My father would’ve been 65 years old this year (his birthday is sometime in February). Words can’t quite describe how much I miss him; and wish that I could speak with him for a moment even if for a few minutes. Don’t get me wrong I don’t wish I were dead, and chilling with Jesus and all my passed on relatives; after all there is a season for everything, I just wish that the storms weren't so tough to weather. Sometimes pulling my collar up isn’t enough. Sometimes the wind still hits you in the face. Sometimes I wonder what he thinks of me from over there or up there or wherever it is; if I make him proud. Then other times I don’t give a damn, and get upset that he died on me.
But it’s only on days like this that I get stuck on the thought of him, and what my life would like if he were still here. Ultimately what it means to be a man, my father was not a perfect man but I have learned worlds from him, and hope that I can leave an impression on those around me the way that he did. In the end I am glad that he no longer has to feel the terrestrial pain that comes with existence on earth anymore. And I try and let go of the selfish yearnings for a fatherly presence. Sometimes I wonder if it's okay to miss someone that's not around anymore this much, like is it fair to them from where they are? I can only ask the Almighty to help me calibrate my heart from all the 'mushy stuff' that makes us miss those who are gone; and I hope for the best that my prayers are answered in the best way possible. Or maybe you could pray for me :-) I have had better days, but i am truly thankful for good friends, an awesome family, and having been blessed with a great sense of humor.....I am trying America, but I need to try harder.
Hello America, I know it has been a minute since I have touched base with you all, but I have been busy with the business of living, and getting things done. My latest effort has been to join the rest of the planet in the ownership and acquisition of a ‘smart phone.’ But that is not why I am here today; quite recently I have been swept by this summer’s storm of modern day mythology of the comic book hero. This storm that has been powered by Hollywood, and fueled by the American public is going to be a sight for those eyes that choose to take it in. The one I’d like to talk bring to you is X-Men: First Class. Quite honestly all I can do is 'marvel' at the work that was done by all the players involved in the making of this film.
There are a myraid of reasons that I adore this film; and the least of these is it’s continuity with the original written material, as I am not a ‘fan boy’ and would not recognize if I saw it. But the pure artistry of it all for starters, the musical score for one of the characters in the movie Magneto [Michael Fassbender]. His storyline is one in this multi-pronged plot that a dig the most; as the director is telling the genesis of a villain. Making the viewer almost sympathize with his aching evil streak. So this either cleared up some errors you had after the three other previous films in the franchise or pissed you off for some reason because its not exactly like the comic. To address my oversensitive ‘fan boy’ readers- it’s a different medium to express a very popular art form; so that others may also take part the satisfaction you get from reading this artistic expression. For me personally it was absolutely exhilarating.
But that is not why I am here today, towards the end of this modern day epic moving piece of art it dawned on me all the major players in this story were analogies in that they have an affinity with certain public figures in popular American culture at the time they were created. In fact the entire X-Men Franchise is mostly about the differences in the human melting pot that we as individuals may snarl at, if you haven’t picked up on that already. But more specifically I’d like to take an opportunity to begin a discussion about how popular forms of art can open our imaginations to the possibilities of the human mind and spirit. We may not [yet] posses the ‘powers’ of telekinesis or the ability to project sound waves through the air, but we all humans have our voices, and the ability to resist our lower nature and appeal to our higher angels. I think a lot of us take the lower more accessible road because it is one of convenience and comfort but it is in times like these that we should “check ourselves” and challenge one another to go to our limits, or until it hurts whichever comes first. The stories that were told in the above mentioned film are a few that struck me as I watched the drama unfold, and forced me to ask myself: When was the moment that I chose to take the road that I am on? And whose villain am I? If I am even a villain at all.
All this talk of Super heroes is beginning to stir up a bit a nostalgia in me. My last summer at a place I like to call my own personal patch of heaven, that I now only visit in dreams. There was this song that the kids used to sing under the tent (very corny indeed, but it never escapes you psyche no matter how hard you try). To see the kids prancing and jumping around shouting the lyrics send my heart soaring. It went something like this. I like to think I am a bit more mature than a child learning about the depths of their souls and taking their first steps into an eternal relationship with Jesus but the idea here is the same. So until I continue with this conversation to discuss some of my more terrestrial contemporary heroes I leave you with this:
Note: This an weekly suppliment to the Whyte Elephant that I put out just to keep the "juices" going.It it now primarily in its second week (and if you would like older editions I can accomodate). For now my primary audeience is friends and family but all are welcome, I have been recieving grat feedback from it lately. Writing it certianly helps me get my throught out, and it's a great source of reflection. If you are interested just send an email to withe the subject head BLOG ME so that I know who you are and what I can do for you.
