One day you will ask me which is more important? My life or yours? I will say mine and you will walk away not knowing that you are my life.
relationship
We Two ~ Poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
We two make home of any place we go;
We two find joy in any kind of weather;
Or if the earth is clothed in bloom or snow,
If summer days invite, or bleak winds blow,
What matters it if we two are together?
We two, we two, we make our world, our weather.
We two make banquets of the plainest fare;
In every cup we find the thrill of pleasure;
We hide with wreaths the furrowed brow of care,
And win to smiles the set lips of despair.
For us life always moves with lilting measure;
We two, we two, we make our world, our pleasure.
We two find youth renewed with every dawn;
Each day holds something of an unknown glory.
p. 21We waste no thought on grief or pleasure gone;
Tricked out like hope, time leads us on and on,
And thrums upon his harp new song or story.
We two, we two, we find the paths of glory.
We two make heaven here on this little earth;
We do not need to wait for realms eternal.
We know the use of tears, know sorrow’s worth,
And pain for us is always love’s rebirth.
Our paths lead closely by the paths supernal;
We two, we two, we live in love eternal.
Something to Think About
The most important relationship we can all have is the one you have with yourself, the most important journey you can take is one of self-discovery. To know yourself, you must spend time with yourself, you must not be afraid to be alone. Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.
A New Story, “Searching for Dad” begins in 3 Days
A New Story
Searching For Dad
Begins in 3 Days
New Story, ‘Searching for Dad,’ Begins in 6 Days
A New Story
Searching For Dad
Begins in 6 Days
New Story, ‘Searching for Dad,’ Begins in 7 Days
A New Story
Searching For Dad
Begins in 7 Days
Quote for Today – November 13, 2017
“Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone-we find it with another.” – Thomas Merton
The Dogs Been Grilling for 24 Hours
Farlo hobbled around the car, Tina followed him. He opened Joey’s door before Joey thought to lock it. Farlo bent over and leaned in going eyeball to eyeball with Joey. “We can do this hard way or we can do this really, really hard way. What way do you want it?”
“Can you accept the voluntary way?” said Joey hoping Farlo didn’t whack him.
“We got two minutes and counting. We won’t have this chance for a week. Are you coming voluntarily or am I going to drag your sorry butt across the parking lot?”
“I said I was volunteering. You make too many snap judgments,” said Joey. He unbuckled his seat belt. He slid out of his seat and stood up outside the car.
Joey said, “I’m going, but under protest. I intend to file a grievance with Filo whenever I meet him.”
“You’re not cleared to meet him. Let’s go. It’s go time,” snapped Farlo half hobbling with his cane, half jogging. Tina walked along side Farlo. Joey walked alongside Tina.
They reached the entrance door to the 7-Eleven. Farlo held up his hand for Joey to stop. He stared inside. The clerk nervously stood behind the counter. The taller of the two men was in the back of the 7-Eleven near the cold beer. The shorter of the two was surveying the candy and gum section.
Joey said, “You think they’re going to rob this place? Call 911 and let’s get out of here.”
Farlo looked at Joey, and said, “Turn around.”
Joey did as Farlo asked.
“Just as I thought, no backbone,” said Farlo then he checked his Apple 3 watch. “We’ve got 45 seconds. Then we’re going in. You follow me. I know you don’t have my back. Tina does.”
“Who has my back?” asked Joey.
At that moment, two pickups, a motorcycle, a beat-up Chevy Malibu, and a college kid on a skateboard came into the parking lot. Farlo turned and took it all in. He looked at Joey, “The numbers are against us. If we don’t move now, we don’t have a chance. Listen up kid, this is your first test, you pass it, I’ll make a note on your weekly evaluation I text to Filo.”
Before Joey could say, “Who’s Filo?” Farlo pushed open the door and headed toward the back. The clerk dived to the floor behind the counter. Tina was on Farlo’s heels. Joey was thinking about diving over the counter and joining the clerk. Farlo reached the back aisle when the 7-Eleven door opened for another customer. He turned to his right, he exclaimed, “I made it. We’re first in line. The dogs have been grilling for twenty-four hours.” Tina barked.
The tall guy fell in line behind Joey, the short guy fell in line behind the tall guy. The first pickup driver fell in line behind the short guy. The second pickup driver fell in line behind the first pickup driver. The skateboard college kid fell in the line behind the second pickup truck driver. As for the beat-up Chevy Malibu driver, he headed to the men’s room.
The tall guy said, “I didn’t know you were in town, Farlo. What are you doing here?”
Farlo turned around, three dogs in one hand, each one in a soft hot bun. Two of dogs with relish and mustard, The third with mustard only, Filo gave the other two to Tina, who finished them within seven point four seconds. A good time, not her personal best. She wanted to enjoy the taste.
Filo looked at the tall “Son of a gun, I didn’t recognize you, Flakes. You lost weight.How they hanging?”
“Thanks for noticing. I’m down ten pounds on my all dog diet.”
