radiant Phuket sunsets (again)

i've returned from here almost 2 months ago???
sigh...

Plagiarists

disgusting and ineffective profiting from the hard work of others; learning nothing; learning that taking is better than giving to the world something new and something beautiful. Lies, betrayal... foolisheness. And yet original thought diminishes as the past is forgotten anyway and acceptance grows and tools magnify. Perhaps this too is just a carbon copy, stolen from someone more intelligent than I - a more marvelous poet that spoke in truth and understanding and wisdom that the thieves cannot possess or are far too lazy to. Darkened and dull minds shall destroy nations and prove their unworth before the world. And such is a lesson that tears and cries and shouts may be too late to redeem.

Semeru

Climbing to peaks unknown with weary legs… weary mind…
companions pushing forth, seeking higher heights and greater
glories – inside my heart just seeks solace in the arms of the creator of
all spread out before me. Breathing and pressing, tuning everything
out just to focus for one step more, the aches and pains reminding that
death is not yet to come – unwelcome and unwanted for a time, two
times, half a time yet.

Rest found in frozen valleys beneath coughing volcano,
huddled next to the tiniest of fires that cook a semi-processed
artificial meat that tastes so good, crushing almonds to add to the flavor.
Cramped in a junior tent, three big guys find sleep at early hours
for the sun is lost and there is little left but recuperation needed
– at least for one. Rising early – ten hours later – the chill
remains but hands are no longer numb, and neither is the heart and mind that
has thawed and has begun to prepare itself for the long road ahead.
Truly, the means justify the ends, and freedom is found not in the ash
at our feet, but the road left in our dust.

who's afraid of elephants?

apparently I am.

a little bit.

sometimes.

come on, they're a little bit scary.

and cute.

DISTANT

Does one hear the betrayals sounds at the coming of
pattered feet? Speak softly and beware curious words that tell not what
burns desires but crushes the bones. Echoes resound softly in pale
moonlit skies, determined to rationalize histories that are not to be
repeated, but the downward spirals so ensure – to what end? Creation
dawned and so must set – does not all life give birth unto death itself?
No beginning does not have an end – so this heart surely recalls,
remembers, and resounds in the hollow chambers of sweet sadness where tears
are never dried, where laughter is never heard, and smiles are distant
memories in distant places in distant lives.

Things that make me have red fingers

mangosteen (not) on a log
Originally uploaded by kjshoemaker.

Mangosteen: sweet white fruit. inky red sticky protective shell that stains (badly!!!) :-)

So, if you want all my other photos on flickr, better click on this fruity picture and go register or something... sorry. Otherwise there are a lot here, and more to come! :-)

Things that make me laugh

pooh {+10}


Pirates of the Caribbean Statues (Davey Jones version):

School field trips:

VITAPORN!!!! (the restaurant, of course...)

HORRIBLE, UNBELIEVABLE, SHOCKING t-shirts (you should have heard my dumbfounded commentary on this shirt; my friend is very sad she didn't video it instead of taking this photo...)

French foreheads in Italian chests

not making fun of idols or anything...

Where? What? Huh???

3.5 weeks. No "Hello Mr."'s. Checked off the list. :-)

Penang
[coming soon]
Bangkok

Phuket

Kuala Lumpur

Bali

Malang

Bad medicine?

Expired drugs story?
To be fair, if the doctors here knew how to use them all, AND they didn't sit around for long periods of time, AND if was noted that correct meds were prescribed hand over fist to very injured and sick people post-tsunami it might be an objective article.

IndoLaken

Ever been to InterLaken (spell) in Switzerland?
800 meters up, pretty lake (just one, sorry), and a nice chill is a sublime change of pace from 100 degrees and humidity percentage

Champions of the World

ITALIA!
ITALIA!
ITALIA!

4:30 AM

Early in the morning here, I witnessed an astounding display of passion and excitement for a country 1/3 of the world away. When Italy scored a goal after 119 minutes of tension, drama, and potential make or break moments, every single one of us (at least) 1000 people - who had watched on a huge (30’x40’) screen - jumped up and screamed with excitement and joy because it was just one of those moments where you do exactly that.

4th of July beach BBQ

Steak, burgers, deviled eggs, potato salad, and watermelon... Mmmmmmmmm...
All with an excellent view!

quarters

Argentina vs. Germany
Italy vs. Ukraine
-----------------
Brazil vs. France
England vs. Portugal

I don't think anyone thought Ukraine would be further
along than Spain
at this point. I know I didn't. Let's see how
unbiased the refs are
when Argentina takes on the home team. But all I'm
hoping for at this
point is better football. (and for Brazil to beat
Italy in the final)

I'm 1/2 Italian (Azzurri)

that's why. But if Italy and Brazil keep playing with all cylinders misfiring like they have I don't think I'll be smiling for long...

