Tuesday, November 30, 2010

I'll find solace in Italy.

To tell the truth, when I am in Italy this winter, I'll miss Minnesota. But not America. Yes, I am becoming disenchanted with America. With our political and economic systems. I am sickened by Republicans. And Tea Party conservatives. Politicians who favor the rich over the middle class and the poor. And I am disappointed, too, in the middle class and the poor. They allow the rich and the bankers and the big corporations to run the show. And to widen the gap between the rich and the poor. America has seen its better days. America is on the decline. America is wasting away. I hate to see it. Makes me sick. In mind. In body. In spirit. At least I won't have to be a witness to it all for a few months. Italy may have its problems. But I'll find solace there. With my true love. --Jim Broede

Republicans ain't gonna do it.

It's time to give the middle class a break, and to soak the rich. That's the way to get America out of its financial mess. Maybe when it's all over, there'll be less of a gap between the rich and the poor. We'll end up with the rich being less rich, and the poor less poor. And America will be a better place. Of course, the middle class will have to pitch in, too. And make sacrifices. But let the rich make the biggest sacrifices. Because they can afford it. Especially the nation's millionaires and billionaires. Unfortunately, if Republicans had their way, we'd continue to soak the middle class and give the rich tax breaks. And if the middle class and the poor people allow that to happen -- well, then we'll get what we deserve. Continued inequality. The American economic and political system has been designed to favor the affluent and big business. Rather than to serve the common good. That has gotta change. But don't bet on it happening. Unless we make it happen. By marching on Washington. And taking control of our government. Giving Republicans a majority in Congress ain't gonna do it. --Jim Broede

By thought. Without a voice.

I find many writers hard to understand. Maybe it's because we don't speak and write the same language. Yes, it's English. But we don't all use English the same way. And the meanings of so many words are elusive. But occasionally, I meet someone that speaks the same language. Which is cause for celebration. Because it brings about a connection. But best of all is when I meet someone that communicates through telepathy. By love vibrations. It happens rarely. But it happens. Makes me aware that there is a spiritual dimension. A place where one speaks to another simply by thought. Without a voice. --Jim Broede

Not knowing.

Somebody told me that I'm maturing. But that ain't it. Instead, I'm merely evolving. That's different than maturing. Because I'm becoming something new. I'm not the same being I was 50 years ago. Or 20 years ago. And I don't know where I'm going. But that's one of the nicest things about life. Not knowing. --Jim Broede

Toward infinity.

I think that when I brood best, it feels like poetry. My kind. Unorthodox poetry. That's the way I write. In a different way. I'm still learning how to write. I'm self-taught. Actually, I'm still learning how to live. I'll never learn fully. But that's all right. I'll never be a complete human being. Because that's impossible. But that doesn't stop me from aiming for the impossible. I just keep moving. From one horizon to another. Toward infinity. --Jim Broede

I've ended the day perfectly.

I have everything I need in life. Maybe it's because I live one day at a time. I don't get ahead of myself. I have enough to meet my needs today. And I am comfortable. In love, too. What more can I ask? Oh, I could say I want more. But that would be greedy. I have happiness. And isn't that what life is supposed to be? The pursuit of happiness. I don't have to pursue it at the moment. Because I already have it. And I'm able to savor what I have. Some people never have enough. They might have $1 million. But they aren't quite happy. Because they want more. So they busy themselves in an effort to accumulate more. Always more. Never satisfied. But every night when I go to bed, I'm satisfied. And happy. Because I've ended the day perfectly. By writing a love letter. --Jim Broede

I'm living my dreams.

I like to dream. For instance, dream of living in Paradise. And suddenly the dream comes true. All I have to do is look around me. And I discover that I am living in Paradise. No matter where I am. Right here in Minnesota. Even when the weather turns cold and blustery. We've had a mix of cold rain and snow the past 24 hours. And I love it. Looks a little like a scene out of Dr. Zhivago. In the middle of Siberia. But hey, this is Paradise. Because that's what it feels like. It's all a state of mind. A beautiful dream. That has become real. It's as if I'm in a novel. Part of a fascinating story. A love story. I couldn't ask for a better dream. Or a better reality. It's all one and the same. I'm living my dreams. Have been. For a long time. --Jim Broede

Monday, November 29, 2010

Yes, let the sun shine in.

Generally, I'm for full disclosure of what goes on behind the scenes. Especially in government. And in much of private business, too. Especially in big corporations. So I'm mostly supportive of the guy that founded WikiLeaks. This week, he released copies of hundreds of thousands of U. S. diplomatic cables. Which give us some sense of what diplomats really think. About lots of things. Issues. And personalities. Some of the stuff may be a bit embarrassing. But hey, so what? Most of the time, we ordinary citizens don't get the straight scoop. About why our government does this or that. So much is classified as secret. And there probably are legitimate reasons to keep some of it secret. But not the vast majority of it. So, good for you, WikiLeaks. Keep leaking the stuff. WikiLeaks has indicated that next up will be the leaking of incriminating documents from a major bank. Yes, let the sun shine in. --Jim Broede

I'd find a way -- no matter the era.

It's difficult for an old man (I'm 75) like me to keep up totally with changing times. With the modern world. With all the innovations. The new technologies. At some point, I sort of become lost. And I have to just make do. And allow myself to fall a little bit behind. And still make the best of life. Without full knowledge. Instead, I just put to use what I've learned so far. To be a lover. Of life. And of another. And to make the most of it. Anyway, I'm thankful that I live in the modern age. With the advantages of new technology. I can be in Minnesota one day. And be with my true love in Italy later in the same day, or certainly by the next day at the latest. And I can connect at any time of day or night by an audio-video hook-up. In living color. No way would I have been able to pursue this romance 100 years ago. Or even a few decades ago. Distance keeps shrinking. And I wonder what it's gonna be like in another 100 years. Maybe beyond my imagination. But I'm happy to be where I am now. In the early 21st century. In love. And feeling as if I fit in this time and place. Probably would have found a way to fall in love even if it were 1910 or 1810 or 1710. I'd be happy. And in love. No matter the era. --Jim Broede

A better alternative to war.

Love is my salvation. No doubt about it. If I was unable to love, life would no longer be worthwhile. I suspect that may be the underlying reason for people committing suicide. They are no longer capable of loving. Life. Or anything. People blame suicides on depression. But ultimately, it boils down to the inability to love life. Think about it. I've known people who took their own lives. And they all lost the ability to love. They couldn't even love themselves. Sad as that sounds. It was true. I don't know if love can be taught. Maybe it can't. But if it could, we'd see a big decline in suicides. I'm sure of it. Of course, some people choose to kill others. Rather than themselves. Out of lack of love. That's the basis of most wars. Lack of love of humanity. Actually, the world might be a better place. If only the war-mongers committed suicide. That's a better alternative to war. --Jim Broede

A form of unintelligent life.

I am so much like an animal. My DNA, for instance, is supposed to be 98 percent similar to the DNA of a chimpanzee. Yes, a chimpanzee and I have a lot in common. I'm human. And that's supposed to make me elevated. An intelligent form of life. With a living soul. But some religions claim that animals don't have souls. That a chimpanzee doesn't have a soul. But I have a soul because my DNA is 2 percent different than that of a chimpanzee. I find that hard to believe. Anyway, if I have soul, I figure that even my two cats have souls. As well as the chimpanzees of this world. When it gets down to the nitty-gritty, we humans are no more than glorified animals. We certainly act like it. Evidenced by the ways we treat each other. You need evidence? Look at the politicians in the halls of Congress. Or look at the wars that we seem to be constantly waging. I'm sure that an advanced civilization visiting Earth would see us humans as just another species of animal. A form of unintelligent life. --Jim Broede

A quest to free the spirit.

I'm told that I have a spirit. That we all have spirits. But I'm not exactly certain about that. Because I'm still trying to define spirit. Seems to me that spirit isn't a tangible, physical thing. It has no body. I have a sense that a spirit is living inside me. Maybe the spirit is my conscious awareness. I wonder if I didn't physically exist, would my spirit still exist? In a conscious manner. And could my spirit move about? Would my spirit be aware of planet Earth? How would my spirit communicate with other spirits? Or with living, physical organisms? Do spirits have extrasensory perceptions? Can spirits transport themselves to dimensions we humans can't even imagine? Do spirits live within the framework of time? I like to think of myself as having a free spirit. But I have a sense that my spirit isn't free. That it's latched down. Shackled. But that my spirit has the potential to be free. And maybe that's what life is all about. A quest to free the spirit. --Jim Broede

I'd feel right at home.

If I ever become a spirit, totally free of my physical being, I want to be able to travel. Anywhere in the cosmos. To other planets. To other galaxies. No limits. All the way to the far end of creation. I suspect all this stuff was made for spirits to visit. Makes no sense for it to be just there. And never visited. I'm fascinated when I read of these places. Today, I learned about Rhea, one of the 62 moons around the planet Saturn. Nasa's Cassini spacecraft probed Rhea's atmosphere and scooped up traces of oxygen. Rhea is thought to be made almost entirely of ice. Which might make it seem a little like Minnesota in the wintertime. I'd feel right at home there. --Jim Broede

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Yes, love vibrations.

I'm able to feel love vibrations. In the air. As if they come from nowhere. Of course, it's a nice sensation. Maybe the vibrations are transmitted from love spirits. And I have an antenna. And I'm able to tune in. Maybe this is a way to communicate with the spirit world. With another dimension. I call them love vibrations. Because they stir thoughts of love. I wonder if the vibrations always were there. Ever-present. But that I was incapable of feeling 'em. Until recent years. In other words, I'm becoming more conscious of what's around me. Because I'm maturing. Evolving. Anyway, I'm moved by it all. The very idea that things exist that I cannot see. But can only feel. Instinctively. Yes, love vibrations. --Jim Broede

Learning to pace one's self.

One must learn to pace one's self. Maybe it was coincidence. But when I was an Alzheimer's care-giver and I started getting daily respite, acceptance became easier. Because that gave me time to reflect. To ponder the inherent goodness of life. To catch my breath. I became an 8-10 hour a day care-giver when Jeanne went into the nursing home. Rather than 24/7. That made a difference. If one exhausts one's self, one is in no mood to be very caring and very accepting. --Jim Broede

Better than letting 'em bother me.

I'm amazed at the number of people that don't get along with their siblings. I read about the rifts. Daily. On the Alzheimer's message boards. Care-givers. In dire need of help. Complaining that their brothers and sisters are often indifferent. And distant. And downright inconsiderate. And uncaring. Some care-givers even think evil thoughts about their siblings. Wishing them ill. And I wonder why they are so hateful. Wouldn't it be better to just write 'em off? And get on with the rest of life? Sure seems better than stewing. If I dislike someone, I either try to get to know 'em better or just ignore 'em. Much better than letting 'em bother me. --Jim Broede

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Not bad. A good day.

