Friday Evenin' Finally Rolls Around

Getting writers block
Can't come up with great haiku
Need inspiration.

I had one written
Based on dinner plans I made
But we ate elsewhere.

It takes work he said
Not all fun times and romance
I'll trust him on that.

My friend is a dad
Just like a Chuck Norris role
They named him Braddock.

Some really tough rules
Thanks to a new covenant
They don't apply now.

I said it was done
Some thought that I would get Lost
But still no TV.

Under the moonlight
A bat moves through the crisp air
Letting out tension.

"Oh my gosh, no way."
That dumb smiley keeps saying
Enough already.

Currently reading:

A Matter Of Trust

Even though I have been going to church for a long time now, I can remember very few sermons that I have heard. But one that I did hear was on lying. The pastor made a comment that he felt it was the first sin humans participate in. He pointed towards the baby that even before they utter words, will cry just to get attention.

Tonight I gave a devotion on lying and the trouble it can get one in. I read from Acts 5, where a couple paid the highest price for lying. What amazes me sometimes is the lengths people can go to convince themselves they are telling the truth. Even when the evidence is right in front of their eyes, they still believe what they have created in their head as the actual events.

One of the phrases (or variations of) I have had to use over the last eight years of working with kids the most is: "I don't care what you do, but lying to me is the worst of all offenses." I then go to tell them how it takes a while to build trust and respect, but can be destroyed with just one lie.

Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth. Proverbs 16:13

That is just what is on my mind tonight... take it for what it is worth.

Song to go with this post: They Might Be Giants - Finished with Lies

I Grieve In My Condition

It is now time for another week's ryhming submission
Which are just as difficult to produce as cold fission.
I don't know if I write these due to some ambition
Or if it has just because it has become a tradition.
It sure isn't to gain any local or global recognition.
One of my good friends is a professional magician
And I'd promote his book without any commission.
The local museum has Rouault's art work on exhibition.
Speaking of art, here is a self portrait done by Titian.
That is two artists' work to end this day's transmission.

Currently listening to:

You And I Collide

This afternoon, I set out on a quest. And very much like Ethan Hunt's search for the "Rabbit's Foot", I went about looking for what at this point I, for the sake of adding mystery to this lame story, will call the "Bed Bug." While isn't a team of rogue agents chasing me, I think if I were to actually find this rumored item in this fair country there might be a reward.

So there I am cruising along on my bike when... BAM, a car pulls out in font of me without any notice. Again taking a page out of the Mission Impossible handbook, I quickly weigh my options. While I would have loved to pull of the moviesque fly across the top of the car with a two point landing on the other side, the only real option was to use the side of the car to stop the momentium of this body in motion. Yep folks, bike accident number two saw me watching in slow motion as I colide with a car. At the time it was not a pretty sight. Yet, looking back on it, I don't know if my view of the whole thing was as funny as the view of the passengers as they see a large foreigner smack against their vehicle.

They were kind enough to see if I was alright. Which I told them I was, even though I'm pretty sure I saw the cartoon stars floating around my head. After a quick adjustment to the alignment of tire and handle bar, it was back on the hunt. One that did not provide any positive results. Oh well, at least I am alive for yet another adventure tomorrow.

Currently reading:

Friday Morning All Alone

The girl made my day
With a big smile and a hug
And a balloon hat.

Biking across town
Got to make it home in time
Ice cream is melting.

A beautiful night
Filled with good conversation
Thanks for being there.

Hey it's No Pants Day
One day I don't celebrate
Well, not in public.

The sun was shining
A great day for the cages
It was decided.

Planning a party?
Don't ask me for game ideas
I am of no help.

How many people
Can say they used Bible maps
To plan vacations?

Currently reading:

I'll Travel Anywhere

Well, folks the other day I mentioned trying to booking travel tickets through Russian speaking countries. Tonight I got word that all the money has made it to the proper places, and now I just wait on the tickets. And before you ask what is the big deal in the day and age of credit cards and ATMs, it isn't always that quick and easy. Three airline tickets were purchased, one on an airline that doesn't accept credit cards. Only one airline issued me an e-ticket. My train tickets had to be paid by bank transfer. Let me tell you there is something very scary about having someone whom you don't share a common language send a large sum of money to a country you grew up believing wanted to drop a bomb on you.

So I think at this point I can give you a brief guide to my summer. Plan accordingly, as tickets for the Cordell World Tour are selling out quick.
July 4 - Beijing
July 6 - Ulan Bator
July 10 - Irkutsk
July 15 - Moscow
July 18 - Copenhagen
July 19 - Basel
July 22 - Niederweiler, Germany
July 23 - Basel
July 27 - Istanbul
Aug. 3 - Tashkent
Aug. 6 - Taejon

So if you are anywhere near any of those cities and want to hang out, provide lodging, race camels, or even assist me in living out some song lyrics, please contact me.

Speaking of world travels and languages, this video made me laugh.

Currently reading:

Eyes Open Wide

The paper warned all the people to stay inside
From the invading yellow dust it said to hide.
But that did not stop me from a nice bike ride
To my new coffee shop over on the west side.
I once had crashed while attempting to hang glide.
Some folk into last weeks poem's meaning pried
They thought they knew exactly what the words implied
Which is funny, as its meaning I'm still trying to decide.
The gelato place only has five flavors I have not tried.
Mr. Wilder said nothing was going to break his stride
About the same time U2 had a hit song with Pride.
The other day two cars next to my cab did collide
The cabbie only made a comment we thought was snide.
I'm stoked about this week's artwork I'm about to provide
As only Dali would do a self protrait as bacon that was fried.