Pritchard Park

A SHOWER...

2011-05-10T16:52:00.005-04:00

Holy *@T?$^* Batman! Its been a long time. After sincere reflection, I'm re-emerging on the Blog Scene. Why would I do this since certain people predict the end is near? 10 days from now? REALLY! Come on... The answer is simple: FREE THERAPY. Ha! When I express my thoughts, prayers and rants here, I feel like I've had a shot of eppi to the heart ala Pulp Fiction style. Bare with me as I wash off the cobwebs in my memory warehouse.

What has happened to Obama? I know America still approves of him, but I'm so disillusioned. Watching him as he addresses the nation, I instantly want a root canal. His muddled messages are lost and does he NOT understand that the President of the United States of America should not use the word "um" as his message is broadcast globally? Really? Listening to his words that follow "let me be clear" leaves me uneasy. I was once ridiculed for supporting this man and his vision of CHANGE. Maybe now all those nasty people were right? SHAVING AND BRUSHING TEETH...
Usama Bin Ladin is dead. Fine. Al-Qaida is not. But as we all rejoice, I still think we should put all that jubliant energy to securing and increasing a sustainable food and water supply for ourselves and neighbors. Watch each way lil'chicks as you cross the road. TURNING ON THE WATER...
For those of us who are so fortunate to live in KingPin Ron Moore's domain, it's time for a major ass scrubbing of the Buncombe County Courthouse. WATER STILL COLD...
What in the hell is the APD and BCSD up to? Are they all running around using misplaced evidence and snorting dough? Please check out this new blog: apdaccountabity.wordpress.com. LUKE WARM - STEPPING IN THE STREAM...
Mother's Day 2011. I reread my post two years ago here. So much misunderstanding and despair but mingled with grief and love. Clarity reigns now. Momma is proud. :-) DON'T DROP THE SOAP...
I decided these humble dwellings of mine needed an update. Paint and lots of it. Think now up to 6 gallons with two-thirds of the house to go. Bye bye 70's sunshine yellow and welcome milk chocolate and red. Painting is therapeutic except when one of your pets decides he wants to paint also. LATHERING...
Reading a really intriguing novel now. Nine Days In Heaven. I agree with critics, and the novels' re-teller, every1 on the planet should pick this up and absorb it before they meet their Maker. Re-told by Dennis & Noleen Price. SCRUBBING...
Still unemployed. Still receiving unemployment benefits. Still job searching. My one year "Anniversary of Separation" is on this Thursday, 5/12. Ideas on how to celebrate would be welcomed and possibly awarded with a prize for the most fitting. DON"T FORGET BETWEEN THE TOES...
My knees. So sick of talking or explaining. Sick of being scanned and prodded. But, LET ME BE CLEAR, my knees are healing and I have adjusted to a certain amount of discomfort. Can anyone say arthritis? CONDITIONING & RINSING...
I have been away from my worshiping family at Breakthrough Church for too long now. I have not waivered in faith, but have intentionally avoided one of the main body's focus: bringing people anywhere there to worship God- no patty cake claps allowed. BUT, it starts with me. Speak Words of Life not Death. Go. Get involved. Worship. Check it: btchurch.cc. WHEREZ THE TOWEL...
As I was contemplating my next entry, I thought of one of my journals, chronicling my life June 1, 1987-February 14, 1994, nearly seven years of my life. I wanted a quote Maggie Lauterer wrote on the inside cover just before she gave it to me the night of my high school graduation. From the moment I opened this book, I've been transported back to some good, and a lot of bad. Here is her inscription from Oliver Wendell Holmes: "Some trees grow very tall and straight and large in the forest close together. But some must stand by themselves or they won't grow at all." SATISFIED...

As I roll over in my mind that last point and this book, I'm dumbfounded and speechless. And hey, if you know me, I am never without words. I'm going to pick it up and read it cover to cover. Its a strange feeling like I'm being taught by my minds' reflection in a mirror. As I study, I will remain clean or perhaps put it away and take a shower and wash it all away.

CH-CH-Change...

2011-05-10T14:25:00.000-04:00

Changes are coming soon.......W

A Long Day....

