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by alicia

In The Evening

May 17, 2010 in Writing

In the evenings they go to the mall. Once a week or more. Sometimes they even leave the dinner dishes in the sink so they will have enough time to finish all the errands. The father never comes — he hates shopping, especially with his wife. Instead, he stays home to read the paper and putter around his study. To do things that the other dads must be doing in the evenings. To summon the sand to come rushing in and plug up his ears with its roaring silence.

Meanwhile, the mother arms herself with returns from the last trip. Her two young daughters forget games of flashlight tag or favorite TV shows and strap on tennis shoes and seatbelts: and they’re off. On summer nights, when it’s light until after the fireflies arrive, the air is heavy and moist. The daughters unroll their windows and stick the whole of their heads out into the slate blue sky, feeling full force the sweaty, honey suckle air. In the cold mall, their rubber soles squeak on shiny linoleum squares. The younger daughter tries not to step on any cracks. The older daughter keeps a straight-ahead gaze; her sullen eyes count down each errand as it’s done. Read the rest of this entry →

Digging For Answers

May 17, 2010 in Writing

Steven had few real regrets, but seeing how his major in philosophy had little practical application in the real world often proved daunting. Thoughts of easier choices could inspire pointless envy, true tales of those less capable from an intellectual standpoint now handsomely remunerated, firmly ensconced in cherry-wood paneled offices high over the city, transformed by time and money and paper into semi-respected lawyers and businessmen. But Steven lacked pull.

Once he had tested patience by temping in such places. That test proved troublesome, gargantuan efforts expended to keep comments unspoken for minuscule wages, insubordination bubbling just beneath the surface, followed by violent dreams of vengeance. Read the rest of this entry →

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by Suzanne

Waiting For Summer

May 17, 2010 in Writing

“Spring is not meant to be cold.” This is what Ella thought as she bent over and picked up the sleeping stones she had placed outside several days ago. The way the sun was shining made her feel as if the season was being cheated. She moved from stone to stone with a vague feeling of anger; some watery form of injustice. “Where is the spring?” she thought again, picking up another slab.

While she was thus engaged in this somewhat depressing activity, a black shadow slid near her, abruptly soaking up the brilliant sunshine. The shadow took on the oblong shape of a man; a somewhat overweight and short man, with hair that struck out wildly from one side of his head like a snake lashing out. Read the rest of this entry →

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by Foible

Estate Planning

May 17, 2010 in Writing

Dan was a single guy living at home with his father and working in the family business.

When he found out he was going to inherit a fortune when his sickly father died, he decided he needed a wife with which to share his wealth.

One evening at an investment meeting he spotted the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

Her natural beauty took his breath away. “I may look like just an ordinary man,” he said to her, “but in just a few years, my father will die, and I’ll inherit 20 million dollars.”

Impressed, the woman obtained his business card and three days later, she became his stepmother.

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by Robb

Let Your Finger Do The Talking

May 17, 2010 in Writing

A young children’s librarian who is six months out of library school comes into my office for her half-year probationary review. If she passes the review she becomes a permanent member of the staff; if she flunks she’s gone.

Even now as she settles nervously into the seat next to my desk, I’m not sure which way to go. Sure, she’s an enthusiastic advocate of children’s services and yes, she has proven to be a creative, knowledgeable, and well-liked staff member; but there’s a certain unpredictability to her behavior patterns that makes the administrator in me very uneasy. Read the rest of this entry →

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by Chears

Late For School

May 17, 2010 in Writing

I dreamed last night that I woke up late because my alarm clock had grown arms and legs and run away. Then, as I stumbled into the kitchen I discovered a crocodile was eating Cheerios on my kitchen floor. Being late, I decided to pass on breakfast and returned to my bedroom to dress. I took off my nightgown, slipped into some edible panties, pink tights, a torn tutu, and my basketball jersey. I then slipped on my funky purple tennis shoes, went to the bathroom, brushed my teeth, braided my hair into a pig tail, climbed out my bedroom window, got on my bicycle, and peddled off to school.

When I got there the first thing I saw was Tiger Woods smacking at weeds on the front lawn with a long-handled tire iron. Nearby was a group of Tibetian monks who seemed to be involved in some kind of limbo contest. And behind them there was a three-legged dog frantically chasing a peacock in circles while barking loudly out of tune. Read the rest of this entry →

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by Mintz

A Private Service

May 16, 2010 in Writing

Mother arrived by mail today. The box was less than twelve by twelve and heavier than I’d imagined. There were little knobs and hard things in it.

I called my sister. “She’s here,” I said.

“Did you open the box?”

“It’s small.”

