tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71026827932167801072012-01-27T09:25:55.589-06:00Panhandle Poetry and Other ThoughtsWhatever comes to mind about the people, the places, current (or not so current) events, philosophy, culture, or whatever, that might in some remote way be related to the Texas Panhandle or other places that I want to talk about!
(All rights to the contents of this blog are retained by the author. Please e-mail me if you'd like permission to utilize any of my work.)Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.comBlogger6411100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-17176843200204079162012-01-27T08:43:00.000-06:002012-01-27T08:43:02.424-06:00Needy PeopleWe are born with needs, but as we grow we develop wants. Sometimes we have difficulty distinguishing between the two. Our cravings for a particular thing often cause us to see it as a need rather than a want.
Everyone is "needy" on some level. Babies are born with needs for virtually everything due to their helpless state. They need someone to feed them, to change their diaper and to love Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-38843350612167608902012-01-26T08:28:00.002-06:002012-01-26T08:28:50.916-06:00Modern ConveniencesThe complexity of today's modern conveniences astounds me. They are supposedly designed to make our lives easier yet, I find that for the most part, their primary purpose is to drain any excess disposable income from our pockets.
One of my favorite leisure activities is to read. I love a good old-fashioned, well-bound book. I can carry it with me wherever I go. I can read while grabbing a Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-4179698537849948822012-01-25T08:56:00.000-06:002012-01-25T08:56:27.948-06:00Leading LemmingsAlthough it has been shown to be untrue that the small Arctic rodents called lemmings commit mass suicide by blindly following a leader off of a cliff, such characterization has stuck and entered into popular culture as a description of those who follow blindly. I think rather than calling people who exhibit such behavior lemmings, they should be called Zombies.
Zombie is a term from Haitian Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-69222265981955243952012-01-24T09:23:00.001-06:002012-01-24T09:23:11.547-06:00Kinetics WastedAll of life is about the capture and utilization of energy. We are beings of energy.
Einstein formulated that mass and energy are equivalent. More specifically, that Energy = mass x the square of the speed of light in a vacuum. It is the formula that depicts the conversion of matter into energy.
From this concept we can deduce as we look at our surroundings that everything we can see, Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-76522453125961222012-01-23T10:14:00.002-06:002012-01-23T10:14:36.093-06:00Justifiably UnfashionableIt has been said that "clothes make the man." I understand the sentiment but disagree with it to some degree. I think it should be restated to "clothes enhance the image a man wishes to project."
Aside from the obvious need to protect ourselves from the environment and the perceived need for propriety, why do we wear the clothes that we wear? Perhaps propriety is a guise for protecting our Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-16642935209321092672012-01-22T07:05:00.002-06:002012-01-22T07:05:52.308-06:00Illumination, Inspiration and Infinity"Change your thoughts and change your world." -- Norman Vincent Peale
"Give light and people will find the way." -- Ella Baker
"Great hopes make great men." -- Thomas Fuller
"Ideas shape the course of history." -- John Maynard Keynes
"In a gentle way, you can shake the world." -- Mahatma Ghandi
"The power of imagination makes us infinite." -- John Muir
______________________________________Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-36788229058344294652012-01-21T12:53:00.000-06:002012-01-21T12:53:29.518-06:00Hearing ImpairedMy frustration with the younger generations continues to grow each day. It seems they are constantly doing things to annoy me. I don't know if it is just the general rudeness that has crept into our society or if there is something more pernicious involved. It is tempting to think at times that it is actually a conspiracy aimed solely at me.
Something that really bothers me are the endless Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-22632252412386142422012-01-20T08:52:00.000-06:002012-01-20T08:52:09.002-06:00GraceContinuing with the theme of alphabetically inspired posts has presented a challenge, not because I have had difficulty in thinking of a subject on which to write, but because I have had difficulty choosing from among the many things that come to mind. The letter "G" has been especially difficult because there are so many possible subjects.
I have chosen the subject of grace because it is the Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-65109654847264987462012-01-19T08:10:00.001-06:002012-01-19T08:10:30.660-06:00Fortuitous EncountersHave you ever met someone, or perhaps run into a previous acquaintance at just the right time? Did you think it was purely chance or did you wonder if a higher power was at work?
Do you believe in luck? How does luck differ from chance? Are they related? How do you account for the many things that "happen by chance" yet upon retrospect appear to be design?
I have always struggled with the Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-47598476050525824692012-01-18T10:05:00.003-06:002012-01-18T10:05:42.804-06:00Elegant ElephantElegant Elephant wearing pearls
With frills about her waist
Took upon her elegant self
A job much to her taste.
Pretentious Donkey held the throne
Where Elegant wished to sit.
She set upon the lengthy road
In hope of claiming it.
The field was crowded for the feat
As others also vied
To claim the bully pulpit seat
For which she gamely tried.
Her cousins of the elephant clan
Fought hard to claimChris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-70431008226412323692012-01-17T06:56:00.000-06:002012-01-17T06:56:47.460-06:00Dare to DreamIt could be argued that this post should have been yesterday, but my sense of timing with this alphabetically inspired theme is tied purely to the sequential progression of the letters, not to the calendar and the day honoring the man best remembered for the words, "I have a dream."
We all dream -- although I have heard some claim that they never dream. I think dreams are how our mind organizesChris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-70409258507763104292012-01-16T13:57:00.002-06:002012-01-16T13:57:38.709-06:00ConnectionsI believe that it was William F. Buckley who wrote a syndicated column in which he took a circuitous route among various subjects, all of which were connected in some fashion and led back to his point of beginning. I always enjoyed reading Buckley's columns and felt stongly a desire to write something similar. The man was a brilliantly astute observer of the American scene.
