Be Careful What You Ask For

Before you read this blog, please keep in mind I am not the author. You may be able to tell that by the eloquent writing because you know I just tend to word splatter whatever is on my mind. This is actually written by my very own Uncle. I've read several letters and tid bits that are blog worthy and a couple of his friends and I persisted he write something. With his permission I post this first one for you, from Joe:


You’ve asked me to Blog. Whatever for? The things that I say are my own. I don’t expect you or anyone else for that matter to give so much as inkling that you for at some moment in time really care about what I have to say. I choose to express myself because I have something to say.

I don’t want to convince you of anything; I have nothing to sell; the only thing I offer up is a bit of me. I’m not here for your entertainment. Quite frankly, I’m not so certain that I even care if you are moved to action or indifference. Your acceptance or rejection of what I convey isn’t going to put bread on my table or milk in my refrigerator.

If I choose of my own free will to do this, I will be sacrificing a piece of me with each and every word. I am not capable of putting words to paper or screen as the case may be without pouring myself into the page or onto the screen. In essence, I give birth to these thoughts and ideas that you find so moving. I am giving you a piece of me that I can never take back. I put myself at your mercy and wait for your judgment but I don’t need your approval.

This is all about words; the conveyance of ideas. We’ve all been given the same 26 letters to build, shape and convey our words, thoughts, and even our fears. It’s how we choose to arrange those letters that have the power to move our hearts in sorrow stir our bodies to action or elevate our spirits in thanksgiving or gratitude. Perhaps that is what you seek; someone who can reach out through time and space and slap your brain from its slumber and awaken it to the great possibilities that exist.

You perceive that I have this mastery over 26 insignificant little symbols and the combinations in which I choose to arrange them. You are moved. You find significance in how I have chosen to build my world and convey my thoughts. These ideas exist only in space. There’s really no substance there; nothing tangible to wrap you hands around; nothing to taste, feel or admire. Yet, possibly you find comfort in the thought that you are not alone and another feels the same way as you. Then again perhaps you feel superior because my thoughts are different, they fail to touch you and you are comfortable with the way you currently think and feel,

I understand that words are powerful. They can be used to incite the masses to rebellion or calm a terrified nation in times of crisis. If I could, I would choose to challenge you; arouse you and even awaken you to look within yourself and determine why you are enchanted with the architecture of my ideas and to build your own.