Now I see a bright light up ahead of me...
My eyes allow me to follow it's path.
I trust a destination, promised for me...
Moving on, I decide not to look back.
Illumination can allow for much clarity...
And less fear while commencing a journey...
And although not certain, as to where I am going..
The promises impending are many.
That light may conjure up comfort for me...
Of a rewarding, enlightening destination.
But throughout my journey I may have to endure...
Dark spots before all comes to fruition.
Dark days then, have purpose, just like the light do...
For thru darkness I learn how to see....
In a much different light..not just with my eyes...
Through new vision I become a whole Me.
I'll hone that new vision I have without eyes...
And become sharper, more aware, thanks to it.
And that enlightening reward...it's within my grasp...
I'll continue onward, each day, bit by bit.
Yes, there's something to say for the light and the dark...
They bring balance, it's own eternal reward.
Pulled out from within me a strength long forgotten...
Deep inside...imbedded...it's been stored.
Saved up...preserved. For times just like these...
To draw upon...reserves..just like water.
That men in a desert thirst for and need...
And being replenished, they become that much stronger.
So I'll embrace each new day, with all of my vision...
Whether it's of light or peeks through the darkness...
And look deep within for that strength that is there..
Knowing it leads to a fountain of true happiness.
Written for Ruthie Basile
Cancer Survivor
.....by Anne Birkelo December 2005
For those in need of daily inspiration
Friday, October 1, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
THE SONIC ICE REVELATION - PART I - September 6, 2010
If I were to ever go into business for myself, my first sponsor of choice would be Sonic…and I’m about to tell you why. I don’t need to sell it for money or compensation, because I am one of their greatest promoters due to one really great product they offer. In fact, I am such a fan, that I pay them on a regular basis to feed my affinity for them. This product makes the world and those who partake of it a better place. That wonderful, unmatched taste satisfier they provide for us in this ever-challenging world? It's their ice....what my brothers and I like to call "Sonic Ice."
Anyone out there ever been to the hospital and not been allowed to eat during your stay there? It kind of sucks,,,,no..... it really sucks, doesn’t it? But the one great thing they do give you in the hospital is “ice chips.” The best hospitals don’t just give you chips or shavings of ice though, they give you that wonderful and awesome stuff called pellet ice. You know, you have to have a very special ice-making machine to make this awesome stuff….they aren’t easy to come by anymore, but they used to be our staple ice makers in the days of old. This stuff is phenomenal….it's soothing, it's refreshing, and let me tell you from experience, it's very addictive! But only in the best possible way. :)
It’s funny how deprivation via forced (doctor-ordered) starvation causes you to appreciate what you do get to have in fundamentally life-altering ways isn’t it? At first, you resent not being able to eat. You then become obsessively aware of how empty your stomach is, when only last week you went double that same amount of time before eating without even noticing a thing! You even begin to imagine that your pain is being worsened by this unfair, and may I venture to say, barbaric practice of slowly starving the patient.
Eventually, all of this, coupled with the pain you are facing and the impending event you are about to undergo (on an empty stomach, I might add) whether it's giving birth or having surgery isn't something that one looks forward to with gusto. In other words, you are kind of pissed, and definitely having one heck of a pity party for yourself at this point. Rightly so, my friends, rightly so!
But who would think that after having nothing but this fantastic, pellet, circular shaped stuff that’s nothing more than frozen water would feel like a treat you can’t live without once you enter the outside world again? Your doctor and your nurses, who a few mere hours before seemed like sinister devils incarnate….kings and queens of torturous deprivation, now become your heroes just by delivering this rare delicacy to your adjustable hospital table! It lifted your spirits, staved off depression, even saved you from starvation, it certainly did! But this phenomena…..it really does happen my friends, truly it does. That beautiful perfectly-shaped, hydrating, and fun-to-chew on treat becomes your very best friend, and facing life without it after holding it close for so long becomes unfathomable to say the least.
