If there's a more perfect love poem than this, I have yet to read it -- or write it.

fwiw

Sorry I missed this one: a Philadelphia area Lincoln Day dinner In attendance? According to a friend who was there, Zimmerman Treichel, Gale, Specter, Santorum, Matthews and Swann gave good face. Apparently some guy running against Treichel was also there. There are doubtless dozens of omissions in that tiny list, there were sins of omission by some politicos -- and there was an Iverson sighting at the afterparty.

Pittsburgh wins again -- Looks like former Steeler Lynn Swann will stand as the Republican candidate in the upcoming Pennsylvania gubernatorial race. Party leaders and committemen are apparently convinced of both his substance and his charisma, and I believe they should be. Most people I've spoken to seem enthusiastic, and all agree that he at least has a shot at replacing Rendell. It will take a concerted effort from all corners of the party -- and, of course, Swann and his political team -- to turn a shot at victory into the taste of victory. May the best man win!

Glad I missed it? The news - as usual - gets a little too "real."

Bob & Doug (I *swear* a CNN reporter in theater called them that -- on the air) both have head injuries. Woodruff has had shrapnel removed form his head and neck. They are described as "seriously injured," but stable. Take a moment to think about & wish well all casualties and hostages everywhere.

This, too. I mean, what the?? Pray for all the servicemen, journalists and others in war zones. Pray for our troops' success and speedy return home to the arms of those who love them, those who miss them. Pray for justice and for peace. And that's enough earnestness and enough religion for any Sunday!

What the?

A tiny, unassigned little opinion piece on Supreme Court judicial nominee Samuel Alito: Leave the Man Alone Already Somebody would probably have to comb private records to determine whether I ever managed to become an official, card-carrying member of the Young Republicans. Over the years they've sure seemed to be nice folks. I've certainly attended (and plan to continue to enjoy) lots of YR events and meetings. And I remain proud of the affiliation on my voters card -- particularly considering the GOP's big tent that officially enfolds people of all hue and creed who share a common outlook. Even an engenue understands that lawmakers sometimes feel compelled to employ obstructionist tactics when they have philosophical objections to candidates. However, bipartisanship is not a four-letter word, and bashing is outre. The quizmasters on Capitol Hill should stop letting party politics get in the way of the business of the nation.

More inevitability? For, I'd say, two years I've largely posted to this blog when I felt guilty of neglecting it and when I had experienced something noteworthy. Today, after the tv woke me up -- a fairly common occurrence given my prediliction for watching late night tv -- I watched a few news items in a row on CBS that seemed, well, blogworthy. Is the news improving, courtesy of Bob Schieffer? Am I enjoying thinking about the news again? Or are my creative juices slowly thawing? Is it possible that all three are happening? -------------- I'm semi-publicly giving myself three assignments, which I'm hopeful I'll revisit in future posts. If you stop back, I don't know if you'll find just writing and thinking exercises, reporting or analysis. I hope you'll find poetry, preferably just on the final item. (1) the interview Schieffer (?) did with the Ohio bishop who says he was abused by Roman Catholic clergy (2) the disabled veteran who just had plastic surgery to replace half his skull after he ran into an IED in Iraq (3) a more conventional love poem -------------- Another little bit of praise for tv: If I can find the listings for "Classic Arts Showcase" on WHYY, I may try to occasionally wake up early some days to exercise in front of the tube before work. It's that good!

Speaking of love monkey ... I do not endorse this link, but I think it's very funny!

The author of "Love Monkey" told me that I "had to" read his novel. I suspect all authors of books (and particularly those of books about to be rather successful) feel that way. Given the subject matter, I put this on my list of books to buy for cash at a real, live bookstore rather than through amazon.com. And I didn't get to it ... yet. Now that it's been adapted for tv, I suppose I'll have to read up to see what all the fuss is about.

OK. It was inevitable. I have written my first poem in years, my first love poem in recent memory. And, brace yourself, I'm going to inflict it on you: My heart is broken open wide.

Even as I type, I'm listening to a Web-based recording of the music from Queenship of Mary's lovely, prayerful Advent Evensong. It was a simple and dramatic evening of music and readings. I feel tremendously lucky (OK, blessed!) to be able to partake of fellowship with such talented and kind folks. If you're dying to hear what it was like, email me and I'll send you the file. It's not massive, but it'll take a minute or two to download.

