Hey Rob, thank you for sharing your thoughts and adventures. I am glad to know you, I wish you all of the best and most lovely happiness in the days ahead.
I have also stopped blogging really, no time, and I am not much of a blabber these days.
I'm sorry that I've been one of the folks who aren't around much anymore. A combination of a botched cataract surgery (leaving me reading with one eye closed) and just plain getting older and tireder, has nearly eliminated my presence on the 'stacks.
Thank you for all you've done, for being here, for keeping on with walking the Psalms. And for all you'll do, as I know you're one who listens for the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
Oh Perplexity, I had forgotten about your eye! I'm so sorry. I did pray when you mentioned that to me months ago. I understand when people are unable to interact. I've had to do some "reflecting" on whether The Rumble Strip is what I'm supposed to be doing because I believe if we are doing something for the wrong reason... well, it's usually not fruitful. I'm not going to disappear completely. Too many people have asked me to, at a minimum, at least just leave my Substack active. :)
I'm glad you're listening to them, I think it's a really good idea to leave this 'stack open, even if inactive. Quality stuff - I've been known to come back and reread.
As for me, I am on some, just not much. And since my best friend passed in November, I've mostly been spending what little stamina and energy I have for online reading over at the 'stack of a fellow female. Been feeling pretty non-secure since Debbie passed, and this gal named Karen and her stories of having escaped dangerous situations has helped me feel less ... wobbly emotionally.
My grandma long ago told me that one of the worst things about getting older is watching your friends die.
Loss is difficult. Especially as we get older. My grandmother who lived to 102 watched pretty much everyone she ever knew pass away. Both her sons, 3 of her grandchildren, all of her friends. Somehow she made it through. Her strength was amazing. She was a Christian as well and relied on her belief in God more every day as she aged. I miss her so much. I wish I would have been a better grandchild... I was pretty good, don't get me wrong, but if I had to do it all over again, I would have been more understanding, empathetic, and compassionate. Sigh. Why do we learn things too late? Anyway, I'm glad you have found some things that are helping you through your grief Perplexity. I've found that grief is completely "personal" and there's literally nothing anyone can say (no matter how well meaning) that can "make it better". I *will* pray for you.
I feel like I should have been a better granddaughter/daughter/sister/cousin/niece/aunt/friend (insert relationship here). Hindsight strips the context in which we experienced the past, and clears up some past misconceptions of what the best way to behave might be. Of course sometimes I was just not trying hard enough. I repent of my failures, ask God for forgiveness, and when I'm truly blessed in circumstance, a wrong is still somewhat 'right'able and I can work toward that. Oh the life lessons. And yeah, prayer!
During these past few years, I've come to realize I need to trust and obey more and stop trying to put effort into situations or projects which I know are beyond my being able to help. I do not know what I can do except to pray.
And, rejoice in the Lord God of our salvation. Like Habbakuk 3:18
All of you are making me have second thoughts. Haha. Well, I believe I'll just leave the stack alone and just say I may or may not post very often. Thank you for your kindness AndyinBC. :)
Sorry that we will miss the musings of Rumble Strips as we wander the road of life, but all things change and there is always some new adventure around the next curve.
Thank you for the past three years of very enjoyable reading, truly a pleasure. I will continue to enjoy the Psalms as I walk.
Thanks John! Yeah, I'm just not feeling The Rumble Strip anymore. I love having the platform, but... Is it what I'm meant to do? I've contemplated stopping the posting for quite awhile and have prayed about it as well. I think I'm going to leave it open rather than completely delete the account like I was going to do.
Thanks Bandit. Yeah, I've felt like I'm just talking to myself. Haha. I hope people understand. I may just do like Rob (c137) suggested and leave it open so people can still see it and maybe down the road post something.
Thanks Anna! As I've stated in a few other replies to comments. I think I might keep my Substack open and just post once in a great while when something significant gets under my skin. Haha.
I completely understand, because I think "we" have been holding a collective breath and after the (s)election, let out a collective premature "sigh" as if some real change ever occurs without continued pressure.