Although probably Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-61327645870192796352012-01-15T11:48:00.000-06:002012-01-15T11:48:34.650-06:00By the WayIncidentally -- a change of subject: notice that I am starting a new topic in the conversation. That's what "by the way" means in current usage. I want to thank Hillbilly Willy for offering the title to this second piece in my series of alphabetically inspired posts.
By the way, I wonder if he meant something by the choice? If I caved to my insecurities I would think he was telling me that "Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-5950069131129447172012-01-14T11:20:00.001-06:002012-01-14T11:20:41.432-06:00Alphabetical Inspiration?Like many writers, I go through spells of, maybe not writer's block, but not knowing what topic to choose for a post. I've tried keeping a notebook with ideas but when it comes to actually choosing something I can't make up my mind.
I have always done my best writing when writing to a deadline. There is something about that ticking clock that squeezes out the creative juices and it happens. Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-73055218471366418512012-01-13T17:33:00.000-06:002012-01-13T17:33:14.180-06:00WaitingWaiting is something
I often do.
I wait for traffic.
I wait for customers.
I wait for the right time.
I wait for inspiration.
I wait for Dinner time.
I wait and wait and wait.....
If I wasn't waiting
What would I do?
Would I go fishing?
Then I would wait on the fish to bite.
Would I go shopping?
Then I would wait in line to check out.
Would I watch television?
Then I would wait for the Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-30474706232550579442012-01-12T10:21:00.000-06:002012-01-12T10:21:17.362-06:00WithdrawingI've frequently considered the addictive nature of the Internet, Social Media, online games and things of that nature. I have slowly withdrawn from some of them -- at least on some level -- yet, here I am blogging. Is it the same?
I rarely update my "status" on facebook anymore. I enjoyed it, but, occasionally the comments were such that it took the "fun" out of it. So, I pretty much quit. Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-17303502619787787802012-01-02T20:36:00.002-06:002012-01-02T20:36:36.161-06:00Short HandedIt's strange, I suppose, but I am much more productive when I have too much to do and not enough time in which to get it done. OK, maybe not strange, maybe normal. I don't know. It's just a description of today I guess.
I am being two people for awhile. The manager of one of my company's locations decided to pursue another opportunity so I'm getting to do his job (at least part of it), as Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-52254324077126564492012-01-01T16:51:00.000-06:002012-01-01T16:51:16.363-06:00Another New YearThis day is another beginning of beginnings. Hmmmm.......let me try that again. We begin again today another beginning. That's not much better is it? What about this.....On this beginning day we begin again with another beginning. For some reason, none of this sounds quite right. After all, why is today any different than any other day?
The words of Solomon from the book of Ecclesiastes Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-2467156125411889842011-12-27T22:09:00.000-06:002011-12-27T22:09:05.623-06:00A Cold. Bleh.Head pounding,
Eyes throbbing,
Lint on my upper lip.
I shoulda shaved this morning
So the Kleenex wouldn't stick.
Dripping,
Aching,
Fever too?
There's nothing here to take
And I don't feel like going to the store,
I hate
A cold
At any time,
I wish we had a warning
When a cold is coming on,
Sneezing,
Coughing,
Droopy eyes.
I'm sure I gave it to everyone
I saw through the holiday.
Sorry Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-43270474086678538232011-12-26T16:26:00.001-06:002011-12-26T16:26:28.763-06:00I-45 Grand PrixTraffic in Texas can be a challenge in the best of times but, Monday after a Christmas Sunday is downright daunting. Mrs. Claus has traded in her red stocking cap for driving gloves, leather jacket and a scarf which I deem fitting since she continues to man the drivers seat. Again, I am riding shotgun and the trusty GMC has been converted from sleigh to a Grand Prix racer.The traffic is not as Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-47537647028061953612011-12-23T11:28:00.001-06:002011-12-23T11:28:12.860-06:00Trans Texas Christmas TrekFrom the frozen early morning of the Texas Panhandle, headed to the relatively balmy southern reaches of the Big Thicket, we set out in our trusty GMC sleigh this morning. Mrs Claus took the wheel while I manned the shotgun seat. Although it was unnecessary to go to the lengths of many whom we pass that are so laden that bags of goodies are strapped to the roof, we did face the daunting prospectChris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-61338713506797316002011-12-21T19:56:00.001-06:002011-12-21T19:56:52.040-06:00The Unreason of the SeasonCooking and wrapping, cooking and wrapping -- oh, the frenzy of cooking and wrapping. Hmmmm.....no, I'm not much on the cooking and wrapping but, there's plenty of it going on. I did help a little. I cut out the Christmas cookies and frosted them. Surely that counts!
I am amazed each year as we approach Christmas just how much must be done at the last minute in order to be ready. This year Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-81872076549089481762011-12-18T09:43:00.002-06:002011-12-18T09:43:13.968-06:00Grabbing HeadlinesI had a lengthy debate with myself about whether I should post this or not. I'll explain why as I go along.
Last night I attended the awards banquet for the Missouri Cattlemen Association. It was the culmination of activities for their annual Convention and Tradeshow. About the time that everyone had eaten their tasty meal of beef (of course it's what's for dinner -- what else would be servedChris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-29341301484779134412011-12-06T21:15:00.001-06:002011-12-06T21:24:36.202-06:00Texas Music in KansasI'm sitting in a motel room in Kansas listening to and watching a show on Smoky Hills Public Broadcasting that is a musical tribute to Buddy Holly. Currently, Boz Scaggs is playing. I find it interesting that the show is broadcast from London. Scaggs is from Texas. Holly is from Texas. I am from Texas.