You know, in the old days, pellet ice was abundant at all the greatest pizza places, good old mom and pop restaurants, and it even came in those rare-to-be-seen in the modern world plastic cups that look like frosted ice. More and more, with the inventions of current times, we don’t get to see, taste or experience that pellet ice feeling anymore except in the hospital, the one rare and occasional restaurant that still carries it, or, as I recently discovered, at Sonic. They are my new, favorite friends, Sonic folks are...and I thank my lucky stars for them each and every day.
Sonic is tried and true in it’s commitment to the sweet and tasty stuff, they really are! Everybody seems to think it’s their special drinks that are so great, but I beg to differ. I challenge you to buy one of their unique concoctions, pour it into a regular glass with good old regular cube ice and see if you like it near as much! There’s no comparison in the world to what pellet (Sonic) ice does once it enters your mouth and hits your teeth, throat and stomach. It’s just the right size, the perfect amount of crunchy before it dissolves easily without harming your teeth in any way, and it lasts forever - yep…it‘s true! The stuff doesn’t melt all over your furniture…..it melts in your mouth instead, bringing joy upon joy for hours to your life!
But besides the pellet ice addiction I incurred in my own first hospital stays when I had C-sections to give birth to all my kids, I need to give you some more background on just why I love Sonic Ice so very much and what led me to discover they carried this rare, but much appreciated delicacy. Yes, once you hear the whole story, you will see not only the physical benefits that this precious stuff can provide to you, but you will clearly discover that it is good for your mental health, can help you through the grief process through the loss of a loved one, and if we all commit to it, it really could help us solve a lot of our biggest day to day problems...it's just a matter of perspective (and taste, I might add). It’s the gift that you can keep on giving to yourself…and there’s a drive thru involved to boot!
So, this story will continue to unfold before your eyes....tune in for more of the Sonic Ice Revelation experienced by myself, my esteemed and loved brothers, Dave and Steve, and other family members and friends who have wisely chosen to open their minds, not just their mouths, and get on the Sonic Ice bandwagon!
Until then, treat yourself tomorrow before work or running errands to some fabulous Sonic Ice. That’s right my friends, head off to Sonic. And if you’re on a diet and can’t drink a sugary drink, just order the cup-o-ice and a spoon. It’s a treat you won’t forget any time soon! Your mouth may be numb by the time you are finished, but you will never choose to have it any other way after just one cup.....you’ll thank me later.
To be Continued…………..
Anyone out there ever been to the hospital and not been allowed to eat during your stay there? It kind of sucks,,,,no..... it really sucks, doesn’t it? But the one great thing they do give you in the hospital is “ice chips.” The best hospitals don’t just give you chips or shavings of ice though, they give you that wonderful and awesome stuff called pellet ice. You know, you have to have a very special ice-making machine to make this awesome stuff….they aren’t easy to come by anymore, but they used to be our staple ice makers in the days of old. This stuff is phenomenal….it's soothing, it's refreshing, and let me tell you from experience, it's very addictive! But only in the best possible way. :)
It’s funny how deprivation via forced (doctor-ordered) starvation causes you to appreciate what you do get to have in fundamentally life-altering ways isn’t it? At first, you resent not being able to eat. You then become obsessively aware of how empty your stomach is, when only last week you went double that same amount of time before eating without even noticing a thing! You even begin to imagine that your pain is being worsened by this unfair, and may I venture to say, barbaric practice of slowly starving the patient.
Eventually, all of this, coupled with the pain you are facing and the impending event you are about to undergo (on an empty stomach, I might add) whether it's giving birth or having surgery isn't something that one looks forward to with gusto. In other words, you are kind of pissed, and definitely having one heck of a pity party for yourself at this point. Rightly so, my friends, rightly so!
But who would think that after having nothing but this fantastic, pellet, circular shaped stuff that’s nothing more than frozen water would feel like a treat you can’t live without once you enter the outside world again? Your doctor and your nurses, who a few mere hours before seemed like sinister devils incarnate….kings and queens of torturous deprivation, now become your heroes just by delivering this rare delicacy to your adjustable hospital table! It lifted your spirits, staved off depression, even saved you from starvation, it certainly did! But this phenomena…..it really does happen my friends, truly it does. That beautiful perfectly-shaped, hydrating, and fun-to-chew on treat becomes your very best friend, and facing life without it after holding it close for so long becomes unfathomable to say the least.
