#to exercise your agency you have to make stupid decisions sometimes. that's what being an adult is all about
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miabrown007 · 2 years ago
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it's a stupid ass decision, but it's my stupid ass decision
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utilitycaster · 1 year ago
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Hey! Because I have seen various, various, various takes on Ashton’s actions in ep77– both on twitter (whew) and on here— and I am loving all of the different perspectives on it, I was wondering what your opinion was on the take that Ashton may have manipulated Fearne in the conversation they both had right before absorbing the shard.
Personally, I feel like it may be a bit more complicated than that, but I still don’t know.
Hey!
I think this post I made sums it up. It's not. Ashton tells Fearne precisely what they intend to do. He then does it. Fearne has the opportunity to refuse this request, or to tell the rest of Bells Hells, and she chooses not to. Yes, he compliments her and tells her that he trusts her to do the right thing when most wouldn't. Laudna asks Imogen to kill her if Delilah takes over in virtually the same exact language earlier than episode, and I don't think that's manipulative either:
Laudna to Imogen: And if anything happens and I become her little puppet, I trust you to make the right choice. (Implication this is a request for a mercy killing in the context of Delilah and Laudna's lives being inseparable; is understood as such by Imogen as demonstrated from her response and her later scene in the temple)
Ashton to Fearne: Things are going to happen, and I trust you to help me make the right decision, and I hope you trust me to help make the right decision.
The fact one is being brought up and not the other really points out that the Twitter talks out their collective ass ten times more often than they do their collective mouth; and the fact that they cannot distinguish "put Fearne in a somewhat uncomfortable position" from manipulation really points out that touching grass is not enough; they need to develop meaningful relationships with a wide variety of people in the real world.
Going along with a friend's stupid-ass decision that they encouraged you to join in and immediately regretting it is not, in fact, manipulation; it's your friend at most being kind of a dick and you exercising your agency to make your own stupid-ass decisions. It would have been wiser and nicer of Ashton to ask the party who wanted to take the shard, sure, but Fearne actively agrees with them that they should get it, and Ashton is not really defined by wisdom and being nice, and also, the above would be way more boring.
I don't want to go into this because it's a massive out-of-scope rant not limited to this particular situation, and I'd like to drag my sleep schedule back into a reasonable place tonight, but I think a lot of the more rancid discourse, whatever it may be but especially about interpersonal relationships between characters, arises for the following reasons, and I have little patience for any of them.
Thinking the only way to be a Good Person is to use 2023-approved therapy speak (and, frankly, frequently 2023 Rando on Tiktok claiming expertise who is actually a freshman psych students with no friends and a D average approved "therapy speak")
Relatedly, an all-consuming fear of any conflict, fictional, real, or otherwise, and the accompanying lack of any conflict resolution skills; this is also why they think this is manipulative, because if Fearne said no, that would be Conflict which is bad so positioning someone where conflict might be required for them to express themselves must be evil.
The genuine belief that you can only understand someone if you get everything right on the first try; either you read their mind perfectly or you have failed and are probably a manipulator or abuser for potentially leading to misunderstandings which lead to conflict which, as we see from the above point, is evil.
A refusal to admit that sometimes people are merely 1. assholes or 2. stupid. I frequently talk about opinions I cannot stand, and I almost as frequently get questions about how this opinion is problematic, and the vast majority of the time? It's not. I think it says something quite worrying, actually, that people are more comfortable and even eager to assume that a stranger is hateful or bigoted rather than merely inconsiderate or not that bright. Ashton made a poorly informed decision and made Fearne party to it. It was dumb and it wasn't really nice. That's literally it.
Anyway here's the five geek social fallacies; I recommend reading any Twitter Take(TM) and deciding how many of them they are applying to the narrative, cast, and fandom. See if you can get a full house.
(also upon re-reading this I'm pretty brusque and I promise it's not directed at you; I just genuinely think that the majority of the Twitter fandom, and certainly the loudest voices thereof, are so stupid a Detect Thoughts spell on them would fail on the basis of intelligence alone and the fact that their takes gain traction baffles and infuriates me)
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thishintoflove · 4 years ago
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“I Think He Knows” - A Kingsman Fanfic
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TSwift Songfic Week Day 5
Pairing: Agent Whiskey x M!Reader
Warnings: 18+ Explicit (Pining, dirty talk, hand jobs, oral sex)
A/N: I feel like there’s a lack of M/M in the Pedro cinematic universe fandom, so here’s some bisexual Whiskey having a good time with a fellow male agent.
Summary: You and Agent Whiskey are paired together for an out-of-state mission. On your last night, your pining and his flirting finally come to a head.
I think he knows his hands around
A cold glass
Make me wanna know that body
Like it's mine
The mission was long but you were finally finished with it. Three weeks in Dallas were more than enough for you, and you were looking forward to getting home to your own bed and your own office in Kentucky. You were aching for the privacy it offered, after spending almost a month sharing a hotel room with your fellow agent. This time you’d been paired up with Agent Whiskey, and because of that you were glad the trip was almost over.
It’s not because Agent Whiskey- Jack - was incapable. Quite the opposite. He was extremely efficient and good at his job but he was also… extremely attractive. Which was a huge distraction.
You took pride in being a capable agent but Jack and his pretty face compromised that. You’ve never been in a situation like this before. Lusting over your coworker felt extremely unprofessional, but it was impossible to ignore him. He was an in-your-face kind of guy, always butting in with a comment or joke, always using his body as a weapon. He’d lounge around your shared hotel room in nothing but a thin towel, his wet hair draped across his forehead, and you swear he did it on purpose. The man knew how attractive he was and he obviously loved flaunting it.
He was tall and tan, with soft brown hair, a pair of beautiful round eyes that seemed to sparkle with amusement, and a smile that made your knees weak. The downside was that his smile made just about everyone weak. You were living in your own personal hell. Every single day having to watch Jack be attractive without even trying, and then watch as everyone in his vicinity tried to flirt with him. Tonight he was wearing a black leather jacket and extremely tight jeans, looking more like a movie star than an undercover agent. The man could pull off anything. It’s actually unfair.
You were out at some dive bar, celebrating the end to a successful mission before flying home tomorrow. It was Jack’s idea of course, but you’d agreed because you needed a stiff drink after these three long weeks and honestly you couldn’t say no to him.
“Another round, kid?”
You glanced up and saw him staring at you, a twinkle in his bright eyes. His hand gripped his empty whiskey glass and you eyed your own half-full drink. You couldn’t throw it back like him.
“I’m good for now,” you answered.
He nodded and slapped you on the shoulder as he stood up, “I’ll get you another one anyway. You better finish that by the time I get back.”
You sighed as you watched him walk away. His ass looked fantastic in those jeans. All the training and harsh exercise routines that Champ put the team through really worked for him. No wonder he could get any pretty thing he wanted.
Speaking of which, he seemed to have turned his affections on someone else. You groaned, your eyes never wavering from where Jack stood. He was currently making small talk with the pretty brunette bartender. He was giving her the full Whiskey treatment- gazing at her with those soft, mocha-colored puppy dog eyes and giving her a charming half-grin. Watching him flirt was simultaneously entertaining and torturous. He threw his head back, laughing at some dumb joke the bartender must have said, and you almost growled out loud as you hungrily stared at his neck.
Stupid horny bastard.
He got that boyish look that I like in a man
I am an architect, I'm drawing up the plans
It's like I'm seventeen, nobody understands
No one understands
You were getting really sick of hiding your partial hard-ons and jacking off in the cold shower, but everything the man did was hot. The deep voice and accent alone were enough to get you going on most days. God, you hadn’t felt like this since high school.
If Jack noticed you staring or caught on to the fact that you took extra long showers, he didn’t say anything. You were openly out at the agency and your sexuality wasn’t a secret. When you first joined the Statesmen, you felt you had something to prove at work, as if you had to demonstrate your masculinity by keeping up with the largest members of the team. But you’ve excelled in your role for years now and you were beyond proving yourself at this point. You were just glad that Agent Whiskey wasn’t one of the people who cared that you liked men.
In fact, he treated you just like he treated everyone-- this meant he wasn’t shy about flirting and teasing you. Sometimes it seemed like he was coming onto you, but you had to remind yourself that he was like that with everyone-- you weren’t special and there was no way he was actually interested.
Before falling asleep each night, you’d listen to Jack’s soft snores and run scenarios through your head of every possible way that you could share your feelings. You thought about all of the things you could say, and all of the ways Jack could react. It was agonizing but your analytical mind couldn’t stop. You wished you had the courage to just ask him out. The worst that could happen is he’d say ‘no’ and maybe request to never work with you again, but then at least you’d be free of him.
