I Am Overwhelmed!

When I first started this blog a few years ago, it was simply to relay stories of my past; specifically, things I found humorous. Sometimes, stories I heard people tell, or things I heard on television prompted chuckles from deep down, or perhaps a tearful memory would crop up. Regardless of the emotion that was beckoned, I would say to myself, "That reminds me of a time when I..." and the trip down memory lane would begin.

From those memories this blog was born. I had no more than a few readers at first, some topics not garnering more than fifteen or twenty "hits." None of that mattered to me because I was only interested in cataloging those stories for family and friends. In fact, if one or two people "liked" one of my blogs, I would smile. Those likes encouraged me to write more!

Next, I turned my writing to politics, a topic I realize turns a lot of people off. Since there were only a few readers gravitating toward my blog, I wasn't too concerned about upsetting anyone. I mean nothing from nothing is still nothing, right? :)

But something strange happened along the way--more and more people began reading some of the meaningless ramblings of a man who just enjoyed the craft of writing. I was astounded when people began sharing my blog with friends that I was not connected with on social media. Soon enough my little counter topped one thousand readings. "Wow," I thought, "there are people who really read this stuff?"

In short order, a small but loyal following linked their Google+ accounts to mine, and many people subscribed to my blog. The only investment a person had to make was a minute or two of their time to read it, so it was easy I suppose. After all, that is why I invest my time with other people's blogs. The only commitment I have to make is giving myself over to their writing for a few minutes, so why not?

The point of this entry isn't necessarily to take another trip down memory lane. On the contrary, I wanted to take a moment to thank each and every person who reads this blog. Recently, we topped 35,000 views and I was once again amazed at its reach. Many people in the U.S., Canada, various countries in South America, throughout Europe, Russia, Japan, The Philippines, Australia, and several others take the time to read my meandering thoughts and musings. Talk about a loving feeling I have for humanity!

In closing, I want to thank you again for reading, debating, commenting, disagreeing, agreeing, enjoying, or hating the things I write. Your feedback is invaluable, and you make this all worthwhile.

Peace and love to all y'all!

The Indelible American Spirit

Sometimes I fear America has lost its way. Hearing and watching people decry our way of life, specifically, those blessed and fortunate enough to live here, bothers me to my core. Without a doubt, I follow politics, have my own opinions on various political topics, and, if you follow me on social media you know already that I have zero problem sharing my take on things.


When I watch the news and see idiots out protesting various events, or watch as people take positions on topics that do not align with American values or our way of life, I feel my ire rising like steam off an Alabama highway after a good rain in July. Like many others, I struggle to bite my tongue when I see people tearing at the very fabric of society and questioning our laws. Want to change things, do it the right way via legislation!


Then something like Hurricane Harvey occurs and we witness people helping people regardless of race or social station. We've seen neighbors pulling neighbors out of raging and dangerous waters, flotillas of private boats arriving in droves to help, and an outpouring of money, food, water, and clothes to help our fellow Americans.


In order to preserve our way of life, we must embrace this resilience and dependence on self and neighbor, rather than on government or elected officials. The backbone of our nation was built on hard work, drive, and a never-say-die attitude. If the rest of the world has decided they do not like us, that is fine. We love one another and will have each other's back in good times and bad.


As we watch with great fear the next natural catastrophe close in on us, let us remember to hold the people of this country in our hearts and prayers. After the storm has passed, let us rush to aid our fellow Americans get back on their feet.


Forget the fringe drivel; none of that stuff is relevant, and I know we are the greatest country on the planet because of our willingness to help one another without question. We are rich because we have one another. We prosper because we care. We love because that is what we are called to do.

A Post For Those in the Path of Hurricane Irma

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