You know, in the old days, pellet ice was abundant at all the greatest pizza places, good old mom and pop restaurants, and it even came in those rare-to-be-seen in the modern world plastic cups that look like frosted ice. More and more, with the inventions of current times, we don’t get to see, taste or experience that pellet ice feeling anymore except in the hospital, the one rare and occasional restaurant that still carries it, or, as I recently discovered, at Sonic. They are my new, favorite friends, Sonic folks are...and I thank my lucky stars for them each and every day.
Sonic is tried and true in it’s commitment to the sweet and tasty stuff, they really are! Everybody seems to think it’s their special drinks that are so great, but I beg to differ. I challenge you to buy one of their unique concoctions, pour it into a regular glass with good old regular cube ice and see if you like it near as much! There’s no comparison in the world to what pellet (Sonic) ice does once it enters your mouth and hits your teeth, throat and stomach. It’s just the right size, the perfect amount of crunchy before it dissolves easily without harming your teeth in any way, and it lasts forever - yep…it‘s true! The stuff doesn’t melt all over your furniture…..it melts in your mouth instead, bringing joy upon joy for hours to your life!
But besides the pellet ice addiction I incurred in my own first hospital stays when I had C-sections to give birth to all my kids, I need to give you some more background on just why I love Sonic Ice so very much and what led me to discover they carried this rare, but much appreciated delicacy. Yes, once you hear the whole story, you will see not only the physical benefits that this precious stuff can provide to you, but you will clearly discover that it is good for your mental health, can help you through the grief process through the loss of a loved one, and if we all commit to it, it really could help us solve a lot of our biggest day to day problems...it's just a matter of perspective (and taste, I might add). It’s the gift that you can keep on giving to yourself…and there’s a drive thru involved to boot!
So, this story will continue to unfold before your eyes....tune in for more of the Sonic Ice Revelation experienced by myself, my esteemed and loved brothers, Dave and Steve, and other family members and friends who have wisely chosen to open their minds, not just their mouths, and get on the Sonic Ice bandwagon!
Until then, treat yourself tomorrow before work or running errands to some fabulous Sonic Ice. That’s right my friends, head off to Sonic. And if you’re on a diet and can’t drink a sugary drink, just order the cup-o-ice and a spoon. It’s a treat you won’t forget any time soon! Your mouth may be numb by the time you are finished, but you will never choose to have it any other way after just one cup.....you’ll thank me later.
To be Continued…………..
Thursday, August 26, 2010
The Pity Plea - 1997
Can you see me, can you see?
I wonder if you may..
For even I'm not sure
Just who I am today.
Do you know me, do you know?
What child might lurk inside?
Who I really am?
Can Anne come out and hide?
Do ya really wanna find me?
Why do I stay away?
'Cause in my warm, safe place..
My true self won't fly astray.
Win me over and defeat me?
Bring me out to play?
I don't wanna play your games..
So here is where I'll stay.
Will you care, care about me?
If I decide to come on out?
Or will you just abuse me...
And slap me all about?
Do ya really wanna know me?
Then you'll have to come on in...
'Cause I ain't coming out there...
No...not without a friend.
Do ya love me, do ya love?
Then you should know my fear.
Is met not with pure joy,
But is covered in a tear.
A desire to come out..
To show I do exist..
But not to play the games..
On that, I can't subsist.
Can ya tell me, go on and tell me?
You wanna try and meet?
Meet me in the middle?
Accomplish such a feat?
Do you care enough to try?
And reach out with a hand?
To help me out, not force me?
Of this self-imposed quicksand?
Is it safe, safe to show?
Who I really wanna be?
Not just in here alone...
But outside can I be me?
Maybe I will come...
If your hand is one I trust...
Then I may reveal myself...
It'd be my choice, and not a must.
I wonder if you may..
For even I'm not sure
Just who I am today.
Do you know me, do you know?
What child might lurk inside?
Who I really am?
Can Anne come out and hide?
Do ya really wanna find me?
Why do I stay away?
'Cause in my warm, safe place..
My true self won't fly astray.
Win me over and defeat me?
Bring me out to play?