I guess things weren't "flowing" as well as I was told by my now-former boss. My job search is officially on, and getting into full swing. Feel free to let me know if you know of someone who might benefit from having someone like me (link to follow) on their team.

The world is poorer for the loss of David L. Kurtz. I join his family, friends and admirers in grief at his passing. Mr. Kurtz was the father-in-law of a school chum of mine who is, herself, a beautiful soul. I was informed and educated more than a little bit by this obituary that appeared in The Philadelphia Inquirer. In recent years, I've developed a keener feel for the fact that writing obituaries well is a beautiful art. It mitigates our sorrow and chronicles our times.

Did I mention that Atlantic Highlands has a new Councilman-elect? Or how very proud I am of him???

Oh, yeah, and I'm always thrilled to receive another piece of my crystal!

All I want for Christmas ...

... a stockpile of peanut oil

... a bigger box for my first-aid kit & some standard band-aids

... time away with the one I love

... soap (Crabtree & Evelyn's rosewater soap with cold cream; any cocoa butter soap; Clinique facial soap, mild)

... a particular pair of carved jade earrings

... another special piece of jewelry (needn't be expensive)

... peace, love and understanding

... a Christmas list from all those who haven't been too naughty

I've been away from the keyboard for way too long. But I've been tired ... and a little busy. My most charming mother has a better outlook on life due to successful surgery for a cataract, and my employer says he's happy that things at my workplace seem to be chugging along well -- as he puts it, "flowing." I tend to agree.

I did head out and volunteer to help at the fall dinner at home in Montgomery County, and I couldn't imagine what I'd be asked to do! I actually learned something, and did a task I'd never dreamed of -- perhaps it was my first little foray into fundraising. Folks in the county leadership were smart enough to resurrect the idea of a a 50/50 drawing, and when I casually said: "Give me a job," the gals in charge did. They handed me the raffle tickets and a basket.

I felt like squealing about not knowing nothing about running no raffles and running the other way at breakneck speed, but somehow I didn't. I recruited another volunteer and we worked hard to raise a respectable, if not monumental, total. I'm not sure I want to characterize the work as 'fun' exactly, but it was a real change of pace, and it was, in some ways, a hoot. A big ol' slice of life. I'll only do it next year if I think I can significantly increase the take!

Meanwhile, I've been contributing to the care and feeding of a New Jersey municipal candidate. Literally. I made him the stew I had promised him a week before, and it was OK. With almost two pounds of meat in it, I was pleased that it was at least a little more than edible. I think I know what I can do to soften the meat naturally, and I'm going to try it on my own next batch. And he even used the ingredients I left him to make last night's dinner, too. I know he's fed for tonight and has leftovers to last him through Thursday.

This is a guy who's fed himself successfully -- by himself -- for over 40 years!

Speaking of my favorite candidate in my favorite town -- my favorite guy, really, he's still working hard. And he seems to be largely enjoying it. I'll still say that Election Night can't come soon enough, as far as I'm concerned.

One ... more ... week!

Peter'll work hard, God willing, as a council member, but it's time to move from one challenge to another. So in you can vote in Atlantic Highlands vote early, but not often. One person, one vote to the best candidate!

---

Oh, and I have one word for the person who suggested that I blog directly on relationships: No.

I abridge my own privacy enough by posting core dumps here. I try not to speak too directly of the people in my life. I hesitated to post the details of my darling mother's surgery, and I wrote nothing until I knew she was happy with the results. I mentioned Pete's candidacy only after it was public knowledge. I will admit that I do, both in public and private, revel in how well he's running his campaign.

But I have no real desire to try to get cute in discussing my friends, family and those in my life who insist upon defying classification. At this point, I'd just as soon post their Social Security numbers as describe the details of their interactions with me.

I've only recently come into contact with anyone over the age of 21 who jealously protected his privacy. Maybe it's a consequence of having lived in the self-promoting world of local and national media for the biggest chunk of my life. Breasting my cards isn't really my own style, although I do not reveal as much about myself as it may sometimes appear. I strive to be comfortable in public and to conduct my private life in a way that would stand up to scrutiny. Again, I'm not always perfect in that.

I do, however, respect those who guard their privacy, and I strongly defend their right to do it. Sunshine is a necessary disinfectant in public life, but individuals have the right to lives without unneccessary intrusion. Some things that happen behind closed doors are even good and proper in their privacy. And that's the way it should be, unless there's something in one's life that needs to see the light of day.

So, unless I find some overriding public interest in airing my laundry in public, I think I'll keep washing and drying it privately.