I learned awhile back that Texas Country is very popular in Manhattan, Kansas, among Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-39741092708035297952011-11-29T17:46:00.001-06:002011-11-29T17:59:38.096-06:00Election PredictionThe election for the next President is now less than a year away. It has been interesting so far. It is not just politics as usual though; it seems to me that it has already been politics on steroids -- and I'm not just referring to the battle for the Republican nomination.
The Campaigner in Chief has been lavishly using our taxes to fund his campaign jaunts across the country. I am growing Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-69835210482746226982011-11-28T18:11:00.001-06:002011-11-28T18:18:19.817-06:00Planning AheadIn this instant world
It seems
Only the moment counts.
Beyond tomorrow's task
Are dreams
So why prepare for them?
Entertain me now by
Any means
For it is all that matters.
The future shimmers palely
In scenes
That have no meaning.
So, why should I plan ahead?Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-48993674627301652162011-11-27T19:55:00.001-06:002011-11-27T20:21:33.526-06:00Clarity and LeadershipThe extended version of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy is on television. It goes on and on and on......
I read the books many years ago while in college. I have read them several times since. The movies are good, but the first releases left out many good scenes that were in the books. The extended version restores many of those scenes and added some that were not in the books but are Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-63789298539831857282011-11-25T12:57:00.001-06:002011-11-25T13:09:16.676-06:00Rainy AfternoonIt is raining like I haven't seen in what seems forever. It is the time of year when rain doesn't provide the immediate relief that we so longed for during the summer, but, it may actually do more good. This one will be good for my pine trees. Maybe it will replenish some of the soil moisture that was baked out over the summer.
We are listening to an eclectic mix of music as provided by my Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-55359852814543229032011-11-24T09:17:00.001-06:002011-11-24T09:43:49.481-06:00ThanksgivingI thought today it would be appropriate to write something profound. After all, it is a special day for most families. It is the day we come together and share. It is a day that we partake of the culinary delights of the season (I'm referring here to the pies -- I'm not a big fan of turkey). It is a day in which we gather around the television and watch football.
When I was a kid, Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-73139914785179100572011-11-21T16:26:00.001-06:002011-11-21T16:50:25.594-06:00The Debt Super Committee FailureI'm shocked. Who would have thought that our Congressional Leaders would lack the political will to attack the excessive spending of, uh, themselves? That's what it is -- a lack of political will.
I am tempted to enter into a lengthy discourse on why the committee was doomed to failure from the beginning, but, I think I will try to distill it down to something a bit shorter. Let me see if I Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-85762170162578707032011-11-19T09:14:00.001-06:002011-11-19T09:43:01.129-06:00Following The RiverSometimes my travels are done with very short notice. If you had asked me early in the week if I would be traveling my answer would have been, "Not likely!" However, plans change. Wednesday evening it became a possibility. Thursday morning it was a certainty. A quick trip to East Texas was in order.
It was a good trip. The Fall weather was cool and large stretches of my route have been Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-51159329132182848302011-11-16T11:29:00.001-06:002011-11-16T12:00:05.843-06:00ShuffleMany times as I work in my home office I will have iTunes playing in the background. I usually leave it on "shuffle" so that I get a mix. Sometimes the songs fall in a way that is humorous and sometimes they almost fit together to tell a story. I'm not sure how many are in my library, but, something over 1,000. They are from many different genre of music.
Right now I'm listening to "The Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-91280661434460135442011-11-04T09:58:00.000-05:002011-11-04T09:58:49.904-05:00Games on the ComputerWhy, oh, why do they put games on computers and on Facebook and other sites on the Internet? Why are kids and teenagers and young adults and even some supposedly mature adults obsessed with video games? Why are we driven to constant, mindless entertainment like those games or television?
I think it was Ben Franklin who said, "Idle hands are the Devil's workshop." I think idle minds are the Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-71666147703600445762011-10-29T15:47:00.000-05:002011-10-29T15:47:55.659-05:00Watching College FootballYesterday was the ultimate in baseball with the World Series. Today is college football.
The Oklahoma State Cowboys are looking pretty good against Baylor, but, I still think it is a Geaux Tigers kind of year.
Anyone who reads this blog occasionally knows that I'm a Texas Aggie fan. I have to be loyal. After all, when you have a diploma from there it is required. This wasn't a good day for Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-86180170789357450612011-10-28T22:02:00.000-05:002011-10-28T22:02:40.359-05:00Watching the World SeriesI don't normally watch much baseball. I don't necessarily dislike it, I just don't usually watch it. It seems there is always something else to do that I prefer.
I've been watching the World Series pretty closely though. Yes, I admit it's because the Texas Rangers are in it. I am watching Game 7 right now. It is the bottom of the 7th and the score is St. Louis 5, Texas 2. There is 1 out Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-22135518638347794612011-10-05T15:28:00.000-05:002011-10-05T15:29:00.766-05:00Office TimeI'm getting in a little office time from the motel today. While I have been working, I've been listening to the news. The more I listen the more I think people are crazy. Or, perhaps more accurately, reactionary. They react to things about which they know nothing in a way that makes no sense if they knew anything about it. OK, I'm talking about the protests and rhetoric about the new fees Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-40432756351169778292011-10-01T10:57:00.000-05:002011-10-01T10:57:36.736-05:00DeleteI hate it when I start a post and decided to not finish it. Especially when I get several paragraphs completed before deciding that 1) I didn't like what I wrote because it was poorly done or 2) I probably shouldn't have written what I did for a public blog in the first place -- not that I would ever do such a thing.....
But, sometimes I just write and write what is on my mind and then when I Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-53191326685469596752011-09-29T09:52:00.000-05:002011-09-29T09:52:33.755-05:00An Unusual Encounter (3)Below is installment number 3 of this piece of fiction. I probably won't post any more here. Again, your comments, feedback and criticism are appreciated.
