All posts by Jim

Salute

A Pocket of Resistance, Sea Stories

i’m a bit under the weather upon our return from our grandson’s high school graduation. But today is a special day for me: Memorial Day.

Many people have made grand statements about our fallen military. Some have misused it for political purposes. To me, that sullies this somber memorial. According the U.S. Flag protocol, i lowered my flag to half mast at 0800 and two-blocked it again at noon. This procedure was designed to honor those military personnel who died serving our country in the morning and the noon return to the top of the staff symbolizes the continued dedication and respect for those who served, both living and deceased.

i have written many times about Memorial Day, hopefully with respect and honor of our military personnel. i don’t think i need to add very much. i hope that everyone took a minute or two to honor those who have served and are serving in harm’s way.

May God bless you.

Down and Up Time

A Pocket of Resistance

i have not posted a great deal lately. Up until Tuesday, that was primarily due to compiling my poems written since i published A Pocket of Resistance: Selected Poems in 2014. That project was completed last week. Tuesday was the beginning of a superb version of up time that has produced another down time for writing.

Maureen and i flew to Austin and will fly home Saturday. There is not going to be very much writing going on. Grandson Samuel James Jewell Gander graduates from high school tomorrow. His two sets of grandparents, his aunt and our daughter Sarah, and, of course, his parents will attend the ceremony and celebrate Sam and the rest of us being together until we depart.

We have a wonderful young man who is growing up well on our hands. This fall, Sam will be attending the prestigious Savannah College for Art and Design with the goal of becoming an interior designer. It is a joy for me to see him focused on a career.

So, i am simply enjoying the moments experiencing Sam moving on the next phase of his life. Now, that’s up time big time.

You go for it, Sam.