Archives: September 2002

Mon Sep 30, 2002

I'm unwanted and feeling good about it?

i have been waiting for a few months to find out if a local Quaker meeting is interested in having me for their minister. after interviews, references, multiple trial sermons and teaching, i received the rejection yesterday. it didn't feel bad though... More...

Posted by: Theophany on Sep 30, 02 | 10:55 am | Profile

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Sun Sep 29, 2002

driving me crazy...

OMG! my 1995 Sebring is al but dead and i have to go out and shop for another vehicle. i was really hoping to get another 2 years or so out of it, but alas, it is either spend over $2,200.00 on repairs on a car that is not vauled at much more than that, or trade. it dosn't help matter any that i don't have the money for the repairs. it is reallt weird that it is 'cheaper' for me to buy another car than it is to keep this one going.

a few visits to the dealerships confirms what i already knew. my credit suks (one of the consequences of using and bad money habits), and i'm looking at a high interest loan IF they can find a sucka, eeethummm, i mean bank, that will loan me the money. i've found a car i want (want as in 'obsession')...a 2000 Honda Accord, 2 door, 5 speed coupe. zooooooooooom. i've been driving it on loan from the dealer this weekend until they finalize the loan on Monday. maybe it will all workout...

ugh. then there are the monthly payments. funny, years ago, this would have been a lot more fun. today, the fun of a 'new' car is deminished by the reality of facing my credit whoas...and making the monthly adjustment to pay for it. oh well...

Posted by: Theophany on Sep 29, 02 | 6:28 pm | Profile

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Thu Sep 26, 2002

The Filling

THE FILLING
ever left, turn right
through light's mangled night
straight ahead, back again
my pain filled longing

within my soul's maze
i wander endlessly dazed
lost and alone
helpless to atone

when will you free me
when can i be
rested and peaceful
freed from disease

when will my eyes dry
finish their crying
when will this longing
cease wanting for dieing

time swirls in a chaos
demanding my loss
tearing the shear fabric
so wonderfully tragic

i grasp with each breath
i scream as a wraith
arms taunt in dispair
"please, freedom draw near."

broken, empty i fall
with one last gasp i call
"take me. you've won
no more i'm undone...undone.'

a mere shell i remain
empty of all, even pain
broken shards of the potter's
failed craft, shattered shards

then the filling begins
a dance from within
swirling dervish rising
bright eyes radiant shining

clarity comes waltzing
beauty's voice again singing
hope settles within me
like a gift i stand free

what powerful happenings
that waits for my falling
to kindly beqeath life
again

-theo

Posted by: Theophany on Sep 26, 02 | 8:45 am | Profile

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Wed Sep 25, 2002

Celebration

my colonoscopy yesterday was a breeze, and i'm 'normal.' that may be the first time i've been classified as normal in my life!

so, i'm celebrating with FIREWORKS! CARE TO JOIN ME?

Posted by: Theophany on Sep 25, 02 | 9:49 am | Profile

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Tue Sep 24, 2002

Getting Gizmo

iwasn't gonna do a GIZMO post, cuz i thought most folks would have no interest in my dog. i mean, he means tons to me, but he's my dog. at anyrate, since there are a few who seem to share the awwwwwww that i feel toward this mutt, i'll give you the Gizmo story. i will not turn this blog into a quess what Gizmo did today, etc. journal. i'll spare you! :)

*Tuesday, September 17, 2002*
i was driving by the local Humane Society and decided to follow an urge to "just look and see" what kind of dogs they were holding. i recently put my 10 year old Boston Terrier to sleep and i had decided to go the 'pound dog' route, as it seems better for the animal world, pet fairness situation. the Society had four dogs that all but two of were too large for my needs and wants. of the small ones, one looked like a maltese that someone had mixed with a rat, in a blender (yap! yap! yap!) the other was a small beagle/terrier mix with adorable brown eyes and a very gentle temperment (he was really a good doggie con). he's name was Deacon. his chart displayed his wieght at 11 lbs and age at 10-11 months.
More...

Posted by: Theophany on Sep 24, 02 | 9:44 am | Profile

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Fri Sep 20, 2002

Gizmo is here!

gizmo-01 (75k image)

I just have one word for you right now, "Gizmo."