At the end of each day, I like to sit down and write. About something meaningful that happened during the day. Might just be a random thought. Something that uplifted my morale. Made me momentarily happy. Made me feel that I was in love. That's all it takes. A little reflection. That I had truly lived. In a meaningful way. I balanced my day. With sustained physical activity. And with mental exercise. By writing a half dozen or so threads in my blog. And by observing the nature around me. My environs. And here I am. Ready to go to bed. Maybe read a book. Until I fall asleep. Not bad. A good day. --Jim Broede

Some never learned to think.

I'm mystified by my fellow working-class Americans. Some of 'em keep voting Republican. Even though Republicans claim jobless benefits are too costly. While they support expensive tax cuts for the rich. Wouldn't even surprise me if some of the unemployed vote Republican. Yes, people have been known to vote against their own best interest. Because they are stupid. They cling to the idea that it's patriotic to side with Republicans and rich people. Even if you happen to be poor and out of work. Sad, isn't it? Some people have never learned to think. --Jim Broede

I wanna be taken for an Italian.

I'm thinking seriously of changing my first name when I'm in Italy this winter. To Giacomo. That's Italian for 'James.' I want to feel Italian. And if Italians called me Giacomo, I'd be pleased. I'm trying to learn Italian. One word at a time. And I'm even thinking about having my Italian girlfriend translate some of the threads in my blog into Italian. So that I can attract some Italian readers. And make them think I know more Italian than I really know. As starters, I'm gonna learn how to say, 'Forgive me. My Italian isn't very good. But I'm trying to learn.' In fact, I'll have the translation here for you in a day or two. And I'll rehearse saying it. Without an accent. In perfect Italian. I tell my girlfriend that I wanna be taken for an Italian. --Jim Broede

Love makes me more conscious.

I think the greatest discovery I ever made was that of my own consciousness. That I am, indeed, a conscious being. Which is incredible. Fantastic. Leaves me momentarily flabbergasted. I ask myself, 'How can this be?' Here I am. Plunked down in a little niche of creation. And I'm able to think. To be aware of something. Consciously aware. Of course, it may all prove to be imaginary. But my gawd, it seems so real. Real enough to be real. And then there's my second greatest discovery. That I'm capable of falling in love. The discovery of love. And that gives meaning to my consciousness. That's why I was given consciousness. So that I'd have the ability to love. Loving is a conscious act. If I weren't conscious, I wouldn't be able to love. Another thing. I've discovered that love makes me more conscious. --Jim Broede

We all need a bit of prodding.

Sometimes I need prodding. And I have a friend who knows how to prod me. For which I am appreciative. For instance, the friend has prodded me to stay in touch with my sister. Because it's the right thing to do. So she asks me, 'Have you called your sister?' And I promise I'll get around to it. And I tell my sister, 'I'm calling you because a friend told me to.' My friend tells me I don't have to be that honest with my sister. But I think she can take it. And my sister probably thinks better of my friend for it. My friend is my friend, in part, because she's a prodder. Exactly what I need. Sort of a gentle kick in the ass. Come to think of it, maybe we all need a bit of prodding. To be encouraged to do things that we keep putting off. Especially the meaningful stuff. Such as talking to my sister. --Jim Broede

In order to do the right thing.

I know a couple. A kind-hearted couple. They've invited her elderly parents to live with them. Both have dementia. Maybe Alzheimer's. For three years now, they've all lived in the same house. Yes, it's togetherness. To the fullest. In all that time, the couple haven't had so much as 24 continuous hours of alone time together. One-on-one time. I tell them, I don't think that's good. You need to consider placing the parents in assisted living. Because you are care-givers. And first of all, in order to be decent care-givers, you need to learn to take care of yourselves. I can see the stress and strain. In their faces. I can hear it in their voices. In their words. Even the thought of placing the parents makes them feel guilty. Makes them sacrifice beyond the reasonable. They find it so difficult getting outside of themselves. To take an objective look. In order to do the right thing. For the parents. For themselves. --Jim Broede

The ability to love each other.

I like to be able to think. Of simple things. Such as watching my black cat, Chenuska. Looking out the sliding glass doors. At a wintry scene. A snow-covered deck. And I wonder, what is she thinking? Does she see beauty? Is she enthralled? Does she wish for going outdoors? Or does she know she'd freeze off her tail? I know for certain that Chenuska enjoys simple pleasures. If I rub the top of her head and massage her neck, she'll purr. Her way of asking for more. Of being content. When I open a can of food, Chenuska is familiar with the sound. She comes running from the other side of the house. Knowing she'll be fed. Apparently, the sound triggers the thought, 'I have the opportunity to be fed.' And I wonder if Chenuska has the making of a soul in that mind of hers. A cat soul. And is it somewhat similar to a human soul? Is all life precious? I'm fascinated. Because I'm able to communicate with Chenuska. And she's able to communicate with me. We share a consciousness of sorts. Even the ability to appreciate and love each other. --Jim Broede

To contemplate god.

As I understand it, god is supposed to exist outside of time. Now that's fascinating. I'm trying to imagine myself in the same dimension as god. Outside of time. The question I have, would I be aware of it if I lived outside of time? Or would it be a special kind of awareness? One that I cannot even imagine. And also, would god allow the existence of equals to the original god? In other words, multiple gods. And would these gods, in a sense, be one and the same? Since all of 'em might be clones of each other. Would they be ranked in order of making? Or is it possible they all came into being at once? After all, isn't that possible if one lives outside of time? I suspect I am consciously aware of myself only because I live in time. I can make a comparison. Between past, present and future. At least, theoretically. I'm thinking that god is unconscious. And that gives me an advantage. An opportunity to think. To contemplate god. --Jim Broede

A sense of deja vu

The latest theory is that nothing becomes something. With a big bang. And then something eventually becomes nothing. Only to become something again. With still another big bang. That's what we are in, folks. A cyclic thing. Repetition. Fluctuation between nothing and something. Forever and ever. What we presently perceive as the cosmos/creation will go away some day. Only to return. I'm assuming that means that eventually I'll return. Now whether that means I'll live the exact same life again, I don't know. Maybe I'll be given free choice again. And I may decide to do something entirely different. Guess I'll wait and see. But then again, this might be my millionth time around. And I've forgotten what I did before. Or maybe there's no need to forget. Because I'm always doing the same thing. Eternal recurrence. That guy Nietzsche had some kind of theory along that line. Maybe he was right. I often have a sense of deja vu. --Jim Broede

On ignoring the small stuff.

Maybe we Americans don't solve problems any more. We just live with 'em. Take the 40-some million of us that live in poverty. Or the about 50 million of us that live without health insurance. Or the fact that we live with a fast-deteriorating infrastucture. And consider the ever-widening gap between the rich and the poor. And what about the 10 percent of Americans without jobs? And the nation's record debt? And yes, all this at the very time that we are waging a useless and immoral and costly war in Afghanistan. And back home, we've got Republicans and Democrats acting like they hate each other. With Congress about ready to go into gridlock. But hey, I'm learning how to ignore the small stuff. Because I'm in love and about to spend the winter in Italy, on an island in the Mediterranean Sea. --Jim Broede

Friday, November 26, 2010

Our pockets are being picked.

No doubt about it. I'm at odds with much of public sentiment in America. Especially in the realm of politics. I want more and bigger government. To provide essential services. And economic security. For all citizens. Expanded social security. Expanded Medicare. Yes, I want a bigger public role in most everything. And less privatization. I don't trust the private sector. The capitalist is out to screw us. To exploit us. For the sake of profit. That ain't right. Citizens have the opportunity to control the operation of government. Because ultimately, we citizens are the bosses. The government is supposed to work for us. For the common good. But the private entrepeneur works for himself, for his own individual good, and not necessarily for the common good. It's not good that we have an ever-widening gap between the rich and the poor. But that's the nature of the capitalist system. It's inherently immoral. And selfish. Because it ignores the common good. Oh, many capitalists will argue that they are working for the common good. But that's bullshit. The capitalist wants to become individually wealthy. And he doesn't care if that comes at the expense of the common good. And so far, he has gotten away with it. Because most of us are too dumb to realize that our pockets are being picked. --Jim Broede

Happy choices.

How does one pursue happiness? I suppose it's a thought process. I have to ask myself, 'What will make me happy at this moment?' Maybe it's as simple as thinking about happiness. And what it is. Feeling alive. And well. That makes me happy. I suppose I could think of something sad. But I have no inclination to do that. Because I much prefer being happy. I know people who aren't particularly happy at this moment. Because they have stress in their lives. Problems that need to be solved. And that plagues their minds. But still, they are in positions daily when they can take time out. Just to be happy. For a moment or two. Reminding themselves that some things are going right. And that simple pleasures are possible. Going for a walk. Playing with a cat or a dog. Listening to music. I'm free to make so very many choices. Happy choices. --Jim Broede

Oh, so much perfection.

My idea/concept of perfection keeps changing. For instance, if I have a reasonably happy day, I consider it a moreorless perfect day. When I am consciously aware that I am in love, it's about as near-perfect as one can get. When I am with my love, it is even closer to perfect. When I am feeling healthy, I gotta be flirting with perfection. I just looked outdoors. At a squirrel climbing the ginkgo tree. And I see a white blanket of snow covering the lake ice. And it's all so beautifully perfect. Even the thought of soon donning my cold-weather clothing, including a ski mask, and going for a walk or a bicycle ride, seems like a perfect pursuit. And yesterday. I was a guest at my neighbor's place. For a turkey dinner. And camaraderie. And nice conversation while watching the flames dance in the fireplace. Oh, so much perfection. It's everywhere. --Jim Broede

Thursday, November 25, 2010

On becoming fearless again.

I've heard it called the sinister drumbeat of fear. Yes, that's what we have in America today. Fear that terrorists will strike again. And therefore, we have to live in fear. And give up our liberties. In order to be safe. Certainly a sign that would-be terrorists hold the upperhand. Their aim is to make Americans fearful. And we've become about as fearful as can be. We have to take off our shoes and submit to body scans and body pat-downs before we can clear security at airports. It's reached the point of absurdity. I long for the day when we Americans become fearless again. Guess it won't happen until we resolve the problems that created the terrorists in the first place. --Jim Broede

I'll keep my mind & options open.

