Pritchard Park

I have spent the last several of my days off purusing Pritchard Park and the surrounding area.

I have to tell you that it is the BEST in entertainment and the most accurate raw example of what Asheville has to dish up on its plate.

Hippies. Homeless. Preppies. Yuppies. Skinny. Fat. Naked. Dressed to the nine. You name it - its there! I'm soon going to get a condo near PP. Can't wait!

Something about Mayfels, the Skybar, Grove Arcade and Asheville's undeniable strength, hope, wisdom and spirituality is calling me home! 

Anybody in the mood for chess?

soccer and balls

Tonight the very blessed Brookstone Lodge is full.

It is always a pleasure to serve God and guest. However at times both can be "intimidating".

Alas, it is nice to know the difference.

Please !!! Anyone who reads this. You have an open invitation to Breakthrough Church, Hit me up with directions or questions. Breakthrough is not just a church . . IT changed my life!!

Brookstone Lodge

The hotel is now open!!! Through blood, sweat and tears i persevered! Please give me a jingle anytime. I'd be happy to show you around.

As a side note: What's up with all these pirates and such???   ARGGGGGG...

Here are some realy cool things I want to do here each day of the week that I found on the net. Pitch in!

Monday: "Mentor" Monday
- Highlighting and elevating those mentors from our community who shine. I'll introduce you to some and you can introduce some to me. It is really about finding those role models who inspire us to be better.

Tuesday: Tuesday "Triumphs"
- Highlighting those who have triumphed over adversity. Add your own stories of facing challenges head on and not only surviving...but thriving!

Wednesday: "Wonderful" Wednesday
- What is wonderful in your life? Why are you happy? What gives you joy? Who makes you happy? This is the place and time to cheer our lives and loves!

Thursday: "Tell It Like It Is" Thursday
- What issues matter to you? What can we do to be better? How can we elevate our own game? Let's challenge each other to take it to the next level. Joyous Praise and Gentle Criticism...all in an effort to grow.

Friday: "Friendship" Friday
- Instead of highlighting the "hate", let's "appreciate" those who are doing "their thing!" Whether it is leading, creating, or simply shining in their own right. Let's shout them out.

Saturday: "Satisfied" Saturday
- A celebration of "Love"...fun, funny, joyous anecdotes of how the man or woman in our lives shows us love.

Sunday: "Simply Blessed" Sunday
- Your personal testimony to at least one blessing that you've had in the past week.

WOW

It has been a long time since I've updated.

I still can't believe in the worst economy of my life that I have got the best job I have ever had. I owe it all to GOD.

I have connected over the last several months with an astounding group from church that has not only encouraged me to be a better man but a true witness to GOD's GRACE. For that I am truly indebted to my brothers and sisters at BWOC, especially Pastors' Nate & Michelle.

I still sin. I am not perfect. I have learned through the WORD and Pastor Nate's message that I am still part of the KINGDOM and I will strive daily to please my HOLY FATHER.

Back to me...

It's been tough lately. New job. New responsibilities. But I am rising and I victorious. My setbacks will not deter me from my higher goal. It's just gonna get tougher in the next three weeks before the hotel opens. But you know what? I am ready for anything that gets hurled at me.

I still have my old weaknesses. This is tough. But when GOD whispered to me and I actually LISTENED - its no big deal anymore. I still freak out occasionally. My animals drive me totally batshit constanly. But - them being part of my family - I accept it completely. Cursing is a HUGE component of the "Old Will". Please don't get offended. Pray that I don't and I'm trying to stop.

The weather has been great. I love Spring. I hope Summer doesn't rush in to quickly.

I'm looking to my oldest friend N coming into town this weekend. He owes me a wiimote. I hope we can find a hip joint downtown for some catchin up!

Peace!

The Soup

Winter without snow sucks. Short days, cold winds, dry skin and chapped lips - and still no snow. I watched the news this morning and saw the 200 or so people camping out for Phish tix at the civic center. I know they're feeling the cramps and bone chilling temps. One question: why not use TicketMaster? It makes little to no sense to me.

Decisions. I'm really scared about a choice I'm getting ready to make. In the state of our economy, is it wise for me to swith jobs? And it is always fun when the PAST intersects the NOW. I have to believe someone is getting their rocks off watching me squirm and fret.

I know when it is all said and done, Pack Square will appeal to many. But downtown is such a mess right now. Traffic detours, construction barricades, etc = ugly Asheville. And another Bele Chere will be disrupted by this Asheville eye sore.

I'm down to only one WiiMote now. During his visit last weekend, my friend N decided the WiiMote he was using would somehow perform better with a baptism of tonic water. Alas - he has promised a replacement.

Super Bowl Sunday: having a big party at the church Breakthrough World Outreach Center. Chili cookoff should be good, but I'm going to set this competition out I think. After my last bruising, maybe I'll judge.

Can you believe a diehard Cowboys fan is pulling for the Steelers?

