Family

Not much time as I am sitting here in my "office" (Hob Nob Restaurant) sipping coffee writing this short, yet thoughtful blog of my childhood family. It may appear a bit vague due to the constant interruptions by patrons, but I will try my best for the time being.

I look around me and see the world rapidly changing as it has for several decades. Yet in these uncertain times I've come to understand what it is that makes up the true "spirit" of humankind. It is "family". Family from my years past a long time ago gives me the "spirit" to stand up against what might be true, might be contrived, might be manipulative in this "global depression". I call it "depression", because what is presently happening is our Media turning our lives into hell via daily reports of a declining economy. The threat of increasing gas and oil prices and the continuing threat of terrorists are blatantly placed in front of our faces. "Where the hell is the good news?!" Thank goodness for those times long ago when "Family" counted and STILL remains! The Media tries and sometimes succeeds and that proof are the piles of Vickie's Secret thongs with words, or phrases, or garnishments of lace and whatever adorning a piece of "string". I know, I lived with two females a short time ago who thought it was so cool to have "string" ride up their asses! Go figure! "Max the Cards we got "bling" in our asscracks!" Good to be 55 and a true Jimmy Buffett fan, 'cause I haven't worn a pair of underwear in 30 years ('cept funerals, weddings and job interviews). Sorry, my bad, but had to share it. "It's a guything".

It was the early 60's and living in the country was the greatest thing since "biscuits and gravy". We had our little neighborhood there on US 31 connecting Niles with Berrien Springs. Many a pet died from the passing of 3 tons of steel when they innocently roamed from our yard to cross the highway in search of "what lay beyond". It was a mournful loss when our dogs would die from those accidents. I remember the night we heard screeching tires and a thud from outside and my family immediately knew what had happened. Our German Shepherd had been hit by a speeding car and crushed the radiator of the vehicle. Sad, but amazed by the fact the animal survived for a few minutes after obliterating a piece of iron, copper and steel. But, as with all kids growing up in the country we soon had a replacement and life continued.

When I mentioned "neighborhood" let me describe a country neighborhood. The houses are separated by yards and miles. We can't hear our neighbors unless they called, or were outside yelling and waving to gain one's attention. Ours was unique in the fact we had 3 homes within walking distance and all were within a short distance of a reservoir, the "leftovers" from a gravel pit still being used. As kids we enjoyed it's amenities in the form of swimming, fishing and ice skating in winter. It was a wonderful time to be a kid in our neighborhood! And! It was a wonderful time for friendships that were bonded by the realisation that they were your "closest" friends, because they lived nearest.

It also was the height of the "Cold War" which played on the minds of everyone. Grade school taught us to hide under our desks in case of a Nuclear Attack....right. The Cold War's prescence was a very impressive "mindf..." at that time. I remember an evening in the yard with my father when I heard a loud explosion. I think I nearly died from fright! I thought the Commies were bombing us and I was wating to see the sky fill with the "radiated mushroom". It took my father some time to calm me down and told me it was the sound resonated by the overhead fighter planes breaking the sound barrier! We survived and we continued with our daily lives despite.

We lived modestly, my father constantly struggling to create his own businesses. I think that's where I have received my "independent spirit". He was "hellbent" on being his own boss (actually, my mother was his real employer) and his confidence in himself was strong due to years of preparation, education and on the job training. He was that "dying breed" of man that was the "perfectionist" Myself and my brother share those traits in our trades and careers. My father's downfall as well as my own I find, is "Marketing". My father eventually took a job in order to keep the bills paid on time and the threats from my mother wanting a "better life" for she and her children. He did well later in life, yet was cut short due to a series of strokes. My brother to this day has done well for himself and is a part of that "breed" I mentioned from being trained by my father in their trade. He has the attitude and fortitude to "do what he sets out to do".

My sister learned from an early age (gonna catch hell for this) how to "manipulate our father. She was a "daddy's girl"; the "apple of his eye". If ever she wanted to raise "warfare" against me it was our father she'd run to and proclaim that I "pissed her off"! She was good.

That was country living. And I wish I had more time to tell it today, because I really need to reflect on my past. I will leave it for next time when I have "more time". Till then, from the "office" of the "World's most Unfamous Artist", I'm outta here.