create your own visited country map
create your personalized map of europe
create your own personalized map of the USA
Sunday, May 28, 2006
my domino theory
create your own visited country map
create your personalized map of europe
create your own personalized map of the USA
Thursday, May 11, 2006
*Blue
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.
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
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!!!
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!!!
Monday, May 01, 2006
"I" (pronounced like the letter 'e')
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')
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.
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.
Monday, April 24, 2006
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
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.
But I just have to learn to trust the driver.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Me and my shadow
Playing in Foz de Iguacu
or Iguacu Falls (amazing, btw) at the corner or Brazil, Argentina & Paraguay
Monday, January 30, 2006
Behind these hazel eyes
Forward again, a world that spins and cycles fast, dreams that never fade, and no time to breathe. Thoughts endless and wondering and traveling from everywhere across the world, never knowing what is happening - friends dying, loves disappeared, decisions right, pain and sadness drunk with joy and gladness. A world left to see - worlds left behind; full in life but throttle full forward to the wall approaching... no turning back - the screams are mine in delight and dismay; brown eyes open big and behind them lies truth that many fear. See? It is their screams and not mine. It is their fears, but it is my burden. Cast aside and shared, but the aches are not forgotten. Still it is the happiness I sing that my friends hear and know deep inside.
Friday, January 20, 2006
i love this stuff
you have got to read this:
http://independent-bangladesh.com/news/jan/14/14012006ed.htm#A6
http://independent-bangladesh.com/news/jan/14/14012006ed.htm#A6
Thursday, January 19, 2006
then again, did THAT happen too?
breaking apart into tears i cannot cry, tears that make me fly, joy that cannot bear, and a life that is but isn't fair. Love that burns and moves and shakes, love that breathes, and lives and quakes. truth that rings and hands that hold, grips let loose as life continues to unfold. prayer and blessing that make us move on, a hope in the true god, his spirit, his son. trembling now i must hold back, this dam shall not break, this rope shall not slack. strength not from within but above, strength that is more glorious and powerful than any because it is love. she made me see, she made me believe, she proved what you said; now i know, now i trust, now perhaps i have fully risen from the dead. these ashes that scattered are not mine i know, because the sweet fragrance is heavenly and fills me with glow. dreams that magnify to the journey i follow, a smile that will never frown now - it shall always show. thank you thank you thank you and know that you have been a gift. though none but me may understand, between us was never a rift. restored now into wholeness and life, I won't say what rhymes with this, but, you know, you know, don't you, goodbye and sweet dreams - good night!
Monday, January 09, 2006
ok, I can talk about this now
sadness may linger, but pain in humility that focuses into humble power becomes a greatness that can not be stripped away
Please see this amazing article by a father which I think is just really cool in the aftermath of a sad but true USC loss to Texas, who played an amazing game. And by that I mean Vince Young:
http://usc.scout.com/2/486987.html
Please see this amazing article by a father which I think is just really cool in the aftermath of a sad but true USC loss to Texas, who played an amazing game. And by that I mean Vince Young:
http://usc.scout.com/2/486987.html
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Sunday, January 01, 2006
the beautiful game
soccer news:
Who will win:
BRAZIL
5 Stars (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002) for 5 titles...
After Germany,
Where will they put the sixth star???
It's such a pretty jersey
La Liga (Spanish League)
BARCELONA
(one of my favorite cities in the world)
2 weeks here will likely change your life. The architecture, the food, the beaches, the mountains, the people...
It is such a beautiful city and I hope to return one day to visit
and... who won't win:
WORLD CUP 2006
(but I hope they do REALLY WELL! If they could win the group and avoid Brazil they have a shot to go far!) USA!!! USA!!! USA!!!
Serie A (Italian League)
A.S. ROMA
(one of my other favorite cities in the world)
Who will win:
BRAZIL
5 Stars (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002) for 5 titles...
After Germany,
Where will they put the sixth star???
It's such a pretty jersey
La Liga (Spanish League)
BARCELONA
(one of my favorite cities in the world)
2 weeks here will likely change your life. The architecture, the food, the beaches, the mountains, the people...
It is such a beautiful city and I hope to return one day to visit
and... who won't win:
WORLD CUP 2006
(but I hope they do REALLY WELL! If they could win the group and avoid Brazil they have a shot to go far!) USA!!! USA!!! USA!!!
Serie A (Italian League)
A.S. ROMA
(one of my other favorite cities in the world)
Quake, Sue & Nami
EARTHQUAKE & TSUNAMI INFO LINK TO THIS
Do you remember where you were on Dec. 26, 2004? Cause it was Christmas night in America...
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
"The choice between what is right, and what is easy."
