The Coffee Shop

The Coffee Shop

August 09, 2024  /  Joe McClure

Coffee Shop

Funny how Life Happens when you don’t expect it. We stopped in Valdosta, Georgia, on the way down to Florida and decided to stay downtown instead of near the interstate. Nice little historic hotel called The McKey in a typical southern downtown, with a beautiful old courthouse, complete with statues, Massive old oak trees, Memorials, Plaques, etc, etc.

Next morning I decided to get a fancy cup of coffee and something sweet to eat before heading down interstate 75. There was one right downstairs called Gud Coffee. (no, that’s not a spelling error, I don’t know how to put a  –  over the u!) I’ve never spent much time in a coffee shop in the morning. I do the drive through cause I’m in a hurry.

What a new experience for me! I didn’t know this culture existed! It reminds me of night clubs and discos back in the 70’s and 80’s! Mostly young folks meeting their friends , sitting at their favorite tables, saying hello, also meeting new friends of friends.

When I got there about 9am, there were just a few people there, scattered about, relatively quiet, laptops, some headphones. I figured the busy time must be earlier in the day. You could tell the difference between the social folk and the not social folk, mostly by the headphones and the seating choice. Some facing the wall or the window, others choosing the couch type group seating.

People began showing up, slowly at first, then I realized that the place had come alive. The social folk were arriving, the line at the order counter was getting longer , the coffee makers, (I guess I should call them Baristas) were moving faster, almost like, … well maybe because …  the caffeine was kicking in!

I was feeling like a real outsider, until I pulled out my laptop. Then I fit right in!

As an ‘Observer’, I love watching this unfold. There’s the friendly young lady, with her hair up on in a pony tail on top of her head, and her sunglasses perched perfectly on top , she picked a spot on the couch and seemed to know everyone who walked in, complete with hugs and hello’s. Some others in the corner with their headphones on, I’m not sure who they were communicating with. There’s the guy with the backpack who is also quite friendly with everyone, talking about the church youth gathering he attended the night before.

Mostly folks dressed very casually, shorts, t-shirts, flip flops. Then the young businessman, coat and tie, in a hurry to get to work, but checking out the ladies in the group seating areas.

There were nerds, old folks like me, the business lady in a suit with her phone tucked between her shoulder and her ear, the entire time she was there, while she was ordering, paying, and drinking her coffee. (how do people do that?) I was amazed that the patrons were as interesting and varied as the coffees and smoothies available! (I’m still not too sure about that peanut butter raspberry smoothie I had) It’s like I went to another country, except they were mostly speaking English. Lots of people coming in and going out. Getting their wake-up caffeine, and on their way, others are there to socialize. Students studying and some just watching, like me.

It's interesting to me, how we can get into our own habits, schedules and routines, and not realize that Life Happens, in different ways and in different places. No wonder, that we realize and identify the world from our own perspective, because of the shows we watch, people we know, news we pay attention to, the places we go.

Go somewhere different, change things up, put on some flip flops, or hiking boots; go hang out at a Coffee Shop, or a gym, or the woods, or a bar, or try yoga!  … Or do them all!

Funerals

Funerals

August 06, 2024  /  Joe McClure

Funerals

It’s happening again … still … It’s happening more and more as I get older. You know what I mean …

I just got back from Florida, attending my Aunt Emily’s funeral. (my mom’s sister) She was a wonderful aunt. Always positive and smiling… She raised an awesome family, lived through many challenges,  she lived a good life. She’ll be missed by lots of friends and family, in Florida and across the country. I’ll miss her too. Family is important.  I become more aware of this daily.

We told many old stories, recalled sweet memories, and fun ones. One ongoing tradition, maintained throughout the years between my Aunt Emily and Uncle Ed was our fierce loyalty to our Alma maters and the Georgia/Florida game. The winner always displayed  ‘good sportsmanship’  by calling the other, and expressing ‘condolences’  for the losing team 😊

I think one thing all of us said many times this past weekend was “We need to get together like this, when there’s no funeral involved.”   We used to get together for weddings, and reunions, … and births and deaths. But as generations leave us, as the years pass, and now too many of my generation …  Well …  I think it was Lewis Grizzard who said, “Elvis is dead and I don’t feel so good myself.”

