Coming Out....

I confess. I am an American Idol fan. In the early audition stage it can be excruciating to watch these young people make complete fools of themselves on national TV. It can also be hilarious.

Finally, getting down to the final 32, most of the contestants can actually sing. I do love music of all kinds with a few exceptions most notably some of the heavy handed rap that I find boring in its repetitiousness and arrogance. Given that much of the pop music scene is also boring in its lyrical shallowness none the less I enjoy following the antics of the budding artists as they strive to become the next big thing in pop music.

Now that it is all over for this season and America has crowned Fantasia their choice to make a few industry moguls richer than they already are (taking up to 50 per cent off the top) I must tell this story I read about how Fantasia almost didn't even get in the door.

Apparently, in the Atlanta auditions a small scuffle broke out among a few contestants near the entrance where she was waiting to get in. The guards broke up the fight and refused to let anybody else in. She was heartbroken, of course, and called her father crying and lamenting her plight. He told her to wait around for a while and see what happened. While she was waiting a guard who had noticed her practicing a song for her audition asked how the audition went. She said she couldn't get in because of the aforementioned scuffle. He apparently recognized her talent and promptly escorted her into the audition area personally.
And now you know the rest of the story!....

This reminds me of how my own life has taken numerous changes in direction, sometimes detours, all because of seemingly small events at just the right moment. For example, I almost missed the bus back in 1965 to Greensboro from New York but my mother begged the driver to wait just a few more minutes which, surprisingly, he did. When I finally got to the Port Authority Bus Terminal and finally found where to go only to be told that the bus had already left, I walked dejectedly away until I heard my mothers voice calling to me. She had seen me in the terminal and made the bus wait as she got off to catch me before I got too far away and out of the building. That is how I wound up in Greensboro and have been here ever since. I dread to think how things would have turned out had I stayed in N.Y. I had a sister there who at that time practically disowned me. Most of my friends were unreliable at best and I had no job prospects. I would have gone back to the unhealthy culture my mother was trying to rescue me from.
There were other such turning points in my life as I'm sure there were for you as well. I, for one, am grateful for the way it all turned out.

I'm baaack....

Okay. So I haven't published in a week. It's been a difficult week for me. I haven't felt well and was tired and just could not get motivated to write anything. Actually, I started something one day and got interrupted and by the time I got back to it, it was outdated already, so I just deleted it. So there. Get over it.

In my reading this morning I came across a poem in 'Tricyle' magazine that intrigued me. I can't even remember the title of it but the gist of it had to do with our attachments to our opinions and ideas causing the perpetuation of our 'separation mentality'. To have strong opinions is to say that I think I'm right and by implication you are wrong, otherwise I would not be so attached to that particular opinion.
The most trouble I have ever had relationally was always rooted in my need to be 'right'. I used to be totally frustrated (and angry) when others refused to see my side of the argument no matter how perfectly logical it seemed to me. Thus, greater separation, loss of unity, oneness.
I remember a preacher one time tell me that we have to allow the other person a lot of elbow room to make up their own mind about how to interpret the scripture or anything else for that matter. This is not to say that our teachers are not necessary. They can be invaluable guides to help us on the path to understanding and enlightenment but ultimately we all have to come to the truth on our own terms.

To hold my opinions lightly does not mean complete passivity or easy capitulation. It simply means I let go of the emotional attachment to them and do not allow them to separate me from my brother/sister. Another thing we used to teach at our 'Marriage Encounter' weekends (back in the early 80's) was something like; "our relationship is more important than anything over which we may disagree"

Now that's the truth and you better believe it! :)

Busy, busy, busy....