2010-09-22T00:56:00.002-04:00

In the last 96 hours I have helped carry a family that carried a body to the grave, watch in great upset many football follies, witness the degeneration of someone I love deeply, have my sister cuss me in tongues and realize life is only as important as I make it. God has a plan. I need the instructions. I guarantee - HE will provide. Otherwise, I want my money back!

Blogreguvine

2010-09-16T01:18:00.001-04:00

Ok .. Today my friend E launched a blog. It is awesome. His addy is: http://ericmightberight.blogspot.com/ .

Read and enjoy. Think what God does for us each day.

New Beginnings

2010-08-02T22:02:00.001-04:00

This Blog will take a Centrist look at Asheville. More to come....

SOMETHING OLD N SOMETHING NEW...

2010-03-29T18:23:00.001-04:00

You didn't get mad when the Supreme Court stopped a legal recount and appointed a President.You didn't get mad when Cheney allowed Energy company officials to dictate energy policy.You didn't get mad when a covert CIA operative got outed.You didn't get mad when the Patriot Act got passed.You didn't get mad when we illegally invaded a country that posed no threat to us.You didn't get mad when we spent over 600 billion(and counting) on said illegal war.You didn't get mad when over 10 billion dollars just disappeared in Iraq.You didn't get mad when you found out we were torturing people.You didn't get mad when the government was illegally wiretapping Americans.You didn't get mad when we didn't catch Bin Laden.You didn't get mad when you saw the horrible conditions at Walter Reed.You didn't get mad when we let a major US city, New Orleans, drown.You didn't get mad when we gave a 900 billion tax break to the rich.You didn't get mad when the deficit hit the trillion dollar mark.You finally got mad when the government decided that people in America deserved the right to see a doctor if they are sick. Yes, illegal wars, lies, corruption, torture, stealing your tax dollars to make the rich richer, are all okay with you, but helping other Americans...oh hell no.

The Tranny Nun

2009-06-15T11:03:00.002-04:00

I got to tell you - I LOVE downtown Asheville ! I spent the better part of Friday evening chasing the "Tranny Nun"! Hilarious! I'm headed back this week for more. Look for pics of ther Nun, mimes, etc.

2009-05-10T14:55:00.002-04:00

CATHERINE ANGULES SENTZ HALL 1930-2003

BELOVED MOTHER

Today is not a good day for me. I have cried and I feel empty inside.

Today is MDay. I went to work. I went to church. I am numb. Totally numb. I laugh aloud at hysterical, random BS and then I cry for memories and opportunities lost with my Mom.

Grief and the Devil are my number one enemies. It seems they manifest themselves in my soul on occasions that was always "Mom Time."You know how it is: holidays, etc. It seems innocent in the beginning but after an hour or two I'm totally enveloped in darkness, anger, grief, desolation and LONELINESS!

Loneliness is probably the catalyst. I work alot and wall myself off from friends and family when I know the DAY is coming. I went to church today in hopes that I "would put on the armour of God". I did. But when I got home, all alone, Satan stripped it from me like I was his whore. When you peer into the darkest recesses of your soul, how can I say it politely, IT IS TERRIFYING!

Grief has a hold on me today. My Mom was such a kind, dignified, assertive, caring (too caring) and beautiful woman. My life totally changed first for the worst when she had her stroke in the early 90's. Such a proud, educated, humorous and compassionate woman reduced to an invalid in a wheelchair for the remainder of her life.

We made it the best we could. I finally accepted her prognosis and got away from the shitty thought patterns of "I can't stand to go see her like that in a nursing home". I got my family to keep her involved in our lives whether it would be going there or bringing her home to us. Sometimes I needed shoulders to cry on and prodding to do his but I did. But you know what - Mom was happy when we spent time with her. And I was happy too.

It was hard to watch her die. I had warning. We came back to Asheville and held a bedside vigil for 4 days.I had to convince my sister that it was okay to let her go - ie: morphine OD. She could never be who she was. She was such an outspoken, radiant and loving soul. No one can hold a candle to her then or now.

She died on Friday, October 10, 2003 at 3:30AM in the Vascular Care Unit at St. Joseph's Hospital with Linda and I at her side. Her imprisonment had ended but my sentance of grief and remorse had begun. I'll never forget driving home at 5AM that morning in shock and getting a call from the funeral home asking permission to embalm her remains. Callous - efficient - who knows.

