CTwelve
Wandering Wolf
Dear Stray Dog…Follow Me
You’re free to follow me home. I won’t scream, kick, or chase you away. In fact, I’ll feed you and love you forever.
But you must know, stray dog, if you follow me home, I’m a stray too. Following me will bring you to an island of lost wanderers. We are misfits thrown from the norm, castaways from the ships of society. There is nowhere we truly belong except in the midst of others who have failed to find homes as well.
Stray dog, you didn’t deserve abandonment. Whoever threw you aside is the lowest of all human souls. You are far more than something to be taken for granted. You are to be loved, hugged, and cherished. You are the most wonderful creature and I do hope you choose to follow me.
Our trek is far, stray dog, for I often wander lightyears from my pack. They allow me to wander. I require it. They are allowed to wander as well. They are at peace. I am at peace. We are lost and we are proud. Would you like to be one of us? With us, you will always be home.
Don’t be afraid. You do not fear me, not entirely. Otherwise you wouldn’t still be listening. Trust your canine instincts. They are pure. You are pure. You deserve better than what you’ve been given by a lowlife human. I will show you that not all humans are scum. I will show you love and care. You will never go hungry. You will never be neglected.
Do you trust me, now, stray dog? Do you sense my good-natured spirit and soul craving your love in return? My pack is one within itself. Together we are lost and we roam the roads with patience and reverence. We experience joy, pain, anger, and love together. We are a team. You would fit in great with our pack.
You are still here, new friend, listening to my sincere words. Let’s go home now, stray dog. Follow me and I’ll give you a name.
Welcome to the pack.
Sincerely,
The Misfit Wolf Pack
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5 Ways Running a Marathon Teaches About Life
Back in 2012, I ran my first (and only, as of now) full marathon in Dallas, TX. For me, it wasn’t easy. I didn’t pay attention to my finishing time because I didn’t care. I just wanted to complete the run. I’m slow, but I made it. And I wore that shiny sweaty finisher’s medal with pride.
Looking back, the marathon taught me much about myself. It taught me five important life lessons as well. Here they are:
1 – Always prepare wisely.
Thankfully at the time of the marathon, I was in pretty good shape. I didn’t give myself enough time to train properly, so I had to skip some stepping stones on the progression chart.
When event day arrived, I was sort of prepared. I had ran twenty miles a couple weeks earlier, so I knew I could finish the famous 26.2. But improper preparation led to some serious pain and misery during the run.
Whatever your goal is – prepare the right way. Give yourself plenty of time to progress and learn. Because going from zero to one hundred in anything in life is not good for the mind and body.
2 – Music is a life saver.
Figuratively and literally.
I wouldn’t have finished that marathon without music. I doubt I would have made it halfway without songs to motivate my tired soles.
Not just in running, but with all aspects of life – music gets us through it all. There’s a song for every mood, every occasion, every feeling, every relationship – it’s perfect. Music keeps us from going absolutely insane. It distracts us from the mundane parts of life and excites the rhythm of our souls.
Music helped me finish that marathon. It also helped me finish college. recover from bad habits, and meet some great friends.
Music is Life.
3 – Keep moving forward.
Literally in a marathon, the only think you can do is keep moving forward. Maybe you have to stop and walk, get some water, use the bathroom, or stretch, but you’ll always return to that motto of moving on.
Take one more step. Run ten more yards. One more mile. Two more songs.
Whatever motivates you to keep going in life, hold onto that for as long as you can. All we can do in this mysterious universe is keep taking steps forward. Life goes on. The race goes on. Time goes on. So we have to go on.
When you’re in pain and all you want to do is give up – keep moving forward. Always.
4 – We’re all in this together.
Maybe the first one hundred people in the marathon cared about beating others. Most of us there either wanted to finish or beat our own personal times. We didn’t care if a thousand people finished before us. Comparison is useless when the goal is to meet a personal goal.
So if a person falls or fails, help her up. Let someone run ahead if has nothing to do with your own goal. Once you cross the finish, cheer for others that are coming afterward.
In life, we’re all in this together. We don’t have to compare and compete with anyone but ourselves. Congratulate others in their successes and encourage those who are struggling. We are one massive, giant team of people trying to live life and be happy.
5 – Our bodies are fascinating.
You will never know how strong and awesome the human body is until you push yourself to the limits.
How can we be so mean and judgmental of our bodies when they can do all these fascinating things?
