getting all hot and sweaty or perhaps a shirtless man washing his car getting all hot, wet, and soapy or for that matter, a shirtless man being all shirtless just because he can. May your week be full of sunshine and shirtless men:

Almost

I awoke yesterday morning to the smell of smoldering wires burning, ever so faint, but still enough to alert me as I made my way to the bathroom. Standing at the toilet with my piss hardened dick in hand taking care of the more important task at hand, the smell lingered in the air, but it would have to wait, first things first. Now with a smile on my face and Stephen Jr. tucked back in all snug and warm, I began the search much like a blood hound on the trail of its prey. I sniffed the air, roaming the house first one room then the other, until I discovered the smell was coming from the furnace, no heat radiated from the ducts only the smell of smoldering wires, just what I needed. This wasn't how I wanted to spend my day off but there wasn't anything I could do about it and the best I could hope for was I'd be able to get a repairman out on short notice. As soon as they opened for business, I was on the phone and it must have been my lucky day, the repairman would be able to come within the hour, I just didn't know how lucky I was until I opened the door. Standing in the doorway, was the most handsomest man I've seen in a long time. I was standing there thinking no way in hell was this the repairman. This wasn't what I was expecting but there he was, hand extended, introducing himself and explaining he was a little early, hoping it wouldn't be a problem. Problem, what the hell, if I had known this guy would have been the repairman I would have torn the furnace up myself. There has always been something about a man's hand that just does something for me, it is one of the first things I notice. Well, it goes without saying, this guy had just the right kind of hands and the grip of his handshake was all it took. I was in lust.

Most of the time I would politely show the repairman to the problem and go about doing other things around the house but not this time. As ***** (that was his name) worked on the furnace, we talked. The tone of the conversation was more than one of perfect strangers and yes, I knew if I made the first move even though there was a wedding band present, something could, would happen.




In my mind's eye I could already see what ***** had hidden underneath the plaid button down shirt and tight jeans he wore. I thought about it, I seriouly thought about it, I would be lying if I said the thought didn't cross my mind more than once, but I let the opportunity slip through my hands. Even when the job was over and he chose to sit next to me on the sofa instead of one of the other empty chairs in the room, I still let the opportunity slip by. . . now today, I'm thinking what the HELL!

Clean and Fresh: New Week Ahead!

Last week's war between the cousin twice removed of the Bird Flu Virus Clan and myself proved to be one hell of a week. At times, it was unsure of who would come "out on top" but after a few extra days of bed rest and laying low, I can now say with complete certainty, the foreign invader was conquered and sent back to the bowels of HELL from whence he came. Last week will be placed into the memory file folder of bad weeks. The only good thing, about last week, held in the "Heart of Stephen" locked away but not forgotten will be the love and care he received from his blogging friends. But now it is time to look ahead to a "Clean and Fresh" new week, one in which I look forward to sharing with you all. Have a good weekend and I will see you next week. ((((HUGS))))

Hugs and Kisses

I fell out of bed this morning still fighting the remaining troops of the "Bird Flu Virus Clan" and had decided early on there would be no post today. I know, I know, I can hear the clapping of hands from the cheap seats, but for those of you who came to see the show, hold on to your ticket. Stephen is in the house! I took the advise of a good friend and took a few extra days to rest and get some cuddling in, even if the cuddling he was talking about was with a blanket, which happens to be the story of my life, but that's another story, for another day. Rest, blanket cuddling, and visiting friends in the "Land of Cyber" . . . I had my day all planned out, it's an exciting life, I know, what can I say. People are constantly lining up at my door wanting to trade lives, their's for mine, but I keep turning them away. Gosh, you got to be saying, "Stephen is really sick, quick, call the medics, the fever is raging, his brain is frying, he's obviously delirious." I agree, the fever is raging, be damn those "Hordes of Demons" sent by the alien to torment my wretched soul but delirium has not set in yet. One of the nicest things happened to me today and I could not let today pass by without sending back some love and genuine thanks from my heart. It was in the form of a ShoutOut from a fellow friend and blogger I have had the honor of meeting since I started on this journey. Below is the Shoutout:

Monday, February 27, 2006

Well, it's been awhile since I "shouted out" to a few of my favorite bloggers -- so it's that time again. I have chosen another few buddies to "put in the spotlight" because their blogs are just so incredibly fabulous...here we go:

1) Stephen...I don't even know where to start. This guy has totally changed my life for the better. Stephen and I have become best buddies here in blogland as well as in life and I am a better person for it. Basically, we're kinda soul mates. He is sometimes serious, sometimes simple, often times funny, sometimes deep - but he is always honest and humble and offers a glimpse of life that we might otherwise take for granted. Stephen's gift is that he sees the world through a unique pair of eyes that allow him to see the very best in people. Everyone is valuable and priceless and irreplaceable in Stephen's eyes. If Stephen is your friend, you've got a friend for life! He also has an eye for the most beautiful men and all you have to do is take a look at his site to see what I'm talking about. Many of you, my faithful readers, are already friends of Stephen -- but if you are someone who has not yet had the pleasure of meeting this guy, you simply MUST go visit his blog. You will not be the same. He truly has a way of making a positive impact on your life - and he does it by simply being himself. Love you Stephen -- thanks for adding a "kickass" load of wonderful to my life as my new best buddy! You're beyond incredible.

Guys, what can I say, this touched my heart, we are all here for a reason, the reasons we blog are as varied as those of us who blog. When I started this journey, I never dreamt the family of friends that would come into my life. When I say, I am the one who has been blessed, the words come from my heart. Rob (aka, Ziggy) was the sweetheart that gave me the ShoutOut, and in return I dedicate today's photo pick to him. Hey, what's a little kiss between friends, hugs and kisses Rob. And by the way, if you've never been by Ziggy's Lounge, you don't know what you're missing. Trust me, I know the proprietor on a first name basis, drop in and say, "Hi, tell Ziggy, Stephen sent me."

On The Mend

There is a light at the end of the tunnel, after all. For a while there I thought perhaps it was going to be the other light. You know the one in which I speak of, "Go ahead, step into the light, its ok, your battle here on earth is over," but thankfully it's not that one I'm talking about. The war I've been raging the past few days with some unknown, foreign invader which must be a cousin twice removed from off its mother's side of the bird flu virus clan has finally relinquished its whole on this body. Mind you, it was a struggle but his stronghold has been abandoned, his troops are on the run, scurrying in their last attempt of survival, but it will be to no avail, the forces of good will be triumphant. But, as in any war the scars from the battle linger on, the good soldiers fatigued and weary are limping toward the end of the tunnel where good health awaits, it is a treacherous road back, sometimes I stumble, the body racked with coughing, coughing . . . coughing so hard, the lights from the cannon balls can once again be seen behind the darkness of my eyelids as I drop down to one knee. But I only have to recall, back when the invader sent forth his horde of demons to torment me with all their trickery of fever, chills, and nightmares out of the darkness, from the Land of Cyber, came forth love, comments, emails, e-cards, strong arms of support which saw me through the bloodiest battle of the war, and it is this same support that lifts me from a bended knee and onward I trod. (((((HUGS))))

Hell Has A New Residence

Hell has a new residence, my chest! I know what a fire breathing flame throwing medieval dragon must have felt like. The body is raging a war against the foreign alien that has invaded the walls of sterility. The flames must be burning bright due to the warmth of my skin, hot to the touch, flushed, yet feeling an ever so slight chill to the motionless air in the room as I move my aching bones and muscles from the restlessness I'm feeling. Self prescribed bed rest, fluid intake, and some tender loving care is in order. Any takers on the tender loving care part?

Drained

It has only been a few days since I've made a post, but what a few days, hectic, crazy, would be words of understatement in describing them. They have left me physically drained. . . mentally drained as a nut busting orgasm would, but there was no pleasure involved. I guess, the best thing I can say about them are they are over, they are in the past, best forgotten, never to be thought of again. Today is a new day and with it comes a few days off. . .

Monday Morning Kisses

All too quickly the unexpected weekend of being off has come and gone, but I used it as best and as wisely as any man could, spending time with family and friends, returning some blogging love with friends I would have rather spent my time with, and a Sunday afternoon spent watching soccer. All in all a quiet weekend.

I leave you with some "Monday Morning Kisses" to start your week off.

I Will Survive!

Honey, "I'm Home," Stephen says, as he drags his tired and weary ass up the front steps of the house. One foot ahead of the other. . . a few more steps. . . ahhhh . . . recliner, remote, cold beer in hand! Three days of working my fingers to the bone and some good news. Yes, I believe there is a God or maybe some higher power looking out for Stephen after all. I have the weekend off! What I thought was going to be some 12-14 hour days for the next eight straight has been changed. It is bad a colleague's plans got cancelled for this weekend and he decided to work but it made Stephen a happy boy. Time to check in with old friends, time to say hi, time to give a big thank-you for the love given while I was away.

Work! Work! Work!

