Endings and Beginnings

There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning.

American novelist and short story writer, Louis L’Amour was born on this day in 1908 (died 1988).

I’ve never read anything by Louis L’Amour.

And, just like that, I’ve decided to take at least one L’Amour book to the beach when we’re there for Spring Break the first week of April.

What? I’ve not mentioned that we’re going to the beach in April? Heaven knows I’ve told everyone else.

I’m telling you now in case you need to stockpile your daily dose of brilliance because, I’ll post pictures and you can follow me on Instagram, I’m not blogging from the beach.

We used to spend a week at the beach in July or August. But we’ve found we can get a nicer house, with an actual ocean view, if we go for winter rates before the season changes. We did that last year and it was glorious. Cold, but glorious.

I’m the only one who spends time sitting on the beach. I’ve addressed that this year by planning to park my amble backside in the water park.

Plus I’ve got two, probably three, more significant trips coming up in 2023. More as we’re closer. But you knew that.

Then we’re right into Spooky/Turkey/Santa season and it’s 2024.

Fast away and all that.

While it’s not a trip for fun, I’m heading out of town this afternoon for work. There will be some pleasurable moments because I get to spend tonight in a cabin with a fireplace and there’s a hike tomorrow.

Then I’m heading back to my hometown for a couple of days. Always good to get there.

Not to worry. I’ve got posts planned for Thursday and Friday.

I’ll be back in full snark mode on Monday.

THINGS TO READ

Youngkin wants to bring back the Readjusters. Good for him.
Dwayne Yancey in Cardinal News
Virginia’s proposed new history standards are contoversial but here’s something that’s been overlooked: For the first time, there’ll be discussion of the 19th century bi-racial Readjuster Party.

Air Force One Now Equipped With Handicap Parking Pass
The Babylon Bee
Press members in attendance also noted that the plane taxied off the runway before stopping in a handicap space in the parking lot. President Biden eventually exited the plane via a hydraulic lift rather than the traditional staircase.

10 Tips For Writers From Douglas Adams
Writers Write

WHAT I’M READING



 

BORN ON THIS DAY

English composer and director, Andrew Lloyd Webber, was born on this day in 1948.

I’ve been in one Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, just over ten years ago I was in a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. But it was Sir Andrew’s collaboration with Tim Rice for Jesus Christ Superstar that began my real love and appreciation for musical theater.

Directing JCS is still on my bucket list.

After all, any dream will do.



Michael R. Fletcher on Amazon

All Good Gifts

It’s been easy to think, over the last three years, that life is all about the trials and struggles.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got troubles, right here in River City.

But, I don’t know. There seems to be more…hope…

Maybe it’s the news of spiritual awakenings happening in universities and around the globe.

Maybe it’s things like The Chosen and the Jesus Revolution movie that seem to indicate a spiritual renewal.

Maybe it’s my own consistency in morning prayer.

Maybe it’s the New York District Attorney all but guaranteeing the return of Donald Trump?

Too soon?

In my morning prayer and reading time and sometimes in my evening snoozing in my office comfy chair time, I have been very appreciative of the things that surround me.

My home office is full, and I do mean full, of memorabilia from important times in my life. Theater, college, politics, Santa…so much so that I’m completely redoing the office and moving to a different spare bedroom in the house.

As I sit there pondering my audition for Hoarders, I realize that all of that stuff tells me how blessed I have been. How blessed I am.

There still are things I want to do. Places I want to be. Deadlines I want to meet. In fact I have a daily countdown in my Moleskine to the significant dates of the year.

“They” used to say “don’t wish your life away,” and there’s a lot of good in that saying.

[Insert your favorite cliché here.]

  • Life is a journey, not a destination…
  • Today is a gift, that’s why they call it the present…
  • Don’t mix your lights and darks.

No wait, maybe that last one doesn’t fit.

In spite of the things on the road ahead, I’m trying to live in, and appreciate, the moment.

It’s a good gift.



THINGS TO READ

“The Worst Is Yet to Come” – Investigators Find New Money Trail In Biden Family ProbeBongino Report
Rep. James Comer (R-KY) revealed on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” with host Maria Bartiromo that new steps have been taken in the investigation of Joe Biden’s shady business dealings. More evidence has been found on Hunter Biden’s laptop linking President Biden himself to very disturbing deals overseas, even linking Biden family members to large payments from unknown sources in China.

House Republicans to Demand Testimony from Manhattan DA Staff as Trump Indictment Looms
National Review
Many GOP officials have called the prosecution “politically-motivated” and have pointed to the fact Bragg’s predecessor, Cyrus Vance, did not bring charges against Trump.

WATCH: Trump lawyer warns Democrats weaponizing justice system can ‘come full circle’
Washington Examiner
“In this day and age now, especially anything with Donald Trump because he’s done such a great job for people in this country,” Tacopina said, “because of that, so many people on the other side of that equation, on the far Left, hate him for it and don’t want him back in office. They are using this ridiculous allegation as a weapon.”

‘Cusp of Great Spiritual Awakening’: Pastors Report Fresh ‘Fire’ in Wake of Methodist Mass Exodus
CBN News
“I believe that we are on the cusp of great spiritual awakening around the world, and I believe God has chosen to raise up the Global Methodist church to be part of that for such a time as this,” said Boyette.

Manhattan DA Announces Plan To Get Trump Elected In 2024
The Babylon Bee
“I will stop at absolutely nothing to put Trump back in the White House where he belongs,” said Mr. Bragg. “I’m about to charge up his base like you’ve never seen!”

WHAT I’M READING


BORN ON THIS DAY

1867 – Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr., American director and producer, Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr., was born on this day in 1867 (died 1932)