TECHNOLOGY vs. ME

I think I have now scared myself shitless! Blog, Facebook, Twitter - oh my! The end is coming - I can FEEL IT! All hands - ABANDON ship!

rain, vodka & obama

Sorry - been away for a while. The holidays were the usual mix of long lost friends, lots of good food and drink and the random spackle of unexpectedness. I also turned 40. I should hope that somewhere in my near future I can join a drum circle in downtown and celebrate it properly.
It is raining today and if I believe the powers that be - a ton of rain is on the way.I can rememeber when a was a youngling when it would .. shh...snow. Does anyone remember the big beautiful flakes that used to fall from the sky and make everything good again? Alas - as stewards of the planet - we have bit the big one and irrevocably harmed our planet. Move north of A-ville if you want to see the good stuff again.
Perused a few blogs today. There are some really talented and twisted people here! Makes me smile. I especially would like to give a shout out to skippy haha for the perfect breakfast recipe = clamato + vodka + worcestershire = bloody clam. Can't wait to try it!
Two weeks till Inaguration Day!I'm taking the day off. It will truly be historical. Of course, if the tourism industry doesn't rise up out of the crapper, I might already be on a forced vacation.
Anybody here bout Jeb Bush exploring the road to the White House in 2012?

Tis The Season ...

Wow - 20 more days till Christmas! I always get giddy this time of year. The tree has been up and the house decorated since Thanksgiving. My brain is on overload trying to make to do lists -to tell me what to do and not to do. I did not participate in any Black Friday sales - nope never gonna happen. I don't have that much shopping to do, but I will spend copious amounts of cash in the next 19 days. The smells, the sounds, the food and fellowship all intoxicate me leading up to the big day. And blogging of that - Christmas is also me BDay. I cross over that dreaded 40 threshold this year. Not that I'm dreading it - just a bit cautious. I used to think I was Superman (still do at times) but mortality is definitely finding a seat about 5 rows back in my unconscious mind. I do love the thrill of the hunt on Christmas Eve. Nothing like searching out that last unique gift for someone. But wait - the POWERS THAT BE that control the Asheville Mall has taken away my holiday watering hole. No longer can I dash in for a shot and a beer at what used to be Annabelles/McGuffeys .. whatever .. No - looks like I'll be playing Frogger on Tunnel Rd attempting to quench my holiday thirst at China Palace. Can we all petition Barnes & Noble to include a bar?

ODAY-TAY

I think everyone should speak pig latin for one day.

Now that Uptown has got me on the BlogRoll its time to update. Yes Zen - thank you for the prodding.

So much to say: PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA- YAHOO!!! ...
Recession, DUBYA's Gibson interview, trampled Walmart employee, hacked up senior for $200K, auto bailout, and on and on .... ugh!

I think the only positive thing I can pass on today is...

Greetings to our Tourism Industry Partners
& Visitor Center Volunteers!

Please join us for a…
“We’re All in This Together”
POT-LUCK Holiday Open House!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center
36 Montford Avenue ~ Asheville, NC ~ 28801
(I-240 – exit 4-C)

in other words: GOOD EATS & FREE BOOZE!

OBAMA

I will never forget this past Sunday.

I got in line at 9AM. Got into the stadium at 12PM. Then waited.

I got sun burned, dehydrated, tired, sore and very irritated. But then about 20 minuted after 2, Obama arrived.

I listened and laughed. I shouted and applauded. Obama is the man 4 me and this country.

The signs say "Change We Need". I agree and so should America.

Please join me in my support of Barack Obama for the 44th President of the United States of America! Get out and vote. A vote for Barack is a vote for our future!

I SURVIVED?

When I started this blog I was in the beginnings of a sprititual journey along a dangerous path . Sin, self-doubt and personal insecurities were my crutches. I've denied a ton of crap in my life but one thing that I have embraced now, with all my heart, is my total devotion to going from a place callled "HERE" to a place called "THERE".

My story is long and it may take some time, but I feel you will know it. Basically it boils down to ME, godless and alone. "HERE". Adfrift and mad. Using alcohol to be not only a crutch but a lover. I lost my mom and my fiance within 1 year. I thought I could cope. I was not a good person. I should have shown both more personal attention and love, less anger. It destroyed me when the glass ceilings fell.

I spiraled out of control. Emotionaly and financialy. All I can say is there was something - somewhere - GOD - that wanted me to survive. I tolerated life. I was not happy.

I grew accustomed to it. Then I was invited to participate in an Iron Chef competition at Breakthough. I was a little resistant but I like to cook. I agreed. I lost. Humilty is good.

Over the next few days I began to realize that the people that I had met at the competition were not religious zealots. I was raised Catholic - but upon my Mom's death, I was done with the "Church". I was afraid to trust and these people were friends who welcomed me.