“Did you OPEN it?”

“Yes.” Read the rest of this entry →

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by adieu

The Renaissance Man

May 16, 2010 in Writing

Is there a common goal all men should strive for? The easy answer is obvious, and while I agree with the chorus of, “yes,” that I imagine is the reply, I differ in opinion on the specifics. Perhaps there is an alternative, or at very least a complement, to the beauty pageant answers.

As modern human beings we too often strive for complacency. We yearn for normalcy. We pant eagerly at dreams of homes and jobs, families and the night or two when inhibition is thrown to the wind and we indulge ourselves in alcohol and consequences.

We gear our lives toward the honing of one skill or set of skills. It is reflected in our lives, hobbies, jobs. Even in video games we see characters who are “by nature” more powerful when they focus on a single pathway of development. every subject has seemingly become so broad that we can only learn one or two. We have adages that support this mindset: i.e. “Jack of all trades, master of none.” Read the rest of this entry →

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by Whynot

Dividing Line

May 16, 2010 in Writing

In an instant, a life can divide into Before and After. A phone call, a news flash can do it. Invariably, something remains as a reminder. For Joseph, a colleague at Chloe’s office, it is Bach playing on the stereo before the screech of brakes, the crunch of metal, an ambulance, the hospital.

“I hear Bach now and think: oh, yes, I used to love that. Before. In my other life.”

For Chloe’s sister, Anna, it is a body shampoo. She told Chloe how the shower was hot and steam clouded the glass. She stood in the warm fog, then sniffed the fresh, pine scent of the new Badedas body shampoo. That clean scent of mountains and good health. Just seconds later, her fingers, tentative, pressed back and forth, smoothing the skin as her brain bristled indignantly. It can’t be! But it is, yes, it is. I think it is. A lump. Read the rest of this entry →

Tot Swap!

May 16, 2010 in Writing

You’ve given the little guy everything he could possibly want: besides the usual food, clothing, and shelter, you’ve given him every toy you never had. Even a bed made to look like a racing car. Then think of what you HAVEN’T given him: siblings, strange disease, rules, a bedtime.

What do you get back? Non-stop crying. He never stops. You didn’t get him what he wanted fast enough. It was the wrong color (he wanted the red bed).

In the past, we threw our unwanted kids away. Or we put up with their awful behavior. Why put up when you can trade up? Now, in this computer age, you can get rid of your problem child forever with just a few clicks. You post a description of your child, then look for the child you’d rather have. Click click click and you’ve made your choice. It’s called TotSwap.com. Try it today! You’ve got nothing to lose but a bratty child!

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by Boutime

The Guilded Mirror

May 13, 2010 in Writing

I haven’t told this story to anyone else but you seem nice enough. Maybe you’ll understand. At any rate, it’s time I told the truth.

You see, I’m not from your world. I know you find that hard to believe but just hear me out before you make any judgment.

It all started with the mirror. I was going through the piles of junk, looking for anything useful to trade – or eat – food being one of the highest commodities on my world. The sun was just breaking the horizon. That’s a good time to hunt. The gangs tend to sleep later so I’ve learned to rise early.

The first rays hit something in the rubble, something shiny that caught my eye. I dug through the layers hiding it and found a mirror. By some miracle it was unbroken, with a large gilded frame surrounding it.

As I tried to wipe the grime away, my arm fell through the plate of glass. Not breaking it, mind you, but through. I was so startled that I dropped the mirror onto the ground. I lost my balance and fell on top of it. Instead of lying there in the dirt and garbage though, it shimmered silvery and I passed right through it. Read the rest of this entry →

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by Gypsy

Pekoe

May 13, 2010 in Poetry

I saw tendrils of blood
reaching out of my brewing teabag
in the pale fluorescent light
of indoor echo electricity,

Blood in my tea as Tom Waits belted out odes
to a 1974 Saturday Night,
his hearts and ghosts playing down
like midnight sky’s diamonds on his windshield,

Blood flowing into my tea
like those dreams where you swim in the sky
and can see yourself
through everyone else’s eyes, Read the rest of this entry →

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by Tirika

The Online Mental Nudist

May 13, 2010 in Writing

Do I dare disrobe my mind online? Will I have to strip away common knowledge, abandon tradition, cast aside rumors, dogma, and biases? According to legend, Lady Godiva rode through town naked because if she did so, her husband agreed to relieve the townspeople of the burdensome taxes he had placed on them. She, out of compassion and kindness, overcame her embarrassment in order to lessen their pain. What would enable me to become a mental nudist? Perhaps it’s the vision of helping to create an environment, a community, where all views are respected, where everyone is encouraged to consider divergent ideas. While I hold onto my own beliefs and perceptions with commitment and passion, can I find the generosity of spirit and the will to try to understand the flip side? It’s an adventure worth trying, don’t you think?