Wanna see what's under that attitude
Like, I want you, bless my soul
And I ain't gotta tell him
I think he knows
A loud laugh suddenly interrupted your thoughts and you looked over to the bar again. The bartender was giggling and grasping at Jack’s arm. The sight made your stomach turn, and you made a quick decision to get out of there before you had to watch them start making out over the bar.
You stepped up next to Jack and finally drew his attention away from the girl.
“Hey, hold off on my drink. I’m gonna head out,” you told him.
“What? Come on now, it’s so early!”
“Yeah. I just don’t really feel like hanging out anymore. I’ll see you back there.”
Before Jack could respond, you threw down some cash on the bar and turned away. You were already across the floor and on your way out the door when a hand on your arm stopped you.
“Hey. Are you pissed at me or something?”
“No,” you muttered, trying to ignore the shot of arousal you felt when he grabbed you, “I just don’t feel like sitting in the corner, watching you flirt with some chick.”
You tried to turn away from him, but Jack let out a quiet “ohhh” of understanding. His grip on your arm tightened.
“We’ve been on this mission for weeks now, and on our last night you finally decide to say something?” Jack laughed, turning you around so you were facing him again. He invaded your personal space, ducking his head and trailing his nose along your neck and jaw.
“What?” you asked, confused because he couldn’t possibly mean...
“You're so slow, that’s what,” Jack mumbled, his lips tracing along your neck. It felt amazing, but... was Jack- your fellow agent and known womanizer- really nuzzling your neck right now?
“I'm confused, are you really into this?” you asked again, trying to hold back a moan. Jack pulled away and looked at you with huge eyes.
“God, you’re an idiot. I've been sending you obvious signs, makin’ eyes at you and showing off what I got, and now I'm literally biting your neck, and you're still asking?” Jack said incredulously. You searched his face and saw eyes that were filled with desperation and lust.
“I just assumed…”
“I like it both ways, kid. Is that clear enough for you?”
He then took one step forward and kissed you fully on the lips. There was only a moment of shock before you melted into the kiss, pressing your bodies closer and running your hands over Jack’s shoulders and back. All of your worries disappeared then. You didn't feel the terrible anxiety that constantly filled you with dread. Your mind stopped frantically thinking about every possible worst case scenario. Everything stopped. There was only Jack.
“Oh ohhhh right. Yeah I’m an idiot,” you quietly mumbled against his lips, “Want to go back to the hotel?”
“Fuckin’ finally,” he replied with a grin.
Lyrical smile, indigo eyes, hand on my thigh
We can follow the sparks, I'll drive
So where we gonna go?
I whisper in the dark
You weren’t sure how you made it back to the hotel so quickly, but as soon as you tumbled through the door, Jack had you pinned to the bed underneath him. His hands roamed all over your torso, and he pulled the shirt over your head and tossed it aside before quickly doing the same to his own. The room was filled with your little whimpers every time Jack ground his hips against yours. You stared up at him, his lips swollen and red bitten and eyes blown with lust, and you were positive that you looked just as debauched. He looked just as beautiful hovering over you as you’d always imagined, and you wanted to feel him everywhere.
“More,” you whined, canting your hips up into Jack’s.
He groaned and trailed his hands down your chest, his fingers brushing against your nipples, causing a moan to slip from your mouth. He continued his journey down until he reached the fly of your jeans.
“Lift up,” Jack mumbled, leaning in to kiss your neck as he tried to tug your pants down. You obeyed and soon your pants and your boxers were off, leaving you completely exposed.
“Fuckin’ hell,” he moaned, his fingers barely brushing over your erection, “You’re even prettier than I thought, darlin’.”
You groaned, pushing your body closer to Jack’s. As his hand slowly learned the feel of your cock, your own hands wandered all over his body. From his strong shoulders to his muscular back, to his waist, his hips, his thick thighs. You slipped one hand into his jeans to grab his ass, finally getting the chance to touch the part of Jack’s body you’d fantasized about the most. You could feel his clothed erection rubbing against your thigh as Jack continued steadily stroking your cock.
“Jack,” you whimpered, gazing into his dark, lust-filled eyes. You were barely able to control your thoughts properly since Jack’s pace was getting quicker and way too distracting. He grinned down at you.
“This good, baby? You want it a little rougher?” he asked, a groan slipping from his lips as you squeezed his ass in response.
Jack pushed forward and kissed you harder this time, moving his hand faster along your cock. Then he kissed his way down your neck, sucking and nipping all your sensitive spots. Suddenly he bit down hard on the skin between your neck and shoulder, following it up with a long lick with his wide tongue. That show of possessiveness was enough to push you right to the edge. You cried out as pleasure tore through you, coming in ropes all over Jack’s large hand. You gasped for breath, your chest rising and falling as your head lolled against the pillows.
Jack hovered over you, continuing to kiss your neck and upper chest as you came down from your high. “I’ve been told I’m good with my hands, can I get a confirmation on that, darlin'?“ he asked with a cocky grin.
Your eyes blinked open and you smirked at him. “You’ve got the confirmation all over your hand.”
“Ooooh, so he’s mouthy all of a sudden. Guess I just had to get you in bed to see the sassy side of you, huh?” Jack tutted.
“I’ll show you mouthy,” you muttered, blushing at the stupid euphemism even as you trailed a line of kisses down Jack’s sternum and belly.
When you reached the top of his jeans, you surprised your fellow agent by flipping him over and yanking his pants down in one fluid motion. Jack growled at the switch, but when you took his cock into your mouth, he gasped and surged forward. You enjoyed the desperate moan he made as you swallowed him completely, his hips bucking into your mouth. But you wanted to take your time with this. You grasped his hip bone with one hand and held him down, before pulling off his cock and moving to lightly lick his balls. Jack was making beautiful, desperate noises and you loved the idea that this strong, confident agent was falling apart because of you. You smiled against him and swiped your tongue along the bottom of his shaft before taking him fully into your mouth again.
“Holy hell, you’re fuckin’ amazing,“ Jack groaned as you bobbed up and down on his cock, “I’m so close-”
You sucked harder and reached your other hand down to fondle his balls again as Jack thrust into your mouth. Soon he was arching forward and shouting your name. You let him come in your mouth, swallowing his seed down like it was another shot at the bar.
When you looked up at Jack from between his legs, you grinned. He had his head tilted back, one hand thrown across his mouth as he stared at the ceiling, breathing heavily. When he felt your eyes on him, he looked down at you with a satisfied smile.
“Damn, that was…”
“Amazing,” you cut him off, “Even better than I imagined.”
“So you imagined it, huh?”
Unable to control the urge any longer, you leaned forward and pulled Jack into a sweet, affectionate kiss. You ran your fingers through his soft hair and you could feel him grinning the whole time. When you finally pulled back, he was still smiling but he also looked a bit confused.
“Why haven’t we done this sooner?” he asked.
“I was convinced you were straight. I’ve been a fucking mess trying to decide if I should say something or not,” you replied.
Jack hummed and reached for you, but you chuckled and pulled away.
“You need a shower,” you said, “Then we can talk some more.”
“Only if you join me, sugar...”
I want you, bless my soul
I ain't gotta tell him
I think he knows
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sharpen-jadescythe · 4 years ago
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Operation Kitten, 1
Part One: The real story of what happened after Sharpen punched Mathias Shaw in the face. Continuation of the other SI:7 Seal story LOL
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Jiroki, I’m sorry you had to find out this way. That the problem with Lux’ana Queenwing, a member of your guild posing as someone else? Yes, that can be traced back to me. But one upshot of this situation is, I finally get to be honest with you about something I was holding back. Not because I started things with us in a lie—no I would never do that unless lives depended on it. And they did, actually. I was protecting a lot of people so that’s why I didn’t tell you or anyone the full story, about me. Maybe that sounds like a lie a lover would tell you when he just happens to um, secretly be SI:7. Every time there’s a problem in your romance, he goes ‘Look baby, I had to lie to you in order to save lives.’ And I do know some agents like that. Those guys who use their jobs as an excuse, they’re filth. I guess if you think I’m filth too, I wouldn’t blame you. However, this is the truth. Alessandre and I were both trying to save Lux’ana’s life and the lives of her flock when she walked up to you that day and asked to join the Greyshields like it was nothing. Like Alessandre was just her friend and I had nothing to do with it. But it was part of a much bigger operation, love. Like you wouldn’t believe...
Al instructed me to pretend like I didn’t know Lux’ana, never met her. Al was going to serve as her reference. But now that cover of ours has unraveled some, and so much time has passed? I am going to tell you the truth. The real truth. Okay so, I’ll start at the beginning.
