Songster

Funny story, Al! We had one we called "Tom" that adopted us. He'd purr when he ate too. (Hope K's doing well!)

In Hexpala's post, he forgot to mention the "pokin,' probin', 'n proddin'." I nominate Rev.Richard!

Thanks! Sometimes I get lucky. (My Muse was sitting on my lap when I read yours.) Chin up, my friend!

Solitary Soul Seeks solace in syllables Broken heart haiku

I don't do reality shows, so this was my first exposure to Prince Poppycock. I did listen to the clip though, he's got talent.

I have a copy! They made a film of it that was good too.

I am a collector (though my wife says "hoarder" is a more fitting word), and have assembled a considerable compilation containing an ecclectic mix of every genre (fiction, non-fiction, autobiographies, biographies, science fiction, novels, as well as every textbook I ever had to purchase). My favorite book, the one I've enjoyed reading the most, and have read through the most is called Hanta Yo: An American Saga, by Ruth Beebe Hill. My first copy was a paper-back I bought in 1979. That copy disintegrated in my hands during the mid-90s, and I just recently acquired another copy in "like new" condition. The book relates the story of a branch of the Lakota Sioux, based upon the oral traditions of the clan and a picture record of the history of the tribe from the late 1700s to the mid 1800s. It's a facinating story that, despite it's length (1100 pages), ends all too quickly. If you're interested in Native American culture, this one is a real treat.

Bro. Fawzo, I accept the challenge! I am Sadsongster on that site and look forward to our game. (Having no idea what your rating is, I can only hope that you will not withdraw the challenge when you discover my dismally low ranking.)

Rabbi, Although I am not Jewish by birth, or faith, I feel an inate "closeness" that I cannot explain. I am certain that there is much you could teach me, if you desired to impart your knowledge to a non-Jew. Thanks again for your answer.

Hahahahaaa! Thanks!

The Peon by Rob Anderson 　 Off on his own He stood to the side Defenseless and undefended Ignored by the swarming horde The peon witnessed the slaughter. Brave Knights cruelly slain Assaulting tall Castles Impregnable. Sacrificing their lives in defense of the Queen. While Bishops bold and hell bent on revenge Raged in righteous fury. Baptized in cold blood They cross then re-cross Advancing and retreating Feinting left, attacking right They skirt the enemy defenses Probing, searching for weaknesses. Breaching the wall to lay siege on the King Trapped then behind barriers of his own design. His Queen with her wandering ways too long delayed No aid or assistance from her forthcoming and powerless To halt the progress of the threat that advanced un-stoppable. Un-opposed & un-hindered, nothing in his path, he rushes forward. Too long ignored and scorned in pursuit of the King's high courtiers The peon, in passing, snatches sweet victory from the jaws of defeat.

Wild winds whistling Through trees baring naked limbs Waving leaves good-bye.

So, Rabbi . . . . which came first the chicken or the egg? That's the way I read your riddle. I have a another question. One worthy of serious thought, and may require a lengthy response . . . "Has there ever been a question that you answered with anything more than "yes", "no", "you'll never know", or "you don't want to know"?" I think you're holding out on us here. . . .

I'm currently re-reading Taylor Caldwell's The Lion of God. A novel about the life of the apostle Paul. A very interesting read.

You've got 'em, my Friend! May you find strength in your love for each other, and the peace of mind and heart that the knowledge of our Creator's love may offer and provide. May His blessings be upon you both. Amen.

I've got no answer to give you, I have experienced the same feelings and reactions. Professional counseling might help you understand why you harbor such hard feelings towards him. My prayers are for you and him to find common ground and enjoy a reconciliation.

