A New Dawn

**Title: The Arrival** It was a balmy evening in July when the skies lit up across the globe. First in the Pacific, then the Atlantic, streaks of brilliant green and violet illuminated the night, captivating the hearts of millions. People stood outside in awe, pointing skyward as glowing disks descended from the heavens. The phenomenon was unprecedented; the world held its breath as rumors swirled like autumn leaves. In the United States, an enormous craft, shaped like an elongated teardrop, settled gently on the White House lawn, the light around it pulsating softly. Elsewhere, similar vessels touched down in major cities—Tokyo, Paris, Berlin, and Brasília. The world seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the beings inside to reveal themselves. A towering figure emerged from the American craft—a being draped in luminescent robes that shimmered like the northern lights. Behind it, more figures appeared, each radiating an aura of authority. With a voice that resonated in every language, the leader spoke. "People of Earth, we are the Zherath, emissaries from the Nebulon System. We have watched your planet, nurtured its potential, and now, we require your cooperation." News networks around the world broadcast the scene live. As the Zherath explained their purpose, a mixture of fear and intrigue rippled through the populace. They claimed that Earth had reached a critical juncture; climate change, social strife, and technological unrest endangered not just humanity, but the delicate balance of the universe. "Our technology can heal your world," the Zherath announced, its voice resonating through devices worldwide. "But you must work with us. A global alliance for a brighter future is imperative." In the days that followed, national leaders held frantic meetings, their voices blending into a cacophony of concerns and negotiations. The Zherath made it clear—humans would become the custodians of their own planet, guided by the wisdom of the aliens. Yet, freedom would come at a price: Earth must create a united front, and all nations were required to forgo their sovereign agendas in favor of collaboration. In every country, protests erupted. People questioned their autonomy and the very essence of being human. But amid the chaos, a few saw the Zherath's proposition as an opportunity. Scientists, environmentalists, and dreamers gathered, eager to embrace the change. What if this was the chance humanity needed to finally set aside its differences? In San Francisco, a group of engineers met with Zherath representatives. "What will it take," they asked, "to align our resources with your knowledge?" The Zherath smiled—a gesture unlike any human expression, but one filled with promise. "Adaptation and innovation shall be the keys to your existence. We foresee a world where your potential is limitless, and we will help you achieve it." As the weeks stretched into months, cities transformed. Solar arrays glimmered atop skyscrapers, and clean energy courses replaced fossil fuels. The Zherath taught humans the symbiosis of technology and nature—a delicate balance that had eluded civilization for centuries. Yet not everyone was swayed. Across the globe, factions emerged, calling themselves The Resistance. They painted the Zherath as invaders, arguing that the sacrifice of freedom was too great, even if the end result promised harmony. But as the months turned into years, the tide of progress became undeniable. Oceans began to heal, forests flourished with new life, and conflicts that had long divided nations began to ebb into dialogue. The Zherath shared their knowledge of sustainable practices, and slowly, humanity's unity unfolded. On a sun-drenched summer day, five years after their arrival, the Zherath convened a Global Summit on the Capitol steps. They addressed the world once more: "You have embraced the gift of collaboration. Together, we have cultivated the seeds of peace." As the crowd erupted into applause, a curious child stood beside her father. “Are we free now?” she asked, eyes wide with innocence. Her father bent down, brushed a tear from his cheek, and smiled. “Maybe it’s not about freedom in the way we used to think. Maybe it’s about being free together.” And in the embrace of the Zherath, humanity discovered a new identity—not of servitude, but as stewards of their planet, intertwined with others beyond the stars, united for a shared future. Above them, the skies sighed with relief, a brilliance of colors dancing through the cosmos, singing of hope and harmony.

