While Waiting For Improvement

Put your body to rest and come with me. Lets travel the world and enjoy its sights. Fly with the birds or swim in the ocean. Ride that wave to the shore and then let wind take you in its arms. Sometimes we're so mirred in our problems that we don't see what's around us. While I may not be able to leave my body behind for a while, the least I can do is appreciate what's within my reach to experience at this time.

Ghostly Experience

I believe that some spirits become lost between this life and the next
one. Some years ago I experienced this. I had decided to get some
setups the night before an event. While getting a display done in a
tent, with a flashlight as my only way to see, I feel a presence near
me and shortly after that my light starts getting dimmer and dimmer. I
turn around and say out loud "knock it off I have work to do" and the
beam gets brighter. Needless to say that I promptly finished my dislay
and left.

Brasilia - A Planned City

Most cities grow around a specific location, be it a settlement, a
trading post or something like that. However this is not the case for
this city. It was first mentioned in 1823 to accomodate the need to
move Brasil's capital inland and protect it from maritime attacks. The
new capital's name is to be Brasilia. In 1891 the constitution makes
this idea official and in 1922 the first stone is laid. Construction
begins in earnert in 1956 and on April 22 of 1960 Brasilia is
officially opened.

Matryoshka Dolls

A nesting doll is the one thing you will see and immediately know it
is of Russian origin. Born around 1890 in Serviev Posad this form of
art has become Russia's ambasador to the world. They are known as
matryoshka or baboushka dolls, however the correct name would be
Matryoshka. This was a popular name that has its Latin roots in the
word mother. Themes vary widely as well as sizes, the biggest set
being of 72 dolls. For more info visit www.russianlega
cy.com/nestingdolls.htm

An October 31st Memory

Many years ago, more than I dare admit to myself, I went to a
Halloween party. It was my neighbor's birthday. Yup, how cool is that,
being born on Oct 31st. Ton of people there, most way taller than I
was at the time. I remember lifting my mask while trying to get an
apple out of the water with my mouth. But the coolest memory is of his
dad's entrance. A black car pulls in and a coffin is pulled from the
back, out of it comes Dracula, buhaha. More than 25 years later I'm
still thrilled by it.

As History Unfolds

At this time next week I'll be following the presidential race as
results pour in from all states. This will be a historic moment when
either the first african-american or a woman will be in the Oval
Office. As the chapter of what has undoubtedly become one of the worst
presidential terms draws to a close a new chapter begins. Whoever that
person is they will face the task of uniting, mending and uplifting
this nation that seems to have lost its bearings. Whoever you are may
God be with you.

Borrowed Eyes

Ah, to experience the beauty of Moscow! To feel it's fresh crisp air
and bear witness to its clear winter skies. And while I am thousands
of miles away I've seen them, enjoyed their majesty and been humbled
by its greatness. All seen through borrowed eyes. Eyes that remind me
there is a world full of wonders out there waiting to be experienced.
I promise you that I will see you again, in the future, with my own
eyes.

Hiding In The Open

I am the strong and stable friend. Whenever needed I'm always there. I
have no problems and tirelessly work to keep the ship afloat. Yet
those who read this know me better than others. What started as a whim
has evolved into a portal to my soul. You bear witness that I'm just
like anybody else, I just hide it better. In the end, that's what I'm
doing here, hiding in the open, in a sea of annonimity, where I am
just another needle in the hay stack. If you're reading this, can you
keep a secret?

Remembering The Woman I Loved The Most

I remember being in your arms. Feeling your gentle touch and kisses. I
remember you always being there for me, even when I wavered your arms
were always open, welcoming me back. I remember feeling special around
you and now I realize it was never me but your magic making me feel
this way. I remember going away, to far off lands and feeling you
always by my side. I remember seeing you in your last days, your body
weak but your eyes always strong and full of love. I'll always love
you grandma.

My Brother Sun

My brother Sun, who hangs in the sky. Along with your sister you guide
my steps and color my life. Every day you keep me warm and show me how
beautiful the world is. Every night Sister Moon shelters me with her
silver blanket, reminding me that while I may not see you, you are
always there for me. Every morning there you are, sending me a ray of
light... a ray of hope that heralds the dawn of a new day. Full of
adventures and experiences to shape my life, which I'll share with you
Brother Sun.

Davy Jones' Price Stolen

Imagine the sun giving you warmth, the wind kissing your face, a
gentle movement under your feet and the sea meeting the sky in the
horizon. That's exactly what you would experience aboard my friend's
yacht. Here is an opportunity to wrestle with the will of the wind and
sea. Where your ability to harness their power and make them do your
bidding may determine your safe return or a visit to Davy Jones
locker. This is the adventure you embark upon at sea and winning is
better than loosing.

Light Filters

Following the subject of wild fires, there is something that never
ceases tn amaze me... the beautiful skies. When fires happen near
where I live the sky turns a shade of orange. There is a change in the
quality of the sun light. A sort of perennial twilight that paints
everything with its magical brush. This is magical light permeates
everything, giving the day a touch of calmness that is usually felt at
the end of the day. Maybe it nature saying that in the end everything
will be alright.