I love my work, I love my work, I love my work. Kidding aside, I really do love my work, but when it is time to work, I hate the time it actually takes away from having a life, if that makes any sense. The days are long leaving very little time for anything and it all starts today. For the next several days straight, to be precise, for the next eight days I will have very little time. The things we must do to keep the wolves at bay. Think about me from time to time, stop by and visit, email, leave comments, anything but don't forget me. . .

With Love

Well Here It Is

After last week's blogger insanity, I finally muddled my way through HTML enough to figure out how to change the logo. At the moment, the verdict is still out on whether I'm satisfied with it. Feedback will be more than welcome.

Something Warm and Fuzzy

I've had very little time the last couple of days to indulge in the guilty pleasure of blogging due to the hectic work schedule but those few days of early morning rising and late night stumbling in has passed, somehow I survived. It is the weekend, and although I awake this Saturday morning to rain falling in the darkness, listening to the splattering of raindrops against the rooftop, I refuse to let it dampen my spirits. I refuse not to see the same warm sunshine I had the pleasure of seeing yesterday, for all of 20 minutes, as I ventured outside the walls of concrete and steel, rooms of sterility, filled with fluorescent lighting. I refuse not to enjoy the day, after all, it is the weekend and I have the day off. . . free time to indulge in my guilty pleasures. Now, if one of those guilty pleasures involved "something warm and fuzzy" I wouldn't care if the sun wasn't shining, it could rain all it wanted. . .

Blogger Insanity

What is the matter with me? For the life of me I can not figure it out! Lord knows, I've tried!
I can pat my head and rub my stomach at the same time. I can drive a truck and talk on a cell phone at the same time. Hell, I can even stand up and pee, but for the life of me I can not figure out HTML code. God, who invented this stuff? What does all this stuff mean <>{:;/}[]$? It is driving me insane. Insane I tell you! I know (html code) is a foul wretched creature sent from Satan to drive me insane, three attempts to even get this post done. I'm done, I give up, I'm finished, I'm going to pour myself a glass of wine, kick back and do some visiting with you guys.

OK I Admit it!

Ok, I admit it! No longer can I hide the fact. Wearing sunshades on cloudy days and yes, even sometimes indoors isn't working anymore. I don't know how it happened. . . I've always made sure I didn't have the Moss look when leaving the house, you know, none of the telltale signs of makeup on my nose. Long sleeves in the summer time is even making people's heads turn and look in my direction from time to time. I used to tell myself it was my good looks and charm but I can no longer fool myself into believing it. No longer can I hide the reality of my addiction. There I've said it, well at least, written it down for the world to see. A weight has been lifted from my shoulders, I fill ten pounds lighter. . .now if only the scales would confirm that loss, the world would be a better place. A day can't go by without a fix, I'm addicted. Who would have ever known? There are days when the addiction is so bad I almost forget to find the time to make a post, the addiction takes over and before I know it, hours has past. I know it is hard to believe and many of you might not want to believe it, but it is true. I'm addicted and I need your help. How, you may be asking? Look to the right of my blog and you will see your "Blog Site" update as often as you can, I need my daily fix to keep me healthy, happy, and sane. Oh! btw, what really gives me a high is when you take the time to visit and leave a comment or two, talk about a rush!

Here's To A Restful Weekend

The week is almost over and for those of you that may have had a busy one may the weekend be restful and relaxing. Like the soothing sounds of a lover breathing may the weekend surround and fill you with the contentment of knowing everything will be alright. Shut out the harshness of the world, take some time just for you, and whether it is spent with family and friends or you choose to have some quiet time alone, just remember to enjoy life.

Back Home

When the opportunity presented itself last week for some time off, I grabbed it with both hands, well the steering wheel that is, and hit the open road. Actually, a couple of friends called and invited us to meet them at a lodge in the foot hills of the North Georgia mountains for some catching up. For a change this little vacation was relaxing and much needed, and gave me time to visit with old friends that had been absent from my life for way too many years. But as usual, one of life's mysteries, you know the one, the mystery of how time flies by when you have time away from work occured and all too soon I find myself back home. But to be prefectly honest, it was time, I am one of those guys that actually relishes his alone time, and I was beginning to miss it some of the bad, and it goes without saying but I will, I missed you guys (my blogging friends) more than you'll ever know.

The Open Road

The opportunity presented itself for some time off and how could I resist? The open road beckoned . . . I will see y'all in a few days, miss you all. . .

What Treasure Awaits?

Fresh out of the shower, you walk into the room. . .you stand there waiting for me to look up from the book I'm reading. Upward my eyes travel from the words on the page to see you, standing there. . . no words spoken, none needed. The hint of a smile appears on your lips as your eyes meet mine, you know I can't resist, I lay the book aside . . . my treasure awaits.