It's dangerous to talk about my work, so usually they give you a story to tell other people instead—not that this is it. I’m telling you everything, even my part in it. I’ve been called a himbo before, that sometimes I make dangerous or stupid decisions. But I see no point in lying to a woman I care so deeply for. I made some promises to you that I intend to keep. Just know that SI:7 gave me another version of my recruitment story, that I failed the swim test. That they threw me in a carriage for punching Mathias Shaw on the beach and sent me home. I embellished a little and said I got to keep the swim trunks. Because I look so damned fetching in that little blue and gold speedo, I guess my vanity sold me out a bit. It was a poor excuse for still having them anyway—as if SI:7, as powerful as that organization is, would let some recruit walk away with their standard issue uniform, even a… choice part of it, just to wear at pool parties. No, you can get picked up and arrested for that, seriously.
There’s a scene I was instructed to leave out, because my situation with them stayed tenuous even after my first mission. Yes, I did punch Mathias actually. That’s still true. But they didn’t give me a free ticket home with no muss nor fuss. That’s the part they asked me to tell my friends. What actually happened is they hogtied me, shipped me all the way out to Boralus which was the center of things at the time, then put me in a holding cell. After leaving me to cool down for a few days, they brought me before the man himself.
They brought me more standard issue stuff to wear, some loose cloth pants and a shirt. I was mad, and wanted some way to mess with them, so I ripped the shirt sleeves off. Which was a bit foolish, I guess. It does get pretty cold in Boralus. Shaw and the others had a barracks set up on the east side of town, close to the damp docks. Close to the Alliance ship docked there and all the cough-cough, handsome fair winds flowing in from the sea, if you know what I’m saying. (Fairshaw’s totally a thing, but you didn’t need an SI:7 Seal to reveal that secret to you. All I’m sayin’.)
To my surprise, they sent me in to see the head man without shackles on my wrists. I had a tight escort—this big Kul Tiran named Big Mack who took up almost the entire hallway, but I did also note that it was just one man and they’d fed me this whole time, treated me well, let me go out into the practice yard for exercise. They just didn’t let me mix with any of the other recruits. And another thing I noticed, all the people I’d trained with were gone. Even that annoying Dwarf guy Hael who couldn’t save himself in the water, let alone from being an obnoxious Dwarf stereotype, being loud and trying to get me drunk the night before the swim test and all that. (In fact, I think I remember telling him that, that he was playing up the Dwarf thing so much I was starting to wonder what he was trying to prove?) So anyway they dropped us all off the coast of Northrend, near Honor Hold, gave us the swim test and they all graduated, even that fool who tried to hang on my back like I was a Night Elf-sized wading board, and drown me in shark-infested waters? Geesh, what a world.
I teased Big Mack, said he looked like he wanted a sandwich. I mean, come on, how big did this guy really need to be?
“Hrmph. Need a third man for that, if it’s a real offer you’re making.”
I blinked. I… was Big Mack coming on to me? He laughed, and yes he did a good job of scaring the pants off me. Let’s not think about me, Big Mack and my pants off. Anyway…
Mostly, I was sullen. I hadn’t shaved in days. My green beard was scruffy and I knew my long dark green hair was kinda bedhead, too. If I didn’t get released right away, I was fully prepared to do something I promised myself I would never ever do, wherever I worked, no matter how tough things got—but damned if I was going to let them lock me up for no real reason, even if it was in the recruit’s barracks. If things were truly rough, then I was going to name drop my sister Wisthera Bane. They knew about her, of course, she was a master rogue in a leading Kaldorei spy organization. But they needed to understand that I was at the point of leveraging my sister and all her connections. Alessandre’s too, if I needed. He was a top assassin as I understood it. He helped run the Kaldorei Rogue Network with her, and they only really reported to High Priestess Tyrande and the Shando, Malfurion himself. Not the Alliance. Well, the Alliance wasn’t their first stop anyways. The Kaldorei people came first.
Big Mack rather roughly pulled out a metal chair for me and pointed with a meaty finger for me to sit. I had a little shock at first, seeing the important man I had punched waiting for me on the other side of the table. Arms crossed, that certain smirk on his face beneath that clipped brunette moustache, but this time, Mathias Shaw had a black eye. Well, it was more of a gray eye by now. The medics had it healing up nicely.
“You don’t just punch a man like Mathias Shaw in the face and get away with it.”
“Well.” I was stunned to be facing him. But I knew from our training that you never showed you were intimidated. However, I’d learned that from before in life anyway. “How do you punch a man like Mathias Shaw? Maybe next time I’ll stand my ground, should’ve stayed standing over you on the beach while you were flat out like a light.”
Mathias uncrossed his arms, sat up right in his chair. “Alright, Seal. You’ve had your word in. I’m letting you have your personality because it’s useful to us. Your freedom of speech in this situation is in my gift—you do get that, right?”
“I’m not an SI:7 Seal. I failed my test.”
“Did you, though?” Mathias cocked his head at me, smirking anew. So this was his revenge, the hitch. Why he was able to smile at me even with that black eye. Mathias was giving me the one thing that I hated most of all.
“I did so fail that swim test.”
“I’m not sure that’s how tests work? Right? I mean… doesn’t the teacher grade you? And if the teacher isn’t sure, then doesn’t the pass-fail decision fall to the headmaster? How exactly do those Kaldorei schools work, that you still don’t know?”
“Interesting line of inquiry, sir. But I’m immune to insults coming out of the mouth of a man that I punched.”
“Hold on now—we’re going in circles. Relax.”
I guess I did have my hackles all the way up already. I let my big shoulders sink down, took easier breaths. I glanced back over to see Big Mack still standing in the room by the door. I gave Mathias a look, that after everything, he wanted a bodyguard in my presence.
Shaw folded his hands on the table. “Yes, SI:7 has a reputation for letting some big arseholes in. Arseholes who bungle missions because they’re really in it for the gold, the chance to retire early after body-breaking work and then start up their own businesses. Security agencies and the like.”
“Yes! After only one year of service! Maybe two? But how does that serve the Alliance?”
Mathias nodded at me, that it was all true. But he also looked weary. That wasn’t a part of his organization, they way it was run, that he condoned. “If men get tired, we have to let them go. We can’t force them. And there’s this pipeline of ex-pats helping their buddies and the sons and daughters of their buddies to join up, just to make even more money. We’re trying to break that down from the inside. No offense, but Kaldorei don’t tend to rub each other’s backs like that. So, we’re aggressively recruiting your people. And before you think of threatening me with intervention from your sister in the Kaldorei Rogue Network, we know all about them. In fact, I made them, Wisthera and Alessandre. And the third triumvir rogue, Mistress Myrielle Fadeleaf? I trained her as well.”
I pointed his way, “Not how my sister tells it.”
He rolled his eyes, “Anyway. You’re young, you’re new to spywork. And seems it runs in your family. We recruited you because of your sister, Sharpen. You’re not going to catch us out with that, it was one of the main reasons. SI:7 didn’t go into it blindly.”
“But you just said!” I floundered for a moment, realizing my parachute was gone. “Corruption, back-scratching is rife in SI:7! That whole recruitment experience—nightmare—is not something I want to repeat in the field. I won’t serve!”
Mathias stayed calm, sucked his teeth and looked up thoughtfully before he spoke. Like he was indulging me. “Now. I don’t want to call you a himbo. I don’t wanna hurt your feelings. But let’s say that, unlike your sister, you are a man who would take orders. You would do it for the greater good, you would be incorruptible in that way. Sharpen, didn’t I just explain to you that I’m sick of the bad guys inside our organization? I want a real man. You.” He pointed at me with both hands, thumbs up like he was attempting to sell me a horse, fast. “You are a real man, Sharpen Jadescythe. A man we can depend on.”
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naruhearts · 6 years ago
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TFW, Jack Winchester & Peace of Mind...
[Dean, ext. in the Impala]
TAPE DECK: The key to quieting your mind, is minding your quiet.  [Dean pulls the tape out, throws it on the seat] —10x11 There’s No Place Like Home transcript ***
Seems like 14x15 Peace of Mind and its premise (the title, guys!) could link back to 14x09 (with all this narrative talk of quietness, tape decks, and using your words)—
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—and 10x11 besides carrying over 14x14′s key themes of Life and Death, Family, Love and...Love, and Subtext in Storytelling.
In 10x11, Good Charlie faced Evil Charlie — the cunning and conniving (and Charlie herself was a mirror to MoC!Dean), yet she was so preoccupied with shame and guilt over her Dark mirror self that she overlooked something fundamental: the intrinsic dualism of the human condition. Say, being conniving as a hunter helps her save people. Yin and Yang. You cannot be good without evil, and you cannot be evil without good. Agency and free will matter, in that you choose which side to act on, and all the complex nuances in-between — doing something stupid (bad) for the right reasons — are the judges of your moral character. 