I think I'd rather live in a minor nation. Rather than in a world power. Give me an out-of-the-way, relatively insignificant country. Such as Iceland. Or maybe Norway. Or the island of Sardinia, off the Italian coast. A place off the beaten track. Hidden away. These countries or states seem to pretty much mind their own business. They live and let live. They don't have defense budgets. And they have decent standards of living. And their politicians seem level-headed and civil with each other. I'm gonna try to spend more time in these places. Trying to fit into every-day life. And seeing how things go. Could be that some day I won't want to return to the USA. I'll keep an open mind. And keep my options open. --Jim Broede

My words don't sell.

I highly recommend living long enough to retire. And still be in good health. Believe me. It's a pleasure. Of course, life before retirement wasn't bad, either. It was darn good. But with retirement often comes a new-found freedom. To do pretty much as one wants. I'm a writer. So I could choose not to write anymore. Or to continue writing. But to write what I want to write. Before retirement, I was writing for newspapers. And I often picked stories that I wanted to write. But still, I had to write stories people wanted to read. Now I write more to please myself rather than anyone else. If people choose to not read what I write, fine. And if a few care to read the stuff, fine. That's how I think of my blog. I'm not out to please people. But if I do, that's all right, too. I don't write to make a living. I write only because I feel like writing. In my way. And about anything I please. Nobody tells me what to write. Or how to write. Which means I can experiment. Try almost anything. If I had to make a living with my writing, I'd have to write what people wanted to read. In fact, that's the nature of the news media today. Surveying the potential audience. To determine what the people want. And then giving it to 'em. Doesn't matter that it may not be the truth. Because if they want lies, that's what they'll get. They'll be told anything they want to hear. As for me, I tend to tell them what they don't want to hear. That doesn't sell. --Jim Broede

How to deal with a bad day.

I wish some of my days would last longer. Because I'm having such a good time. It'd be nice if time stopped. So that I could capture a precious moment. Actually, I have captured some of 'em. In my mind. In my heart. That allows me to refocus. When I have an occasional bad day. --Jim Broede

Nasty. Nasty. Nasty.

I admit to being uncivil. Sometimes. Because I see so much uncivility. And maybe it's a contagious disease. If you are persistently uncivil to me, eventually I give in. And I return the rude conduct. To prove that I can be just as uncivil as the next guy or gal. This especially goes when I'm dealing with unprincipled politicians. At some point, I refuse to turn the other cheek. I not only slap back, I bring my knee up to his groin. Get my foe to double over in pain and then I kick him in the teeth. And stomp on him. Yes, that's the point we've reached in American society. Some uncivil characters tell me that's the way it's always been. To look back in history. That the likes of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were very, very uncivil with each other. And that some congressmen exchanged fisticuffs. Matter of fact, duels were still in fashion in the early 19th century. In other words, we Americans have always acted like asses. Therefore, it's all right. Our nation's founders set the example. Of course, I'd like to think that we've matured over the ages. Into reasonable and polite people. Maybe a handful of us have. By isolating ourselves. Retreating to our cocoons. Like I do, occasionally. But inevitably, I come out. And I act like the majority. I become an uncivil goon. And I treat a Republican like a Republican treats others. Nasty. Nasty. Nasty. --Jim Broede

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

If one keeps the faith.

The Alzheimer connection. It has had a dramatic effect on my life. Threw me in with other care-givers. Desperate people. Under stress. Made me learn to cope with the pitfalls of life. Stretched my understanding of unconditional love. Maybe made me a better human being. Certainly more understanding and compassionate. I learned to grieve. But also to get on with life. My path crossed with that of another care-giver. All because of Alzheimer's. And we are together. In love. Goes to show. That given time. Life evolves. Eventually things get better. If one keeps the faith. --Jim Broede

By destiny.

So many opportunities. Life is full of 'em. Meaningful stuff. If only one takes advantage of the opportunities. Take a chance meeting, for instance. Maybe it turns out to be a love connection. That takes one to another side of the world. A real life-changer. One could have ignored the opportunity. And never followed up. Never went from step one to step two and three and four and five. So many job opportunities in one's lifetime, too. I could have made any of a half dozen choices. My entire life would have been quite different if I had made a different choice. Depends on whether I turn right or left. But I have a sense of it. I know what to do. I go with the flow. Knowing that I am being guided. By something holy. And profound. By destiny. --Jim Broede

I expect a meaningful time.

I don't mind being un-American. Now don't take me wrong. I'm pro-American. But when I go to a foreign country, I don't like to act like an American. When I'm in Italy, I want to get a feel for the place. And be able to blend in. To feel sort of like an Italian. To be able to appreciate the unique Italian culture. Which means I have sort of a double standard. Because I wouldn't expect the same of an Italian coming to the USA. I'd encourage the Italian to act like an Italian. Out of a sign of respect for the Italian culture. Because I like to practice tolerance. Also, I want to attain a better understanding of Italians. And I want the Italian to feel comfortable and at ease in my country. By just being himself/herself. Without any pressure to do things the American way. If an Italian acts like an Italian, it's an opportunity for me to learn more about Italians. And Italian ways. Granted, we are all human beings. But we are different in terms of cultures and ethnicity. And I am generally intrigued by and appreciative of the differences. An Italian visitor to America may not have the same objectives that I have when I travel. He/she may just be interested in sightseeing. But I'm more absorbed in getting a real feel for place and the people and the culture. Sightseeing is secondary. When I'm in Italy this winter, I'll write about my impressions. It'll be interesting to see how I handle it. And what I get from it. I expect the Italian experience to be enlightening and meaningful. --Jim Broede

I want an ideal society.

When I was a young man, I was thankful I wasn't black. Because I would have experienced terrible discrimination. I would not have had the opportunities I had as a white man. My education would have been inferior. Because I would have had to attend segregated schools. And my job opportunities would have been severely restricted. I would have been required to stay out of 'whites only' restaurants. And I would have had to live in black neighborhoods. In inferior housing. Things have changed for the better. But not enough to suit me. Especially if I were black. Now the discrimination would be more subtle. And I might even be accused of being a racist. Discriminating against whites. Because I want a totally colorblind society. Yes, an ideal society. No racial discrimination. Period. --Jim Broede

Preposterous, but clever.

It's a shrewd maneuver on the part of white racists. Or so it seems to me. Recent scientific polls indicate that increasing numbers of whites think discrimination against whites has become as big a problem as discrimination against blacks and other minorities. That goes for 62 percent of whites who identified as Tea Party members, 56 percent of white Republicans and 53 percent of white independents. Only 30 percent of white Democrats agreed with that statement. Yes, whites are now portraying themslves as the victims. Implying that it's time for blacks to stop complaining. And that as a society we have to do more to stop discrimination against whites. Sounds a little bit like white plantation owners griping about being discriminated against because they were being denied the right to have slaves. And to make a profit in the American capitalist system. As if whites have a right to exploit the black population. Clever. Clever. Clever. Conservative whites are even accusing Barack Obama of being a racist. But I see it as just another way to deflect charges of racism against whites. A new tact. To keep racism rampant in America. A way to stop progress in race relations. The real perpetrators of racism are now claiming to be the victims. It's preposterous. But effective. In a sense, some white Americans are learning to define bad as good and good as bad. In order to preserve our racist ways, our inbred racist society. Anyway, the poll was conducted by Project Implicit, a virtual laboratory maintained by Harvard, the University of Washington and the University of Virginia. Online tests were designed to detect hidden racial biases. --Jim Broede

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

A blend of heaven and hell.

We Americans are moreorless divided into two camps. Like the Hatfields and McCoys. The Republicans and Democrats. The good guys and the bad guys. And I don't know what's gonna come of it. But I don't have a good feeling. Because we think of the other side as evil-doers. Which means there's no room for compromise. You aren't supposed to yield to the devil. We are a nation split. Republicans think of Democrats and liberals as scum. To be defeated at any cost. And Democrats think of Republicans and conservatives as the lowest form of life. To be stomped on like insects. The relationships are hateful. Being a socialist at heart, I'm much closer to the Democrats than I am to the Republicans. But I'm of the opinion that even god and the devil could work out a pact. A truce. And get along with each other. Sure, it may take compromise. Old-fashioned give and take. But for the sake of the American nation, it's worth a try. Maybe we'd have to live with a blend of heaven and hell. But hey, that's the real nature of the cosmos. An indication that even god and the devil came to an arrangement. --Jim Broede

Makes no sense.

It's interesting. The things that make people angry. Mostly, it's other people. People they could just as easily ignore. But they don't. Because of anger. I was reading comments on a message board today, from a woman annoyed with her siblings. She tried to sooth herself by imagining nasty things she could do to her 'deadbeat siblings.' As if that would relieve her anger. And I thought, why doesn't she write off the siblings? And get on with the rest of her life. Because she ain't gonna change their actions. Just let them be. Instead, she'll lose sleep tonight. Fuming. And maybe she'll ruin her whole week and maybe even her life by harboring hostile thoughts. Makes no sense. --Jim Broede

Doing exactly what I want to do.

I'm where I want to be at the moment. Sitting at my computer. In a house. On a lake. I'd rather not be outdoors. It's 18 degrees. And windy. And snow is on the way. By morning. I'm immersed in thought. Comfortable, pleasant thought. Knowing that I'm in love. And that in three weeks I'll be in Italy. For the duration of winter. But I'm in no hurry to change the scene. Because I'm happy. No matter where I am. I savor each day. Knowing that I am alive. And conscious. And learning more about life. The meaningful stuff. I want this to go on forever. But if it doesn't, I'm not about to grieve. Because I have today. For which I am thankful. That's all I am guaranteed. This moment. And I'm doing exactly what I want to do. --Jim Broede

With the genuine life force.

The quest for material comfort. Maybe that is what will do us in. Eventually. The ultimate selfishness. Everyone for his/her self. A physical survival. When really, that's the wrong way to go. One must want to live as a spirit. That is the true individualism. True freedom. When one no longer needs material comfort. We are so physically oriented. Because we have bodies. More so than minds. We seek physical pleasures. And when we look at death, we often dream of a resurrection. In a physical way. In our bodies. Rather than spirits. That is the bug-a-boo of Christianity. Distortion. A physical survival. Rather than a spiritual presence. So many of us prefer being an animal. A creature. A physical being in a physical world. Oh, such limitations. No such thing as communion. With the creator. With the genuine life force. --Jim Broede

From within our very selves.

You know it. I know it. Lunacy prevails. In America. On the political, economic and social scales. Especially in the political realm. It's beyond my control and your control. We are gonna run off the cliff. As if in a suicide leap. Because we don't know what else to do. We have no earthly solutions. No sensible leader. Instead, it's as if the Pied Piper has taken to the front of the line. Playing a magical tune. But it really ain't that. He/she is leading us to the brink. To the edge of the cliff. So that we can soar. For a moment. Thinking all is well and grand. Oh, some of us will survive. Because we are believers of another sort. We find alternatives. We cling to life. By falling in love. With something. With someone. And we let the rest of the world go by. Because we have found a salvation. From within our very selves. --Jim Broede

Monday, November 22, 2010

The ultimate adventure.

