Sparks Ignites

Fall has arrived. The autumnal equinox marks when daylight hours grow shorter, and the tree’s foliage changes color as leaves are shed. There is often a comparison of nature’s four seasons to the aging process in life.   Spring bringing new life, budding growth, summer bringing the heat of passion, the fertile freshness of youth, the fall when things begin to wither, as age creeps in, and winter arrives as all things die and lie barren. I have always been a big fan of autumn and winter. I love the colorful leaves that glow in vibrant orange, red and gold. The thought of harvest time arriving, with pumpkins and apples let me know that Halloween will soon be here. That means that holiday season is on its way, with Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations to plan.   Just something about hayrides and apple cider make me smile. Although, I don’t want to go on a hayride, I can still be happy about them. Who wants to sit in pile of dirty straw? The thought o...

I have never been a fan of Country Music. I remember when it was referred to as Country Western, and the twang was a killer to my ears. That down home sound was a downer. My dad was a fan of the old show “Hee Haw”. I couldn’t be anywhere near the television, or in listening range when it was on. As soon as they started popping out of the cornfield, I’d be popping out of the room. No Buck Owens or Roy Clark for me. It has always just been a personal preference. Even at the age of seven, I knew I didn’t like the steel guitar, or any type of honky tonk sound.   The music, the outfits, the big hair on the female singers was definitely not anything that was going to win me over.   The only place I wanted to hear a banjo was at the “Country Bear Jamboree” at Disneyworld. I was always a Soul Man. Give me The Supremes, Stevie Wonder and Martha and Vandellas “Dancing in the Street.” I loved the funky dance sound, not the lament that someone ran over my wife with a p...

I can remember numerous times in my life when I have been described as a “ nice guy” . I guess that is not a bad thing to be, but it just seems so bland. “He is so nice.” What does that mean exactly? Does it refer to a person who helps others, is thoughtful and kind, or does it mean he doesn’t pick his nose and belch in public?     Nice is such a non-commitment word. It doesn’t really bring forth any distinct images. It comes off sounding like you are describing a person who is just sufficient. It is someone who fits acceptably into society. It is like being considered beige in a world of color.   “Nice” is a generic way to describe something. It is a politically correct word that indicates you're not displeased with something or someone, but you have no true impression, other than it left a pleasant or nonthreatening feeling. The phrase “nice guys finish last,” does not mean that you have to be mean or cutthroat to get ahead – it means that you are b...

I always knew that I didn’t want to have children. I guess I was intuitive enough to know that I was too selfish, and didn’t feel I had the knack for parenting. I have never been able to tolerate a crying baby or a screaming toddler. The noise is like a red alert saying, “Exit the building immediately.” I feel good knowing that I wasn’t cut out for parenthood, and that I realize it. I never wanted to share my toys, and I still get annoyed when there are actually children in Toys R Us .   I never felt that I had the patience, the tolerance, and much less the wisdom to be a good parent.   Also, I didn’t want the responsibility that comes with that role.   There are times when I hate to be responsible for myself, much less another individual. So I guess you can figure out that I have never had children. I’ve never thought of adopting or fostering or even Big Brothering.   I have had the pleasure of babysitting and that fulfilled any parenting I ever wanted to do. ...