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by Unravel

I, Unafraid

May 11, 2010 in Writing

I am a generous spirit who does not like to be crossed. I am unafraid to stand my ground and to use a sharp blade, metaphorically speaking or otherwise, when necessary.

I am a teacher, lover, friend, healer, salesman, manager, hope fiend, intuitive, writer, remover of irrelevancy, inspirer, spirit commissioner, evolutionary agent, shaman, swami, and conniver – or is that McGiver?

The process of discovering what is worth-doing as it moves through the pattern of integrity I call my body seems to dictate that I pull as many people through the portals as I possibly can. This pattern integrity has not received information at this time as to why it should do this or from where to where. I do take this directive to heart. Read more…

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by Blissen

Blind Date

May 11, 2010 in Writing

Let me get this straight. You have, without my permission, without even telling me until now, set me up on a blind date with a fairy?”

By the time she’d spat out the last word, Lucynda’s voice was almost a screech. She winced and glanced around the coffee shop, then spoke more quietly. “What the hell possessed you? You know I don’t date anything that isn’t human. Fully human.”

Unperturbed by her best friend’s protests, Kelly continued to eat her salad. When Lucynda finally had to pause to take a breath, she glanced up. Her lips curled in a secretive smile and she gestured with her fork. “I told you, Valandil is an elf, not a fairy. And he’s a friend of Iulian’s.”

“I don’t care if your vampire boyfriend recommends him, I am not going on a date with a fairy.”

This time Lucynda managed to respond in a low hiss, no doubt disappointing the nearby couple that seemed determined to eavesdrop. Read more…

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by Tirika

Spring

May 7, 2010 in Writing

I’ve always been in awe of the works of visionary artist Susan Seddon Boulet. This picture of Isis and Osiris is one of my favorites.

The story of Isis and Osiris is veiled in mystery. The story goes somewhat like this: Osiris was pharaoh of Egypt, Isis was both his sister and his wife. Set, their brother, killed Osiris, and Isis brought him back to life.

Then they mated and she bore a son, Horus.

Now for the mythology/mystery/magic of it all. Isis was and is worshiped as the goddess of many things, motherhood, fertility, the matron of nature and magic. Read more…

Shhh…

May 1, 2010 in Writing

Some things we say
are better left unsaid;
are better felt instead.

Especially those things
we say that may return
to haunt us someday.

Silence, then, is what
to better choose if our
hearts we stand to lose.

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by Custis

Debbie

April 21, 2010 in Fiction

I had been out in eastern Oregon on one of my many desert excursions. This one was in early march, a time when the weather of Sagebrush country is unpredictable at best, going from blazing heat to wintery blizzard conditions or vice versa in hours or less.

After a weekend of solitary wandering, I was ready to return home and have a night on the town before going back to work. My lonely sojourn had ended and I was ready for a good hot woman.

Upon approaching the cutoff for the mountain pass, I noticed that flakes of snow were beginning to fall, a worrysome development that prompted me to take a different turn off onto a mountain pass whose summit was a bit lower in elevation. In this way I figured to escape any dangerously heavy snowfall on my return journey.

I was most of the way to the summit of Oakridge pass when I found out the hard way that I was not going to make it over the summit on this night. My Camaro slid on a thin icing of snow and went into a bank, not hard enough to do any damage, but plenty hard enough to let me know that it was time to stop while I could. Dammit!

Only two miles earlier, I had passed a small hamlet in the alpine forest. A store, a gas station and a couple of other buildings, including a lodge. Well, I thought, my last night off is shot, but at least I can get a good night’s sleep and the snow will probably be melted off in the morning. With minimal difficulty I managed to get my car turned around and crawled back the way I came very slowly through building snow.

At the lodge I checked in and put my things into a comfortable kitchenette suite with a king sized bed. Although night had fallen, it was very early and I was nowhere near ready to go to bed, but what to do in a place like this?

I bundled up in my heavy, black, fur lined levi coat and stepped outside. The snow was falling thickly and the small hamlet looked charmingly christmassy, pillows of snow softening all hard edges and covering everything with a satiny coat of white. To my right I noticed a rustic looking building that looked like a ski lodge or something of the like, it was apparently what passed for a nightclub here in the mountains. I decided to investigate, although I had no hope of finding much action to speak of.

