mother nature's not welcome here anymore

Spent a late night talking to a friend last night, and never saw the bed til after 5 this morning. My own fault, really, but it was no big deal. I figured I'd go to bed then, and get a few hours sleep, get up around 12-ish. But mother nature, the bitch that she is, had other plans for me.

I woke up two hours later to a pain in my lower back, and an urge to use the bathroom. That never happens. I was not happy. I hate when my sleep gets interrupted like that. And leave it to mother nature to be the one to do so. I took care of what I had to do, and then went back to bed, convinced that I would then sleep til 12. No such luck on that front.

I once again woke a couple hours later, same sensation as before.  I was really getting fed up by this point. I wanted to sleep, dammit! Why did mother nature not understand? Did I have to make it clear to her, really?

Went back to sleep after that, and woke around 12-ish, like I wanted. I had planned to get up, shower, check the mail, get groceries, that sort of thing, but once again, mother nature fucked up my plans. So bad was the pain in my back that I just decided to take some advil and lay back in bed. My back is just now feeling better. It's 5:46. The day is wasted. I feel useless, like I have not one bit of energy that I can muster.

Damn, I hate mother nature sometimes. Here's a note mother nature, next time you want to wake me up, don't. I'm sure your gift can wait for a little bit longer, okay? I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

Hide and Seek

Hide and Seek


You wear a mask, you don't want the world to see
The sadness you carry, that is hidden beneath
They think they know you, but they don't understand
When all you really want is that soft place to land


You're the one that always has a smile on your face
Trust me, I know, I've been there in your place
You don't want the world to know, you hide your pain
How to explain it to another, would they really understand?


Trust me, I've been there, I know how you feel
I know how it is to keep deep feelings concealed
You're in pain, and you think that no one gets you
Well friend I'm here to tell you, that I've been there too


You get home in the evening, your Mom asks if you're alright
You tell her everything's okay, you don't want her to see you cry
Then you run to your room, throw yourself on your bed
And then you believe they're right, that you're better off dead


Trust me, I've been there, I know how you feel
I know how it is to keep deep feelings concealed
You're in pain, and you think that no one gets you
Well friend I'm here to tell you, that I've been there too


I've been in that dark place, and felt so lost inside
I tried to be happy, but sometimes all I could do was cry
But I don't want you to give up, you are stronger than you know
Keep on fighting, keep smiling, that will weaken their blows


Yeah I've been there, its rough, I know you want to give up
But that's what they aim for, you can't let them do that anymore
Trust me, I've been there, I know how you feel
I know how it is to keep deep feelings concealed
You're in pain, and you think that no one gets you
Well friend I'm here to tell you, that I've been there too
Yeah I know how it feels, 'cause I've been there too

What's Wrong With the World?

What's Wrong With the World?

Why do people do the things they do?

Do you just ever sit and wonder

Why the world seems so crazy to you

Well I am here to tell you,

You're not the only one

This old world of ours needs to loosen up

We need to have some fun

There's something wrong

In the world we live

People always taking,

Never learning how to give

Don't you think its time

To change the way we act

It seems like there's no time to slow down

We're all moving way too fast

We all need to take the time to slow it down and rest

When we're hurt and angry, we're never at our best

We yell and scream, we argue and fight

We are always convinced that we are the ones who are right

We never take the time to stop and think

From the other person's point of view

Did you ever stop to think the problem isn't them, it's you?

There's something wrong

In the world we live

People always taking,

Never learning how to give

Don't you think its time

To change the way we act

It seems like there's no time to slow down

We're all moving way too fast

We all need to take our time and slow down

Think about the things we say and do

We rush and rush, and life passes us by

We're always searching for that fountain of youth

Maybe we should just enjoy life for what it is

Instead of searching for some emptiness

That in the end will never last

We should live in the future, our time is now

This is no time for us to live in the past

There's something wrong

In the world we live

People always taking,

Never learning how to give

Don't you think its time

To change the way we act

It seems like there's no time to slow down

We're all moving way too fast

Yes, there's something wrong

In the world we live

I see that people are always taking

They've never learned how to give

I think its time

To change the way we act

We need to slow down,

We're all moving way too fast

Inspiration

There's something I've realized today, and I can't believe that I never realized it before. It's about inspiration. It's funny, that. It's amazing that the smallest things can trigger ideas for a song, or a story or a poem. It could be a noise you hear, an overheard conversation, or an event from your life. It could be as simple as one word or phrase, and the words then start to spill out, like a dam breaking, or the rushing of the rapids. It just happens.