An Unusual Encounter (3)
Chance paused as he shook the old man’s hand and said, “Mr.
O’Malley, I can’t imagine who it is that I remind you of. I grew up a good bit east of here in
Southwestern Oklahoma. As far as I know
I don’t have Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-63982255216088782262011-09-28T09:37:00.000-05:002011-09-28T09:37:03.515-05:00An Unusual Encounter (2)Below is a continuation of the piece of fiction that I posted here yesterday. I'm still waiting for input!
An Unusual Encounter (2)
Upon closer inspection, Chance noticed a few things about
the old gentleman that made him quickly realize this was no ordinary
individual. The Levi jeans were
ordinary, but the cuffs were turned up and he wore a pair of slightly scuffed
black cowboy boots Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-62569248137097619372011-09-27T13:39:00.000-05:002011-09-27T13:39:54.397-05:00An Unusual EncounterA while back I indicated that I would be including an occasional piece of fiction on this blog. Below is the beginning of one. Your feedback in the comments section would be greatly appreciated. Where should I go with the story? What adventure will this encounter lead to?
An Unusual Encounter
The little old man at the bar appeared as though he was
pushing a hundred. Perched on the Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-65957218540443565012011-09-26T09:38:00.000-05:002011-09-26T09:39:42.002-05:00GrandchildrenLast week we had my daughter and grandchildren here all week. I'm suffering from withdrawal already!
I still haven't figured this Grandpa bit out though. I'm obviously not old enough to be a grandfather. I look in the mirror and see the same person I've always seen, yet, when I look at my classmates or peers, I see people who are aging quickly! But, in spite of the fact that I'm too young toChris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-51436691417265779122011-08-16T21:06:00.000-05:002011-08-16T21:06:15.168-05:00Oh, My Achin' Foot!I hurt my foot the other day,
Now it's all black and blue.
It was because of something stupid
That I knew I shouldn't do.
I was working in the attic
Where it was nice and warm,
Stapling up some insulation
And doing no one harm.
When I came upon a place
Right beside the open door
Where the ladder came right up
From below there on the floor.
I placed a board across the opening,
Just a place on Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-6231156711268704452011-08-12T21:57:00.000-05:002011-08-12T21:57:00.855-05:00Miles and Miles"I saw miles and miles of Texas...."
Yep, another day of driving. From Canyon to Shreveport dragging a trailer at 60 mph. It was a long day and still about 5 hours from our destination.
It was a nice, cool morning when we left. Most of the day though, we saw the temperature hover between 103 and 106. The northern part of Texas is dry. I didn't see much in the way of green grass anywhere. Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-33663614083466037772011-08-11T08:35:00.000-05:002011-08-11T08:35:10.103-05:00Moody Recreational WriterSometimes writing just requires the right frame of mind. It's not so much sitting down in front of a blank piece of paper -- uh, blank computer screen -- and experiencing that feeling that is often described as writer's block, it's more a matter of mental relaxation for me. I'm sure that professional writer's occasionally struggle with getting going but, it's their job, they sometimes just "Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-73667324701490520322011-07-22T08:43:00.000-05:002011-07-22T08:43:56.830-05:00Monument HillOn a bluff overlooking the Colorado River and the city of La Grange, Texas, stands a monument that marks the location as hallowed ground. The bluff is situated above a river crossing on what was once known as "El Camino de la Bahia" or The Bay Trail. It was a trade route from present day Goliad to Nacodoches long before German and Czech settlers created the town of La Grange in the bend of the Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-26411780639935365552011-07-14T08:32:00.000-05:002011-07-14T08:32:59.333-05:00Changing TimesThis is one of those days that I want to post but, don't know what to say. In fact, this is my fourth start on a post. I deleted the previous attempts.
I guess the thing that is on my mind is what I have seen this week. It really is nothing new but, for some reason it stood out to me.
We have been holding educational meetings for ranchers in South and Central Texas. The attendance has been Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-24636366898907981472011-07-12T10:57:00.000-05:002011-07-12T10:57:42.310-05:00Across the CradleYesterday morning as I headed out of College Station and drove to El Campo, I crossed the "Cradle of Texas Liberty" which is basically the area of the original anglo colonies between the Brazos and Colorado Rivers.
My route lay through some beautiful country graced with huge oak trees of many varieties. My favorites though, are probably the live oak.
Some of the places I passed through:
SnookChris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-38327858841524694342011-07-11T08:41:00.000-05:002011-07-11T08:41:13.986-05:00Fox News In The MorningI woke up in College Station this morning. I figure that's a good thing since that's where I went to sleep last night!
This place certainly brings back lots of memories. It is the home of my Alma mater.
I was a little bit of what is referred to as a 2-percenter when I was here. The rebellious part of my nature kept me from selling out 100% to the traditions. I tended to stay a little on theChris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-17038091979512110562011-07-09T17:25:00.000-05:002011-07-09T17:25:36.680-05:00Entering Into the ImaginaryThe imagination is a wonderful thing. It creates possibilities and dreams from experiences and knowledge. It takes us to places we have been or to where we want to go. It can take the daily reality and fill it with excitement.
Imagination is important to a writer. Even when writing about real-world experiences it is necessary to allow the imagination to fill in the gaps of our mental Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-92031079261239947122011-07-08T20:12:00.000-05:002011-07-08T20:12:16.565-05:00Last Minute PreparationLast minute preparation;
Things left undone.
Information untendendered;
Time becomes a gun.
Frantic dispositions
Become the moment's task
While thinking most acutely
Of what we failed to ask.
Have faith my child,
There's naught of fear
That makes a bit of difference
As the date draws near.