Inside the bar I found it rustically comfortable, pine boarded walls and planked, high ceiling. The place was virtually empty except for the bartender and a rather sleazy looking blonde who appeared to have had a few too many, she gave me a lascivious smile as I walked by and took a seat at the bar. Although the girl had rather nice breasts and a serviceable looking body, I knew at a glance that she was probably the town pump, a bit overly used for my taste. Her obvious drunkenness strengthened that impression. Any interest I may have had in her vanished.

I had initially dismissed the woman behind the bar with a single glance as I walked in. She was a bit chunky, and probably in her 40′s. However, as she approached and I ordered a beer, I experienced a shock when I looked into her warm brown eyes. She was not bad looking at all, not by a long shot. I felt a warm glow in my loins.

A few minutes of casual conversation told me a bit about Debbie. She was 40, a bit on the plump side, but not obese by any stretch of the word, possessed of long, silky, dark brunette hair that shimmered down her back like an ebony cascade. Her skin belied her age, soft and unlined like a young girl’s. Top this with smokey, dark eyes and Debbie was not a bad hunk of woman at all.

Debbie was just what the doctor had ordered except for one thing. She showed not the slightest indication by glance or body english, that she was interested in me at all. To make matters even less hopeful, a diamond wedding ring glittered on her finger. I was pretty sure that it was useless to try, but nonetheless, after my third beer I noticed that she was getting ready to close the joint and blurted out the question. Hell! Who knows, maybe she was divorced and wearing the ring out of habit.

“I really think you are a very nice and attractive lady, would you like to come over to the lodge and have a drink with me Debbie?”

She smiled and giggled. “I’m married honey.”

I grinned at her. “I won’t tell him if you don’t.” I grimaced at the worn out, overused line even as I spoke it. My only excuse was that I was already putting on a nice beer buzz.

“So where is your husband if you don’t mind my asking?”

She smiled wanly. “We have an ‘open’ relationship, at least as far as he is concerned. He is in Frisco with his 21 year old girlfriend.” The bitterness in Debbie’s voice was unmistakeable and I suddenly felt guilty for being such a lecher.

“I’m sorry.”

She chuckled and put another beer in front of me. “You are about out of time. Here, this one is on me. Better hurry, I have to close in a few minutes.”

I thanked her and smiled to myself. Okay, I struck out. Nothing to do but finish the beer and go to my room and sleep. This gal was not interested in any extracurricular activity, at least not with me. Finishing my last swallow I bid her goodnight and strode out into the still falling snow. Oh well, there would always be next weekend.

As I neared the lodge, I noticed something dark near the door to my room, a human shape bundled in heavy clothing. What the hell was this? I approached cautiously. The hooded head turned towards me and I looked into Debbie’s pretty eyes. “Don’t just stand there, open the door. I live in this town you know.”

How she got to my room before I did, I will never know, but I did not question. She must have locked up and ran out the back door of the bar. We entered my room and I helped Debbie out of her snow dusted parka. I dropped the coat into a chair and turned back to Debbie to have her slip into my arms, feeling warm and very female as I held her close and deeply kissed a pair of very hot and sweet lips. We held the kiss for a long time, the tips of our tongues touching. Debbie was definitly an armload of real woman. Every inch of her felt wonderfully hot and feminine against my body, she was passionate and eager. We continued to kiss hotly as we fell onto the large, comfy bed. This woman was hungry for love, no doubt about it. Her kisses and caresses bore the stamp of a lonely girl, more like a widow than a housewife.

There was no talk, only our bodies grinding together as we urgently kissed and touched. Completely unconciously, we slipped into the position, me between her ample thighs, our crotches grinding together hard as we tongue kissed with furious abandon. I could feel her dampness as her black skirt rode up above her hips and moisture soaked through her panties to dampen the fly of my levis. I began to kiss my way down her neck,, undoing her blouse until my fingers fumbled with her lacey bra. Debbie quickly reached to undo the center clasp. Two large, creamy and exquisitely lovely titties jiggled freely out into the open to be caressed by my lips.

Debbie sighed heavily, panting as she pushed her chest towards my face. I buried my face in those luscious tits like a child with a lollypop, sucking and licking in a state of delirium. Because of my severe case of lust, I was in a bigger hurry than I ordinarily would have been and my fingers quickly found their way inside of her already drenched pantyhose, middle and index fingers slipping into a sopping wet, hot cunt, eliciting a sharp groan as Debbie clutched me hard, biting my shoulder as she went into a quick and powerful orgasm.

As Debbie convulsed, my fingers wriggled inside of her and my thumb brushed her erect clit, intensifying her climax while she growled out unintelligible sounds combined with muffled profanity. She finally laid back on the bed panting and I began to kiss my way down her belly with the idea of slipping my tongue into her steaming pussy.

