Saturday, June 26, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
How We Got There
In order to convey this story in its true sense, I must undertake a somewhat plebeian explanation of how we all got to this point of our lives. It is crucial that the readers understand the transformation in a metamorphic sense. In my case, I think mutation would serve best. I still wonder in amazement, how coming from a strict catholic upbringing, as we all did, why such a radical change in perception?
Was it a revolt against society, parental control, and decorum?
To answer this I must ask the question:
Can the school atmosphere make a difference to the child's socialization and integration into his society?
Ok, I know what you're all thinking, "oh God, here we go, Bob's fallen off the deep end," well, no Dear Reader, I have not. I am just highly caffeinated, and having a moment of clarity, so please bear with me.
In an article written by Donald W. Light, Jr entitled: Social Participation in Public and Catholic Schools, he writes:
"Catholics from parochial schools perform rituals more often
and are full members of the Catholic community.
Graduates of Catholic schools are significantly more likely
to be absorbed in Catholic culture and organizations."
Although that may be true now in all our lives, during the timeline of this story it may not have always been so. At least not on the surface. We all had our beliefs based on our Catholic upbringing, but we challenged those beliefs. I, for one, investigated other forms of spiritual structure. Such as, the mere fabric of my being. I investigated my existence in ways that were not, according to some, as “socially acceptable”. I was, as some of us were, a reader of literature, writings that encouraged us to examine the “crack in the universe between day and dark, into a world not merely other then our own, but of an entirely different reality.” Some of you may be familiar with those words. Well, you should be. They were written by Carlos Castaneda in one of his books titled: The Teachings of Don Yuan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge, the first book in a trilogy of amazing writings. Yes, children, I still do own The complete box set. Those books opened up a whole new way of perceiving the true essence of life.
Some might say that such an attitude could be construed as a "cop-out." I disagree! I was merely trying to validate all that was taught to me by my parents, teachers and clergy. Lets examine that thought, shall we.
Donald Light also wrote:” that the child needs loving, patient parents who are permissive, to guide him in his exploration of his world and its people. He regards the family as crucial in creating a strong personality foundation for the child, once the child reaches that American limbo, adolescence, however, his external social environment affects the identity he [or she] works out for themselves”.
All of us had a great foundation. We had parents that truly wanted the best for us, they loved us unconditionally, and made all efforts to allow us to “work it out." How we did that was left up to us. However, had they known the extremes we went to, I’m not so sure how enthusiastic they would have been. One thing is for certain, without the experiences we all had lived, without free will, and most of all, without God, none of us would be where we are today. All of us turned out to be productive members of society. Some of us had to learn form our shortcomings, and we, in turn, used those lessons to help others learn without having to repeat some of our less than perfect experiments. All in all, I personally have no regrets, as I am sure none of you do.
I conclude this post with the words of a Shaman priest - one of my favorites:
For me there is only the traveling on paths that have heart,
on any path that may have heart. There I travel,
and the only worthwhile challenge is to traverse its full length.
And there I travel looking, looking, breathlessly.
-Don Juan
Was it a revolt against society, parental control, and decorum?
To answer this I must ask the question:
Can the school atmosphere make a difference to the child's socialization and integration into his society?
Ok, I know what you're all thinking, "oh God, here we go, Bob's fallen off the deep end," well, no Dear Reader, I have not. I am just highly caffeinated, and having a moment of clarity, so please bear with me.
In an article written by Donald W. Light, Jr entitled: Social Participation in Public and Catholic Schools, he writes:
"Catholics from parochial schools perform rituals more often
and are full members of the Catholic community.
Graduates of Catholic schools are significantly more likely
to be absorbed in Catholic culture and organizations."
Although that may be true now in all our lives, during the timeline of this story it may not have always been so. At least not on the surface. We all had our beliefs based on our Catholic upbringing, but we challenged those beliefs. I, for one, investigated other forms of spiritual structure. Such as, the mere fabric of my being. I investigated my existence in ways that were not, according to some, as “socially acceptable”. I was, as some of us were, a reader of literature, writings that encouraged us to examine the “crack in the universe between day and dark, into a world not merely other then our own, but of an entirely different reality.” Some of you may be familiar with those words. Well, you should be. They were written by Carlos Castaneda in one of his books titled: The Teachings of Don Yuan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge, the first book in a trilogy of amazing writings. Yes, children, I still do own The complete box set. Those books opened up a whole new way of perceiving the true essence of life.
Some might say that such an attitude could be construed as a "cop-out." I disagree! I was merely trying to validate all that was taught to me by my parents, teachers and clergy. Lets examine that thought, shall we.