Such is my life today. It seems that the littlest things are giving me ideas. Conversations, encounters, just words that are itching to be written. And when this happens to me, it's something I can't ignore. When the words fill my brain, I have to get them out. It's like if I don't, my head will burst because of all of the ideas that it's holding in.

I want to thank everyone who has helped me or been a muse to me in some way today. This is one of my best creative days in a while, and when I'm feeling like this, who knows where the road to inspiration might lead?

Fighter

Fighter

co-written by Catherine King

You've always been the strong one

Others always came before you

You were there when I needed strength

Helped my dry my tears

Now its my turn to be strong for you

Despite these lingering fears

You've always been a fighter,

And defied all the odds

If they said it couldn't be done

You were always the one to show them

That not only were you right

But they were always wrong

You never let them get you down

You pick yourself back up again

You brush the dust off, you're going to win

You're a fighter, not a quitter,

That's you through and through

Mom, you're my champion

A fighter, and a winner, that's you

There were times I felt like giving up

When the seas of life just got too rough

But with you by my side

I felt that nothing that life threw at me

Would ever be too tough

Now that strength you've always shown

If it's not enough, I'll be there to hold you up

You're not gonna give up Mom

You'll see this thing through

And just remember when you need me

That I will be there for you

I'll be right by your side, I'll always be there

It's time for me to return some love

That with me you always shared

You never let them get you down

You pick yourself back up again

You brush the dust off, you're going to win

You're a fighter, not a quitter,

That's you through and through

Mom, you're my champion

A fighter, and a winner, that's you

You're my fighter, my champion

A winner, that's you

Don't Take It Personally

Don't Take It Personally

co-written by Catherine King

You take it all so personally,

When I don't call or I don't write

Well did you ever think there's a reason

That I might not be alright?

You fill my inbox with messages

And get upset when I don't respond

Did you ever stop to think at all

That something might be wrong?

You are not the centre of my life

No matter how much you want to believe it

You know that you'll never be right

So if I don't reply, don't take it personally

I just need some space, a chance to be free

If you can't get me on Facebook,

You send me a tweet,

Don't you get the message darlin'

You need to hit the street

All these messages to my inbox

That you send are now delivered

But don't bother me with Twitter,

Unless you really want me to be bitter

You are not the centre of my life

No matter how much you want to believe it

You know that you'll never be right

So if I don't reply, don't take it personally

I just need some space, a chance to be free

You don't seem to get the message,

So let me make it clear

I am done with you, I'm finished

I'm getting out of here

Don't friend me on Facebook, or send me a tweet

Don't push me too far, I'm trying to be sweet

No phone calls, no messages, no skyping, we're through

Don't you get it darlin', I am finished with you!

You are not the centre of my life

No more will I be thinking of you

In the middle of the night

I'm done with you, I'm through

You are not the centre of my life

No matter how much you want to believe it

You know that you'll never be right

So if I don't reply, don't take it personally

I just need some space, a chance to be free

Let me be free...

Fun Stuff

The Fond Memory of Berry Picking Time

One day as an old man was strolling home, he happened upon a blueberry bush. He smiled upon seeing it, as it brought back fond memories of years long past when he’d been berry picking and met a woman that would become his bride. It was not far from where they lived, if his memory served him correctly, but as the old man was reluctant to admit, memory was usually the first thing to go. But in his mind, he could still picture things as they had happened as if they had happened yesterday. 

They’d been at his Old Aunt Mary’s he thinks, as she had a big patch of blue berries nearby. His mother wanted some berries picked and he had been delegated to the task. He was thankful now that he had been. After spending hours together in the berry patch, they’d finally decided to walk home together. It was during that walk home that he noticed how beautiful she was, and had decided then and there that she just had to be his. But in his mind he had wondered if he could truly win her heart. 

Then without a second thought, he had just blurted out those words that had changed his life for the better, “Will you marry me?” She’d been stunned at first, but then smiled and kissed him. It was then that he knew that he had his answer and that she would be his forevermore. 

When he closes his eyes he can still remember how she looked that day. She’d been wearing a simple gingham gown, and even though it was simple, he thought her to look exquisite like a Queen. Her golden locks fell loose from under her bonnet, and her blue eyes sparkled. Her lips were cherry red, and tasted even sweeter. He’d never tasted anything sweeter than the taste of her lips on his. When their lips locked, he’d known that he’d be happy with her for the rest of their lives. 