I don't wanna play your games..
So here is where I'll stay.
Will you care, care about me?
If I decide to come on out?
Or will you just abuse me...
And slap me all about?
Do ya really wanna know me?
Then you'll have to come on in...
'Cause I ain't coming out there...
No...not without a friend.
Do ya love me, do ya love?
Then you should know my fear.
Is met not with pure joy,
But is covered in a tear.
A desire to come out..
To show I do exist..
But not to play the games..
On that, I can't subsist.
Can ya tell me, go on and tell me?
You wanna try and meet?
Meet me in the middle?
Accomplish such a feat?
Do you care enough to try?
And reach out with a hand?
To help me out, not force me?
Of this self-imposed quicksand?
Is it safe, safe to show?
Who I really wanna be?
Not just in here alone...
But outside can I be me?
Maybe I will come...
If your hand is one I trust...
Then I may reveal myself...
It'd be my choice, and not a must.
The Night - 1986
We are the human ones...
the running, fervent, fleeting ones.
They are the voicing ones...
The crying, grasping, groping ones.
And through a lonely space a voice is traveling...
Through the wind, it's only home.
Wind is the howling one,
The freezing, dark and stinging one...
Home is the loving one...
the longing, warming, calling one...
And they're perpetuated through their voice
and neither can we remain stationary nor leave...
for the earth, it is our chain.
For us, communication is not transparent...it lies within us...in our hidden souls. Yet the voicing ones...yes, they can see through.
But we cannot see them...for they aren't mortal beings...rather, substance...which is so far above us.
What are they to humans? Why are they so special?
The answer lies within the wind...elusive....never to be found and trapped.
What are they? They are mortal dreams...unattainable and always moving...
Out of reach, yet always sought.
We are a Naked Race.
the running, fervent, fleeting ones.
They are the voicing ones...
The crying, grasping, groping ones.
And through a lonely space a voice is traveling...
Through the wind, it's only home.
Wind is the howling one,
The freezing, dark and stinging one...
Home is the loving one...
the longing, warming, calling one...
And they're perpetuated through their voice
and neither can we remain stationary nor leave...
for the earth, it is our chain.
For us, communication is not transparent...it lies within us...in our hidden souls. Yet the voicing ones...yes, they can see through.
But we cannot see them...for they aren't mortal beings...rather, substance...which is so far above us.
What are they to humans? Why are they so special?
The answer lies within the wind...elusive....never to be found and trapped.
What are they? They are mortal dreams...unattainable and always moving...
Out of reach, yet always sought.
We are a Naked Race.
The Show - 1986
An empty lonely heart is what she has...
And the ones she sees around seem so fulfilled.
The dripping, burning wounds can find no salve.
The pain and tears she's felt, she may have willed.
Yet tears are now released like endless rivers.
Gone and washed away are all old fears.
While others try to believe that they are givers..
of love, that causes happiness, not tears.
She says to them in spirit, "don't be fooled..."
by heartless wishes, selfish and woebegone...
Search for solid dreams, that will never cool
Come live a life that's real, sing a true song.
Don't say that only you can feel the pain.
That everlasting, aching sensation gets us all.
Sometime you'll have to face all that you'll gain
by seeing through the writing on the wall.
It illuminates the truth about ourselves...
and it takes away excuses we try to find.
By lying to ourselves, we find no wealth
only seek an untrue life ~ leave it behind!
No longer afraid, she cruises onward now...
Knowing that others too, now they will see
That what she realized was only hard at first...
And the tearful rivers, for them, won't have to be.
She waits for them to come now, she's felt alone.
And knows they'll see now all they didn't know..
Anticipating friends, light hearts, a sense of home..
Bowing graciously, they each will leave the show.
And the ones she sees around seem so fulfilled.
The dripping, burning wounds can find no salve.
The pain and tears she's felt, she may have willed.
Yet tears are now released like endless rivers.
Gone and washed away are all old fears.
While others try to believe that they are givers..
of love, that causes happiness, not tears.
She says to them in spirit, "don't be fooled..."
by heartless wishes, selfish and woebegone...
Search for solid dreams, that will never cool
Come live a life that's real, sing a true song.
