a repeat

Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

Discrimination is a hellhound that gnaws at Negroes in every waking moment of their lives to remind them that the lie of their inferiority is accepted as truth in the society dominating them.

Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted.

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

When Your Crush Responds

How long can a crush last? And what happens when you're back in touch with a person you crushed on years ago? I've wondered about these questions because one of my earliest crushes, a friend from high school, and I are back in touch at least via social networking and phone. He now lives several states away. Another friend who I worked with years ago also recently friended me on Facebook. He's relatively nearby, only about four hours by car. After more than a decade in both cases, I'm surprised how strong the connection feels. Anyone else have similar experiences?

One Year Blogiversary

One year ago today I launched this blog with faith that it would lead somewhere positive.

Now I'm so grateful I did. Thanks to all who have reached out to me in friendship.

Exactly what's ahead I'm not sure, but year one has been a great start.

Yes, you matter. Yes, we'll read. Yes, we'll comment. I've receieved so many yesses.

Each entry, each photo, each response--they do all add up.

A few stats: 68 posts, 205 comments; 750 profile views.

Reaching out has its rewards.

But numbers aside,what have I learned and gained? So many things, gifts, qualities:

Learning, leading, leaning, loving, laughter

Opportunities, organizations, organizing

Giving, getting, gladness, growth, gain, Gaga (Lady)

Introspection, illumination, improvement, involvement

Variety, virtue, villification, vision

Energy, enthusiasm, entertainment

Record keeping, realism

Seeking, solving, straight thinking ;)

Amazing, creative, kind, loving men, women and children

Recreation, reading, research, revolution

Yielding and yearning.

Happy Kindling New Year

Kindle, it used to be a perfectly acceptable verb and now, thanks to Amazon, it's a noun and brand. Nonetheless I like some of the associated definitions. Kindling works as either a noun or a verb:

• material for starting a fire
• ignition: the act of setting something on fire

And kindle, as a verb, has several evocative meanings:

• kindle - catch fire; "The dried grass of the prairie kindled, spreading the flames for miles"
• kindle - cause to start burning; "The setting sun kindled the sky with oranges and reds"
• kindle - arouse: call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses); "arouse pity"; "raise a smile"; "evoke sympathy"

I thought of the word this morning in relation to scripture reading of all things. Maybe trying to jump into daily scripture reading is like trying to ignite a large block of wood. You'll waste your match unless you have some kindling. So I'm going to start 2010 by taking a look through my marked copies of the scriptures. To me that's like getting a fire started with some kindling. I'd like to be a strong spiritually as the pixilated guy appears, of course I'd also like to be that strong physically, mentally, financially, romantically--well you name it. Here's to kindling strength in each other, in our loved ones, and in ourselves in the New Year.

So those are a few of my thoughts on this first day of the year. What do you think? As you look ahead what do you see on the horizon, or perhaps just beyond it, for the year ahead?