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Author Archives: John Swinburn
One Hundred Seventy-Eight
Solving problems generally requires acknowledging their existence. That’s why many problems never seem to go away. For example, I refuse to acknowledge the existence of Ted Cruz. Perhaps if I did, he would.
Posted in Ruminations
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Consciousness
We assume creatures like crustaceans and caterpillars have no consciousness of that “thing:” we call emotion. How could they, after all? They are not human so how could they possibly possess a human characteristic like emotion? Yet we do not … Continue reading
Posted in Just Thinking, Nature, Philosophy
4 Comments
One Hundred Seventy-Seven
Frequently, I will allow someone whose perspectives differ radically from mine—even when I believe their perspectives are biased and immoral and fundamentally wrong—to make their case without allowing myself to automatically reject their arguments. Usually, I find their arguments weak … Continue reading
Posted in Ruminations
2 Comments
From Dust
Too many smiles. Too many smiles in a time of sadness. What are they thinking? Don’t they see what’s happening all around them? Aren’t they aware of the ugliness on every street corner? I don’t understand how they can ignore … Continue reading
Growing into Something
As I was driving to Little Rock yesterday morning to take my wife in for a “pre-colonoscopy consult,” I listened to a fascinating program on the Diane Rehm show on NPR. Diane and her guests were discussing a book, Everything … Continue reading
One Hundred Seventy-Six
Honestly, now. Wouldn’t your life be a lot calmer and your time on this earth more serene if you ‘d just stop blaming people, including yourself, for the state of affairs? Wouldn’t it be easier just to change the world? … Continue reading
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On Mood and Meaning and Waiting
This morning, I could write about a thousand ideas, but none of them seem sufficiently relevant to me to warrant the expenditure of enough energy to bring those thoughts to life. I start writing about something that’s mildly interesting to me, … Continue reading
Posted in Just Thinking, Writing
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One Hundred Seventy-Five
You approach me, your eyes fiercely blue and focused, as a friend. But you leave me as a lover. Is this something you dreamed or something you experienced? Or both? And, for me, what can I say but I am … Continue reading
Posted in Ruminations
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A Constitutional Rant
I wish, sincerely, Second Amendment advocates and “strict constructionists” of the Constitution would do their effing homework. Just for the record, here’ s a brief synopsis of the real world: U.S. Constitution (absent the first ten amendments) was adopted in … Continue reading
Posted in Politics, Rant
5 Comments
Explosive Income
Tents spring up all around Hot Springs and Hot Springs Village, beginning June 20; a few weeks before Independence Day. Inside, vast quantities of fireworks are offered for sale. Signs promote 500 firecrackers for $1.99. Curious as to the genesis … Continue reading
Posted in Just Thinking
1 Comment
One Hundred Seventy-Four
You can’t see the stars unless you go outside on clear, dark nights.
Posted in Ruminations
1 Comment
Loathing in the Natural State
I am having serious reservations about staying here. I do not know whether central Arkansas is really the place for me. These doubts have little to do with the ugliness of the political environment and everything to do with the entomological … Continue reading
Posted in Health
3 Comments
One Hundred Seventy-Three
When you watch her smile turn into a sneer, you know things have changed. And that’s when you transform from loving friend to unyielding protective shield, a shield with sharp claws and no compunction about using them.
Posted in Ruminations
1 Comment
Thinking with Sad Ears and Fingers
I begin to write this at 10:29 pm on the evening before I will post these words. That’s the time I started writing this post; time will tell when I finish it. As I write this, I am listening to Surrexit … Continue reading
Posted in Just Thinking
3 Comments
One Hundred Seventy-Two
When a person says he doesn’t need your help, the message is clear: it’s not the help that’s unwanted, it’s you. Accept reality and lend a hand to someone who wants it. Everyone who matters will be happier.
Posted in Ruminations
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Seeing
My first memory of my clairvoyance is from my early childhood. I was five years old when I sensed my father’s automobile accident. As I sat at the dinner table with my mother and my little sister, I suddenly saw the windshield … Continue reading
Posted in Writing
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One Hundred Seventy-One
When you peek into the deepest recesses of your own mind, you’re standing precariously close to the edge of everything you’ve been told to avoid, things too dangerous for adults.
Posted in Ruminations
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An Open Letter to the Writer Within
Take a breath and write what’s buried deep down. Write what hurts most and has the greatest potential to destroy you. Reveal things you’ve never told another living soul. Commit to the page experiences you wish you’d never had. Tell of … Continue reading
One Hundred Seventy
Take stock of your wishes and dreams every day, not only for yourself but for those who matter most to you. Never let them grow brittle and tarnished; strive toward them with the fierceness reserved for love.
Posted in Ruminations
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Cruising
Yesterday afternoon, we visited a travel agency in the Village. Then, later, we attended a program designed to acquaint interested parties with two cruises offered under the auspices of the Kiwanis Club. One cruise, the one of most interest, goes … Continue reading
One Hundred Sixty-Nine
Abrupt changes in personality are rare. Abrupt changes in behavior are common. When the two marry, that’s the time for either stark terror or overwhelming joy.
Posted in Ruminations
1 Comment
Peeling Back the Veneer
“Your writing is driven by your attitude of personal prestige, an air of disdain for others. It’s stuck in the middle of that unearned sense of superiority you so readily use to belittle the real emotions people feel. You’ve become … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Writing
2 Comments
One Hundred Sixty-Eight
Mired in the gumbo of a thousand years of experience, we try to extricate ourselves from the destiny that is as sure as the rising sun. It’s of no use to attempt to change absolute certainty. If drowning is the only option, … Continue reading
Posted in Ruminations
2 Comments
Creative Glazing
Today has not been much of a day for writing, but it has been a day for thinking and other creative endeavors. For instance, I raku fired the two masks below today. The one on top was glazed with copper … Continue reading
Posted in Art, Just Thinking
17 Comments