I love my mother

and am now officially only rooting for another Italy-Brazil final (same as 1994)

the possibilities

Group order:
1. 4 points, Italy +2 Goal differential
2. 3 points, Czech Republic +1
3. 3 points, Ghana +0
4. 1 point, USA -3

IF Italy beats the Czech Republic, and the USA beats Ghana, the USA advances
IF the Czech Republic draws Italy, and USA beats Ghana 5-0, the USA advances.
IF the Czech Republic beats Italy 3-0, and USA beats Ghana 3-0, the USA advances.
Actually, that's it, the USA MUST win, and so must Italy. Any other option requires... Dr. Plum in the Library with the Candlestick?

DEMAND

Water and sand,
warmth hand in hand,
life and time beyond demand,
firm sturdy rock to stand.
Laughter echoing empty mosque walls,
tears hiding inside hollow false balls,
long and broken shadowy halls,
private sins which lead to great falls.
Trees and sun,
not three but one,
together victory won,
burdens light though a ton.
Rocks and ice,
fried noodles and fried rice,
unending maze of ropes requiring mice,
a drug that is simply dubbed a spice.
Sadness and pain,
unwashed by acid rain,
corruption an unblemished stain,
can't wait to leave again.
Words and not lies,
truth and not size,
longing for deep eyes,
all trapped inside the world dies.
Freedom a step away,
knowledge on public display,
but fear requires many to stay.
Too bad, goodbye I say.
Water and sand,
holding the hand,
my life your demand,
together we shall stand.

KNOCKING

Prayers long cried,
everyday I tried,
searching - never lied.
Why? Why denied?

Moments captured in light,
darkness every night,
so often wrong, but somehow right,
once blind, now possessing sight.

A solid bet,
desires unmet,
not in store to get,
not dead yet.

Worlds I don't belong,
can't sing the song,
the choice not wrong,
trust still somehow strong.

Return unto me,
the hope that set me free,
the fire that helps me see,
the memory of nails, blood and a tree.

I see you.
You are true.
The door I enter through.
Before time you knew.

latest wc thoughts

Germany and Ecuador are through (goodbye Poland and Costa Rica)
Holland and Argentina (sayonara Serbia&Montenegro y Cote d'Ivoire)
    *funny, but here in Indo Ivory Coast is literally called Beach Tusk...
The U.S. MUST beat Italy.  Yeah, right.  And 'we' need Ghana to beat the Czechs.  I'm hearing empty hallways and crickets chirping.
England got through - if Rooney doesn't break his foot and they don't waste another 478 opportunities passing to Crouch (resulting in 1 (one) goal) then they could be a dangerous team.  Oh, except Lampard missed all 7 of his shots by a wide margin too.  Hope he's using a little extra practice time on that this week.

Oh, I'm trying to be nice, but the U.S. looked lost.  If they get it together against Italy, and Ghana wins, then each team has 3 points and then every team who wins their last match controls their destiny.  But, as I thought at the outset, if the Czechs are on (which they are) then they and Italy take the group. 

Brazil tomorrow - they need to shine.  Right now Argentina, Spain, Czech and Brazil are my semi's, with Italy, England, Germany (home team advantage) and Holland my quarters.  Of course, depending on match-ups after the 3rd game I'll break it down how it should/could/won't actually turn out.

in case you were wondering...

2006 06 15 006
Originally uploaded by kjshoemaker.

... why I picked yellow, green and blue for my blog colors... (Brasilia)

and not so world cup news

On the pitch
Originally uploaded by kjshoemaker.

what happens when foreigners from around the world get together on one team? International relations, that's what.

Playing with the big guns

Playing with the big guns
Originally uploaded by kjshoemaker.

er... i mean... don't play with guns, kids!

the world cup so far

Germany scored a lot, and had two defensive lapses that the opponent pounced on. Not a good sign, necessarily.
England, Sweden, Portugal... all playing uninspired so far.
Argentina looked good against a tough looking Ivory Coast team. Holland better be ready for them.
Australia got 3 goals in the last 7 minutes against Japan. Unbelievable. If they get it going early this team has a lot of heart and a lot of defensive prowess.
Guus Hiddink can coach. Watch out for Russia for the next 4 years.
The U.S. was no match for the Czechs. As feared they played healthy and dominated the skill side of the ball. The U.S. is athletic, good at possession, but lacks the one or two top notch stars that a team needs and opponents fear. Italy, Brazil, England, Spain, Czech, Germany, Portugal, Argentina and Holland all have them. Without you can go pretty far, but never reach the top of the mountain. Rare air.