Your worry is no matter
In the greater scheme of things;
For it shall be what it becomes
When the fat galChris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-66041505897078746012011-07-07T21:58:00.000-05:002011-07-07T21:58:46.834-05:00No Silence Found HereSometimes when I seek
A quiet place of peace
I struggle with the sounds
That seem to never cease
The television plays
In a room that's much to near
And the hum of electronics
Is forever in my ear
All I want is silence
In which to contemplate
The things of this day's passage
Before it gets too late
So, here I sit composing
Seeking that which is profound
But, my thoughts are disconnected
And Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-53271650377076804322011-07-06T20:34:00.000-05:002011-07-06T20:34:39.588-05:00Moving PianosIf you have moved many pianos you will know what I am talking about. If not, you may think I'm crazy.
The grand piano in our church is down for repairs. It has taken a pounding for years and needed a good deal of TLC. It is going to be out for awhile because several parts had to be ordered. It will be as good-as-new (we hope) when repaired.
In the meantime, we needed a stand-in piano. Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-86082392434476261242011-07-05T21:47:00.000-05:002011-07-05T21:47:06.241-05:00The List, ummmm....Lists!I woke up this morning with the infamous "list" in my head. You know, the never-ending, forever being worked on list of things that I need to get done. I was thinking of all the things that I knew HAD to be done this week -- many of which weren't even on the list last week. Thank you, holiday.
I hate it when that happens! Four o'clock in the morning, the day after a day off, and I wake up Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-51765607897820525792011-07-04T09:48:00.000-05:002011-07-04T09:48:08.164-05:00Happy Independence DayLike most United States citizens, I celebrate this day as one commemorating the establishment of this country. It is the day that we have chosen as a nation to honor our separation from Great Britain, to stand or fall on our own as an independent nation.
The process of establishing our independence was just that, a process. It did not happen in a day. In fact, this day, July 4th, was not the Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-39722960811503465632011-07-03T22:10:00.000-05:002011-07-03T22:10:38.023-05:00I'm Out of SuperlativesIn normal years it is only the crop farmers that pray for rain. In a drought year the ranchers also pray for rain to fill the tanks (ponds for all you non-Texans). In a severe drought the ranchers pray for rain so the grass will grow. In extreme drought the ranchers pray for rain to put out the fires that are racing across the land. I don't know what superlative to attach to this year's Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-62568230415445545742011-07-02T11:18:00.000-05:002011-07-02T11:18:55.578-05:00Locks and KeysI had to change out a doorknob this morning. It quit working correctly a few days ago. Actually, it worked OK if you turned it counter-clockwise, but, didn't work if you turned it clockwise. Kind of strange. Normally if they are going to go out, it seems to me that they don't work no matter how you turn them.
Anyway, I went down to the local hardware store and purchased a new one this Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-4894007211260192302011-06-30T16:54:00.000-05:002011-06-30T16:54:53.183-05:00Pushing ElectronsI fear that my attitude is lousy today. I guess I've been doing way too much office work lately. That's just not my thing. I need to be out talking to customers or potential customers. I need something besides pushing electrons to keep me engaged.
I laugh at that thought. When I'm on the road for week-after-week I get sick and tired of that too. I shouldn't complain. I have one of the Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-77038249604154511392011-06-29T17:38:00.000-05:002011-06-29T17:38:50.235-05:00Wednesdays are Choir DaysIt's Wednesday and I am not traveling. That's actually fairly rare during the biggest part of the year. I frequently travel during the middle of the week. It varies, of course. There are times that I miss part of the weekend on the road, but, for the most part, my travel starts on Monday and ends on Friday.
It doesn't seem like a big deal that I am home on Wednesday, but, it is the day we Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-80078998838656366402011-06-28T19:02:00.000-05:002011-06-28T19:02:59.560-05:00RebootDon't you hate it when the world conspires against you? OK, that might be a little bit strong. It was only a minor glitch. I just don't like to say, "stop."
I managed to volunteer (I use the term loosely) to set up a series of meetings across the state for educating cattlemen. We did a few of these meetings last year and they went over well. A group of private companies along with some Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-87664862766333183542011-06-27T18:04:00.000-05:002011-06-27T18:04:32.510-05:00Editing Video ClipsThis afternoon was spent doing something that was new to me. I was editing video clips. Or, rather, I was directing the process of editing video clips.
Some time back (I think I posted about it) I was involved in the recording of about 2 1/2 hours of testimonial video from one of our customers. The recording, etc. was funded by one of our suppliers who then used that video to create Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-3474709458557286012011-06-26T16:58:00.000-05:002011-06-26T16:58:39.310-05:00Healing ReignI had resolved a few weeks ago to quit writing about the extreme heat and wind. I'm breaking my resolution. At 3:53 p.m today it was 110 degrees in Amarillo with winds at 21 gusting to 31 and relative humidity of 4%. I'm seriously considering a trip to Phoenix to cool off. It is miserable outside.
I walked outside earlier to take care of a couple of things that needed done and decided to Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-57306701585885845072011-06-25T11:40:00.000-05:002011-06-25T11:40:29.306-05:00Trees, Birds and the HeatWe have a number of different trees on our place -- all planted. Nothing native. Oh, there are no trees native to the Texas Panhandle. It's no wonder in a year like this. Nothing can survive without supplemental care.
It has been a challenge keeping enough water on my trees this year so, I was out this morning giving them a drink before the heat became unbearable. I decided to call it good Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-82903477300510603202011-06-24T14:20:00.000-05:002011-06-24T14:20:48.103-05:00Pleasant SurprisesWe all need a surprise at times. We need something that interrupts the hum-drum ho-hum of the day that frequently is the mode in which we operate. Something that breaks the routine can change one from uninspired automaton to a smiling dynamo.