I'd consider signing up for a one-way flight to Mars. There's talk of it in the scientific community. That when man is finally sent to Mars, it might be best to have no return trip. For one thing, it would be more economical. And if the first explorers stay, it would be the beginning of colonizing the place. Also, the travel would expose the passengers to high doses of radiation, and it would likely shorten their lives. And that may be reason to send older men. Guys like me. Knowing that we are nearing the end of life. And what better way to say adios than to be the first to set foot on Mars. I'd look at it as the ultimate adventure. --Jim Broede

Thoughts on love and loyalty.

I like being an American and living in Minnesota. But I also like other parts of the world. And I could easily adapt to living in a foreign country. Such as Germany, Scotland, Iceland and Italy. Ideally, I could divide my time between Minnesota and Italy. I'd welcome duo citizenships. Divided loyalties, so to speak. When it comes to a loving relationship, I'm a one-woman man. But when it comes to countries, please give me multiple choices. I approach love of another being in an unconditional and holy manner. But my love of country is conditional and unholy. That means I would never abandon my true love. But I would abandon my country under certain circumstances. That's just the way it is. My true love could do grievous wrong. But I would still stand by her. But if my country did wrong, I'd not stand for it. --Jim Broede

Palin is the best at a freaky craft.

We live in the age of entertainment. All it takes to reach the top is to be a good entertainer. That makes one relatively famous. To have name recognition. It's a way to achieve power. Politically. And economically. Doesn't matter if one is stupid. Without an original thought. In our American society, all that counts is to be entertaining. Be like Sarah Palin or George Bush. You automatically become endearing if you write an entertaining book and have your own 'reality' TV show. That's why I don't discount the Sarah Palin phenomenon. She's ridiculously absurd. But she's entertaining. She's a freak. But freaks are entertaining in their freakish ways. They stir the imagination. Imagine a freak in the White House. Even Obama is a freak, of sorts. Palin is still a different kind of freak. But she has a following because she's such an unusual freak. I'm a freak, too. In my own little environs. In a niche. I catch attention. Because I'm unusual. Unorthodox. Different. And that's entertaining, to a degree. But no one can match Sarah Palin. She has mastered the art of freakishness. Because she's a natural born freak. She has the instincts. And the entertaining schtick. That may well catapult her to the presidency of the USA. George Bush was a master of the craft. But Palin is even better at it. --Jim Broede

Sunday, November 21, 2010

On connecting to my roots.

I'd like to meet ancestors I've never met before. Because they are long dead. It'd be interesting to sit down and talk to them. Knowing that I exist because they existed. It's an unfortunate circumstance of life that one never meets one's ancient ancestors. But maybe I'm wrong about that. Maybe if the spirit lives after death, we'll have a reunion of ancestors. We'll all gather and get to know each other. I'd certainly like to meet dead people I'm related to. As it is, I've discovered some living cousins. In Germany. That I didn't know existed until the last 10 years. We've met. And we visit each other. Regularly. In Germany. In America. I suspect that my ancestors' spirits brought us together. They wanted me to walk the same ground that they walked centuries ago. While I'm still living here on Mother Earth. Chances are if I meet them, it'll be in another dimension. Which is all right. I like the idea of moving on. To new places in the cosmos. But I'd still like to be connected to my roots. --Jim Broede

Makes me a blessed character.

Life is unpredictable. And I like that. Because that makes me feel like I'm living in a story. And I'm waiting to see what happens. In the next chapter. And in my story, I'm the main character. I'm living. As me. I'm really telling the story. As it unfolds. And hey, I'm amazed by all of the characters and personalities around me. Many of 'em are fascinating. And I relate to them in different ways. Some of 'em I like. Others -- well, I could take 'em, or leave 'em out of the story entirely. They're nothing special. Maybe they'll take on more significance later in the story. Or maybe they'll just fade away. I've always wanted to live in a good story. Like in a Tolstoy novel. But I don't have to write this story. Because the story is writing itself. Every day there's an additional page or two. From recent chapters, I've gained some insight/hints about the future. There's a change of scene coming. I'm supposed to move to Italy this winter. And spend three months cavorting. On an island in the Mediterranean Sea. Where I have a love interest. My gawd. If I were writing this story instead of living it, I could craft some thrilling scenarios. But I'm learning that truth is far better than fiction. In fact, the truth almost seems unbelievable at times. Full of boundless love and happiness. But I'm a true believer. Because I'm living it. Makes me a blessed character in this story. --Jim Broede

The discovery of meaningful love.

In a sense, I'm lamenting. Brooding. With these capsules. Reflections. Musings. I'm expressing a sadness about what's happening in the world. But at the same time, I'm finding my salvation. Something to grasp. And hold on to. Love. An intimate relationship with life. See. I have learned acceptance. To take the bad with the good. Because I have no control over so many, many events. I could let that discourage me. But I don't. And primarily because I've found love in my life. That makes me happy. I have latched on to the greatest consolation of all. Something that offsets everything negative about life. My salvation. Love. Love. Love. Yes, I have discovered meaningful love. --Jim Broede

Why the world is in a mess.

I don't believe in living a completely private life. That is, for me. I'll let others make their own choices. Since I was a youngster, I ventured into the public domain. By publishing my own neighborhood newspaper when I was in the 6th grade. It was my way of letting people know what I was all about. And at the same time an opportunity for me to learn what the world was all about. To moreorless operate in the public domain. To have no secrets. To have openness. I wasn't gonna be anonymous. And my intent was to put the spotlight on other people. In a sense, I've always wanted the sun to shine in. To let everyone know what's going on behind the scenes. To be nosey. And in the process to arouse curiosity all the way around. So much of what happens in the world is done quietly and secretly. In an effort to get away with things that ain't right. Therefore, my instinctive quest has long been for openness. On the people's right to know. It was a natural for me to write for local newspapers. Used to be that newspapers were a main source of information. Yes, a free press. Of course, newspapers have become less of an integral part of public enlightenment. New technology has changed all that. Now we flock to the computer. And to television and radio. And sadly, the sound bites. We want our news/information in capsule form. And around the clock. Thus, the 24-hour news cycle. Even if there isn't legitimate news to report. We prefer to be entertained rather than informed. We really don't know what's going on anymore. Because we don't take the time to become knowledgeable. We have donned blinders. And blocked out reality. Little wonder that the world is in a mess. --Jim Broede

Saturday, November 20, 2010

I wanna fool the people.

Sometimes, I sit down at the computer. And don't know what to think, or do. I'm waiting for a thought to come. My mind seems to be a blank. And I don't like that. It's as if I'm wasting time. And not taking advantage of the moment. I was given a brain. A mind. And it's supposed to be active. Full of thoughts. But then, maybe it's time to put my mind to rest. Maybe the absence of thought is a good thing. Like when I go to sleep at night. If I'm thinking too much, maybe I won't fall asleep. Other times, I may be at a meeting. A boring meeting. I may be so bored that I become sleepy. And I drift away. Or maybe I wonder, what am I doing here? And I begin an experiment. To see if I can fall asleep with my eyes open. That would be a wonderful feat. To make people think I'm wide awake when I'm really in deep sleep. --Jim Broede

Because I'm busy living.

I know that Alzheimer's is a gawd-awful way to die. And care-givers saddled with watching their loved ones die by the steady loss of mind -- well, it's not the most pleasant thing to watch. But then, it seems to me that dying isn't pleasant. No matter in what form death comes. Whether it be by cancer or stroke or heart attack or on the battlefield in war or by random chance accident or murder. Maybe it's best to die suddenly. So there's no or little suffering. I'm not sure that there's one way that's better or worse than another. I do know one thing though. I'd rather be the survivor than the victim. It's nice to postpone death. So that one can continue to savor life. And that's precisely what I try to do. Even when I was dear Jeanne's care-giver, I learned to savor Jeanne. And life. Having the ability to love with some semblance of unconditional love. And knowing full well that death is inevitable. For everyone. That not only is Alzheimer's always fatal. So is life. But I really don't let that bother me. Because I'm busy living. --Jim Broede

Often, a thought is sufficient.

I hate to pack. That's the worst part of traveling. Deciding what to take with me. A few precious belongings. One bag that I'll check. The other a small bag that I carry with me. On the plane. I'm not very efficient. I'll pack some wrong things. And I'll forget stuff. But I'll make do. I tell myself to pack well ahead of departure time. But I know that I'll wait til the last minute. I'm gonna be gone for almost three months. I imagine I'll be wearing the same things. Over and over. Maybe a week or 10 day supply of essentials. Underwear. Socks. Shirts. Pants. Sweaters. A jacket or two. Maybe two pairs of shoes. Walking shoes, for sure. Toiletries. Several books. Writing materials. A camera. Albeit, I don't like to take many pictures. It's too distracting. Trying to record a moment. I'd rather just store the moment in my mind. Forever. I don't need pictures. Just a thought. --Jim Broede

I have a nose for stupidity.

Sarah Palin is stupid. She does stupid things daily. But that's her endearing quality, I suppose. She just plods ahead. And continues to be her stupid self. Unashamedly. In that sense, I can sort of relate to Palin. I'm just as stupid. In my own way. Maybe we're all that way. But some of us venture out into the world. And make it apparent that we are stupid. We don't hide it. Most people just shut up. And go about their living. By keeping their mouths shut. But some of us find an outlet. And let the world know we are stupid. We let our stupid selves hang out. In big ways. And in little ways. I do it right here in my blog. Pretty much on a daily basis. I post stupid thoughts. On the Internet. I have an outlet. All of us do. We can readily publicly display our stupidity. I did it early in life. By becoming a journalist. A writer. In the public domain. I'm as bad as any politician. Any idiot. By making no secret of the fact. I am stupid. Even more stupid than Sarah Palin. One thing. Sarah Palin can't fool me. I know stupidity when I see it. Because I've been stupid all my life. I'm an expert. I have a nose for stupidity. I can sniff it out. --Jim Broede

Friday, November 19, 2010

We don't make sense any more.

I don't understand it. We wage two wars that drive the American nation into horrendous debt. And we ignore the more than 40 million Americans living in poverty. And the 10 percent of us that are unemployed. Just think. If we had routed the money spent on wars back into the American economy. Creating jobs and helping the poor. That would make sense. But we Americans -- we just don't make sense any more. --Jim Broede

I'm pretty much even keel.