“No.” She panted. “Don’t fuck around with that, I need your cock right now.” She turned over quickly and got onto her hands and knees. With an agile movement she flipped her black skirt up over her ass and put her face down onto the pillow so that she could use both hands to yank her pantyhose down her thighs to expose that marvelously erotic ass and the pouting pink pussy that lay just under it, framed with inky black fur that was as soft as silk.

Inflamed with wild lust, I crawled up behind her on my knees and as I aimed my cock between her inviting ass cheeks, she reached back and nuzzled the tip of my livid prick between the hot, wet lips of that delicious looking pussy. I gasped as the hot moisture kissed the head of my cock. I had planned on entering her slowly, an inch at a time, but Debbie was hungry for cock and would have none of it. With a lustful grunt she pushed her ass back at me hard and my rigid cock slid up into her cunt to the hilt, till her warm, soft ass was pressed against my belly.

Debbie’s hot snatch felt exquisitely wonderful, gripping my stiff fuck stick, the muscles rippling along my shaft. She groaned loudly and ground her ass back against me and I gave into mindless primal instinct, grabbing her hips in my hands and stabbing my cock up into her in long, deep, fast strokes, humping at her ass like a crazed animal as she moaned incoherently and thrust herself back upon my impaling flesh missile. Somewhere in the back of my pleasure blinded mind, I knew that Debbie was swiftly reaching a powerful orgasm, but I did not care since my own cock was jerking and twitching inside of her slimy fuck hole, preparing to give up it’s hot, spitting load. With bulging eyes I stared at that point where my prick was vanishing inside of her tight cunt, just below her pink asshole, which was contracting and dilating with her spasms of pleasure. She gasped out something about cumming and went incoherent again. “Fuck me,,fuck me with that hard cock,,fuckkk,aaghhhhh!” She twisted her ass and ground against me and my dick began coughing huge spurts of sperm into her womb. My body went out of control, my ass jerking against her as my cock twitched and poured out it’s creamy white bounty. We finally collapsed together, panting, her pussy an oozing mess.

After catching our breath we laid there for a long time as I kissed her tenderly and stroked her pretty face, brushing the soft, dark hair away from her eyes. She soaked up my caresses like a purring kitten. I could tell that this lady had been in need for a long time. I could scarcely imagine a man who would leave this behind for something else, her husband must have rocks in his head.

Our embrace and sweet kisses became ever more passionate till I was laying between her creamy white thighs, her warm, feminine fingers guiding my cock back into her throbbing slit. As she lifted her knees I glided into her moist heat, eliciting a sharp gasp from her. Goddam! This was good. I fucked her in ernest, plunging deeply into her in long, hard strokes. Looking into those soft, doe eyes in between kisses.

In no time Debbie reached another orgasm, her heels dug into my buttocks. I felt a warm, wet flood over my prick and immediately began to ejaculate inside of her gripping velvet tunnel, my back hunching as my ass jerked, my cock violently spitting cum into her deepest recesses as we groaned together. Both of us thoroughly spent, we fell asleep in each other’s arms, my still half rigid cock inside of her.

Somewhere in the early morning darkness I awoke with the bed jostling, an earthquake? Something suddenly felt very good. I looked up to see Debbie astride me, riding my prick like a bronco, her hair disheveled, skin shining in a beam of moonlight like alabaster or sculpted ice. I could feel rippling motions of her vaginal muscles gripping my shaft, wantonly milking me for her pleasure with total abandon, small childlike whimpers coming from her throat. She tautened, gritting her teeth as her ass cheeks clenched on me, my cock was bathed in liquid fire and I gripped her hips, starting to cum.

“D,,Debbie,,” I grunted. “Your,,your cunt!” That was all I could get out of my mouth as fireworks went off inside my brain and my twitching dick shot rapid jets of sperm up into her womb. Debbie hunched over me, in the throes of multiple orgasms. It felt as if I would never stop spurting, one hot wad after another as my shaft coughed up it’s milky cargo into her tight cunt.

When we could move again, we snuggled tightly into each other’s arms and drifted back into sleep, a sensation of total bliss enveloping us. I finally awoke again to see sunlight streaming through the curtains and Debbie was gone, no sign of her in the suddenly very empty seeming room.

I smiled to myself, a slight sadness in my chest. It was better this way, no complications, no awkward moments. Just pleasant memories. I showered and packed my few things.