Scared as hell, I went to Breakthough for service. I watched as the congregation sang praises and then I watched the young, spirit-filled preacher speak. His words I liked. I met more of the fellowship of Christians. I began to listen WHAT the preacher said. I began to question my life and the long cut-off relationship I had with the Lord. My whole life in chaos - I made a choice. I wanted to live a Christian lifestyle and accept Jesus as my Saviour. I regularly attend Breakthrough on Sundays. My transportation situation does not permit me to attend any other events unless someone helps me. GOD has provided in that area and I am truly happy.

Shortly after - I joined Breakthrough and entered into our sacred covenant with God and our community. I bought a BIBLE and was BAPTISED. I cannot tell you what a moving and transforming experience that was. Come check it out and see.

Today I write about something extroidinary. I AM a different man. I still am ME, but I CHOOSE to receive and LIVE what GOD directs me to do. In the Catholic Church - I quit listening a long time ago, especially to boring hymns and self-righteous bullshit. Now I SING - PRAISES TO THE LORD! The sleeper has awakened and I'm headed to place called "THERE"!

GOD is cool. We need change. The LORD knows before we do. Trust. I DO NOW!

September Sun - 9/11/01

Seven years. It seems just like yesterday. My day began just like any other. Got the kids off to school, kissed my girlfriend and settled in for a quiet morning since I had the day off.

Then terror gripped my mind and wouldn't let go. As I watched the countless fling themselves from the burning towers to their deaths, I cried. I drank tequelia. I prayed. Nothing helped.

As those horrible days stretched into months and now years, the pain has subsided. Our Nation has overcome its grief. We have forgiven - but it will never be forgotten. I still cry and I still drink tequelia.

Today. Look towards the sun. Remember all those who perished falling from the sky, the towers crumbling, the Pentagon and the bravest of souls on United 93. Remember the sacrifices of all of our honored brothers and sisters who gave their lives so that these horrendous acts will never occur again. Look towards the sun. In the light we will prevail.

Thursday ..ugh!!

Almost to the end of another week.

I'm still not "blog" savvy so I will journal to myself and maybe someday it will be seen by millions in cyberspace.

I must talk about my Wii. I was one of the original pioneers who waited in line nearly two years ago for them to roll out. Not only did I hold WalMart hostage till I got one, I additionally had to purchase a second one that I had ordered. I subsequently sold the second nearly doubling my money. I am not a greedy bastard. It was just capitalism and craigslist at work.

Back to my Wii. I am sooooooooo addicted. It is the best purchase I could have ever made. I waited patiently until Mario Kart was released this past Spring. Ever since then my house has been a buzz with Super Mushrooms, Blue Shells raining down and my triumphant screams of joy or defeat. And the best is the WiFi connector. So now I can either play with my oldest friend down East or play one of the hot shots from Hong Kong. And Mario Kart isn't the only good thing. I love the bowling (Wii Sports or AMF) and the tennis - even though I retired after a year from tennis: self-diagnosed with a severe condition known as wii-itis. Point is: if you dont have one - get a wii as soon as you can. I grew upa baptised in the fire of pong, atari, intellivision, commodore 64, colecovision, etc - you will never be disappointed! And since I'm on the subject - AVOID the XBox 360. My friend T is on his 6th console. God Bless Bill Gates and his "red ring of death".

Looking to do some fun stuff this weekend. I just don't know. I'll probably strike out to P Park with flip video in hand. ANOTHER COOL GADGET - FLIP ULTRA! I saw where one of my fav haunts - Mayfel's - has been vandalized recently. Time to show em some love and enjoy a nice cool beverage or two!

I might even go see "The Dark Knight" again! It was fudge monkey fantastic!The best: Ledger as the most brilliant psychotic villain I have ever seen on film and the worst: the BatVoice.

Enough bitchin - my day awaits....

In the beginning...

Today is a new day. Very similar to yesterday - but not quite like tomorrow will be.

I have been intently scouring local blogs lately. You talk about people letting it all hang out! I knew immediatley I had to part of this earth shattering medium!

Chaos drives me. I'm 39 and single. Been single for 3 years. I date occasionally but after the emotional crash of 2005, I think I'll pass on commitment for a while. I have but 2 earthly masters: my 11 year old sheltie LUCKY (cause he was born with 7 toes) and my ever enigmatic cat STORM. Both hold the keys to my kingdom. I'll throw up some pics sometime.

I hate the heat. Supposed to be 95 today. Can't take it! I keep my house a constant 69 degrees. Then when I got to work this morning, the assholes thought it would be funny to have the lobby of the hotel I work at sweltering at 88! A hotel is supposed to be an inviting CLIMATE CONTROLLED oasis - not a sweat lodge! If our warming trend continues the next few years, I'm entertaining the thought of leaving my beloved city and retreating farther north. I love Spring & Fall - it just seems like we skip those seasons now.

I hated Bele Chere this year. I love a party but the HEAT was unbearable. Hats off to the Sky Bar. I felt like I was floating - or was that the Patrone? Fried oysters were good too!

Time for a Aquafina break - Peace!