I bought a little stone coaster that is inscribed with the following; "Sing like there's nobody listening" to go along with another one I found at Cherry Grove beach last year and it says; "Wherever you go, go with all your heart". I love these little quips and sayings, cliched though they be.
This one came from a little gift shop inside the restaurant where we had dinner with our friends from Ashboro, Susan and Tommy. We had a lovely time together for a few short hours.
Now, as I write this I am simply exhausted. I will see the allergist again today at 3:45 for a follow up.
I have spent the morning trying to catch up on bills. I discovered that I was late paying several bills last month. Unfortunately some were credit cards and the late fees are horrendous not to mention what it looks like on my credit report. I think there is too much going on and it is hard to keep up. I'm sure no one else has ever felt that way! ;)
I just remembered I have to replace the fixture on the shampoo bowl today. I better get busy. See you later!

Daily Guru....

We carry old wounds within us because we repressed the feelings associated with these wounds when we were children. If they are repressed, they will affect you in a negative and limiting way. And so you must reverse the process of repression by allowing the Spirit to bring these feelings and memories to the surface. At the same time, you remain fully present, witnessing the feelings as they arise within you.

I am not suggesting that you indulge in these feelings. They are from the past. They are simply memories stuck within you. They have no meaning other than that they are stuck within you and need to be brought to consciousness and released through the power of God's love and acceptance. For one who is truly on a path of awakening, there is no interest in the past other than to bring it to consciousness in a way that heals and releases it. In truth there is no life outside of this moment.

A Pastor's Reflections....

I came across some archived reflections from Jim Dollar, Pastor at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant. When I read it I thought of you, Beth, as well as most folks I know including myself. I touches on what I was trying to convey to you the other day, only he says it a little better. Click here to go there

Being Present....

O.K. Here's one to twist your brain around. (You can probably tell I love this stuff):

How does one stay without all those stray thoughts fluttering across the canyons of your mind, especially during prayer or meditation times? Remembering that by prayer I mean the non-verbal kind where you just get quiet, focus on you breathing instead of problems and concerns of the moment, the day, the life.

You cannot stop thoughts. It is impossible. But you CAN choose to be fully present in the moment of NOW. When you are fully present, thoughts stop all by themselves.

You are not trying to stop the thoughts, which would be a form of judgment. You are simply choosing to be present with that which is present. You cannot thnk about the present moment. You can only think about the past or the future and so if you are truly present, thoughts will simply stop.

To just "be" is another way of saying "to just be present."

Beth....private note....(yeah, right)

Beth (part 2),
I'll try not to preach but I don't think luck has anything to do with it. I know how it FEELS to have stuff happen so much that it becomes overwhelming and that's no fun. Have you ever seen the bumper sticker that says; "S--- Happens"? I hated that when I first saw it. I thought it was a little crude and redneckish but actually it is saying somthing very profound about the human condition. The Buddhists say something like 'life is suffering'. That sounds awful but true and if you substitue 'hard' or some other appropriate word it simply points out our human commonality in the sense that everything in this world even at its best pales in comparison to the 'state of being' prior to this physical manifestation not to mention the one to come. Sometimes it's just a matter of degree. Our particular circumstances, of course, are the worst because we are experiencing it in this moment and transcendence seems an esoteric 'pie in the sky' joke.
The key word for me has always been 'acceptance' as the first course of action. I'm reminded of the classic 'serenity prayer'. You know, the one that says something like 'accepting the things I cannot change, change the things I can' etc., etc. This is also profound in its simplicity but because it is such a cliche we forget or ignore its lesson.
So there, I preached my fool head off. I'm sorry. Probably not much help but I felt a response was appropriate since you do have a comment box after all, right? We really love you. I know the shampoo stuff ain't much but I hope it will make you feel a little better anyway.
Ron

Gas Prices?....