Outside, warm sunshine was rapidly melting the snow off of the roads. There would be no problem getting over the pass now. I climbed into my car and began to warm up the engine. Then, I noticed something on the seat next to me. It was a small, black leather bag. With my eyebrows arching I picked it up and undid the draw string. Inside was a pair of white panties, the ones that Debbie had worn under her hose. Also tucked inside the bag, a little piece of paper. I unfolded it and smiled as I saw the words.

Come back to me.
I will be waiting.

Debbie

I looked around at the sleepy little hamlet, dripping water everywhere reflecting the sun like a million prisms. Yes, sooner or later I would be back. With any luck it would be on a night exactly like last night, falling snow, Debbie’s heart shaped face outlined by the soft fur of her parka, waiting to feel my arms around her again.

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by admin

Lessons In Life

April 19, 2010 in Conversatiion

She asked him to respond to the following list, in whatever order he wished*

- Do no intentional harm to anyone
- Love with all your might like there is no tomorrow
- Allow things to unfold as they will. Trust and be patient
- Be honest with yourself and others
- Be grateful on a daily basis
- Realize there is no one right path, just different lessons
- Laugh like a child
- Live in the now
- Show up and listen carefully
- Feel what you feel and then move forward
- Bless those that have shown up for you

____________________________________________________
His Response (2-28-08)

Ok, I’ll begin with the first: “Do no intentional harm to anyone.”

Who does that apply to? And when? Is it everyone, and always? Or just someone, sometimes? For example, does it apply to a soldier (on either, or both sides) at Normandy Beach? Does it apply to Sophie, on the platform of the train station, in Sophie’s Choice? Or is it simply an unusually elusive, one-sided mandate–as depicted and discussed (at length) in the film The Interpreter? In any case, how (and to whom) would it be applied in the Norwegian film Ofelas (“Pathfinder” in english)?

In other words, can it find real-world application not before, but during real-life drama? Or is it only meant as an abstract principle to follow in peaceful circumstances…or when otherwise an ‘optional’ luxury? Also, is it a cultural ‘choice’ based on something fundamentally human? If so, why could the same case not be made for its corollary; e.g., intentionally do harm to any or all (who are not as we), as in the ‘inculcated’ mandate of Nazi Germany, or ‘radical’ Islam, or in the gang ‘hoods of current day Los Angeles?
____________________________________________________
Her Response (2-28-08)

He raises some interesting questions regarding the “Do no intentional harm to anyone”

Yes it’s easy to see this as a simplistic, abstract statement- the nice/nice cloak of peace and tranquility. Many would say our world has developed on the consumption of the “other” greedily swallowing that which power allows it to, often under the “ensure freedom” banner. Ah, but whose freedom? Is it really about the “me” whether it be the collective “me” of a group in power?

In thinking about the “me” orientation, perhaps this should be looked at, at another level. How do we view this in real world terms?

Looking at it from a microcosmic perspective, how can we expect cultural choices or practices to change until change starts one individual at a time. Is it possible to make global change this way?

That depends on your perspective. What if, as an individual, even as we have been shaped by many different forces, we start to look internally. Who have I harmed? Who has harmed me? How have I harmed myself? How do I live with my actions? Perhaps until this process of investigation and clarification takes place, our expectations for global “do no harm” cannot be realized.

Another question with regards to perspective. Do you believe what you see or do you see what you believe? Or is it both? What has to change in our collective belief systems to embrace the “Do no harm?” Can we actually see differently?
___________________________________________________
His response (3-15-08)

“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day…”

What could be more confusing (or contradictory) than that? Especially if extended to include a broader mandate: “Do no intentional harm to yourself, and it must follow…”

In other words, what is best for one’s self may often be quite contrary to what is best for another. Somewhere in between lies the compromise(s) we all must make daily to live (peacefully) with one another. Sometimes our self-interest is synchronistic, sometimes not…especially when competing for something only one can have. The Presidency, for example. Or just a bottle, tossed from a plane.

There are some who would take anything and everything they can, regardless of cost to others. And there are some who will forego any desire that might result in conflict with another. Most of us live somewhere in between. So which way should all of us be, if not in the middle (i.e., should we strive to take all, or give all)?

True or false, right or wrong, helpful or harmful…are things that can only be defined, statically, in the abstract. But in life, they are only and always defined within a dynamic context. Generally, those who give most, have the most to spare. Those who take most, are the most in need. And so it goes.

“Seeing is believing.” More true when one is young. Less so, the older–more acculturated–one becomes. But that’s ‘grist’ for another ‘mill.’

Is introspection a preface for globally doing no harm? If it results in a new ‘perspective’ on what one needs–and has most to give–probably yes.

With that in mind, what do we change in ourselves that would better the overall picture culturally, globally? I suggest that it begins with what we think we need, and what we have to spare.