Funeral Mass & Graveside - I think-wiped from my mind for my own good. Even though I spoke of her passionately.

I have never disclosed some of these details to anyone - save one. Thank you for being there. I wouldn't have survived without you.

But nearly 6 years later, I hurt. It's not a dull pain but sharp and full of agony.

My Mother never got to see me saved in church. I used to blame GOD for her condition and ultimate death. My selfishness once again. My church is an awesome place. I have seen prayers, healings and general miracles I never saw in a catholic church. She would be proud of me getting involved and worshipping the way its supposed to be.

Pastor N said today that he looked out among us and there were people there not wanting to "live" (grab the reigns and worship with all your heart) but "die" (little patty cake claps and praises). I want to LIVE.

Mom - it saddens me I never gave you a grandchild. It was God's will. I wasn't ready. Today - I am a very different man. I'm older and wiser, but I still carry your heart in my chest. It is my sincere hope that God will banish the darkness attacking me today and allow me to do HIS will for HIS KINGDOM. I believe I will be a father one day.

Momma, you know how much I loved you and still do today. But the pain and self destruction must stop. I cannot live in the shoulda and coulda's and despair and regret. I always promised you I will make you proud. Today that is my testimony.

I have rambled but I needed this. Blogging - free therapy. May God bless all who read this and may my Mom's smile light up the heavens and chase away my demons!

Pritchard Park

2009-05-05T20:05:00.002-04:00

I have spent the last several of my days off purusing Pritchard Park and the surrounding area.

I have to tell you that it is the BEST in entertainment and the most accurate raw example of what Asheville has to dish up on its plate.

Hippies. Homeless. Preppies. Yuppies. Skinny. Fat. Naked. Dressed to the nine. You name it - its there! I'm soon going to get a condo near PP. Can't wait!

Something about Mayfels, the Skybar, Grove Arcade and Asheville's undeniable strength, hope, wisdom and spirituality is calling me home!

Anybody in the mood for chess?

soccer and balls

2009-05-02T21:05:00.002-04:00

Tonight the very blessed Brookstone Lodge is full.

It is always a pleasure to serve God and guest. However at times both can be "intimidating".

Alas, it is nice to know the difference.

Please !!! Anyone who reads this. You have an open invitation to Breakthrough Church, Hit me up with directions or questions. Breakthrough is not just a church . . IT changed my life!!

Brookstone Lodge

2009-04-14T19:52:00.001-04:00

The hotel is now open!!! Through blood, sweat and tears i persevered! Please give me a jingle anytime. I'd be happy to show you around.

As a side note: What's up with all these pirates and such??? ARGGGGGG...

2009-03-28T21:02:00.002-04:00

Here are some realy cool things I want to do here each day of the week that I found on the net. Pitch in!

Monday: "Mentor" Monday
- Highlighting and elevating those mentors from our community who shine. I'll introduce you to some and you can introduce some to me. It is really about finding those role models who inspire us to be better.

Tuesday: Tuesday "Triumphs"
- Highlighting those who have triumphed over adversity. Add your own stories of facing challenges head on and not only surviving...but thriving!

Wednesday: "Wonderful" Wednesday
- What is wonderful in your life? Why are you happy? What gives you joy? Who makes you happy? This is the place and time to cheer our lives and loves!

Thursday: "Tell It Like It Is" Thursday
- What issues matter to you? What can we do to be better? How can we elevate our own game? Let's challenge each other to take it to the next level. Joyous Praise and Gentle Criticism...all in an effort to grow.

Friday: "Friendship" Friday
- Instead of highlighting the "hate", let's "appreciate" those who are doing "their thing!" Whether it is leading, creating, or simply shining in their own right. Let's shout them out.

Saturday: "Satisfied" Saturday
- A celebration of "Love"...fun, funny, joyous anecdotes of how the man or woman in our lives shows us love.

Sunday: "Simply Blessed" Sunday
- Your personal testimony to at least one blessing that you've had in the past week.

WOW

2009-03-18T20:43:00.002-04:00

It has been a long time since I've updated.

I still can't believe in the worst economy of my life that I have got the best job I have ever had. I owe it all to GOD.