Joey stared at Farlo, then he stared at Flakes. Then he stared at the little guy. Farlo turned toward Joey, “Get three dogs for Tina, none for you. You haven’t earned them.”
“What? This is not fair. I love 7-Eleven grilled for 24-hours hotdogs. They got the perfect combination of wrinkles, nitrates, chemicals, and meat waste products. They’re always sold out when I try to get one.”
“Tough noogies,” said Farlo.
Flakes said, “The punk’s got a lot to learn, Farlo.”
The short guy came around with his Snicker’s candy bar, “Hey Farlo, waz happening?”
“Bones, what’s shakin?” said Farlo.
“A little bit of this, a lot of dat. Who’s da baby?”
Farlo said, “He’s my reclamation project, his name is Joey.”
“What a minute. I’m not a baby. I’m not a punk. I’m a dude.”
“Dat’s a baby’s name. You don’t got no street name? How you gonna have street cred? How you gonna run with the big dog here?” said Bones.
“I don’t need street cred. I already got it,” said Joey.
“The only thing you probably got is a GI Joe you hide under your pillow,” said Flakes. Flakes and Bones high fived.
“Do not,” said Joey.
Farlo said, “No, he doesn’t have a GI Joe. He has a stuffed bear on his pillow.”
A fist bump, a high five, and several minutes of laughter later, Farlo said, “You boys take care of the job Filo sent you on? It was a rough one.”
“Filo’s the man, Farlo. I don’t know what he doesn’t know. What I want to know is how does a guy his age have all the women chasing after him. You know da answer?”
“I do, Bones, but it’s classified. You and Flakes got a class five security clearance, you need a class twenty. There are only two people who got it,” said Farlo.
“Who? And, BTW, the name is Joe-mo,” said Joey.
“Dat da best you can do? They gonna eat you up when Farlo has you fly solo,” said Bones.
“I’m working on it,” said Joey.
Farlo said, “The two people with security clearance twenty? Filo and me.”
“Who’s Filo? When do I get to meet him? Can I see the company manual? I want to read the grievance process,” said Joey or Joe-mo.
Farlo shook his head, took a bite of hotdog, fed the rest to Tina. He fist bumped Bones and Flakes. Then he said, “Joey, take the hotdog out of your pocket and give it to Tina.”
Who’s Filo? Who does Farlo work for? Is it a secret government agency? What kind of job did Flakes and Bones do?
My Alarm Didn’t Go Off
It’s 5 a.m., Joey’s alarm is set to ring at 6:30. He doesn’t have to be at work until 8. Right now, Joey’s lying on a beach chair, tanned, clothed in a bathing suit. His beach chair sits on a white sandy beach in Jamaica. Joey takes one look at the bluest bit of ocean water you’ll ever see. Then he turns his head to the beach chair next to him to marvel at one of the world’s wonders, a scantily clad native beauty who’s smiling at him, her red lips and sultry look tell Joey all he wants to know. They’re drinking margaritas. Joey knows where the afternoon is headed, until . . .
“Wake up low life. Rise and shine. You’re snoozing you’re losing.” A series of angry barks followed. He felt the covers ripped off him.
He pulled his pillow over his head, kicked his legs and feet at an elusive enemy, and screamed, “Get out of here. My alarm didn’t go off. I don’t have to be to work until 8.”
“Five seconds, that’s all you got, you piece of work to get up. I’m feeling generous, you got fifteen minutes to shave, shower, do your business, make your bed and stand for inspection,” barked Farlo in a baritone voice mixed with the sound of a jackhammer and lawn mower.
“I’m not getting up. Get used to it,” uttered Joey’s muffled voice. Then he added, “What are you doing? Are you nuts?” said Joey jumping out of bed soaking wet. His sheets and mattress soaked. He rubbed his eyes with his fists. He opened his eyes, his arms by his sides, his fists clenched, and stared at Farlo.
Farlo stood rim rode straight in front of him. Farlo held on to his cane with his right hand and an empty two gallon water bucket in the other. Tina sat next to Farlo on her haunches. To Joey, it looked like Tina was laughing at him.
“You look like crap. You have fifteen minutes and counting. The clock is ticking. Make sure the bathroom is the way you found it or your ass is grass and I’m the lawn mower,” snarled Farlo sounding like an irritated pit bull.
Joey took a step toward Farlo, Tina let out a growl. Joey stepped back and said, “At least get out of my room.”
Farlo stared at Joey, “Don’t worry about work. I called in for you and told your supervisor you quit. You’ll get your check in next week’s mail.”
“I, I, I’ve been there for five years. I was building a career portfolio. I need that job,” Joey snapped.
“It’s a dead-end job kid. You’re working for me. You’re going to thank me for getting you out of a loser’s job. This is the first day of the rest of your life. Now, move out.”
“But, but, but . . .”
“Tina!” said Farlo.
Tina stood up. She set herself to attack Joey. Joey stepped back and walked a wide circle around Tina and Farlo and headed to the bathroom.
Sixteen minutes later Joey went into the kitchen. He saw Farlo sitting on one of his two chairs, actually empty kegs. On the table in front of Farlo sat a bowl of oatmeal, container of Greek yogurt, dish of fresh fruit, and coffee.