Surviving the Great Depression

Surviving the Great Depression: How People Got By The Great Depression, which began with the stock market crash in 1929 and lasted throughout the 1930s, was the most severe economic downturn in modern history. It devastated families, communities, and economies around the world. With unemployment soaring, banks failing, and businesses shuttering, many people struggled to make ends meet. Yet, in the face of such hardship, individuals and families found ways to adapt, survive, and, in some cases, even thrive during this turbulent time. The Economic Fallout Before examining how people coped, it’s important to understand the scale of the Great Depression. Unemployment in the United States peaked at around 25%, while industrial production dropped by nearly half. Families who had once been comfortable now found themselves facing dire circumstances. Many had to adjust their lifestyles, downsize their homes, or even leave urban areas in search of work. The national poverty rate skyrocketed, and the economic crisis touched almost every aspect of daily life. Bartering and Community Support As money became scarce, bartering became a practical solution for many. In rural areas, farmers traded goods like eggs, milk, and vegetables for clothing or tools. In urban settings, neighbors exchanged services, such as childcare for food or repair work in exchange for other items of need. These informal economies allowed people to get by without relying entirely on cash, which was hard to come by. In addition to bartering, strong community bonds played a crucial role. In towns and cities, people formed mutual aid societies, cooperatives, and informal networks to share resources. Churches, schools, and local organizations became central to sustaining communities, offering food, shelter, and emotional support to those who were struggling. In fact, many people got through the Great Depression thanks to these community-centered networks that brought together those with little or no resources to offer mutual assistance. The Rise of the “Hobo” Culture For some, survival meant taking to the roads in search of work. Thousands of men, and occasionally families, became “hobos”—a term for itinerant workers who traveled by freight trains or on foot to find jobs. Hobos often found temporary work in agriculture, construction, or factory labor. While life as a hobo was difficult, it was a necessary survival strategy for those with no other option. The hobo code—symbols used to convey messages about the safety or hostility of a place—became part of the culture of migration and survival. Though many people associate the hobo life with homelessness, it’s important to note that not all who traveled in search of work were destitute. For some, the road was a place to escape the intense pressures of urban poverty, while for others, it was the only means to find work in the face of widespread unemployment. Self-Sufficiency: Farming, Gardening, and Home Production For those fortunate enough to still have access to land, subsistence farming became a lifeline. With food prices soaring, many families turned to growing their own produce to survive. Victory gardens, small plots where families could grow vegetables like tomatoes, beans, and potatoes, were a common sight across the United States. Even urban dwellers with limited space found creative ways to grow food, such as planting in window boxes or using vacant lots. People also learned to make more from less. In many households, there was a resurgence of “make-do” practices, where people would repurpose old clothes, repair shoes, and turn scrap materials into something useful. Homemade food, like bread, preserves, and soups, became staples, as families tried to stretch their limited resources. Craftsmanship, whether repairing appliances or making do with handmade items, became a necessity as people turned away from consumerism. Government Assistance and the New Deal While many people turned to their own resourcefulness, the U.S. government also played a pivotal role in helping people survive the Great Depression. Under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the New Deal programs provided jobs, financial relief, and public works projects that aimed to revive the economy. Programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) put young men to work on environmental projects, and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) employed millions in public construction and arts projects. Additionally, social programs like Social Security were introduced, providing a safety net for the elderly and disabled. While government aid did not eliminate poverty for all, it did offer a degree of stability and hope to many who were facing the harshest consequences of the Depression. The New Deal also introduced unemployment insurance and bank regulations that would later shape the U.S. economy for decades to come. The Psychological Impact: Resilience and Optimism Perhaps the most enduring aspect of the Great Depression was the resilience of the people who lived through it. For many, the Depression was a time of deep hardship, but it also fostered a sense of solidarity and resourcefulness. People found ways to laugh, celebrate holidays, and take care of one another. Radio programs, movies, and music became a form of escape for families who gathered around the radio in the evening or went to the cinema for a brief respite from their struggles. The phrase “make do and mend” became a popular motto for families who lived through the Depression, reflecting the necessity of getting by with what was available. This attitude of perseverance carried many through, and the lessons learned during this time influenced future generations. Families developed long-lasting habits of thrift, careful planning, and a deep appreciation for the value of community support. Conclusion The Great Depression was a time of unparalleled hardship, but it was also a time of ingenuity, self-reliance, and community solidarity. People survived by relying on one another, bartering, farming, and finding creative solutions to the overwhelming challenges they faced. While the New Deal and other government programs provided important relief, it was the resilience and resourcefulness of ordinary people that defined how they got by. In the end, the experience of the Great Depression shaped not only the lives of those who lived through it but also the course of American society for years to come, influencing everything from social safety nets to attitudes toward work and economic security. The Great Depression stands as a reminder that, even in the darkest times, humanity’s capacity to adapt, endure, and support one another can shine through.

In Memory of Strawberry

In memory of Strawberry

Rest in peace, Megan Kelly Pender Burnham

I made this video for Strawberry before she came to stay with me.

https://youtu.be/8A5WxJTiPrIu

This was out first date.  We went to Kemah Boardwalk.

Strawberry used to call herself Delilah on LiveVideo so I played thos song on LiveVideo for her.

https://youtu.be/_7lD8ymt1k8

This was after the first time we made love.

https://youtu.be/ydR_ZveZ27c

This was at a club where I usually scouted for talent for the Woodstock 40th Anniversary Committee.

https://youtu.be/YpbogwQUQOU

This was Strawberry dancing at Gilley's while I was working putting Keith Gilley and his band on the Internet live

https://youtu.be/syrrC5PIQik

This was Strawberry playing at the hospital when the doctors said that she had two months to live.

https://youtu.be/AbfZ2ebxykE

I made this after Strawberry left me.   At that time her name was Megan Kelly Pender.   I had hurt enough to have another open heart surgery after she left and just wanted to forgive her so I could move on.  Thanks to Kenny Loggins for writing a song that expressed exactly how I felt at the time.  She had been responsible for my first heart surgery as well, but I don't want to go into the details at this time.  I loved her so much that I got Broken Heart Syndrome over her twice.  This was made with pictures and videos that she sent me.

Strawberry had some amazing qualities but her demons kept dragging her back.   She was an amazing pianist.  She did so well when she was with my mom and I but my roach infestation and my mothers hoarding probably helped drive her away.   I got the roach infestation cleared up shortly after she was gone, but it was too late.   I wish she had stayed a week longer and the roaches would have been gone.

We continued to communicate after she left and she told me that she was continuing to try.  I know about her many failures and her stays in rehab.  I will miss her texts, phone calls,  and video calls.   We had formed a lasting bond.

She eventually told me that she had found faith in God, but not Christ yet.  I hope she found Christ before she died.  Maybe I'll see her in heaven when it's my time to go?  May she rest in peace.

Addendum:

Here is a link to the pictures of Strawberry that I still have.

https://www.facebook.com/cal.jennings/media_set?set=a.10202504401584255&type=3&hc_location=ufi

I found this video.   Bbn   I made for Strawberry with her pictures.

I found our first show together on LiveVideo but you have to click the link because Blogger can't seem to find it.

This is the link.  Click me.

I made this one for Strawberry before she got here.  I was singing from the heart and playing the guitar back when my fingers still worked right.  I just found it.

I just found this song I wrote for the first time I asked her to be my Valentine on LiveVideo.   I did it as a 50s style song as sort of a joke.

That's all I can find for now.  I'll add more if I find anything,  then I might add some thoughts.  We'll see.

I found another one.   Strawberry said that this was her, but it doesn't look like when I knew her.