I’m not saying you have to run a marathon to see how amazing your body is. It’s awesome right now because it’s going to adapt and adjust to your personal lifestyle. You want to run twenty miles? Your body will increase its cardiac output so you can go further. You want to eat processed food? Your liver will detoxify the chemicals. You want to live in a very hot place? Your body will increase its tolerance to heat.
The human body is amazing. It’s a biological masterpiece. Be grateful for it and be kind to it.
Marathons are madness, and people out there even do much more than run 26.2 miles. It’s a good goal, if you’re interested. It taught me how strong I can be – mentally and physically. And to recap what it taught me about life – prepare wisely, move forward, listen to music, we’re all in this together, and the human body is a wonder of science.
On geographical note, I was able to see A LOT of Dallas I had never seen before. Run twenty miles in any city and surely you’ll see a lot of details you normally miss in a car.
Thanks for reading. I hope your day is filled with joy and pleasant music.
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3 Reminders from Survive (Rise Against)
Rise Against is a punk rock band with lyrics that cut deep and challenge the ways of modern society. They get pretty political from time to time, but they also dish out songs that save those lost souls out there.
“Survive” is one of those soul saving songs. Here’s what it taught me: (I’m not affiliated with the band, I’m just a fan. Therefore, I won’t use the lyrics to this song in this post. The song can be found anywhere music is found, probably.)
1 – Everyone out there is going through hard times, too.
It’s alright to feel sad if life hits you hard, but it’s not okay to throw a pity party for yourself. It’s not okay to lash out and claim you’re the only person on the planet facing adversity.
Everyone in the human race has issues. Whether it’s family drama, financial stress, death, depression, addiction, sickness, etc. – we’ve all had our fair share of unfortunate situations.
It’s not a competition to see who has it worse. We’re all on the same team, here. We all go through tough times and we need to stand together to get through it.
2 – Wishing time away is a form of giving up.
We waste countless time on waiting for time to pass. It really makes little sense for us to do this. Time is precious and if we are only living through the week waiting for the weekend, we’ve given up on life.
We all have to find that spark and passion that makes us forget to eat and sleep. Find that pursuit that you’ll think about nonstop when you’re bored at work or sitting at home. Find what motivates you to get out of bed and work on personal projects.
Our society frowns upon this because we have the misconception that if an action doesn’t make money, it’s pointless. This isn’t true. Think about what gets you excited and start some side projects for fun.
Don’t wish time away, use the time wisely. What can you do today that will excite your unique soul?
3 – Hardships build us up as humans.
The famous quote, “Smooth seas don’t make good sailors,” is perfect for life. If we aren’t challenged emotionally, physically, spiritually – we’ll remain weak and inexperienced.
Life will suck…often. But each downfall is a lesson and a workout for our resilience. Each mistake and tragedy adds to our character and makes us…us.
I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my personal battles. And neither would you.
So yes, life sucks at times, but don’t see it as a chore. See it as a challenge. It’s a chance to prove how awesome and powerful you truly are.
If you’ve never heard the song “Survive” by Rise Against, I’d strongly suggest it. If you don’t like punk or rock music, just look up the lyrics. It’s a great song. We all go through tragedy, our battles build us up, and we have to stop wishing time away.
On an active note, this is also a great song for working out. Very motivating.
Thanks for reading this post. Go out and find your passion that stops you from wishing time away.
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Twelventures #5: ABC’s of Society
American avarice
Benevolent betrayal
Corrupted contagion
Deception derailed
Eruption explodes
Far from freedom
Gluttonous greed
Hellish heathens
Ignorance is idol
Judicial justice
Killing kryptonite
Loathing lay luscious
Makeshift Morbidity
No nonsense noises
Operation outside
Permeating poison
Quantum quicksilver
Radiation reeking
Silent sanctum soaring
Titanium teething
Uranium under
Vehicular vapor
Watching with Wonder
Dear Rescue Pet…Thank You
Years ago I walked into the shelter expecting to find a furry companion. That room full of animals was overwhelming and heartbreaking. I found myself wanting to grab every furry soul in the room.
Soon, I made eye contact with you. You were odd and alone, not following me around like the others. You sheepishly groomed yourself as I approached. I hesitantly reached out to test the waters, but you met my gesture with friendly enthusiasm.
Once I picked you up and held you in my arms I knew I had found a forever friend.
The paperwork felt endless but with you in my arms I didn’t care. We had already connected and I would have stayed all weekend signing my name if it meant I could keep you.
