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Viewing 181 - 189 out of 216 Blogs.
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Dream Traveling I opened my eyes, and immediately I felt quite disoriented at what was before me. Finding myself sitting on the sidewalk, leaning against a building could simply not be explained. The brick street was wet from a recent rain, yet my clothes were completely dry, and not even wrinkled. I rubbed my eyes, as if that may somehow make focusing on my situation come to me more quickly. In front of me was one building after another side by side, all with second floor balconies overlooking the street. The same applied to the side where I was seated. I glanced at my watch, and saw that it was 6:14 in the morning, which explained why I was the only one in the area. I noticed a street sign on the corner that told me where I was. Bourbon Street. I was in New Orleans. I slowly stood, and I felt a sense of panic rush through my entire body. It was happening again. It had been almost four years since this strange, unexplainable experience had first started. It began shortly after I met this man who by the end of our bar conversation had convinced me that he was somewhat short in the mental department. He was sitting beside me, so naturally in the bar; you talk to those who may be seated next to you, even if you would rather not do so. I remember his name being Thomas, and that he was dressed in all black. He spoke in a soft, but very deep voice, and I do recall that his words were difficult to follow because he spoke slowly. He seemed to be almost obsessed with the topic of travel, as the first thing he asked me was if I had done much traveling. He never really had my full attention, and I do recall telling him that I had not really traveled much, but hoped to in the future. I know that I had mentioned how much I wanted to one day go to Italy. Our conversation came to a quick ending by me telling him that I had an appointment and must leave in order to avoid being late. It was not true, but I just wanted to leave. I never saw the man again. And then, the first occurrence took place, and I would be completely dishonest if I said I could explain the horror that ran through my mind the following morning. I went home shortly after leaving the bar the night before, was quite exhausted and I remember going to bed earlier than usual. I would never have the same understanding of normal sleep again. I woke up quite suddenly, hearing an unusual sound coming from outside. As my eyes slowly began to focus, I realized that I was not in my bed, but in a large room, and even with all of the confusion, I did notice the beauty around me. I walked over to the double doors, where the sound had come from, pulled them open, and my pulse suddenly increased as the vision before me was completely overwhelming in both a good and a bad way. I walked through the doors, and I was suddenly standing on a balcony overlooking a canal in Venice, Italy. There was simply no logical explanation to what was happening. After a little discrete investigation, I discovered the room was actually in my name, and I was in fact a guest in the hotel where I had simply appeared on that morning. Money was not really an issue for me, and I had my credit cards with me, so I just enjoyed the day, while the whole time still swimming in confusion. I forced myself to enjoy that day, setting aside trying to understand what simply could not be understood or explained, and at the end of the day, I was totally exhausted. Shortly after midnight, I made it back to the room and immediately went to bed. The next morning, I found myself in my own bed, and the first thing to come to my mind was the vivid dream that I had about Italy. That is until I saw the Italian custom suit that I remember buying in my dream draped across the chair by the nightstand. I had actually gone to Italy, although I cannot explain how it happened, and after glancing at the date on my watch, I saw it was in fact a day later than it should have been since I went to sleep before my trip abroad. Over the next four years, it happened time and time again, and I had become quite the traveler. I have been to Greece, to Israel, to Mexico, to China, to London, and hundreds of other places. Each time, as with Italy, I would simply wake up and be at the next location, and all would be in order just as if I had planned the trip as most would do. The only drawback with my dream travel is that my visits never lasts more than a single day. When I would go to sleep at night, I knew that when my eyes opened the next morning, I would be safe and sound back in my own bed. As time passed, I even learned a few tricks that allowed me to manipulate my dream travels. For instance, right now, I am about to go to sleep in my own bed. On the nightstand beside me are brochures of Rome. Good night… Vic Damico 12-30-2010
Tags: Poetry
My First Real Life Lesson The following is not just a story. It was a true part of my life. I have never told but a couple of people that this took place, but for some reason, it seems to be more relevant right now in my life. The best lessons to be learned in life come from the most overwhelming situations we can imagine. Never accept the less than perfect times as being unworthy of your understanding of them. You will deny yourself one of the true tools needed in your daily lives. What a frightening thought it was to wake up that morning and to find myself all alone, not knowing why no one was there except for me. I do not recall my actual understanding or even what I felt since it was so long ago. I was at the young age of ten when this happened. My mother had simply vanished from my life overnight. It was totally unknown as to where she had gone, or when or even if she would return. That understanding just doesn’t really register with a ten year old in most cases. I do remember spending the day in complete fear and doubt as I just tried to take in this sudden change that could only be described as complete and ultimate confusion. I remember that night quite well, and I remember the tears that would not stop as I continued to swim in emotions and fears that I had never known prior to the presentation of this dilemma. At that point, an uncertainty consumed me, and at my young age, how could I possibly be expected to understand, much less take actions to care for myself in the coming month that would be represented by my unexpected situation? In the immediate days to follow, somehow, I pulled myself out of bed each morning, got dressed, and went to school. I told no one of my current change in my life, and to this day, I am really not sure why I chose to keep this secret. There was little food in the house, and I made do with what I had, although