https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/ Recent content in Home on Pete Speak Hugo -- gohugo.io en-US © 2023 Peter Wetzel, all rights reserved. Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:05:13 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2024/04/croton-point-birds/ Sat, 13 Apr 2024 17:00:00 -0400 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2024/04/croton-point-birds/ I finally got a decent camera strap so that I can make better use of my 5 pound zoom lens. Last weekend I went out to Croton Point Park, which is a peninsula formed at the confluence of the Croton River flowing into the Hudson River. It's a former landfill, so its "hill" is always grassland surrounded by tall trees and of course water, so there's typically a nice mix of birds there year round. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2023/01/run-recap-2022/ Tue, 10 Jan 2023 17:00:00 -0500 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2023/01/run-recap-2022/ Overview [I wrote this up in January; finally did the accompanying header artwork and posting now in summer. Oops.] My 2021 was more or less like the bulk of 2020, in that I never found any consistency through a combination of injury, illness, poor fitness (oh, the irony), and apathy towards running with months taken off at a time. The good news is I close to doubled that mileage in 2022; obviously the bad news being way, way lower than my previous "normal" (e. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2022/05/may-birds/ Thu, 19 May 2022 17:00:00 -0400 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2022/05/may-birds/ This past weekend I went out for a walk along the Hudson River; debated whether I wanted to bring my camera or not, but glad I did. About half of the birds I easily identified by sight; it's hard to confuse a bald eagle, american robin, mockingbird, or red-winged blackbird when you have a clear visual. The others I had to research after the fact, beyond a broad generalization I wasn't too sure what they were. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2021/05/seagull-clam/ Tue, 18 May 2021 22:00:00 -0400 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2021/05/seagull-clam/ Back in March I stopped at a local boat launch which is near the confluence of the Croton and Hudson rivers. My main hope was to catch some Bald Eagles, and failing that maybe some interesting waterfowl. I was a bit bummed that I mostly just saw a flock of seagulls (insert hair joke here), but that quickly turned when I luckily snapped photos of one taking flight with a shell, fly over me, and drop said shell on the nearby parking lot. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2020/12/run-recap-2020/ Thu, 31 Dec 2020 17:00:00 -0500 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2020/12/run-recap-2020/ Overview Initially I was hoping to train for a PR attempt in the half marathon. Then I had a decent cold/flu hit me after a trip to Florida so I lost a week. And more and more news started piling up regarding Covid, so eventually I gave up even attempting the race (in mid-March). For the first couple months of the pandemic I didn't run at all. From the summer on, I barely ran once or twice a week and my monthly mileage was that of a low-mileage week in normal years. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2020/09/local-birds/ Mon, 07 Sep 2020 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2020/09/local-birds/ My 2020 photo gallery of local birds in my town (and often in my neighborhood) taken with my point-and-shoot 24x optical zoom camera. The young red-tails have made their presence known (so... loud), along with many other year-round residents and our seasonal visitors (namely: bald eagles and buffleheads in winter, songbirds like american goldfinch in summer). https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2020/01/run-recap-2019/ Thu, 02 Jan 2020 12:00:00 -0500 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2020/01/run-recap-2019/ Overview After a frustrating 2018 where I lost motivation and dealt with minor (but nagging) injuries, I entered 2019 with a few goals. The primary one was to have fun and enjoy running again. The secondary was to gun for PR's in the mile, 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances at various points of the year. And as always I tried to bring my camera with me whenever feasible to try to get some nice bird/scenic shots. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2019/12/bird-gallery/ Wed, 25 Dec 2019 19:00:00 -0500 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2019/12/bird-gallery/ All photos were taken in Croton on Hudson, NY, either while out on a run or when lucky enough to spot something from home. All taken with my simple point-and-shoot 24x optical zoom camera. For simplicity they're in the order taken, except for when my gallery tool decides otherwise! Some are very common here year round (hawks, vultures, crows, sparrows), while others are pretty rare (at least for me) such as ospreys, herons, and a hummingbird I (barely) got with my phone. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2019/11/redshifted/ Tue, 05 Nov 2019 14:00:00 -0500 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2019/11/redshifted/ her lips parted thoughts echoing into the night sky voiced to the stars unbidden doppler shifted ever fuzzy and distorted I was in a better position but I wasn't listening https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2019/08/neighborhood-hawks/ Tue, 13 Aug 2019 14:00:00 -0500 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2019/08/neighborhood-hawks/ All photos were taken in Croton on Hudson, NY; some from my kitchen window, others while wandering about outside nearby. All with my simple point-and-shoot 24x optical zoom camera (which at some point this year I'd like to replace with a proper telephoto lens). For simplicity they're in the order taken. As you can quickly tell, there's a drastic difference in quality depending on the weather. Recently a juvenile has been rather vociferous from a nearby pine tree, so my favorite shots are more or less the ones where he was there on a nice sunny day. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2019/06/eagles-hawks-2019/ Wed, 05 Jun 2019 22:00:00 -0500 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2019/06/eagles-hawks-2019/ As a follow up to my previous post covering sightings from last year, I thought I'd finally put together this year's crop of photos that I was able to take before the eagles largely migrated away and tree leaves hid just about all large birds from sight while at rest. This winter I tried to have my light point-and-shoot camera with me for just about every run, but especially for any longer runs that took me along known eagle grounds. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2019/02/a-run-for-the-birds/ Tue, 05 Mar 2019 20:00:00 -0500 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2019/02/a-run-for-the-birds/ Better later than never. For the first part of winter I was unlucky with spotting any bald eagles in the area, even though I spoke with a number of friends (and random birders during my runs) who had seem them (multiple adults and juveniles). On February 5th we had an unseasonably warm day in the upper 50s (F), so I was able to get in a rare winter run in short sleeves. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2019/01/eagles-hawks-2018/ Wed, 16 Jan 2019 18:00:00 -0500 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2019/01/eagles-hawks-2018/ Throughout 2018 I was lucky enough to spot a number of bald eagles (with the occasional tip from other local birders). I'm kind of a sucker for raptors in general, so I'm also including photos of the ubiquitous red-tailed hawk along with my first sighting of a Cooper's Hawk. All photos were taken in Croton on Hudson, NY. Most of them during long runs when I happily had my light point-and-shoot 24x optical zoom camera with me. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2019/01/run-recap-2018/ Tue, 08 Jan 2019 15:00:00 -0500 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2019/01/run-recap-2018/ Overview 2018 was a slightly frustrating year for me. I lost motivation for repeating the 50K from 2017; after my 18 mile long run I asked myself "why" and didn't have an answer. I took a week off and decided to do an arbitrary run streak since I'd never tried to do daily runs before. After six days (of easy paced 3-5 mile runs) both feet were hurting so I killed off that idea. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2018/02/i-lost-your-eyes/ Sun, 11 Feb 2018 00:05:00 -0500 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2018/02/i-lost-your-eyes/ I lost your eyes never had your smile I thought I heard your laughter always in denial  There could have been whatever there was I wanted to be someone never in denial  I heard your voice words washed over and beyond me lost in a sea of memories and confusion I wanted to hear you but I couldn't make myself listen  I see your figure waiting for another https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2018/01/2017-music-list/ Mon, 22 Jan 2018 16:33:43 +0500 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2018/01/2017-music-list/ This year primarily focuses on artists I've been following for years. It's okay, I'm getting old! That's what happens. No one wants to be the old fart at a concert surrounded by teeny boppers. Well, unless you're running for Senate in Alabama. Haha, that joke will totally make sense in 5 years when someone googles this randomly. Anyway, the top of my list is Old 97s’ Graveyard Whistling, mainly because I finally got to see them live this year (thanks Dave! https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2018/01/2017-reading-list/ Mon, 22 Jan 2018 15:33:43 +0500 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2018/01/2017-reading-list/ I was able to get up to twenty books this year, although that's slightly misleading as a few of the works were short in nature (novellas or even single short stories). As usual, I only include books I completed in my total count. This time around I'm going to lump various categories together and hit the high points in each. At the end I'll link to the full list that you can peruse at your leisure. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2017/12/running-recap-2017/ Sun, 31 Dec 2017 15:30:00 +0500 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2017/12/running-recap-2017/ Overview I'm pretty happy with how 2017 turned out for running. While it wasn't perfect, I did escape any serious injury and finished all my races (and added a few new PR's to boot). Races I ran in 7 races this year, just about every distance except probably the two most popular (5K and marathon). The distances included a mile race all the way up to my first ultra (road 50K), so it was a pretty good mix. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/art/ Wed, 02 Aug 2017 18:31:54 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/art/ While you can view my art blog posts to get more context, I thought it'd be nice to build a gallery with some of my favorites. I've recently started to paint with acrylics, but most of the things I've done have been with charcoal and pastels. It's fun to get messy. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2017/08/new-feed/ Wed, 02 Aug 2017 18:20:00 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2017/08/new-feed/ I've migrated the site to new software, so its RSS feed has changed. For the folks using Feedburner (either email alerts or its generated RSS feed) I've updated it to point to the new feed, so hopefully you're seeing this post with no change on your part. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2017/06/yearly-mix-part-iii/ Tue, 13 Jun 2017 14:06:04 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2017/06/yearly-mix-part-iii/ This is a continuation of Yearly Mix, Part II, a new song mix where every track represents a single year. That post covered up to 1999; for the full list you can view all of them together at wetz.net. We Ought To Find a Better Nickname 2000 - Elliott Smith - Figure 8 - Can't Make a Sound 2001 - Old 97s - Satellite Rides - Nervous Guy 2002 - Weezer - Maladroit - Slob 2003 - My Morning Jacket - It Still Moves - Steam Engine 2004 - Gomez - Split the Difference - These 3 Sins 2005 - Gorillaz - Demon Days - Feel Good Inc. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2017/06/yearly-mix-part-ii/ Fri, 09 Jun 2017 23:29:02 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2017/06/yearly-mix-part-ii/ This is a continuation of Yearly Mix, Part I, a new song mix where every track represents a single year. That post covered through 1976, but of course if you're impatient you can view all of them together at wetz.net. Starting with these selections, I was a bit better tracking songs during the process so you'll see them listed more often as leftovers compared to the last post which primarily listed whole albums that I passed over. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2017/06/yearly-mix-part-i/ Wed, 07 Jun 2017 02:31:56 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2017/06/yearly-mix-part-i/ The Early Years. Or, Everything Before I Was Born About a year ago I started to create a mix where every track represented a single year. The basic self-imposed rules were to only include studio albums (no live recordings or best-of collections), and generally use the official US release date (which these days is easy, but even the Beatles early releases were a hodge podge of different dates, names, and tracks). https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2017/06/my-first-ultra/ Thu, 01 Jun 2017 16:00:38 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2017/06/my-first-ultra/ Overview It's hard to believe a month has already passed since the race, the Sybil Ludington 50km Run. Overall it was a very positive experience, but I have to admit when I woke up the morning of the race the thought I'm doing this voluntarily? did pass my mind. Everything after that was trying to stay on plan and not do anything foolish. If you're curious about how training went, I did a training write up about halfway through and then posted a gallery, covering most of my long runs from the start of winter through spring. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2017/04/a-running-gallery-with-no-pictures-of-running/ Tue, 25 Apr 2017 01:39:01 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2017/04/a-running-gallery-with-no-pictures-of-running/ A Quick Recap As my training is more or less over and I'm in the final run up to the big race (relative term; 50k distance, but probably around 50 racers), I wanted to post a gallery of various photos I took along the way. It covers almost 5 months, from early January to now (the end of April). They're primarily taken during long runs (or sketchy weather) when I wanted to have my phone on me. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2017/03/training-for-first-ultra/ Mon, 06 Mar 2017 01:45:56 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2017/03/training-for-first-ultra/ Background I decided last Fall that I'd like to attempt my first ultra marathon this year. Through November and December, I upped both my mileage and hill running to build up a base for what for me was going to be a lot of uncharted territory. My longest run ever was a little over 14 miles and the race I'm training for is 31! Similarly, my highest elevation gain was around 1,000 feet and the race is around 2,300. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/12/running-review-2016/ Sat, 31 Dec 2016 21:17:22 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/12/running-review-2016/ It was all but inevitable that I'd do a write up covering my year in running. I'll largely skip the parts I covered in my First Half of 2016 Review. Overall it went well: no real injuries to speak of, multiple firsts and PR's, and our Thursday running group at ROHV held steady. Races The main race for the second half of the year was the Peekskill Brewery Mile. It was supposed to be in mid-August, but the weather was atrocious so it was delayed until the end of August when it was merely uncomfortable. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/12/my-favorite-2016-albums/ Thu, 29 Dec 2016 20:26:46 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/12/my-favorite-2016-albums/ Earlier in the year I talked a bit about albums and bands that I was listening to at the time. I also bitched about new albums being expensive. Thankfully, since then most of them are available for free streaming so I've gotten at least a few listens in the bank. If I had to cap the list at just ten albums it would be tough, so for anyone claiming no good music has come out recently has their head up their ass. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/12/2016-reading-list/ Fri, 16 Dec 2016 21:04:43 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/12/2016-reading-list/ Now that we're well into the season of end-of-year lists, I thought I'd revisit my First Half 2016 Reading List and add the books I've read since that post. The full list is also available on WetzNet, which will occasionally have reviews and deeper dives into other works by the same authors (if there's anything you'd like to see more of there, let me know). As the year progressed I kept finding myself reading more scifi, trying in vain to find something else… and then reading more scifi. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/11/a-light-in-the-storm/ Tue, 22 Nov 2016 03:15:09 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/11/a-light-in-the-storm/ There was something I wanted to tell you, before the night fell and the howling wind shook the house to its foundation. One storm front hitting with full force while another waited unseen in the distance. A last gasp from the setting sun briefly lit up the sky infested with dark clouds. Barren trees in the distance shook their limbs in a futile gesture. Two dark shadows pretending to be large birds https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/10/frustrating-my-vision/ Thu, 27 Oct 2016 04:43:17 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/10/frustrating-my-vision/ Generally when I write my poems, they more or less write themselves fairly quickly in a single sitting. This isn't one of those and I'm still unsure if I like it or not. Some parts I tweaked, others I left alone, and some of it I basically rewrote five times. That said, it was written in two sittings, so not too far off my normal pacing. Frustrating My Vision There's something wrong https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/09/summer-love-lost/ Thu, 29 Sep 2016 03:14:52 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/09/summer-love-lost/ Summer love lost once the cool air arrives Looking back at memories wanting nothing more than to survive https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/08/the-world-lost-in-illusion/ Sat, 13 Aug 2016 01:14:40 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/08/the-world-lost-in-illusion/ As a hot and humid Friday evening wears on, I find myself listening to Jose Gonzalez’ album In Our Nature. I've been a fan of his for ages now, and as so often happens with music this one hit me at the right moment. After writing often in June my pace dramatically fell back, often more simply working out ideas in my head without putting things down on paper (digital or otherwise). https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/07/wanted/ Thu, 28 Jul 2016 02:22:54 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/07/wanted/ I wanted to see you so I broke out of my shell No longer breathing conditioned air Free to walk with no end I wanted to hear your voice so I thought of things you might say You argue with me even in my head I think you may be right I wanted to feel you beside me so I sat on the edge of the couch watching a show that only you https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/07/posting-experiment-recap/ Wed, 06 Jul 2016 00:04:30 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/07/posting-experiment-recap/ Now that the month of June is in the rear view mirror, I'm finally getting around to doing the follow up post talking about the experience. Yay!? Content Overview While I would have liked to include some longer short stories, overall I'm pretty happy with the variety of my posts. Most of it was written right before publishing to the site, the exceptions being a story I wrote in 1985 in elementary school, a poem from college, a short story from almost a decade ago, and finally a poem from late last year (which was my 2nd post of the month; by the end of the month it was faster to write a random short story than it was to try to find older works that I felt comfortable sharing). https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/a-river-view/ Fri, 01 Jul 2016 03:45:46 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/a-river-view/ She walked along ahead of me. Her shoes dangled from her finger tips as she flowed across the grass. Her chin was slightly raised as her gaze was thrown outward across the bay. The river was wide here, larger than most lakes I had known growing up. A tip of land flared out, forming a half moon shape. It looked inviting, but held a current that could either be flowing out to the ocean or pushing with the tide upstream. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/walk-on/ Thu, 30 Jun 2016 03:58:06 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/walk-on/ She struggled to walk. There wasn't anything physically wrong with her, but her mind was unwilling. Her eyes were sunken, staring at her own feet for no good reason. The aged concrete of the side walk was cracked and uneven. Her shoes didn't appear to be moving at all. She sighed and closed her eyes. Her head collapsed into her chest. She exhaled and felt her chin rising with the rest of her head in pursuit. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/a-short-ride/ Wed, 29 Jun 2016 03:25:07 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/a-short-ride/ I tried to forget her, but found myself going to places we used to frequent, eating foods she liked, and listening to her favorite songs. I wasn’t doing a particularly good job at it, and that was my conscious effort at work. My dreams were haunted by her smell and smiles. Sometimes it felt like she was always on my mind, while there were some days or even weeks where I would stop and realize I hadn’t thought of her at all recently. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/first-half-2016-running-recap/ Tue, 28 Jun 2016 02:59:20 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/first-half-2016-running-recap/ It feels like yesterday that I wrote my running review for 2015, but sure enough half a year has passed. This will be a bit lighter on data, as I'll save that for a similarly detailed end-of-year review in six more months. Races My main goal for the year was to run my first half marathon race. As part of the training for that, I ran the Freezer 5 Miler three weeks prior. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/how-to-make-iced-coffee/ Sun, 26 Jun 2016 21:46:04 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/how-to-make-iced-coffee/ I'll lead with the fact that I'm not picky about my coffee, in flavor, type, or preparation. This is just a simple setup that I found works pretty well and thought I'd share, in particular because it is low effort and has timely results. Requirements: You'll need a metal water bottle with cap, as well as a coffee maker. The bottle can be stainless steel or aluminum. You'll want to have a kitchen towel handy as well. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/held-in-reserve/ Sun, 26 Jun 2016 03:59:33 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/held-in-reserve/ I watched you across the room glass held close sporadically touched by lips held in reserve  There might have been nervous laughter an accidental meeting of eyes I could have smiled My intentions somewhat misleading  We traded numbers or perhaps not We saw each other again or never gave the moment another thought  I stepped outside some fresh air with the smokers Aimless talk Occasional questions Wistful suggestions https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/first-half-2016-gaming-list/ Sat, 25 Jun 2016 01:29:33 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/first-half-2016-gaming-list/ Another day, and I'm running out of ideas so another list! This one will be short and somewhat comical, in that I haven't had a ton of variety in my gaming habits this year. I might have to bring in some items from late last year and cheat a little, as well as talk about new releases due in the second half. World of Warcraft What? Yes. I still play! And yes most people pay a monthly fee to play, but about a year ago they setup a mechanism so that people could pay Blizzard real money for gold, and then Blizzard lets other players buy a month of free time with gold. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/stars-are-not-people/ Fri, 24 Jun 2016 03:59:38 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/stars-are-not-people/ It's one of those things I simply seem to have a mismatch with other human beings: I think looking up at the night sky is interesting and compelling. As near as I can tell, this is a fairly small subset of the general population. I can barely name most constellations, typically misidentify stars and planets, and get twisted in my direction even though I generally look at stars from the same vantage point each night. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/early-morning-woodpecker-wakeup/ Wed, 22 Jun 2016 21:41:33 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/early-morning-woodpecker-wakeup/ Every once in awhile when I'm out on a run, hike, or walk I'll hear a woodpecker wailing away at a tree. The vast majority of the time I'm unable to find the bird, though, as the sounds echo all about and make it hard to pinpoint their location. Sometimes, though, it's downright easy. Like when they're hammering away at the outside wall of your bedroom in the early morning. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/a-nice-day/ Tue, 21 Jun 2016 19:07:14 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/a-nice-day/ Just an overly quick post since I'm not sure if I'll have time later to do something more substantial. It's really nice out, well, except it's hot. But it's low humidity, and a little windy, so it's not the oppressive heat we've often had of late (well, oppressive to me; I'm not a hot weather person). Both of these were shot with my phone the previous two summers, so now of course in about a month I'll have to keep an eye out and try for another shot to keep the streak alive. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/listening-to-silence/ Tue, 21 Jun 2016 01:32:29 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/listening-to-silence/ She suddenly realized there was silence, enough that a slight ringing in her ears from concerts long forgotten and headphones long lost were largely responsible for causing. Her own breath echoed in her ears. Slowly, nearby sounds made themselves known; creaks in the house, a hot water heater or some other distant device in the bellows of the building kicking itself off to work for a time. The occasional squawk and creek bleeped from various creatures outside her opened windows. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/first-half-2016-music-list/ Sun, 19 Jun 2016 22:40:29 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/first-half-2016-music-list/ My music list is ever changing, so unlike my reading list for the year I'll more cover new-to-me bands in a general sense and not delve into things on a per-album basis. But of course, it's here if you want to look. Similar to my music list for 2015, it'll change periodically as I add/remove albums (and re-order) so it may not tie up with this post in a few years. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/first-half-2016-reading-list/ Sat, 18 Jun 2016 23:33:21 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/first-half-2016-reading-list/ June feels like a good point to reflect on various things for the year, so I thought I'd do a quick post on books I've read this year. 1. Jane Austen – Sense and Sensibility (1811) A little while ago I read “Pride and Prejudice” and really liked it. I also enjoyed “Emma”. “Sense and Sensibility” was more of a slog for me to get through. I'll still read her other books, but I'm not in as much of a hurry as before. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/neighborhood-observations/ Sat, 18 Jun 2016 00:19:15 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/neighborhood-observations/ A large shepherd stuck his head out the back window. The very old and equally small car lurched out of the intersection, at any given moment threatening to stall and die forever. The dog was thrilled. He glanced around at everything going on around him, his eyes bright and alert and his tongue out and flopping haphazardly. He probably had to stay in the back seat in order to give the car traction. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/the-cave-and-the-two-kids-1985/ Thu, 16 Jun 2016 18:32:46 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/the-cave-and-the-two-kids-1985/ When I started the daily-posting-experiment, I asked my sister for some writing prompts. She gave me an interesting one that I've kept in my back pocket: “You wake up & discover that you have turned into one of your own drawings from 1985.” I thought it could be funny, but also realized I wasn't sure exactly what my drawings were like then. Memories are rather fuzzy of early grade school, and in 1985 I was either in the 2nd or 3rd grade (Spring and Fall, respectively). https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/geektalk/ Thu, 16 Jun 2016 03:58:55 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/geektalk/ I don't normally venture into the world of programming on this blog, but what the hell. These are interesting times. There's no shortage of things to geek out over: virtual reality (even if it's been hyped since the 90s), robotics, AI, big data, 101 dalmatians (I mean JavaScript frameworks), Microsoft purposefully embracing open source and linux, and of course the fact that your average person walking down the street has the equivalent of a super computer burning a hole in their pocket (in some cases literally; read reviews before buying a new phone, folks). https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/jawdropper/ Wed, 15 Jun 2016 03:49:19 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/jawdropper/ The fellow’s gaze followed her form down before his jaw crashed into the ground. She walked away, completely unaware of the slobbering fool. He appeared briefly crushed before puffing up his chest and resuming his strut in the opposite direction. A victory for all, it would seem. The observer shook his head to himself and let his eyes fall back to his newspaper. Well, to viewing a web site held by a holding company that owned the rights to the name of a formerly well-known pusher of inky wood pulp. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/true-happiness-this-way-lies/ Tue, 14 Jun 2016 03:50:45 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/true-happiness-this-way-lies/ My last two years in college I wrote pretty consistently. I think it was a combination of women, hormones, and free time. A deadly combination by all accounts. I've always been into music, but like a lot of folks from high school into college I perhaps made my closest ties to specific albums. Jeff Buckley's Grace is preeminent, but others include the Jayhawks the Sound of Lies and The The's Dusk. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/starting-pitchers/ Sun, 12 Jun 2016 23:10:13 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/starting-pitchers/ When I played in little league (small “L”s; we weren’t affiliated with the official one), in a given week pitchers were limited to 6 innings, which happened to be the length of a game. We typically had two games a week, although sometimes three. As a result, most teams had two regular starting pitchers who would go as long as possible. If a third game occurred, then one of the normal relievers would go. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/we-need-more-material/ Sun, 12 Jun 2016 02:32:45 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/we-need-more-material/ Author's Note: I occasionally can write long winded emails to friends, particularly if they reply in kind in a timely manner. Awhile back the thought struck me that I could be played like a fiddle as a result. … “We need more material. Some of what we have is pretty good, but there's just a lack of, I don't know, depth. We could squeeze together enough for a few long magazine articles, but we're looking for a book here. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/sitting-on-a-plane/ Fri, 10 Jun 2016 05:08:59 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/sitting-on-a-plane/ On my walk back from my group run/beer/food tonight, it was hard to miss Jupiter near the partially clad moon. I knew Mars was somewhere in the sky, but it took a bit to find due to my orientation. I walked onward, periodically spinning around to catch them. It was just long enough of a stroll for my eyes to adjust, at least as best as you can expect with cars and street lamps. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/the-cat-was-unimpressed/ Fri, 10 Jun 2016 03:30:20 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/the-cat-was-unimpressed/ I sat on the couch, feeling unwell. Apparently it's possible to drink too much. Who knew? My insides still felt twisted and my mind blasted from the night prior. A feline caught my eye in the near distance. It was unimpressed. I generally get along with cats, as I leave them alone. If they want to interact with you, they will. But if they don't want to, well, fuck off. I get that. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/passing-storm/ Thu, 09 Jun 2016 00:45:08 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/passing-storm/ I’m not sure what it might mean Standing alone looking up into the night sky A bright planet before me stars laying dimly nearby Jupiter has nothing on you  My feet move forward of their own accord My eyes sweep the ground before me My mind is lost in thought working through various trials and tribulations disasters and discombobulations You have nothing to do with me  I sense a change in the moonlight https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/posting-experiment-week-1-recap/ Wed, 08 Jun 2016 19:58:42 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/posting-experiment-week-1-recap/ A week down in my experiment of posting something daily. So, in the words of John Oliver, a quick recap of this week's main events! First, I don't think I'll be doing a recap weekly; most likely just this one and then one after the month is up. No need to get too meta. Overall, I posted three poems (two new, one previously unpublished), three freewrites/mini-short stories, and one bit of non-fiction. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/dont-you-tell-me/ Wed, 08 Jun 2016 03:03:04 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/dont-you-tell-me/ A little while ago I started humming a tune with the opening line. I did a little impromptu blues recording session using my voice chat mic. It's not a stellar recording or performance, but it was fun to do. Anyway, here's the transcript in poetic form!  Don't you tell me  Don't you tell me what's wrong with me Don't go looking for something that's right outside your door https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/symbiosis/ Tue, 07 Jun 2016 01:26:30 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/symbiosis/ The flower attached to this post (peony) used to grow next to our house growing up. I saw some earlier today down the street from where I now live that reminded me of them. They're interesting (particularly when you're a little kid and anything related to bugs is very interesting) because ants will crawl all over the flower tips for days before they finally bloom. I assumed they're getting sugars or something similar and that it's a net positive for both the ants and plant that hosts the flower. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/along-a-path/ Mon, 06 Jun 2016 00:47:50 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/along-a-path/ The coarse darkness settled on the ground. Above, the tree limbs played in the dying twilight. Birds, bugs, and amphibians sang out in a shrieking chorus that put any middle school band warm up to shame. She giggled at the thought of owls stretching out with their oboes, mosquitoes and their tiny violins, with plodding bullfrogs on percussion. All wanted to be heard and pretended that the others did not exist. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/flower-power/ Sat, 04 Jun 2016 22:50:22 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/flower-power/ I thought about writing about oppressive heat and humidity, but I couldn't get more than a few words in before I was at once depressed and bored of the topic. I'm one of those crazy people that misses winter as soon as the first heat wave hits. I decided to look elsewhere for inspiration. Recently I've been going through my photo archives for images I could use for posts (either as-is or with some photoshop fun), and realized I have a good number of decent quality photos of flowers. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/line-of-sight/ Sat, 04 Jun 2016 01:00:01 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/line-of-sight/ I thought I saw you standing over a still form. Twilight blurred the shadows between day and night. I could not see the look in your eyes, only the presumed focus of your gaze based on the angle and direction of your head. Your interest did not appear to waver on my approach, although I was not sure whether you heard my steps. I stood off to your side, just out of your line of sight in the failing light. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/here-we-are/ Fri, 03 Jun 2016 03:35:25 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/here-we-are/ Earlier today I didn’t feel like writing anything, so I did not. As the clock grew older, I thought of simply pilfering one of my older poems. While I’m not above stealing from myself, none of the ones I reviewed felt true to me in the moment. Well, sort of. I wrote this in December and I think it sums up national-level politics (and possibly your local/state politics, depending where you reside). https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/procrastination/ Wed, 01 Jun 2016 19:59:00 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/06/procrastination/ I stared at the empty page before me. An idle cursor blinked periodically. I wondered where the mouse pointer was and gently shook the device. It was out of the way. I thought about typing. I realized I had no water, so I got up and got a glass of water. I saw some dirty dishes on the counter and started to run hot water, as it takes a bit for it to heat up in my apartment. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/05/the-wind-the-river-a-walk/ Sun, 15 May 2016 02:21:43 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/05/the-wind-the-river-a-walk/ A brisk wind crossed my path and blew my hair across my face. I kept walking on, my little face shield protecting me from the elements even while they blinded me. I hummed a nonsensical tune at low volume. The clouds were impressive, but unimpressed with my vocal stylings. The wind instruments outplayed every other one on display. The occasional pelt of rain hit my thin skin of clothing. I didn’t wince because I’m tough. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/photography/ Tue, 03 May 2016 01:21:54 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/photography/ While you can view my photography blog posts to get more context, I thought it'd be nice to build a gallery with some of my favorites. Feel free to follow my Instagram feed; it'll be a little different since it's entirely photos taken on my phone, but there may be some overlap. Source: Cardinal in tree along path behind Half Moon Bay complex Source: Red-tailed hawks in Croton on Hudson (upper village) Source: Red-tailed hawk at Croton Point Park Source: Croton Dam Source: Red-tailed hawks at Croton Point Park, mating pair in tree near pool Source: Sunset over the Hudson River Source: Bald eagle at Croton Point Park, another favorite Source: Bald eagle at Croton Point Park, one of my favorites Source: Croton Dam walkway and spillover from below and up close Source: Crow flying along partially frozen Hudson River https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/02/maybe-its-just-the-holiday/ Mon, 15 Feb 2016 02:05:33 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2016/02/maybe-its-just-the-holiday/ I'm not sure what to make of your eyes. The way they catch the light unsettles my soul. Your smile unwinds my spine. I want to sing to you. I want to dance with you. I dream of whispering sweet nothings in your ear as my foot casually steps on your toes. Your smile may turn to a snarl. It might happen just as someone takes an impromptu photo of us. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/12/running-review-2015/ Thu, 24 Dec 2015 22:47:09 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/12/running-review-2015/ This was the first year in well over a decade that I had a real drive to push myself running. I thought it might be interesting to walk back through the year to review how things went, along of course with plans for next year to build off the progress made. In the Fall of 2014, I started to run with the Thursday group at Run On Hudson Valley. It was my first experience running at night, as well as running regularly with a group. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/10/leaf-forts/ Thu, 22 Oct 2015 15:51:33 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/10/leaf-forts/ The Mets are back in the World Series this autumn, and the leaves are turning brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red. It's hard not to go back to their great run in 1986 and to think about what we were doing back then. It mostly revolved around playing football in the front yard and building up large piles of leaves at the side of our house. A rather large and old sugar maple tree dominates that side of the house, and along with its numerous much younger offspring in the area there is no shortage of leaves come the Fall. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/10/a-long-run-through-minnewaska-state-park-preserve/ Wed, 21 Oct 2015 21:15:40 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/10/a-long-run-through-minnewaska-state-park-preserve/ I decided to take advantage of the pleasant sunny Fall weather to make the trek up to Minnewaska. I hadn't been there in a number of years, so I felt like I was overdue for a visit. While I'm not longer specifically training for a race, I wanted to do something long and challenging, but still offered many breaks (e.g. for photography or to simply take in the sights). The ride was pleasant and uneventful. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/10/mint-fresh-ladybug/ Sun, 04 Oct 2015 05:19:09 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/10/mint-fresh-ladybug/ I'm a big fan of fresh mint. Thankfully it grows like a weed at my parent's house, so it's readily accessible. I'll occasionally buy it from the local farm stand (and failing that, the local super market). I can't help but try to grow it, although apartment living is not a prime location for growing anything at scale. I'm not one to put all my eggs in one basket. When I get a new crop of mint, I take a few tried and true approaches. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/09/fall-weather-long-run/ Mon, 21 Sep 2015 19:00:43 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/09/fall-weather-long-run/ I have to admit I was a bit giddy when I saw the weather forecast for the week. At long last, some hints of fall weather! Of late it's been a mix: cool nights, but often days spent in the mid-80s. Even when it was below that, it was often humid. I hate humidity. I sort of… wilt. Cool weather, though? I love it. It's great for sleeping and it's certainly great for being active outdoors. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/09/oblivious/ Tue, 15 Sep 2015 03:11:46 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/09/oblivious/ He watched her cross the room motion languid and smooth figure firm and poised Her mouth was ever so slightly curved representing something akin to a smile Her eyes took in the room measured and knowing He turned as she approached and passed near Her eyes brushed his there might have been some bemusement His eyes fell down Her voiced was raised but he did not hear He turned and sulked quickly away https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/08/remnants/ Fri, 14 Aug 2015 05:49:32 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/08/remnants/ Stars unmoving to my eye slowly drifting in time while hurtling through the cosmos speeds and distances that boggle the mind My back to the ground I lay in peace breath quiet body at ease My thoughts focus on points of light slowly flitting from one to the next absently noting brightness, color, location I feel myself lost in a time long past not in the same location but in the same place https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/08/goodreads-author-page/ Thu, 06 Aug 2015 18:43:56 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/08/goodreads-author-page/ I finally created an account on Goodreads and setup my author page. I even included a brand new picture that I slaved over for hours (or was it a few minutes? who can say). Author pages are just “enhanced” versions of normal accounts, so you can see my ratings, what I've been reading, etc. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/07/unstoppable-force-meets-unmovable-object/ Mon, 27 Jul 2015 18:56:01 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/07/unstoppable-force-meets-unmovable-object/ After a brief thunderstorm passed this weekend, my nephew wanted to play outside. He decided his tonka truck worked equally well as a mode of transportation as it did for carting around dirt (of which the deck was sadly lacking) and eventually ran into me. Thankfully no one was injured. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/06/father-and-son-on-the-rocks/ Tue, 02 Jun 2015 04:01:59 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/06/father-and-son-on-the-rocks/ Had a nice weekend with brother and nephew, starting on Saturday with a walk along Croton Landing Park. I couldn't resist the pun, I'm sorry. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/05/warm-weather-cold-tea/ Mon, 04 May 2015 18:43:46 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/05/warm-weather-cold-tea/ The weather sprinted ahead of Spring today, but thankfully I saw the forecast and loaded up my new inexpensive 3L pitcher with copious amounts of oolong leaves for iced tea. At one point it was near full, but I didn't have the foresight to snap a quick picture. Since tomorrow will be another relatively hot one, I'm planning on changing up the recipe later today once the pitcher's contents are tapped out. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/04/hudson-river-haverstraw-bay/ Tue, 28 Apr 2015 21:27:35 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/04/hudson-river-haverstraw-bay/ Today had perfect Spring weather; low 70s with a pleasant downriver breeze. It was too hard to resist, so I went for a walk along Croton Landing park overlooking Haverstraw Bay (aka widest part of the Hudson River). Unfortunately I only had my phone on me. Its camera is less forgiving than my normal point-and-shoot, so this is the only one that came out well. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/04/sight-lines/ Tue, 07 Apr 2015 05:01:45 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/04/sight-lines/ She sat across from me. Her eyes scanned the menu, recognizing familiar characters while not finding an acceptable recognizable pattern. Mumbled murmurings emerged from her lips. Her head slowly shook from side to side. A few strands of hair fell over her eyes. After a breath's moment, she reached up thoughtlessly with a solitary hand and brushed the wayward strands back out of her sight lines. She looked up and met my eyes. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/04/reflecting-1994/ Fri, 03 Apr 2015 00:27:37 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/04/reflecting-1994/ Here's another old photo I took in my younger days. It's taken in the Spring outside the sliding door to my old house growing up. I think it has a nice composition/juxtaposition of outside and inside life in early Spring. And you have to love the old school walkman headphones. Just some minor contrast tweaking for it in post. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/04/dandelions/ Thu, 02 Apr 2015 21:27:20 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/04/dandelions/ In honor of real Spring weather today, I decided to scan in one of my favorite photos from back in the day (smudged processing timestamp, but early 90s is a safe guess). It was taken by the side of my house growing up with a simple point-and-shoot camera. I've just done some minor contrast and color correction in post-processing. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/04/field-spring-1994/ Thu, 02 Apr 2015 01:42:36 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/04/field-spring-1994/ I've been going through stacks of old photos. This is a small field near where I grew up. Of course, now it's mostly covered in houses. It was originally taken in 1994 with a simple point-and-shoot. I've adjusted the color, contrast, etc. with Photoshop and then applied a watercolor effect. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/03/afternoon-spring-storm-clouds/ Mon, 30 Mar 2015 23:15:40 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/03/afternoon-spring-storm-clouds/ I went for a run this afternoon and hit some light rain. On one downhill stretch I happened to look up and saw this, so I paused my running app and took a shot of the offending clouds. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/02/moon-venus-and-mars/ Sat, 21 Feb 2015 00:32:42 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/02/moon-venus-and-mars/ I discovered my inexpensive little handheld camera actually has a night mode a few months ago. I've since tried a couple of shots, but quickly realized I needed it hooked up to a tripod if I wanted something other than abstract art. While this isn't perfectly stable, it's the best of about 10 attempts this evening. It's a 4 second exposure and zoomed in to around 24x optical. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/contact/ Fri, 06 Feb 2015 22:54:19 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/contact/ You can find me on Spoutible @pdwetz. I have accounts on the old bird site and a few other socials, but not active on those anymore. You can also reach me via google's mail product using the same user name. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/02/snowshoeing/ Fri, 06 Feb 2015 21:46:45 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2015/02/snowshoeing/ I finally got a chance to do some quality snowshoeing earlier this week at Teatown. There was a nice base from the previous snow/sleet storm, so the additional ~8 inches of snow (with a bit of crust due to freezing rain) made for rather nice conditions. It was a little cold out, but it was sunny with no wind to speak of so it was more or less perfect weather for snowshoeing. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/11/look-away/ Thu, 06 Nov 2014 02:27:20 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/11/look-away/ A little while ago I spotted a mantis in my kitchen window. He was more or less doing mantissy type things, namely, not moving. I came back later and he had snagged a moth. I wanted to tell him thanks, but he kind of creeped me out by staring me down while munching away on the moth. I could only think he was trying to send a message. “You're next…” https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/10/somewhat-empty/ Tue, 21 Oct 2014 02:57:17 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/10/somewhat-empty/ I looked at her smile. At first it seemed resolute and unmoving, but slowly it began to unbend and fade into a stoic straight line. My gaze inevitably picked itself up and delved into her eyes. Light sparkled on greens, browns, and a hint of blue. Darkness surrounded them, but I was at a loss as to whether it was artifice or purely natural. Her brows held steady. Her hair was up slightly, but fell partly over her face as if done in a rush. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/10/just-maybe-paperback-now-available/ Sat, 04 Oct 2014 04:27:30 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/10/just-maybe-paperback-now-available/ I've put together a paperback version of my last poetry ebook, Just Maybe. It's available via Amazon and is part of their MatchBook program, which allows you to also get the ebook at a discount. You can also get it direct from the self-publisher, CreateSpace. Buy from AmazonBuy from CreateSpace https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/08/focus/ Wed, 20 Aug 2014 02:07:20 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/08/focus/ The music kept rising. His heart swelled, his spirit soared, and he stood up and turned off the lights. He sat down and stared at the screen in front of him, enjoying the darkened palate he had chosen many moons ago. Letters and numbers reached out to him in their simple moments of brightness. The song ended and moved on to a plodding track that seemed to rock back and forth on its steady baseline and simple percussion. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/08/motion-blur/ Fri, 08 Aug 2014 14:15:08 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/08/motion-blur/ He wanted to say, “I love you.” Instead he saw sadness in her eyes and watched her figure slowly fade from view. He stood still, not hearing or seeing anything. Slowly his surroundings made their way back into his consciousness. The daily hum of traffic in the street and the loosely overheard conversations of people walking and talking on their mobile phones. Occasionally one human interacting directly with another human even occurred. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/08/timing-everything/ Thu, 07 Aug 2014 04:16:57 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/08/timing-everything/ She leaned over her drink, staring at the depths of whiskey and ice entwined in a dance to death. She gave the glass a sudden swirl, grimacing at the resounding clink. Her eyes remained focused on the ice as it revolved and eventually resolved into a stable position. The whiskey remained mostly unharmed, if a little cooler and slightly diluted. A tear fell slowly and plopped with nary a sound. It did little to further dilute the potent mixture. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/06/kids/ Wed, 18 Jun 2014 03:58:14 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/06/kids/ Nice little holiday recently, which is generally more of interest with little ones since they are still excited by the entire concept of cake and gift giving. The expectations are palpable, not the least reason because they constantly ask if they can do x (where x is eating cake, opening presents, or playing with said presents). Normally I get discouraged when my camera gets a blurred shot, but it really sums up the situation. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/04/cousin-babies-baby-cousins/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 01:32:44 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/04/cousin-babies-baby-cousins/ Some toddler relations of mine recently met each other for the first time. I tried taking a number of images, but my phone's camera is somewhat lacking. So while I like the moments caught here, I just wish I was using a better camera. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/03/sometimes-new-technology-goes-wrong/ Fri, 28 Mar 2014 04:23:23 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/03/sometimes-new-technology-goes-wrong/ I bought a new point-and-shoot camera last Black Friday. It's a nice little camera. My old one was occasionally not working and the new one has 3x the MP and a slightly better optical zoom, among pretty much all other features. Overall, I like it. However, sometimes, just because something is new doesn't mean that it works perfectly or is… how you say… intuitive. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/02/blank-canvas/ Fri, 14 Feb 2014 05:10:24 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/02/blank-canvas/ A blank canvas empty of figure, form, or desire how to begin colors and shapes swirling within to just lay them out A blank sheet pen in hand mind lost in thought words jumbled, phrases tumbled how to even start An empty screen wanting explicit code to tell the machine what to do to show the human what is possible Concept sparked within the mind searching for any way to deliver the combined form https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/programming/ Thu, 30 Jan 2014 22:03:47 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/programming/ I've migrated technical and programming related content to my portfolio site, wetzdev https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/01/warm-thoughts/ Fri, 24 Jan 2014 03:16:49 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/01/warm-thoughts/ Last summer during a heat wave I dropped a snow photo, so I suppose in yet-another arctic wave it's time for me to throw on a beach image. Shot from the beach with a storm about to roll in: https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/01/line-sight/ Wed, 22 Jan 2014 05:40:24 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2014/01/line-sight/ I'm not sure what I saw. She sat across from me, toying with the cup of coffee in front of her. Empty bags of sugar and mini-cartons of cream lay nearby in tatters, shadows of their former selves. A spoiled spoon lay nearby, spilling remnants of coffee and cream on the parchment of the ad-splattered table cover. Her eyes were focused below, but on nothing. The theme song of her mind purred along without interruption. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2013/12/winter-hiking-trail-panoramic/ Wed, 18 Dec 2013 21:25:55 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2013/12/winter-hiking-trail-panoramic/ We've had two snow storms almost back to back (and cold weather in between), but the weather is supposed to warm up again later this week. As such, I wanted to get out to a local park to do some snowshoeing… especially after the horrible lack of snow we had last year (when it rained whenever we did get any). Panoramic shot during my snowshoe hike through Teatown Lake Reservation: https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2013/12/the-lake/ Thu, 12 Dec 2013 02:28:40 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2013/12/the-lake/ I'm overdue for a visit back to one of my favorite stomping grounds (quite literally; it has a lot of nice walking trails): Lake Minnewaska. I was going over some old photos and came across this one from a hike I took with my sister almost a decade ago. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2013/11/kindlebookhelper/ Thu, 21 Nov 2013 03:30:36 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2013/11/kindlebookhelper/ While creating my latest book I decided to give a well-needed update to my open source app KindleBookHelper (github). It now includes support for more custom metadata (e.g. book description) via a separate configuration file and outputs all required files for KindleGen/Previewer to process everything into a MOBI ebook. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/book/just-maybe/ Wed, 13 Nov 2013 16:15:03 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/book/just-maybe/ Just Maybe was initially published in 2013 and includes 30 poems, about half of which were written since the first book (and only a few ever published on this site). The latest book is part of the Kindle Select program, so if you have Amazon Prime you can borrow it for free via their lending library. It's also available in paperback; if purchased through Amazon, you can also get the ebook at a discount. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2013/11/just-maybe-poetry-book-now-available/ Wed, 13 Nov 2013 16:15:03 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2013/11/just-maybe-poetry-book-now-available/ My latest collection of poems Just Maybe is now available at Amazon. It's part of the Kindle Select program, so if you have Amazon Prime you can borrow it for free via their lending library. Buy from Amazon https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2013/07/a-lost-lust/ Wed, 03 Jul 2013 03:15:03 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2013/07/a-lost-lust/ A lost love or was it lust or was it just a longing in your heart. a thought The Smile My soul collapses in a pile. I want to remember what it was like. Do you think of me? I think of you but I really don’t want to. Times long past should stay there and thinking about them make times present past as well. But I stay there. Times right now https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2013/07/frozen-moment/ Mon, 01 Jul 2013 23:24:01 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2013/07/frozen-moment/ Given that we're now in the thick of summer around here, I thought it'd be a fun time to revisit a shot I took a number of winters ago. I switched it to black and white and adjusted the brightness/contrast. Taken at a small local park on the Hudson River. <img src=”/img/2013/P1000104bw-e1372721169936.jpg”” class="img-fluid” title="Winter river snow shadows (2008), black and white. © 2013 Peter Wetzel.“> https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2013/06/a-red-purpled-rose/ Sat, 22 Jun 2013 00:52:24 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2013/06/a-red-purpled-rose/ I decided to have a little fun with my image editor and toyed with a macro shot I took of a rose at my parent's house. The effects include, but are not limited to: surface blur, brightness, saturation, and oil painting. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2013/05/trail-flowers/ Fri, 10 May 2013 21:20:54 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2013/05/trail-flowers/ Nice day for a run/hike through a local preserve, although I'm not sure my allergies were the biggest fan of my decision. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2013/03/unwritten/ Sun, 17 Mar 2013 05:14:41 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2013/03/unwritten/ It was near morning and I was someplace between being awake and sleep. My eyes were closed and my breath was slow, but I was aware of my thoughts. A poem escaped my lips, words forming of their own accord. The cadence and rhythm worked well together in my ear. The lines lengthened and flowed together. Soon I grew worried that it was veering from insight and depth into tackiness, but at its close I brought it back into the fold. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2013/02/nice-day-for-a-walk/ Mon, 11 Feb 2013 04:20:40 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2013/02/nice-day-for-a-walk/ https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/11/keep-driving/ Fri, 23 Nov 2012 04:09:21 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/11/keep-driving/ driving picking turns at random utterly lost not a care in the world she is by my side it was all her idea keep driving we'll end up somewhere nothing but trees and darkness along the side of the road miles passed she takes my hand from the steering wheel and holds it in her own light glows in the distance a grocery store that never closes it beckons us inside https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/10/in-the-dark-now-on-bn/ Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:15:27 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/10/in-the-dark-now-on-bn/ My ebook of poems is now available via Barnes & Noble, in addition to Amazon. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/books-legacy/ Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:18:10 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/books-legacy/ I've published two poetry books on my very small imprint, both are available as ebooks and the most recent also as paperback. Just Maybe was initially published in 2013 and includes 30 poems, about half of which were written since the first book (and only a few ever published on this site). The latest book is part of the Kindle Select program, so if you have Amazon Prime you can borrow it for free via their lending library. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/08/flame/ Fri, 31 Aug 2012 02:13:01 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/08/flame/ The fire sparkled and crackled in the deep darkness of the night, a beacon summoning memories of the long lost twilight. He stared at the blaze. He was utterly transfixed. His mind was blank, yet his expression a mix of thoughtfulness, restfulness, and an unbridled eagerness. He had no action in mind and no thoughts of changing the world, but he looked like a coiled spring about to be loosed upon the world. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/08/no-word/ Tue, 14 Aug 2012 05:12:33 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/08/no-word/ I can't always write what you want to hear But that can't stop me from trying I'm not sure where my love went but it's gone I'm not sure where a certain rhyme came from but now it's in a song She asked me Do you know from where the darkness comes Is there no thought of where you might go Is there no memory of where you are from https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/07/writers-block/ Tue, 31 Jul 2012 03:53:28 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/07/writers-block/ I couldn't think of anything to write so I thought of you and all of the things I'd always wished you would do I couldn't think of how to get started running around working on everything else Master procrastinator evading one possible pain in exchange for countless others I couldn't think of a time when my eyes were ready for sleep but I couldn't get you out of my mind https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/07/her-eyes-were-closed/ Thu, 05 Jul 2012 05:37:02 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/07/her-eyes-were-closed/ Her eyes were closed her mind traveling worlds above, below, and beyond My eyes were open fixated on the form before me Her breath was slow and steady her chest rising and falling in a steady cadence My breath came in fits and spurts always needing more Her arm enclosed me holding me tight unconsiously locking me in place My body lay in state unable to be free Her lips held a smile https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/book/in-the-dark/ Tue, 12 Jun 2012 23:36:54 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/book/in-the-dark/ In the Dark was initially published in 2012 and includes 37 poems, many of which can also be seen on this site. While only available as an ebook, it can be purchased at either Amazon or Barnes and Noble. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/06/new-book-released-in-the-dark/ Tue, 12 Jun 2012 23:36:54 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/06/new-book-released-in-the-dark/ I've released a new book of poetry titled In the Dark, ebook available on Amazon! https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/02/have-you/ Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:34:17 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/02/have-you/ Have you ever laughed When you wanted to cry Have you ever said hello When you should have said goodbye A dance in the rain No sad refrain Steps resounding on pavement Walking away Towards an awakened dream https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/01/her-smile-destroyed-my-soul/ Sun, 29 Jan 2012 06:23:11 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/01/her-smile-destroyed-my-soul/ Our eyes crossed my voice was lost Her smile destroyed my soul Words were broken thoughts were awoken Why must she torment me so Her legs crossed my heart was lost Her smile destroyed my soul Thoughts were spoken dropped as a token Why must I be tormented so Our lives crossed my confusion was lost Her smile destroyed my soul My brain now soaking ever floating Why must the torment ever grow https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/01/light-goes-out/ Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:47:22 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/01/light-goes-out/ Light goes out Darkness settles in Let the waiting for energy begin So silent you can actually hear your thoughts No wonder the ancients prized books, music, and candles Let the mind wander Until sleep begins Eyes closed Emptiness settles in Let the waiting for sleep begin So silent you're forced to face your thoughts No wonder we yearn for dreams love, life, and enchanted things Let the mind wonder https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/01/i-wasnt-sure-of-a-memory/ Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:02:55 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2012/01/i-wasnt-sure-of-a-memory/ I wasn't sure of a memory a pair of eyes a nose some lips a couple of ears unsure of their symmetry She whispered