It often doesn't take much to flip that switch. It can be an unexpected smile or a compliment. It can be a phone call that is upbeat and positive, or, Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-68004214992419152202011-06-23T20:44:00.000-05:002011-06-23T20:44:53.475-05:00A Day In The OfficeIt was back into the routine today. I guess. Although it might be argued that I don't have much of a routine. Unless you consider too much travel to be routine!
What I mean is that I spent the day in the office. Or, at least, my temporary office while we are waiting on new carpet to be laid so that I can get into a more permanent setting.
Since I started working from home -- only logical Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-20706721053207873752011-06-19T15:50:00.001-05:002011-06-19T15:50:28.305-05:00Mobile blogging.I'm gonna see how well this blogging from my cell phone works. I got out earlier this morning and took a drive. It is cool and rainy and not the ideal for outdoor activities.The cattlemen are starting to arrive here at the hotel. It is refreshing to see the hats in the Sheraton lobby. I suspect they don't see many hats -- except the trendy kind. Aren't trends funny? It amazes me how fads come Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-78526927928129770432011-06-18T18:09:00.000-05:002011-06-18T18:09:51.745-05:00An Adventure Worth ItI believe in having adventures. I mean, what would life be without a little adventure thrown in now and again. Boring. Just plain boring.
Now, most people dread adventure because typically that means something went wrong. You know, getting lost, or having some kind of mishap. So, most people tend to stay on the beaten path. The easy way. The highway.
Me, I like the dirt roads. The back Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-79426114698512009062011-06-18T10:02:00.000-05:002011-06-18T10:02:30.524-05:00It's Been AwhileI am in Laramie, Wyoming, this morning. I was just thinking about the last time that I was here. I was twelve years old.
It was a memorable trip. We had gone to see my grandmother and other family in Oklahoma. My uncle and his family were preparing for a trip to Yellowstone. They convinced my parents that we should go too.
We made a Walmart run. Probably the first Walmart I had ever been Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-36611299284113153452011-06-16T17:19:00.000-05:002011-06-16T17:19:59.836-05:00Another DayIt was another day of calling on potential customers. As I drove along I couldn't help but enjoy the green. It is beautiful here. It rained last night and early this morning. The high temperature was in the upper 70's. It was absolutely perfect weather except for a little wind. But, I'm used to wind.
I keep hearing reports from home of temperatures over 100 and winds at 20 - 30 mph and Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-45156079356398698132011-06-15T16:07:00.000-05:002011-06-15T16:07:55.563-05:00A Learning ProcessSelling a new product is always an interesting task. The roll out involves months of preparation and research so that when the product is actually ready, the sales force can hit the ground running. If the product is good and the marketing department has done their job well, it should be a joy for the salesman to begin his rounds introducing the product to his customers and prospects.
The Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-68023118036641701572011-06-14T17:13:00.000-05:002011-06-14T17:13:03.595-05:00Expecting the ExtraordinaryMost of us travel through life missing the majority of what is going on around us. It's the rut syndrome. We get in our little groove and go, go, go, day after day, doing the same old things and not really thinking about or, observing what is going on around us. That's sad, because there are extraordinary things nearly everywhere.
OK, most folks will think that "extraordinary" may be going a Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-8639652524659571252011-06-13T17:31:00.000-05:002011-06-13T17:31:48.571-05:00A Surprise Around the CornerYesterday was spent on the road -- or at least a big chunk of yesterday. I made sales calls today.
I love making sales calls, but, management responsibilities prevent me from getting out in the country as much as I would like. It seems there are always e-mails and reports and paying bills and personnel issues and new projects and on and on and on.....that make it difficult to get out and Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-72231321567029175162011-06-11T08:56:00.000-05:002011-06-11T08:56:06.147-05:00Birds in the YardAs I'm sitting here at the computer trying to compose my thoughts into some orderly manner, I am listening to a Western Meadowlark right outside the window. It is distracting to me. I actually hear him nearly every morning -- either him or one of the others that hang around our place. I enjoy his song even though it is somewhat repetitive.
There are 3 or 4 variations that he sings. I wish Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-63206549475660496592011-06-10T07:41:00.000-05:002011-06-10T07:41:47.403-05:00Pondering Blogging and NeighborsI decided last Saturday morning to try and post something every day on this blog. This is day number seven. A week isn't very long and yet it has sometimes been difficult, even in that short span, to come up with something new to write about each day.
When I first started the blog, on February 8, 2007, I resolved to post something every day for 30 days to establish the habit of blogging. I Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-49630123260788472992011-06-09T06:22:00.000-05:002011-06-09T08:32:19.950-05:00Morning RitualIn goes the water,
Then come the grounds.
I'm listening to
The percolator sounds.
I smell the aroma
Filling the air,
Then sip the first cup
As I sit in my chair.
I take a deep breath
And let out a sigh,
I guess I'll drink coffee
'Til the day that I die.
ChrisChris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-59509719012356034752011-06-08T08:57:00.000-05:002011-06-08T08:57:52.901-05:00Artistic Bent?Those of you who know me well, know that there is a little streak of the "artistic" in me. No, I can't paint (except in broad strokes from a can) or draw (well, do stick figures count?), but, I like the arts.