I have connected over the last several months with an astounding group from church that has not only encouraged me to be a better man but a true witness to GOD's GRACE. For that I am truly indebted to my brothers and sisters at BWOC, especially Pastors' Nate & Michelle.

I still sin. I am not perfect. I have learned through the WORD and Pastor Nate's message that I am still part of the KINGDOM and I will strive daily to please my HOLY FATHER.

Back to me...

It's been tough lately. New job. New responsibilities. But I am rising and I victorious. My setbacks will not deter me from my higher goal. It's just gonna get tougher in the next three weeks before the hotel opens. But you know what? I am ready for anything that gets hurled at me.

I still have my old weaknesses. This is tough. But when GOD whispered to me and I actually LISTENED - its no big deal anymore. I still freak out occasionally. My animals drive me totally batshit constanly. But - them being part of my family - I accept it completely. Cursing is a HUGE component of the "Old Will". Please don't get offended. Pray that I don't and I'm trying to stop.

The weather has been great. I love Spring. I hope Summer doesn't rush in to quickly.

I'm looking to my oldest friend N coming into town this weekend. He owes me a wiimote. I hope we can find a hip joint downtown for some catchin up!

Peace!

The Soup

2009-01-30T10:58:00.003-05:00

Winter without snow sucks. Short days, cold winds, dry skin and chapped lips - and still no snow. I watched the news this morning and saw the 200 or so people camping out for Phish tix at the civic center. I know they're feeling the cramps and bone chilling temps. One question: why not use TicketMaster? It makes little to no sense to me.

Decisions. I'm really scared about a choice I'm getting ready to make. In the state of our economy, is it wise for me to swith jobs? And it is always fun when the PAST intersects the NOW. I have to believe someone is getting their rocks off watching me squirm and fret.

I know when it is all said and done, Pack Square will appeal to many. But downtown is such a mess right now. Traffic detours, construction barricades, etc = ugly Asheville. And another Bele Chere will be disrupted by this Asheville eye sore.

I'm down to only one WiiMote now. During his visit last weekend, my friend N decided the WiiMote he was using would somehow perform better with a baptism of tonic water. Alas - he has promised a replacement.

Super Bowl Sunday: having a big party at the church Breakthrough World Outreach Center. Chili cookoff should be good, but I'm going to set this competition out I think. After my last bruising, maybe I'll judge.

Can you believe a diehard Cowboys fan is pulling for the Steelers?

TECHNOLOGY vs. ME

2009-01-15T15:55:00.003-05:00

I think I have now scared myself shitless! Blog, Facebook, Twitter - oh my! The end is coming - I can FEEL IT! All hands - ABANDON ship!

rain, vodka & obama

2009-01-06T10:35:00.003-05:00

Sorry - been away for a while. The holidays were the usual mix of long lost friends, lots of good food and drink and the random spackle of unexpectedness. I also turned 40. I should hope that somewhere in my near future I can join a drum circle in downtown and celebrate it properly.
It is raining today and if I believe the powers that be - a ton of rain is on the way.I can rememeber when a was a youngling when it would .. shh...snow. Does anyone remember the big beautiful flakes that used to fall from the sky and make everything good again? Alas - as stewards of the planet - we have bit the big one and irrevocably harmed our planet. Move north of A-ville if you want to see the good stuff again.
Perused a few blogs today. There are some really talented and twisted people here! Makes me smile. I especially would like to give a shout out to skippy haha for the perfect breakfast recipe = clamato + vodka + worcestershire = bloody clam. Can't wait to try it!
Two weeks till Inaguration Day!I'm taking the day off. It will truly be historical. Of course, if the tourism industry doesn't rise up out of the crapper, I might already be on a forced vacation.
Anybody here bout Jeb Bush exploring the road to the White House in 2012?

Tis The Season ...