I find it increasingly difficult to believe that, adjusted for inflation, we are paying less for gasoline now than was paid in 1930 (about thirty cents a gallon). Apparently, 30 cents in 1930 was worth a whole lot more.
According to a report in the local news rag a few weeks ago we shouldn't blame the oil companies alone for the current hike in prices. Nor the oil cartel known as 'OPEC'. While they all play a significant role in the process there are myriad factors having to do with the whole distribution network including our reduced refining capacity which is about 10% less than it was in 1980 which keeps supplies lower than demand which pushes prices upward.
I also discovered that they have to make a special blend for California only because of their stringent environmental standards, thus significantly higher prices on the west coast.
Also, I was surprised to learn, the oil companies profits are not skyrocketing as some suspect. It actually averages about 4.7%. This is pretty good for most businesses but not outrageous unlike some industries such as banking and pharmaceuticals which average around 17 to 19% profit margins.
I am not a defender of the oil industry per se. I just thought these facts were interesting and enlightening. It always helps to know the facts assuming the report I read was accurate. What do you think?

For your edification and enlightenment....

I have some new photo's at the website (ronpaulrusso.com). And once again the link maker in Blogger doesn't work with this template, even though it is one direct from the Blogger site. Go figure. Or, better yet, just use the link in the "links" section in the left column. Scroll down a bit to see it.
After you get to my home page (the one with the picture of the handsome couple!) just click on 'Ron's Photo Gallery' link on the upper right side. See my buff bod lounging on the beach. I'm sure you can't wait to see that!
I have some more I need to upload but I may just put them on the blog now that I now how.

Crazy....

afternoon. Tired. Just finished two prom girls. That's enough to wear you out. I was going to say more about teenage girls but I realized the tendancy to misread that first line. Of course, I meant I just finished fixing the hair of two prom girls. I have not posted much daily personal stuff lately but my brain is on tilt for a while so no heavy duty thinking for now. Jennifer is taking two of the girls (Emma and Grace) to their recital tonight. One at 4:30 the other at 6:30. She will no doubt be frazzled by the time she gets home tonight.
I will, of course, have to rustle up some grub for myself but I think I can handle that. I'm not one to totally depend on my wife to feed me, nor do I expect it. I'm a big boy now after all.
Had a great conversation with a favorite client today. One of the few people I can talk freely about spirituality and religeous topics (other than my wife). It was a joy. Thanks, Kitty, in case you happen to read this.
Well, gettin' hungry. Better shut things down and head for home. Next time.

My favorite photo

The iron gate at Old Mill of Guilford. A metaphor for russo's paradigm. (I'll let you figure that out for yourself) 

New look!....

This is part of a comment I left on Beth's blog and thought I would repeat some of it here. So....
I love the new look of the Blogger interface and all the new features. I also got a new template. It was one straight from Blogger.com. The other one looked nice but it wouldn't let blogger insert some of my stuff like the description and the new blogger has comments built in without going to a third party like Haloscan.
Also note the new email address. It's hosted at my own domain now since I upgraded my acount (for three bucks extra of course). If you wanted to write Jennifer privately hers is: jen@ronpaulrusso.com. Eventually I would like to host the blog from my home page as well. We're still working on it.

Quote....

This is another gem from David Ziegler, (I hope he doesn't mind my quoting him):

"I sat in a parking lot today watching a giant American flag moving in the wind. The way the wind curled it back and forth was beautiful.
There are two attitudes toward that symbol I’ve never understood. One involves combining jingoism and junk culture, the spawn of which is salt shakers and bird baths emblazoned with stars and stripes. The other is people who feel an embarrassment towards the American flag.
That giant flag I watched, it waves for people like Nick Berg. It waves to say there’s an alternative to the insanity of protesting injustice by cutting off innocent heads."

Thanks, David. Well said. I was looking for the words to express how I felt about that particular incident besides revulsion and anger. Pardon the cliche, but you hit the nail on the head!

Life ....

continually evolves. We’re always moving into new experiences, new possibilities. This constant change unsettles the personality, which finds security in stability. But with life always in flux, that security is an illusion. We experience pain by trying to hold on to things that are not solid.
Life becomes joyful when we can open to the constant flow and ride freely with it. This requires us to let go of the need to control. We need to learn to trust.