     I’ll also miss Larry, who introduced me to a new drink called a Tequila Sunrise at a frat party at UGA.

     Jack, who served his city and the advertising business in Columbus.

     Mike, a talented writer/businessman/entrepreneur who shared his wisdom to many fighting cancer.

     Murray, family man and husband to a very dear friend of mine.      

     Rick M, talented musician and friend to me and pretty much everybody in Columbus.

     Rick W,  talented writer/songwriter/musician I wish I had known better.

     Terry, who sent me a cherry milkshake along with my prescription of pain pills when I had my tonsils out at 33 years old.

     Ralph, Medal of Honor recipient and an inspiration to thousands of soldiers.

And many, many, more … The list keeps growing … and we’re powerless to stop it…

Life is short …  Let’s not … wait for the funeral  … to enjoy our friends and relations.

Reunions

Reunions

July 22, 2024  /  Joe McClure

Reunions

I watched a movie last night called Last Vegas. It could have well been written by someone watching me a few weeks ago. The movie was almost as hilarious as that weekend. (I highly recommend watching it)

The last weekend in June, I joined 15-20 former fraternity brothers at a campground in North Georgia. We had all attended North Georgia College (now The University of North Georgia) somewhere between 1965 and 2000. I transferred to UGA my junior year but have maintained several friendships through the years. Basically, we sat around and told old stories. (some older than others)

Let me also say that the majority of these brothers went into military service after graduating. North Georgia College was/is a Military College. Therefore, there was a heavy concentration of “Type A” personalities. Majors, Colonels, Generals, Army, Navy, Marines, etc, etc. They ALL thought they were in charge! (Just imagine, all Generals, no Privates) It was fun to watch!

So we fished, and drank, told stories, and drank, cooked meat, and drank, ate meat, and drank. There was a lot of talk about finding Bigfoot. (as I recall) Fortunately, we didn’t look very hard …   There have been some searches in the past 😊

When we get together, we tend to think we’re younger than we are. At least this year, no one was taken to the hospital!

I’ve been working on a song called ‘Get off my Lawn!’ I have had major inspiration from this group…

Eventually, some settled into real conversations, about the past , the present, the future …  A lot of these guys have seen and participated in live conflicts around the world. They have served their country proudly, bravely, with honor. I admire and respect these guys. I enjoy their since of humor and “Joi d’ vivre”.  I’m proud to know them.

All of us didn’t go into the Armed Services after graduation, myself included. But we all GREW UP in Dahlonega, Georgia, at North Georgia College. We learned about leadership, honor, discipline, honesty. We learned life lessons that remain true to this day.

But most importantly,  …. We remain true friends…

Dot Day

Dot Day

June 27, 2024  /  Joe McClure

Dot Day

It was a typical summer day at the Springer Opera House, Home of the Springer Theatre Academy. Kids arriving for another day of fun, learning many things;  ‘Theatre’.  Acting, singing, dancing, celebrating life through art. Or as they put it: “Life skills through stage skills”.

But today was a little different. Today was  “Dot Day”. Some kids were wearing Dots on their t-shirts and clothes, a tradition on Dot Day. But even Dot Day was different this time. All of Dot McClure’s Children, Grandchildren, and Great grandchildren, were invited to join in on the festivities. We toured The Springer and sat in on some classes. Some of us were interviewed in a discussion of the history of The Springer and the Springer Theatre Academy.

We got to participate in ‘Salutations’, a movement exercise to Pachelbels Canon in D, that “Honors the Past, Acknowledges the Present, and Salutes the Future.” I used to watch my Mom (Dot) participate in these rituals on the Springer stage, surrounded by her ‘Springer kids’. They were all very special to her,  if I was there, she would insist that I join in. I was shy about it at first but before it ended, I would get this feeling in my heart that this was something special ...  It still is Today.

My Mom loved teaching acting, as much as acting. When I was pretty young, I used to watch her teach a summer acting class at something called  ‘Musemont’  at Jekyll Island. It was a part of her I rarely saw at home. I would get that feeling in my heart every time she’d walk on a stage. Whether it was at Musemont, Wynnton School Auditorium, or the Springer Opera House, she would light up like the 4th of July!

