"Who, How and When"

For those of us, myself included, who need to be reminded.

Note to Self:  John E. Lewis once said:  "If not us then who?  If not now, then when?" 

There will always be a reason why not to start something.  There will always be that booming voice that says, "I'll start tomorrow."  "I'm too old to learn that now."  "You'll look silly."  "That's going to require work and take up too much time".  "I don't know how."  “The problem is too big and there’s nothing I can do.”

If everyone had let these negative voices stop them from taking control of a situation, their lives, the way that they lived, of how they were treated and how they behaved then, this world would be in a far more dismal state than it is in now.  There are a great many things that require change or that need to be fixed.  The best place to begin is from within.  I make a choice.  I take action. 

I will keep the end goal in front of me as a reminder of what I NEED to do.  I have to remain motivated.  I have to take action. Not tomorrow but today.  Now.  When I do, then I find that the reasons I HAD that hindered my progress no longer hold sway over me.  I am no longer a prisoner of doubt or fear.  I defeat regret and begin to win.

So if not you, then who?  If not now, then when?  Start the workout, stop a bad habit.  Start a positive vibe, stop a negative outlook.  Start a fresh perspective, stop a narrow minded opinion.  Start to be the change that is needed.  Be open, be receptive and get started today.

Live Now for the Life of You
<3 Always & Peace ∞
CAG 07312014

"Where/What/When/Why & How"

Where love is so is harmony, so is peace, so is enlightenment, so is God.

What love needs is nourishment.  The enrichment must be constant and consistent, otherwise the growth will be stunted.

When love is born and as it matures, it needs to be coddled.  Is it not like a new born babe who needs emotional, mental, physical accompaniment?

Why try to keep love stationary?  It is meant to be given and to be received.  You can no more control how love flows to and from you than you can know all the answers of the past, present and future.

How is it that you think you're in control when love comes for you?

Love is boundless and limitless.  Let the Love Flow for the Life of You.

<3 Always & Peace ∞
CAG 06292014

Focus on the Light

Today is a rest day from the Ab challenge/core strengthening routine I've decided to do. So, I figured it was a good day to condition the curls and do a little Yoga/prayer and meditation. I know that a few sun salutations done while reciting the Lord's prayer or the lyrics to a hymn like "How Great Thou Art" does wonders for my ability to reset, relax, relate and release. A few moments of this will help me to focus for a good part, if not all, of my day.

Everything we do requires focus and dedication. Everything. Your work/career; the love for your family/friends; the refurbishing/maintenance of your health; the work towards a goal of mental, emotional and spiritual peace; the planning and execution to attain financial stability. Everything we do requires focus and dedication. Everything. Multi-tasking can be done in limited measure without taking a toll on the mind and body or degrading the quality of what you're attempting to do.

I hope today that you take the time to focus on what you're doing so that while you're giving it your full attention you attain the full quality result you want. I pray that no matter what you believe, how you choose to worship or even if you don't believe or worship at all, that you find the ability to focus as well as the peace, love, patience and clarity that we all need to make our lives fulfilling and filled light.

Focus on the Light of Peace for the Life of You
Always & Peace ∞
CAG 06262014

Did You Know?

It's not easy to be in love. There is a delicate balance of give and take that must be consistently worked on by both participants.  It is like a never ending roller coaster ride that you hold on to for dear life lest you fall off.  Sometimes you're laughing and sometimes you're crying but overall you don't want it to end.  

It's even harder to fall out of love.  You recognize suddenly that the love you once felt is no longer there and in its place is dread and fear.  Dread about not fessing up and fear about if you do.

It's catastrophic to have someone fall out of love with you. If you've ever had it happen, then this is for you. - CAG

Did You Know?
By C. A. Griffin

Did you know that when you broke me I remained in denial even while
my heart pointed out the blatant truth to me in a thousand broken pieces?

Did you know that when you shed off my love so easily I continued to believe that
you had not left me discarded as if I were the skin sloughed off the bottom of your foot?

Did you know that when I waited for the explanation that never came and the apology that was never spoken that I made up all the excuses in my head, and showered them with tears so that they could grow into something to hold at night in my loneliness?

Did you know that I can’t remember when it finally hit me that it was over but that when it did hit, it left me numb and empty; then aching and filled with a pain so deep that it was as if I had contracted some emotional case of Dengue fever?  It left me silent with quiet heartache and then choking on words of anger and pain so confusing and so distraught that I created a new language using the sound of your name?

Did you know?