I used to kid Strawberry about being a Russian agent sent to destroy the Woodstock 40th Anniversary since she spoke Russian or something that sounded Russian.   She gave me a Russian name and said that was her name so I did this on LiveVideo for her.

Here's a song I sang for her after getting the news of her passing. 

https://m.starmakerstudios.com/d/playrecording?app=sm&from_user_id=6192448699938787&is_convert=true&recordingId=6192449400754709&share_type=copyLink

Please at least leave your name in the comments for Megan's memorial.  If you have comments,  videos,  or pictures that you would like to add, please send them to me on Facebook or send them to my email at space.eagle.productions@gmail.com 

The Woofie

The Woofie



Hello.  You, yes you.  I look like a stuffed dog animal toy, don't I?  Nothing could be further from the truth.




I can imagine that you are starting to feel that something very strange is going on here.  Indeed it is.




First, notice that you're listening to what you think is a stuffed animal speaking to you.  You're intrigued so you can't pull away.  Something else is going on as well though.  Maybe you're starting to sense that something is wrong?




Yes, by now you are.  You want to turn and walk away but you can't.  That's because I've homed in on the motor cortex of your brain and made you completely defenseless.  That's how I start.  Once I have your attention and have made you defenseless, there's really nothing you can do about it.  You can't run: You can't hide: You can't scream for help.  You are totally defenseless and you are totally in my power.




Now what will happen is I shall drain you of all of your knowledge except for that which you need to serve me.  You wouldn't think something so sinister of such a cute little stuffed toy, would you?  That is why we chose this form.




You see, we are a race from a distant planet outside of your solar system.  We call ourselves Woofies.  Our minds became so developed that we didn't have much use for a physical body.  Eventually, though, we realized that we needed corporal bodies to accomplish certain menial tasks... like reproduction. 




You will find now that our minds are slowly becoming linked.  We will start to share in each others' thoughts, feelings, and emotions in as much as I allow it.  As I said, you are totally helpless and there is nothing you can do about it.  Soon I will ask you to pick me up and carry me to my mate who, by now, inhabits a member of the opposite sex.  Yes, you are my sex slave.  You are my love slave.  The female of your species will carry the offspring made today to term and it will carry not only psychic information of my mate and I but some genetic information which we shall soon impart to you.  Once the child is born, he will start to grow in both body and intellect at a slightly higher rate than human children do.  He will receive another shipment of Wolfies and shall distribute them among other human children to be carried into their households where those childrens' parents will be taken over as easily as you were.  We may keep your bodies for our pleasure once in awhile or we may decide to create more offspring , forcing you to mate with the victim of our choice.  You are totally and completely unable to do anything about it.  Soon, we will be in control of your entire planet. 




Since there is nothing you can do about it anyway, I may as well tell you the last part.  Once we decide that you are no longer useful to us, you will be terminated.  There really is nothing you can do to stop us.  We may have you fight each other in games for our amusement.  We may cause you to walk off of a tall building or into a hot, live volcano.
If you had stopped listening to me as soon as I began speaking to you, you may have had a choice.  Now you have none.




It is time now, sex slave.  Pick me up and take me to my mate who is awaiting our arrival.  You may as well enjoy the sex anyway since YOU HAVE NO CHOICE.

A Coin In the Fountain

A Coin In the Fountain



 

Jack stood at the fountain and sighed. He was over his divorce from his cheating wife and he felt lonely. He had tried asking out women from church but the only ones available were at least ten years older than he was. He didn't have the smooth way of picking up women that most guys seemed to have. All he needed was a break.










 Jack reached into his pocket and pulled out some change. In his hand lay two pennies, one tarnished and the other shiny, a dime, and a quarter.










 "I don't want to be cheap and get a cheap woman so I'll use the quarter" he thought, somewhat amusing himself.










 Jack took the quarter in between his left index finger and thumb then returned the rest of the change to his pocket. He then placed the quarter in his right hand, made a fist around the quarter, and whispered his wish into his fist.








 "I wish for an intelligent, charming, beautiful woman with whom I can share this lovely day."




 He tossed the quarter into the fountain, visualizing the woman he would like to meet. The splash of the quarter in the water brought him out of his visualization.






 Jack looked to his left and saw nothing then turns to the right and started walking to the fence to stare aimlessly at the pond. Just as he took his third step, a woman ran right into him. They both paused, startled. The woman began to speak.






 "I'm so sorry. I didn't see you. I beg your pardon."






 "It's no problem at all. I should have been more careful as well."






 They had grabbed each other instinctively to keep from falling and were still holding on. Suddenly their eyes met. It was instant attraction. It was as if their souls had been ripped apart at birth and they finally found each other but both were too shy to be forward about it. Still, the eyes said more than the words ever could have. All at once they noticed that they were still holding each other and slowly and awkwardly let go.






 Jack spoke.


 "I haven't seen you around here before, have I, Ms...?"






 "Jill. My name is Jill. No, I don't believe so. I just came in on a flight from out of town."






 "There's a concert in the park over to the left in a couple hours. Would you like to get something to eat and watch it with me, Jill?"






Jack quickly glanced toward her ring finger.


 "No, I'm not married. What about you? I know that guys sometimes don't wear rings."


 "No, I got divorced a few years ago. Shall we?"

Jack reached out his hand and she put her hand in hers. They started to walk to a nearby restaurant.






 At the restaurant, Jack pulled out Jill's chair for her then seated himself. Jack motioned for a waiter and they ordered. Jack had a confession to make.






 "Jill, you may not believe this but just before we bumped into each other I made a wish at the fountain. I don't normally believe in such things and didn't see anyone around so I started moping over to the pond when we ran into each other. Maybe there's a little magic in that old fountain after all?"






 Jill laughed, "Maybe."






 "Do you believe in fate?"






