Rhythm Of Life

I don't want to be a passenger in my own life.

Diane Ackerman
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Hello Lily
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As far back as I can remember people have been telling me what to do, what not to do, where to go, where not to go, what to think and what not to think. Now I'm just as pleased to listen to sound advice as the next vagabond. But why is it so often dressed in the garb of orders? What do they want me to say "Yes Sir" and "Yes Ma'am"? I will tell you honestly I have made more mistakes than I can list in a leather bound volumn by following my so-called superior's orders.

My fault. Freidrich Nietzsche says that one of the most important qualities a human possesses is instinct. Churches tell us that instinct is bad, a sin, that people who rely on instincts are amoral. I have learned in the School of Hard Knocks to trust my instincts in so far as they are part of my reasoning process. Some of the other helpful qualities a human can exercise are preference, taste, visualization and imagination. There's no guaranty that even utizing those tools you will make the right decision. But the important thing is that it was your decision and not someone else's. And if it was the wrong one you will know why.

I spent too many years with someone else driving the car while I was taken wherever they wanted and let out on their playing field. I applaud myself for making the most out of bad situations. But I learned by trial and error, mostly error, to drive the car myself.

Another important quality, which is usually overlooked and is often the cause of a mangled result from following orders, is the fact of your own rhythm of life. Another person's rhythm is not yours. It's a hard thing to realize, to even know there is a difference in rhythm. Everyone moves, thinks, feels and does at a different pace and when you find and move at your pace things seem to harmonize themselves. Pay no attention to those who want you to hurry up or wait up, unless you are trying to keep pace with them. Find your own distinct, personal, beautiful, rhythm of life and live it.

DB - The Vagabond
Never give up.
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Sing For Your Seeds

A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.

Maya Angelou
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One of these days I wouldn't be surprised to get a comment from some unknown reader saying "Who asked you?"

Come on, you guys, I want to hear "tweet, tweet, chirp, chirp."

I don't really consider Vagabond Journeys as a journal of opinion, although I seem to express my opinions about one thing or another at the click of a keyboard button.

I ran out of bird seed on the weekend and as a result the finches and their companions weren't talking to me. So I went to Walmart and bought three big bags of seeds, and filled their feeder. Now I'm waiting to hear at least one tweet of gratitude. So far, nothing.

I stated writing the journal in 2006, full time since 2008 and during that time I've expressed a lot of opinions I suppose. But I also write about observations I've made, humor, stories of my life as an entertainer and bits and pieces of information having questionable value.

I even put up a container of jolly peanut based suet. The birds are showing their appreciation by putting 200 yards between themselves and my porch.

I write because I want to, and because I have to. I write every day. I write short grippingly interesting and angelically inspiring essays like this one. I hope I put seeds of thought in people's minds and lives.

Big man, big man, have you any gruel?
Yes sir, yes ma'am, three bags full.

They always scurry away when they see me. Even though I'm the one who fills their feeder, I'm just too big for them to contend with.

I am almost never asked for advice. In the few times I am I hope that the advice I give and the opinions I express are worth something to those in need, even if, as in some cases, I never hear from them again.

One of them got caught inside my apartment trying to get out through a closed window. I picked him up in one hand and carried him to the door. He was so grateful to me for saving him that without a chirp he took off like a shot to parts unknown.

As I have said before, I don't know many answers, but I know a lot of questions, and it's those questions that keep me curious and keep me writing. I have a few readers and get even fewer comments.

Some one will say not to worry the birds will return. Of course they will because they need to gorge themselves on my sunflower seeds and wild bird mix. They can't resist my cuisine for long. And I will be happy to see them. And hear them.

And don't write because I have answers, I write because I have a song.

DB - The Vagabond
Never give up.
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SUMMER QUESTION

It's a long, hot, sticky summer, so here's a hot, sticky question for you. Don't let the recent New York State decision rob you of your thunder.

Same sex marriage. Should it be legal or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

dbdacoba@aol.com

13 answers so far.

You have until the last day of summer, but don't dally.
I eagerly await your answer.

DB
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