I agree with Rob below to leave it open for future inspiration. Like you, I've had to drop less successful efforts to focus on what is important: God's Plan in our lives should trump (pun intended) the rest.
Your work here made a difference for those of us who read your strip and appreciated your efforts.
Thank you Martha Garu! I've been inspired by comments here. I think I was feeling "compelled" to write instead of doing it because I enjoyed it... if that makes sense. I never wanted this to be a job. Haha. Thank you again! I'm going to leave the stack open and only post once in a great while when I believe it's important. I'm watching things very carefully to see if I was right... ;-)
Hi Rob, I was sad to see that this might be your last Rumble. After reading through the comments I see that you have decided to keep The Rumble Strip up and maybe post one here and there. That is wonderful to hear. I know I don't comment very often but I do read every single thing that you post. You have put out so many great articles. Thank you so much for all of the time and effort that has gone into writing these. Your posts will be greatly missed.
Thank you! I can't say much that I haven't already said in reply. I believe I was starting to post for the wrong reason... sometimes we should only do things we feel called to do you know? I don't think I'm going to go anywhere... the posts will just be much fewer moving forward. If people unsubscribe (which often happens if someone doesn't post much)... oh well!! :-)
Haha. Well, shoot. I've really been thinking about this for quite some time. But with all of the people begging me to stay... I think I may just do like some have suggested and just not post very often. You've been here from the beginning! I've always appreciated your support. :)
Yeah, just pop in and do your thing whenever you FEEL LIKE IT!
We need you.
That said, I do understand, I think. I've been feeling like I need to be "out there," in my COMMUNITY, the physical one, but I haven't quite figured out how to gently shove the truth down their throats... ;)
I'm sort of kidding, but it DOES seem getting back into REAL LIFE is a good idea.
So... Don't know if that resonates with you, but glad you'll be "around." xo
Oh wow. I like what you said here. A lot... and I, like you, have been trying to figure out how to make more of a difference in the "real world". It will happen... as long as we want it to. As far as "gently shoving the truth" (I literally LOLd)... if you talk the way you write (not in dog speak, of course LOL), I'm pretty sure some will get where you are coming from.
A lot of eye-rolling and/or irritation… But I haven’t TRIED that much because I feel so unsure of HOW to “educate” or “awaken” or whatever… I’m generally a VERY direct person, but this is going to require some serious finesse… at least for most folks… They think things are more or less “normal,” so telling people there’s a Globalist plan to kill us all doesn’t work very well, LOL!!! Not that I’ve ever said that. But I don’t know WHAT to say, really— and there’s SO. MUCH. TO TELL. I need a role model. ;) Or maybe a T-shirt? I’m thinking about CAR SIGNS… Did you see the video going around of a BUS in DC with “Wanted” posters of the Nasties at the forefront? Like Blow Gates, et al? Brilliant.
I've found that *asking questions* is the best way. People need to discover things on their own. Most people can't stand a sermon or anything that challenges their "beliefs". A lot of times (and trust me, I'm not real good at it), just asking "why" can open things up. "Why do you believe this?" I've found that more times than not they will say things like, "because so and so told me", or "I saw it on the 'news'." That gives us an opening. Sometimes we can also ask them if they would like to hear *why* we believe the things we do and if they want to hear... we can go for it. Although I have a feeling you have been aware for a long time (like me...most of my life), even you and I most likely have had our beliefs and opinions evolve and change over our lifetime. It didn't happen over night. And, at least in my case, it was often because someone did take the time to steer me towards something. All we can do is share the tools of truth with others. What they do with those tools are up to them. And, as we know, most people aren't going to change their minds. I have decided that we are a unique and blessed group of people (those of us who have discernment, are aware, etc) and we are going to live life pretty lonely. I only know ONE person in real life who is aware and mostly on the same page as me. But, I do know quite a few who at least *say* they are aware online. Regardless, it's a very small group. It's sad... I know you aren't like a bible believer, but I know you are spiritual and "know" the bible... assuming the story of Noah is correct... imagine the heartache he went through? And in the end it was only EIGHT out of who knows how many people who went into the ark... though the ark would have been open for any who truly knew the truth... only EIGHT made it out alive.