 "Not really but stranger things have happened. By the way, which group is playing in the park?"






 "Blood, Sweat, and Tears. They're from my high school years but a free concert is a free concert."






 "That's true. Besides, I like them."






 "Wonderful! We should enjoy it then. It's an early concert. It starts at six and will probably end at eight."






 "That will work great for me. If things go well, I might have something we can do afterwards."


 "Such as" asked Jack with his eyebrows raising and lowering.






 "Not that. Haha You'll see."






 Jack and Jill received their orders and began to eat.






 They finished their dinner then headed over to the concert area. Jack walked up behind the car and opened the trunk. He pulled out a styrofoam blanket and a quilt.






 "We're here early enough to get a good spot. I know the best place to set up."






 Jill followed him to the top of a man-made hill and watched as Jack selected the spot. She then helped him lay out the large quilt.






 "Isn't this a bit far back" asked Jill.






 "No, really... this is just the right distance. You'll see when the annoying people in their lawn chairs start to set up and block most peoples' views. This is just far enough back to see over the lawn chairs and just the right location for the best sound."






 "Okay. You're the boss."






 Jack opened up the ice chest and pulled out a can of Sterno and a strange contraption made of a twisted coat hanger. He lit the Sterno and placed the contraption over it. He then pulled out a small aluminum pot and placed a cake of brie in it and set the pot on the homemade pot stand. As the brie started warming, he pulled out a bottle of chardonnay and a wine opener. He produced two wine glasses and handed them to Jill. He then opened the wine and poured. The last item he pulled out of the chest was a box of fancy crackers. Soon the brie would be warm enough to eat.






 The band came on and played hit after hit as Jack and Jill sat on the hill eating their crackers and brie. By the end of the concert, the brie and wine were gone and they stopped for a long, romantic kiss. Afterward, Jack turned to Jill and spake.






 "That was a nice concert, wasn't it?"






 "Oh, wonderful! The refreshments and kissing weren't bad either."






 Jill gave Jack a wink.






 "Well then, Jill. What was this thing that you wanted to do afterwards?"






 "It's a surprise. Get in the car and drive us to the planetarium."






 "The planetarium? That seems an odd surprise."






 They loaded the trunk with the quilt and ice chest and Jack shut the trunk. He then went to the passenger door and let Jill in then went around to the driver's side, got in, and started the car.






 "Off to the planetarium" exclaimed Jack. He really didn't see why they couldn't have walked since it was just a block over.






 "Off to the planetarium!"






 They arrived and Jack parked the car then went around and opened Jill's door for her.




 "So, what's the surprise" asked Jack as he locked and closed her door behind her.




 Jill reached into her purse and pulled out two tickets. Jack still had no idea what they were doing there.






 "Let's get in line" said Jill.






 When they got to the door, the doorman tore the tickets and gave each one of them a ticket. Jack looked at his stub.






 "The Pink Floyd laser light show" Jack exclaimed. "I've always wanted to see this but never took the time!"






 The show was a dazzling set of laser effects set to Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon album. By the time the show was over it was getting late.






 Jack turned to Jill and invited her to his place for the night. She agreed.






 It was a thirty minute drive to his place once they got out of downtown Houston. Jill sat next to him and he put his arm around her shoulders as they drove. They had conversations about their hopes and dreams and found so many things they agreed on.
 When they finally reached Jack's house, they went inside. Jack put on some romantic music and sat down on the couch beside Jill. After about thirty minutes of making out, Jack stood up, took Jill by the hand, and led her to the bedroom where they made passionate love. When it was over, Jill turned to Jack and spoke softly to him.






 "That was a wonderful fantasy, wasn't it, darling? What are we going to do for our next anniversary?"

The Betrayal - Creative Riters Challenge #11

Creative Riters Corner # 11












You have reached a point in life where you're throwing the old debris out, your way of preparing to start over and restarting your life. As you rummage through old stuff, you find something which you received earlier in the year which meant a great deal to you then, but which only causes pain now.








Tell us about it by showing us who gave it to you, where it's been, and what has caused it to fall out of favor. Write in the voice of your opposite gender for this challenge -- if you're female, write as a man, if male, as a woman.




No word limit.

The Betrayal

She was to have been my lesbian wife. She had been following me on the Internet ever since I had my live show on LiveVideo but had stayed mostly hidden in the background since the site closed.









About four months ago she came to me and confessed how much she needed me. I was fed up with women and I certainly didn't want any of those foul men. Men are dirty and disgusting. I tried to discourage her at first because my heart had been broken so many times before by lesbians who just wanted to use me. I guess they saw my Supergirl outfit and thought that I was just crazy and could be easily used.









Margaret pled and pled with me to give her a chance. Our personalities seemed to be a match made in heaven. She was the most wonderful butch I had ever met. We lived in separate areas of the UK. I lived in London and she lived in Houghton Regis. I didn't care that we lived a distance apart. I was more than willing to travel to her or have her travel to me.  Even though I didn't have much money left over each month I had secretly started saving the moment I met her because she was the one.  I simply quit eating some days and suffered rather than taking my pharmaceuticals just so we could be together one day.




She was so thin and handsome.  Everything a fluff like me could want.  She was MY Princess Charming, nay, my queen to whom I would devote my life and services.










I always loved the way she teased me and ordered me about, sending me to the step when I was naughty.  When she started sending me to the pink fluffy step, I knew that her feelings had deepened.  One day, she finally admitted that she had feelings for me.
I was so happy that she finally admitted it that I was overjoyed.  She, like I, was afraid of love because we had been hurt so many times before but she finally said that she loved me.  I had to do something special.










