Check In

For my friends and family that have left me suddenly.  Depression and mental illness are real and people need to know they are loved and valued. 

Check In

Hello, just wanted to see what's all good
Hope you didn't do what I thought you would
Remember you did all you can and could
Life is precious but also hectic
People will try and get to you with every tactic
Often saying nothing says it all
They were definitely waiting on your downfall
You're here, I'm here so let's talk
No judgment, let the words flow, no one is at fault
You have to live and be you
No one does that better than you do
Reach out to me as well
Don't feel like I'm too busy or going through Hell
Talking to you can be good for both of us
I couldn't imagine if you didn't take another breath, word or fuss
You're you and I want to know how all is
I like to drink the drink before there is no fizz
Let me or someone know that you're okay
And maybe then, one less life spared, more words to say

Tense

So blessed to be doing open mics again. Thanks to Thomas Dover (no relation) and the great folks at WiseFire Cafe for making this happen. Here is a brand new piece

Tense

It really doesn't make sense
We want peace, we want love, and yet we're still tense
You're mad because you lost
You work for a cruel and horrible boss
It's burning up hot outside
You would rather be near the ocean watching the tide
Very few count their blessings when they should
Or smell the flowers when they could
Life is a battlefield, stay ready
Keep the car running and the pace steady
It's not over yet, life that is
Yours doesn't have to end, much is still amiss
Smell the aroma, look at the sky, be calm
Don't take everything at it's word, even the marks on your palm
The world's changing, be the voice of reason
It's much needed in a place of treason

Cool Summer Getaways

This is beach, lake and waterpark time, there's no doubting that. However, this is also the time to explore cooler options. It's safer and you can go there without freezing.

1. Mountains

My area is near the Western North Carolina and Blue Ridge Mountains.  They're experiencing floods as of press time but this won't last. They have Asheville (a big tourist attraction in it's own right), Harrah's Casino, Tweetsie Railroad, Ghost Town in the Sky, and a few others that way. The Rocky Mountains of Denver, CO and the Grand Canyon are also awesome. Elevation is high so controlled breathing and water intake are key. 

2. Tennessee.

You still have the appeal of the mountains and many great cities.  Among these to visit are Gatlinburg, Nashville and Knoxville. Dollywood is also a hot attraction. Go further east to Memphis and hear some great blues and eat some of the best BBQ ever. 

3. Northern/MidWest cities and attractions

You could set a cross country tour from Chicago all the way to Philly. Hit up Indiana with Long's Donuts, Ohio with the Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Cap it all off with a trip to NYC and Times Square.  Also if amusement parks is your thing, plenty along that way also.

4. Seattle and the Space Needle and such

Seattle, WA isn't a bad summer getaway. Plenty to see besides the space needle. This is the birthplace of Jimi Hendrix and many major businesses.

5. Niagara Falls/The Great Lakes.

Ok I get it, you want to be around some water. No worries. Going to see all of these lakes and falls gets that fix in for you. It's majestic and just the right temp, just like Fall in the South.

Ok you may have to plan for 2019, unless it's Tenneesee but you can think outside of the box and go places that you won't sweat, are still fun, and memorable for you as an adult and for your young family.