Brazil looked beatable, but they also looked bored. Italy was solid. Korea has a spark of electricity in their play. I'm only watching Spain vs. Ukraine tonight. Apparently my dad's father was from the Kiev area, so you know who I'm rooting for in that one (and thankfully it's the early game)... and... wow. Spain is to Ukraine as the Czech Republic is to America. I can only hope that second place in each group is available... wow. 4-0 Spain.

1.5 months

since I last wrote a poem...

COMPLICATED
Flowers so delicate, there are none to call your own.
Floating in the world, unimagined colors unrestrained to shower the world in radiated beauty to enliven and entertain - to draw hopes and dreams nearer, forcing the unfathomable deeper into hidden darkness.
Cusping on a wisp of smoke, the echoes shudder in the frozen air, crackling and shining, mirrored reflections dancing in unimagined eyes still crystal blue from the life trapped beneath ice, drowning in deadly waters so pure and so true, numbing everything beyond the point of pain.
Sounds of laughter distant memories that resound as loud as the beating heart that begins to slow - for the end always comes. Dark clouds shape, but it is the thunder and lightning that release the storms that wash away the errors, but leave also the remembered aches and pains not so easily dulled - for fear is not brushed away like a butterfly and its magical ceaseless flapping. No, nothing is ever quite as believed, all is more that what is easily seen.

my domino theory

create your own visited country map




create your personalized map of europe




create your own personalized map of the USA

*Blue

Blue
Originally uploaded by kjshoemaker.

My moto has a first name, its B-L-U-E-!

Ah, reminiscence for those in the know.

*Meet my trusty motorcycle. She has 100cc and great gas mileage. No, with 100kg to lug around she cannot go very fast. Just like me.

North shore sunset hour

2006 05 04 062
Originally uploaded by kjshoemaker.

I've got a couple pretty shots up on flickr.com
my login is kjshoemaker, as if you couldn't guess so as to find the rest of my pics. I'll try to find a link. But, hey, you all are pretty smart. But i've got pretty beaches AND warm ocean water...


***EDIT: apparently if you click on the photo it will take you right to the rest of my pictures at flickr.com. YEAH!!!

"I" (pronounced like the letter 'e')

DSC00130
Originally uploaded by kjshoemaker.

Your friendly reporter, live (ok, 2 months ago) from vacation in Brazil (on the border, but still technically Brazil here) at the world famous Iguacu Falls.
Interestingly, the word is really just Iguacu. Why, because "I" (pronounced like the letter 'e') means water.
Why is this interesting? Because the word for water in the spot in Indonesia I work in is, yup - you guessed it, "I" (pronounced like the letter 'e')

Patience and expectations

Motorcycles whiz by, each expecting the other to slow down.
Driving carefully, big and white, surely looking like a clown.
All expect the other to stop and wait, confident they don't want to die,
but none realize that the other thinks it too, so really they believe a lie.
Waiting for things that are better than good,
waiting for things sometimes misunderstood,
waiting for the time when I am who I am,
waiting patiently, eating grass, stupid little lamb.
I cannot wait but must,
counter-intuitively I trust,
knowing mistakes made do not end,
knowing some messages I am not ready to send,
knowing it is only my will that must not break but bend,
knowing that I'll live longer and wiser if I wait and follow rules I too recommend.

rainbows

DSC00248
Originally uploaded by kjshoemaker.

are quite beautiful, don't you think?

on the boat

DSC00235
Originally uploaded by kjshoemaker.

Easter poetry

Dinner with friends
Drink and eat, for you must soon understand
that the order from my father is one final demand.
Soon we shall part, and then with a start
you'll cry, and mourn, but you must take heart.
Washing you now – know you are clean –
for a savior you know – it’s him you have seen.
Do as the teacher shows, no servant is greater,
so do not disobey now or sooner or even later.
This body will break – for you it must.
This blood a covenant bond you shall trust.
Go – ignoring the hate – it is the same;
I know it well, such is the price of this fame.
I am the way; I’m the truth and the life,
and though you may not get it now, you are my wife.