In Season Who Am I/Season Mirrors 14, Dean and Cas’ narrative arcs — both mirroring each other (since S12) — cycle back to this internal battle, where Dean saying Yes to Michael was a bad decision, yet it was a decision steeped in the good: his boundless love for his family and the larger safety of the world. Although he stated in 14x13 that he’s ‘good with who he is’ (and I don’t doubt the validity of it at all, because oh man it SHOWS, in almost every facet of his emotional states e.g. transparency with Cas re: his Michael-induced trauma and letting Sam separate himself from his shadow), Dean’s still experiencing a gradual uphill trek to achieving complete self-actualization after decades of John-bred negative self-process, low self-worth, and depression; it’s definitely logical to assume that Dean, at his core, will somehow blame himself for the slaughter of the AU Hunters by Michael!Rowena. 
But don’t worry — Dean’s character progression towards self-love is PALPABLY closer than it’s ever been in S14!! And we all know that, beyond his brother Sam, the key significant motivator for this is Cas: Dean’s subtextual spouse. The one he trusts wholeheartedly. The one who brought him back from the brink, many times. The one who fell for his humanity. The one who did it - all of it - for him. The one who believes Dean is ‘more than strong’/believes Sam and Dean (subtextually: DEAN) are extraordinary, brave, special, burn bright. The one who helps weed out the creeping vines of low self-worth, reminding Dean Humanity Winchester of his valuable lessons: that there is always a way, a better way, a hopeful way.
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If death - if evil - still surfaces regardless of one’s perseverance and good intentions, “sometimes things just are; you have to live with that.” Most importantly--
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Listen to your own advice, Dean.
Cas, on the other hand, struck up a deal with the Empty to protect Jack the TFW mirror. Shifting away from his sense of expendability and self-sacrifice (as the worthless means to a self-destructive end e.g. saying Yes to Lucifer, mirrored by Dean) in past seasons, Cas’ current choices (his choice to sacrifice himself for Jack) are, like Dean, steeped in Love and...Love — and Cas is very humanized this season, with an incredible scale of expressive emotions for an angel and vast internalization of overall human values and human morality — but his angelic self-awareness manifested in 14x14. This pivotal scene between Cas and his character exposition Jack showed audiences that Cas still perceives himself as a “thing” and, like Dean, Cas continues to feel the deep residue of expendability and duty as an ex-Angel of the Lord despite making recent positive characteristic leaps and bounds (his accrued trauma re: Naomi, for example, lurks in the back of Cas’ mind, reminding him of his sole purpose as Heaven’s blunt tool).
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14x14’s narrative insight into Cas’ self-awareness of his position in the Winchester family as a supernatural entity (he’s put a lot of thought into knowing what may be in his future — losing Sam and Dean) hinders him from fully acknowledging and accepting the fact that he IS family. Not quite there, my friends, but he almost is.
Jack, yearning to be useful for his family, proclaimed himself a Winchester last episode in the manner most reflective and evocative of Cas, Dean and Sam’s own past choices (Michael, Lucifer, the Mark of Cain, Godstiel — you name it) (Jack’s helplessness was also visually symbolized when he turned into a “sick” dog, additionally closely mirroring Cas and particularly Dean’s duty-bound inclinations, then keeping in mind the connotations attached to Dog in the SPN narrative: expendability.)
Now it’s Jack’s turn to further find himself, sift through the respective TFW influences of faith, hope, and love (the three theological virtues represented by TFW) bestowed upon him, and “die” in order to live. Ouroboros. What path will Jack Winchester choose? What decision will he make? Is he the snake or the chicken? *Mind you, meta writers shivered in our boots once 14x14 aired*
In keeping Gorgon Noah’s snake, seemingly ‘killing’ Michael, and absorbing his grace to become a textually benevolent but subtextually ominous iteration of Godstiel while simultaneously saving his family, we can say Jack is both the chicken and the snake. Thus, in classic Winchester fashion, the effects — the benefits and consequences — of his actions shall reap important self-introspective lessons that Jack will eventually experience.
You can’t save everybody, but you can try to make choices that provide even the slightest chance of winning. If the last few key thematic episodes were any indication: faith, hope, love, and open honest communication (the latter exercised by Jack pretty liberally until Meta Extravaganza 14x14, when he dodged - again in classic Winchester fashion - his own family’s concerns via I’m FineTM) build up your resistance in a turbulent, uncertain world.
As TPTB has thematically reinforced through narrative cyclism and mirrored pathways over and over again during the past few seasons:
Self-love/positive self-process breeds life and rebirth. Self-hate/maladaptively negative self-process breeds death and destruction. To truly be human, we must live with both personal internal forces -- they are naturally interdependent. Self-hate pushes us to seek self-love. Personal imprisonment and control pushes us to break free and release ourselves from control in order to allow growth. Ultimately, life fluctuates and never stays static.
We are absolutely capable of choosing the good and acting on the good.
TFW, once they forgive ALL their faults and transform them into present/future strengths, will finally mind their quiet and have peace of mind. They’re going to realize that living a meaningful life involves the good and the bad. A dual balance of both is tantamount. Jack is the catalyst.
Everything means something.
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duketheman · 5 years ago
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Generation 4 Part 2
We both break out in laughter. That George is a character. Sense of humor, a heart & knowledge. He's a good man & a good friend. I hit the jackpot when I hired him. No regrets! I get my friend George home by 4:00pm. I pull out an envelope & say: ~Oh George, Payday!!!! I hand him the envelope with the check in it & thank him for a great job well done. He looks at the check and says: ~Harry, der be too much, Ders $550.00 hear~ I reply: ~George, You're not paid by the hour, nor the day, you're paid a salary! Today's payday. Your Salary is $550.00 per week. A week consist of whatever falls between Monday through Friday. You may work a few hours or a bunch of hours. You may be charged with running things. I sometimes have to be away. In that case you will receive an extra $250.00 per week & I will bring a second mate in to assist you. As you will act as Captain.~ He replies: ~aye Harry, ya da Captain. Me be thankin ya Harry. Drive safe Harry, ya like me Brother Harry.~ George is a Hell of a great guy! He doesn't want a dime that doesn't belong to him. I want to help him. He deserves whatever I can do for him! This job takes talent. You need to know what you're doing out here in the Devil's Triangle! It's like George said ~ Quote- Dem Der storms can come up on ya like Da Spirits of Hell & swallow ya up in Da swells like da Whale. -Unquote~ He's got the knowledge, I trust him, I like him! It's not charity! So he can be happy to know that. I'm home by 4:30pm & Mary asks: ~How'd your day go my Harry? I answer: ~It was a good day Darling! God is Good! You know Darling, I'm really happy we got to Know George & Lucy! Really good people! She replies: ~I know Harry, I like them. Harry, Can we go out to eat tonight? I reply: ~Now Darling, have you been taking lessons from George?~ She replies: ~Harry, whatever do you mean?~ I reply: ~'O Darling, mind reading! I was going you ask if you'd like to go to Sundowners for Dinner. Maybe the Caribbean after for a little dancing?~ She replies rather excitedly: ~Now Harry, are you feeling Frisky, she, smiles, winks (Her winks drive me insane) & says: I'll be ready by 6:00pm! She wraps those arms around me, & plants those always delicious lips against mine. No man can ever wish for more than what I have in my life! She's ready By 6:00 pm & is as Beautiful as always. She's wearing a Trumpet/Mermaid Scoop Neck Floor-Length Satin Evening Dress that fits her perfectly. Shows off her figure but yet doesn't flaunt it! She has on Pointed toe Blue Suede Stiletto Heel Pumps. Her hair as usual is worn combed naturally down her back the way I like it. She's wearing Diamond earrings to match her Wedding rings & a 2ct Diamond "V" Necklace. She's Stunning, absolutely stunning! I take her hand & kiss it, & say: ~Your carriage awaits~ I put her arm in mine & escort her to my Beamer & walk her to the passenger side, open the door & help her in. I feel so giddish. It's like my first date again! Man I love this Woman!........