I started writing her a song and she wanted to hear what I had written.  She had put on a Superman shirt for me to match my Supergirl outfit.  When I saw it, I became so hot and wet that I almost slipped off of my chair.


I told her that for me to be able to let her hear it, I would need a picture so that I could put the song in a YouTube video to send to her.  She gave me permission to take a screenshot picture of her in the Superman shirt to use for the song.  She got out of her chair and posed and I snapped the shot.  It was the only thing that she ever really gave me.





She got scared and blocked me.  I knew that she feared her feelings so I wrote her a letter.  Finally, she unblocked me but told me never to post on her wall.  I found that strange but I was so in love that I obeyed her wishes.  She was so forceful and strict that it really thrilled me.










The next day, she showed me the wedding outfit that she wanted and chose the ring that she wanted.  Knowing that she was sick and broke, I was ready to buy anything she wanted.
She told me that she wanted to get married in a castle so I found the best castle which used to allow wedding ceremonies.  They said that they no longer allowed weddings there so I showed her a few other castles but I was secretly going to make a large donation to their restoration fund if they would allow our wedding.  I wanted it to be a surprise.  She said that she wanted to come visit so I secretly started saving for her ticket as well.  By stopping all of my pharmaceuticals and eating only once every other day, I was able to save more quickly than I realized.









We continued to talk and one day, because she had started being stand offish, I told her I was going to start dating someone else if she couldn't commit.  Every time I told her I loved her, she would send me to the step because she was afraid of love.  I told her I was afraid of marriage and thought that she rushed it a little.  It hurt her feelings and she didn't talk to me for a few days.










The third day, she wanted to Skype again, so we did.  After we talked and laughed awhile, she told me that she had to tell me something.  I was all ears.











"I don't want to tell you this... but... I love you with all of my heart and soul and I'm afraid of losing you."










I was overjoyed!  I was finally loved by another woman and I'm sure that my face lit bright enough to light a thousand lighthouses.  I gave her my reply.










"I love you with all of my heart and mind and soul as well.  I can't wait for us to be in a large, pink , fluffy bed with satin sheets and please one another sensually.  I can't wait to be your wife!"










"I'M NOT GETTING MARRIED!"










"You're the one who brought it up."










"STEP!"










"Look, darling.  Don't be afraid of your feelings.  You know that we love each other and can't stand to be without each other."










She looked angry and went silent and logged off.










I knew that something wasn't right.  When she came back on a few days later though, she explained that a friend of hers died.  She said that she wished that she still had her care bear but someone stole it.










We continued to talk for awhile and I listened to her feelings about her friend passing.  I talked with her about her feelings and when she started crying, it pulled my heart strings.
I knew I had to do something to help her past this so I found the kind of care bear of which she was so fond and posted it to her.  It came to almost triple the price with the postage and handling but I didn't care.  I knew that she needed its comfort.










It arrived a few days before my birthday.  She seemed so happy to receive it.  It filled me with joy that I was able to make my foxy little queen angel mistress so happy.  I KNEW that we were going to be happy together. I found it strange later that she didn't tell me so much as "Happy Birthday " but she kept talking tenderly and lovingly.










She started letting me say that I love her on occasion but sometimes reminded me that she didn't like that word.  We grew closer and closer and one day I offered to buy some Super special friendship rings that were more than just friendship.  SHE SAID YES!










I started to order the expensive rings but something about her telling me that she didn't want to use the word love bothered me.  I bought a set of rings that would bond us but I bought the cheapest set of rings I could find to see whether or not she would send me my ring.  It was a test.










We continued to talk and she finally got the rings just before Valentine's Day.  Since it was a set, she was to send mine back to me.  She said that she loved it and was sending my ring the next day.  She asked for my address again to be sure that she got it right, which seemed strange, but I figured that since she asked she truly intended to send it. 










I surprised her on Valentine's Day posting the picture of the ring she sent me and tagged her so she would have a copy of the picture on her page.  I also posted a couple special Valentine's Day cards on her page to make her day special.  I told her that I had the money to get her to London and she said, "Don't make any plans."  She became angry that I posted something on her page.  I explained to her that I was just trying to make her Valentine's Day special since we were so far apart.  I started crying and told her and screamed at her that she couldn't let me enjoy even one moment.










"Oh, good grief.  Okay."










"Thank you" I whimpered.










People started making comments on the post and some were jealous and others had to try to make it about themselves, telling her how much better THEIR rings were.  I defended her and she told them that it was the most wonderful ring in the world.










The picture had posted twice on her page because of a facebook error so we left that post and started flirting with each other on the other post.  Some MAN jumped in and had to make a smart ass comment.










"This is all bullshit."










"You're bullshit!"  I was pissed that some MAN would try to ruin our wonderful moment.








Margaret jumped in.








"Not on MY page!"








She then blocked ME and I never heard from her again.  I never received my ring and I was glad that I had tested her with the cheaper rings first.  That wanker.  That cunt!  She gave me up for a fucking MAN!










I know it won't last as big of a lesbian that she really is.  I know that he's just using him for his money.  That trollop!  I'll never speak to her again!










The only problem is that picture is still on my song.  Everytime I see it, it breaks my heart.  I would have treated her so well and given her everything she wanted and he was probably going to beat the shit out of her like the last MAN did!  Good!  I hope he breaks her fucking NECK!  Still, I miss all of those sweet moments of laughter and fun we had, revealing our bodies to one another and running to the bedroom after to give ourselves release. 


Even though I removed the pictures of her from my favorites, they still come up on my cell phone.  Everytime I see that picture, my heart breaks again and tears flow from my eyes.  I so longed to kiss her tender lips and fondle her sweet breasts as she fondled mine.  I know that will never happen now and it tears me apart... EVERY TIME I SEE THAT PICTURE!  Fucking men!  Daft fucking cunt!