See, Rob D, THIS is why we need you. These are very wise words, and unlike my usual comments, very CALM. lol I have so much energy I don't know what to do with it all, I'm ready to jump up and FIX everything, and run toward the fire... and even when I'm sitting around typing, it comes out in the way I say things... I'm always ITCHIN' to DO something... FIX IT. I have begun to realize now, after more than six decades, that I can't fix everything.
It's taken me many years to hone the way I speak/write to be less BLAST and more "Hey, have you considered...?" I'm just like this, I can't help it, even when I'm physically quiet, my brain is always chugging along. I'm getting better, tho. I'm more conscious of this now, in the beginning of my senior years... Took me a while to get here and physically, I'm still youthful. This is why the dog persona fits so well!!! lol I do have my "zoomies"!! ;)
Point being: Oh, yes indeed, I've been aware for most of my life, and for a fair amount of that time, puzzled as to why others are asleep, why they are mean, why they are frightened, etc etc. Over time and experience, I've come to understand a lot more of those things, as they pertain to life experience. As for being what we'd maybe call "asleep," or whatever, I'm STILL puzzled as to WHY, but I have theories now, lol.
And yes, it's a small group that we are in, sadly. I've known some brilliant people in terms of knowledge and capability, who are just zombies in the way we're talking about... They just Don't Get It. I don't think of it as sad, really, it's a process, and it's surely a process that comes via many lifetimes... Different "people," same souls. I was raised Christian, and I love Jesus and what he stands for, if he's a myth... I think he was probably a real guy, a brilliant teacher, but I think we are ALL destined to be "Christ," at some point in our journeys... at the end ? Or we become "Bodhisattvas" ? I DO question a lot of things IN the Bible, and I think there was PLENTY of time and opportunity for various types to monkey with it... "Editing," I'd say. So I can't just accept all that. I never could. I've always had questions about everything, it's just the way I am. But I believe strongly that whatever path we take as individuals, we all know the difference between Right and Wrong, in our hearts. And I believe that we should stop all the division of religions being some kind of GROUP thing, and keep these things private to a great degree, because of how incredibly DIVISIVE it all is, and this is one of the hardest things for people to seem to DO...
I believe strongly that it's fine to get together in a group, sing songs about love and beauty and kindness, pray for peace and Good Works, and ... *leave the nuts and bolts of it* to the Creator. There is NO NEED for us to have to agree on details on BELIEF, when it is our ACTIONS that are the main event. It is what keeps us from being UNIFIED in our love of Creation. Okay, that's enough of that, I wasn't trying to sermonize! (See how I am!?) Somewhere in the NT, there's a place where Jesus says-- and this really sounds like JESUS, and not some "editor,"--
When you pray, go into your room and shut the door.
We're not trying out for the team sport, it's PRIVATE and that is what keeps it special, and personal, and... not arguable, lol.
Yesterday I was in line in the grocery store and there was a fellow in front of me, who spontaneously announced to me and the cashier that he'd written a song, and he proceeded to quote it to us... It was about being Christian and following Jesus, and I just accepted it as from his heart, and I heard him, and felt his wish for people to be GOOD and PEACEFUL... It didn't matter to me if he were talking about JESUS or the BUDDHA, or KRISHNA, or DOG ALMIGHTY... He was sincere and Heart-y, and I just gave him a hug.
This is the stuff... This is the mattress on which we make our beds... LOVE. There's always the details of stuff, but there's FIRST the mattress. One needs a good mattress, whatever the brand.
What the world needs now, is love, sweet love. Remember that song? Love is universal, and has no "have to's"... you just know it when you see it / feel it. Amirite? But it seems that THIS is kind of The Ticket of our time, would you agree? Politics, geo-politics, economies, land use, water quality, and ALL THAT EARTHLY STUFF we need to work on... It all comes down to LOVE, as far as I can see, being a "bottom line" kinda dog.