If one is reasonably well-fed, warmed and sheltered, and lives largely without fear, what else is necessary? And what could be more meaningful than helping make those things available to others who don’t have them? What else, beyond that, is worth fighting over? Religion, politics, toys?

Love?
_____________________________________________________
Her response (3-16-08)

My friend once again raises some interesting questions. I will respond to several issues. I believe the reason why we don’t support each other, and intentionally or unintentionally harm each other has to do with the idea that most of our lives we operate from a fear and a deficit perspective. We fear because we don’t want to suffer, we fear because we live in the past or the future and not the present and so we seek to avoid pain that we have had or what we fear awaits us. We fear because our culture bombards us with messages that we don’t have enough, are not good enough, or that someone threatens our existence. It can take a long time before we question these messages and if we come to a place to determine the untruths of it all, then and only then can we start to think clearly and perhaps more globally.

The other issue stems from viewing ourselves as separate from others, denying our interrelationships, our interdependence. The fear issue previously mentioned keeps us focused on what’s different or potentially threatening from others as opposed to how we are all similar, how so much univeral unites us, how in helping others we help ourselves. Why do we run to assist a dog that has been neglected, but turn the other cheek to the homeless man, selling the Real Change newspaper outside the store? As we “dehumanize” those that frighten us, we dehumanize ourselves.

There is a tendency for the mind to think in absolutes-put things in convenient known boxes- reinforce what we think we know (which is pretty little). This absolute thinking pushes us to making quick judgements, once again directing us to the illusions of “is this event, person, whatever, going to harm me, take something away from me, give me something I want/need?” – It is all based on a limited consciousness and it really is based on ego which tries to protect the false perspective of self and the limited view of what is really needed.

So, in getting to the place of “what we think we need” and “what we have to spare”, I choose introspection as a way of gaining a different perspective. This hopefully is not to reinforce the “false sense of self” based on ego, based on fear, but with an intention to strip away that which keeps me from my essence, my goodness, and my ability to be a positive influence in the world. And for me, it is about love in the largest meaning of the word.
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His response (4-12-08)

“Once upon a time there was a king who had everything, but still wasn’t happy. He decided that if he could find the happiest man in the kingdom, and wear his shoes for a day, then he might learn something of the experience of happiness. So he sent out messengers to find the happiest man. They scoured the kindom in search of him. When they returned they told the king that they had, finally, found the happiest man in the kindom…but he wore no shoes.”

Clearly the king was extrospective. He looked beyond himself to find a solution to his problem. Had he looked within, do you suppose he might have seen, himself, that the trappings of happiness are only that? That ‘happy trappings’ do not happiness make. Yet if he were to shed them, could he then still command the respect necessary to rule a kingdom? Or would he quickly be laughed from ‘office,’ or whisked off stage by the nearest contender with a sword?

Because how else can either ‘multitudes’ or ‘contenders’ be induced to introspect a similar ‘awakening’ if his example is not quite enough to transform their pedestrian needs and desires? Or would it be better that he ‘mask’ his bliss, and lead them toward enlightenment by more subtle means?

In either case, what kingdom have we seen where an ‘enlightened’ one (or few) have successfully transformed all? Today we have the ‘enlightened’ followers of Jesus and Mohammed engaged in a world-wide struggle for supremacy, and Buddha’s disciples held captive in Tibet by the merchant power of China.

In the ‘real world’ it would appear that the marketplace rules…and probably always will. Enlightenment, however pursued or gained, seems by contrast little more than a troublesome hobby. Given that reality, will not the world become a better place only by transforming the marketplace? And if that’s the case, then good examples…ones that sell…will require perhaps more imagination than introspection.

For example: If girls decide that boys who ride horses are cool, watch how fast the boys will trade their wheels for hoofs.
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Her Response (4-13-08)

So, where do you think imagination comes from? Imagination and creativity are linked. They come from a mind uncluttered with distractions and preoccupations. They come from stillness, from a space beyond mental synapses and neurons. They are a meditation in their own right. One may not need introspection to access imagination and creativity, however, introspection may lead to a quiet mind which can foster imagination, creativity and problem solving.

The great thing is that (one of my lessons in living) there is no one right path, just different lessons depending on what road you choose. Live in the grey, there are more possibilities.

* * *

*This is a small segment of a ‘virtual’ online conversation between two writers (SpiritEv & ByLine) that took place a little over two years ago. Each selected a topic, wrote something about it, and the other responded. The small segment above represents only a fraction of the total ‘conversation’ that place over the next two months. This ‘snippet’ is only meant to give an example of how a joint writing venture of this type can apply to more than just stories. But regardless of topic, the stimulation of thought, and the writing practice it affords, can be very ‘educational’ for both participants. And, of course, it’s a great way to make friends…or enemies…depending on how the story ends! ;-)

How Do You Like Your Chocolate?