Her relatives called her Dorothy, grandkids called her Mama Dot, my friends and I used to call her Mountain Ma, at The Springer Theatre Academy, … she’s Dot… Miss you Mom

Love in the Wind

Love in the Wind

June 19, 2024  /  Joe McClure

Love in the Wind

He was just 17 when he woke up from a deep snooze. You know, like teenagers do.

He wiped the sleep from his eyes and soon he realized, he was really hungry. He found some greens he could eat, they tasted a lot like dirt, but they satisfied his craving. It seemed nice and warm outside, so he popped out, and took in a big breath of fresh air.

He felt young and alive, almost transformed, into something new, You know, like teenagers do.

What’s that noise? He thought, as he listened with care. It sounds like a party going on over there. It was so magical, enticing, and new, So he spread his wings and flew! You know, like teenagers do.

He found new friends, and they sang and danced. Then he saw her, and he started to prance. He’d never seen such a pretty thing, orange eyes, yellow stripes, crystal wings. Those lovely wings spread as she invited him in, they danced and sang and made love in the the wind.

You know, like teenagers do

They didn’t know better, they thought it was great, but their love together would seal their fate. He became tired and could no longer fly. She laid her eggs and started to cry. He sang until he drew his last breath, he didn’t know their love would mean his death. She listened for his song, up high in the air, she listened and sang, but it was not there.

So she closed her wings and fell to the ground, as other lovers made their mating sound. Occasionally you can hear them, every now and then. But soon, they would all be silent again…

For 17 years the babies will sleep, buried in the dirt, about 6 inches deep. Then they’ll wake up, and sing and dance, and have their chance at a little romance…

You know, like teenagers do …

Up and Down, In and Out, Laugh and Cry

Up and Down, In and Out, Laugh and Cry

December 27, 2023  /  Joe McClure

Up and Down, In and Out, Laugh and Cry

Scrooge to the Ghost of Christmas future:  “Spirit, you have shown a Christmas Yet To Come, which mingles great happiness with great sadness, what is to become of me?”  Scrooge Movie 1971.

I seem to always be quoting scenes from this movie about this time every year. This morning, this seems especially real. Yesterday I was saddened to hear that Jack Bassett died of a stroke early Christmas morning. I knew Jack from my days in radio. He was a talented, creative, honest advertising guy. I respected and appreciated him. I will miss him.

A few hours later I got a text picture of an ultrasound from Jason McKenzie. A quick phone call connected me to a very excited newlywed/soon to be father! What wonderful news from a great guy, at Christmas!

Now, this morning, I get news that Mike Venable has died. God bless him and Jill. Their life, and battle to live and appreciate life, has been an inspiration to me and countless others. I will miss him.

Now, as Gail and I get ready to go celebrate my grandson Alex Thor’s 9th birthday. I am reminded how happiness and sadness enter each of our lives. I prefer the happy times. I am grateful to have known these gentlemen. I am grateful to have known many friends, and relatives, who have passed on. I think of them often at Christmas. I hope you will remember your lost loved ones, and how they made you smile.  😊

I am happy to be here now.

I wish all of you out there a Happy New Year.

“May we all Live as long as we’re Alive”

   -------------------------------

Chestnuts are roasting and so am I

This Christmas movie is making me cry

Why, oh why, oh why, oh why?

Do I get the Blues at Christmas?

(Joseph W McClure @ 2023)

DAY OF THE DEAD?

Day of the Dead?

November 05, 2023  /  Joe McClure

The Day of the Dead?

I know, I promised to give you some more Adventures of Dooley and Me. We finally got home a few days ago, and I’ve had plenty to catch up on, and I’ll get to that soon. But my question today is: What’s this with the Day of the Dead? How have I gone 67 years and never heard of this phenomenon, er… day?  It’s apparently on a lot of people’s minds this year.

This time of year has been pretty weird for me for the past 4 years. The Irony of having open heart surgery on Halloween has never been lost on me. The bleeding out internally, having my heart stop, for some period of time, and being in a coma for 3 days, (apparently during The Day of the Dead) wasn’t part of the plan. Well… it wasn’t part of MY plan!

Well, this isn’t about me, as my sweet buddy Dooley nuzzles my hand for some love, today I’m thinking about, and remembering companionship from my furry friends throughout the years.

