I am one of those who can only read so much poetry at a time. I love it and I enjoy it, but if I don't take a break every 30 pages or so, the poems all run together and begin to read like one long work, which to me loses the meaning of each individual idea.

In Leaves of Grass, Whitman's perspective regarding his surroundings while "discovering" America, are not only fascinating, but intriguing. It's like stepping back in time and seeing the country as it comes into it's own. It is said that Whitman loved this country so much and though much has changed since he traveled through America, there are still some places that still reflect what he wrote about.

In one poem, "Miracles" he talks about all sorts of things that we may just see, but can also be seen as wonders, for instance he asks 'What stranger miracles are there?" referring to many things, before that final line, but the line just before speaks of men on ships. The first thing I thought of was an airplane. He never saw man's first flight, but to him a ship on the water was a miracle...fishes that swim, rocks, etc. I think sometimes if we just close our eyes, we can easily "see" all of the wonderful things around us.

In a way this book is opening my eyes to things around me. It's showing me that sometimes we need to slow down and remember that no matter what things are happening to us and around us, there are still wonderful things right in front of us. Awaking everyday is a miracle, breathing, walking, talking, hearing, seeing. It sounds corny, but truly these are little joys that sometimes get taken for granted.

I can't say that Whitman ever intended to make anyone see more than what he wrote about, conveying his feelings as he traveled through a land that was still growing and still finding itself with every railroad track that was laid, because I don't know.

I read words of a man who saw first hand the history I love so much. A man who was so moved by the Civil War and by the death of Lincoln. A man who reported on a bulletin regarding Custer's death, or spoke of how everything around us is a miracle. As silly as it might sound, I look forward to finishing and re-reading this book over and over again. To me, this book is a mental time machine, transporting one back to an era that seemed simple, yet so complicated.

On the lighter side today....

My emo band's name is Girlfriend Shimmering Satellite.

Okay, so I am on the verge of sheer giddiness right now. I am still a wee under the weather, but it's all about the new outlook I am trying to have, despite the fact that I opened an article and flashing at the top of the page was, in capital letters, the words 'YOU ARE A GIGANTIC LOSER.' Yes, it made me laugh. To some, I probably am, to me, not so much...

Now, to explain the top line...I was reading an article about the worst band names ever and clicked on the link, typed in my first name (all eleven letters) and it generated the above. I LOVE IT and after this month, when the Christmas season has passed, it will become my new Fantasy Hockey name...providing it fits. If not, we'll go with Shimmering Satellite. I still like that. No, I am not off my rocker...I am well positioned in it, thank you. I am simply embracing my happy side, a place where Shimmering satellites send signals of tidings and joy! Yes, I threw Christmas in there, sort of.

I miss rambling, which is essentially what I am doing now, but who gives a frig. It's the best feeling in the world to just spew out a bunch of words, without having to think of the plot and the characters and so on, so forth. A friend of mine, Bunny, who reads this, will be happy to know that I am almost finished with my latest story. Of course I am still coming out of my George McFly syndrome, pre-marty visit, but I know I will find the courage to say 'screw it, why not' and send them in. I'm close. I figure if nothing else, I like them and that's one more person than zero.

Well, it looks like the green tea thought extravaganza is wearing off, so I guess I will close it up for now.

Lookin' to the future with positive vision!