Oh, I've gone arf on a trip into the woods... My middle name is PEDANTICA.
Hey Rob, first off, I think R C137's advice, to leave your stack open, is solid and well-founded. I want to thank you very much for all the time and work you've put into this endeavor. It's been a pleasure reading all of your posts, and really interesting because you have covered so many different topics, thoughts, feelings and experiences. I especially appreciate your insights because they flow from a blue collar perspective, which is very refreshing and considerably unique. I'll miss reading you, for sure. Honestly, hoping that you'll occasionally blast something out here if/when you get the notion. In the meantime, I'll just wish you the best always! Keep on truckin,' keep the rubber side down, and remember to '' Be Safe, '' Lol. Serafino B.
Yeah, I have a lot of guilt now. Haha. I feel like I'm letting down my family. I have decided not to close the account. I'll just do a seldom post. And hopefully when I do, it will be a real doozie! lol. Thanks. You "Be Safe" as well!
I once went 20 years without speaking to one of my older brothers. No reason, it just happened. No love lost between us or anything and in the last few years of his life I was able to tell him face to face how much he meant to me while I was growing up. He died in '21 and I feel a void in the world every day because he is not in it.
Thanks for not completely going away brother. Having read your heart on my computer screen sometimes helps me get through a moment or a day.
What I am saying is that knowing you are still out there sharing, is comforting.
Keep it open old friend, the pendulum is swinging already with the election and the hive is distancing itself from the reality in the closet, able to comfortably return to penis and fart humor on Tik Tok and which $40K Polaris RZRs to buy with their “saviour” at the helm. In time the madness will consume all of us and once again truth or alternative thoughts will be needed. The hive will need it. I remember vividly in ‘16 when the hive breathed the collective sigh of relief and I submitted then “this isn’t over, you all do understand that right?” Unarguably we are likely in better position than the last four years but be that as it may the barbarians haven’t left the gate….they just decided to hang out and have a BBQ for a spell. Whether that brings anyone back to here or not, who knows but much like the parallel economy, alternative thoughts are important.
For sure! The barbarians haven't "left the building". And, historically, they have always been there regardless of which flavor of ice cream has been ruling the roost. I did decide to keep my account open and will, from time to time, post something. Thanks for the encouragement! :)
It doesn't hurt to keep it up, in case you change your mind. I've enjoyed reading your substack. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'll keep an eye open for any other posts.
I admit I haven't read many of your posts but I wish I hadn't come across this one. As one commenter said, perhaps leaving it open for inspiration may be a good idea; there were a couple posts of yours I meant to read but just never got around to doing so (I really am that slow lol). In any case, you take care and stay sane, my friend, and thank you for the tips you've shared with me (although I've been even slower still implementing them lolol).
It's all good Daniel! I'm going to just do like you do in the future and only post when I really feel compelled to do so and not post just because I feel like I "have to"! Haha. Thanks for your support and kind words. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do next!
Leave it open for any time you're inspired.
That's what I've been doing. My last post is months ago.
I'm using it as a logbook of things that I've been learning about reality and humanity.
Perhaps one day you'll look back at what you wrote and learn something new. It happens for me here and there.
That's a great suggestion Rob (c137), thank you! I may do that. Otherwise, I'm sure I'll see you "out there" on some other stacks. :)
Hey Rob, thank you for sharing your thoughts and adventures. I am glad to know you, I wish you all of the best and most lovely happiness in the days ahead.
I have also stopped blogging really, no time, and I am not much of a blabber these days.
Love, Rosemary
Thanks Rosemary! I feel the same. Everything has a "season". Who knows... I may be back someday!
Rob, I'll miss your insights, and your kindness.
I'm sorry that I've been one of the folks who aren't around much anymore. A combination of a botched cataract surgery (leaving me reading with one eye closed) and just plain getting older and tireder, has nearly eliminated my presence on the 'stacks.