I learned the meaning of hunger in this period of time. After a few days, there was a note on the door stating that we had to be out of the house on a certain date if the rent was not paid. Still not wanting to tell anyone of my situation, I confided in someone I knew and explained that I did not want my situation known and risk getting my mother in trouble. As a result of talking to my friend, I was told I could stay in the back of this bait shop in a little room until something could be done. It was by no means a pretty site, but I knew that I would have a place to sleep and keep me safe during this time. Now, as a ten year old, I am still baffled as to how all of this happened, and how I was able to do what I did, or even how the understanding of the need came to my mind. On the opposite side of the street from the bait shop was a small business…I not only remember this place, but also can vividly remember details of my daily activities that were to follow. I told the owner of the business that I needed to earn some money and asked if he had anything that I could do for him. This business was really small, and what they did was to take old car batteries and to restore them to look and be like new batteries. In fact, the name of the business was, “Like New Batteries.†He told me that I could help him in the afternoons after school each day and he told me he would pay me three dollars per hour and then give me additional pay depending on how many batteries I cleaned. My job was to clean the outside of the batteries and to clean the battery posts, and when I had finished they were certainly clean. So, at ten years old, I lived by myself for a solid month. I found a place to live and I found myself a job to make sure I had money to feed myself and for what I may need at school. My mom had some problems, and that is another story, and just for the record, she is fine today, and I have the ultimate respect and love for her. I did not know it then, but today, there is no doubt in my mind that God, Himself was responsible for allowing me to not only survive this situation but to have probably one of the most incredible learning experiences anyone can have. If as a ten year old, I found a way to take care of myself, why is it even a consideration that grown adult minds cannot find that same drive to simply survive with the tools God has given them? Tears filled my eyes as I wrote this, but not tears of sadness. I am happy to be here today, with the understanding of knowing that I am blessed to have struggled even at this young age, and to know that in its own way, it served as a learning experience that would shape my future. God is with us, sometimes even if we do not even know it. Bless you all, my friends…vic…
Tags: Poetry
Guess What Happened To Me Today? Only Today An obstacle was placed Into my path And it must be dealt with No at all life or death But it will alter My immediate future As I confront the event Though no fault of my own Nor was it expected Simply a part of life That belongs only to me One phone call And I face uncertainty Not for the very end But for days of soon I did nothing wrong My role was irrelevant But I am the one who Must look for the answer Now I look within myself And to the One who powers me Knowing all will be just fine There is no room for doubt Today was not tragic Nothing I cannot handle But I must reach deep inside For that hidden strength within Although it will take time Doubts do not engulf me Each part of my existence Will serve as a source of wisdom Those of you who have read my political blogs know of my strong belief in individual responsibility. These are not just words. I live by them. I received a phone call from my boss today to inform me that he has sold his business, and that I no longer am employed. It is not exactly how I wanted to start the New Year, but this is not a life-altering situation from my mental standpoint. I will simply find another job. I will not seek unemployment benefits, nor will I turn to the government or anyone else for that which I am able to do on my own. The government would love nothing more than for someone like me to just give up, and fall into their grips and to depend on them for the rest of my life. My life is my own, and it is simply up to me to live my life by my own terms as long as I am mentally and physically able to do so. The purpose of this write is not to seek pity. My life is far too blessed to even think in that manner. It is certainly not to boast of my commitment to dealing with this issue on my own. I am making it clear that our lives are interrupted with less than perfect times, and we need to not only anticipate them, but also stand by our stated principles upon their arrival. My understanding of life, and the wisdom that comes from these less than perfect times, and working hand in hand with my faith, allow me to view these times as simply a part of life. I will indeed survive this situation. Life is not intended or promised to be without these less than perfect times, so we should not be surprised when they surface. We should anticipate them, and then react to them as they come. To survive these times represents honor, dignity, and is representative of our true faith. It is simply what is expected of us as individuals. Vic Damico 12-28-2010
Tags: Poetry
A Light That Never Will Dim As I look forward my focus is clear Obstacles before me become transparent My will bounces off them as I move on The understanding of life embraces me Slowly but certainly time progresses Marking milestones both good and bad Wisdom, itself has been book-marked Serving as reference for days to follow No tolerance for a single irrational thought Or even a moment of weakness unnoticed Foundations are stressed by fear and doubt Elimination of these elements is the cure Holding my head high as I move forward Looking on to that which will guide me A direction that is destined for my reward For acceptance of my vision that pulls me The bright light before me never becomes dim In fact, its brightness increases each moment As a lighthouse on a foggy night at sea My direction is known at any given time Life is full of options and distractions We are sometimes pulled in varied directions So I hold firm to that vision, watching the light I will not get lost; my path has been cleared With this understanding, peace comes to me The vision is not clouded and my will is strong Guided by the one and only absolute power Knowing in my heart where the path leads
Tags: Poetry
If Only I Could I have no special powers
Not able to perform magic
But I made a small list
Of what I would do if only I could I would change a few things in the world only for you... When you awaken each morning
You could look at the window
And be greeted by butterflies...