"Happy Trails" to You

What can I say? Yes, I find this photo sexy, there is just something about a guy with that beautiful tuff of hair leading down from his navel. . .it warms my heart and fuels the imagination of what lies hidden. I guess it comes from some of the earlier images and the realization I discovered from growing up in the tobacco fields of the South. It was early in the morning when my Dad would go around and pick the workers up, crowded together huddled down in the back of the pickup truck, usually teenagers out of school for the summer needing to earn extra money. Boys for the cropping and girls for the stringing. Mind you, this was in the early days of tobacco harvesting, but long after Grand Dad's days of pulling sleds with mules through the rows of tobacco while the men walked and cropped and the girls waited back at the barn to string the tobacco, things now was modernized. Tractor drawn tobacco harvesters, two storied, at that. The boys would sit on the lower lever, two on each side and crop the ripen leaves of tobacco off the stalk and then place two or three leaves at a time in a chain which carried it up to the girls stringing it onto tobacco sticks on the second story. In the early mornings, the leaves of the tobacco would be wet and sticky and all the boys would remain shirted, keeping on their shirts of long sleeves to keep the dirt and grim off, but later in the day, when the hot Southern sun came out, often times the shirts would come off. I guess, it was during this time I realized things were a little different. For some reason, I could not help myself from looking, there was something about seeing hot, muscled, half naked. country boys with sweat glistening off their bodies and it was "this" something that was causing "this" tingle I felt inside. Especially, the one boy that lived down the road, he was tall, lean, and had a light dusting of hair on his chest, but leading down from his navel it was thick and full, downward it grew, hidden from my view by his tight worn jeans. Yes, I knew . . .there was no denying it . . .especially after what happened later that summer.

Dedication

Mystery Man Places Roses On Poe Gravesite

By: Kasey Jones,Associated Press Writer

Baltimore - For the 57th straight year, a mystery man paid tribute to Edgar Allan Poe by placing roses and a bottle of cognac on the writer's grave to mark his birthday. Some of the 25 spectators drawn to a tiny, locked gravesite in downtown Baltimore for the ceremony climbed over the walls of the site and were "running all over the place trying to find out how the guy gets in,"according to Jeff Jerome, the most faithful viewer of the event.

Jerome, curator of the Poe House and Museum, said early Thursday he had to chase people out of the graveyard, fearing they would interfere with the mystery visitor's ceremony."In letting people know about this tribute, I've been contributing to these people's desire to catch this guy," Jerome said. "It's such a touching tribute, and its been disrupted by the actions of a few people trying to interfere and expose this guy." Jerome has seen the mysterious visitor every Jan. 19 since 1976."They had a game plan," Jerome said of the spectators. "They knew from previous years when the guy would appear." But Jerome declined to reveal details of what the Poe toaster was wearing, what he did at Poe's grave, and whether he left anything besides the roses and cognac, such as a note. It was a crisp, cold clear night. "I was hoping for wind and rain in keeping with a Poe story," Jerome said. But the museum curator was saddened by the disrespectful spectators. "I hope to preserve this tribute. It's one of those things that makes Baltimore so unique," he said. For decades, a frail figure made the visit to Poe's grave. In 1993 the original visitor, left a cryptic note saying, "The torch will be passed." A later note said the man, who apparently died in 1998, had handed the tradition on to his sons. Poe, who wrote poems and horror stories such as "The Raven" and "The Telltale Heart." died Oct. 7 1849 in Baltimore at the age of 40 after collapsing in a tavern.

This is amazing "Dedication". . . .

To be so lucky as to make such an impact on another's life. A love, a friendship strong enough to last long after your gone is the greatest wish one could ever hope for. . . .

Rough Days Ahead

The next few days looks like it's going to be some pretty rough sailing. Long hours, little free time so I thought I would leave you guys, yes, all of you, my best blogging buddies just a little bit of eye candy to tide you over while I batten the hatches down and sail away on the stormy seas called work. Be good, stay safe, and don't abandon ship while I'm gone. I will see you when the waters subside. . .

Sunday Morning Downtime

I've had a few busy days so I decided to skip out on my Sunday duties for some rest and relaxation, in other words, alone time. I hope you are enjoying some Sunday Morning Downtime, as well. However, when I ran across today's photo pick it got me to thinking, I believe I would gladly give up the "alone time" if I had to pick between him and being alone. . .