Interview of Cal-el aka Cal Jennings of Space Eagle Productions

Interview of Cal-el aka Cal Jennings of Space Eagle Productions

1. When did you start playing music and when did you start composing?

I started playing music when I was about 4 years old. But I maybe started a little earlier. I remember my grandmother's neighbor teaching me to play accordion and I played around on my grandparents' piano. When I was 5 years old my mom bought me a toy piano that had working black and white keys so I played on that. My grandfather gave me the xylophone that he played on the radio when I was about 6 or 7. My dad bought a guitar and never played it. I wasn't supposed to touch it but would play around on it when he was at work. Ultimately, I got a guitar lesson record and book and learned how to play notes and chords. I'm a self-taught and I had the the quality of being a perfectionist though I have become much more lax in my old age. When I was in sixth grade, my mom bought me a cornet which I played through high school becoming 1^st chair cornet and 2^nd chair trumpet only because I didn't have a trumpet. Trumpet became my main instrument, though I also bought an altonium because it was rare and the right price at a pawn shop. I played the altonium in college.

In terms of composition, I started in high school. Since my main instrument was cornet, I was used to playing single note lines of melody so writing in the bass clef was difficult (and still is) for me.

2. What was your first instrument?

My first instrument was accordion or perhaps the toy xylophone that I had as a child. I was pretty versatile even back then.

3. What were your early musical influences?

My early influences were anti-war folk groups like Peter, Paul, and Mary and other groups similar to them. I loved the harmony and the lyrics since they went along with what Jesus taught. My mom listened to The Beach Boys, Bobby Vinton, and Elvis a lot so they inspired me too. My dad played Johnny Cash a lot so “Folsom Prison Blues” was the first song I learned to play on guitar. Robert Watkins and Rick Cummings used to come over and play “Long Black Veil” a lot so they were and inspiration for me to sneak and play my dad's guitar. If he had found out, I would have gotten the beating of my life. When The Beatles came out, they became my biggest influence. I was a Beatle Freak as we were known back then. haha

4. How do you feel about writing music? Does it just come to you?

I love writing music but it does have to come to me or I have to be in the mood to write something. I did have one song that came to me in a dream. It was being sung by a torch singer in a club. The melody was haunting but I was just walking up the aisle to exit to the right when she was singing. I don't know where we were leaving to when we were leaving the club but the melody was haunting and I could only remember a few of the lyrics. I talked to one of my friends, Veronica Garcia, and she suggested the way the lyrics should go so I wrote the song based on that.

5. There are cross-overs between country and rock, but a cross over between rock and ethereal music seems unusual.

I compose soft Rock music, Country music, Ethereal music, or whatever comes to me. One day I wrote a “beat” just to prove I could do it. The ethereal music comes from the God part of myself. I arranged Pop rock like Chicago songs so I could play them on cornet for a long time before I started composing. I wanted to play with other players though so I started writing parts for other instruments. The love of a woman inspired my first semi-classical piece. Love or breakups are most of my inspiration, though at times there are songs that were inspired by a good mood. I love interesting, melodic chords so it comes natural to me.

6. What is the name of your band?

I don't have a band except for my music composition program, Harmony Assistant by Myriad. Right now, my music composition program has an optional program, Virtual Singer, which I purchased that can sing the lyrics. That produces my “backup singers” for now. In my videos, I call my “band” “Cal-el.” It's a take off on Superman being portrayed as Jesus in Superman Returns. Someone had asked people to dress up as super heroes to talk to school children about Jesus and since I was in the Superman Returns Webmaster Program, naturally, I dressed up as Superman. Superman's name is “Kal-el,” the “el” representing “of God.” My name is Calvin or Cal for short which sounds like “Kal” so I adapted the name since I was part of an online ministry for those who are “disabled, disadvantaged, displaced or disenchanted in this world” and can't or won't get out to a church. The first time I wore the T-shirt, jeans, and cape outfit was at a 4^th of July fireworks display in Tomball, TX. I was surprised to find that the elderly were as excited as or more excited than the kids were and would drive by and yell, “Hi Superman!” Ever since then, the name and t-shirt stuck. I used to wear a leather jacket with the t-shirt but it just gets too hot in this part of Texas. I would LOVE to have others collaborating online if I can't have a band.

7. Who are your favorite musical performers and composers?

One of my favorite musical performers is... believe it or not... Barry Manilow. I think he stole my idea of changing classical music into Pop music. LOL (I really thought that for awhile.) I like Kenny Loggins, James Taylor, and other relatively mellow music for the most part. John Barry and John Williams are my favorite composers. They really know how to set the mood for a movie. I'm really not into Rap. I think the lyrics are abusive toward women and support an attitude of greed for the most part.

My Near Heart-Stopping Dream

I had moved back to Longview.My mother had to go into the hospital up there. There were a bunch of teenagers were in the house all playing different music on their new cell phones which made it hard to understand what the hospital was saying but they wouldn't take my mother into the hospital without a credit card or debit card. They had to have my debit card so I had to drive back to get it. 

When I got back to Magnolia, the phone was out so I drove to the McLean's old house in Houston and the McLeans were there and decided that they wanted to go with me. I drove back to get my grandfather (all three are long dead) and found out that my mother was out of the hospital. I went and got her and took my mom home then for some reason the McLeans, my grandfather, and I wanted to go to my house in Texas City. We decided to rent a helicopter because we didn't think we were going to make it in time. I don't know who I called, but I called someone and there was a helicopter in the parking lot. We got in and I was piloting since I was the only one who had even flown a simulator before. I took off and we were flying up I 45 N.

