Once upon a time
no lie
I was a mighty super hero
I could fly
Bending iron bars
Making bad guys pay
I was the guy
who would come and save the day

Then my knees grew weak
and my x-ray eyes turned all misty
knuckles and toes began to creak
my head and shoulders o so dusty

Yes once upon a time
it's true
I was bulletproof
fast as lightning
opening mayonnaise jars
making right as I may
I wasn't shy
Blazing the trail and paving the way

Then my knees grew weak
and my x-ray eyes turned all misty
knuckles and toes began to creak
my head and shoulders o so dusty

You believe me don't you?

I had to leave
first base open
She begged me to stay
to put the soap in
It was a slider
so much like an insider
It gave me second thoughts

Scoring runs
no walks
Home is fun
when nobody balks
Third time around
this prince  can be charming
Pop fly, Oh so alarming

I'll arrive at the plate
catching my breath
Ne'er a moment too late
coming right back
where I started from
to score once more
for my home town team

This fool frolics one day a year
in pools melancholic of
melting ice and snow
lick
my feet
until I slip
then my seat gets it

It seemed so simple
Stand upright
Dance
instead
I wet my pants

I am such a fool

Murisopsis writes,

April is National Poetry Month and since Leah is no longer on xanga I’ve had to come up with a Scavenger Hunt on my own. The rules are simple, write one poem a day using any form your heart desires using the prompts listed below (there are 30 days in April so there are 30 prompts). And of course you have to post the poem on your Xanga blog. It’s Easy Peasy. Although there are no prizes, everyone that plays along is a winner! Now you don’t have to be a Poet Laureate to play. In fact writing poetry is kind of like anything – you have to do it to get better. So here is your chance to get into the groove of poetry writing in a non-judgemental forum. Xanga is filled with folks that even though they may not love poetry, they do love their fellow xangans and will give you the support and positive feedback that every budding poet needs. So let’s put our poetry out there!!

1. Simple
2. Home town
3. Believe
4. Extraordinary
5. Tiny miracles
6. Celestial Jerusalem
7. Covered bridge
8. Carpet
9. Rabbit
10. Encouragement
11. Snowbirds
12. Meatloaf
13. Hijinks
14. Cabin fever
15. Wind chimes
16. Youth
17. Steeples
18. Ghosts
19. Fountain pen
20. Resurrection
21. Tomatoes
22. Hard boiled eggs
23. I do not wish to contend
24. Kibble
25. Wool socks
26. Oil changes
27. Dog hair
28. Growth
29. Conceit
30. Patience

I think I will try it.

After listening to multiple debates on the subject I decided to look it up for myself.

http://www.corestandards.org/

After reading the core goals, I consider it a worthwhile initiative. Those who object to it are typically unable to understand the objectives and thus not most qualified to teach these subjects in the first place. The nightmares we keep hearing are the result of resistance and defiance rather than goal minded individuals seeking to provide an age appropriate education to our children. Everything in the common core is what I learned as a student. To expect anything less of our education system is to regress in our ability to extend our knowledge rather than to advance and grow it.

In life we can make excuses for failure or we can succeed. I prefer to succeed. I gives me a greater sense of self worth. One can not succeed with out first setting goals. The higher the goal the greater the accomplishment.

We put men on the moon. If we can't teach our children to add or subtract then we have a big problem.

Of course I do understand that a significant burden is being placed on or school systems. Revamping teaching methods is always a controversial issue as some teachers are more effective with certain strategies than others. An academic study of successful teachers reveals specific characteristics that many who enter the teaching profession simply do not possess.

I tell the men I work with, "If you are going to be a roofer then be the best all darn roofer you can be." It isn't easy. The same philosophy holds true for every profession. If you aren't going to do your best, you're wasting everybody's time. No excuses.

That's my opinion and I am willing to hear yours if you have one on the subject. Even if yours does not agree with mine. It doesn't bother me if you are wrong.

There is often more than one way to do the right thing. The straightest course may not always be the best course, even though both courses take us to the same destination.

Remember; On this voyage of life, it is indeed the voyage and not the final port of call that truly defines us.

Of course you will. There aren't enough people left on Xanga to protest.

I caught a mouse the other day. Don't ask how, but I threw him out of the house and a blue jay swooped down from the sky and carried it away. Lucky day for the jay. Not so lucky for the mouse.

SO I tossed some scraps of meat to the birds, and a mouse came out from somewhere in the snow and carried away a piece of the meat. Some mice are luckier than others.

And I just watched all this unfold from my warm comfortable chair.

I built a box. No great feat until you consider first, 45 years ago I planted a cherry tree. I was only 8. A couple of years ago I cut down the cherry tree, no lie and milled it into planks, then let them dry.

It is for slippers, hats and scarves

It still needs to be stained and varnished.

I finally have all the steps completed for the spiral staircase. They need a few finishing touches.

Soon I will be able to climb up to the loft without using a portable ladder. Yay!

The weather was cold but that didn't stop me from cutting saplings for the railings.

It should look pretty cool when it is done.

All I did on the fireplace was to bring 50 block inside to thaw out and cut the pieces for the staggers and the corner. BUT I did mortar in the stones for the windows in the shower! The wall will be stone and the shower a waterfall.

Playing the piano, making music, making art, keeping warm waiting for spring to start.

Speaking of starting I have seeds started for planting when the weather gets ready for me. Stupid weather, doesn't seem to care what I want.

I'm bored. Maybe I'll bake cookies...

Carolyn Asked me to record something new, SO Carolyn just for you I made this recording today.

I know it isn't a musical masterpiece in either its conception, composition or performance, but it was fun to play and I think it is fun to listen to. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

BTW. I think it sounds better with headphones than through the computer speakers.

It rambles a bit

But then again who doesn't?

Now I really have to get started on building that fireplace. I've got brick and mortar, time and energy, and a rough plan.

I just need to do it.

I have become the quintessential blogger modeled after  the Xanga team, pathetic, not around much, nothing new to offer.

Hmm I know! How about, I recycle an old uploaded photo, by tweaking it a little and removing all the color. I will call it a newer improved version!

(Click on the image for a better view)

I think I will go drown my sorrows in a glass of chocolate milk.

 *Cough cough* Stupid cold *sniff sniff*

Yesterday

Today

Tomorrow

(Click on an image for detailed view)

I'm trying to keep myself busy, while fighting this stupid cold.

You really should click on this image to see the detail!

I am feeling better. I will be around tomorrow to check in on you and say hi.  Until then, May God's love be with you.