Posted by: Theophany on Sep 20, 02 | 1:24 pm | Profile

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Thu Sep 19, 2002

The Outlaw

my mother-out-law is eighty. wifey and i moved her here to North Carolina about two years ago after her hubby died. she is very independent and able, compared to most eighty year old living humans. she still sings remarkably well. plays the piano and teaches piano to several young Mozart wannabes. she lives alone.

the other day we where chatting.

Outlaw: that lady from...ummm..what's the name of that old folks place?

Theo: the one near our home?

Outlaw: yes. the one on Burkette St.

Theo: it's Burke Mill Road, and the place is Heather Acres.

Outlaw: whatever. yes. well, she called and i went by to see about playing for them.

Theo: thats great. she wanted you to play the piano in the lounge there, right?

Outlaw: i went over and played. the old people there are, ummm...well they just sit there and grunt and drool.

Theo: (trying to clear image from my mind) and?

Outlaw: i didn't bring any music so i just played some hymns from the hymn book they had. some of those old people did start to clap and grunt with the last few hymns i played. i really shouldn't call them old...humm...better watch what i say over there. --giggles--

Theo: like i've said before. you have made it to 80+ years, i think you can say about anything you want. if people don't like it, well, just tell em you are...

Outlaw: crazy? senile? Alzheimer’s?

Theo: whatever you want. live a little.

Outlaw: i just didn't expect them to be so old, the inmates.

Theo: inmates?! maybe you had better watch what you say over there! geeze.

Outlaw: --grins--


i can't wait until i'm 80.

Posted by: Theophany on Sep 19, 02 | 8:32 am | Profile

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Wed Sep 18, 2002

Familiar

i was reading over an old entry and found this poem that i totally forgot about. i still like it, though

Familiar

who are you,
this creature with my face and eyes,
small and fleet running rampant on my soul?

what quest brings you here again
to devour my joy and chase away my peace
ever laughing as you go, flinging scorn and distain?

come, troubler of spirits
rest here on my lap and tell me what fuels your frensy
how comes your recent troubled flight into my thoughts?

sit with me
let us wait together for the rain
waterfalls often bring sprites in drops of tears and sweet dew.

let us wait here, together, my familiar.

-theo

Posted by: Theophany on Sep 18, 02 | 2:24 pm | Profile

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Posted by: Theophany on Sep 18, 02 | 11:08 am | Profile

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Tue Sep 17, 2002

Blessings, Probings and my HP

i was truly blessed. last night's interview was one of the most loving and honest group experiences of my life.

i met with the representatives of the Quaker Meeting and we talked and visited around various topics. they seem truly interested in me. the most amazing thing was that we talked openly about my addiction and recovery. we even chatted about some parallels between Quaker thought and process and 12 step groups. too amazing!

i still have no idea if they will offer me a call... More...

Posted by: Theophany on Sep 17, 02 | 8:31 am | Profile

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Mon Sep 16, 2002

Interviews and Violations

i have a few things to process.

tonight i have my second interview with the Quakers. the closer i get to this experience the more nervous i get. it isn't about the interview, it's that i'm fearful about the outcome. i REALLY, REALLY want this job. my life has always been most joyful when i was pastoring a congregation. it is a true blessing when your vocation and your avocation can be the same thing. i long for the time when my work can be focused on things spiritual. having said that... More...

Posted by: Theophany on Sep 16, 02 | 8:07 am | Profile

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Fri Sep 13, 2002

from my Sister...

my sister sent me this. it comes from her, my sister. so, you are forwarned. my sister doesn't care who she pisses off, in fact on many days, i'm pretty sure she wakes up and the second thought that crosses her mind is, "Hummm. Whom shall i piss off today?" (the first thought is no doubt about killing the person who invented the alarm clock) she is a rebell. my dear female sybling has a heart of gold and the tact of a two year old in a chocolate shop. she is one of the funniest people i know, and capable of more insanity than imaginable. she is still alive...that is a miracle. she is older than me. she is a recovering addict/alcoholic. she sees dead people. she is the mother of two now grown children, a nurse, a poet, a believer of many things spiritual. i am glad she is in my life. i love her, even if i don't always have a clue as to what she is up to... my sister sent me this... More...

