Parker Van Halen’s Boyfriend, Sweet Melissa, “Cereal” Entrepreneur, Happy Birthday America

“May it [American independence] be to the world, what I believe it will be, (to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all,) the signal of arousing men to burst the chains under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings and security of self-government. That form which we have substituted, restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion. All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately... These are grounds of hope for others. For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.
— Thomas Jefferson

Good morning world, I’m back to share the thoughts of a 52-year-old man of privilege; at least that’s what they say.  How are you? How was your July 3rd? We had a great time visiting friends; we saw our friends Scott and Stephanie along with another ten or so people.  They had a small gathering at their home, a great time with great food. 

We headed back home; we had company coming over.  Jack and his master were over; Jack is PVHT’s boyfriend, inseparable, and when Jack goes home, our dog is sad. So Jack’s master is a young lady by the name of Melissa, we call her Sweet Melissa, and she and my wife and I sat on the deck and watched fireworks from 8232 feet above sea level.

We cooked Brauts, made spicey red beans and rice, and Mellissa added a salad; we ate well and then made it to the bean bags where we watched some silly television.  Melissa requested the Patriot, and we offered up Super Bad.  Melissa pointed out this is the opposite of the Patriot. Today is a lazy day; we will hang out, go for a hike, have friends coming over this afternoon, another round of holiday food, some drink, and happiness.  We commissioned a friend to make a unique piece of furniture; it will be delivered today; our home is an eclectic combination of art, music, and an outstanding view of our world.

I caught a news article that pointed out that young people are embarrassed to be Americans.  I was a little sorry for the children; it seems that our school systems’ teachings are that our country is a racist, homophobic, horrible place to live, work, and play.  This version of the U.S.A. is not what I was taught; I was taught our country is the most unrestricted land in the world, you can be anything you choose, and you have a bill of rights that outlines your ability to have unlimited success.

People like to complain about our country, and I often wonder why they don’t relocate to another country.  If you think our country is homophobic, go to a Muslim country and watch how they treat those with a different sexual orientation.  If you are not happy here in the United States of American, move.  Go somewhere you think has done a better job of creating opportunities for anyone regardless of race, color, or creed.

It’s July 4th; we should celebrate our great nation.  As a child, I had fireworks stand; at the age of twelve, my uncle helped me start my first stand and sold fireworks for the next nine years.  While my friends were playing sports and riding around on the bikes, I got up early, headed to my stand, set up my wares, and waited for my customers to come to buy things that went boom.  I made a couple of grand each summer working seven days; I was a kid that had money.

I had a paper route at age 10; interestingly, most folks who had a paper route are now successful entrepreneurs.  Each summer, I had a yard mowing business, adding in my fireworks money; I was a young man with cash in the bank. So I bought my first car with cash and headed to college with a nice cushion that allowed me to buy things like music, beer, and trigger warning marijuana.   I was an early adopter of Devil’s lettuce; it expanded my mind and allowed for my creative self to sharpen my skills.  I don’t recommend it for young people, but it was a cure for my A.D.D.  Adderall be damned, I self-medicated with natural medicine.

I shared yesterday about my senses being sharpened with the work I’m doing in the positive intelligence program. So here’s a question, when was the last time you heard an airplane?  I hear then now; I take note of the sounds around me, the sights, the smells; I was taking my senses for granted; I’m now much more present as a human than ever before.

A central part of the program is to learn about your saboteurs.   We all have a judge, and with a bit of work, you can control the judge.  Your mind is a delicate organ; with a bit of work, you can eliminate the voices that shout you are not good enough and turn every situation into a gift.  I’m sure a few read my words and think, this guy is crazy.  Maybe I am, but let me tell you that you will not find a happier man than the writer of these words.

I’m married to the most beautiful woman globally; I live on top of a mountain; I have three successful kids, one grandkid that might be the most beautiful kid ever born. Yet, I wake and get to do whatever I want to do, which is my definition of success. I’m blessed beyond measure, and I like to think that my hard work as a young man put me in this position. Yet, I’m not satisfied with my station in life; I see many piles of treasure just waiting for my discovery.

I got a call from a friend who shared that a mutual friend had killed himself.  I thought a lot about that the last couple of days; how can a man with four young children be so selfish to take his own life.  Mental illness is a significant issue in society today, do me a favor and check in on a friend you know might be having some problems; life is a gift that should not be snuffed out when you feel a little down.  Be kind, love all, and be the friend you wish others were to you.

Well, I’ll finish gift wrapping this little morning soup. Then, I’ll tie a bow, let others unwrap these thoughts, and see if I can connect with one or more humans.  It’s our nation’s birthday, make a cake, eat a hot dog, watch the fireworks and remember that we live in a beautiful land full of freedom and opportunity.  Please don’t take one second for granted; time is a gift given by something bigger than ourselves.  The fact you can read these words is a miracle.

“May it [American independence] be to the world, what I believe it will be, (to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all,) the signal of arousing men to burst the chains under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings and security of self-government. That form which we have substituted, restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion. All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately... These are grounds of hope for others. For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.
— Thomas Jefferson