I suppose the fact that I write probably gives away the "artistic" streak in me. Writing (non-technical) is certainly considered part of the arts. Especially poetry -- although one mightChris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-45906700476017229652011-06-07T09:35:00.000-05:002011-06-08T08:42:44.098-05:00Opening of "Texas"
One of my favorite places in the country is Palo Duro Canyon which is conveniently located about 20 minutes from where I live. The photo above was taken from the overlook before driving down into the canyon this past Saturday for the season opening performance of Texas. We went with a friend and his wife from Wellington, Texas, and one of his co-workers from Australia. The performance, as Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-17515629020526024192011-06-06T08:55:00.000-05:002011-06-06T08:55:52.505-05:00A Scheme or Something Else?Have you ever noticed that once you start into a repair project you almost always find something else needing repair? Many times in this blog I've written about to-do lists, re-modeling, or things of that nature. But, for some reason, this year I can't seem to whittle the list down -- it keeps getting longer instead.
I look back at the things that I have gotten done in these last few weeks/Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-52670280419879517592011-06-05T11:56:00.000-05:002011-06-05T11:56:21.581-05:00Cargo ShortsI'm not one to wear short pants
For me it's boots and jeans,
But sometimes in the summer months
It's just too hot it seems.
So I got some cargo shorts
With pockets everywhere;
They're fairly long and only worn
At home where I don't care
Who might see my pale white legs
That connect me to my feet
That sometimes sport some sandals
To make my outfit complete.
But, yesterday, it seemed the thing
Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-77907845925227436602011-06-04T08:01:00.000-05:002011-06-04T08:01:14.063-05:00Those Waskley Wabbitts!The drought here has had a definite impact on the cottontails and jackrabbits around our place. They have nothing to eat out in the pasture. It still looks like the dead of winter and contains no moisture. In fact, I have it so short that most of them have moved on to the neighbor's places because there is no cover for them on my small acreage of grass.
To the south of me though, is what was Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-56286185683036853532011-06-01T08:42:00.000-05:002011-06-01T08:42:43.234-05:00A Hint of MoistureThere was the smell of rain
On the air last night
And a touch of cooler weather
The promised moisture
Only came near
But, left us dry as ever
And today again
The wind does blow,
The sun is bright as ever
But, finally now
We've had a glimpse
Of perhaps some better weatherChris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-88541056182374485642011-05-30T09:00:00.000-05:002011-05-30T09:00:45.385-05:00Another Day of WindFor days on end
The unrelenting wind
Scours the parched land.
The temperatures soar
As the months wear on,
Yet barely mid-Spring.
The sound of sirens
Carries upon the gale
As another fire rages
Removing dead fuel;
Last year's grasses
That might have sustained
The few cattle remaining
On the moistureless land,
Once so verdant.
Tears glisten on a creased face
Whose years of labor
Are loaded onChris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-79248823968146717222011-05-17T08:54:00.000-05:002011-05-17T08:54:12.467-05:00Spring's Blessed CursesSpringtime is the time of year
When the earth is clothed anew
In a colorful arrangement
Topped off with skies so blue.
The birds begin to sing again
And trees burst forth in leaf,
Flowers spring from in the earth
With colors beyond belief.
The cool breeze blowing 'cross the land
Spreads pollen far and near
Creating life in blooming plants
And fruit to bring us cheer.
But springtime brings us Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-66545552396444885332011-05-11T21:17:00.000-05:002011-05-13T12:52:19.187-05:00Remodeling AgainWhy do we get dissatisfied
With the place where we reside
And decide we need to remodel
Some of the rooms inside?
I guess we just get tired
Of the same old thing everyday
So we think that it needs some changing
To look some other way.
It always involves lots of painting
And likely some kind of repair
So it turns into quite a project
And creates a mess everywhere.
Sometimes we hire help to do Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-8787448472167450502011-04-30T11:55:00.000-05:002011-04-30T11:55:38.570-05:00Cell Phone SchoolI think it is amazing
How cellphone technology
Has become so complicated
For simple guys like me.
I use one in my business
Because of what it lets me do
Like answer e-mail on the go
And talk to people too.
But, I can also surf the web
And then pull up Google maps
To see where I am going
Or, where I've been perhaps.
I can even take some pictures
Of the things I do and see
And post them all to Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-2122994033628693762011-04-23T09:21:00.000-05:002011-04-23T09:21:20.195-05:00Writing the WindMy posts have been fewer than intended these past few weeks. It is partly a matter of too much travel but, also because of the wind. It seems the wind just won't stop in the Texas Panhandle this year.
Why is the wind preventing me from writing? I guess because it is incessantly in my head and when I sit to write, all I can think to write about is the wind. I don't want to write about the Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-60036997588170058712011-04-14T06:45:00.000-05:002011-04-14T06:45:04.786-05:00From Bone-Dry to Beautiful via the ArmpitIt is another day in which I will see a big chunk of the country from around 30,000 feet if there isn't much cloud cover. The Amarillo area is a great place to live, but it seems that more and more it is a long way from where work takes me. Fortunately it is central.
Today I'm headed east. I dread the drive once I reach my destination airport because today I fly into Washington Reagan. I do Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-14932413640406902752011-04-05T08:25:00.000-05:002011-04-05T08:25:57.501-05:00Office TimeTraveling as much as I do with work, I sometimes find it necessary to get in some office time while on the road. If you talk to any "road warrior" you will find they do the same. It might be something that has to be scheduled into an otherwise full week.
Many times, the best way to get that office time is to just work from the motel room in the mornings or evenings. There are times though, Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-27839886814423586012011-03-30T21:01:00.000-05:002011-03-30T21:01:12.702-05:00Sweat and BurnI guess I'm getting older;
Things don't work like they used to.
So, I got a little program
That shows me what to do.
I play it on the t.v.
And this guy is jumping 'round
Doing all these calisthenics
To a really upbeat sound.
It's supposed to make me better;
Get my heart in shape and all
But, after a few minutes
I'm down to just a crawl.