“Where’d you get that food?” asked Joey.
“Filo had it delivered at oh four hundred.”
“What time is that?” asked Joey.
Joey walked over to the table and sat down on the other keg. He looked at the empty space in front of him, “Where’s my food?”
“What do you think you’re doing, kid? You haven’t stood for inspection. Go back to your bedroom and call me when you’re standing as straight as a lamp pole,” said Farlo. He paused and took a sip of his coffee.
“This is not fair,” said Joey.
“I know,” said Farlo.
Joey turned and went back to his bedroom. A moment later, he called, “I’m ready.”
Tina walked in the bedroom first followed by Farlo. “Check it for drugs and weapons girl.”
Tina slowly walked around the bed sniffing the sheets and mattress. She stopped when she reached the other side of the bed. Her head stared directly at Joey’s pillow. Farlo walked past Joey and around the bed. Joey turned his head.
Farlo barked, “Eyes front.” Joey turned his head toward the door.
Joey heard a ripping sound. He heard the rustling of a pillow case and saw feathers floating over his head. He heard, “Aha, weed. Are you a pothead? Is this what I’m dealing with? You’re going cold turkey. No drugs, no alcohol. Forget coffee. You’re on a restricted, cleansing diet, water, fruit, spinach and kale and whole grains for two weeks. If it doesn’t work, you’ll get a juice enema.”
“Noooooo,” whimpered Joey.
“You don’t even know how to make a bed. You are a shipwreck. You’re standing in the middle of the tracks and a speeding train is about to reduce you to rubble. Burn the linen. It hasn’t been changed and washed in six months. Now let me look at you.”
Farlo paced around Joey until stood six inches from Joey’s face. “Listen up. No grunge, short haircut, use a brush on your fingernails and for God’s sake, trim them. I didn’t see any floss in your bathroom. I’ll make you a shopping list. You can sit and watch me eat.”
“What about me?” asked Joey.
Farlo ignored Joey’s comment. “Wait until I’m finished eating. You have to exercise before you eat.”
“What?”
“Filo told me you were a Cat 5 project. That’s as high as the numbers go. That’s the worst case of all the worst cases. Nothing to worry about. I never fail.”
“Who’s Filo?” asked Joey.
Who is Filo? I have the same question. What are Filo’s plans for Joey? Why was Joey chosen? Come back tomorrow to see how Joey’s doing.
Three Weeks of Unwashed Laundry
Farlo sat at the clean kitchen table. Not exactly a kitchen table, it was a card table Joey picked out of a dumpster. Joey sat across from him. Tina lied on the floor next to Farlo’s feet.
“What’d you think? My house looks awesome,” said Joey beaming with pride.
“If I told you what I think, I’d hurt your feelings. So, I’ll sugar coat it because you are a baby in the world of grownups,” said Farlo.
“You’re negative. Can’t you say anything nice?” asked Joey.
“You want positive, I’ll give you positive. You took the trash off the floor. The carried the trash out to the trash can. You washed the dishes, dried them and put them away. Now, reality. The floor has more stains than a Chinese restaurant with a D rating from the board of health. You have three weeks of unwashed clothes in your closet. Don’t think I didn’t find them hiding behind four crates filled with empty beer cans. When was the last time you bought a toothbrush? Need I go on?”
“So? It’s my house and I’m happy with it. You know where the door is,” said Joey.
“Gig, poor attitude. You’re up to four gigs. One more and you’re grounded. Right now, you’re on level four correction,” said Farlo.
“What’s level four?” said Joey.
“I’m holding your cell phone for two weeks,” said Farlo matter-of-factly.
“I am not a child. You don’t give it to me, I’ll call the police,” said Joey.
“With what? I have your cell phone,” said Farlo.
“Who are you? Why are you here? Who sent you? What can I do to make you leave me alone?” said Joey.
Farlo looked down at Tina, patted her on the head, then he looked back up at Joey, “You look disgusting. You smell disgusting. You’re fifteen pounds overweight. You’re soft. I’m giving you a pass on your appearance today. Tomorrow morning you’ll stand inspection. Who am I? I’m your best friend, only you don’t know it. Why am I here? The boss said you’d be a tough case, but he thinks you’re worth it. He’s got a job for you to do. Me? I’m your mentor, best friend, life line, or drill instructor, I’m getting you ready. Who sent me? Filo. And, there’s nothing you can do to make me leave.”
“Who’s Filo?”
“I’ll tell you if you agree to a lobotomy. No answer? Get cleaned up. That’s means shave, shower, and put on clean clothes. We’re going out to dinner.
“I want delivery pizza,” said Joey.
“Pizza’s off the menu until further notice,” said Farlo.
“Does that include elephant ears, fried dough, and hotdogs?”
Farlo gave Joey a what do you think look.
Noooooooooo,” screamed Joey.
Tina growled.
Will Farlo straighten out Joey? Who is Filo? Come back tomorrow and see where this is going.