to me sometimes I see But I cannot not believe anything I feel I just need something to hold me down I just need someone to watch me drown I don't need anyone to be with me I don't need anyone to be free While I am walking https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/10/once-upon-a-time/ Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:47:15 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/10/once-upon-a-time/ Once upon a time if there ever was Dreams confusing the past with the never occurred I thought I might have seen you cry weeping from a lost thought or was it a missing fire I dared not meet your eye Teardrops slide and then fall heart ever following suit Mind in a search for any reason yet rarely bearing fruit I saw your face in a stranger I heard your voice in the wind https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/10/i-should-have-been-me/ Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:58:39 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/10/i-should-have-been-me/ I should have been me not some cool vicious phantom I thought you wanted to see I could have flown free unencumbered with the chains you love to throw upon me I would have to agree reason and logic screaming you always saw me with she I might have stayed true lost in desire thoughts of no one but you I tried not to be blue wondering and wandering fighting dreams of you, too https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/08/the-earth-shook/ Wed, 24 Aug 2011 02:49:12 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/08/the-earth-shook/ The earth shook I stood still engrossed in a conversation nothing moving just my lips faster than the reach of the eye The earth shook or was it a passing truck or construction down below or some mad bomber or just the building twisting in the wind The earth shook the news had nothing else to say no war or famine no crime or disease nothing for congress to do https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/08/stars-in-her-eyes/ Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:28:02 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/08/stars-in-her-eyes/ There were stars in her eyes lightning flashed throughout the sky Enchanted with desire I was thoroughly mystified How could she notice me Why would she try Yet there’s always hope if when she hears your name she smiles https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/07/shadow/ Mon, 18 Jul 2011 03:05:45 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/07/shadow/ The sun has just fallen darkness is calling Stuck inside all day I need to stretch my legs I’m on one side of the tracks I need to get to the other I’m not sure which one is wrong I enter a pedestrian tunnel I pass a light fixed to the corner of the ceiling and the wall My shadow races to catch and then pass me but then vanishes just out of reach https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/07/im-not-sure/ Wed, 13 Jul 2011 04:17:31 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/07/im-not-sure/ I'm not sure what the words mean they seem all jumbled and are rumbling while tumbling through my mind I feel cold through conditioning yet warm to the touch I wonder if I should run around more I don't seem to get out all that much I stroll through town people watching and sometimes dodging searching for something to be found I like to walk along the river so wide it's actually a bay https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/06/you-said/ Mon, 13 Jun 2011 03:41:01 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/06/you-said/ You said there was darkness within you A rain soaked night wind howling in delight Fire tempered Icy calm Your core belief that might makes right There’s something wrong with you You said you knew what was wrong with me Something about a knowing look and a longing smile I’m not sure which way to turn without feeling servile You make me feel like there’s something wrong with me You said there was something about us https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/06/the-heats-begun/ Thu, 02 Jun 2011 04:13:17 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/06/the-heats-begun/ It’s June and the heat’s begun the rains have passed but they’ll come again I’m melting in the humidity I’m longing for the cooling rain Where did my Spring go Why am I waiting for Summer to move on The Fall may be beautiful But it just brings Winter and the end Sometimes I feel like I’m just looking for a smile No one in particular Okay maybe her or Her or her https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/04/sit-there-while-i-think-of-a-song/ Mon, 25 Apr 2011 03:14:05 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/04/sit-there-while-i-think-of-a-song/ Sit there while I think of a song wondering all the while of how I must have done you wrong There’s something in your touch that seems to be pulling away I think something is wrong with my ears I can’t believe what you’re saying My sight must need correction Your eyes are throwing daggers My mind is confused There must be something wrong with me I think there’s still beer in me https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/04/the-rain-fell/ Thu, 14 Apr 2011 03:14:13 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/04/the-rain-fell/ The rain fell windshield soaked and then cleared repetitive forces at work Car drifts to a stop at a red light I turn the wipers off The world becomes a blur I’m drowning in her tears The light changes its mind I turn the wipers on and go where the world tells me to go She looked up at me tears falling down She wiped her eyes repeatedly I managed to stop her from talking https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/03/sounds-and-sights/ Wed, 23 Mar 2011 03:58:54 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/03/sounds-and-sights/ It was there I swear I saw it her the light glancing off her hair sparkle in her eye her teeth smiling in the sun. or was it a dream there she is sitting by herself in a corner talking to no one but herself she looks rather strange does she even think of me? I munch on a sandwich and stare into space I think I see a particle or three https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/03/spring-flowers/ Sun, 20 Mar 2011 22:02:20 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/03/spring-flowers/ While it's not technically spring yet, we did have our first nice day of the year the other day (sunny and high 60s? woot!). While the temperature fell back to normal over the weekend, at least it's been sunny. About six years ago one of my neighbors gave me one of her potted plants. Supposedly it flowered, but she had yet to see it and had given up hope that it ever would. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/03/sheer-existence-part-ii/ Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:43:08 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/03/sheer-existence-part-ii/ Eyes cast down I slowly look around Fearful of every and any glance. My heart shown displayed to all yet the ones I give it to do not see me at all. But whatever. Heart squashed Soul lost Memories forsake me like a lover crossed. I wish I did I wish I would I wish that I would just convince myself that I could. But it’s too late I hear a voice https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/03/sheer-existence/ Tue, 15 Mar 2011 03:59:31 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/03/sheer-existence/ To love to Live To live to Be If I exist Then I guess I must be me. Love devotion Life devoid of emotion Heart swept soul squashed Thinkable Thoughts that know me not. Unrequited something Just goes to show I know Nothing. Whispers in the wind push me on but my feet seem to be cemented to the ground. Originally written 1998.02.16 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/03/another-universe/ Wed, 09 Mar 2011 05:11:59 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/03/another-universe/ Flowing mountains majestic streams I do not love What can that be? Light turned low it hurts the eyes An untroubled heart can reach the skies. Lovers leap For what For who I'd rather sleep than die for you. Humming machine the whir of a fan it breathes in life in and out again It is not alive, you say you say I laugh and cry and walk away It is alive to me https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/02/just-a-friend/ Sat, 26 Feb 2011 21:22:43 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/02/just-a-friend/ I. A Winter Walk “Love is what happens to men and women who don't know each other.” -W. Somerset Maugham I shook hands, exchanged friendly smiles, and waved goodbye. I moved through the small crowd inside the bar and pushed through the door, with a please-come-again echoing in my ears from the hostess at the entrance. It was cold outside, but not as cold as it had been in recent days. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/02/humming/ Thu, 24 Feb 2011 05:50:02 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/02/humming/ She mumbled something in her sleep and adjusted herself slightly. Her head rested against his shoulder. Her breath had a slow and steady rhythm. He carefully turned the page of the book he was reading. The album he had been listening to had ended at least a half hour ago, but he resisted the urge to put on a new one. He looked over at her and then back to his book. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/02/listen-to-what-i-cannot-say/ Wed, 23 Feb 2011 04:31:21 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/02/listen-to-what-i-cannot-say/ Cryptic words were spoken My heart was lost not broken. Thoughts not heard True meaning lost in translation What is my soul saying? Feel your pulse Close your eyes Listen for a word Where or how or why My oh my Think of something clever to say Don’t stumble over your tongue fuck it Move on and go your own way Listen to the voices inside your head Don’t fall asleep https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/02/me-the-moon-a-drive-and-a-thought/ Tue, 22 Feb 2011 04:28:08 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/02/me-the-moon-a-drive-and-a-thought/ I stepped into the car and sat behind the wheel. The moon glowed somewhere in the night sky, and I wondered where I was going. I slowly placed the key in the ignition and started the car up. I turned up the radio as it started on yet another mix tape I had made earlier in the week. It was cold out so I let the car warm up for a bit. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/02/a-moment-in-time/ Fri, 11 Feb 2011 05:30:58 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/02/a-moment-in-time/ A moment in time a simple sedating rhyme The rhythm builds up Another rhyme comes around. The time soon arrives For me to stop and think To stop writing silly lines and to start reminding myself… to do the things I should to remember what they are to laugh and cry to run and sigh to talk it out to the wall to yell until my voice is heard. Music echoes through my skull https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/02/i-think-she-pushed-me/ Tue, 08 Feb 2011 05:01:22 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/02/i-think-she-pushed-me/ She brushed up against me And leaned in towards my ear She whispered “I don't care” The subway car Lurched to a stop I carried on Through the air I picked my head up And searched For the voice Finding nothing there She fell against me And pressed her lips to my ear She breathed “I'm here” My heart Screeched to a stop I fell head over heels No longer aware https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/01/smile-and-ice/ Mon, 17 Jan 2011 04:32:31 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/01/smile-and-ice/ Strange oscillations systemic vibrations Somehow rooted to the ground Flippant remarks Conniving comments Say no more to me Smile and ice Vicious liquor chilled on the rocks The words burn as they go down Count the moments for our needs to be found https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/01/growing-storm/ Wed, 12 Jan 2011 05:18:00 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/01/growing-storm/ The sun glares blindingly bright Yet clouds gather with a vengeance Encroaching darkness drinking in the light Buildings cower beneath the growing storm Not so tall after all People run for cover Confused in their lives as they might be They are certain of what is about to fall from high above https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/01/evasion/ Wed, 05 Jan 2011 05:46:15 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2011/01/evasion/ I love you But I don’t know What that smile means Or what that look Is supposed to say to me I thought I saw you But your eyes Went right through me Intention evading my evaluation Resulting in my never ending Self imposed degradation You like to dance for me But never with me I’m ever the observer Never the partaker Swing your hips some more You love to talk https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/12/nature-play/ Fri, 03 Dec 2010 05:18:50 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/12/nature-play/ He looked out the window and saw the distant shape of a mountain. It was dark and gray; rain was falling all around. He closed his eyes and pictured himself looking at his house from on top of the mountain. He laughed to himself and shuffled away from the view. The television stumbled to life and he melted into the couch. The rain had settled into a comfortable groove. The staccato pitter patter pelted the roof of his abode, occasionally knocking a tipping tap upon his windows. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/11/im-not-sure-what-to-think/ Mon, 29 Nov 2010 04:43:56 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/11/im-not-sure-what-to-think/ I'm not sure what to think My mind is muddled My brain is baffled The inside of my noggin feels like a runaway toboggan My dreams are filled with anxiousness fraught with unending battles concerning only and evermore stupid and ridiculous things Seinfeldian nightmares to the core Where is the desired smile the laughter and the not-so hidden fire Why can't I partake in some witty banter and other things https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/11/fire-and-eyes/ Wed, 17 Nov 2010 05:40:04 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/11/fire-and-eyes/ Fire and eyes twisting and rising reaching for the sky Waves of smoke obscuring the air hiding thoughts from above Stars winking I think they might be drinking they baffle me so The trees are shaking they can hear their comrades baking The fire consumes spitting out ash and white hot coals Where's a poor tree to go? The rocks hold the fire within shaped earth forms a blazing basin https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/10/hudson-river-pics/ Mon, 01 Nov 2010 03:25:49 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/10/hudson-river-pics/ Today was a nice (if cool and windy) fall day, so I took a stroll along the river and snapped a few photos. There were a number of windsurfers and kite surfers; I think they actually outnumbered people walking in the park along the shore :) First up is one with no zoom and lots of glare! Next is a full zoom (10x optical) on some of the windsurfers in the middle of the river; it's really wide there, as it's actually part of a bay within the river. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/10/sleepy-time/ Mon, 25 Oct 2010 04:36:41 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/10/sleepy-time/ A coffee mug is settled on my desk. It is mostly empty, except for a tea bag and tea-like liquid, both uncomfortably on the closer end of room temperature. The tea bag actually contains no tea leaves; it's nothing but random herbs thrown together with the aim of providing taste and no caffeine. I'm living a lie. A non-tea tea from a coffee cup. There's something wrong with me. I even bought a Mac just so I could install Windows on it. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/10/there-was/ Wed, 13 Oct 2010 04:35:30 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/10/there-was/ There was something about the way she looked at me. That is, when she thought to look at me at all. I hate thinking about her. I know to my bones that she rarely, if ever, thinks of me anymore. Why do I torture myself so? There was something about the way she looked at me. I could be quite clever, charming, and dashing, but never any of those things around her. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/10/walk-with-me/ Mon, 11 Oct 2010 03:02:39 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/10/walk-with-me/ I wanted to speak your name I wanted to say I'm not afraid of the dark But no matter where I am I seem to be defined by a lack of fire in your eyes Somehow you lost that certain spark You think you can close out the world by hiding within You want to deny any claims by opening a certain bottle hiding in the dark while drinking singing over and over https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/10/runners-high/ Mon, 04 Oct 2010 04:26:03 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/10/runners-high/ I'm not running away from anything I'm not running towards anything, either I'm not running for anything I'm just running. It's not just mind over matter it's also listening to what your body has to say Some days my feet are dragging others they barely seem to touch the ground But why? Pounding the pavement blisters on the feet every muscle and tendon feels the pain I suppose there's the runner's high https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/10/cloudy-and-confused/ Fri, 01 Oct 2010 05:48:32 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/10/cloudy-and-confused/ I hear a certain song I see a particular face A voice says something to me I'm not sure if I should laugh or not I wonder why I should care at all Now I can't get that song out of my head even while I pretend I can't remember her name I feel a certain vibe it seems to contrast with my surroundings The weather is storming something fierce https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/09/vivid-dream/ Mon, 13 Sep 2010 03:59:55 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/09/vivid-dream/ Vivid dream of untold memories Feeling more true Than the live reality Running through the night stumbling through the day eyes shifting from front to back never sure of what to say When the air turns cool I sleep so peacefully My mind seems to settle down To wake is to lose it When she's cold I can't sleep at all Mind racing thoughts chasing leaping from an unknown height https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/09/really-want-to-fall/ Wed, 08 Sep 2010 03:46:56 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/09/really-want-to-fall/ I thought I saw her looking at me but I guess I was just another wave beneath her endless sea She could have smiled She might have waved but after a while of nothing I decided to go on my way The humidity weighs me down it saps my strength I can't see how anyone can continue on Where is the late storm crashing thunder flashing lightning rain pouring down https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/09/youre-not-paid-to-think/ Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:55:17 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/09/youre-not-paid-to-think/ The day is hot sometimes the night cools down Storms are in the forecast but there's still some time to run around before we need to bunker down Energy level rising it can't just be the caffeine There's something in the air if you know what I mean There's nothing to do but to push on through Ignore the ignorance Work through the apathetic crawl Smile at the daggers Skip over thinly veiled threats https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/08/a-simple-console/ Tue, 31 Aug 2010 04:34:43 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/08/a-simple-console/ I am an unfortunate soul nothing but this glowing stream of bits and bytes A simple console into my waking dream My fingers occasionally catch fire and I ride the lightning but more often than not they cannot keep pace with my thoughts What a pain in the wrists We seek to make sense of it all so we see patterns in randomness and humanness in things that couldn't be further than any such thing https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/08/whatever-did-she-mean-to-me/ Tue, 10 Aug 2010 04:16:11 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/08/whatever-did-she-mean-to-me/ Dancing down a slippery slope Why walk when you can run I'm not sure what all the fuss is about Why try to get to heaven going to hell is so much fun She may have laughed at me It certainly wasn't with me In the darkness I couldn't place her voice Up close her face looked just like another Whatever did she mean to me The other lit a fire in me https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/07/training-in/ Wed, 28 Jul 2010 04:09:44 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/07/training-in/ (Perhaps a part II of Walk) Trains rumble by; sometimes slowly, other times with enough momentum to force a blast of air in their wake. I stand on the platform watching the world. There are a smattering of people in my vicinity. Some are alone staring off into space while others are reading or listening to their music players. Some, the gods help them, are talking loudly on their phones while they are also reading and listening to their music players and commenting on all of the other idiots surrounding them. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/07/summer-storm/ Thu, 22 Jul 2010 04:23:21 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/07/summer-storm/ The lightning cries The brightness dies The echo of a reflection flies to a thunderous applause Drowning in a downpour each drop larger than the last I just need a brief respite so I can gather garden goods for my evening repast A driving wind it sucks me in Howling in manic delight Fell mighty ancient trees even the strong cannot stand up in this fight https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/07/walk/ Sat, 17 Jul 2010 04:45:21 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/07/walk/ I’m not sure where I am. The sun is floating above the horizon; it seems unsure whether it should rise or fall. I feel a wind pass through. It neither knows nor cares where it is going. I’m along the bank of a river. The water flows inexorably in one direction, yet still it is impacted by tidal forces brought about by the moon. I think I should start walking. There’s no one else around. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/07/in-the-dark/ Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:09:39 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/07/in-the-dark/ Music in the darkness Let your soul adjust to the light Sway to the beat Pick up steam Dance with abandon All senses lost Except for movement with the music You have to feel all right Some sing in the shower Others run through the rain for my last dollar I'd rather turn off the lights and play that song again There's nothing to see everything to feel Your mind wants to focus https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/07/crosswalk/ Thu, 08 Jul 2010 05:04:23 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/07/crosswalk/ I thought I saw her standing there Windblown drops of rain pelting down upon her The sky crying about something wailing to no one screaming at everyone Her back shielded her from me nothing blocked the rain I couldn't get a clear glimpse of her face she looked towards the heavens and shook her head The rain kept on coming she started to go She smoothly slid through the crowded street https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/06/slow-air/ Wed, 30 Jun 2010 01:40:20 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/06/slow-air/ Slow air sitting upon me drenching me in silence Humidity making my temperature rise Searching for a way out Peace of mind The time of summer reaches a boiling pitch How can we survive I think I need a drink Ice turns to water quicker than you can blink My kingdom for my sanity Is that a trade I can make? A cool blast of quickened arctic air Tendrils reaching out through me https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/06/off-road/ Tue, 22 Jun 2010 04:01:38 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/06/off-road/ The stars swept across the sky but I paid them no mind left foot right foot my feet were moving in time Along the walkway I could see straight ahead I might peek this way or that but my stride did not bend Yet the woods beckoned dark and foreboding Dreamlike and dreary Unseen frogs and insects screaming in the inky blackness My steps started to waver my mind felt weary https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/06/clearwater-2010-review/ Mon, 21 Jun 2010 04:36:56 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/06/clearwater-2010-review/ Introduction This year was my first time attending the Clearwater Festival, even though it's held nearby. I missed it in the past due to two reasons that are hard to argue against (or for): 1) the lineups did nothing for me or 2) I didn't know it was going on. Perhaps a month ago I first heard some of the initial lineup on WFUV and made a mental note to follow up. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/06/where-was-your-smile/ Tue, 15 Jun 2010 03:59:40 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/06/where-was-your-smile/ Where was your smile when you were gazing at the stars last night Why did I not hear your voice while I was lost staring off into space The years are long but the days are short I remember your face and those looks I got you to make Never one to be shy away from prying eyes Always running away from any sort of limelight Search your mind for your heart https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/05/animal-kingdom/ Tue, 25 May 2010 04:26:39 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/05/animal-kingdom/ There is a pair of red-tailed hawks that frequent the air space (and occasionally high tree branches) outside of my window at work. This is not about them; I just mention them because they are really fucking cool. The first time I saw one of them he was on a light pole in our parking lot. He was shredding a squirrel while people walked to their cars below him. That was actually kind of gross. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/05/sway/ Sat, 22 May 2010 22:52:55 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/05/sway/ Lost in the moment of time thoughts scattered and aching for mine Dreams of a memory fading stars in the predawn hours Sinking into a comfortable chair Soaking up a meandering tune The beat ebbs and flows To the sway of her soul There's always a smile usually followed by flowing hair or legs and hips Perhaps the occasional collision of moist colored lips Are they curled up in delight? https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/05/how-to-make-a-french-doctor-blush/ Tue, 18 May 2010 18:19:28 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/05/how-to-make-a-french-doctor-blush/ I see London, I see France (but not in that order); or, How to Make a French Doctor Blush. Some may say it makes sense to avoid places out of season in bad weather, but where's the fun in that? I was in Daytona once for a few days during the off season. The weather varied from good to bad, but so long as it's not horrendous every day I kind of like living through a good rain storm on the beach. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/05/reminder/ Fri, 14 May 2010 03:39:42 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/05/reminder/ Search within the circle life twisted limbs entwined She wanted nothing more than to be wined and dined Words were spoken thoughts never woken until a listless dream A lost smile just another token Awkward angles of falling angels Wind blown whispers seeking protection Echoes of a still memory reflecting upon a movement Reaching for it all Only in the wrong moment A certain song reminds of another long past https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/05/oh-what-the/ Fri, 07 May 2010 15:17:04 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/05/oh-what-the/ “…the ozone layer is blocking more cancer-causing radiation than any time in a decade because its average thickness has increased” Cool! “Now the bad news: The ozone layer has also thinned over the North Pole. This thinning is predicted to continue for the next 15 years due to weather-related phenomena that scientists still cannot fully explain” Shit! “And, repairing the ozone hole over the South Pole will take longer than previously expected, and won’t finish until between 2060 and 2075” https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/05/mimicry/ Fri, 07 May 2010 03:45:09 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/05/mimicry/ Float like a butterfly fighting against the wind Sail on until tomorrow It looks like you'll never win Rise low off the ground like a bumblebee Smooth sailing for that unlikely flier the wind matters not Grab a thermal like a raptor on the hunt Soar for miles Strike the unwary target Hop and skip like a robin Not always early but certainly persistent Cry for your lost love like a mourning dove https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/04/thinkable-thoughts/ Fri, 23 Apr 2010 05:08:06 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/04/thinkable-thoughts/ She looks so fine as she walks her walk, I cannot help but stare Entranced by her form. The sway of her hips The swing of her arms The smoothness of her motion leaves my mouth agape And my thoughts afire. Does she realize what she is to me? Does she watch me As I watch her? These things I ask in silence Perhaps never to know the answer. I hear a voice say https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/04/too-nice/ Fri, 23 Apr 2010 05:03:36 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/04/too-nice/ Something must be said Nothing was ever spoken Her smile laughed at me My heart was somewhat broken I struggled to reach her It didn't matter if her body was near Her mind was somewhere away I could write down words For her eyes to read I could celebrate her form And expose my feelings that way But the most I ever got in return Did not even measure up https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/04/some-laugh/ Tue, 20 Apr 2010 04:53:36 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/04/some-laugh/ Some laugh Others cry Time floats on Particularly for those Just standing by The weather flips and turns I just want to know what season we’re in Should I turn on my AC Or get an extra blanket? It’s hard to get my bearings Some laugh Others ask why The days meander But are not necessarily Lost in time Winter turns to spring to summer to fall In a weekend https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/04/how-taxes-make-me-feel/ Thu, 15 Apr 2010 04:25:28 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/04/how-taxes-make-me-feel/ So, I'm thinking… being taxed is a good thing. It means I made enough money that someone wants to take it from me to put through the wood chipper. Well, maybe I shouldn't go for Fargo imagery. The point is, if I didn't have a job I'd have no cash. So, while it'd be nice not to pay taxes at all, I think I'll take the whole self-sufficient angle instead. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/04/admin-note-feed-change/ Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:50:19 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/04/admin-note-feed-change/ Update (July 2017): As FeedBurner seems more or less abandoned by Google, please note you can subscribe to the RSS feed Original post: The RSS feed is now through Feedburner. Please update your reader :) http://feeds.feedburner.com/PeteSpeak https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/04/reverie/ Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:02:04 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/04/reverie/ He pulled up to the traffic leaning in front of him and came to a stop. His gaze wandered in circles; his mind was stuck in a purple haze. He twisted the dial gently to soften the radio’s command of the local air supply. His eyes traveled and eventually settled on her. She couldn’t see him; a reflection of a reflection in time. She was talking to herself, or maybe the radio or perhaps a stranger on the phone. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/04/sunset-photo/ Thu, 08 Apr 2010 05:07:27 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/04/sunset-photo/ Sunset picture I took on December 14, 2008. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/04/wishful-dreams/ Thu, 08 Apr 2010 04:54:33 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/04/wishful-dreams/ Wishful dreams brought down By incessant memories Simple thoughts and complex desires Shortened breath reaching For a life on fire Answers in search of a question Reaching for feeling Denying the suggestion Wondering while lying Wait for the moment Turn the laugh into a frown Spin their chair Turn their world upside down Overcompensate Stand up From the sinking suspicion That your bed is lying in wait Wishful dreams crying out to be had https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/03/fire-and-mice/ Sun, 28 Mar 2010 22:06:38 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/03/fire-and-mice/ https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/02/just-another/ Wed, 24 Feb 2010 05:30:24 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/02/just-another/ I lie awake in the cold I lie in wait for the snow Whatever is lying in your self I’m not sure I can ever know Why you are lying to yourself I would like to know Are those snow flakes tumbling down White sparkles dancing in the light Crashing evermore into the ground The wind sprints in and through and out My mind whirls all about You want to dance https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/02/she-didnt-say-she-loved-me/ Wed, 17 Feb 2010 05:24:58 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/02/she-didnt-say-she-loved-me/ She didn’t say she loved me But the lie was in her eyes I tried to find the words for her But they were hard to find So I leaned back And took a deep breath I closed my eyes I could feel her body tense She didn’t move a muscle Her gaze never left my frame All the world encircled me Our love was just a game. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/02/tomorrow-is-not-today/ Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:29:59 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/02/tomorrow-is-not-today/ Tomorrow is not today no matter what my mind might say The calendar says we're just over the hump but I'm gearing up for the something that is nothing ready to finish off this week The time has gone quickly I didn't seem to do as much as I typically plow through I wonder where it all goes? So now I've gone back in time to the day I never spent https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/02/it-begins/ Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:45:40 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2010/02/it-begins/ So it started; I looked at my watch to tell the time to my mind. It was past midnight, but to me it was still the day before. Until my head hit my pillow and conscious thought flowed anew, today could not yet be tomorrow. Yet when I moved to settle into bed, what thoughts would invade my head? Would my mind wander and fade into a dream, or would my heart begin to ache at what my semi-conscious state could see? https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/about/ Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:05:13 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/about/ Hello, my name is Peter Wetzel. I've been interested and active with writing, photography, and art ever since I can remember. This site is more or less where I share various things I'm working on. In some cases, they are finished products (and some can even be purchased!), while others are works-in-progress or what have you. I'm currently just self-published; you can find my author profiles on GoodReads and Amazon. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2009/12/hindsight/ Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:18:14 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2009/12/hindsight/ A love long lost Or was it thrown away I can still hear her voice But I cannot make out what she says I sometimes miss her touch On certain random rainy days If hindsight is 20/20 Why can’t I see her clearly? My appreciation grows for her As I know her less Is my yearning for her? Or simply for her heartfelt caress? If hindsight is 20/20 Why can’t I see her near me? https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2009/03/reboot/ Wed, 04 Mar 2009 04:59:23 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2009/03/reboot/ I walked down the hallway and was met by a pair of eyes. Unfortunately for me, they were not followed by a smile. No words were spoken. She turned and walked way, her hips speaking words to me that she would never say. I felt listless and afraid. My mind fluttered. My tongue sputtered. My feet tried to follow her, but slowed to a crawl to a stop. There was nothing left for me to do. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2006/01/raining-romantic-comedies/ Wed, 11 Jan 2006 06:15:34 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2006/01/raining-romantic-comedies/ The rain came down; it didn't fall from buckets or look anything like cats and dogs. However, it also did not resemble a pleasant mist or a fine drizzle. It just rained. I walked along with my umbrella at my side. It would have preferred to open up to its full height and majesty, but it was not to be. I was only 20 yards or so from my car, and it just didn't make sense to put forth the effort. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2005/12/footfalls-echo/ Sat, 03 Dec 2005 06:15:07 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2005/12/footfalls-echo/ My footfalls echo in the cool night air. There are stars above fighting for sky time with some unseemly looking clouds. A wind whips me in a frenzy, telling me to move on. Instead the air enters my lungs and I consume it readily. Each passing step places me closer to my destination, whatever it may be. I don't know what was said, but I know that words were spoken. The look in her eyes betrayed the fact that something had occurred. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2005/10/smile/ Wed, 26 Oct 2005 06:12:06 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2005/10/smile/ I haven't posted here in awhile, although I have no good reason as to why. I've still been writing, albeit primarily in analog form. I guess I just sort of forgot about it. I'll try to do better in the future, baby. You know I love you. I'm pretty tired. It's not very late, only 10pm or so, but I've stayed up past 2am the past two nights. I need sleep. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2005/07/ultimate-continues/ Mon, 25 Jul 2005 06:09:40 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2005/07/ultimate-continues/ It's not unusual for my best offensive games occur early during the course of a season. I have less sense of fear and am more worried about learning and getting in shape. People are also more likely to give you a chance. Our ultimate season is winding down. It's been pretty odd lately. In the A league I'm in, I think I played all of 5 points the last two games. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2005/06/ultimate-begins/ Mon, 06 Jun 2005 06:06:39 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2005/06/ultimate-begins/ The clouds rolled in, darkening the sky, my soul, and my cubicle. The first game of the season was scheduled to begin in less than two hours, and yet I was looking into the face of an early summer thunderstorm. I checked the web site for the league, and they claimed that the storm should pass through before games would begin. I was not so optimistic, particularly when the rains began to fall and dance down the nearby windowpane. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2005/05/mutterings-of-the-mind/ Mon, 30 May 2005 06:05:49 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2005/05/mutterings-of-the-mind/ The story is an old one; my story is a new one. I can't see her face, but I can picture her voice. She tells me… things. I can't place her and I cannot touch her from where I sit. I would stand, but I am firmly entrenched in my current situation. Or so I tell myself. In order to escape the clutches of a “heavenly” body's gravitational field, a projectile must reach the aptly named escape velocity. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2005/03/muzak-downloads/ Sat, 12 Mar 2005 06:04:19 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2005/03/muzak-downloads/ I held off from using any pay-for-music-download sites for the longest time. I rarely, if ever, used the “free” ones, either; I don't like the idea of the artist not getting anything in return for their efforts. Instead, I would buy a lot of CDs from amazon and occasionally from other sites (or, once in a long while, in an actual real life store). For the past few months I did not buy any new albums. https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2005/02/hi-school/ Thu, 24 Feb 2005 05:35:28 +0000 https://www.peterdamianwetzel.com/2005/02/hi-school/ It's getting late and I'm still up, again. In the morning I'll wake up (sort of) and fall asleep, again. Eventually I'll roll out of bed and berate myself for staying up late, again. I'll tell myself that this night I'll go to bed early. It won't happen, forever and ever, amen. That may be the first time I've used that word since breaking out of a thirteen year stint I served in a couple of Catholic schools in my youth.