Donald Light also wrote:” that the child needs loving, patient parents who are permissive, to guide him in his exploration of his world and its people. He regards the family as crucial in creating a strong personality foundation for the child, once the child reaches that American limbo, adolescence, however, his external social environment affects the identity he [or she] works out for themselves”.
All of us had a great foundation. We had parents that truly wanted the best for us, they loved us unconditionally, and made all efforts to allow us to “work it out." How we did that was left up to us. However, had they known the extremes we went to, I’m not so sure how enthusiastic they would have been. One thing is for certain, without the experiences we all had lived, without free will, and most of all, without God, none of us would be where we are today. All of us turned out to be productive members of society. Some of us had to learn form our shortcomings, and we, in turn, used those lessons to help others learn without having to repeat some of our less than perfect experiments. All in all, I personally have no regrets, as I am sure none of you do.
I conclude this post with the words of a Shaman priest - one of my favorites:
For me there is only the traveling on paths that have heart,
on any path that may have heart. There I travel,
and the only worthwhile challenge is to traverse its full length.
And there I travel looking, looking, breathlessly.
-Don Juan
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
The main characters
There were many characters to this story, but the main individuals who make all this possible are as follows.
Jerry aka:Jersey
One of my best friends. Although we lost touch for some 20 plus years, we have since found one another again and it feels like we never lost that friendship.
Jerry was, and still is, funny, intelligent, extremely likable, and easy to get along with. He had Clark Gable good looks with a touch of Jackson brown for flavor. He had a personality that attracted you to him. He always had a quick wit, and could bust out a Bob Dylan tune at a moments notice. He always had good advice, but let you make the choice. Jerry was a stratagist, always thinking way ahead. It seemed to work for him best. We had some great times together. Times I will never forget.
Mary
Mary was one the sweetest,beautiful, caring individuals I have ever known. She was my friend, lover, and confidant. Always analytical, she would think seriously about any change she was thinking of making, discuss it, break it down, investigate the pros and con's, and based on the conclusion, she seemed to always make the right decision.
Mary was, part moon child, part teacher. you could always go to her with any problem and she would not judge you, but give you solid advice. We had great times together, and I have only one regret, that I would of been grown up enough to not have let her get away.
Brigid
Brigid was a total people person. There was not one person who ever had a bad thing to say about her. She was sexy, alluring, and had a mysterious quality about her that made you want to get to know her better. She, like Mary, would sit with you and take a seemingly uninteresting topic, and turn it into the greatest story ever told. She had the gift of persuasion. She could sell a chicken farmer a wolf, and make him feel good about it. She was the den mother of the group, and I will always cherish her.
Lisa
Lisa was an interesting one. Very quiet, and unimposing, but behind all that there was a libiditive aura around her. She was a combination of Mother Theresa, and Farah Faucet.No, more like Melanie Griffith, deffinetly Melanie. She believed in all that was spiritual, and treated herself and others with great respect. Lisa found beauty in all things. She was truly one of Gods chosen children, and I'd bet a dollar on a dime, she chose a life that helps mankind.
Bob
Bob, was and it appears still is the adverturer. He was always up for doing something a bit out of the norm. Looking for mushrooms(magic) in cow fields, jumping off cliffs in La Costa, or just taking his honda 360 anywhere east of Cardiff were just a few of the spur of the moment things he was known to do.
He was the prankster of the "landlords" that oversaw the house as well as the property below where people came to stay for varying lenths of time. He was always up to something in a playful way, and always had a smile that curled up on one side when the joke was in play, and an addictive laugh when the gag was sprung, or when laughter was the best medicine. Bob did have a serious side to him and his advise was always well recieved and taken. He was and still is one of my lifetime best friends.
Mickey(aka Micbok)
Mickey was a study in human evolution, and I mean that in a good way. He was way ahead of the curve in a darwinian sense. His mind was always moving faster the anyone around him, and you could always tell when you were about to recieve a dose of his well meaning jest. I swear, if I didn't know better Mickey was part cyborg. He was extremely witty, full of all kinds of facts and figures, had a great sense of humor, and you had to be on top of your game to go into a battle of wits with him. All in all he was a great friend who would go out of his was to help you out of a jam. I will never forget him.
Bridget
Bridget was a playful, fun loving lady. As Mary said "she was the voice of reason" for all of us. She was the ever ready battery of speech. Get her started and she would go on, and on, and on, but you never got bored with what she had to say. The only thing that slowed her down was vodka, and then she got funny and playful. She, like mickey,(who have been married for some 20+ years), would do anything for you, always had your back, and I dont think I ever heard her say anything bad about anyone. She will always hold a special place in my heart.