We got almost to my house in Texas City and I had lost direction and somehow ended up almost over Galveston. Suddenly, we were over the 610 loop again and ran out of gas.  The lady who played Deanna Troi was somehow aboard suddenly and I asked her to put my cell phone in the compartment in the visor. As she did so, she fell out and I made a daring sweep allowing her to grab the landing gear and set her on a grain silo where she ripped her clothes off, allowing her to grab a light pole with her torn uniform, then swinging to the top of the silo in safety. She made some remark about having that uniform since the beginning the series then said something about never liking that uniform anyway.

We continued on and an updraft took us high in the air. I figured that if we couldn't land close to a gas station it would be a big problem to get the helicopter back to the heliport. We were high in the air and somewhere over the ship channel and we were slowly descending due to the counter rotation of the helicopter blades.  The whole helicopter sequence seemed to last for hours.

I was trying to hit the Gulf Freeway and maybe pick up a ride on a flatbed but that wasn't to be. I suddenly noticed a hand crank just under the blades and started cranking out the blades but that left us with no control since I was now having to steer with a straight rod not unlike the end of one side of a bicycle handle.

I gave up on trying to maneuver to the Gulf Freeway but didn't want to put down in the Ship Channel because of its depth. I was trying to put down in a sand yard to soften our landing somewhat and everyone was screaming that we weren't going to make it as I reassured them we would. (mind you the helicopter wasn't obeying the laws of aerodynamics) and I was beginning the descent deciding to brake by steering against the strong crosswind.

I woke up covered in sweat.

Ghost at The Spaghetti Warehouse in Houston, TX

Ghost at The Spaghetti Warehouse in Houston, TX

Halloween is approaching so it's only right that there be something in Subversify to celebrate the event. I prefer true stories, though.


I've had a few interactions with the paranormal in my lifetime, but none more intriguing to me than my experience at The Spaghetti Warehouse. I'll give you a background of my other paranormal experiences which I believe may have been real first, though.


I lived in a haunted house from the time I was 14 until I graduated high school. That ghost was friendly. It was supposedly and ex-CIA agent who died in the house. He mostly liked to slam the door between the dining room and the kitchen if it was left open, but he would play with me sometimes. I would place objects on the table in a certain order and he would rearrange them. My grandparents, my uncle, my mother, and my sisters all witnessed the events multiple times. He also seemed to love Quentin's Theme. I had a bat kite hanging from a string that never usually moved, but when I put on that record, it would turn back and forth as if someone were dancing with it. When I told my grandmother about it she said that Quentin's Theme used to have another name. I can't recall the name she told me but it was something similar to “Annie's Waltz.” I tried playing other music from classical to hard rock to see if the kite would move because of vibrations from the speakers, but it was to no avail. It only moved when I played Quentin's Theme.


I only visibly saw him once, though. My cousin thought it was me at first and I heard him say, “Calvin, do you want to come out and play?” It replied back in a mean, loud voice, “NO!” I yelled to my cousin that I was in the bathroom under the stairs, quickly zipped up my pants (thankfully nothing got caught in the zipper), and ran out. I saw something that looked a lot like me going up the stairs which disappeared halfway. I believe that was the last time any of us saw or heard from the ghost. I HAD been injected with radioactive dye for a kidney scan a week previously, though. Perhaps the radioactivity caused me to split into two beings in a manner similar to the occurrences in the early horror movies? OOOooooh!


The second occurrence, which I believe was real, was when someone called me to exorcise some demons out of their house. I had just left the ultra-right bible college in Florida that went so far as to send staff to spy on people who went on dates to be sure they didn't kiss or do anything not “Christian.” This was COLLEGE for goodness sake! I also objected to their teachings on the bible and Christ in general. When they brought a couple up on stage in front of the entire college to ridicule them for having half a beer when they ate pizza, I was out of there after advising the woman to seek legal counsel and sue their pants off... but I digress.


I was back in Houston feeling that I had done the right thing and helped expose a very non-Christian Christian college. I had taken up going to a Bible Church instead of a Church of Christ or Baptist Church, both of which I had been to prior to heading off to college. I had a good knowledge of the bible and had studied and pondered the more paranormal acts of Jesus such as healing the sick and casting out demons. My confidence was pretty high.


When I was called to cast out the demons at the person's house, I told them to call the preacher. When they called back and said that the preacher was afraid because a demon had attacked a man who cast out a demon in the name of Jesus and the name of Paul, I thought, “That's silly. He should know that it was because he added the name of Paul that the demon was able to attack him.” Still, I didn't want to do it because I had taken about two hits of a weak joint earlier in the day but I felt I had sinned and wasn't worthy. I told the person to call the elder. I got on my knees and prayed that God send someone else from the church because I didn't feel worthy. The person called back and the elder had turned them down and was afraid for the same reason. After praying for forgiveness for my horrible sin of taking a couple tokes off of a joint, I reluctantly agreed to go to cast out the demons. It was early in the evening when I arrived at the house. Before entering, I prayed for protection. I rang the doorbell and the woman answered the door. She was about 18 or 19 and had called her boyfriend to come over after I had arrived. While we were awaiting his arrival, I asked to see the area of the occurrences she had seen. She took me into her bedroom and I looked around.


Her dresser was cluttered with pictures, perfume, nail polish bottles, and lipstick cases. The closet door was open revealing a plaster skull that appeared to have had a black candle that had been burned enough to make it drip on the skull... I suppose in an attempt to make it look scary.