The ride home was a bonding experience I’ll never forget. I spoke to you and you continuously spoke back. I chose a name that fit your style and started saying it repeatedly. I kept my hand on you and you rubbed along my skin as we drove to my apartment.
That day of adoption was over two years ago. Isn’t that crazy? I feel like I’ve known you all my life.
When I’m sad, you comfort me. When I’m happy, you show me love. When I’m lonely, you cuddle up next to me. When I’m lost, you walk the mysterious path alongside me.
That day at the shelter I didn’t gain a friend – I found a tiny piece of my soul. I didn’t adopt a companion – I discovered treasure beyond belief. I didn’t rescue an animal – an animal rescued me.
Yes, Rescue Pet, you heard me correctly. I didn’t rescue you, you rescued me. You saved me. You are one of the most precious gifts life has given.
Thank you for entering my life, little one. I promise to always love and cherish you. You will always have a home and we will always be together.
Sincerely,
A Rescued Human
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Invasion Tips from The War of the Worlds (H.G. Wells)
H.G. Wells released his novel, The War of the Worlds in 1897. This is a science fiction book exploring what might happen if Martians invaded the earth.
Over a hundred years after the publication of this novel, it still has the power to make readers wonder about life beyond our atmosphere. Would outsiders be friendly or deadly like the Martians in this version?
We may never know the answers, but for now we can enjoy the writings of creative minds that explore the topic of extraterrestrials.
Though the tale is far fetched, here are three life lessons from The War of the Worlds:
1 – Don’t underestimate the outsider.
If an alien species came to our planet, the first mistake we could make would be to underestimate them. Humans have an issue with understanding that we are not perfect and we are not at the top of the food chain. There’s nothing more threatening to the ego of man than an alien race dropping from the sky with superior technology and intelligence.
Never assume that the outsider is weaker or less developed. Never underestimate those you don’t know.
2 – Our rules of life and science might not equal outsider rules. (Law and Physics)
The narrator quickly assumes that our powerful gravity on Earth will be unbearable to those used to the lesser gravity of Mars. He also considers other things about the Martians in terms of human laws of physics and ethics.
Races that come from different places, especially different planets, likely won’t have the same rules of nature that we do. We can’t assume that others will think murder is wrong, we can’t assume that all lifeforms in the universe need oxygen to breath.
Everything we think we know about the universe would instantly go up in flames if a Martian landed on Earth. No assumptions, no rules.
3 – When it’s all said and done, go back home.
The narrator’s fear and anxiety comes to a close at the end of the book when the Martians meet their demise. The first thing he does is go back home. Luckily, his wife is there, too, happy to see her husband survived the invasion.
Occasionally life sucks and it’s madness. We move so fast from one task to the next with a little sleep and food in between. On the go – always.
Every now and then it’s productive and wise to take a breather. Go home. Go sit and stare at the wall and relax. Slow down. Visit the place where you feel you most belong and give yourself time to enjoy it.
Take a moment to feel gratitude that your loved ones haven’t been vaporized by Martians.
Hopefully if we ever make contact with life from other planets it will be a peaceful interaction, unlike the catastrophe in The War of the Worlds. We can hope for the best, but we should be cautious, not underestimate the others, and know their rules will differ from ours here on Earth.
On a survivalist note, if you’re trapped with a person who talks too much, it might be a good idea to ditch said person. Otherwise the guy who talks too much is going to get both of you killed.
Thanks for reading this post. Be grateful that we’ve not been invaded by malignant Martians…yet.
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3 Insights from Never Cry Wolf that will Make You Think
Farley Mowat wrote Never Cry Wolf in the mid 20th century about his experience studying a small wolf pack. He was able to learn much about this misunderstood species in a time when wolves were greatly feared and seen as devils.
This book opened up the idea that wolves were just trying to survive like everyone else in the harsh environment of the tundra/taiga. Mowat watches from a short distance and learns to love the creatures that others demonized at the time.
From this insightful book I learned much about wolves, but also three big lessons about life:
1 – Don’t let common stereotypes and fables cloud rational judgement.
Mowat is told horror stories about wolves before flying into their territory. He still pursues his mission to study these animals better and goes into his exploration with an open, scientific mind.
There are stereotypes about every race, every religion, every country, etc. Stereotypes are impossible to avoid, but that doesn’t mean we have to let them keep us from getting to know people. Put all stereotypes you’ve heard in the back of your mind and meet everyone with fresh eyes.
2 – Historically and currently, we fear what we don’t understand.