Surreal Scenes

When I left Puerto Rico I thought that there would be no more extreme
nature for me. Meaning I would not have to go through hurricanes and
the like. Well I did escape the hurricanes and traded those for the
famous California wild fires. Like hurricanes they are a seasonal
occurence. The images posted here were sent by a friend. They were
taken from her home and while evacuating the area. Luckily nothing
happened to her place even though the fires were really close.
Surreal.

Nature's Lullaby

One of the things I really miss from Puerto Rico is sleeping there.
Each night nature creates a lullaby for you to sleep to. Sounds like
the rain outside your window, crickets chirping and coquis singing.
This last one is a very small frog found only in Puerto Rico. Its name
is derived from the sounds it makes, coqui-coqui. All these sounds
combine to make nature's symphony that will take you to the land of
dreams. And with these sounds my friends, I wish you sweet dreams
tonight.

Sprinkling Stardust

Ok I must confess, I am hooked to the movie Stardust. My wife brought
it home last week saying it was a good film. Those words did the film
no justice. The film has something for everyone. Romance, action,
laughs all in a way that will leave you with a smile on your face and
a very good feeling by the end. Whenever you need a feel good movie
this should be amongst your top choices. I should know, I've watched
it 4 times over the past 6 days and am walking on a cloud.

More Russian Photos

Here are some more photos from Russia. Sent to me by a friend in
Moscow. Here you can see St. Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin.

Places to Visit

I recently got these photos sent by a penpal in St. Petersburg,
Russia. The city has been described to me as one of the most beautiful
cities in Russia. I'm posting it here as a reminder and note to self
that a visit to Russia is a must before dropping this body and picking
up another one. Also need to visit the Red Square, Kremlin, buy some
cheburashka dolls, go to a valet recital and eat at the local
McDonalds.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Michael Rivera <michaelrivera0619@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:39:35 -0400
Subject:
To: michaelrivera0619@gmail.com

Archangel Michael

For whatever reasons I'm told I'm an angel. The following was inspired
by a long-distance friend in need and the image of sword wielding
Archangel Michael slaying a dragon... While you may not see me you
will feel my presence. When you need that extra ounce of courage, hope
or confort just close your eyes and draw it from me. While my sword
may not kill it will vanquish your enemies. While my wings won't help
you fly they will confort you. While you may feel alone I am there
with you.

Shaping Of Ideas

My ideas are always original. We may see the same situation. But
they'll be viewed differently, depending where we're looking from.
Then our conclusions will be based on those observations and our
experiences. Then how do we agree with each other? Is it because we
compromise our views? I think it is because we are willing to
communicate and exchange ideas and views until we reach an agreement.
My ideas are original, yet they are shaped by those I interact with
and I allow to influence me.

Financial Crisis And Confidence (Lack Thereof)

What is going on with this financial crisis? Now businesses are
looking up to governments for guidance. The situation persists because
there is a lack of confidence. Sadly it will keep going until enough
people decide to take responsibility for the scene and start handling.
But this won't happen soon, why? Because doing it entails admiting to
shady practices, loosing millions and opening the door to regulations.
With a few million$ as a cushion, who cares what happens to the
regular Joe?

Lost

There are things in our lives that give us a feeling of security. Like
the roof over our heads or a meal on the table. Likewise there are
people who provide that same sense of security. It may be their
presence, their smile, their embrace, their words or their silence.
They become a shining beacon that guide our steps during times of
uncertaintity. The voice that soothes in the dark. Where are you my
friend? I feel lost and alone in the dark. I miss your words and your
silence. I miss you.

The Art Of Glibness

In last night's VP debate Palin's mastery in the art of glibness is
incredible. She did survive the debate but when you honestly look at
it, she is not prepared. Her tactics were simple. Portray herself as
middle class, keep attacking Obama, present herself and McCain as
mavericks and most important, not get into subjects she does not know.
She answered questions she knew and dodged those she didn't by going
over previous ones. This only shows her degree of glibness and
unpreparedness.

Price Of Freedom

Just read an email from a friend in Belarus. We are very fortunate
here. While far from ideal our basics freedoms are there. Yet this
message has made me more aware that there is a ways to go in order to
achieve that ideal state on a worldwide basis. Appropriate to this is
the following quote; it applies to me, to you, to all of us.
<br>"Price of freedom: constant alertness, constant willingness to
fight back. There is no other price." -LRH

Great Expectations?

As Thursday's VP debate nears we have to ask ourselves what should we
expect. On the one hand we have an inexperienced and hardly exposed
Sarah Palin. On the other hand is Joe Bidden. Who is quite experienced
but is also notorius for his faux pas. The stakes are clear. For
Bidden he needs to maintain his altitude and not mess up. For Palin is
the need to prove her readiness or keep giving Tina Fey (SNL) more
material where she can be quoted directly to make a joke. What do you
think Dan Potatoe?