Thank you for all you've done, for being here, for keeping on with walking the Psalms. And for all you'll do, as I know you're one who listens for the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
May God bless you, Rob.
Oh Perplexity, I had forgotten about your eye! I'm so sorry. I did pray when you mentioned that to me months ago. I understand when people are unable to interact. I've had to do some "reflecting" on whether The Rumble Strip is what I'm supposed to be doing because I believe if we are doing something for the wrong reason... well, it's usually not fruitful. I'm not going to disappear completely. Too many people have asked me to, at a minimum, at least just leave my Substack active. :)
I'm glad you're listening to them, I think it's a really good idea to leave this 'stack open, even if inactive. Quality stuff - I've been known to come back and reread.
As for me, I am on some, just not much. And since my best friend passed in November, I've mostly been spending what little stamina and energy I have for online reading over at the 'stack of a fellow female. Been feeling pretty non-secure since Debbie passed, and this gal named Karen and her stories of having escaped dangerous situations has helped me feel less ... wobbly emotionally.
My grandma long ago told me that one of the worst things about getting older is watching your friends die.
Sorry, I'm more than a little maudlin these days.
Thank you so much for your prayers, Rob.
Loss is difficult. Especially as we get older. My grandmother who lived to 102 watched pretty much everyone she ever knew pass away. Both her sons, 3 of her grandchildren, all of her friends. Somehow she made it through. Her strength was amazing. She was a Christian as well and relied on her belief in God more every day as she aged. I miss her so much. I wish I would have been a better grandchild... I was pretty good, don't get me wrong, but if I had to do it all over again, I would have been more understanding, empathetic, and compassionate. Sigh. Why do we learn things too late? Anyway, I'm glad you have found some things that are helping you through your grief Perplexity. I've found that grief is completely "personal" and there's literally nothing anyone can say (no matter how well meaning) that can "make it better". I *will* pray for you.
I feel like I should have been a better granddaughter/daughter/sister/cousin/niece/aunt/friend (insert relationship here). Hindsight strips the context in which we experienced the past, and clears up some past misconceptions of what the best way to behave might be. Of course sometimes I was just not trying hard enough. I repent of my failures, ask God for forgiveness, and when I'm truly blessed in circumstance, a wrong is still somewhat 'right'able and I can work toward that. Oh the life lessons. And yeah, prayer!
Thanks Rob.
During these past few years, I've come to realize I need to trust and obey more and stop trying to put effort into situations or projects which I know are beyond my being able to help. I do not know what I can do except to pray.
And, rejoice in the Lord God of our salvation. Like Habbakuk 3:18
Sorry to hear about your eye. A similar thing happened to my mum.
Please don't be too hasty, Rob.
You DO have a cadre of followers.
Witness the comments below.
Many of the folks who read your work would agree that your perspective on this crazy world does contribute to helping maintain their sanity.
Thank you.
All of you are making me have second thoughts. Haha. Well, I believe I'll just leave the stack alone and just say I may or may not post very often. Thank you for your kindness AndyinBC. :)
Sorry that we will miss the musings of Rumble Strips as we wander the road of life, but all things change and there is always some new adventure around the next curve.
Thank you for the past three years of very enjoyable reading, truly a pleasure. I will continue to enjoy the Psalms as I walk.
Thanks John! Yeah, I'm just not feeling The Rumble Strip anymore. I love having the platform, but... Is it what I'm meant to do? I've contemplated stopping the posting for quite awhile and have prayed about it as well. I think I'm going to leave it open rather than completely delete the account like I was going to do.
I'm sorry to see you go. I have enjoyed your stack whether I commented or not. I hope you enjoy your new endeavors.
Thanks Bandit. Yeah, I've felt like I'm just talking to myself. Haha. I hope people understand. I may just do like Rob (c137) suggested and leave it open so people can still see it and maybe down the road post something.
I think that sounds like a good idea.