Coffee would be ready, waiting for you
When you first walk into the kitchen...
And the breakfast of your choice
Would be on the table by the window...
It would always be sunny outside;
No rain during the day...
The temperature would be set
By your personal understanding
Of what is perfect for you...
Your garden would be fruitful all year long
Replenishing all you take from it
By the beginning of the next day...
Flowers of all varieties
And every color in the rainbow
Would always be around you
Where ever you may go...
In your back yard would be a pond
A place for your afternoon dip
It would be heated and cooled
According to your wishes...
There would always be a mild wind blowing
To cool you
And to give you a sense of comfort...
In a spot under a special tree in your yard
You would always find it set up for a picnic
With the favorite foods of your choice
Sitting there waiting just for you...
And yes, this would be
An additional meeting place
For your butterflies...
As night falls
your world would change again...
At any point, you could walk into your yard
Look straight up, and always see a full moon...
It would always follow you
Lighting your path
As you move through the night...
A beautiful spotted white owl
Would be perched in every tree
They would speak to you as you pass...
The stars above you would always
Be the brightest in the sky...
And then it would be bedtime...
Your bed would consist of feathers
From the wings of angels
So soft, and with the smell of heaven within them...
As you climb into your bed
And pull the covers over you
The rains would come
And sing you to sleep...
But just before sleep comes
You would feel me kiss you so gently...
And that kiss would protect you
And comfort you for the rest of the night...
And your dreams would be filled with all that makes you happy...
If Only I Could...
.
Tags: Poetry
The Foundation Behind The Child The following will tell what could have prevented the horror we face within the world today. It is quite simple, yet with this process, it would have been the chosen path by all. A child is born. That child represents what is pure. That child does not understand what is good or what is evil. That child does not have direction of any kind based on what is within the actual control of the child. That child has yet to be molded by the environment to which it will be subjected. The journey begins… The man and the woman (the parents) who are responsible for that child coming into the world are the very ones who will be in charge of the direction that child will take as its little life progresses. The parents of the child are responsible for feeding the child, giving the child shelter, the education of the child, the health of the child, teaching the child what is right and what is wrong and steering that child in the right direction as far as moral behavior, and most of all to love that child. Now, here is the question that should never have to be asked…Why would anyone who brings a child into this world not insists on doing what is the absolute best you can do to ensure that child is provided with all he/she may need? This child will face temptations as it moves through life. The parents should teach the child how to deal with whatever he/she may encounter as he/she develops. This child will be faced with daily decisions, each of which may affect him/her for the remainder of his/her life. The parents should provide the child with understanding and knowledge that will serve as tools to allow for better decisions. This child will meet others within life that can be either positive or negative influences that can give that child strength and knowledge or possibly turn his/her life upside down. The child must be taught by the parents to respect other people, yet instill the Knowledge with him/her of what to look for in others to determine the relationship with those people. The parents are responsible for giving a clear understanding to that child as to what honesty, integrity, honor, and moral behavior actually is and to encourage him/her to live life by those standards. And the parents are responsible for teaching that child to honor and respect them as parents as they have surely earned it with the above guidelines. What I have just described in the above situation will allow this one child to grow up and to live an honorable, respectful, and moral life, and that child will grow up to pass those same qualities onto the next generation. If these steps are followed, as they should be, the parents have done what is simply expected from them based on the very responsibility that became theirs once that child was conceived. Now, I have a simple question for you that should make my intended concern quite obvious with my words… If we could back up in time to the year 1950, and every child that came into the world since then had been guided and loved as I have indicated above, can you see how different the world would be? Never underestimate the power and responsibility of being a parent. It is what is shaping the world before us… Vic Damico 12-24-2010
Tags: Poetry