There were so many others that played a part in those days. Dana Boomhower, Joe Boardman and his sidekick Bob, Mikey the comedian, Lonny Richards, leader of our house band, and Larry and his dog Oso from Montaug, N.Y., the southern bell of which I regret I forgot her name, Marilyn, the cross eyed wonder, Dave Plumber, "Hang the Canook", Cosmo, the Atascadero Mental Hospital graduate, and who can forget, and I would be amiss if I didn't mention "The Bush Rats" whom made our days just a little more exciting. Thanks to you all for making my life so interesting.
Jerry aka:Jersey
One of my best friends. Although we lost touch for some 20 plus years, we have since found one another again and it feels like we never lost that friendship.
Jerry was, and still is, funny, intelligent, extremely likable, and easy to get along with. He had Clark Gable good looks with a touch of Jackson brown for flavor. He had a personality that attracted you to him. He always had a quick wit, and could bust out a Bob Dylan tune at a moments notice. He always had good advice, but let you make the choice. Jerry was a stratagist, always thinking way ahead. It seemed to work for him best. We had some great times together. Times I will never forget.
Mary
Mary was one the sweetest,beautiful, caring individuals I have ever known. She was my friend, lover, and confidant. Always analytical, she would think seriously about any change she was thinking of making, discuss it, break it down, investigate the pros and con's, and based on the conclusion, she seemed to always make the right decision.
Mary was, part moon child, part teacher. you could always go to her with any problem and she would not judge you, but give you solid advice. We had great times together, and I have only one regret, that I would of been grown up enough to not have let her get away.
Brigid
Brigid was a total people person. There was not one person who ever had a bad thing to say about her. She was sexy, alluring, and had a mysterious quality about her that made you want to get to know her better. She, like Mary, would sit with you and take a seemingly uninteresting topic, and turn it into the greatest story ever told. She had the gift of persuasion. She could sell a chicken farmer a wolf, and make him feel good about it. She was the den mother of the group, and I will always cherish her.
Lisa
Lisa was an interesting one. Very quiet, and unimposing, but behind all that there was a libiditive aura around her. She was a combination of Mother Theresa, and Farah Faucet.No, more like Melanie Griffith, deffinetly Melanie. She believed in all that was spiritual, and treated herself and others with great respect. Lisa found beauty in all things. She was truly one of Gods chosen children, and I'd bet a dollar on a dime, she chose a life that helps mankind.
Bob
Bob, was and it appears still is the adverturer. He was always up for doing something a bit out of the norm. Looking for mushrooms(magic) in cow fields, jumping off cliffs in La Costa, or just taking his honda 360 anywhere east of Cardiff were just a few of the spur of the moment things he was known to do.
He was the prankster of the "landlords" that oversaw the house as well as the property below where people came to stay for varying lenths of time. He was always up to something in a playful way, and always had a smile that curled up on one side when the joke was in play, and an addictive laugh when the gag was sprung, or when laughter was the best medicine. Bob did have a serious side to him and his advise was always well recieved and taken. He was and still is one of my lifetime best friends.
Mickey(aka Micbok)
Mickey was a study in human evolution, and I mean that in a good way. He was way ahead of the curve in a darwinian sense. His mind was always moving faster the anyone around him, and you could always tell when you were about to recieve a dose of his well meaning jest. I swear, if I didn't know better Mickey was part cyborg. He was extremely witty, full of all kinds of facts and figures, had a great sense of humor, and you had to be on top of your game to go into a battle of wits with him. All in all he was a great friend who would go out of his was to help you out of a jam. I will never forget him.
Bridget
Bridget was a playful, fun loving lady. As Mary said "she was the voice of reason" for all of us. She was the ever ready battery of speech. Get her started and she would go on, and on, and on, but you never got bored with what she had to say. The only thing that slowed her down was vodka, and then she got funny and playful. She, like mickey,(who have been married for some 20+ years), would do anything for you, always had your back, and I dont think I ever heard her say anything bad about anyone. She will always hold a special place in my heart.
There were so many others that played a part in those days. Dana Boomhower, Joe Boardman and his sidekick Bob, Mikey the comedian, Lonny Richards, leader of our house band, and Larry and his dog Oso from Montaug, N.Y., the southern bell of which I regret I forgot her name, Marilyn, the cross eyed wonder, Dave Plumber, "Hang the Canook", Cosmo, the Atascadero Mental Hospital graduate, and who can forget, and I would be amiss if I didn't mention "The Bush Rats" whom made our days just a little more exciting. Thanks to you all for making my life so interesting.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