As he continued on home, the man looked over his shoulder once more, and smiled happily at the blueberry bushes that had brought him love and happiness that knew no bounds, and a family that only a select few were blessed to have. 

The Tale of French Perfume

The myth of Jack Ryan and his contraband is a well known one in Newfoundland circles. It originated in the town of Jack's death- Spanish Room- and has been passed around for generations. This is the story of Jack Ryan and his contraband that never made it to its intended destination. 

It was a cold winter's night when Jack Ryan set out for Newfoundland from St. Pierre. His ship was loaded down with contraband, which at the time included perfume, smokes and rum. The fog was thick that night and Jack hoped that it would be thick enough to get in and out of Newfoundland with his contraband safely, but alas, this was not to be. 

As he neared Mortier Bay, the Mounties spotted Jack. They shone an enormous spotlight on him, which made night appear to be day. They told him to stop and surrender, but Jack was not about to listen to them, and get arrested. Stupid Mounties, thinking that they could stop him; they'd never take him alive. 

Instead of listening to the foolish Mounties, Jack turned his ship around, set the engines to full power, and headed towards Spanish Room. It was a place that he knew well, and he figured he would be safe there. Those cops would never go near the rocks there; it would be too dangerous. 

As the Mounties drew ever closer to him, Jack began to laugh manically. They'd never catch him. He would never go to jail, not if he had his way. He pushed the engine ever faster, and with a crazy smile on his face, headed for the dangerous rocks of Spanish Room at a speed of 50 clicks an hour. 

As he did, the seagulls began to cry loudly, as if sensing Jack's demise. With one last look back at the Mounties; Jack crashed his ship into the rocks, catching everything afire, including himself and his precious contraband.

To this very day, the residents of Spanish Room say that on the rocks near their town, you can still hear Jack laughing, and that if the wind blows the right way, you can still smell the scent of his French perfume in the wind.

A Sailors Promise

As the sun started to rise in St. John's, a young sailor clung tightly to his lady love. It would soon be morning, which meant that he would have to leave her again. Oh how he dreaded the thought of leaving her. The dread he felt was the same dread that came with each trip that he made. He'd be gone for months on end, and was never sure when, if ever, he would see her again. 

Every time they'd part ways, he would always swear to her that he would not be gone long. Boston and St. John's didn't have that much ocean between them anyways. But no matter how many times he'd repeated those words to her, he himself never really believed that they were true. 

The ocean held so many dangers. If the seas turned violent, it could spell the end of him, and his lady love would be left to mourn him, and then to move on with somebody new; the seas were unpredictable, as he well knew, having lost his own father to the raging ocean. But what would be far worse would be if he came home injured; half-broken. Would she still want him anymore? She'd told him yes many times, but unless the situation actually happened, he wasn't too certain that she'd stay. 

She was a beautiful woman, and he'd oft wondered why she was with him. He wasn't a gorgeous man by any means; just an ordinary Joe. He wasn't rich either, just a sailor who was just getting by. She deserved someone who could give her the things that she deserved. But yet she seemed happy with him, and had continued to stick by his side through thick and thin, and loved him for who he was. 

Her head rested on his chest, and he could hear her sigh. He knew that she dreaded his leaving as much as he did. So instead of worrying her further, he just kissed her soft lips and murmured, "There isn't that much ocean between Boston and St. John's," and hoped that he would make it back safely from this voyage.

He'll Have Her Yet

A young man sighed as he passed the grocery store belonging to Old Man Brown. The old man had the fairest daughter in all of St. John's, if not Newfoundland. He hoped someday old Brown would be his father-in-law. 

The old man's store had shelves full of anything and everything conceivable known to man. He had jews harps for the little boys along with an assortment of lollipops and cheese. More often then not the old man had his daughter mind the store. More than once had this young man dreamed of running away with the fair maiden, but he never had the nerve to do so. 

She was a proper maiden, very polite and courteous. She was everything a man could want in a woman. Only problem was that Old Brown wanted his daughter to be married to nobility-a Lord, Mayor, Marquis or an Earl- or something of the sort. He'd do anything to marry old Brown's daughter. 

The poor shop owner was cursed with gout, and always complained when he couldn't get out of his parlour. The young man suspected that's why he always had his daughter working there. The touch of her hand always made him shake. The minute he saw her, his hands would shake, legs would quiver, and his heart would race. She did strange things to him without even trying. 

