A Wee Scottish Toast

| July 6, 2013

On Day 7 of last year’s Dark Sentiments, I published an article titled Grief that attracted a lot of spirited, heartfelt, and much appreciated commentary. I invite you today to read or reread that in support of our Friend Peter Thompson who is observing a bittersweet anniversary today – that of the death of his […]

The Thorn Defends the Rose

| July 2, 2013

Amid my growing assemblage of favourite quotations is this gem penned by an unknown source, and that found me decades ago: The thorn defends the rose, yet it is peaceful and does not seek conflict. Whoever can take the credit, be they alive or dead as I write this, they can rest assured that as […]

The Deep Unknown

| May 26, 2013

Near the end of August back in 2010, I published a piece here titled Being in the Wild: The Original Control/Alt/Delete. While I make no pretense that my meagre efforts are on a par with those of the worthy Albert Bigelow Paine (10 July 1861 – 9 April 1937); friend, companion, and biographer of none […]

The Uninvited

| May 23, 2013

This poem is based on my recent recommendation to some people who experienced just such a visit from the type who seem to have forgotten that the ceremonial disposal of missionaries was once a time honoured custom in some parts. The Uninvited By LFM Two people came to visit me Last Saturday at one. They […]

The Zealot

| May 20, 2013

Too often, religious zealotry is the problem, exclusive of brand. As it turned out, the woman who inspired this poem happened to be a devout Catholic, but she could just as easily have worn any number of “official” mantles. Sad to say, this is based on personal experience. The Zealot By LFM Loretta was a […]

LFM on Teaching the Child to Swear Well

| May 17, 2013

Profanity is not a true language, in and of itself. Rather, like a seasoning, it must be infused into language to enhance the message. Wielded well, and with proper timing, it approaches the potency of punctuation in clarifying intention and exorcising ambiguity. I believe most current Parenting doctrine wrongly eschews the Communicative Art inherent in […]

The Trying, the Failing, and the Doing

| May 11, 2013

Few things are more weakening to a culture than raising its children to believe that “trying your best” and failing can ever mark the end of accomplishment. Teaching that failure is a black mark on your soul. That it’s always best to play safe in all things. Bullshit. If you’re worth knowing, you’ve fallen off […]

Advice to a Young Lad

| May 3, 2013

Advice to a Young Lad By LFM If ye canno’ mak’ a woman laugh, M’ lad, ye dinna ken th’ haf! Jus’ bring her mirth each dawn of da’ And ‘fore th’ noon, yer kilt’s awa’! By light o’ dee an’ dirk o’ nicht, Th’ ladies like their humour licht, An’ all forgettin’, keep this […]

Worldly Wisdom Wednesday – Waste Not Your Labours

| May 1, 2013

Training – Perfection – Practice – Training – Perfection …. By LFM “Practice makes perfect,” is what people say, But few things are further from true. It misses the fact that what’s perfect in me Is quite different from perfect in you. In fact, TRAINING’S the thing that will build up our skills, And hone […]

The Monster Under the Bed

| March 10, 2013

Inspired by impending Fatherhood I find myself thinking more and more of the lullabies and bedtime stories that have been crafted over the centuries to sooth the mind and calm the fears of a counterproductively sleepy child. A recurring theme is the monster under the bed and how to deal with it. Any Parent worthy […]