2008-12-05T09:53:00.002-05:00

Wow - 20 more days till Christmas! I always get giddy this time of year. The tree has been up and the house decorated since Thanksgiving. My brain is on overload trying to make to do lists -to tell me what to do and not to do. I did not participate in any Black Friday sales - nope never gonna happen. I don't have that much shopping to do, but I will spend copious amounts of cash in the next 19 days. The smells, the sounds, the food and fellowship all intoxicate me leading up to the big day. And blogging of that - Christmas is also me BDay. I cross over that dreaded 40 threshold this year. Not that I'm dreading it - just a bit cautious. I used to think I was Superman (still do at times) but mortality is definitely finding a seat about 5 rows back in my unconscious mind. I do love the thrill of the hunt on Christmas Eve. Nothing like searching out that last unique gift for someone. But wait - the POWERS THAT BE that control the Asheville Mall has taken away my holiday watering hole. No longer can I dash in for a shot and a beer at what used to be Annabelles/McGuffeys .. whatever .. No - looks like I'll be playing Frogger on Tunnel Rd attempting to quench my holiday thirst at China Palace. Can we all petition Barnes & Noble to include a bar?

ODAY-TAY

2008-12-04T13:57:00.002-05:00

I think everyone should speak pig latin for one day.

Now that Uptown has got me on the BlogRoll its time to update. Yes Zen - thank you for the prodding.

So much to say: PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA- YAHOO!!! ...
Recession, DUBYA's Gibson interview, trampled Walmart employee, hacked up senior for $200K, auto bailout, and on and on .... ugh!

I think the only positive thing I can pass on today is...

Greetings to our Tourism Industry Partners
& Visitor Center Volunteers!

Please join us for a…
“We’re All in This Together”
POT-LUCK Holiday Open House!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center
36 Montford Avenue ~ Asheville, NC ~ 28801
(I-240 – exit 4-C)

in other words: GOOD EATS & FREE BOOZE!

OBAMA

2008-10-08T10:38:00.003-04:00

I will never forget this past Sunday.

I got in line at 9AM. Got into the stadium at 12PM. Then waited.

I got sun burned, dehydrated, tired, sore and very irritated. But then about 20 minuted after 2, Obama arrived.

I listened and laughed. I shouted and applauded. Obama is the man 4 me and this country.

The signs say "Change We Need". I agree and so should America.

Please join me in my support of Barack Obama for the 44th President of the United States of America! Get out and vote. A vote for Barack is a vote for our future!

I SURVIVED?

2008-09-28T22:49:00.005-04:00

When I started this blog I was in the beginnings of a sprititual journey along a dangerous path . Sin, self-doubt and personal insecurities were my crutches. I've denied a ton of crap in my life but one thing that I have embraced now, with all my heart, is my total devotion to going from a place callled "HERE" to a place called "THERE".

My story is long and it may take some time, but I feel you will know it. Basically it boils down to ME, godless and alone. "HERE". Adfrift and mad. Using alcohol to be not only a crutch but a lover. I lost my mom and my fiance within 1 year. I thought I could cope. I was not a good person. I should have shown both more personal attention and love, less anger. It destroyed me when the glass ceilings fell.

I spiraled out of control. Emotionaly and financialy. All I can say is there was something - somewhere - GOD - that wanted me to survive. I tolerated life. I was not happy.

I grew accustomed to it. Then I was invited to participate in an Iron Chef competition at Breakthough. I was a little resistant but I like to cook. I agreed. I lost. Humilty is good.

Over the next few days I began to realize that the people that I had met at the competition were not religious zealots. I was raised Catholic - but upon my Mom's death, I was done with the "Church". I was afraid to trust and these people were friends who welcomed me.

Scared as hell, I went to Breakthough for service. I watched as the congregation sang praises and then I watched the young, spirit-filled preacher speak. His words I liked. I met more of the fellowship of Christians. I began to listen WHAT the preacher said. I began to question my life and the long cut-off relationship I had with the Lord. My whole life in chaos - I made a choice. I wanted to live a Christian lifestyle and accept Jesus as my Saviour. I regularly attend Breakthrough on Sundays. My transportation situation does not permit me to attend any other events unless someone helps me. GOD has provided in that area and I am truly happy.

Shortly after - I joined Breakthrough and entered into our sacred covenant with God and our community. I bought a BIBLE and was BAPTISED. I cannot tell you what a moving and transforming experience that was. Come check it out and see.

Today I write about something extroidinary. I AM a different man. I still am ME, but I CHOOSE to receive and LIVE what GOD directs me to do. In the Catholic Church - I quit listening a long time ago, especially to boring hymns and self-righteous bullshit. Now I SING - PRAISES TO THE LORD! The sleeper has awakened and I'm headed to place called "THERE"!