The Heart Of A Little Girl He sat in front of the store most of the day, every day for as long as I can remember. There were holes in his shoes, and his clothes were dirty and wrinkled. His mind was not as it once was, but he knew no differently since his understanding had vanished with his mind. He wore a baseball cap that seemed as old as he was, and on the bill of the cap was a pin that read, “God, bless you.†The old man was always smiling, never giving the impression that anything was wrong in his life. Everyone knew of him, but no one really knew anything about him. They called him Jack because that was the name on the shirt he would always be wearing. It was never for sure what his name actually was. Each and every day, as people passed him, he would smile and say good morning, good afternoon, or sometimes just say hello. He spoke to everyone, no matter who they were and generally people would speak to him. On that morning, about a week before Christmas, several people got together and had a talk about him. It was common knowledge that he had never asked anyone for anything, and that made many wonder just how he survived each day for such a long time. The community decided that it was simply wrong to allow his existence to remain so shallow, and that maybe they needed to take action to make sure he was given better care than what is the case at this point. Several people confronted him all during the day. Some offered to get him something to eat, some offered him money, and some even offered to take him to buy him clothes. The owner of the store even offered to allow him to stay in the room in the back of the store. With every offer, Jack said thank you, but I do not need anything. No one really understood his reaction, and became even more concerned, but there was really nothing they could do. You cannot force someone to accept your gifts. So, Jack just sat there in front of the store, as usual just passing the day. Later in the afternoon, a little girl walked by Jack and she spoke to him before he got a chance to speak to her. This was unusual to Jack, because usually he never heard a word unless he spoke first. The little girl asked him his name, and the one who was known as Jack told her that his name was Elton. She told him that her name was Emma, and she sat down beside him. They talked for about an hour and Emma promised to come back the next day to see him. There was a big smile on Elton’s face as the little girl walked away. It was the first time in years that someone had actually talked to him and he seemed quite overwhelmed by the gesture. Days passed and Elton had not heard from Emma since their first meeting, and his heart felt quite heavy. He had been accustomed to not getting real reactions from most people, but he had honestly believed her to be different. She was the only one who took time to talk to him and to really listen to what he had to say. He wondered if he would ever see her again. It was Christmas morning, and as any other day, Elton sat in front of the store. Everything was closed, so he was on the street all-alone with no one else anywhere in site. His head was lowered and for some reason felt alone on this day. Suddenly, he felt a tap on his shoulder and he raised his head to see who had tapped him. It was Emma and she just smiled and sat down beside him. She told him that she was sorry for not coming back to visit as promised, but stated that she had been busy trying to do something. She then reached into her coat pocket and pulled out some index cards wrapped in a rubber band. Emma told Elton that she wanted to show him something, but he could not say anything until she was finished. Elton smiled and promised to just listen. Emma proceeded to tell him the following… This card is from the owner of the hotel. It is a promise that you will always have a place to live. This card is from the store behind you. It says you will always be able to come here to get groceries whenever you need them. This card is from Mr. Wilson’s store. It says that whenever you need clothes, you will have them. This card is from the diner. It says you can always have something to eat. This card is from the barbershop. It says you can always go there when you need one. This card is from the doctor’s office. It says you can always go there if you do not feel good. Emma then took the cards, wrapped the rubber band back around them and put them into Elton’s hand. She then hugged him and took his hand and helped him to stand. Emma told him that her family is waiting for them and that they wanted him to spend Christmas day with them. So Emma and Elton began walking down the street, hand in hand toward the house and Emma stopped, and reached back into her coat pocket. She removed yet another card and took Elton by the hand. This card is from me. It says that you can always be happy. Vic Damico 12-24-2010
Tags: Poetry
The Constant Battle I sit here, all alone in the stillness of the night My mind is flooded with thoughts and emotions Torn between understanding the blessings of life And knowing there are forces that endlessly intrude I lift my head high as I absorb true absolution For I understand my faith cannot be diminished Still those thoughts and emotions are stirring As I try to move forward they pull at my spine The night continues and still I am consumed Filtering through life choices as I move forward Setting that aside that carries with it no meaning Holding tightly onto that which will carry me There are times that I feel pressed against a wall And the evil that lurks seems to surround me It is then that I seem to reach deeper into my heart Where that lives which will always guide me Yes every day brings a new battle for me to fight And every day leaves me with added understanding As a warrior in a land that seems to breed war How grateful I am to know I have the right armor Vic Damico 12-23-2010
Tags: Poetry
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