PhotoFriday - “The Good Life”

I submitted the above to PhotoFriday’s theme of “The Good Life” for this week. The above is in Naples Florida while on vacation in July 2007. I am *ready* for beach weather to return.

The Woman At The Parking Lot

Today started with only three hours of sleep.  With it being Daylight Savings it was pitch black when I left my humble abode to go to the airport.  So, I got a Starbucks and headed on in.

::: big Orbitz gum grin ::: It’s like sunshine in a cup!  Fabulous! ::: bing :::

I dropped my car off and got on the shuttle.  The shuttle could seat about ten people and several more could stand hanging on to rails.  I had never seen more that three or four people on it at a time. But this morning I was the fourth and considered it busy for a Sunday.   Just when I thought we were headed to the airport, the shuttle driver got a call that another person was in the lot needing a ride.  We made a turn to the right, instead of a left (to leave), and went to pick them up.
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Luggage Anyone?… and briefly about Public Policy

There was another massive storm that swept the United States last week. By the time it hit mid-country it shut down almost all travel. This is at DC’s Reagan airport today. The luggage was stacked like this through most of baggage claim.

Last week my boss and friend, Alan Chambers, stated that Exodus hasn’t been focussed (recently)  and will not focus on promoting public policy at this point and time. This is not really anything new. We haven’t done any lobbying in almost a year.

But I digress.

So, I am going to DC for a number of reasons that have nothing to do with climbing Capitol Hill, brunching with the President or conspiring with Big Brother to ban the color “pea green” from the spectrum of light.

I don’t have to conspire with Big Brother because I am Big Brother. Now you know.

As a private citizen I am very interested in public policy and will continue to speak into issues as I see fit here on my personal blog (which has always been very clear between what is personal opinion and what Exodus has stated in the past.) That said it is nice to visit friends in DC to talk about Exodus and what our goals are for 2008.

Chasing the Sunset - Flying To San Jose

Today I flew from Orlando to San Jose through Atlanta. I parked my car at a place just down the street from OIA. The shuttle picked up another gentlemen after me who had a very nice car.   Not inordinately expensive but still quite nice. I have no idea what kind of car it was but I liked it’s style. As he scooted by on the shuttle I blurted out in my unabashed extrovert way, “groovy car.” He said, “Thanks, it’s the last one ever made, I flew to Minnesota to pick it up.”

I smiled and said, “wow” nodding my head. Something in me just didn’t quite believe the story. Plus my head was hurting and that makes me grumpy.

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PhotoFriday - “Infinity”

Submitted to PhotoFriday’s theme “Infinity”

This was taken on a sunrise flight from Colorado Springs last year

Birds Eye View

Things that cause ponderous marveling from the window seat of a plane….

Looking out and down on a chain of thunderstorms with frequent lightning, night or day they are marvelous.
Flying over a solid cloud bank, at night, with a full moon.
Also, flying over a city, at night. It looks like someone threw out myriads of jewels over black velvet.
Flying over a city and being able to take in the entire city and suburbs with one view.
Flying over the Rocky Mountains.
Flying over the hills of the mid-Atlantic when the leaves are turning in the Fall.

What are your favorite views from an airplane?

Something About Tennessee

Tonight I am in Memphis. A friend picked me up at the airport and we headed toward my hotel. We drove down Riverside Drive and the Mighty Mississippi was to our left. It is night time and the lights of the city were illuminating the vast expanse and reflecting off the deep mysteries flowing silently … darkly … by.

Dang, I just wrote that without even trying … where did all that come from?

So, we went to the hotel, I checked in. We met up with some more friends and then we went down to the famous Beale Street. It’s quite a sight to behold with all the neon and music. Men were calling us to come into the various clubs or restaurants. One homeless guy asked for money but I seriously didn’t have any change or cash. He was nice about it with a “God bless you.” In Orlando the homeless harass you if you don’t give them anything. Anyway, then we headed to Pat O’Briens and I had a hand in polishing off some fried pickles (don’t tell The Benevolent Trainer) and some crawfish etouffe.

That was some good eatin’.

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Only Met Him Once

A couple of years ago, let’s call my lunch partners Mel, Ben and Frank … and I sat down at a nice restaurant in DC. It was a detour from what Mel and I were in the District for but Mel knew Ben personally. Ben invited a friend, Frank, and neither Mel or I knew him. The meeting was about the issue of homosexuality and Christianity. Both Mel and I used to identify as gay, Ben was “on the fence” with the issue and Frank was gay identified.

I remember it was a crystal clear blue sky but it was on the warm side. We ate outside anyway. The conversation was awkward at first. Didn’t really get a footing till everyone figured out that no one particularly cared for pretenses. Then we just simply had a good honest conversation that lasted at least two hours. Mel and I aren’t about chasing people down with our viewpoints but offer them freely when asked or given the opportunity. Ben had requested the meeting and Frank came out of curiosity.

Frank didn’t have a lot to say but when he did speak it was notable. He was by no means a stoic man but his eyes were … if that is possible. He was contemplative and from our little amount of time together he was apparently compassionate. He asked good questions and said that he didn’t like “gay” life but he didn’t know of any other way that was any better. He didn’t know if anything could ever change for him. Of course we shared our experiences, when asked and as appropriate, and he received our words with an open mind and not prefab condemning talking points. He actually believed us from what I could tell but maintained a live and let live approach. At one time when the conversation turned a little heated between Mel and Ben, Frank actually was the one to attempt to broker peace. Frank himself never seemed to get riled up, challenging … yes, upset … no.

He was a good fellow.

I found out today that Frank died very recently. He died alone in his apartment and was found three days later. The cause is unknown at this time. When I first heard about this I was saddened. Not really knowing the man I went on about my day but his face keeps coming back and I wonder if He knew the Lord. We explained the power of Christ that day at lunch but he seemed distant from God. I hate the thought that he died alone.

Again, I only met him once, something in me mourns his passing. I hope to meet him again in heaven.

Fantastic!

I love it when people take their art to the masses.  These guys really know how to sing.  I also love the different reactions of the people on the train.

Thanks again Cheryl.

Flying Over The Fires

Fay flies into Southern California and takes a few pictures of the air outside.   The smoke from the fires has risen 25,000 feet.

Click My [Im]mortal Life » Blog Archive » in orange county  to see the amazing pictures.

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