A friend dropped me a note today. And said that I sound even more happy than usual. Hmmmm. I don't know if that's true. It's been a long time since I've been sad. Or unhappy. And if I ever go into the doldrums it rarely last for more than a day or two. Seems to me that I have to be happy. Or content with my life. I become annoyed with the state of politics and the economy. But I recognize that I can't do anything about it. So I don't let it get me down. Instead, I focus on the things that make me happy. Mainly being in love. And the fact that I'll soon be off to Italy. Maybe that makes me more happy than usual. But I'm pretty much even keel. In a relatively steady good mood. --Jim Broede

They know I'll be fair. Ultimately.

I often think out loud. Either talking to myself. Or in the presence of others. Other times, I think in writing. I don't really know which is my favorite way to think. Out loud. Or in writing. Occasionally, I do both at the same time. I'm sure some people think I'm crazy. Because I may be walking down the street. Talking to myself. Of course, if someone is coming toward me, I may shut up. But I also may be oblivious of everything going on around me. Because I am fully absorbed in the thought of the moment. Much of my thought might be termed 'broodings.' So little wonder that's what I've named my blog. Broede's Broodings. It has a ring to it. Of course, I think in words. I love words. Because strung together they take on meaning. At least for me. Maybe not for everyone. But I keep trying. To become an effective communicator. Sometimes, I merely want to arouse people. By rubbing them the so-called wrong way. Making them peeved. But that's all right. Because it's what I intended. I like to wake people out of their complacency. By becming provocative. Anyway, I am very opinionated. I let people know where I stand. On all sorts of issues and matters. Maybe that's why I rub some people the wrong way. I foist my views on 'em. But I also have an interest in what they have to say. I welcome a friendly dialogue. But I also can become sarcastic and cast matters in a satirical manner. For the sake of humor. But I also try to be reasonably polite. Albeit, I can come across as arrogant and impolite. But people who know me, trust me. They know I'll be fair. Ultimately. --Jim Broede

Blundering my way to awareness.

I list the things I think I am. From a romantic idealist, to a free-thinker, to a liberal, to a lover. But there's one thing I don't mention often enough. I'm also a damn fool. Of which I'm proud to be. Many fools try to hide the fact. But I don't. I find being a fool a necessary part of living. I'm not afraid to be a fool. It's a sign that I'm willing to take risks. To try something. And to fail at it. Quite miserably, on occasion. I have been known to make a complete ass of myself. I make the kind of mistakes which I wish I hadn't made. Because sometimes they are downright embarrassing. I like to think of myself as intelligent. But I'm also capable of idiocy. Almost anytime that I open my mouth. Thing is, fools talk too much. They babble. At times, I make lots of sense. I'm really with it. But other times, I hardly make sense at all. Oh, I catch myself eventually. And I blame my foolhardy ways on feeling my way through life. Trying to figure things out. And I end up showing my stupidity along the way. But ultimately, I get things right. By blundering my way to enlightenment. --Jim Broede

I want to see more, feel more.

I'm looking forward to being a bit detached from the USA for several months this winter. Starting in mid-December, I'll be living in Italy. In Sardinia. With my true love. Can't say that I'm gonna be homesick. I doubt it. But hey, it'll be a good test. When I've traveled to foreign countries in the past, I never hurried to get back. I adapt nicely to new surroundings, new cultures. Every day seems like a new adventure. Something different. Makes me aware that I'm adaptable. Able to adjust to life almost anywhere. I intend to get a feel for the Italian way of life. Particularly, the Sardinian way. One of my favorite writers, D. H. Lawrence, visited Sardinia in the 1920s. And he wrote a book, 'The Sea and Sardinia.' I want to walk the same ground that Lawrence walked. And get my own feel for the place. And I intend to write about it. Right here in my blog. Maybe I'll see more and feel more than Lawrence. That would be wonderful. --Jim Broede

So many questions to ponder.

I'm not certain that we are born with a soul/spirit. We are born physically. But possibly without a soul/spirit. And that is introduced later. When it's certain that one will survive. Long enough so that we have ample opportunity to cultivate a soul/spirit. I'm not even certain I was alive at the moment I squeezed out of my mother's womb. I was not alive until I was aware of it. And that might not have been until I was a year or two old, so to speak. Life does not necessarily begin with conception. So if I had been aborted, I would not necessarily yet have had a soul/spirit. That's one way of looking at life. When I was 5 years old, I was aware of myself. As a being. But I still had a long way to go to figure things out. In fact, still do. Even would if I lived to be 1,000. I can't yet fully define soul/spirit. And I'm not sure that if it exists that it would continue to exist after my physical death. I would like to think so. But I can't be certain. I don't know if soul/spirit are tangible things. Able to exist separate from one's body, one's brain, one's mind. Does a soul/spirit need to be encased in a physical container to truly exist? And if that's the case, is it truly a soul/spirit? So many questions to ponder. --Jim Broede

Achieving a higher form of life.

Maybe I'm more than human. Or maybe it's just that I want to reach beyond being human. To something higher. More elevated. I want to become a spirit. Able to live outside my physical body. And maybe I already have an inner spirit. Because I think I can feel it. Now it's just a matter of grasping my spirit. And setting it free. Then I will have achieved another fascinating level of life. Beyond the human. I'm not satisfied with being merely human. Amazing. How I have evolved. I want no limits on what I can become. I let myself flow. Naturally. I'm in the process of being born. Again and again. Emerging into new dimensions. Forever achieving a higher form of life. --Jim Broede

Falling in love with life.

I love to have crazy and fantastic thoughts. About creation. About the possibilities of life. Throughout the cosmos. Seems to me it's a certainty. Because of the vastness of galactic and solar systems. Billions and billions and billions of 'em. Infinite numbers. There's no end to creation. And my gawd, I'm here to be able to imagine what I'm imagining. Which makes it real. For me, at least. I have been blessed with an imagination. A form of consciousness. Awareness. And I want to find a way to make all this last forever. Inside my imagination. That's what I'm looking for. Everlasting life. On an equal footing with god. Wouldn't that be marvelous? For me, it's part of being a romantic idealist. That way I could become an eternal lover. Falling in love with being alive. --Jim Broede

Thursday, November 18, 2010

We let the wrong thing happen.

The nature of politics is partisan. But I think it's overdone. Politics should be less partisan. It should be all sides working together. To try to achieve the common good. But instead, partisans are out to achieve their own best interests. Rather than the good of the community or the nation. Of course, there'll be a division of opinion over the definition of the common good. That's fine. The common good should be at the core of the debate. But it seldom comes down to that. Because in America, at least, special interests wield the power. Usually, because they have money. To finance electoral campaigns. In essence, they buy votes in Congress. And too, it's generally rich people that get elected to the top offices. Such as the U.S. Senate, where the median income of the members is just under $1 million. Little wonder that Congress may well end up giving tax cuts to millionaires at the same time that it denies extension of unemployment insurance to those in dire need. It ain't right. The partisans for the rich have far more clout than the partisans for the poor and middle class. The vote of a rich man counts far more than the vote of a poor man. That's the way the political system works. You know it. I know it. And we let the wrong thing happen. Sad, isn't it? --Jim Broede

Perish the thought.

Forever for me is my lifetime. Which means I am living my forever. Now. The world exists only because I am living. And conscious. Aware. Otherwise, it does not exist. In that sense, I am god. Because I can perceive god. But if I no longer exist, then god is dead. God and I have to be one and the same. Because god needs to be recognized. That is why god created me and other living beings. Otherwise, god could not exist. God had to become a creator in order to be born. In order to be god. That may sound complicated. But it's really quite simple. Even take the notion of love. Love cannot exist. Without creation. Because one needs something to love. If there is nothing, it's impossible to love. If I die and there is nothing, then there is no god and no love. Perish the thought. --Jim Broede

To soar beyond the beyond.

It's truly nice to be connected with another human being. One other. Intimately. Even from a distance. I suppose that's the real nature of love. A metaphysical connection. Something mystical. I didn't know that was possible early in life. Although I'm sure I sensed it. Unconsciously. Subconsciously. And I had to dig deep within. To find it. And to understand it to some significant degree. And now that has become the purpose of my life. To explore the world from within my own being. That's why I could live on a desert island. And still be with the blessed spirits. Yes, that's what I have discovered. A spiritual realm. I know that it exists. Because I can feel it. A presence of a life force. Even beyond one's imagination. But that is where one must go. To soar beyond the beyond. --Jim Broede

God as the ultimate soul.

I choose to think that animals have souls. Yes, a chimpanzee, for instance. So humanlike. But even a dog. Or a cat. A turtle. And fish. Maybe even an insect. Maybe it's only a fraction of a soul. Something growing. Evolving. From nothing. To something. And maybe our souls are becoming more conscious. And lodged in things physical. A so-called higher form of life. And we humans are still a very, very low form of life. Give a soul another million years. Or even a billion years. And it'll become something fantastic. Far beyond what we humans can imagine. Maybe that's how god became god. Reaching the top of the pyramid of life. The ultimate soul. --Jim Broede

We've botched the job.

Oh, so many life forms. A tree, for instance. So beautiful. I can sit and comtemplate a tree all day. And marvel. At the beauty. Or a sunset. Or just the feeling of consciousness. Of being alive. A thinking being. And then I look still closer. And I see politicians. Trying to run a country. Republicans. Democrats. Idiots. And I have to ask myself, why would god create such vermin? And I conclude that maybe god didn't do it. God allowed us humans to create. To practice being gods. And we've botched the job. --Jim Broede

Making life feel like an eternity.

I like mysteries. Things that I don't understand. And maybe never will. Even if I lived to be a million years old. For instance, the vastness of the universe. Of creation. The immense distance that separates us from the center of our Milky Way galaxy. That just to reach it might take 25,000 years traveling at a speed of light. Some 186,000 miles per second. And the fact that the Milky Way is only one of billions of galaxies, And each galaxy has billions of stars. And maybe billions of planets. Therefore, in all of creation there may be billions of earth-like planets. Teeming with all sorts of life forms. Yes, billions and billions of possibiities. Virtually limitless. And here we are. Stuck on a tiny planet. Barely a speck in all of creation. Wow! Makes me feel significant and insignificant. All at the same time. And if I've existed for only 75 years. That's such little amount of time. A flash. Less than an instant. Yet I am trying to make life feel like an eternity. By living one day at a time. --Jim Broede

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

I'll be reporting from Paradise.