He could tell that she liked him too, for every time he'd share a tender word with her, she'd smile at him, making his heart flutter. But knowing that she had to be wed to nobility or someone or high social standing didn't deter him at all. He'd just run in the next election, and then Old Brown would surely let him wed his daughter. 

Beware The Yarmouth Lasses

As Finnegan O'Brien strolled off his ship in Yarmouth, his thoughts were strolling elsewhere; to finding a lass there to be his wife. There had to be a lass here that was wife material, and as he took at seat at the nearest pub/boarding house, he saw HER. She was a pretty little thing, with golden hair and blue eyes, and she was the daughter of the owner. 

So one night Finn mustered up his courage, and he asked her for her hand in marriage. Immediately she scoffed, "I won't marry you!" 

Finn's eyes became questioning, "Why not?" he asked. 

"I have everything I need here and I don't need to be wed to have anything else. But i'll make you a promise, kind sir. If you'd like to linger with me a while," she grinned, "pull on this string and I'll let you in for some fun." 

Finn nodded, his eyes sparkling with excitement, and left again. 

But remembering the golden-haired lass's promise, he waltzed by her window the next day and pulled on her string. And just as she had promised, she came down, and that's when Finn's jaw dropped. She was wearing nothing but the piece of string on her finger. He just shook his head and went on his way again. 

Once aboard his ship once more, Finn was quick to tell his crew, "So all ye men who come here to Yarmouth, be remembering this: if their hair be hung low, pull on their strings and they'll come down and let you in to have some fun with them. But remember this as well, be careful, for the Yarmouth lass is one who gives as good as she gets." Then he shook his head again, and returned to the cabin of his ship.

An Ode to Ordinary Day

This poem came to me one day when I was still living in Garden Cove. Its about the song that saved my life.

I hear that familiar chorus like so many times before
"Way hey hey its just an ordinary day"
And just like all the other times, it helps me once more
"And its all your state of mind" it says, I do believe that now;
If we put a positive spin on things they'll turn out better somehow
And that "At the end of the day you've just got to say it's alright"
When I hear those words it gives me the strength to fight
Just like Janie, I won't quit; push me, hurt me, but I'll get back up again
For I've lost so many other times, now is my time to win
It's all in how you look at it, that's what the song is saying
So I'll keep myself positive to keep myself from caving
I've got to stay strong, not let others get me down
On my face I want to have a smile instead of a frown
I'm a fighter, not a quitter, my destiny is mine
I will decide how my life will be- it is my time to shine
So when I hear that familiar chorus I'll have a smile on my face
For life is what we make it, it's not all up to fate
It is truly up to us if we sink or swim
If we resign ourselves to losing, we will never ever win
For no matter how bad things may be for you or me
There is always someone hurting more; who just longs to be happy
So if the day seems hopeless, feels like a lost cause
Just remember those simple words and take a little pause,
For it's not as bad as we think it is although it feels like we're sinking
Don't give up the fight, don't ever quit
For it is when we are sinking that we truly learn to swim

Rhyme Time

I was inspired by a few friends who do poetry to post my own, so without further ado, here are some of my poems/songs:


Time to Go

The days go by so quickly,

I can't believe you're gone

As I sit here in silence,

The time keeps dragging on

One minute here, gone the next,

Now in the Master's arms you rest

Down here we cry, down here we mourn,

But now you are with our dear Lord

We'll miss you more than you will know

And even though its hard, its true

It sadly was your time to go

And we're left here missing you

Leaving You Behind

Don't go telling me what to do

What makes you think

I'm going to listen to you

You're nothing but trouble

Should have seen it from the start

Now I'm leaving and I'm taking back my heart

Why couldn't I see it?

I must have been so blind

But now I'm getting up, I'm walking off

And I'm leaving you behind

I was so in love with you

I was dumb enough

To believe you would be true

Then there you were, babe

You were out with another girl

And baby, you changed my whole world

Why couldn't I see it?

I must have been so blind

 But now I'm getting up, walking off

 And leaving you behind

Y'know I really should have seen this from the start

Should have known that you would mess with my heart

When you  came home you could never look in me in the eye

Well now its too late for sorry, I'm gone baby, goodbye

Now I see it baby

I'm no longer blind

And I'm getting up, walking off

I'm leaving you behind

I'm finally free, I'm moving on

I'm leaving you behind

Yes I'm leaving you behind

I'm leaving you behind

Birthday Poem for Alan Doyle ( 5/17/2009)

On this day, 40 years ago
A bright young star came into this world
His parents called him Alan,
A baby brother for one boy and one girl