Humans have a tendency to assume anything unknown is naturally demonic and dangerous. It’s like being afraid of the dark – the dark isn’t scary, we feel fear because we don’t know what could be hiding it the dark.
With animals or different types of people, we might feel fear because we don’t know who they are.
Fear is natural, but we do have complete control over our actions. The people in this book feared wolves so they began killing them. Mowat, however, gets to know the unknown and learns just how humane these creatures are.
Even if you fear something or someone, get to know more about him/her or the situation. The more you learn, the less you fear. And the less we fear, the less we hate.
This brings me to my final lesson:
3 – The more time we spend with others, the more human they become.
Once we get to know people, or animals, the more we learn and see their own unique personalities and characteristics. We stop seeing them as an object and start to see them as individual souls, wanting love just like we do.
Spend time listening, observing, and conversing with the unknown. You’ll begin to see the beautiful soul living inside every biological shell.
In a world divided, the human race needs these life lessons more than ever. We’re more open nowadays, thankfully, but bias and hate still roam the earth. Never Cry Wolf teaches to push aside stereotypes and to seek understanding of the unknown out in the world.
On a cultural note, one story in the book taught me not to chase a wolf hunt while butt naked. The local eskimos might not appreciate this tactic.
Thanks for reading. I hope you have a great day free of hate and stereotyping. Go learn about something you currently fear. You just might end up loving it.
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Twelventures #4 – Back Road Bike Rides
TANTRUM:
We circle a massive hot sun
A bright ball of gas and fire
A star of light and energy
Aren’t we so very lucky?
They circle an invisible mass
A giant hole of endless black
A monstrous scar on the map
With copious Hidden power
We get warmth while they freeze
The light showers our soil and trees
While they are engrossed in disease
We are lucky, indeed
So Why are they happier than we?
What do they have that we can’t see?
They live in pain and misery
Yet we complain constantly
FREE:
None of this stuff is me
Why am I still not free?
Didn’t I do my best?
But I’m still not free
I gave kindness out like weeds
But I’m still not free
I survived disease
Yet I’m still not free
Mistakes when I was 17
A friend who left bitterly
Thought I’d be good by 23
But at 26, I’m still not free
A person I could never be
A life I could never lead
I’m sorry to the ones I’ll leave
I just can’t be free
On the go continually
Warmth is a masterpiece
No problems, no worry, no greed
So why am I not free?
I don’t live, just daydream
Of freedom like the seas
Like a bird flies with wings
I’m fighting to be free
FAILURE:
Maybe in another life
I’ll do all the things
I can’t do now
Like play guitar
And sing on stage
Be the one
That they all crave
Sell some drugs
Have more fun
Eat what I want
Be an astronaut
All the things they thought
I’d do because I’m smart
High hopes
Never go far
Sorry mom
I’ll make it right
You and your plight
I won’t be a millionaire
But I’ll survive
I’ll live and write
I’ll try and try
I’m still a smart kid
Mom, I’ll make it right
You won’t live on the lake
But you’ll be alright
You’ll be cared for
I’ll live right
I won’t steal
I won’t fight
I won’t get high
Or drink whiskey all night
I won’t have five kids
Then dump them on you
I’m a little crazy
But so are you
Nothing wrong with that
At least we are true
I’m kind and wise
And I do my best
I always do my best
But I follow my chest
That heart of mine
It’s mad and wild
It leads me astray
From time to time
In the end
It always brings me home
Let me go
Let me be
I’m no saint
But I’m free
I’m not rich
I can’t buy you much
Maybe in the next life
I won’t stick to my gut
Because this heart you see
Must always be free
Even reincarnation
Won’t cure my disease
I’ll do my best
I’ll take care of you
But I’ll never be the one
On the evening news
No Nobel prize
No saving lives
I’m a drifter
And I write my truth
My smarts aren’t wasted
Just because I’m broke
This life is too short
And I’m a free soul
Silence before
Silence follows
End of the day
End of a weekend
Madness and mess
Now all that’s left
Is silence
The forecast is gloom
Storms and clouds
Boisterous thunder
And once it ends
Silence again
Silence before
Silence follows
Before there was earth
Before there was life
Before there was light
There was only silence
And when we all die
Perish in fire fights
As the sun burns out bright
Silence will stay behind
Silence before
Silence follows
Sleep comes in quiet
The wake is not in peace
Nightmares of violence
Followed by silence
Called Alpha and omega
A disease and a cure
There’s nothing else to learn
All is silent
Silence before
Silence follows
The history will repeat
Our absence is hollow
There’s no void to be filled
The silence is all
We lived and hated
We’re alive and jaded
When we’ve all but faded
Silence will fall
Silence before
Silence follows
Dear Skin…My Bad
First and foremost I must apologize for the sunburn you’re suffering from. You see, Skin, sometimes in Winter and Spring I just miss that glowing ball of fire so very much.