That's an excellent analogy, Bro. Mike. My experience with TM started at 14 when I and was given a book about it for my birthday. I immediately started reading and practicing the techniques, seeking the Enlightenment that would free my Soul from the necessity of having to reincarnate. My first attempts met with failure, and were followed by frustration at my inability to achieve any insight at all. But I kept trying, and finally was able to connect with the Super-Consciousness. What I'd like to relate now is a vision that I had, and a subsequent dream. While I was in a self-hypnotic trance, I saw myself as a member of Celtic tribe, wearing blue paint on my face and body, and clad in a toga-like wrap that was little more than rags. It was only a brief vision, but I was struck with the feeling that what happened to me in that life was the reason that I was in my current life. Several nights later I had a dream in which I was again that Celt, and was a member of a raiding party against another clan. During the raid, I was separated from the rest of my kinsmen and was being pursued by the defending villagers. Running through a field away from the village, seeking my escape, I tripped over a young woman that had been hiding from us. Rather than being scared and screaming, she pulled me behind a hay pile, and covered me with straw. When her tribesmen, looking for me, approached her, she motioned towards the woods, and told them that I had run in that direction. She had saved my life, and I promised her that, somehow, I would repay her kindness. As we were standing there, my kinsmen came upon us. I told them how she had saved me, and hoping to keep her from being harmed by the others, I claimed her as my captive, They laughed at me, and because I had no status in the clan, they took her from me. She screamed, pleading for me to save her, but I was powerless to help, and just stood there watching while they raped, tortured, and killed her in front of me. Instantly the scene disappeared, and I was sitting in an easy chair reading my paper. A young boy ran up to me and said, "Dad! Mom needs you in the laundry room right now! The washing machine's busted!" I let him pull me to the back of the house to the laundry. There, on her knees on the floor, was a woman cleaning up the suds and water that had flooded the room. When she stood up and turned around, I instantly recognized her. She was the girl who had saved my life. I woke immediately, and sat up in bed thinking about what I had dreamed. When I related the dream to my wife, and I told her that she was not the girl that had saved me, she was not happy. I never thought of the dream again. Several years, and a bitter divorce later, I met and fell in love with another woman. We married and moved into a house up the street from where I was raised. We had been married for about 5 years, when one morning, I was reading my paper when my son ran up and said, "Dad! Mom needs you in the Laundry room . . ." It happened exactly like it had happened in my dream. It wasn't til she stood up and turned toward me that I remembered my dream and recognized her. My wife was the girl that had saved my life. I had not even thought of nor remembered my dream until that minute. While I helped her clean the mess, I told her about my dream. When I had finished she said, "Well, I guess we're even now. Lord knows you saved my life." I guess I wont know for sure until I leave this life, but I hope that I've paid my Karmic debt to her.

Emanations From A Dark Star Songster-4/22/2010 A Lone Star in the Twilight Teetering on the Edge of the Universe At the Brink of Extinction. Furious Flames Define the Expanse. Seeking Substance To Sear Meaning From Mere Existence And a Purpose for Being. Staking it's Claim To a Place in Time And Location in Space. Enveloped by the Deepening Darkness And Buried in the Recesses of Man's Memory Abandoning Hope . . . Surrendering Significance . . . Conquered by Chance? Or Defeated by Destiny? Reason? - Irrelevant Matter? - Immaterial. The Victor Wins the Right to "BE" And Sends the Vanquished Into the Void..

There are religions all over the world, most of them believe that the Soul may reappear in this physical sphere many times, in different forms or bodies, advancing or regressing according to it's actions while in the flesh. Since there are many members of this forum with different backgrounds and religious affiliations, what does your specific religion teach about reincarnation? Does it endorse the concept or deny it out right? Please, take the time to explain your understanding of the reason your faith does, or does not teach it as a path to perfection. What are your thoughts? Perhaps you are in possession of the knowledge of a previous existence in another body at another time? Please explain how you gained this knowledge, the techniques used to gain the insight, and describe your previous experience. Where you were, what you did, and why you came back. Looking forward to a very enlightening discussion.

Please don't misunderstand me, I did not wish to discourage you, nor put you on the defensive... My critique was offered strictly to make you aware of what a highly critical person (like me, for instance) might opine. I applaud the courage it took for you to place your piece before the public. It was not my intention to offend you, but since that was the result, I offer my apology. Again, keep writing, and I wish you success.

Hi! Normally I wouldn't say anything, but since you asked for criticism . . . here it sits. As a youth, I enjoyed Anne McCaffrey's (is that spelled right?) novels, and your title prompted me to read your story. Over all, I'd say, "Nice job!" but there were several misspellings and punctuation errors that distracted from the reading. The plot reminded me of a "fairy tale" I once read (but can't recall the author or title) retold in a modern setting. There's nothing "wrong" with that, as several successful writers have done much the same, I may just have been too aware of the similarities. One last thing, dialogue is one of the hardest things a writer has to master, my suggestion would be to try to interject more of the character's thoughts (or emotions) between the placement of spoken sentences. This not only adds depth to your character development, but breaks up the "he said-she said" monotony that may trap and kill the readers interest. Keep writing, you definitely show promise! Good Luck!

My prayers for you and your family. May all your fears be eased and her tests turn out well. God's blessing upon you all.

I can't seem to do it. I know I should, but can't manage to make it 24 hrs. My hat's off to ya, Murph!

I didn't recognize a single name there, Scotty. That gives you an idea of how far out of step I am. But which of these do you consider the BEST?

Wow!!!! I would have loved that! I envy you the opportunity!