Friends

We all have a road we travel on and it is called life, sometimes smooth, sometimes bumpy. Well, the other day, I ran into a roadblock, there it was, smack in the middle of the road, I found myself staring at it, wondering, second guessing myself, questioning why on earth was it happening here, asking myself if it was really happening or if it was only my imagination. And at the same time knowing in either case nothing could possibly happen. Out to dinner with family and friends, sitting with my back against the wall, being able to observe the comings and goings, making idle chit chat while eating Mexican. . . "How was your day?", "No, kidding, really!" you know, what I mean, attentive but not really listening, but hearing enough to carry on the conversation. This continued on for a while and then all of a sudden out-of-no-where came "The Roadblack". Straight in front, well actually, a little to the left of straight ahead, but still directly in a perfect line of my eyesight, there he sat, back against the wall, observing the comings and goings of the room . . .having dinner with family and friends. First glance innocent, second glance could be a little more than a glance, perhaps staring is more of a better word but whatever you want to call it I found myself looking, but mind you, I didn't miss a beat, I was still able to carry on my end of the conversation perhaps it comes from years of practice. I don't know what caused it perhaps I glanced once too many times but then it happened. No not what your thinking, no one at my table was any the wiser, but at his table maybe. First contact, nothing out of the ordinary, complete strangers making eye contact, sort of being able to say, "Hey, nice to meet you", but without saying any words, you know what I mean. But when I looked up again there he was, directing in my line of view, his eyes meeting my eyes, lingering longer, unspoken words being spoken but understood. . . look down, look away, quick before the warm flushed feeling exposes your cover. Composing myself, throwing myself, wholeheartedly back into reality, idle chit chat, I remind myself who, what ,where I am. One last glance, eyes meet, he whispers something to the lady next to him, he stands, walks past, my eyes cannot resist following as he makes his way across the room disappearing down the hall to where I know the men's room is. Dare I make excuses and follow?

Well guys, maybe this will explain what put me in the mood to write this earlier post: Is This All There Is? So, I guess you know the rest of the story?

Today's photo pic is my dedication to each of you who left comments to that post. You are my lifelines. . . my Friends.

Is This All There Is?

There is a war raging within and it seems to only be getting worse, the casualties of this war being my mind, my sanity. . . for the most part I deal with it and like "water off a ducks back" am able to put it all in prospective and carry on, but sometimes, especially lately, the battles of this war has become more intense, the struggle more intense, my ability to place the happiness of many above the happiness of one, myself. . . lessens. Mortar rounds lighting up the darkness of my mind, bullets firing. . . I dig deeper into the foxhole waiting for this battle of the war to be over. If I dare to surrender to my dreams surely it will lead to madness, the happiness of many depend on me. . . being me. . . strong, logical, practical. The performance of a lifetime, Oscar nominated, I perform daily. . . wondering - Is This All There is?

It Just Feels Right

When I came across this choice of photos for today's post, it just felt right. Somehow, this is the way life should be. Right or wrong having absolutely nothing to do with it. My arms around you, me loving you, the rest of the world and all its problems shut out. . . nothing else matters . . . there is nothing that needs saying or debated. . ."It Just Feels Right"

Shouting It From the Mountaintop

You know, since starting this expedition into blogging, I have discovered and became richer by the wealth of friends I've made. Today's post is a special shout-out to a couple of fellow bloggers I've had the pleasure of getting to know a little bit about.

Shouting It From the Mountaintop:

Jetboy747 hails from our sister country, Canada. He refers to himself as a gay Canadian a little too aviation obsessed for his own good. Every time I drop by for a visit, I leave thinking I should have paid for a nightclub performance. He will entertain you with his humor, his wit, and bring a smile to your face, trust me, the boy is good!



Rob (Aka "Ziggy") Rob comes to us from Michigan and likes to refer to himself as - an angel with a tarnished halo. As Rob will tell you, Ziggy's Lounge is always open and friends are always welcome, drop by, make yourself comfortable, while Rob shares his thoughts, his rantings, and his occasional confession with you. I know my life has been enriched since meeting Rob and I'm proud to call him a friend.

Here's To a New Year

I found myself bringing in the "New Year" with a bang but a far different one than most. There was no parties, no fireworks, no little bubbly spirits to tickle my nose. . . my ass had to work. And work it did for the past three days but it was all worth it. When I finally had a chance to log on and see all the comments from you guys it made me thankful for the New Year, it made me thankful to be able to call you my friends, your friendship was like a warm blanket surrounding me, protecting me, from the bitter cold of a harsh and cruel world. It made me realize even when life catches you with your pants down, never is it really as bad as it seems, not when you have friends like you. I raise my glass in a toast to each of you, a toast of friendship, a toast of getting to know and share more of our lives in this coming year. . .