Toil Is Toil

.all the people running late for the plane..the roads are jammed..feeders too..thoughts and communications..the day is planned..backup systems are tested..one of many..the scrutiny is real..the cynic and the trusted..toil is toil..life is life.

The Texas Shade Is Clear

.overlooking the dock.,,.a mile away from the sisters.,,.together we spoke as one.,,.recalling the days.,,.understanding why everything happened.,,.to bring us here.,,.to this moment in time.,,.what we have attained.,,.through no work of our own.,,.attained by grace.,,.which means gift from god.,,.it was not expected.,,.still it is rejected by many.,,.allow the day to pass.,,.be of it.,,.forget it.,,wake up again.,,.knowledge is not new.,,.we are not smarter than past generations.,,.we've learned from them.,,.this time is ours.,,.each day it's own.,,.twisted metal connected by bolts and wires.,,.the texas shade is clear.,,.the drinker's glass.,,.some local folks.,,.rooftop vents.,,.the bicycle shop.,,.two stage setup.,,.swag camper.,,.inside and out.,,.everybody with the day off.,,.art everywhere.,,.music should fill this space.,,.talking songs and guitar echoes.,,.pink patio chairs.,,.and iron.

Chosen By The Voters

.you're the sweetest queen that I ever seen, make the world seem nice and clean, make people everywhere dance and sing, I know who you are.

.all afternoon you powder and puff, making millions of bucks but it ain't enough, make a video so they think you're a slut, I know who you are.

.the dice are loaded the decks are stacked, news always talking bout whites and blacks, fools always lying to distort the facts, I know who you are.

.gonna suffer the toll if you drive this way, discover something new every day, all you are now is a clump of clay, I know who you are.

.chosen by the voters to be frozen in time, with your outlaw boots and your country jive, acting like the suits kept spitting in your eye, I know who you are.

.in the evening I hear you breathing, when dreams light up and you're really sleeping, when the room is quiet and your heart's beating, I know who you are.

eb7da

Here's The Money

...the work comes first, right?
no, no, you've already been saved.
...but I wanna earn it.  it's just right.
here's the money.
...just pay me after, that's the way we do it.
take this cash now or never, whether you do the work or not.
...you're weird, hand it over.
i'll bring the whole crew lunch at noon.
...thanks mister.  can I ask you a question?
that's a question.  yes, anything.
...is this how you always do business?
always.

Turbulence

amd7x2
am
amd7
amemam

The moon gonna be there when the time is right.
The moon gonna be there when the time is right.
The earth starts shaking, body's start aching, everybody wants what's already taken.
The moon gonna be there when the time is right.
The moon gonna be there when the time is right.

Turbulence when you about to land.
Turbulence when you about to land.
Cold cold sweats, not enough rest, don't think I'll ever get out of this mess.
Turbulence when you about to land.
Turbulence when you about to land.

Already made it to the western shore.
Already made it to the western shore.
Up on the beach, out of reach, drinking margaritas with nothing on my feet.
Already made it to the western shore.
Already made it to the western shore.

Here we will live in love and peace.
Here we will live in love and peace.
No more time, color blind, where every body gets along just fine.
Here we will live in love and peace.
Here we will live in love and peace.

Red Clay And Jack Sock

   Riding home with King The Todd, hearing of his philosophies on tennis and his thoughts on peace, I felt like the 2 day trip to attend the men's u.s. clay court championships in Houston was about a bit more than just tennis.  Discussions with Keck and the King about zoning laws, European developments, Nugrape, class distinctions, dress codes, the tsunami, seating charts, USTA appreciation day, court conditions, 6 cylinders, the father of Texas, Arabian mansions, warm up routines, shades, house cab, ACC Women's soccer, westheimer street, cans of Mexican beer, bulldogs, wedding expenditures, burned outs, real eggs, weather forecasts, walk a bouts, clay court colors, player incomes, courtesy cars, parking schemes, modern fabrics, apps, serve speeds, rare infections, Adidas, Santa Fe, riff raff, airport proximity, financial advisers,  Houston confusion, cantinas, garland, schlotzkys, motivations of religion, eternal life and ever expanding space.....

     The dark red clay courts at the River Oaks Country Club were in good condition when we arrived.  After initially finding ourselves at a poolside women's fashion show luncheon, we made our way over to the main court.  It was early, and play had not started.  The big draw board and a beer garden were under the huge live oaks outside the stadium.  The Club has hosted the event since 1991.  Past champions include American players Andre Agassi, Richey Reneberg, John Isner, and Andy Roddick.  Former President George H.W. Bush attends the event every year.  Right away it was evident the event was about much more than tennis for a large portion of the attendees.  The class separation was intentional.  I felt somehow elevated by the culture, like I belonged and was wanted.  Treated like a member, the run of the place.  Peaceful.  The players were just walking by.  Frenchman Jeremy Chardy was running laps prior to his epic 3 set match with South African Kevin Anderson and I was able to give applause and encouragement.  As King The Todd was napping in the grass under a shade tree, Tsunami Gabashvilli was stretching outside the players area after his greatest ever doubles win preparing for a singles match with the 6'9" Isner the same evening when Keck approached him.  "You go by the name Tsunami, right?", he asked as he congratulated him on the victory over the vaunted Bryan Brothers, six time winners of the event and bonafide legends.
     "Not anymore", he said in low European tones, "But I could use some tsunami against Isner tonight."  He would go on to win that match, wrapping up a lucrative day of professional tennis.  In money and points.  The defending champion Verdasco took him out in the singles Quarterfinals, but he would go on to win the doubles title with Ricardas Berankis.
 