Fire. Swords. Grief and sadness. Separated if only by an inch from madness.
Fear. Lies. Torments that once again rise. The difference between what I want and what my destiny is.
Right. Wrong. Knowing a challenge but choosing hidden shame.
None can see what was not done for another will stand in the place where wars had to be won.
A life worth living, a cause worth sacrificing and dying for - a love which must and always has been.
A choice. A vision. A dream. Costs counted and the prize now in sight.
Armor at ready. Strength and courage summoned from a spirit more holy and pure. Since the dawn of time, since freedom was born, since truth is.
"It's all going to change now, isn't it?"
Everything once known has now passed on to the next. The life once lived has faded into dreams where joys once commonly known have been replaced by far surpassing joys mingled with greater sufferings.
Former fires have shifted to new homes and worlds where new everythings are learned so that new heights might be scaled.
There is no time to look back in regret anymore. There is no chance to change what has been done. Advancing upon new treasures of clay and soul, new lights and lives, new wonders to explore and become.
Missing that which I love, but not missing out on that which is beloved. Purifying and forging new blades that cut deeper to free souls from the boundaries which imprison. It all has to change, and it must start right now.
"The Edge of Tears"
Seeing action, sacrifice, living, dying, here I sit and stare wondering if I shall beware or dare to care for something greater still. My hope in the greatest of all things but a tear springs and glistens in a shining sun beneath a cloudless sky that bids me farewell.
Pain and joy ringing in ears that sear with echoes of lives fading into the mist, drowning in waters that I cannot save them from. Heartbeats pulsing to the quick before finally halting beneath black waves.
Sudden is the sadness that knows no such grief yet cannot help but be broken and unable to cope right alongside with those so capable.
This dance is everlasting and I am never so alone. Though none may ever truly understand still I pray that some may want to, that some would envelope my suffering in their souls and imagine in their minds eye and so too weep with me for the loves lost and the friends buried and the enemies who but killed themselves upon their own sword and anger and lies.
Captive to such a prison these shackles do not hold me for the golden key possessed washes red clean over me into an abyss of life that sings under stars shining so bright even the blind could see if bothered to look. Still turning away my smile comes with a heavy price that carries me to far off lands and burdens requiring time to release.
These tears I cry are real, and dearly, though strong might I be, on the verge of salty oceans I always am.
Fire. Swords. Grief and sadness. Separated if only by an inch from madness.
Fear. Lies. Torments that once again rise. The difference between what I want and what my destiny is.
Right. Wrong. Knowing a challenge but choosing hidden shame.
None can see what was not done for another will stand in the place where wars had to be won.
A life worth living, a cause worth sacrificing and dying for - a love which must and always has been.
A choice. A vision. A dream. Costs counted and the prize now in sight.
Armor at ready. Strength and courage summoned from a spirit more holy and pure. Since the dawn of time, since freedom was born, since truth is.
"It's all going to change now, isn't it?"
Everything once known has now passed on to the next. The life once lived has faded into dreams where joys once commonly known have been replaced by far surpassing joys mingled with greater sufferings.
Former fires have shifted to new homes and worlds where new everythings are learned so that new heights might be scaled.
There is no time to look back in regret anymore. There is no chance to change what has been done. Advancing upon new treasures of clay and soul, new lights and lives, new wonders to explore and become.
Missing that which I love, but not missing out on that which is beloved. Purifying and forging new blades that cut deeper to free souls from the boundaries which imprison. It all has to change, and it must start right now.
"The Edge of Tears"
Seeing action, sacrifice, living, dying, here I sit and stare wondering if I shall beware or dare to care for something greater still. My hope in the greatest of all things but a tear springs and glistens in a shining sun beneath a cloudless sky that bids me farewell.
Pain and joy ringing in ears that sear with echoes of lives fading into the mist, drowning in waters that I cannot save them from. Heartbeats pulsing to the quick before finally halting beneath black waves.
Sudden is the sadness that knows no such grief yet cannot help but be broken and unable to cope right alongside with those so capable.
This dance is everlasting and I am never so alone. Though none may ever truly understand still I pray that some may want to, that some would envelope my suffering in their souls and imagine in their minds eye and so too weep with me for the loves lost and the friends buried and the enemies who but killed themselves upon their own sword and anger and lies.
Captive to such a prison these shackles do not hold me for the golden key possessed washes red clean over me into an abyss of life that sings under stars shining so bright even the blind could see if bothered to look. Still turning away my smile comes with a heavy price that carries me to far off lands and burdens requiring time to release.
These tears I cry are real, and dearly, though strong might I be, on the verge of salty oceans I always am.
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