My very first pet was given to me by my Gramps. He was a sweet little Beagle puppy named Sam. My parents were NOT happy about this gift. Sam wanted lots of attention and was quite vocal about that… I came home from school one day and Sam was gone. I was told he escaped through a hole in the fence. I rode my bicycle around my neighborhood for a year calling Sam’s name. (the neighbors loved that!) I never found him.

Other pets early on involved cats, I had several as a child. There was Zero and P-40, a brother and sister who were constantly chasing each other around the house. Linus, an orange tabby, who ruled the house, (including my brother’s dog). Poco Skeekrah, which actually means “Little Voice” in two separate languages! And later there was, Smokey, Spooky, Shadow, Trixie, Mr. Rogers, Downy, Jinx, and Bill. (Bill was a sickly little fellow, in a litter of Kittens, his name was a result of all the Vet bills we paid.)

Then there were our dogs. The first one’s name was Valentine, a mostly black mutt who would stand out in the rain and bark, … constantly. We had to find Valentine a different home. The kids were scared of him. Then our neighbor brought over a beautiful Springer Spaniel we named Jesse. Jesse and Cotton the Cat got along very well and Jesse was everyone’s pet. They both lived happy long pet lives, we miss them.

Then there’s Boo. We met Boo on Halloween. He was calm, sweet, and loving at a party with 50 people in a crowded small room. His original name was Boogie, but we thought Boo was appropriate. Boo was great, you can read more about him at A Wagging Tail — Joe Songs Music   And there’s Dooley, he has his own blog.

I’ve had a few people wish me “Happy Resurrection Day” on Halloween and even now, The Day of the Dead. It seems a little blasphemous to call it that. But I know God was guiding all of those doctors, nurses, family, friends, and furry friends. I owe them every day I have left. I thank you for your love and support. And I’m wishing all of you going through your own Day of the Dead, remember them and smile through those tears…

Dooley at Jesse and Cotton’s resting place…

Hospitals

Hospitals

July 29, 2022  /  Joe McClure

I hate hospitals. Wait, that's not fair, I love hospitals. They save lives, then again … not always. People in the Hospital are sick. People who visit their loved ones in the Hospital are scared,  worried, afraid. But without the Hospitals (and of course the people working there)  well …            you know…

A Hospital is a place where Life Happens,  often at its most crucial point in time. A place where love, generosity, caring, hope, happiness, camaraderie, and family,  live… As well as a place where fear, hopelessness,  sorrow, loneliness,  and despair, live… It all comes together at the hospital. It's where the best and worst parts of our lives can occur. It's where we reckon with real honest to goodness life and death. And besides our prayers and presence, there's really not much many of us can do with this reckoning. It’s pretty much out of our hands.

There are three main groups of folks at a hospital. Those that care for the sick, those that are sick, and those who love the people who are sick. All these people are under the pressure of their role. God bless them…

I have watched Life Happen in the hospital from two of these roles, as a patient and a visitor, and they both require courage.

I have a friend in the hospital now, he’s preparing for Open Heart Surgery. My longest time in the hospital as a patient (more than a couple days) was due to Open Heart Surgery. I’ll have to admit to a bit of PTSD after being there for a few hours. I also have to admit feeling the Love, Happiness, Hope, Faith, and Joy for Life amongst the fear and helplessness that a Hospital can bring…

I hate Hospitals, But I Love the people in them …

Left Behind

Left Behind

December 25, 2021  /  Joe McClure

Left Behind

Here's a thought for those of us who've lost loved ones and are missing them this Christmas.

We're still here for a reason,  a purpose... seeking that purpose not only gives life meaning...  Finding that purpose...  gives us true grateful lasting Joy... spreading that Joy may very well be why we're here...

Christmas Blessings to all of us this Christmas Season!  And may the New Year ahead bring Love and Joy to our Loved ones and the World! 🌎

Joe McClure

A Wagging Tale

A Wagging Tail

December 13, 2020  /  Joe McClure

A Wagging Tail

It’s happening, very soon, an event that we were told 3 or 4 weeks ago would come. We hoped it wouldn’t, that some miracle would happen, but it hasn’t…It’s just a day or two away…

This sucks, it hurts, it’s hard to watch, to see unfold, to lose our buddy, our companion for the past 12 years, our sweet dog, Boo.

