Nonnie: this one's for you!!

YAY! One - Eyed Jacks!! thanks so much for teaching me Nonnie!

Ya know what SUCKS!?

ALZHEIMER'S! I saw a presentation on the terrible disease and how hard it is on families, and it made me think (and realize I'm blessed to have a working mind!). here's what came out...

Here is a poem entitled (I think I'm John):

I've been told I have Alzheimer's.

But of course, I did not know.

It was a man that looked like me 

who came, like my memory, then goes.

I sit in the room i've spent my whole life

and see pictures of beautiful people.

I wonder where that sunset is from,

and who that couple is under the steeple.

A few times a day, the sun shines in my window, 

And I begin to hear the rhythm of music.

Suddenly, my feet start to tap

And memories, of all the fluzies, comes back.

but soon enough it fades away,

And I'm stuck wondering why I am here today.

But more importantly, what year is it?

And when again, will my mind mend,

and bring back that dancing light?

My name is Grover,

and I have...

WAIT! What is it called again?

I overhear the nuns in the other room, 

calling out to fellow slaves,

for their daily dose of life.

"Bernstein!? Where's John Bernstein!?"

There's a dire need for the King!

And then I notice that sun creep in, 

and right before it hits my face,

a knock fills my ears, and its place,

And I remember...

(in reflection to my poem)

"it is interesting writing from my perceived view as one with Alzheimer's. DAMN its a HEAVY situation! I cannot believe the impact it has on the family, let alone the man or woman. Dementia! Shit! My life's about..."

ya know what I miss?

BAGELS!!!!!

Rainy Day, Read Away!

Boy has it been raining! And I'm talking about non-stop, pouring rain for the past three days!  But don't worry... I'm floating along and having a good time. Since I am leaning towards my last month in Australia, and subsequently my final exams, I have been working on accomplishing my goals. Most of my time has been spent writing or playing music, or reading articles while doing research for my final papers. The rhythmic and calming sound of rain puts me to sleep at night and keeps in there in the mornings.  No travel-in for me over the two and half weeks...BUT I will be volunteering as a STAGE MANAGER at The Dreaming: Music and Aboriginal Culture Festival for three days in June. Oh, and after finals, and finishing up with my apartment lease, i'll be heading to New Zealand. So life right now is enjoyably monotonous, and anticipatory of a new adventure to come. My head is not as loose as it was a few days ago, and I'm feeling good about what I'm doing. But how are you? How is the world out there? You all know I don't read the news, or watch television right? It's not a proactive thing, I mean, I'm interested- I just dont have a tv here, and i guess I'm enjoying the simple life here in Australia. But, I'm not ignorant to the day when I return to the States. I know that I will be returning to a new, different America. And I hope my return brings successes in my future endeavors. But, I've many days till then, and much to do before I leave!

Write!

Ya know what I really cherish? FRIENDS. I am blessed to have wonderful friends who help ground me when I'm floating around too much in my head. Its these kinds of connections that really heighten the life experience. I am continually impressed with the different perspectives my friends give me- our brains truly are unique. One of the things I realized recently about my current path, is my tendency toward the medical field. YES Psychology involved biology, and sociology, and I really respect those that are knowledgeable about these fields. Theres SO much to learn, and I hope to continue learning more and more about how we function, and how that effects our interactions. I wish I had understood this notion earlier in my college career, although as they say, "better now than never!" So yea, today was a good day. Tomorrow i hope to actually DO something towards increasing my knowledge, and of course, continue to write....

Happy Mothers Day!

Happy Happy Mother's Day! To all my mothers (and there sure are many of you)- I hope you all know how much I love you. Yall have made me the young, growing man I am (today) and I appreciate your love and support so much. Life here in Brisbane is good. I am realizing things about myself, and about my time here that are both empowering, and thought-provoking. I have both experienced things I never thought I'd experience, and, on the other hand, have missed things I wanted to do. There is no doubt in my mind that my time here has been spent well. My eyes have seen the most beautiful skies and landscapes, and I have truly felt each moment as it passed. Yet I still (honestly) WISH I could do more. SEE more. LIVE more. I guess thats life though- I gotta get comfortable with the notion that there's always something more that can be done. So how do we feel content? What are we to do with the goals that have not been met? (yet) I have not been writing enough, and thus, have not been reflecting enough on my time here, and THUS, have not stayed connected with you- my family and friends. So. With this little message I hope to start writing more, reflecting more, and connecting more. You WILL hear from me tomorrow. oh, and since I live in the future for most of you North Americans, Monday is going to be great!

~MAX~