April 19, 2010 in Poetry

how-do-you-like-your-chocolate I like mine, dark and dense,
solo, or at times companioned with
a complex glass of red wine or
the perfect strawberry.
Savor it slowly.
Let it’s essence linger, deliciously,
on the front of my mouth,
evoking times of bitter sweetness.
The packaging
draws me to what’s inside
but it’s the chocolate that counts.
I like to read, the percentage of cocoa bean,
where it’s from
imagining all the hands that have shaped its form.
How do you like your chocolate? Read more

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by Lilith

Man! You look like a woman…

April 19, 2010 in Writing

I must admit that in spite of its overt stupidity and more than occasional shallowness I love to read Elle.

I have always been driving my ass around in two cars simultaneously for as long as I can remember: I can swear out loud one second and invoke all gods known to man the next, I drool over Hemingway as much as I do over Sandra Brown (yep that was not a typo), I can tango in flats and do grocery shopping in heels, and my Winamp occasionally jumps from Mozart to Fifty Cent bringing about the same reaction of audio-delight. I sometimes feel the need for idiocy. Makes me think: “I may be mentally challenged, but you people are seriously fucked”. Which is always a comforting realization, something in the vein of: “Have I left the gas on?” “No, I don’t have any gas to leave on cause I didn’t pay my bill last month. Thank God!”

So I was reading Elle this weekend. I skimmed through the fashion pages…Read more

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by derek

Giving Them The Finger

April 19, 2010 in Fiction

The ad said they needed someone to “model patterns of survival.”

At the interview, a woman with an E.T. poster on her door told me about the job. “You’d be working at their house,” she said, “taking care of two clients with special needs.”

I couldn’t even take care of myself, but I needed a job. “Are they retarded?”

“Okay, yeah. We don’t say that anymore.” She coaxed herself out of a frown, in a way that suggested I was the only candidate. “There’s a new name: developmentally disabled.”

They gave me a new name, too: Community Living Instructor. This was in Portland, Oregon. I started working at a home for people who couldn’t tie their shoes, helping two grown men get through the day. Read more

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by ByLine

Great Expectations!

April 19, 2010 in Fiction

wordpress_any-ideas2It was cold, starting to rain, and she was late.

That morning she’d left a message for him at the front desk. “I’ve got it!” it said. “Meet me at the used bookstore at Provinski Square. Make it a little before five. When you get there, buy the green copy of Great Expectations (it has a small piece missing from the top of its cover). Make sure they put it in a bag. When you see me coming, leave the store, turn right and walk toward the subway entrance. I’ll be right behind you. Have the bag under your arm. I’ll exchange it with my copy (which contains the codes you need) as we pass through the entrance area. Once we’re inside, you head toward the information kiosk, and I’ll continue to the escalator. As soon as I’m out of sight, leave the station and walk across the square. You’ll see a black Yugo parked on the other side.” Read more

Lost Swimsuit

April 19, 2010 in Short Story

I’ve never been much for those little bikini things…and I’m probably the only one who thinks a guy wearing a Speedo is completely normal. You see, I grew up spending my childhood in lycra swimsuits and unheated very chlorinated pools. In Eastern Oregon there were only two things to do in the summer: swim or get in trouble. Since I didn’t become a trouble maker until after I left home, I chose to spend my summers swimming. I spent so much time in the pool in Ontario, Oregon that it wasn’t until I was an adult that I learned that my hair is actually reddish brown and not greenish blonde. Read more

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by admin

Killing Time Together

April 11, 2010 in Writing

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Nulla at mauris magna. Duis a ipsum sem. Donec vel leo erat, in porta arcu. Maecenas ullamcorper scelerisque magna id mollis. Phasellus elementum lectus non purus sagittis vitae semper quam consequat. Duis varius nibh a enim convallis at elementum libero accumsan. Nullam vulputate rhoncus mattis. Phasellus placerat nibh non sapien tincidunt fringilla. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Ut ut purus sed sem vestibulum placerat. Etiam in risus purus, sit amet volutpat metus. Donec ultricies justo et sem dignissim tincidunt. Duis non ante at dolor semper tempor et in massa. Quisque ac lacus magna. Morbi augue libero, ornare et tincidunt quis, ornare et libero. Vestibulum et risus nec dui venenatis facilisis. Pellentesque ac nisl diam.