Dear Rob, I have enjoyed your posts and will miss you. I don’t know what else to say. Best of luck to you, my friend.
Thanks Anna! As I've stated in a few other replies to comments. I think I might keep my Substack open and just post once in a great while when something significant gets under my skin. Haha.
I completely understand, because I think "we" have been holding a collective breath and after the (s)election, let out a collective premature "sigh" as if some real change ever occurs without continued pressure.
I agree with Rob below to leave it open for future inspiration. Like you, I've had to drop less successful efforts to focus on what is important: God's Plan in our lives should trump (pun intended) the rest.
Your work here made a difference for those of us who read your strip and appreciated your efforts.
Thank you Martha Garu! I've been inspired by comments here. I think I was feeling "compelled" to write instead of doing it because I enjoyed it... if that makes sense. I never wanted this to be a job. Haha. Thank you again! I'm going to leave the stack open and only post once in a great while when I believe it's important. I'm watching things very carefully to see if I was right... ;-)
Hi Rob, I was sad to see that this might be your last Rumble. After reading through the comments I see that you have decided to keep The Rumble Strip up and maybe post one here and there. That is wonderful to hear. I know I don't comment very often but I do read every single thing that you post. You have put out so many great articles. Thank you so much for all of the time and effort that has gone into writing these. Your posts will be greatly missed.
Thank you! I can't say much that I haven't already said in reply. I believe I was starting to post for the wrong reason... sometimes we should only do things we feel called to do you know? I don't think I'm going to go anywhere... the posts will just be much fewer moving forward. If people unsubscribe (which often happens if someone doesn't post much)... oh well!! :-)
Oh nooooo.
I don't want you to hang up your pen, Rob D. You are one of the Three Robs. It's like breaking up the Three Muskateers. DONUT GO.
I really like your posts. I know it seems like it's not enough, but... DONUT GO! I will whine for a long, long time.
Haha. Well, shoot. I've really been thinking about this for quite some time. But with all of the people begging me to stay... I think I may just do like some have suggested and just not post very often. You've been here from the beginning! I've always appreciated your support. :)
YAY!
Yeah, just pop in and do your thing whenever you FEEL LIKE IT!
We need you.
That said, I do understand, I think. I've been feeling like I need to be "out there," in my COMMUNITY, the physical one, but I haven't quite figured out how to gently shove the truth down their throats... ;)
I'm sort of kidding, but it DOES seem getting back into REAL LIFE is a good idea.
So... Don't know if that resonates with you, but glad you'll be "around." xo
Oh wow. I like what you said here. A lot... and I, like you, have been trying to figure out how to make more of a difference in the "real world". It will happen... as long as we want it to. As far as "gently shoving the truth" (I literally LOLd)... if you talk the way you write (not in dog speak, of course LOL), I'm pretty sure some will get where you are coming from.
So far it’s been pretty ugly. LOL
A lot of eye-rolling and/or irritation… But I haven’t TRIED that much because I feel so unsure of HOW to “educate” or “awaken” or whatever… I’m generally a VERY direct person, but this is going to require some serious finesse… at least for most folks… They think things are more or less “normal,” so telling people there’s a Globalist plan to kill us all doesn’t work very well, LOL!!! Not that I’ve ever said that. But I don’t know WHAT to say, really— and there’s SO. MUCH. TO TELL. I need a role model. ;) Or maybe a T-shirt? I’m thinking about CAR SIGNS… Did you see the video going around of a BUS in DC with “Wanted” posters of the Nasties at the forefront? Like Blow Gates, et al? Brilliant.