We found out a few weeks ago that it wasn’t a sinus infection, it’s an aggressive cancer that’s growing in his sinuses, through his skull, his brain, and his nasal passages. “We’re sorry” they said, it’s gone too far into his brain to remove.

It didn’t seem to bother him much, other than those sneezing fits and that awful yucky stuff draining out of his nose. We didn’t really know what to expect, the doctors weren’t much help, they described several horrifying scenarios, told us to watch him and sent us home.

We figured if he could wag his tail, he was happy, and we’d keep him happy. About 3 days ago, he quit wagging his tail… We know it’s time to say goodbye to Boo, his soft ears, big Boo smile, and wagging tail.

I’ll miss Boo as my hiking companion, he loved to explore the woods with me.

Boo loves to sleep on my feet, or under my chair, next to the bed, in the middle of the doorway, by the fire, … Okay, … Boo loves to sleep!

He loves the kids, the grandkids, and granddogs as much as they love him.

He loves to sit on the porch and keep an eye on things.

He welcomes everyone with a hearty bark and a wagging tail.

He knows when I need some doggy love. Last year about this time, when I came home from open heart surgery, Boo was there, looking after me, wagging his tail and lifting my spirits. He just stopped by to see me now, he knows I’m sad.

Did I mention his wagging tail? When Boo wags his tail, he does it with his whole body. From head to tail, his body undulates as if he is doing some kind of Big Boo Waggy Dance! He has a big tail too. More than one toddling child has been wacked to the floor with that happy dance!

I miss that happy dance already. I’m going to miss our sweet dog Boo.

Scars

Scars

October 26, 2020  /  Joe McClure

The water can hide things, … treasures, dangers, histories, old habits, the past,, the present, the future, Remnants of all of the above...You don't know what’s hiding underneath. The sand is uneven, the waves unpredictable,  there may be something alive... or dead... What is underneath is hidden... at first…But if you study the surface, you can tell there is something underneath ... you can tell … It’s like a Scar on the water.

Scars... I have them, I'm almost a year out from my OHS CABG X3 (technical jargon for those who've had their rib cage sawed in half and their heart rebuilt) They're not as ugly-scary as they were almost a year ago, I'm not sure if they're healing or just been covered over with new skin. They remind me of their presence … Every.Day …  I don't have to look at them, I can feel them ... Every.Day ... Maybe someday they'll fade away … maybe not. I think I would miss them if they did, they've taught me a lot, and somedays I need some reminding of what I’ve learned ...

Today will be Different …  Today… I'm at the Beach… Today … I'm going to take off my shirt, show my Scars to the Sun, and the World, and expose the World to my Scars... maybe they can teach each other something... (I hope I don’t scare anyone!)

Our Scars are our earned badges of proof that we can Suffer … and Survive. They are not always visible to the world or to anyone, but if we honor them with Our Sunlight, they will Heal...

I will Live out Loud … Today. There is Hope in Today, the Future, Tomorrow... Soon. There is Hope in the Water, in the Waves, in the World… In the Sunshine… In the Light …  We can Heal! We can Laugh! We can Love! and We can LIVE!

Know the Rain

Know the Rain

August 21, 2020  /  Joe McClure

  Sometimes it Rains. Listen to it. Feel the cooling freshness of it. Can you hear the Song in it? Does it make you want to Dance? Does it make you want to Cry? Walk in it, Dance in it, Sing to it! 

The Rain will listen to your Song, but You must listen... You must stop... Be still. Before you Dance and Sing, you may have to feel its Loneliness... Despair... Pain... Accept the Wonder of the Rain... the cooling wet... let it wash over you... let it wash through you. Let it soak into your clothes and your soul... until you shiver... until you long for the Sun. For as surely as the Rain will Fall, the Sun will Rise... but not Now.  

Now is the time for Rain... Know the Rain ... Know its Song... Know that it is for You... Now... Tomorrow it may sing a different song... but... Now... it sings... for You... Find it, Sing it, and Know that it is Beautiful... Know that it is Yours ... Know that You are Beautiful ... Know it Now... 

