Over and Out!

Have you ever heard the expression: "Knowledge is power"? That is so true - in most cases, but not always. Sometimes knowledge can take the fun out of things!

I've never been much of a war movie fan. Never could find the entertainment value in them. Oh, there are the stories of great bravery and all, but for the most part, "realism" in a war movie can be a deterrent. Don't get me wrong; I don't hate all things "war" (M*A*S*H, Hogan's Heroes, McHale's Navy), I just could never get into them too much.

I'm not anti-military (even though the three television shows mentioned above tended to snub their noses at it). I served in the US Navy from 1984 - 1988. I was a (frocked) 2nd Class Petty Officer - Radioman when I finished. Frocked means I wore the stripes (and chevron), had all of the benefits and responsibilities, but without the pay. My DD-214 paperwork shows me departing as an E-4 (3rd Class Petty Officer), though my uniform showed 2nd Class Petty Officer (E-5). I really enjoyed my time in the service. I spent most of my time on the USS Elrod (FFG-55) doing what I loved. I kept my time to one term of enlistment for reasons other than the work.

One thing that the knowledge I had gained gave me, was a distaste for Hollywood's portrayal of the military. And it comes down to one phrase: "Over and out." Every time I hear that I want to beat someone OVER the head until they're OUT!

In communications, there are two possible ways to end a transmission:

"Over" - I am done transmitting. Please respond.
"Out" - I am done transmitting. DO NOT respond.

Every time I hear "Over and out" I hear "I am done transmitting. Please respond AND shut up!"

Hey Hollywood! It's one OR the other. NOT BOTH!

Sorry. Being that "knowledge is power", I just ruined movies for you.

So if you care to comment, please do. Over."

© Emittravel 2013

Talk to Me

I went through my queue of topics and, honestly, I didn't feel like writing. I know that's "death" for a blogger, but I'm not going to publish crap just to keep the flow going. If I can't state MHBAO in a way that inspires at least me, I'm not going to do it.

I did decide to delve back into my archive of creative writing and post another for your enjoyment. Besides, I don't think this will qualify as crap either. Enjoy!

Talk To Me

Quiet times.

Silent times.

Alone with self.

Talk to me.

Desperation.

Setting in.

Reaching out.

Reaching in.

Talk to me.

Needing comfort.

Needing care.

Isolation.

Talk to me.

Astray in mind.

Astray in heart.

Absolution.

Talk to me.

Although I am with you,

I feel so alone.

Talk to me.

You close up

and leave me in darkness.

Talk to me.

I pour out my heart.

I pour out my love.

Talk to me.

A lifeless being.

A hand so cold.

Talk to me.

Wanting you.

Needing you.

Fear in silence.

Talk to me.

Why are you so quiet?

Why don’t you release?

Talk to me.

Is it something I’ve done?

Is it something I’ve said?

Talk to me.

You hold it inside,

to fester,

to gnaw.

Talk to me.

Are you blind to my heeding?

Can you not hear my call?

Talk to me.

To talk is to dance.

It is no fun alone.

Talk to me.

Come be my partner

and we’ll dance in our love.

Talk to me.

If my pace is too fast

or I “step on your toes.”

Talk to me.

I will slow down my speed

and I’ll “kick off my shoes.”

Talk to me.

But let’s do it together.

It is too hard alone.

Talk to me.

Oh please talk to me,

so we can be one.

Together.

J.P. Wiegand

©Emittravel 1986

It's amazing to me when and how we get inspired. I was sitting with a friend who was talking to his wife over the phone. For me it was a one-sided conversation (though not funny like the ones Bob Newhart used to do in his stand-up); for him it was a one-sided conversation also - no, he wasn't laughing either. The mood was very tense: she was closed to him and he was trying to open her up. I happened to be sitting there with my notebook when the inspiration struck.

Two questions: First, what has been the most amazing moment of inspiration for you that caused the creative juices flowing? And second, have you ever found yourself in my friend's place? If so, what did you do? -j.p.

©Emittravel 2011