We get to Sundowners at 6:45pm. I tip the Valet & we go inside. We have reservations so there's no wait. Being a Friday night, the place is packed. We're seated & order drinks. Mary orders just a Soda water. I ask if she's feeling well & she says she's fine. She's just in the mood for Soda water! I reach over, take her hands in mine & say: ~Mary Newport, You're the best thing that ever happened to me! I love you!~ She looks at me and smiles, winks (Ohhhh that wink!) & says: ~Harold Newport, You're the best thing that ever happened to me too, I love you. You know what Harry? I've got a bit of a secret to tell you!~ I ask: ~You do? She replies: ~I do! There's one in the oven Harry!~ I reply: ~What? Let me call JR, I'll have him check the oven.~ She says: ~No silly..... I mean we're going to have a Baby Harry!~ She's smiling really large. I'm not sure if she's pulling a fast on me or not. I ask: ~ Darling, really, we're going to have a Baby.~ She replies: ~Yes Harry! The Doctor confirmed it today! I ask a stupid question: ~But when, how, I mean aaah oh Darling I love you so much! We have to build a Nursery. I got to get George to help me. Oh & JR is Going to love it. He always wanted a little Brother. Ohhhh. We don't know yet do we? How far along are we Darling? I can't even tell!~ She replies: ~six weeks my love. Next week's my Ultrasound. You're coming with me, aren't you? That's when we'll learn the gender of the baby!~I reply: Darling, of course I am! I wouldn't miss it for the world. George can handle the "Willow"! I will get Nicholas from the Agency for a Second Mate. I want George as Captain to make the decisions. Yet still drive the boat! George is gentle & treats her like a Lady! She looks at me & remarks: I'm glad you finally have a good friend Harry that you can trust! Let's eat. I want to go dancing!~ She looks so very happy! Her face is glowing! Now I understand the reason behind the Soda water. Mary's always told me she's never thought pregnant woman should be drinking alcohol! We finish eating & go outside the Restaurant. I give the Valet my ticket & he retrieves my Beamer. I tip him & he opens the passenger door for my wife, I help her in & close the door. I tip him & walk around to the Driver's side, get in & we head for the Caribbean. It's 10:00pm & from the looks of the parking lot, it's packed! I tip the Valet & he parks the car. We walk inside & the Waiter has our table ready. He takes our order. Mary's drinking Ginger Ale & I'm drinking Coke, as I will be driving & want to make sure she has a wonderful time but not have any problems, that alcohol may render me less able to take care of! We dance & dance to every favorite beat she hears. I'm getting tired, you'd think I'm the pregnant one! Where does my Wonder Woman get all her energy? I ask: ~Darling, don't overdo yourself?~ She replies: ~Harry relax, chalk this up to exercise! What I'm going to be doing is nothing compared to this!~ I reply: ~Yes Darling, I'll try to remember that!~ She smiles & motions to me; now let's dance! This is really a night to celebrate. I can't wait to let my parents know. Or for that, I'm sure my Mother in-law will be quite excited. This will be their first Grandchild, although they consider JR as much their's as if blood. Tomorrow we'll get together with JR & let him know! It's 2:00am & the last song is playing. It's our favorite: "Stand By Me" by Otis Redding! I pull my wife in real close to me & dance old school with her! I love this Woman & I love these moments! The song has ended, the lights come on & it's time to leave. I take my beautiful wife by the hand & tell her: ~Darling, I love you more today than yesterday & now more than I did before my last breath. Thank you for making my life so wonderful Darling!~ She says to me: ~'O Harry, My Harry, you're the most romantic Man on Earth. The only man I've ever loved. The only man I will ever love. Harry take me home my love?~ I reply: ~Your Wish is My Command!~ I place her arm in mine & I escort her out the door. I hand my ticket to the Valet & he retrieves my Beamer. He opens the passenger door, I help my wife in & close the door. I tip the Valet, walk around to the Driver's side & get in. We head home. On the way home I ask my wife: Mary: ~You'd think we could ask George & Lucy to be The Godparents!~ She replies: Harry, I think that's a wonderful idea!~ We're home by 3:15am. I open the door & help my wife out. I escort her arm in arm to the house, open the door & say: ~Mary; ( I smile, pick her up & carry her over the thrush hold) I love you I say!~ She replies: ~I love you more my Harry!~ I always loved how she calls me her Harry! We go to bed & have a wonderful night of love in every way possible!
Saturday, April 20 John Ross Learns The News We wake about 8:30am. We decided to sleep in. I've got it on my mind to hire some help for Mary, at least until the baby comes; & even after. I hear JR moving around downstairs. I know he's hungry. Mary's in the bathroom. I'm going down to the kitchen & surprise her & cook them both breakfast! I haven't forgotten how! Besides she deserves a break! I get to the kitchen & JR is patiently sitting at the table waiting for us & says: ~Good morning Dad! You two kids had a late night of it!~ He bends his head to the side & smiles like he knows what his mother & I did! I replied: Good morning: ~Young Man! Your Mother will be down directly. I want to surprise her! Want to help?~ He replies: ~Yeah sure Dad, anything for Mom!~ We're fixing her Blueberry Pancakes, (Her recipe) Hot Syrup, Pork Sausage links, Poached Eggs, Hot Mocha Coffee & Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice. Mary comes down the stairs just as we are finishing up the Poached Eggs. She says: ~What's this?~ Those big Beautiful Green eyes of hers are wide open in surprise! She adds: ~I can't believe you two did this for me, 'O I love you both so very much.~ I reply: ~Ok Darling, It's hot, & we want you to sit down & enjoy it. We are at your service. After you're finished eating, myself & JR will do the dishes. Then we can all sit down & have a nice talk about the surprise.~ She replies: ~Okay my Harry, that sounds like a good idea. It's time my John Ross knows what's going on!~ JR says: ~What? haaaa, what's going on?~ She says: ~Now there John Ross, just you don't worry about it for now, it's a surprise!~ He shrugs his shoulders in wonder & replies: ~Okay Mom!~ She eats her food, all the time with mmmmh & aaahh & oohhhh this is good! She really enjoyed her food. & we enjoyed making it for her. She finishes her breakfast & we pick up the dishes from the table. I wash & JR dries. Everything is done. We all sit down. I ask Mary: ~More coffee Darling!~ She replies: ~No thank you Harry, too much coffee is not good for me!~ JR asks:~Since when Mom? Are you ok, sick?~ She replies: ~Im fine, my Dear Dear John Ross. My Baby that I've loved since the very moment you've come into my life. John Ross, we have a Surprise for you! You're going to be a Big Brother soon!~ He replies: ~Mom, you mean, you're going to have a Baby?~ She replies: ~I do John Ross, what do you think about it?~ He replies: ~Mom, I'm happy, really happy. But when? I'm going to have to get leave from school, I want to be here when the baby comes. I say: Oh yes when is the due date, I forgot to ask in all my excitement. She replies to both of us: December 06, 2019, Twenty five days before your Birthday John Ross. You will already be home on Christmas Leave. I figured Maybe we could spend the Holidays in Madison County. I figured I could have the baby in Madison County Hospital. It's the Best one in the County & near the Mansion. None Of your Grandparents, I mean all five of them are not getting any younger. The Mansion is the perfect place for all of us to meet & spend the Holidays together & they'll be there when the baby is born. I've already talked to your Mother my Harry, she has agreed that if it's a go with you & John Ross, then it's a go with the rest of us!~ I reply: ~Of course Darling, that's a wonderful idea! Darling, would it be ok to invite George & his family?~ She replies: ~You read my mind My Harry!~ She asks JR: ~How about you John Ross, the plann sound ok with you?~ He replies: ~Yes Mam, Mom, I like it. One question Boy or Girl?~ She replies: ~'O My John Ross, does it matter?~ He replies: ~No, not really Mom, just curious!~ She says: We'll find out my next Dr's appt on April 25. I will be sure to call you & let you know my John Ross! She smiles & gives him that special wink. He smiles back in approval! I ask Mary: ~Is there anything I can do for you Darling?