Gardens at night
Tears flowing like blood,
sorrow sinking like mud,
purpose sure,
loving life pure.
Giving all for life,
fearful of such strife,
not quite ready for the knife,
agape for chosen wife.
Another could do this, not true?
Why not another, why me and you?
Do not abandon, won’t survive if you do.
Almost ready to be unleashed to the zoo.
All this must happen, musn’t it?
My friends won’t survive the bottomless pit.
Remind them to not turn back or wait and sit;
make their hearts pure, minds sound, and spirits fit.
So much awaits, but the end so daunts;
what nightmares I’ve had, a vision that haunts.
Soon ears will hear reckless and vicious taunts;
but no reply will they receive – though it is one of their wants.
Rising, lights awaken me to the end,
they come to take me, men for whom I did not send.
This evil, from a brother who I knew upon not to depend,
for such is the vision I know of lambs I would tend.
Chains and beatings begin,
the kiss to seal the sin,
a battle they cannot win.
Ready as I’ll ever be, I am in.

Friday, before dawn
Cursed and condemned by those who think they know,
betrayed by a brother, now the rest don’t even show –
another denying three times before turning to go,
a world drowned in madness, ruled by an evil shadow.
But all are cast by a reflection inside.
All listen not to the father, bit opinions far and wide.
But no force can turn back the coming tide,
and it is for this that innocence will have died.
The keys lie far below, eyes see now true.
The pain must be suffered, and done so for you.
The burden is mine and has always been;
this is the cost of life, the wage for sin.
Do not forget to reopen the door.
In three days you’ll see what was in store.
Comprehension will arrive that night,
And then you can choose to follow what is wrong or what is right.

Morning sickness (Friday after dawn)
Thirty-nine cattails.
Bleeding crown of thorns.
Fist upon fist to face, side and below.
Kicks to the groin, the nightmare still to go.
Lies and screams.
Spit and beams.
Torn wounds from skin dried and peeled.
Ground into sand and dust and mud and steel.
Strength destroyed.
Lungs no longer buoyed.
Commanded to walk,
but unable to talk.
Endless despair,
sweat profuse from mangled hair.
God, I want to die,
But first I must be raised on high.

Carrying the cross
Endless weight, the race to be run.
All has been stripped away; I am finished – I am done.
Fallen – again, orders to a man to help me, to finish.
Thirst and hunger nothing compared to pain mothers do not wish;
everything fails – the hill too steep.
Suddenly upon it I long to weep.
Laid down to rest, a pull to the side, AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!
AHHHHHHHHHHH! NO, PLEASE, STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Raised up for all to see. Naked. Can’t breathe. Father forgive them.
The know not what they do. Into your hands I submit my spirit.
It is finished.

Saturday
Just another day in the pits of hell.
Man it’s hot, and – oh! – the smell!
If I had ice, I’d surely sell,
but I’m out of here tomorrow; just as well.

Risen
Doors opened. Nothing remains. Not robbed, just… gone.
Vanished as promised, but forgetful followers weep needlessly.
Memories run short, fears rise, promises seem to disappear.
Old lives renewed, old habits not quite dead,
hearts that fail, three years of sweat and tears like smoke.
Taking flight the journeys lead them right back to him.
He is the one – the only one – the coming king,
the beginning and the end;
he who must be named to the gatekeeper for admittance.
He is the sacrificial lamb, whose pure blood lines were pure,
whose true heart was true,
whose loving spirit was love,
and whose life was for all but his own.
Risen as he promised he must be.
Risen as the prophets foretold.
Risen as God may not remain in any box.
He is risen.
Seek ye first his kingdom.
Honor and prostrate yourself before him and no other.
His judgment is fair and true and full of grace.
And he shall judge.
His blood was required.
And so it was paid.
The sacrifice.
In debt to him.
Gladly done, through unbearable pain.
He never lied.
He is risen indeed.

riding on the back of a motorcycle

Have you ever ridden on the back of a motorcycle and shut your eyes? The feeling is so eerie - I was at the complete mercy of the driver's will. The wind and the sounds... I FELT the cars and other motorcycles around me. It is a silent helplessness that I can't quite describe, only somehow I think I feel it all the time when I travel. It's like I'm being led around sometimes into really cool adventures, but... it's still scary, you know?
But I just have to learn to trust the driver.

Me and my shadow

Playing in Foz de Iguacu

or Iguacu Falls (amazing, btw) at the corner or Brazil, Argentina & Paraguay