“Make a radical change in your lifestyle and begin to boldly do things which you may previously never have thought of doing, or been too hesitant to attempt. So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservation, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun. If you want to get more out of life, you must lose your inclination for monotonous security and adopt a helter-skelter style of life that will at first appear to you to be crazy. But once you become accustomed to such a life you will see its full meaning and its incredible beauty.”
it’s so close. just a few months left. my body begins to shake and this is nothing but a great sign. oh boy, i am so ready.
When I awoke things seemed fantastically new
a bird mocking frog, indeed, what a peculiar view
This dream like land is littered with blues
a paradise alive, lost if i choose
Twice haunting eyes watch in a slippery cave
my own demise must be a water filled grave
Theres a spot in this river where the magic runs thicker
with the fireflies abuzz making me sicker
Taunted and badgered by birds all the same
they glow and they bicker calling my name
And the cattails dance singing of sweet sorrow
while moths gloat shining the light they borrow
I grant I may be more lost and a stranger
scared and alone in an everglade danger
There’s a point on the horizon where you can’t seem to see me
but theres a sky in this river where I can see clearly
If this moon’s a mirage, then the birds must be too
I’ll close my eyes tight and then calm will ensue
Why do they tease, why won’t they clear?
will they leave me alone if I admit what I fear?
That the world I once knew is no longer here?
As the stars and the birds watch me below,
I realize I left myself long ago
At least with certain I can avow
there will be no more birds now.“No More Birds Now” is an 18” x 24” illustration. A very limited edition of hand signed giclee prints is available at www.jamesreadsmerch.com
BIkers Against Child Abuse Helps Make Abused Children Feel Safe Again
“A biker’s power and intimidating image can even the playing field for a little kid who has been hurt. If the man who hurt this little girl calls or drives by, or even if she is just scared, another nightmare, the bikers will ride over and stand guard all night.
If she is afraid to go to school, they will take her and watch until she’s safely inside.
And if she has to testify against her abuser in court, they will go, too, walking with her to the witness stand and taking over the first row of seats.”
During one such testimony, a little boy sat on the stand, testifying against his abusive father, who sat less than 10 feet away.
“Why didn’t you say anything before now?” Asked the prosecutor.
“I was scared.” The little boy replied, honestly.
“Why aren’t you scared now, what changed?” The prosecutor watched the little boy closely as he pointed to the front row of seats in the court room.
“Because my friends are scarier than he is.”
shit like this makes me have faith in humanity again.
Polaroid Landscape Photography by Bastian K 80