GOD is cool. We need change. The LORD knows before we do. Trust. I DO NOW!

September Sun - 9/11/01

2008-09-11T10:38:00.003-04:00

Seven years. It seems just like yesterday. My day began just like any other. Got the kids off to school, kissed my girlfriend and settled in for a quiet morning since I had the day off.

Then terror gripped my mind and wouldn't let go. As I watched the countless fling themselves from the burning towers to their deaths, I cried. I drank tequelia. I prayed. Nothing helped.

As those horrible days stretched into months and now years, the pain has subsided. Our Nation has overcome its grief. We have forgiven - but it will never be forgotten. I still cry and I still drink tequelia.

Today. Look towards the sun. Remember all those who perished falling from the sky, the towers crumbling, the Pentagon and the bravest of souls on United 93. Remember the sacrifices of all of our honored brothers and sisters who gave their lives so that these horrendous acts will never occur again. Look towards the sun. In the light we will prevail.

Thursday ..ugh!!

2008-08-14T08:44:00.004-04:00

Almost to the end of another week.

I'm still not "blog" savvy so I will journal to myself and maybe someday it will be seen by millions in cyberspace.

I must talk about my Wii. I was one of the original pioneers who waited in line nearly two years ago for them to roll out. Not only did I hold WalMart hostage till I got one, I additionally had to purchase a second one that I had ordered. I subsequently sold the second nearly doubling my money. I am not a greedy bastard. It was just capitalism and craigslist at work.

Back to my Wii. I am sooooooooo addicted. It is the best purchase I could have ever made. I waited patiently until Mario Kart was released this past Spring. Ever since then my house has been a buzz with Super Mushrooms, Blue Shells raining down and my triumphant screams of joy or defeat. And the best is the WiFi connector. So now I can either play with my oldest friend down East or play one of the hot shots from Hong Kong. And Mario Kart isn't the only good thing. I love the bowling (Wii Sports or AMF) and the tennis - even though I retired after a year from tennis: self-diagnosed with a severe condition known as wii-itis. Point is: if you dont have one - get a wii as soon as you can. I grew upa baptised in the fire of pong, atari, intellivision, commodore 64, colecovision, etc - you will never be disappointed! And since I'm on the subject - AVOID the XBox 360. My friend T is on his 6th console. God Bless Bill Gates and his "red ring of death".

Looking to do some fun stuff this weekend. I just don't know. I'll probably strike out to P Park with flip video in hand. ANOTHER COOL GADGET - FLIP ULTRA! I saw where one of my fav haunts - Mayfel's - has been vandalized recently. Time to show em some love and enjoy a nice cool beverage or two!

I might even go see "The Dark Knight" again! It was fudge monkey fantastic!The best: Ledger as the most brilliant psychotic villain I have ever seen on film and the worst: the BatVoice.

Enough bitchin - my day awaits....

In the beginning...

2008-08-06T10:22:00.001-04:00

Today is a new day. Very similar to yesterday - but not quite like tomorrow will be.

I have been intently scouring local blogs lately. You talk about people letting it all hang out! I knew immediatley I had to part of this earth shattering medium!

Chaos drives me. I'm 39 and single. Been single for 3 years. I date occasionally but after the emotional crash of 2005, I think I'll pass on commitment for a while. I have but 2 earthly masters: my 11 year old sheltie LUCKY (cause he was born with 7 toes) and my ever enigmatic cat STORM. Both hold the keys to my kingdom. I'll throw up some pics sometime.

I hate the heat. Supposed to be 95 today. Can't take it! I keep my house a constant 69 degrees. Then when I got to work this morning, the assholes thought it would be funny to have the lobby of the hotel I work at sweltering at 88! A hotel is supposed to be an inviting CLIMATE CONTROLLED oasis - not a sweat lodge! If our warming trend continues the next few years, I'm entertaining the thought of leaving my beloved city and retreating farther north. I love Spring & Fall - it just seems like we skip those seasons now.

I hated Bele Chere this year. I love a party but the HEAT was unbearable. Hats off to the Sky Bar. I felt like I was floating - or was that the Patrone? Fried oysters were good too!

Time for a Aquafina break - Peace!