I've found that *asking questions* is the best way. People need to discover things on their own. Most people can't stand a sermon or anything that challenges their "beliefs". A lot of times (and trust me, I'm not real good at it), just asking "why" can open things up. "Why do you believe this?" I've found that more times than not they will say things like, "because so and so told me", or "I saw it on the 'news'." That gives us an opening. Sometimes we can also ask them if they would like to hear *why* we believe the things we do and if they want to hear... we can go for it. Although I have a feeling you have been aware for a long time (like me...most of my life), even you and I most likely have had our beliefs and opinions evolve and change over our lifetime. It didn't happen over night. And, at least in my case, it was often because someone did take the time to steer me towards something. All we can do is share the tools of truth with others. What they do with those tools are up to them. And, as we know, most people aren't going to change their minds. I have decided that we are a unique and blessed group of people (those of us who have discernment, are aware, etc) and we are going to live life pretty lonely. I only know ONE person in real life who is aware and mostly on the same page as me. But, I do know quite a few who at least *say* they are aware online. Regardless, it's a very small group. It's sad... I know you aren't like a bible believer, but I know you are spiritual and "know" the bible... assuming the story of Noah is correct... imagine the heartache he went through? And in the end it was only EIGHT out of who knows how many people who went into the ark... though the ark would have been open for any who truly knew the truth... only EIGHT made it out alive.
See, Rob D, THIS is why we need you. These are very wise words, and unlike my usual comments, very CALM. lol I have so much energy I don't know what to do with it all, I'm ready to jump up and FIX everything, and run toward the fire... and even when I'm sitting around typing, it comes out in the way I say things... I'm always ITCHIN' to DO something... FIX IT. I have begun to realize now, after more than six decades, that I can't fix everything.
It's taken me many years to hone the way I speak/write to be less BLAST and more "Hey, have you considered...?" I'm just like this, I can't help it, even when I'm physically quiet, my brain is always chugging along. I'm getting better, tho. I'm more conscious of this now, in the beginning of my senior years... Took me a while to get here and physically, I'm still youthful. This is why the dog persona fits so well!!! lol I do have my "zoomies"!! ;)
Point being: Oh, yes indeed, I've been aware for most of my life, and for a fair amount of that time, puzzled as to why others are asleep, why they are mean, why they are frightened, etc etc. Over time and experience, I've come to understand a lot more of those things, as they pertain to life experience. As for being what we'd maybe call "asleep," or whatever, I'm STILL puzzled as to WHY, but I have theories now, lol.
And yes, it's a small group that we are in, sadly. I've known some brilliant people in terms of knowledge and capability, who are just zombies in the way we're talking about... They just Don't Get It. I don't think of it as sad, really, it's a process, and it's surely a process that comes via many lifetimes... Different "people," same souls. I was raised Christian, and I love Jesus and what he stands for, if he's a myth... I think he was probably a real guy, a brilliant teacher, but I think we are ALL destined to be "Christ," at some point in our journeys... at the end ? Or we become "Bodhisattvas" ? I DO question a lot of things IN the Bible, and I think there was PLENTY of time and opportunity for various types to monkey with it... "Editing," I'd say. So I can't just accept all that. I never could. I've always had questions about everything, it's just the way I am. But I believe strongly that whatever path we take as individuals, we all know the difference between Right and Wrong, in our hearts. And I believe that we should stop all the division of religions being some kind of GROUP thing, and keep these things private to a great degree, because of how incredibly DIVISIVE it all is, and this is one of the hardest things for people to seem to DO...
I believe strongly that it's fine to get together in a group, sing songs about love and beauty and kindness, pray for peace and Good Works, and ... *leave the nuts and bolts of it* to the Creator. There is NO NEED for us to have to agree on details on BELIEF, when it is our ACTIONS that are the main event. It is what keeps us from being UNIFIED in our love of Creation. Okay, that's enough of that, I wasn't trying to sermonize! (See how I am!?) Somewhere in the NT, there's a place where Jesus says-- and this really sounds like JESUS, and not some "editor,"--
When you pray, go into your room and shut the door.
We're not trying out for the team sport, it's PRIVATE and that is what keeps it special, and personal, and... not arguable, lol.
Yesterday I was in line in the grocery store and there was a fellow in front of me, who spontaneously announced to me and the cashier that he'd written a song, and he proceeded to quote it to us... It was about being Christian and following Jesus, and I just accepted it as from his heart, and I heard him, and felt his wish for people to be GOOD and PEACEFUL... It didn't matter to me if he were talking about JESUS or the BUDDHA, or KRISHNA, or DOG ALMIGHTY... He was sincere and Heart-y, and I just gave him a hug.