~ She replies: ~Yes My Harry, Stop treating me like there's something wrong with me! I'm pregnant, not crippled, & only 6 1/2 weeks my love. I loved the surprise but now, you two boys go play! I have things to do!~ She kisses me, kisses JR on the cheek & says: ~I love you, now let me do my work!~ We look at each other & go about our business! I call George & ask: ~Hey, want to go have a beer?~ He replies: ~aye Harry, me whistle needin a wetten!~ I say~ Be there in fifteen minutes!~ I ask JR: Need a Ride to Kellyanne's?~ He replies: ~Sure Dad, thanks!~ We hop in the Beamer & head to George's house. We get to George's house at 11:15am. George comes out of his house as JR passes him going in. I say: ~Hey George, ~Mary & I are having a Baby!~ He replies: ~Aaaah! Ohhh Captain Harry, me Brudder. Ya been a busy man have ya~ & laughs under his breath. He adds: ~God He be lookin on ya with da favor. I knowed it. Ya be a lucky man Harry, a lucky man.~ I ask: ~George. We've decided to have the Baby in Madison County. It's on the border of North Carolina. That way all of JR's Grandparents can be there. It's during Christmas Holidays George. Would you be interested in joining us. My parents live in a Mansion & it's plenty big. George, We would be honored if you & Lucy were to be the Godparents?~ He's looking at me, teary eyed, hardly able to utter the words & replies: ~aye Harry, it be our Honors to be fer sure. Me give ya me word Harry, ya never regret it Sir!~ I reply: ~I have no doubt George, Oh George, one more thing, before I forget! I'm going to need you to Captain the "Willow" on Thursday, the 25th.~ He replies: ~aye Harry! Ya go be with ya wife! Me be takin care of ya boat, don't ya be worry bout dat Captain Harry! We reach Sharkey's Pub on the Wharf at 12:30pm I park & we go in & have a seat. I ask George: ~Want a bite to eat with that Beer George?~ He replies: ~aye Harry, Much obliged, Me belly be achin, Me lips be parched! I order two Buds & we look the menu over. I ask ~George: What are you going to have George?~ He replies: ~Dos der Fish -n- Chips sure be lookin tasty!~ I reply: ~Agreed, I'll have the same!~ I call for the waiter & say: ~We'll have two Fish & Chips, go heavy on the chips. Oh , & bring us a couple more Buds please? Thanks?~ Ahh, our order's here! One thing about Sharkey's, when they serve you a Basket of Fish & Chips, you can't complain. You're going to get a stomach full! I ask George: ~What do you think George?~ He replies: ~Mighty good Harry! Me be owen Ya Harry!~ I reply: ~George my Brother, You don't owe me anything! You give me everything I need just by being the friend you are! You see George, Good friends are hard to come by, & I hit the Jackpot when I came by you!~ He's looking at me with a kind of Brotherly love in his eyes & says: ~Harry, ya like me Brudder & Me love ya like me Blood, If ya ever be needen somthin, ya be lettin me know! I reply: ~You got it George! Eat up my Brother!~ We toast to friendship & enjoy our meal together! We finish up, have one more beer & go home to the wives. I have to say, I enjoyed my day with George! I haven't been out for a Beer with a friend in a long time! I'm home about 6:00pm & I walk in the door, Mary kisses me & says: ~Hello Dear, enjoy your day out with George?~ I reply: ~I did Darling! I really like George. He's really a great guy! She replies: ~That's Good my Harry, it's about time you had a friend! We're having Pot roast for dinner, green beans. Mashed Potatoes & brown gravy.~ I reply: ~My Darling, how did I ever get so lucky to have you come into life?~ She replies: ~I don't know Harry, you might ask John Ross that!~ Turns around & starts to walk away, stops, turns, smiles & winks at me, then goes into the kitchen. She had me going for a moment! I love her so much! I'm going upstairs & clean up for dinner! That's better, I'm starved! I go to the Dining room & sit down at the end of the table. JR is already sitting & Kellyanne has joined us for dinner. She's trying to spend as much time time with him as possible as he will be leaving for School Monday morning. Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. We will be attending Church. I ask Kellyanne: ~Will you & your family be attending Church for Easter Sunday Kellyanne?~ She replies: ~Yes Sir Mr Newport! We attend at the First Baptist Church of Key Largo. I say: ~If it's alright with your parents, I don't mind picking you up in the morning & you & JR can attend together since we all go to the same Church.~ She replies: ~'O Mr Newport, thank you so much. I'm sure it'll be fine. I'll have my daddy call you.~ I say: ~That's okay Kellyanne, I'll call him after dinner!~ She replies: ~Thank you Mr Newport! I say Mary: ~Darling, everything looks so wonderful. Smells absolutely delicious!~ She replies: ~Well thank you my Harry, I hope you enjoy it. I know Pot roast is yours & John Ross's favorite.~ Mary is always thinking the best for us. I really have to do something special for her! After dinner I tell Mary: ~Darling, take the night off my love, I'm going to do the dishes & clean the kitchen up! You two kids go spend time together!~ My wife looks at me, smiles & says: ~Thank you My Harry, & that was nice of you, what you said to the kids! & Harry, I love you!~ I finish up the kitchen & join my wife in the other room. We sit down & just listen to music. We turn on the radio & listen to Oldies but Goodies & talk about when we first met & fell in love. We cuddle & like Teenagers (Make out) on the sofa! It feels good to just spend time with my wife. Before we know it, 10:00pm comes about & I need to get Kellyanne home! I kiss my wife & holler: ~Lets go! The kids come right away & we load up in the Beamer & take Kellyanne home! JR escorts her to the door & assures she's inside. He gets back in the car & we head home! We get home & I go upstairs, open the bedroom door & my Beautiful wife is already in bed. She says:~Hello Big Boy!~ She pulls back the sheets & there she is, more beautiful than any woman on this Earth & as naked as the day God created her. All I can do is to disrobe & join her in this rendezvous of love. Goodnight all! 
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Easter Sunday April 21 We're all up & ready bright & early! It's Easter Sunday! Church isn't until 9:00am but my Wife still has to have an Easter Basket for her John Ross! & he's just as excited as he was when he received his first one! She calls:~ John Ross!~ He replies: ~Yes Mother? Coming Mom! He enters the Library & sees the Basket & as usual becomes excited at the prospect of what's in it! He doesn't believe in the Easter Bunny any longer but he knows the Easter Mommy got it for him. He opens his arms & gives her a Bear hug & then says: ~Oh no, Mom! You alright! I'm so sorry. Did I hurt you.~ She stops him & says: ~John Ross, it's okay my Baby, you didn't hurt me. You can show me love. It's fine!~ A world of relief came over his face & he was happy again! That boy would go through Hell for his Mother! There is chocolate bunnies, licorice, jelly beans, chewing gum, peanuts, corn nuts, homemade chocolate chip cookies, waiting tablets & pencils, socks & underwear, & everything a boy coul need at school as well as other favorite things of his! He says: ~Mom, you thought of everything!~ She replies: ~I tried My John Ross! There's an envelope in there too. Open it when you get to School, not before!~ He replies: ~Yes Mam! I love you Mom. She kisses him on the cheek & he hugs & kisses her back. That boy loves his Mother & she loves him! It's 8:15am & we've got to get going if we're going to pick Kellyanne up & get to Church on time! We arrive at George's at 8:30am & Kellyann is waiting on the Doorsteps. JR rushes up & escorts her to the car & helps her in the backseat. He's quite the Gentleman, (Takes after his old Dad if I say so myself) We're on our way! We arrive at the First Baptist Church of Key Largo at 8:55am with George & Lucy close behind! We walk the doors & are greeted by Bishop Gilbert who will be conducting the Easter Services, & Pastor James, the Sitting Pastor of the Church. We shake hands & are ushered in & seated, Followed directly by George & Lucy! Service is beginning. "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty........ "The hymn plays as the Bishop leads the Pastor, the Bible bearer, Candle lighters, Visiting Pastors & special Guest. Finally the Choir comes in from the rear of the Altar.................. 12:00pm Church ends & I'm taking everyone out to lunch: ~George, you coming?~ He replies: ~Where to Mate~ I say: ~Easter Dinner George, you coming?~ He replies: ~aye, Me belly achin, talkin to me it be!