For the first time this season, the temperature isn't expected to get above freezing on Thursday. I recall winters here in Minnesota when we went 60-some consecutive days without hitting 32 degrees. And going for periods of several days without getting above zero. But that's all right. There are colder places. In Alaska and in the arctic and antarctic. And on Mars and on the moon. But what do I care? I'm gonna spend most of the winter in a mild weather part of Italy. I promise to tell you what it's like. With frequent reports from Paradise. --Jim Broede

Learning to think for myself.

I have been brainwashed much of my life. Maybe even all of my life. Because I was born initially without the ability to think for myself. I would not have survived on my own. I needed the intervention of my parents and others. For 75 years I've been struggling to think for myself. And I may never fully master the art. But I keep trying to get it right. To find the way that truly suits me. In many ways, I've cleansed my mind. For instance, I was brought up as a 'Christian.' But finally I decided to abandon organized religions. I've become a free-thinker. Because that seems to make sense. I was brought up to believe that my country (the USA) was the greatest country in the world. And that my country could do no wrong. Of course, I now know that's proposterous. A bold-faced lie. I also was made to believe that capitalism is the finest of all economic systems. But now I'm a socialist sympathizer. And I once waved the Republican flag. But eventually I came around to follow my liberal instincts. But the grandest thing of all -- I've discovered that I was meant to be a romantic idealist. And a lover. Yes, finally I have learned to think for myself. And truly live in the way I was meant to live. --Jim Broede

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

I'm for the proletariat.

I sense that some Americans think our civil servants/government workers are overpaid. And that their pensions are too good. Or so I've been told by a letterwriter. He/she said public employees are paid much better than workers in the private sector. And that the public employees have more job security and better benefits. The writer deplored the fact that public employees are so much better off. When really the concern should be over the sad plight of private sector workers. In essence, they are getting the shaft. The public sector is setting a fine example. The private sector's example is shameful. But not surprising in this capitalist-oriented society. Workers are treated second class. The big money goes to the owners and chief executive officers. Another reason why we have an ever-widening gap between the rich and the poor. We don't necessarily need a dictatorship of the proletariat. But we certainly need more fairness in our nation's economic system. So that the working class gets a bigger share of the wealth and better treatment. --Jim Broede

No white Christmas for me.

I will gut out what I have left of the Minnesota winter. Only 4 weeks to go. Because I'm going to Italy. To a locale where it hardly ever snows. And where the natives think it's darn cold when the temperature dips into the 40s. We Minnesotans, of course, almost think of that as shirtsleeve weather. Anyway, we had a heavy, wet snow on Saturday. The first day that I was unable to go for my usual daily bicycle ride. But hey, by Sunday the snow was pretty much gone from the roads, and I biked 25 miles. Donned a jacket and a ski mask. And I'll try to keep at it until the day I climb aboard the plane for a flight to Italy. Over time, I have adjusted to Minnesota winters. But I can truthfully say that I won't miss winter. I can live without it. I will shed no tears living without a White Christmas. --Jim Broede

The place is Sardinia.

I venture out. Into the world. Across the sea. Into countries where I have yet to master the language. But that doesn't stop me. Because I improvise. I find ways to communicate. With translators. With people that speak English. It's not nearly as good as speaking the native tongue. Fluently. But hey, I'm curious. And diligent. I find ways. Oh, so much I can glean. From a handful of people. From the environs. From music. From history. From culture. I observe. I ask questions. And I like to stay in one locale. For a long time. Not move on too quickly. I need time. To reflect. To ponder. In my true love's homeland. That makes it all significant. I'll be there. From mid-December to early March. Living. One day at a time. On an island in the Mediterranan Sea. The place is Sardinia. --Jim Broede

Makes me eternal.

I am able to go back in time. And capture a moment. A misty, dark day. By a riverside. Nothing special happening. No big event. Just an awareness. That I'm very much alive. Choosing to live in that particular moment. Again and again. Nobody is with me. I am alone. Maybe that is what makes me eternal. I can relive my entire life. Or just a moment. I can stop time. And just live in that precious moment. As if it's forever. I once thought that everything is now. But I have a sensation that I can turn back the clock. And visit somewhere again. And it really isn't now. It was then. Fully retrieved. --Jim Broede

Dreamers are becoming extinct.

The world has a shortage of dreamers. And that's a problem. Because a percentage of 'em make things happen. They become believers. I thought for a while that Barack Obama was a dreamer. But I'm not so sure about that any more. He was gonna change the system of politics in Washington. Simply by waving a magic wand. Instead, he needs a club. He has to knock heads. And not play by dainty rules. Instead, Obama has taken a professorial approach. As if politicians will listen to reason. Yes, Obama misgauged his audience. He thought they had brains. That they could be persuaded to do the right things. Simply with words. As if spoken from on high. No, that won't work. Politicians only know the language of brutal force. And money. Politicians can be bought and sold. And that's why Obama's dream has no chance of coming true and real. Actually, Obama needs to recruit other dreamers. But they are few and far between. Sadly, the species is becoming extinct. At least here in America. --Jim Broede

Monday, November 15, 2010

That's the way it is.

I think it's good to have a social conscience. For government and society as a whole to come to the aid of people in need. To make the poor less poor. To help the unfortunate. To make it easier for everyone to survive. And to even thrive to some reasonable extent. In the process that may make the rich less rich. Because social programs cost money. And who can best afford paying for the common good? Yes, the people with lots of moola. Of course, many of the rich and fortunate don't like that idea. And in some sense, I can't blame 'em. They'd like to decide for themselves how they spend their money. And they don't want the government taking from them to give to the poor. The rich never did like Robinhood. Anyway, all I know is that I'm not rich. Nor am I poor. And I pay taxes. And I don't mind it. Especially the portion of my taxes that go into social programs for the needy. I have a social conscience. I'm willing to do my part for the common good. Sure, it'd be nice if I could keep all of my money. But I'm willing to pay for my government. Local, state, federal. I'll even pay something for international or world government. I'm sold on the idea of government. On government regulation, too. But I don't particularly like paying for wars. Or national defense. But I'm stuck. I gotta pay my taxes. Knowing full well that not all of the money goes where I want it to go. But that's life. That's government. Nothing's perfect. I put up with so much. Just because that's the way it is. --Jim Broede

In order to be honest & objective.

I think of myself as more subjective than objective. Because I have opinions about most things that I write about. Often, I try to be fair. And readily acknowledge that I could be wrong. But I like to stand up for what I believe in. In subjective ways. When I was writing for newspapers, I tried to write stories that were objective. In the sense that I kept my opinion out of 'em. But then I might have gone out of my way to interview politicians that tended to reflect my point of view on the issues. And maybe it was easier for me to be fair to a liberal than to a conservative. Because I was more tuned in to the liberal perspective. At times, I filled a duo role, as the supposed objective reporter and the subjective columnist. Some editors discouraged wearing two hats. They thought writers should be one or the other. But I argued that the ultimate objectivity is for a reporter to let readers in on his opinions. So that they can take that into account when reading what's supposed to be an objective story. Yes, full disclosure. Anyway, I took pride in my objectivity. Because I thought I was being objective. Maybe even when I wasn't. I admit that now. In order to be honest and objective. --Jim Broede

The most wonderful blessing.

Seems to me that life is an experiment. Nothing ventured. Nothing gained. I take calculated risks. A little bit like an explorer, I suppose. I feel my way. Generally, I try to satisfy my curiosity. The adage that curiosity killed the cat doesn't bother me. Because I'm not a cat. Albeit, I like cats. I don't avoid trouble or difficulty. I accept challenges. And adventure. I do things. Sometimes, I dive right in. Like I did when my Jeanne was diagnosed with Alzheimer's back in the early 1990s. And became a genuine care-giver. Eventually without fear and trembling. But out of love. Or when I decided to marry Jeanne in 1969, and take on the responsibility of a ready-made family. Or when I joined the U.S. Army in 1957. Or when as a young man I went south in 1962 and joined the civil rights movement. Or now, as a relatively old man, deciding to start spending my winters with my true love in Italy. Yes, I dare to fall in love. A second time. Not only that, I dare to live. Fully. And to think of life as the most wonderful blessing of all. --Jim Broede

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Everyone has a story to be told.

I'm intrigued by human relationships. Yes, on how we relate to each other. What makes us connect? I often try to make contact with strangers. Mostly out of curiosity. I wasn't always that way. Maybe it's because I made a living as a writer. Writing stories. For newspapers. And I had to interview people. For stories. So I became inquisitive. Therefore, it's natural for me to ask questions. And in the process, I often write a story. In my head. About people that I meet. Total strangers. I think all people are fascinating. They have a story to tell. Even a dull life is interesting. Even if one merely goes through the motions of living. Why does one settle for that sort of life? I could write an interesting obituary about virtually anyone. If only I had the opportunity to talk to one of his/her friends for a few minutes. Give me 15 minutes and I'll be able to make something meaningful of it. --Jim Broede

They truly wanted to live.

Winter sneaked up on me. Without any warning. Overnight. With an incredibly heavy wet snow. Stuck to the tree branches. Put extra weight on the limbs. Many of 'em snapped. Busted big, big limbs. Especially on my ginella maple trees. I've lost the best parts of two trees. Sad. But what remains will come back. Maybe it'll take a season or two or three. Because the roots are well-established. I've had original planted trees wither and die. Only to have new sprouts emerge. And now they've become beautiful mature aspen trees. I just let so many trees be. Trees that came up on their own. Oaks and maples and sunburst locust and mountain ash and willows. They're the best. Because they truly wanted to live. They found a way. --Jim Broede

We shouldn't let it happen.

It often does good to cultivate contacts with strangers. There are billions of 'em in this world. But they all don't have to remain strangers. But first we have to venture out. And not wait for people to come to us. When I'm on a plane sitting next to a stranger, I almost always strike up a conversation. A meaningful one. Because I'm curious. I want to know something significant about that stranger. I want to feel I've left that plane with a real encounter with another human being. The sad fact of the matter is that sometimes our own parents and spouses and children and grandchildren and nieces and nephews and cousins remain strangers. We shouldn't let it happen. --Jim Broede

In intimate ways.

Just a reminder. My blog is called broodings. I mention it periodically. Because it's significant. That's what I like to do. Brood. It's a way of thinking. Pondering about life. I ponder (brood) about the good and the bad. All sorts of things. No sense in limiting myself. I like the invention of blogs. Because that allows me to go public with my broodings. It's a form of free speech. And to practice what I do. Write. And to find new ways to use the English language. New ways to brood. I want to be identified as a man who spent much of his life brooding. In good and positive ways. Moreso than in bad or negative ways. When I initially created my blog, it was in response to countering negative thinkers. People who didn't particualrly like my thoughts. Some of 'em thought I was an evil man. And they wanted to make me see the light. Or if I didn't, to expose me to the rest of the world. So back at the beginning, my blog was loaded with negative and nasty comments. Almost all of 'em from mean-spirited sources. From readers. I often countered with sarcasm and satire. But as time went on, the naysayers followed my advice and went away or zipped up their lips. And now my blog draws few comments. But when they do come, they're almost all positive. So we've made gains, as I see it. And we've picked up readership. Evidenced by the hits counter. I'm not out to attract big numbers of readers. Maybe a handful. Like I do friends. That's all I need. A friend or two or three. Knowledge that I'm connected with the outside world. In intimate ways. --Jim Broede

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Gives me food for more thought.