This is the stuff... This is the mattress on which we make our beds... LOVE. There's always the details of stuff, but there's FIRST the mattress. One needs a good mattress, whatever the brand.
What the world needs now, is love, sweet love. Remember that song? Love is universal, and has no "have to's"... you just know it when you see it / feel it. Amirite? But it seems that THIS is kind of The Ticket of our time, would you agree? Politics, geo-politics, economies, land use, water quality, and ALL THAT EARTHLY STUFF we need to work on... It all comes down to LOVE, as far as I can see, being a "bottom line" kinda dog.
Oh, I've gone arf on a trip into the woods... My middle name is PEDANTICA.
Hugs to ya, Rob D.
I yam gonna schlump around now. Owooooooo! Aroooooof! BawooooooooooOOO!
Hey Rob, first off, I think R C137's advice, to leave your stack open, is solid and well-founded. I want to thank you very much for all the time and work you've put into this endeavor. It's been a pleasure reading all of your posts, and really interesting because you have covered so many different topics, thoughts, feelings and experiences. I especially appreciate your insights because they flow from a blue collar perspective, which is very refreshing and considerably unique. I'll miss reading you, for sure. Honestly, hoping that you'll occasionally blast something out here if/when you get the notion. In the meantime, I'll just wish you the best always! Keep on truckin,' keep the rubber side down, and remember to '' Be Safe, '' Lol. Serafino B.
Yeah, I have a lot of guilt now. Haha. I feel like I'm letting down my family. I have decided not to close the account. I'll just do a seldom post. And hopefully when I do, it will be a real doozie! lol. Thanks. You "Be Safe" as well!
I once went 20 years without speaking to one of my older brothers. No reason, it just happened. No love lost between us or anything and in the last few years of his life I was able to tell him face to face how much he meant to me while I was growing up. He died in '21 and I feel a void in the world every day because he is not in it.
Thanks for not completely going away brother. Having read your heart on my computer screen sometimes helps me get through a moment or a day.
What I am saying is that knowing you are still out there sharing, is comforting.
Thanks Brian! That means the world to me. So sorry for your loss. :-(
Keep it open old friend, the pendulum is swinging already with the election and the hive is distancing itself from the reality in the closet, able to comfortably return to penis and fart humor on Tik Tok and which $40K Polaris RZRs to buy with their “saviour” at the helm. In time the madness will consume all of us and once again truth or alternative thoughts will be needed. The hive will need it. I remember vividly in ‘16 when the hive breathed the collective sigh of relief and I submitted then “this isn’t over, you all do understand that right?” Unarguably we are likely in better position than the last four years but be that as it may the barbarians haven’t left the gate….they just decided to hang out and have a BBQ for a spell. Whether that brings anyone back to here or not, who knows but much like the parallel economy, alternative thoughts are important.
For sure! The barbarians haven't "left the building". And, historically, they have always been there regardless of which flavor of ice cream has been ruling the roost. I did decide to keep my account open and will, from time to time, post something. Thanks for the encouragement! :)
It doesn't hurt to keep it up, in case you change your mind. I've enjoyed reading your substack. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'll keep an eye open for any other posts.
Thanks J-Ying. Yep, I've decided to leave it up and not feel "pressured" to post. :)
I admit I haven't read many of your posts but I wish I hadn't come across this one. As one commenter said, perhaps leaving it open for inspiration may be a good idea; there were a couple posts of yours I meant to read but just never got around to doing so (I really am that slow lol). In any case, you take care and stay sane, my friend, and thank you for the tips you've shared with me (although I've been even slower still implementing them lolol).
It's all good Daniel! I'm going to just do like you do in the future and only post when I really feel compelled to do so and not post just because I feel like I "have to"! Haha. Thanks for your support and kind words. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do next!