It felt so good to feel that heat hit you, Skin. It was exhilarating and I couldn’t bring myself to hide from the energizing rays. I wanted you to soak in that ultraviolet light and reap all the vitamins and psychological benefits.
Skin, it was all with good intention, I promise. I never meant to turn you into dry, red, flaky flesh. The pain and burning sensations with every touch are agonizing. …But I must admit…it was worth it. Am I insane, Skin?
I have an addiction…to the rays of the Sun. To the heat and warmth, it sends serenity to my soul that I crave from October through March. Oh that first taste is so satisfying, Skin. Easily I forget that you grow fair in fall and winter.
Just describing the solar power makes me crave those radiant needles.
Skin, forgive me. I mean you no harm, but when Sun returns, we will spend every waking minute submerged in sunlight.
Skin, soon you will adjust and we will be free to soak in the rays freely, until September.
Let’s go get acclimated,
Sincerely,
A Sun Seeker ☀️
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4 Motivations from Nikola Tesla’s Night of Terror
For episode 4 of Doctor Who Season 12, we venture to the past and meet Nikola Tesla. Tesla, at the time of this visit, is a struggling inventor. People who live near him ostracize his experiments and protest for him to stop his work. But he has bigger problems – an alien race haunts the earth and attempts to kidnap Tesla.
The Doctor and her crew come in and work with the historical engineer in order to stop the aliens from stealing equipment…and people.
In “Nikola Tesla’s Night of Terror” I found four life lessons:
1 – Nature is a true wonder housing numerous mysteries.
The episode begins with Tesla standing on the edge of a waterfall discussing his latest invention. He talks about nature and discovery and I see this as a wonder of the world that we often forget.
We know a lot about nature. But for every fact we know, there’s probably a thousand more we haven’t yet unearthed. Nature isn’t to be taken for granted or seen as primal. It’s a wondrous world of mystery that science will probably never be able to fully explain.
2 – Stay true to yourself and what inspires you to get out of bed every morning.
Tesla experimented because he loved it. He was curious and sought out to build the things he envisioned in his mind. He didn’t want money or fame, he just wanted to invent technology that could change the world.
So when an angry mob of protesters sits outside his front door urging him to stop his work, Tesla ignores them. He sticks to his guns and continues his inventions without support of his peers or of any investors.
The character says to the aliens who do appreciate his work, “If I achieve anything it will be in the name of progress. And you are not my idea of progress.” Tesla keeps his dignity and pride in spite of potential fame and gratitude put forth by the alien race.
At the end of the episode, Tesla says regarding his peers, “Let them talk. The present is theirs. I work for the future and the future is mine.”
Let others think and say what they will, you just do whatever brings joy to your soul.
3 – Prove them wrong.
Tesla’s name is all over the field of technology, even in 2020. I hope somewhere in the spirit world he’s looking down smiling, thinking, “I told them I’d change the world.”
Let Tesla be an inspiration to anyone looking to make a difference and chase dreams with passion. Few people had faith in him and supported his work, but he persisted and make breakthrough discoveries in electricity.
Don’t let others bring you down. Think about the day you’ll prove all the naysayers wrong.
4 – Use your strength and skills for creation and goodness.
The Doctor has an intriguing quote, spoken to the invading alien race:
“All this killing and looting, did it never occur to you to try thinking or building something instead?” The Doctor
It’s sad that hundreds of intelligent humans use their brainpower to steal and manipulate others when they could be doing so much good to advance the human race. Many of them destroy their lives when they could have been creating better living conditions for themselves and those around them.
We all have our talents. Let’s help each other out, lend a hand, use our strengths, and make this world more efficient.
The actor who played Nikola Tesla did a marvelous job and the writers of this episode threw in unforgettable memorable quotes. To recap, the four life lessons from “Nikola Tesla’s Night of Terror” are: Explore nature, stay true to yourself, prove others wrong, and use your skills for good.
On a historical note, I’m now going to go research if Thomas Edison was truly the jerk as portrayed in the episode. He comes around in the end (sort of), but for the most part he’s a gluttonous thief of ideas.
Thanks for reading this post. I hope you have a great day free of alien invasions.
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