My muscles just don't work like that --
The way that Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-32348518184735468712011-03-29T18:42:00.000-05:002011-03-29T18:42:22.629-05:00Just Some WordsI ramble
I digress
I can't think!
What a mess.
Gotta focus
Much to do
Get organized!
So, what's new?
Get prepared
Lock it down
Finish up!
Lose the frown.
It ain't that hard
Just speak your mind
Open up!
Don't act so blind.
It's just a post
Just messing 'round
Type some words!
You're NOT profound!!Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-68622741663769952002011-03-22T12:05:00.000-05:002011-03-22T12:05:59.633-05:00Some Days the WindA faint odor of dust lingers on the air
As I sit inside and work from my chair.
Around me drones the incessant roar
Of the howling wind outside my door.
It is days like this I wonder why
I live in this place windswept and dry
Where the sky can turn an ugly brown
From dirt that is blowing round and around
And driving the road is like a video game
Where tumbleweeds roll down the middle of same
Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-5620862932987663632011-03-14T09:32:00.000-05:002011-03-14T09:32:47.174-05:00Springing Into EternitySpring is upon us. I saw a tree in full bloom yesterday -- looked like a cherry tree. But, there was frost on things this morning too. The buds are swelling and it is just a matter of days before green leaves will make their appearance -- likely to be frozen back.
Why is it that Spring sends ripples of restlessness through us? Is it just the feeling that winter is finally coming to an end Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-50406996999642904102011-03-10T21:07:00.000-06:002011-03-10T21:07:07.481-06:00Musings and AmusementsOften I will have the desire to write but, not the inspiration. One might think the two would go hand-in-hand but, not always. The desire comes from knowledge. It is knowing that I should write. Inspiration is knowing what to write. Oh, for a Muse......
In many mythologies the Muse(s) play(s) a role. Almost all agree that there are three muses, but, classical interpretations place the Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-73839576816183136112011-03-07T08:59:00.000-06:002011-03-07T08:59:48.998-06:00MotivationSometimes a project comes along
That has long-term importance to me
But, I seem to get lost in the struggle
Where completion is not there to see.
I worry and fret when I shouldn't
'Cause the answer is right in my hands.
I should just knuckle down and do it
And not sweat what perfection demands.
But, instead I'm wrapped up in the details
And I seem too caught up in each one
When I really should Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-87163488262366838972011-03-03T11:43:00.000-06:002011-03-03T11:43:03.832-06:00Heavy LoadSometimes the cares of this world overwhelm
And we just don't know which way to turn.
It might seem that we've been pushed out on a limb
Or from pan into fire to burn.
For those who have nothing much larger than life
To turn to when times are so tough
It might seem like there is no end to the strife
And the feeling is you've had enough!
I'm thankful that there is someone for me
Who listens to Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-66850734725392438622011-03-01T16:02:00.000-06:002011-03-01T16:02:17.218-06:00Sometimes A SunriseSometimes a SunriseWill light up the skyAs though the world were on fire.
Sometimes it burstsWith rays of the dawnLeaping out from the dark horizon.
Sometimes a SunrisePresages a storm;Vermilion splashed on the clouds.
Sometimes a SunriseIs just in my eyeAnd I can't really see where I'm going.....
Sunrise view from my back porch.(The date stamp is correct, the time is not.)Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-49164110927679495802011-02-26T14:24:00.000-06:002011-02-26T14:24:37.186-06:00RestlessSometimes out there beyond my reach
Is something that escapes me.
It causes me to walk the floor
Wondering what I don't see.
It's like there's something I should do
But, don't know what it might be
And so, I go from here to there
Looking for the right key
To unlock the thing that's out there --
Maybe something I should do
And I would do it gladly --
This thing that really bugs me.
Instead I Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-13249080599367846352011-02-16T20:47:00.000-06:002011-02-16T20:47:29.361-06:00Traveling and BloggingIt seems the traveling season is peaking over the next few days -- then a short break. I hope. It is Omaha tonight and meetings here in Nebraska tomorrow. Friday it's an early flight to Charlotte and a short drive to Hickory, NC, for the North Carolina Cattlemen's Convention. Saturday afternoon I drive to Nashville and will spend a leisurely Sunday there. Then on Monday it is the short driveChris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-64542294541796375772011-02-11T20:21:00.000-06:002011-02-11T20:21:08.633-06:00FullnessSometimes I just get in one of those pensive moods. I dive into my head and think about things a little bit farther toward the deep end of the pool. You know, where you can barely touch the bottom if you're standing on the tips of your toes.
Today, I posted the following on Facebook.
"If Jesus came to give us life -- and not only that, He wants us to experience it in all its fullness -- why Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-36099921881479443522011-02-08T16:31:00.000-06:002011-02-08T16:31:55.815-06:00Into the Deep WaterWalk with me now
Into the deep water
Where only by faith we can go;
Where held in the warmth
Of supporting embrace
The strength of our God we will know.
Walk with me now
Into the deep water
Where love and forgiveness shall reign;
Where cleansing begins
To take out the stains
So only the light will remain.
Walk with me now
Into the deep water;
A place we are never alone.
Where hope lights theChris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102682793216780107.post-54140490437892668312011-02-06T11:46:00.000-06:002011-02-06T11:50:38.093-06:00Safe HavenWhen life's storms seem to overwhelm
As though we may have lost the helm
There is a place where we can sail
With love so deep it never fails;
A place of peace,
Of safety, blessed;
Where we can go
To find our rest.
When candle's fire is burning bright
And either end is shedding light;
As in our quest for happiness
We find our fire is growing less,
We've need for peace,
Of safety, blessed;
WhereChris McClure aka Panhandle Poethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18276465051258888541noreply@blogger.com1