Don't say that only you can feel the pain.
That everlasting, aching sensation gets us all.
Sometime you'll have to face all that you'll gain
by seeing through the writing on the wall.
It illuminates the truth about ourselves...
and it takes away excuses we try to find.
By lying to ourselves, we find no wealth
only seek an untrue life ~ leave it behind!
No longer afraid, she cruises onward now...
Knowing that others too, now they will see
That what she realized was only hard at first...
And the tearful rivers, for them, won't have to be.
She waits for them to come now, she's felt alone.
And knows they'll see now all they didn't know..
Anticipating friends, light hearts, a sense of home..
Bowing graciously, they each will leave the show.
True Love - 1988
When feeling confused, there's not much to do
but figure out what you want.
Life moves too fast, too much good can pass
right before your eyes if you don't.
There is nothing in life that can keep away strife
and ensure all will be as it should.
But there are a few things, like true love can bring
to make the bad seem far less than the good.
Just what is true love? It can't be "defined"
but to me, the key word here, is "true".
Someone you care for, you'd be lost without
who is with you when happy or blue.
It's someone you're sure of, you're sure that you need..
you want, you love, and you care.
Someone you're willing to sacrifice for
because you want them so much to stay here.
It's fairness, companionship, trust, passion, love..
well, they're all just rolled into one.
And in turn, comes some good and yes, there's some bad...
all that exists right under our sun.
So if feeling confused, there's not much to do
but figure out what you want.
And if you can trust love, then I can trust you..
and let go of true love, well, we won't.
but figure out what you want.
Life moves too fast, too much good can pass
right before your eyes if you don't.
There is nothing in life that can keep away strife
and ensure all will be as it should.
But there are a few things, like true love can bring
to make the bad seem far less than the good.
Just what is true love? It can't be "defined"
but to me, the key word here, is "true".
Someone you care for, you'd be lost without
who is with you when happy or blue.
It's someone you're sure of, you're sure that you need..
you want, you love, and you care.
Someone you're willing to sacrifice for
because you want them so much to stay here.
It's fairness, companionship, trust, passion, love..
well, they're all just rolled into one.
And in turn, comes some good and yes, there's some bad...
all that exists right under our sun.
So if feeling confused, there's not much to do
but figure out what you want.
And if you can trust love, then I can trust you..
and let go of true love, well, we won't.
Anonymity-Keep the Bubble Alive - August 2010
(A (cynical, yes) view of many people in our current world-2010)
I can take it and I can leave it
Nothin' means too much to me.
Stamp out any discomfort caused
Would rather ya just leave me be.
No black or white for me, no sir!
Wanna have ample room..
Don't pin me down; ask much of me..
For that brings on nothing but gloom.
For the answers to all big questions, to me,
Just couches me in shame...
I'd rather live my life, oblivious..
I'm Joe Stupid, I've got no real name.
Having one would pin me down,
Box me in and just limit my dreams...
Don't take away my anonymity
Or you'll expose all of my sins.
Bubble mine, oh sweet, pure thing of joy!
Thank you for your protection.
Comforting illusions feed all my lies
And offer me the ultimate affection.
And all you, the rest, just leave me be...
Don't steal my mask of blankness.
Let me live my lies as the truths they now are,
To dwell in my false sense of hopefulness.
I can take it and I can leave it
Nothin' means too much to me.
Stamp out any discomfort caused
Would rather ya just leave me be.
No black or white for me, no sir!
Wanna have ample room..
Don't pin me down; ask much of me..
For that brings on nothing but gloom.
For the answers to all big questions, to me,
Just couches me in shame...
I'd rather live my life, oblivious..
I'm Joe Stupid, I've got no real name.
Having one would pin me down,
Box me in and just limit my dreams...
Don't take away my anonymity
Or you'll expose all of my sins.
Bubble mine, oh sweet, pure thing of joy!
Thank you for your protection.
Comforting illusions feed all my lies
And offer me the ultimate affection.
And all you, the rest, just leave me be...
Don't steal my mask of blankness.
Let me live my lies as the truths they now are,
To dwell in my false sense of hopefulness.
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