Posted by: Theophany on Sep 13, 02 | 8:30 am | Profile

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Wed Sep 11, 2002

...among wolves

somewhere i heard of a poem entitled, "There are Men too Gentle to Live Among Wolves." i found these words of James Kavanaugh's:

There are Men Too Gentle to Live Among Wolves

"There are men too gentle to live among wolves
Who prey upon them with IBM eyes
And sell their hearts and guts for martinis at noon.
There are men to gentle for a savage world
Who dream instead of snow and children and Halloween
And wonder if the leaves will change their color soon.

There are men too gentle to live among wolves
Who anoint them for burial with greedy claws
And murder them for a merchant's profit and gain.
There are men to gentle for a corporate world
Who dream instead of Easter eggs and fragrant grass
And pause to hear the distant whistle of a train.

There are men too gentle to live amount wolves
Who devour them with appetite and search
For other men to prey upon and such their childhood dry.
There are men to gentle for an accountant's world
Who dream instead of Easter eggs and fragrant grass
And search for beauty in the mystery of the sky.

There are men too gentle to live among wolves
Who toss them like a lost and wounded dove
Such gentle men are lonely in a merchant's world
Unless they have a gentle one to love."

James Kavanaugh

today... More...

Posted by: Theophany on Sep 11, 02 | 8:45 am | Profile

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Sun Sep 08, 2002

9-11 remembering

911bannerbw (9k image)

as i have read more in the papers and listened this weekend to the news, i am tossed back to the 9-11 tragedy of last year. i remember the raw emotions that follwed the initial disbelief of that day. i remember the torn emotions i felt of anger, compassion, fear...

i'm posting here a poem i wrote 9-12-2001. may the love that life intends prevail for ALL people...

Eagles Weep

Eagles weep the dust of fury
Glory hangs in a breeze filled sky
Trumpets howl forth silence
Sightless eyes gaze on dust and bone

Paradox rains upon sweltering souls
Discordant melodies find no harmonic tone
Dreams of romantic horror in daylight come
Sleeping giants slumber on

Restrained talons long to tear
Flesh and bone. Retribution wails
Bridled shouts from viper lips
Broken tongues speechless, still

Such is this chaos, grief born questions
Here lies the doubt, fear, taking root
Anger and pain beget rage
Tearing the fabric, the destroying the shoot

Then, blasting through heart’s cage
Cries, screams and eternal rage
Why! Demands our soul
Why? Defiant voices entreat

Into this realm of despair
Touching sinew of exposed care
Lifting corpse-like remains
Our Hope stands, lifted hands

In a speechless voice the whisper comes
Gentle words rock our perilous stance
Words carefully spoken, deeply heard
Faith, Hope, Love the memory calls

Again, glorious birds find their songs
Heavy banners are lifted in a gentle breeze
The clarion call of brass sounds, proclaims
Life has come and will remain

September 12, 2001


Posted by: Theophany on Sep 08, 02 | 7:16 pm | Profile

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Fri Sep 06, 2002

time alone...KEWL

wifey is headed out of town this weekend for a continuing education event. the kids will all be with their 'other' families, so, i'm looking at some time alone this weekend.

in the past i would have been very uncomforatble and let those feelings drive me to use or act out. so many times i've bought stuff i didn't need and couldn't afford just to deal with loneliness. today i am looking forward to some time alone. a great deal has been happening around me lately and i can use some time to think, feel and get closer to nature and my god. More...

Posted by: Theophany on Sep 06, 02 | 8:27 am | Profile

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Wed Sep 04, 2002

something different...HE MAN COMETH!!!

i bought some weights yesterday. (waits for laughter to die down)

yes. i bought a set of 'free weight' dumbbells. i've been exercising regularly (indoor cycling) for about four months now and my wieght is really down. i've dropped about 15 lbs and can now see the frail wiethered body that was hiding under my body fat. so, i've decided to add some weight lifting to my workout. we have this great store "Play It Again Sports" that sells used sporting/exercise equipment.

More...

Posted by: Theophany on Sep 04, 02 | 8:06 am | Profile

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Tue Sep 03, 2002

too much

all most overwhelming. over the past week, i have had to face several major deals.

1. my mother had surgery, which turned out ok. she's recooperating at home and seems fine.
2. my dog is dead
3. my granddad is nearing death, or so it seems. i had a nice visit with him this past weekend.
4. i have been asked to come for a second interview for a job as minister
5. my health is in question More...

Posted by: Theophany on Sep 03, 02 | 8:54 am | Profile

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