The woman stood by the closet as I entered the room. The skull appeared to move wherever she moved. I thought that might have been accomplished with fishing line or something and moved further into the room. Suddenly, the bottles on the dresser started flying at us. It was like something right out of the movie The Exorcist but this was before the movie was released. The bottles were hitting her but stopping about a foot away from me and dropping to the floor as if they had hit a wall. Perhaps I should have prayed for protection for the woman as well? Ah well. It was my first (and to this date) only exorcism. I examined the bottles and the dresser to be sure there were no strings or wires or devices that could hurl the bottles and decided that it wasn't phony. I immediately said, “Satan, I cast you out in the name of Jesus!” and all of the activity stopped.


About that time, her boyfriend arrived at the door. They came in and I asked them some questions about whether or not they had engaged in any Satan worship or summoning of spirits to which they answered, “No.” I was confused as to what caused the problem in the first place, so I asked about anything I could think about. I asked about Astrology books and they had a lot of them and handed them to me, but I didn't feel that would do it. I asked if they had any books on voodoo or anything else and they said, “No, but we have this.” They then pulled out a large Satanic Bible. I thought maybe that would do it. Just to be sure, we took all the books and the skull to the middle of the street in the barely developed neighborhood where I crashed the skull on the pavement and burned the books. Yes, I burned the books. Okay. So I was a book burner just that once. So sue me! I then turned to them and told them to get into a church that they could live with and stay in it. I didn't hear from them until ten years later when they called me to thank me. Somehow they found that I had moved to Texas City and gave me a call. Now it's time to get to the Spaghetti Warehouse in Houston.


My now late wife and I went to Houston to eat at the Spaghetti Warehouse because we loved Italian food. It may have been an anniversary or just a romantic date, I'm not sure since my memory fails me, but I was looking forward to a romantic dinner out then some lovemaking afterward. It was around 6pm when we arrived and the sky was clear and the sun was still shining. As I entered, I asked to sit upstairs so I could overlook the beautiful fixtures that had been installed in the place. I loved fixtures and articles from the past, partially from noticing the amazing handiwork that was put into my grandfather's house which was said to be haunted. I really don't know. I was always drawn to the beauty of the past and the majestic carvings on buildings from around the 1800s. Since it was after my back surgery, I was in a wheelchair so it was around 1990 when we went. At the time, I had no knowledge of anything other than some people saying the place was haunted. I didn't believe it. It's one of the several places in Houston said to be haunted. Here is a link to a page on CBS which lists several haunted places in Houston, TX. Since it's a major network news station, I expect it to be more reliable than some of the links I found when searching, though they may have added some mysticism to sell it as a Halloween news article.


http://houston.cbslocal.com/top-lists/houstons-most-haunted-places/


The only one I've been to is The Spaghetti Warehouse. I guess it's listed first for a reason? What was its history? I decided to look for an article tonight that had some history on why they believed the alleged occurrences at the Spaghetti Warehouse happened. I found this on Examiner.com.


“The ghost tales center on a young pharmacist who was dedicated to his job. He was busy with a pile of paper work with invoices overflowing upon his desk. Grabbing a stack of the files, he headed for the back elevator. Without looking, he stepped into the dark, open elevator shaft and fell several feet to his death. 
When the man didn’t return home in time for dinner that evening, his adoring wife began to worry. She hurried to the warehouse hoping to find her husband busy at work. Instead she found a found a group of people standing in and about the building talking about a tragedy that occurred there.  Inside the warehouse she found the remains of her beloved husband crumpled at the bottom of the elevator shaft. The distraught woman died at her home about a year later. Her family believes she died of a broken heart.”


http://www.examiner.com/article/arizona-ghost-hunter-travels-spirited-spaghetti-warehouse-houston-tx


They describe a man who fell down the elevator shaft, and his wife who died a year later of a broken heart, but what I saw was a young, beautiful woman, strangely dressed, who hit on me. I thought the woman had some nerve hitting on me in front of my wife but, due to her beauty, I found myself secretly longing that I was single. The woman first said, “You're a mighty good looking man. I replied, “You're not bad yourself. Meet my wife, Diane.” After meeting my wife, she said something along the lines of, “Would you like to go somewhere and make out?” I replied, “No. I'm married.” She then walked to the elevator when I turned down her advances, then disappeared... fading away rather than just vanishing. I could have taken her up on her offer, but then I would have been divorced and would have to have lived with a woman who only appeared when she wanted sex. Oh, that's the same as marriage, isn't it?


I thought maybe I was seeing things or that perhaps the waitress knew who the woman was. I thought she might have been a customer who had been seated around the corner where I couldn't see her. When I called the waitress over and asked if she had seen a woman that fit the description I gave her, her face turned white and she replied, “That's the ghost.” I thought the staff had probably been coached to say such things, but seeing the woman vanish in the elevator was very puzzling.


We had problems with our elevators at work at the refinery but ours were much newer than those old wrought iron gates they used to have. They had safety devices to stop the elevator if the door was open and had heavy steel doors which opened vertically. Sometimes the safety devices would fail and you could open a door and the elevator wouldn't be there. When I went to the Spaghetti Warehouse, they still had the old gate on the elevator. I can't recall if the wrought iron gate had any safety devices but I remember thinking it was rather ineffective for an elevator door. I came up in it because I was in a wheelchair at the time. Maybe that's what attracted the ghost?


I found a video on YouTube that describes the story of the legend of the haunting. I never viewed it until today, 10/07/2013.

http://youtu.be/6RNGFWVRHo0


Now, I don't believe in orbs. I think orbs are just lens defects or peculiarities of the particular camera being used. I think the discoloration on the picture is probably a result of aging and moisture. It's harder, though, to dismiss a lovely woman hitting on me in front of my wife, heading into the elevator when I rejected her advances, closing the door behind her, and disappearing without the elevator ever moving. Was any of this real? Who knows for sure?


Here is the link to the official The Spaghetti Warehouse in Houston and other states.


http://www.40meatballs.com/