     Perhaps the most noteworthy singles match we watched was our first, Jack Sock vs the #2 seed, Juan Bautista-Agut.  After warming up outside the stadium by tossing footballs around with his coach, Sock destroyed the vaunted clay court expert with massive serves and an incredible forehand.  Agut never had a chance.  Despite some sloppiness, it was clear Sock has the game for the top 10.  Hearing of the adversity he and his family had overcome the previous year cemented our admiration as we continually seek the next great American player.  Roddick was the last.  A favored American tennis son, especially after his 2002 u.s.. Open win exactly a year after 9/11.  Those bastards.  Since then, only a string of unfulfilled American potential as Federer, Nadal, Novak, and Murray took over.  Others, including Warwrinka, Berdych, Tsonga, and Ferrer were the persistent 2nd tier.  The 4th tier was where an American could be found.  James Blake, John Isner, Sam Querry, Steve Johnson, or Mardy Fish.  Gamers at points in the careers, but never a break through.  Only Isner's historic five set Wimbledon match against Mahut sticks out, and he lost in the next round.  Exhausted, but a legend. Now, the emerging wave includes Nikoshori, Dimitrov, Raonic, a couple of Australians, Anderson, and maybe, just maybe, American Jack Sock.  At last report he had reached the finals against Querry, which will be broadcast on the tennis channel this afternoon.  Tough time slot, up against the final round of the Masters.  It will be re run and I'll record it for sure.
   
     All this really inspires KOtC5 preparations.  Keck has already received inquiries, court logistics are coming together in partnership with Justin Quest, King The Todd's early summer schedule is known.  July 11 seems the likely tentative date.  My health is adequate.  Foot feels really fine since customized insoles were utilized.  Back cleared up too.  Only a recent elbow injury has me concerned, the victim of a huge Joe Vita forehand in a recent 9-11 mahut loss.  He hits a heavy shot.  Adoption of a two handed backhand and ice treatment should help.  It will not threaten my appearance in the tournament.  Tempted to compromise my goals and maneuver for the Earl crown, I continue to shoot for the Duke.  I see how Duke Keck is treated.  I saw how Duke Vita was beloved.  Leo, of course, held the Duke title at one point.  It is a realistic goal, especially since Keck is having his best tennis year ever and has his eyes on the Prince.  The Duke could be wide open this summer.  The field is shaping up.  Can former King James capture the crown and continue the pattern of trading the throne with King The Todd?  Will Frank Friday show up?  Billy Vita maybe?  The regulars will be there.  Sellers and his dog.  Keck has scouted the downtown Plano Austrian eatery, Jorgs, for post tournament festivities.  Rain is very unlikely.  J.d. Miles should return, but the USTA players can be unreliable.  They are buttered up with appreciation lunches and free bags.  As we walked quickly to King The Todd's car after the Friday early session rainout, his lifetime USTA membership served him well.  The folded bag kept him dry, while keck and I just absorbed the drops.  As we wound our way through the mansions, the ones that kings, and queens, and presidents live in, we felt the connection.  We knew we were supposed to see what we saw.  We knew we were supposed to be disappointed with the uncontrollable rain out.  We knew our patience would be tested in the crazy Houston traffic.  It was good to leave, to return to the northern part of Texas.  We will avoid sugar and further the peace movement.  We will cheer for Jack Sock.  Come on man, America needs you.

When That Morning Came

cgc
ffc
cgc
ggc

My lord, he's gone.
Like he said.
My lord, he's gone.
Gone to forever.

I know the truth now.
Still hard to believe.
I know the truth now.
Died for me.

fcfg

When that morning came, nothing was the same, the truth was plain for all to see.

I miss my lord.
His stories and fables.
I miss my lord.
Just sitting at the table.

Got the good spirit.
Voice inside of me.
Got the good spirit.
Trying to let it lead.

When that morning came, nothing was the same, the truth was plain for all to see.

Factual Fact

These are motivations of the mind.  To develop and guide.  Not for the sake of vanity, but for pure reasons.  Engaged in the environment daily.  The culture changes slowly.  Speaking of years and decades and generations.  Some methods should be static and some should be changed continuously.  Certainly values should be fully developed after the age of reason is reached.  Which varies from person to person, but is generally considered about 20.  This is just some theory of some sort.  Nothing but other's thinking on the matter.  Maturity may never be reached.  Age is only on factor.  Experience, spirit, and circumstance are others.  Would be interesting to meet the most mature person in the world.  Wise and measured.  Turn all the cheeks.  No envy or grudges.  Thinks ahead, learns from the past.  Confident and humble.  Tremendous friend.  Fun.  Work ethic and balance.  This person walked the earth.  This person was betrayed.  This person was mocked.  This person was beaten.  This person was whipped and flogged.  This person chose to die for us.  He knew of paradise.  Completed faith.  Understands the weak, but is not weak.  But he destroyed the dark.  He brought light.  He rose baby!  Had to take care of some business, but he rose.  Factual fact.  And the ramifications of that fact.  The conclusions to draw, despite the unknown.  Sometimes we need to step back, sometimes we need to squint, but the picture can be seen, sure as shit, because of this fact.

'