What I Came For!

WHAT I CAME FOR!

August 05, 2020  /  Joe McClure

Joe McClure

What I Came For!

In the Heart of the Deep Forest, you can't actually see the Sunrise. But you can feel it, coming through the mist of the morning, as birds and leaves begin to flutter, getting ready to sing their wake up song. The Forest and I wait, in Anticipation, like a child waits for his surprise birthday party, on the other side of the closed door, knowing something is coming, but what? ...

 Father Sun opens the door, finds its way down into the Forest, slowly pushing aside the mist and the leaves to finally shine itself down to the Forest floor, exposing the Forest' beauty to itself and its Natural Inhabitants. And Me, the Immigrant Child, trying to blend in, so as not to disturb or interrupt its natural rhythm and existence, lest I destroy its Loveliness. 

Today the Lord will give Me what I came for, and I will Leave, with Joy, Knowing the Cycle repeats. Every Day... Every Year... Every Lifetime...

Click here to listen to my song: The Time Is Now

Make It Sunday!

MAKE IT SUNDAY!

August 01, 2020  /  Joe McClure

MAKE IT SUNDAY!

It's Sunday! A day of rest, a day to get right with God, the Universe, Family. A day to take a Breath, a Smile, a View. A day to Notice, Dream... Believe. 

Most days lately I can't tell you what day it is, but most Sundays I can. Maybe it's the Preachers on TV, the Grandkids coming over to swim. Maybe it's the Yearning in my Heart to connect with Something, Someone, Some Presence... Bigger than Me...

 What if we could make every day Sunday? What a nice day to Settle in, Feel right with the World, the Maker, our Kin, and our Friends ... a day we could Relax, and accept the Peace we so long for... Thank you Lord for this Day, help me appreciate its Beauty, and its Unique Perspective...

Go to Them!

GO TO THEM!

August 01, 2020  /  Joe McClure

The Water, the Mountain, the Sun and the Sky. Are always there, you can't always see them, but they're there. Go to Them, drink in their healing wisdom, feel their power, be awed by their beauty, be washed by their raining joy, and share it with those you Love. Believe in that Power, and know the Love that is there. It will envelope your Heart, your Being, your Soul, and give you the Strength, Stamina, and Courage to go on...

"So when the Sun Comes Creepin' through your window tomorrow,
and warms your room with its Light. Know that Love does the same for your Heart and your Sorrow, and you'll be doing alright" From "The Sun Came Creepin" Joe McClure - Listen here!

It's Who You're With!

IT'S WHO YOU’RE WITH!

July 31, 2020  /  Joe McClure

I've been spending a lot of time lately (well okay, a lot of years) trying to find just the Right Place. The perfect place to Write, the perfect place to Enjoy Life, the perfect place to Play and Sing, the perfect View, the perfect place to Be Happy, the perfect Peace... Those places are so rare and hard to come by... well, maybe they don't really exist, maybe it's my attitude, my state of mind, maybe they're in my heart, not my head.

 I remember back in college, having a discussion with a good friend about life, (and girls) and we concluded: "It's not What you do, it's Who you're with." This morning I decided: "It's not Where you are, it's Who you're with". 

I've been With Myself for several days now... Apparently... Sometimes...I'm not very good company...😃

Click here to listen to my Song: The View From The Top

Hope Is Important!

HOPE IS IMPORTANT

July 20, 2020  /  Joe McClure

In the early, early morning, before the dawn, there's a mist upon the mountains that clouds our view of the trails ahead. We are unaware of the challenges, hardships, beauty, joys and wonders we will encounter. But as the sun appears, and the Sky changes from gray to blue, there is instilled in us, a Hope, an eager anticipation for the day ahead. This Hope is important. It will bring us into a new day with strength and courage, and it will replenish our Souls with Wonder and Beauty. God has blessed us with this day. Let's see what He has in store for us!

A New Day!

A NEW DAY!

July 19, 2020  /  Joe McClure

The Rooster crows, the Chimney Swifts chatter, the Birds sing their Song of Summer morning. The Sunrise Stillness slowly awakens to the Inevitability of a New day, a New chance, a New beginning...
What will We do with this Blessing God has given Us and the World?