Bright eyed and happy, an adorable boy
And then one day he gave music a try
This was a smart move made by the man
Who we all adore now, right down to his hands

In 1993, he and some buds formed a band
It was a bonus that he owned a van
To tour all across Canada, and also afar
For they were all destined to become big stars

Many years later, fame and fortune he's found
And his life has given him happiness that knows no bounds
We all truly hope that 'the band just never ends'
For they have given us fun times with our family and our friends

His life a success, a wife and a son,
It seemed that his fame had just begun

And then a friend with the last name of Crowe
Had something to ask Alan, something he needed to know
He was to be doing a movie, and this was the truth
They needed somebody who could play the lute

So Alan flew and tried out, he gave it a shot
Not knowing if he would get the role or not
When he did find out, it was hard for him to keep it quiet
His happiness was growing, there was no denying it

He could definitely sing, why not give movies a try?
There were stars in the eyes of this Newfoundland boy

So happily he went to bonny old England
And joined the rest of the cast
To shoot a Robin Hood movie
Not the first one, and certainly not the last!

So I hope you'll all join me in this when I say
"Good luck with the movie Alan,
And Happy 40th Birthday!"

...Now I'm A Believer!

It was sometime in 2009, when I moved to Clarenville, that I first watched Ghost Hunters.

The opening screen from the show!

The only reason I watched it, to be frankly honest, was out of boredom. There was nothing else on, so I gave it a go. And I was hooked from the beginning.

I've always had a belief in the paranormal, but seeing and hearing the things that Jay, Grant, Steve, Tango, Amy, Kris, and the rest of the gang saw or heard, blew me away. There were times that at the exact moment they saw something, I would see it too. Or I would hear something at the same time, and think: Holy shit, what was that?!

From the first time I watched it, I was fascinated with the show. And the later in the night I watched it, the better. All the better to get spooked, I figured. But now the paranormal fascinates me. If anything, I would LOVE to have an experience, encounter with a ghost. Nothing would make me happier.

The team,for this, the seventh season, according to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_hunters#Investigators is as follows:

• Jason Hawes – Lead Investigator/Producer/TAPS Founder
• Grant Wilson – Lead Investigator/Producer/TAPS Co-founder
• Steve Gonsalves – Investigator/Technical Manager
• Dave Tango – Investigator
• Amy Bruni – Investigator
• Adam Berry – Investigator-in-Training (from GHA)
• Maddie – Investigative Canine

From L to R: in the photo:  Ivestigators Amy Bruni & Kris Williams (now GHI), T.A.P.S founder Jason Hawes and co-founder Grant Wilson, Investigator Dave Tango, and Tech Manager, Steve Gonsalves.

The more I watched the show, the more I loved it. And still love it. I know all about the equipment they use. K-II metres, EMF detectors, DVRs, Mini DVs, thermal cameras, and know what each is used for.

But I'll let http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_hunters#Equipment_used do the explaining.

During investigations, the TAPS ghost hunters team use various equipment, including digital thermometers, EMF meters, thermographic and night vision cameras, handheld and static digital video cameras, digital audio recorders, and laptop computers.

The team has also experimented, in at least one episode, with a geiger counter during their investigation to see if it would register any anomalous readings.

Starting around the third season, the team has used the K-2 (or K-II) meter,[2] a type of EMF meter that uses a series of LEDs to measure the strength of an energy field instead of a numerical LCDscreen. During the Manson murders investigation in particular, the team used a K-2 meter in an attempt to get "yes" and "no" responses to verbal questions posed to a supposed entity in a room.

In the fifth season's "Edith Wharton Estate" case, the team introduced two new pieces of equipment. One is a custom-made geophone, which detects vibrations and flashes a series of LEDs that measure the intensity of the vibration. The second is a new EMF detector that makes a buzzing sound when in the presence of an electromagnetic field, and the stronger the field, the louder it buzzes. In the episode, the geophones were recorded on video flashing to the vibrations of what sound like footsteps across a floor even though no one was supposedly in the room.

Other gear not typically shown on screen are an ion generator, a device that charges the air with electricity and theorized to help spirits manifest, and the white noise generator, an audio device that makes a static background noise and theorized to act as a catalyst for assisting entities in making EVPs.[3]

But it was when I laid eyes on the gorgeous Dave Tango, that my heart was lost to the show forever:

But don't take my word for it, check it out yourselves. Ghost Hunters airs on OLN @ 8 and 11 EST and on the SYFY Channel, at 9. 

Enjoy, and on to the next!