I'm a thinker. But I'm not certain what that means. Other than that I think. A whole lot. Which means I have thoughts. Rather than an idle or blank mind. I'm most comfortable when I have a conscious thought. I have so many, many thoughts that I can't keep track of 'em all. I may have had a particular thought five minutes ago. But darn if I can remember it. That thought has already eluded me. So maybe it wasn't worth remembering. Or maybe I'm just absent-minded. Actually, if someone listed 10 thoughts for me. And asked me to remember 'em all for recitation later on, I probably couldn't do it. Unless I wrote 'em down. Or unless I was enthralled by those particular thoughts. But I find it most difficult to be enthralled by 10 thoughts all at once. Some of 'em are bound to be boring and very forgettable. Anyway, my mind often shifts from one thought to another and another and another. Almost endlessly some days. When I wake in the morning, I automatically seem to have a thought on my mind. Same goes for when I go to sleep at night. Maybe I don't remember thoughts from a while ago because I'm totally focused on the thought of the moment. And therefore, I've cleansed my mind of all other thoughts. I could try to jot down all the thoughts I have in a single day. And then count 'em. An opportunity to analyze the nature of the thoughts. But that won't serve any useful purpose. And it would entail unnecessary labor. On my part. Meanwhile, I'm thinking that maybe I missed a goodly portion of my life. When I wasn't thinking. Periods when I wasn't even aware that I was alive. Come to think of it, that's an interesting premise. Gives me food for more thought. --Jim Broede

Of my creation.

When it comes to politics, my mood swings back and forth. Some days, I feel that it's a hopeless situation. Other times, I see a ray of hope. I bounce back and forth. I want to believe that we can get above the dirty, filthy politics. And start to serve the common good. But invariably, I become disappointed. And I tell myself, get on with life. Shut the door on politics. Ignore it. Because the individual is powerless. And there ain't gonna be a movement that brings about significant change. One day I have faith in the likes of Barack Obama. But the next day, I'm disillusioned. I find that my best days are when I don't even think about politics. I retreat to my cocoon. And live in my separate world. Of my creation. --Jim Broede

With the goodness that abounds.

Yes, I sound glum about the future of America. And rightly so. But I am not glum about the future of life. Because I believe in love. That is our salvation. Everyone's salvation. No matter what happens to America, my homeland, I can still pursue a life of love. And it doesn't even necessarily have to be in America. For instance, Italy looks good to me. Because Italy doesn't purport to be the leader of the free world. But I'm discovering that Italians love life. Really. Maybe because they have a rich history. One that goes back to ancient Roman times, and beyond. I have a sense of richness when I am in Italy. Of course, it helps that my true love lives there. But she could even live in hell. And it would seem like paradise. Anyway, there's something nice about Mother Earth. About the land and the sky and the air. About nature. Sure, the politic may be bad. And insane. But that can be ignored. If only one learns to fall in love. With the goodness that abounds. --Jim Broede

Indeed, a sad state of affairs.

You and I are to blame for the sad state of affairs in America. On the political, economic and social levels. Because we don't do anything about it. We are completely ineffective. Because we are convinced that we are helpless. That we are no more than bystanders. At the scene of a crime. Oh, I hear some of us yelling and screaming and foaming at the mouth. And forming a new political party. Of professed tea drinkers. But really, they're drinking kool-aid. Poison. Or drugs. That make them think that they are gonna do something about the mess we're in. When really, it's all a charade. People that have been turned into puppets. By the powerbrokers. By the big-money capitalists that run the show. We need a full-scale revolution. But that ain't gonna happen. Because we don't have the smarts. Or the guts. Or the stamina. We are stupid and helpless beings. Even the high and lofty and professorial Barack Obama was gonna do something about it. By becoming our grand and glorious leader. But even he stepped into the quicksand in Washington, and so he's sinking deeper and deeper into the muck. We've lost our faith. We have surrendered to the enemy. We have become losers. Defeatists. With no idea of what to do next. Indeed, a sad state of affairs. --Jim Broede

Friday, November 12, 2010

Don't let us down, Barack Obama.

New York Times columnist Gail Collins says she believes Obama is going to get his groove back and be the leader we elected, even though he is testing us sorely. Well, I too, have faith in Obama. I've been disappointed. Because he seems to have lost his groove. The groove that got him elected two years ago. But I think circumstances have played against Obama. Not the least being that he inherited the worst mess ever bestowed on a president. Maybe even worse than the mess dumped on Abe Lincoln. Obama got not just one, but two wars. A colossal collapse of the economy. Including a need to bail out Wall Street and the auto industry. And the biggest debt in American history. And he's had less than two years to do anything about it. I give the Obama administration and the Democrat-controlled Congress credit for preventing another Great Depression, holding it instead to a Great Recession. But still, we've got big-time problems. And we need a leader that finds his groove once again. To lead us to the promised land. I'm betting on you, Barack Obama. Don't let us down. --Jim Broede

New tricks of the political trade.

Fair-minded people may be at a disadvantage. Especially in the world of politics. Because the game ain't played fair. It's a partisan thing. Most politicians don't intend to be fair. They want to take advantage of their opponent. To degrade him. To make him look bad. To make him disliked. Even if that means spreading lies. Look at the campaign ads. They don't come close to telling the truth. But in politics, almost anything goes. There's an almost total lack of civility. One wants the rival to fail. Miserably. Even if it's at the expense of the nation. Instead of two political parties coming together to do what may be best for the nation, many politicians would prefer gridlock. And get nothing done. Just for the sake of stifling each other. We've got that going on now. The idea is to block progress of the party in power. In this case, the Obama administration. And to blame Obama for the bad economy. Even though the economy had gone sour during the Bush administration. The truth doesn't matter. Not in the game of politics. What matters is that the opponent with a different point of view be treated like an enemy. With hostility. With disdain. I was brought up to believe that politicians were supposed to be friendly with each other. Didn't matter the party. That there was such a thing as mutual respect. And negotiation. Give and take. Compromise. The idea was to create win-win situations. In which both sides got some of what they wanted. Not everything. But a reasonable something. It was a little like a cordiality club. With good camaraderie. Despite political differences. Maybe it used to be that way. To some significant extent. But not anymore. The fair-minded people are gone. They were there once upon a time. But they didn't last. They were stepped on. Booted out. They didn't know how to survive. Because they didn't learn the new tricks of the trade. --Jim Broede

Sardinian 'cold' isn't cold.

I'm not sure I'm ready for snow. We're supposed to have 5 inches of the stuff by Saturday night. Yes, winter is about to arrive in Minnesota. Rather late. Most years, it's been here for weeks already. But I try to stay upbeat. Shoveling snow is good exercise. And I'll have to put my bicycle away for a while. And start walking more. I also keep reminding myself that in a month or so, I'm moving to Italy. To Sardinia. For the rest of the winter. And I won't be seeing snow then. Sardinia even has some palm trees. And what Sardinians call cold weather. But that's nonsense. It hardly ever freezes. Which sounds more like a balmy spring, or maybe even summer, to a Minnesotan. --Jim Broede

Ah, such freedom!

I like the life of the spirit. Keeps me going. Every day I rekindle my spirit. I keep telling myself that's who and what I am. Spirit. Far more than a physical being. When I fall in love, I'm exercising my spirit. Far more than my physical being. I actually have an orgasm of the spirit. Which is profound. I used to think that physical life was the only life. That I had to seek physical pleasure to be alive. But I didn't become alive until I discovered the spirit. I was born with it. But I was unaware of it. Until I looked over the horizon. And found love. That ignited my spirit. Or maybe it was my spirit that ignited love. Seems to me it happened simultaneously. Spontaneously. Wonderfully. Now I'm beginning to wonder if there's something even more profound. Beyond the spirit. Or what might be called a super spirit. Totally free of one's physical being. The spirit is light and free. But one's body is heavy and less free. Disease can ravage a body. But the spirit is able to soar into another dimension. Into real paradise. Anywhere in the cosmos. Ah, such freedom! --Jim Broede

An utterly ridiculous government.

I wouldn't hesitate to restructure our government. We Americans have an archaic system. Fashioned by 18th century thinkers. But we're living in the 21st century. And what we have isn't working anymore. Government doesn't function well. Because it was designed for the 18th century. In so many ways, we've modernized. Especially with new-fangled technology. But still, we insist on running government like before the industrial revolution and before our population swelled to once unimagined proportions. We have complex problems to deal with. But we insist on approaching them like simpletons. On values and precepts popular in the late 1700s. I have no qualms about honoring and revering our ancestors and founders. But by running government the way they did -- well, that's utterly ridiculous. --Jim Broede

By society's collective stupidity.

Sounds more and more like the Obama administration and Democrats will cave in and support extending tax cuts to the richest Americans. The top 2 percent. Apparently that's the mood. Now that the Republicans have taken over Congress. Of course, that means adding to the nation's already horrendous debt. Unless other budget cuts can be found. Such as in social security and Medicare. And maybe even in defense. In reality, the middle class will be asked to pay the tab. Yes, make a gift, of sorts, to millionaires and billionaires. So they can pad their pockets and feel more secure. Maybe some day the middle class will wake up. And start voting in their best interest. Which is to take from the rich and give to the poor. That would be the decent thing to do. The right thing to do. The intelligent thing to do. Meanwhile, I never cease to be amazed. By society's collective stupidity. --Jim Broede

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Ignorance is bliss.

I suspect we're all living in relative isolation and ignorance. In our local communities. Not knowing much about what's going on around us or in the rest of the world. Because we're just busy taking care of ourselves. Many of us probably don't even have time to read the newspaper or listen to the news on TV or radio. And if we do, we get a distorted or sensationalized idea of what's really happening. We're supposed to be living in an information age. But we are bombarded mostly with bullshit. From hundreds of different directions. Hard to separate out the meaningful stuff. And even if we knew what was happening, there's not much we can do about it. I was in the news business much of my life. Writing stories daily of events in and around my local community, county and state. And even then, I knew very little of the big picture of life around me. Imagine what it would have been if I hadn't been in news business. And most people aren't in it. Comes down to the fact that we're all relatively ignorant. We may think we are well-informed. But we really ain't. And that's why we are in a big mess. Without really knowing it. But we still have the opportunity to be happy. Goes to show that ignorance is bliss. --Jim Broede

It'd be nice for society.

