Soon...And Very Soon...

It's been a ride! It's been definitely a cultural experience! The end is in sight...at least for this go round. Yes, there could be future cultural experiences, but we'll face that when it comes. As in all new cultural experiences there have been good and bad. But, that is true in the normal everyday cultures we experience anyway. It is what we call life.

I have been very delinquent in producing blogs...since about the second week of December. At that time I lost my proxy on the outside because of personal reasons (proxy's, not mine). I always have had a backup proxy, but the Holidays were about to hit, so, I decided to suspend "blogging" until after the New Year. Contributing to that decision was the fact that I was persuaded by the jail staff to accept a jail job. That job was being a member of the kitchen crew. I ate a whole lot better, but my time and energy for creative writing was depleted.

I was just about ready to kick the blog off again with a reduced schedule of one a week, rather than 2-3 which had been the standard, It was then that I got assigned (after asking me) the "premo" job of the jail, the "laundry man," a solo jail job. I had been on the job just two hours that Monday morning, Jan. 10, 2011, when I received the news of my mom's passing. Needless to say, that was a week of anguish, especially since a petition for a furlough was denied by the judge. The new job was a blessing providing a place (laundry room) of solitude, busy activity, and diversion (my own TV) to grieve, cry, pray and meditate.

I heard via mail from so many, both readers of this blog and others, with sympathetic expressions. These, all lifted my spirit, kept me grounded in my faith, and helped me to "accept the things I can not change..." I thank you all who sent cards and letters! They were meaningful and purposeful they were also successful. I answered each expression in my own pencil handwriting. Coupled with the job and this writing activity, my availability for writing a blog was non-existent. I felt answering the individual responses was more important. When that was accomplished and the cumulative affect of laundry room work from 6 am - 8-9 pm, 7 days a week, I simply had no gusto to write a blog until now. Many have expressed disappointment in not receiving new blogs, which gratifies me that you read and care. With this explanation I hope you understand.

Oh me...Oh my...I have so many stories to tell. More than likely they will now have to be told in a book, yet to be written. (A number of you have encouraged me in that regard.) Maybe I can sustain the discipline to bring a book to fruition. We'll see! Thanks for your encouragement. Everyone needs cheer-leaders!

Thanks for walking this path with me. I hope you will not be a naysayer, but keep the faith. Please don't turn your back on me. I need you! How many people in this world quit just as they approach the precipice? When we step out in faith is when God works in mysterious ways. Let's still keep planting positive, loving and noble seeds for the greater good to all and the Glory of God.

"Soon and very soon...!" I'm sad my Mom won't be there waiting. She's now waiting in a Heavenly place with my Dad!

Soon and Very Soon!

Jim