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We head to Gus's Grille in the Marriott. Great dining. It's 1240pm & we arrive. We tip the Valet, go inside. I've already called ahead so no waiting. We have Prime rib cooked to perfection & a beautiful Honey Baked Ham w/ all the fixings. It's a wonderful meal. It's 5:00pm & we're finished eating. I pay the tab & tip out. We need to get home! I promise George to have Kellyanne home by 9:30pm. JR will be leaving on a 5:00am flight to Brownsville Texas. There's no tours scheduled for tomorrow so I tell him he can take the day off! We're home, it's 6:15pm & we go inside. Easter Dinner was big so Mary decides she's just going to prepare sandwiches & chips for tonight. Kids can spend what time they have together & we'll just kick back & enjoy each other's company! It's 8:30pm : I have to take Kellyann home. I can hear her crying and telling JR: ~'O John Ross, I'm going to miss you terribly. What am I going to do? I love you so much John Ross. Please come back to me soon?~ He replies: ~I love you too Kellyanne with all my heart. I'll be back in December! I promise. We're all going up to my Grandma's Mansion for Christmas Vacation together. You're just going to love it!~ I get to the corner as he embraces her & stop! They kiss & only after do I enter. I say: ~Let's go kids, I promised your Father Kellyann that you'd be home by 9:30pm.~She replies: ~Yes Sir Mr Newport!~ JR escorts her to the Beamer, we load up & head for her house. We arrive at 9:25pm & JR escorts her to the door & kisses her one final time just before Lucy opens the door. He comes back to the car & we head home. We get home & He's silent. I say: ~JR, won't be long & you'll be home!~ He replies: ~I know Dad, I'm just going to miss her! I love her Dad, I mean I really love her! I don't even look at another girl Dad. She's the only girl I've ever wanted!~ I reply: ~You know son, that's the way it is with us Newport Men! Your Great Grandfather, Your Grandfather, yes & me too! I never looked at or wanted another woman until I lost your Mother Julia! She was my everything. You were the only reason I stayed together after her death! Then came Mary. She taught me that I could love again. & You loved her too, even better she loved you! I really in my heart think Julia guided us to Mary!~ He replies: ~You know Dad, I never told anyone, but, I use to dream about her, you know my Mother! In my dream she would tell me it's okay to love her. She told me: ~She loves you very much! She'll take care of you John Ross! You & your Daddy need her! I've never forgot my birth Mom & never will, but I love Mom too with all my heart & soul!~ I reply: ~I know son, & she knows too! & Julia's looking down on you from Heaven with pride! She came to me in a dream once too! You're the only one I've ever told!~ He turns to me & smiles. We're home & we go inside & go upstairs. We've got to get up early in the morning. My Beautiful wife is tired out & in bed already. I tip toe into the bedroom, disrobe, climb into bed, kiss her gently, wrap my arms around her & fall asleep knowing I have the best woman man could ever have in life, in my arms! Monday, April 22nd Alarm going off, it's 2:30am! I reach over & gently tap my wife on her shoulder & say: ~Mary, time to wake Darling, we've got to take JR to the Airport. We want to make sure he eats a good breakfast!~ She rolls over & says: ~Okay my Harry!~ I go in the Bathroom, wash up & shave. I go down stairs & put on the coffee. I go back upstairs & make sure JR is awake & getting ready! I go back down stairs, Cook some bacon up, scramble some eggs and cheddar cheese, throw some frozen biscuits I keep on hand just for these occasions in the oven. I put butter & jelly on the table. I'm pouring the coffee as my Beautiful wife is coming down the stairs! She's quite happy to just sit down to a cup of coffee & wake up! I kiss her Good morning, tell her how beautiful she is & how much I love her! By that time here come our young Marine! I say: ~Hungry son?~ He replies Yes Dad, thanks. I'm starving!~ We eat, I pick up the table & leave the dishes until I get home. I take JR's Bags out to the Beamer & load them up in the trunk. I come back in & escort my wife to the car & we're off to the Airport! His flight leaves at 5:00am & we want to get him checked in so we can sit with him a little bit before he has to go through Security! We reach the Miami International by 3:45am. It's early & I drop Mary & JR of at the Curb. I park in the Garage & walk across to the terminal! I meet the at the self Check-in. We have fifteen minutes to sit & say goodbye. I see the tears already forming in Mary's eyes! JR says: ~Mom, please don't cry, I'll be back soon! You're making me feel bad, I can't stand to see you cry Mom, please? I love you!~ I say to JR: ~ She'll be fine son. She loves you & just doesn't want to see you go. She understands though but she still going to she tears. That's her heart!~ He replies: ~I know Dad, but I don't like to see my Mom cry! It breaks my heart!~ She interrupts: ~I'm sorry John Ross, I'm just going to miss having you around! I just love you so much!~ He replies: ~ No Mom, you don't mind have anything to be sorry about! Don't worry about it! Oh Man, Their beginning to run us through Security. I've got to go. Mom, give me Love, Dad you too!~ He hugs us & we say Goodbye. He runs to the gate just in time to get through the line. We wait to hear that his flight takes off on time before we leave! I tell my wife: ~Darling, you sit here while I go get the car!~ I walk across to the Garage & pick up the Beamer, drive around the circle & stop at the terminal. I escort my wife to the car help her in. We head home. We get about home at 6:45am giving the traffic! I help my wife out of the car & escort her to the house. We go into the kitchen & I tell my Mary: ~Darling, why don't you go ahead & get a little more sleep. I'm going to clean up these dishes! I might come up & join you afterwards!~ She replies: ~Okay my Harry, I'm going to do that. I'm still quite tired! Please come upstairs after your done? I want you to hold me!~ I reply: ~I promise Darling, directly!~ She goes upstairs & lays down. I do the dishes up, doesn't take long & I follow her upstairs! I climb in bed & wrap my arms around her & thank God she's mine. I fall asleep. We both wake together. The alarm is ringing, Mary has it set for 10:00am! We smile, kiss each other & get up. We go in the bathroom & take a shower together! I love taking a shower with my wife. But no Hanky Panky this time! She's a bit sad about our son having to go back to school today. I'm going to let her have some time! We get dressed & go downstairs & I put some coffee on while Mary prepared us some lunch! I ask her: ~Darling, is there anything special you'd like to do today?~ She replies~ 'O yes my sweet Harry! I want to go shopping. I'm going to need Maternity clothes. We need to start thinking about Baby furniture. We'll worry about clothing after we learn if we're having a boy or a girl!~ I reply: ~Very well my Darling, I think that's a great idea! Let's go shopping! We drink our coffee & eat our Brunch, load up in the Beamer & head for Refined Legacy Maternity Wear. My wife has very good but conservative taste in clothes. 3 hours at Legacy & next stop is Mark's & Spencer's. I've never been Maternity shopping before. Kind of fun watching my wife pick things out, allowing for her stomach to grow for the Baby. Her face has such a gleem to it. She's so happy. That makes me happy. We're truly Blessed! It's 6:50pm & I tell Mary: ~Darling, I love you, I know you're invincible, but you still have to eat if you want to remain so! Let's go get a bite?~ She replies: ~You're right my Harry, & I am quite hungry! Where do you suggest?~ I say: ~I'm thinking "The Pelican" You feeling like some Spaghetti & Meatballs Darling! My Parents fell in love over Spaghetti & Meatballs!~ She replies: ~'O my Harry, that sounds absolutely delicious. I've actually been craving that! How'd you know?~ I reply: ~Oh just a wild guess my Darling, I've kind of been craving it myself!~ We both break out in laughter..... I carry the bags to the car and load them up in the trunk. Help my lovely wife into the car & drive the couple blocks to The Restaurant. We park in the parking lot & I take my wife arm in arm & escort her inside the restaurant. We're seated almost immediately as the Owner knows my Father. I thank him & he asks that I give him my regards. I tell him that I would be pleased to do so! The waiter takes our order almost immediately & brings us complimentary drinks. I a Red wine & Mary a Sweet Tea. We both order you guessed it: Spaghetti & Meatballs! We had a fantastic meal. It's about 9:00pm & we need to get going. It's been a long day. I ask my wife: ~Darling, I promise, I will take you shopping for Baby furniture on Saturday! Is that okay with you? If not, I'll take tomorrow off!~ She replies: ~My Harry, my sweet sweet Harry! Always trying to make me Happy! Only thing is about that Harry. I'm already Happy just being with you! Of course it's alright!~ Let's go home, I'm tired Harry!~ I call the waiter, pay the tab & tip 30%. I escort my wife to the car & we head home, go inside & go to bed. I love this Woman. Goodnight! Tuesday It's 5:30am & I pick George up for work & we stop at Cafe Mocha for Coffee & Doughnuts. We're on our way & reach the Marina by 6:00am.Tours not scheduled until 8:00am so we can relax & drink our coffee & eat our doughnuts.Talk about our kids awhile! Awe, it's 7:30pm, I say: ~Time we get on it George! The Clients will be here soon! Scuba Diving Pennekamp State Park near the Christ of The Abyss. Diving around the old wrecks. Be back around 6:00pm. We get done with the precheck just as the clients arrive! I greet them & welcome them aboard. A Father Ron Vincent Sr, & Son Ron Jr.! I give the order: ~Take her out George!~ He replies ~aye aye Captain! Takes the helm & steady as she goes at 2 knots gradually increasing to 5 knots. I explain: ~We're only a few miles from the park so no need to rush. Just sit back & enjoy the ride! Can I get you to gentleman a cold drink or water?~ They both decline for now & enjoy the trip out. We make the trip in an hour. They break out their gear, do their safety checks, walk down the ladder to the platform & dive! They come up periodically throughout the day. It's 12:30:pm & I ask George if he's got lunch & he replies: ~aye Harry, Me Lucy maked me a Hardy meal fer me takin! Ah dat Lucy, she be lovin me she be! Me be a lucky man Captain, aye a lucky man!~ I've got a bag lunch Mary put one together here for me. Couple Roast beef & Cheese Sandwiches. Chips. Couple Oranges. Apple pie. Two hard boiled eggs. Woman knows what I like. We have plenty of iced down Sodas & water. About two more hours & we'll be ready to head into shore! 4:00pm both men are out of the water & we're on our way back in. We're about an hour out so we'll take it slow & easy, no rush! I offer the men some water & they are quite thirsty as I thought they might be! They dry off & change into street clothes on the way back to shore! We're pulling into Pier 17 right at 5:23pm. Mr Vincent Pays me 500.00 for the day & thanks us for a great time. He salutes George as if he recognizes him & George salutes back! We tie the "Willow" up, wash her. Check the tanks, oil & put her to bed for the night! We load up in the Beamer & head towards George's house! I ask George: ~What exactly did you do in the Navy old Buddy? Seems like you have a lot of respect around here!~ He replies: ~ Ahh Harry, dat be somethin Me not be talkin about me brother! Dat be given me pain terribly!~ I drop George off at 6:45pm & head home. I'm starved. I'm thinking that after dinner I'm going to do a little research on George's Naval Service. Just because I think he deserves allot more respect than he gets. I get home at 7:00pm & my wife is waiting dinner for me. I kiss her & say: ~Darling, I love you. Sorry I'm late. But it's been a long day!~ She replies: ~I understand my Harry, Ribeye steak & Baked Potatoes w/fixings. Cold beer.~ Perfect dinner after a long day on the water! My wife is the perfect wife! Man, that was delicious & I'm full. I'm going to go in the Library & research on the computer!
