WTF Baltimore
My Baltimore
I very seldom watch television, and lately I’ve been avoiding the news (a recent decision). I still consider myself informed because I read snippets of news online and peruse the occasional magazine. I choose not to get caught up in the drama of current events. I leave that to my friends, especially those with reactive personalities.
Today there was no avoiding the news. There it was in my face. What I saw has saddened my heart. I can’t wrap my brain around these horrific atrocities – vandalism, looting, etc. I refuse to allow these toxic, confused, uneducated thugs who are provoking our city (thugs come in all shapes, sizes and colors) to breakdown my world. I refuse to live in fear and with trepidation.
I will be cautious in my adventures, but life goes on and I will continue to enjoy my beloved city in "true Paul style". That’s what I did tonight! I didn’t travel near the Inner Harbor or Mondawmin, but I did venture out with a friend for a few drinks and light fare. (As always, I enjoy your company. Your complexities, intuitiveness and cerebral posturing on life, love and the pursuit happiness echo my extremes, indifference and love of the uncertainty.)
The ugliness we are seeing has nothing to do with Freddie Gray. To think otherwise tells me you are no different from the thugs who are raping Baltimore, pillaging because many lack common sense, self-esteem and a vision for a brighter tomorrow. Poverty can do that to the heart, mind, and soul, and so can a lack of resources, lead paint and a host of other limitations. I’m not making excuses for anyone, but these complexities are real, misunderstood by many because our leaders lack real solutions for the oppressed.
Like the next person, I am angry – outraged by this animalistic behavior, but there is no running from life, my friends. That’s why I preach often, live for the second, minute, hour and day… to see the sunrise and set, enjoying everything in between. We must enjoy the simple things in life, at all cost.
I am often at the Inner Harbor, and I do visit Mondawmin on occasion. I could have easily been caught up in this whirlwind of activity, hurt by these dangerous predators. I think about that, if only for a moment and then I move on. I don’t have any other choice. I’ve got to keep moving, living and growing, and I encourage you to do the same.
As always, be cautious and think intelligently. Be responsible. Stay safe and continue to thrive, even under the most unfortunate and uncomfortable circumstances, because you can do it. Why? Because life goes on! – paerki
I Pray For You
I enjoy reading the words of others because they speak to how connected we are, and why we must look out for one another as much as possible. A simple word, phrase, quote or story left behind on a wall, street, sidewalk or bench, if written with good intentions and found by the right person, can be uplifting, healing, comforting and all inspiring.
Sadly, this is not always the case. There are periods when the tone is belligerent and caustic, leading to feelings of anger and disdain. At times the message can be sad, creating emptiness in the heart and tears in the eyes, and there we are left to wonder – Who is this person? How can I help him/her?
That’s where the power of prayer comes in handy, and no, I’m not talking religion. I do believe a person presenting with a caring disposition, heavy heart, and a purposeful soul can help others we are genuinely concerned about, and all it takes is the chant of good intentions. This is how a positive vibe is generated and forced out into the world, helping to restore humanity, and when the many come together in unison, I believe good things can happen (No. I know good things can happen!).
No matter what, I always try to imagine hope and meaning in all that I find, sharing it with the world when necessary, hoping others will savor the wisdom and ponder the significance, and for those times when what I read is less than kind, I send my prayer out on the wind, hoping it finds the target and thus generating a change of heart.
Haters don't really hate you. They hate themselves because you're a reflection of what they wish to be – strong, solid and confident, a human being with empathy and compassion. Be a humanist.
To the haters of the world, I pray for you every day. – paerki