Yesterday....

in the naivete of boldness I expressed my growing convictions concerning the absurdity of war in general and the current one in particular which I instinctively knew would get me in trouble and certainly will in the future given the blind affection for Mr. Bush (his affectations notwithstanding) and some ephemeral sense of patriotism.
One client said we should stand united as a nation behind our leaders. I did not want to alienate a paying client any further so I tactfully dropped the discussion at that point. I wondered, however, if that meant I should not express my concerns. I thought I could support the soldiers and the horrendous things we are asking them to do and still not be in full agreement with the war.
Another person said that she disagreed with my point about the meaning of the cliche popularized with the bumper sticker idiom “WWJD?” (What would Jesus do?). She said Jesus said in the NT that we would 'have wars and rumors of wars' as if that meant Jesus tacitly thought war was okay. She then asked me “what would I do if I were president of this country in 1942 and faced with the likes of Hitler and company? I'm ashamed to say I don't think my answer was nearly adequate enough and as before I tried to tactfully back out of the quagmire I had gotten myself into.
What I should have said was I have no idea what I would have done and the question really should be “what would Jesus do” if he were president (sic) faced with those circumstances? I am speaking now to a person whose husband served in WWII having flown 56 bombing missions over Europe and an avowed Christian. I cannot imagine any interpretation implying in any way that Jesus would condone war for any reason.
In fact it would appear that the whole crucifixion story points to the opposite as well as the scene in the garden rebuking Peter for using the sword against a Roman soldier, etc., etc.

I am in the process of writing my own personal manifesto concerning these issues which I hope to post at some time in the future.
Till then....“as much as is possible with you be at peace with all men”

Here's a link...

for an interesting perspective from the other side, literally. Once there check out his mothers blog straight from Baghdad. This is a personal and in your face perspective from an actual person living in the midst of it all. Also the blog of Majid. It is a frightening look into the mind of a 17 year old Iraqi student. It wouldn't hurt to understand where they're coming from.
A client asked me this morning if I wasn't afraid they would be checking up on me because I looked at a website from an Iraqi citizen. How sad that such a paranoid question could even be asked in this fear based contemperary culture. It feels like a bad movie about the old Soviet Union days all in the name of so called "Security".

(For some reason I can't get the link thingie to work. It doesn't show up in the preview nor the actual published page. Oh well, here it is anyway. You can just copy and paste it into your address bar if you're the least bit interested: http://raedinthemiddle.blogspot.com

Here’s a follow-up

to last week’s controversy over the decision by ABC’s “Nightline” to read the names of American soldiers who’ve died in Iraq. The dispute was largely driven by officials from a right-wing-owned television network called Sinclair Broadcasting.

Sinclair, a Baltimore-based media company whose local stations reach 24 percent of American households, refused to run Friday’s nightline on its seven stations that are ABC affiliates. Company officials said “Nightline” and its host Ted Koppel weren’t so much trying to honor the fallen as to foment opposition to the war.

Sinclair spokesman and commentator Mark Hyman accused Koppel of attempting to “disguise political speech as news content” in an interview published Friday by the Baltimore Sun. He added, “There is no journalistic value here.”

However, it turns out that Sinclair officials don’t always practice the conservative, family values that they preach.

In 1996, the company’s outspoken CEO, David D. Smith, was arrested by Baltimore undercover officers and charged with a misdemeanor sex offense involving a female prostitute.

Smith was reportedly driving a company-owned Mercedes when he was arrested in an undercover sting at a downtown corner frequented by prostitutes. A 31-year-old woman told an undercover officer that “she had just seen her regular date driving in the area,” according to court documents. Police followed the car onto an expressway, where they said they witnessed the woman perform oral sex while Smith drove north.

Just a little ditty FYI

And now it's raining

"One of the great dangers of transformational work is that the ego attempts to sidestep deep psychological work by leaping into the transcendent too soon. This is because the ego always fancies itself much more 'advanced' than it actually is."

-- Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson

T.F.T.

Here's some advice to those who come to you with long faces...

"If you've finally decided, once and for all, to be happy, yet you aren't. Then you haven't yet decided to be happy, once and for all."

Same goes for all the other stuff they've decided.