I'm not sure what's being anti-business. For example, I'm for strong labor unions. And for liveable wages. And 35-hour work weeks. And six weeks of paid vacation. And nice pensions. And early retirements. Maybe that makes me pro-labor. And anti-business. But it'd, sure make for happy workers. And in the long run, I think it'd be good for business. But what do I know? I think this is all possible. Merely by redistributing the wealth. So that business makes less profit for the owners and shareholders. And the workers make more money. That means we'd have to narrow the wage gaps between the owners and managers and workers. But it'd be nice for society. --Jim Broede

Falling in love with a place.

I have a dream. That by the end of the year, I'll be living on an island in the Mediterranean Sea. In Sardinia. I'll be there for the winter. In my new-found paradise. I'll see things I've never seen before. Absorbing new experiences. Learning a new language. But also speaking a language I already know. The language of love. Once upon a time, I thought my paradise would be in the South Seas. Maybe in Tahiti. But life takes some unusual twists. And instead, I'll be in the Mediterranean. On an island settled by the ancient Phoenicians. Also an island discovered and appreciated by one of my favorite writers, D. H. Lawrence. He wrote a book, 'The Sea and Sardinia.' Which I've read time and time again. Maybe I can follow in Lawrence's footsteps. Walk the same ground. See the same sea. And fall in love with a place. --Jim Broede

Something to ponder.

I'm proud of my father. For making a wise choice. Wise for him. When he committed suicide a long time ago. In 1949. His death was not a waste. As survivors, we learned from it. Why do you think that I savor life? Because I learned that we all have free choice. We can choose whether we want to truly live. Or to die. To be happy. Or not to be happy. Suicide is a legitimate option. And choosing to live is another option. Both are viable. And legitimate. Maybe my father didn't consciously know it. But he taught me something. I learned a whole lot from his suicide. It helped shape my life in a very positive way. By the way, we all can learn an immense amount from the so-called negatives in our lives. The negatives can be easily converted into positives. Think about it. --Jim Broede

I'm feeling pretty good.

Let's face it. Problems tend to solve themselves. Sooner or later. Like the economy. Give it time. Probably won't matter who's in the White House or in Congress. Despite the best efforts of everyone, things ain't gonna change until they change. That's one way at looking at life. And that's the mood I'm in today. Don't sweat the small stuff. Or for that matter, the big stuff. Just let things be. And get on with life. Don't worry. Be happy. I'm gonna play that ditty by Bobby McFerrin today. It'll be a happy day. No sense in anguishing over the economy. Or politics. Or social matters. Just let everything be. Accept it. I'm gonna listen to music. And hop on my bicycle. And pedal away. Into the great outdoors. Doesn't matter if it rains. Or if the wind blows hard. I'm gonna savor life. You know, it's all in one's attitude. I'm alive. And conscious. And feeling pretty good. Can't ask for much more than that. --Jim Broede

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Let's put the GOP on the hotseat.

Funny thing. New York Times columnist Gail Collins says the public wants to forget all about the first eight years of the 21st century and just blame Barack Obama for wrecking the economy. That's an astute observation. Makes me scratch my head. In wonderment. A sign that we Americans are a very stupid lot. We forget too easily what got us into this mess. The policies of Republicans and the George Bush administration. Because Obama and the Democrats haven't gotten us out of this mess in two years, we blame them for the mess. Such short memories. The thing is if we had left Bush and the Republicans in charge the last two years, things would be much worse. We'd probably be into our second Great Depression. We'd have a heap more unemployment. And Republicans would finally be on the hotseat. As well they should. --Jim Broede

My favorite pursuit.

I gripe about political, economic and social conditions on planet Earth. But I gotta admit that life is good. At least for me. I'm able to successfully pursue happiness. And in the end, that's what counts. To be reasonably happy. And I do that by being in love. Just letting myself go. I was in love with Jeanne for almost 40 years. Then she died. After a 13-year battle with Alzheimer's. That was almost 4 years ago. But here I am again. In love. With a beautiful and intelligent Italian woman. How can one guy be so lucky? Well, the way I look at it, I deserve it. So does my girlfriend. We deserve each other. That's the nature of love. When one is in love, that relationship takes priority. Makes everything else seem relatively trivial. In comparison. When I was younger, I never imagined that love could be so grand. So fulfilling. So pleasant. I've wanted to be lots of things in my life. Being a writer, for instance. But that's become secondary. I'd much rather be a lover. But I've learned to combine the two. By writing about love. My favorite subject. My favorite pursuit. --Jim Broede

I want to be an eternal optimist.

I've never wished to be somebody else. I'm just satisfied to be me. And I have no wish to be younger. I'm 75. And I accept that. It's nice to have lasted this long. I didn't expect to make it this far. Because my ancestors often didn't make it close to being around for three-quarters of a century. My father didn't make it past 38. Of course, he chose suicide. But his brother died in his 50s, after three heart attacks. And my maternal grandmother died at 27. Of a mysterious bone disease. And my maternal grandfather died at 38, of pneumonia. I had a younger brother. But he died of an accident. Though he was in poor health. My mother lived to 88. And might have survived longer if she wasn't such a worry wart. I'm banking on the possibility that I inherited more of my mother's genes than my father's. I would just as soon live forever. And maybe I will. That is, if there's an afterlife. Then I can be an eternal optimist. --Jim Broede

And relishing the vibrancy of life.

I think it's difficult pinning a liberal down. Because liberals are constantly on the move. They don't exactly know where they stand in the universe. Because of constant motion. They may be in location A at a given moment. But a bit later they are at location B. Or maybe ZZ. Liberals don't have to stay in one place. In fact, if liberals decide they want to be locked down and know specifically where they are at at all times, they become a conservative. That's the mark of a conservative. Wanting solid ground on which to stand. Never having to budge. That gives a conservative a sense of security. A warm and cozy feeling. A conservative is very much opposed to change. Wants everything to remain the same. To be able to bask in familiar surroundings. We liberals want to explore the universe. To be able to change our minds. And make new discoveries. We always want to know what lies beyond the horizon. Always finding new and better ways to live. We abhor stagnation. A conservative will cling to inefficient and grossly unfair and immoral concepts such as capitalism forever and ever. While a liberal will look for new and more efficient political, economic and social systems. Knowing there are better ways to live. Because conditions are constantly changing. One has to adapt. It's difficult living by 18th century conservative standards in the modern 21st century. Liberals tend to go with the natural flow. Living one day at a time. And making the best of change. And relishing the vibrancy of life. --Jim Broede

To become a profound lover.

I don't mind contradicting myself. Because I'm feeling my way through life. Much of the time I don't know what I'm doing. I'm illogical. I'm testing. Experimenting. Trying to make sense of the chaos. Therefore, I may think one thing today. And come to a totally different conclusion tomorrow. Heck, I'm ashamed of some positions I've taken in the past on political, economic and social issues. And people I used to dislike, I now like. And vice versa. Some of those I used to like have now fallen in disfavor. I try to keep an open mind. For instance, my parents saw to it that I got a 'Christian' education. I went through a comfirmation class. And became a so-called card-carrying Christian. But really not. Because I was a robot. Just went through the motions. And when I became more alive and began to think for myself, I became a free-thinker. Much better than being a member of an organized religion. And I suppose that as a teen-ager I had Republican leanings. My gawd. Now I've seen the light. I'm rather independent. But I certainly have socialist leanings. I call myself a liberal. But I'm constantly defining the term. To suit me. I also consider myself an explorer. I make discoveries. And maybe my biggest and most meaningful discovery of all is love. The very concept. Exploring and defining it. And then living it. I was never fully alive until I fell in love. And maybe there's even something beyond love. Or let's put it this way: love is limitless. I keep reaching new plateaus. Seems to me that's why I was put on Mother Earth. To become a profound lover. --Jim Broede

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

I'd rather focus on love.

I don't know why I give a damn about politics. Or about what's happening in the world. Makes no difference. Because I'm not gonna have any effect on politics or events. I'm only a little speck. A nothing, in a sense. Makes no difference whether I'm alive or dead. I'm not gonna change the big picture of life here on Mother Earth. But I can, to a great extent, control my own destiny. No matter the politic. No matter the world events. By cultivating a handful of human contacts. And by pursuing a loving relationship. Building my own active life amidst the chaos. Life in my immediate environs is what counts the most. Everything else is incidental. In that it's gonna happen. And I can't change it. I just have to let it happen. And some how try to fit in. Without politics and events having a direct effect on me. Doesn't make any difference who's president. Or which party controls congress. This winter I'll be living in Italy. And I may go days without reading an English language newspaper. Or watching English language television. And that'll be just fine with me. I'll be living my life. With my love. And I'll be able to write. And to do my usual mental and physical exercise. And be happy. Maybe, in large part, because I won't be giving a damn about politics and world events. Because my life will be focused on love. --Jim Broede

Long live liberalism!

I want a new political party. The Liberal Party. I'm proud to be a liberal. And an advocate of liberal causes. Seems to me that liberals are going out of style. Some liberals don't even want to be called liberals anymore. They prefer being 'progressives.' Because conservatives have made 'liberal' sound as if it's evil or bad or disgraceful. In other words, conservatives have been allowed to define liberal negatively. When really they have no idea what liberal means. Oh, we liberals may be in the minority. But I think of us as an elite minority. Especially here in the USA. But hey, we'll be in the majority some day. If only we keep promoting liberalism. Programs such as social security and medicare and socialized medicine. And, oh yes, we liberals tend to be more in tune with socialism than with capitalism. Nothing wrong with that. Unfortunately, we liberals have lost ground in the past 100 years. Absorbed by other political parties. Some have found havens in the Democrat Party. But we really need our own party. So that we can pursue a full-scale liberal agenda. Long live liberalism! --Jim Broede

That scent ain't perfume. It's crap.

Republicans want us to buy their bullshit. Don't do it, fellow Americans. They say the tax cuts given to the super rich during the Bush era should be extended beyond the current expiration date, on Dec. 31. Even though it means adding $700 billion to the nation's deficit. Republicans argue that the rich will use the tax cuts to create more jobs. Well, if that's the case, why don't we have more jobs now? The tax cuts have been in effect for 10 years. And we have some of the worst unemployment since the Great Depression. Republicans must think we're pretty stupid. That we can be hoodwinked. Into believing that bullshit smells like perfume. But to me, it smells like crap. --Jim Broede