Did you know that it took more energy than a solar arc from the sun to regain my sense of self?  That it took the equivalent of the gravitational pull of a black hole to right my twisted view of the world?

Did you know that I understand my value more now than ever and that I realize that my worth is not rated by you or any other man or woman but by the where, what, when, how and why of my understanding, desires and achievements and that my successes and failures have carved me into the diamond that I am?

Did you know that I don’t hate you or fear you and that I did once just a little and for a little while and then a lot? That I forgive you but I won’t forget and I won’t hold a grudge and I sleep good at night knowing that I’ve finally arrived at my healing and that it all began with loving you?

Did. You. Know?

06202014 CAG

My Daddy

My Dad. My Daddy's hands. My Daddy's smile, his hug, the way he chuckled, the sound of his voice, the way he would belch and make us all go "ewww/daddy/Bubba!"

My Dad. My Daddy's skin, with marks on it from chicken pocks, his frost bitten toes from serving in the military, his smile, his frown, the way he said good night and the way he said good morning.

My Dad. My Daddy's cane that he used to help him walk; his glasses (I still have a pair), his belly - big and soft and perfect for sleeping on, the sound of his snoring, his occasional "little taste" of Smirnoff.

My Dad. My Daddy's strength, his weakness, his frustration, his pain, his joy, his love, his peace, his resolve, his wisdom, his love for reading, his knowledge, his advice.

He lived and learned and loved and crossed over. He now lives amongst the clouds; he's looking down and smiling that same smile.

My Dad.

<3 you Forever.

My Book Review of "Iggy Gorgess" by Chrissi Sepe

One of the best things I've gained in my pursuit of writing is the privilege of also doing reviews for my peers.  I read quite a bit and sometimes, I'm so engrossed in reading that I neglect my own writing assignments that I've set for myself.  I love to read so when asked to review books or stories I welcome it gladly.  Normally, I don't publish them to the outside world.  Usually, my review is provided only to the author.  Today, I wanted to share with you my review of “Iggy Gorgess” written by Chrissi Sepe. 

Iggy Gorgess is a mess.  He’s impudent, immature and inexperienced.  Yet, his innocence and desire to be loved poke through his hard punk exterior.  When he leaves Germany where he lived with his girlfriend to return to New York City to write a novel, he imagines he’ll be able to finish writing a best seller.  Along the way to realizing that life isn’t always what you expect it to be, Iggy meets some people who poke and prod his beliefs in people and himself.  Over all, Iggy is just a kid looking to be accepted even as he unwittingly finds himself and learns about life.  

The story is a quick and easy read.  Author Chrissi Sepe managed to make me care about Iggy so much that I wanted to shake him for being dense and slow on the uptake about life.  However, isn’t that what life is all about, taking your time on your journey and learning as much as you can along the way?  We were all Iggy once in our lives.  Chrissi manages to capture that in this story. You can find Iggy Gorgess on Amazon and learn more about Chrissi on her blog:  http://chrissibliss.blogspot.com/   The cover artwork was created by Dan Schurtman who also is a member of the band The Twilights.  

Ode to the Real Old "G"s - Grandmothers and Grandfathers

Ode to the Real Old "G"s

Part 1 - Le Fleur Belle 

Since it's Mother's Day this weekend,  this one goes out to the G'Mas, the Nanas, the Grammies and the Grandmas. I'll have one for Grandpas in a month.

Your legacy comes in many forms.  But mostly, it is the aroma from the kitchen that rings a mental dinner bell; causing stomachs to growl and hearts to yearn for home from across the room, the house, the block, the city, the state, the country and a continent away.  Holiday traditions and family history are kneaded like fresh bread with your worn hands and pursed lips; we hunger for it. 

Your sage advice is delivered as a soft cuff under the chin, a stern admonishment or simply laid out as a formidable look.  You understand and spoil, you teach and preach.  You pray with fervent devotion.  Those prayers have healed the mind, body and soul of your bloodline, as well as, those who you have “adopted" as yours. 

At times, we don’t understand your raw truth. Sometimes, it cuts to the quick.  Sometimes, it’s as gentle as downy feathers on a cheek.  Your hands have delivered a swift slap and a loving caress to young and grown alike.  Your age and experience serve as your weapon, shield and badge of honor.  You bless the generations by giving sup to your sons and daughters so that they may spread the benefits of the meal made up of your faith and God's grace.  

Whether here with us or up in heaven singing praises into our dreams, you are still blessing and praying for us.  May God bless you as He continues to bless us by giving us time to spend with you and remembering all that you have given.  Happy Mother's Day to you.