US Naval Archives George Christopher Richards MCPO United States Navy #6713211417 Classified 980301-011012 The President of The United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross to Master Chief Petty Officer George Christopher Richards of The Naval Special Warfare Development Group For the service forth in the following; While acting in support of the Third Battalion, Fifth Marines Regimental Combat Team Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan on 11 October 2001 For distinguished devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and disregard for his own personal safety, and under heavy fire from an Enemy Taliban Machine gun position, rushed and eliminated the target, killing all 4 enemy combatants, thereby saving the lives of his team. MCPO Richards reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest tradition of The United States Naval Service!
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George W Bush
President
Now I understand! He's a hero. George is a bonafide hero a S.E.A.L.! I'm not even going to mention I was nosy. He's probably got PTSD. Not something to play with! I'll leave well enough alone! My wife walks into the Library & says: ~My Harry, what are you doing in here all by yourself, why don't you come keep a lonely girl company? I've missed you so much today!~ I reply: ~Oh nothing important my Darling! Lonely? I've missed you too! I can barely stand being away from you.~ She looks at me, smiles, takes me by the hand, guides me up the stairs with that sexy look in her eyes & well let's just say: We make up for lost time! Goodnight!
4:30am & I pick George up & we stop at the Mocha Cafe for our Daily shot of Coffee & doughnuts. I've decided to fill a thermos this morning. Just some days I need that extra boost of caffeine! We're on the move. I ask George: ~Long night?~ He replies: ~aye Harry, me couldn't sleep las night fer me life me Brudder! Dat der coffee, she be magic ya know, fix me right up!~ He laughs under his breath. I reply: ~I know exactly what you mean George, I have the same problem sometimes! I have an extra thermos full if you need some this morning my Brother!~ He looks at me, smiles & replies: ~Me be thankin ya fer it Harry, ya be a Good man ya be!~ We get to the Marina by 5:15am, plenty of time to drink our coffee, eat our doughnuts & wake up all the way. I really enjoy George's company. We have time to sit & talk a while. The clients won't be here until 7:00am It's 6:30am & we do our once over the boat & ready her for the trip. Today's tour is to Key West, about 3 hours each way. Clients are here, John & Michelle Roberts! Daphne St James & her Boyfriend Rick Crimshaw. They want to go out to & see the Whales & Dolphins. I welcome them aboard. I give the order: Take her out!~ George He replies: ~aye aye Captain~ He takes the helm & steady as she goes at 2 knots, gradually increasing to 5 knots cruising speed. This will assure we arrive approximately by 9:30am. We don't want to be on the water after dark! We've arrived & it's 9:38am. We drop anchor & kick back. Before anyone can say a word, a Northern Right Whale is sighted off the Bow, it's a female, pregnant probably! Look, there's another, & a couple Bottlenose Dolphins to the port. These animals never seize to amaze me. Their Beautiful. Julia loved watching them! She always said they were the true Mermaids of the Sea! Their everywhere out here. It's been about three hours & it's time to head for shore. I give the order: ~Take her home George!~ He replies: aye aye Captain!~ He takes the helm increasing a steady as she goes cruising speed of 5 knots. We'll make it to shore about 5:15pm give or take! We're pulling into the Marina. George says: ~slowing to 2 knots Captain.~ I reply: ~Steady as she goes?!~ It's 5:23pm & were pulling aside Pier 17. George is good at what he does! The clients disembark & Mr Roberts pays me $350.00 & I give him my card & thank him. We give the "Willow" the once over, clean & put her to bed for the night. I give George instructions for tomorrow: ~George, here's the keys to the boat, I've got a kid by the name of Nicholas going to meet you here at 6:30am for safety checks. You're the Captain, he knows that! But George, you handle the Boat, make any decisions that has to be made & collect the money. You're the only one I trust. The kid is to do all the work, Okay?~ He replies: ~aye Harry, Me understand Ya, Me won't let ya down me Brother!~ I reply: ~I have no doubt George, that's why you're in charge, I wouldn't want anyone else! Thanks George!~ We get in my Beamer & head home. I drop George off it's 6:30pm. Now to my house. Ahh, home sweet home. There's my Mary. I see her through the kitchen window, as beautiful as ever. It's 6:50pm & I'm walking into my house. I kiss my wife & say: ~ Darling, you're absolutely ravishing tonight.~ I embrace her, kiss her & say: ~I love you with my life, you know, don't you?~ She replies: ~'O my Harry, what's gotten into you? Of course I know that. You show me every day we're together. You're my everything Harry. I love you Harry, you're the only man I've ever loved Harry! From that first Christmas Morning I met you, I was in love with you Harry. I was drawn to you Harry! It was like an Angel telling me that we were meant for each other. I trusted you right away Harry, I seen how good of a man & Father you were. I can't explain it Harry, but I was in love with you! Now sit down Harry. I have your dinner ready! I've made you Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Country gravy, Southern style cream peas, Green salad & Sweet tea. For dessert Hot Apple pie with vanilla Ice cream. Eat up my Harry..~ I reply: ~Wow, you've really outdone yourself Darling, it all looks so delicious. Thank you my love! I want you to know this! That first Christmas morning we met......I had the same feeling come over me. It was like an Angel touched me! I love you Darling, & I have never had second thoughts!~ She smiles & kisses me & says: ~I'll always be grateful to that Angel. Now eat, before it gets cold. That's my Mama's recipe!~ It's delicious, I mean delicious. If you've ever eaten Chicken Fried Steak in a restaurant, this is 100% more delicious. The gravy is creamy & peppery, the potatoes have a garlic taste to them & the peas, I've never had this way before, delicious, absolutely delicious. I say: ~My Darling, you ever thought of opening a restaurant?~ She replies: ~No my Harry, I'm perfectly happy as a Mother & wife. All I want to do is take care of you!~ She serves me dessert. This Apple pie is bubbling hot. She scoops a hardy serving of ice cream on top & says: ~There you go Big boy!~ winks at me, driving me crazy, & smiles sexy like & says: ~The real dessert is coming after dinner hahaha!~ I look at her & react: ~Mmmmh, Wowww! Thank you Darling!~ This is the best Apple pie I've ever eaten. She's really gone all out tonight. Man I love this Woman. I'm done & I've eaten every bite. I get up & clear the table. I'm not one to leave everything for my wife to do. I just don't think that way, nor did we raise our son that way! I help her with the dishes, we sit in the living room, listen to some Old School & cuddle a while. It's 9:45pm & we go upstairs take a shower together, mess around a bit, go to bed & need I say more? Goodnight!
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Thursday morning, April 25th Today is the big day. We're going to find out the gender of the Baby. Mary's Doctor's appointment is at 9:30am & were up & ready. She can't eat or drink anything nor has she had anything since after midnight, per order of the Doctor. She has other tests besides the ultrasound! Oooh I'm so excited! I'm drinking coffee right now to calm my nerves. I know my wife would love to have some but she can't, & she's trying to cut back on it anyways! There she is, coming down the stairs, looking radiant as ever: ~How are you feeling my Darling?~ She replies: ~Oh Harry, excuse me my love, I'm feeling a little queasy. Morning sickness my Harry. Quite normal! Oooh, that's better, comes & goes. I'm getting use to it!~ I reply: ~Is there anything I can do for you to help you get through it Darling?~ She says: ~No Harry, this is something we women just have to go through! It's quite okay, really it is Harry!~ I kiss my lovely wife, it's 8:30am & escort her to the car. We head to Doctor Kleinpeter’s office on the Overseas Hwy. He comes highly recommended. We need to be there for check in by 9:15am. Aah, there it is, I pull into the Driveway, park the car & escort my wife proudly into the Dr's office. It's really quite crowded in here. Must be a great Doctor. Sure allot of pregnant women in here, wow. Oh well, at least our appointment is in fifteen minutes. Oh I see, there's four more Doctors in here, thank God, what a relief! I say: ~Come on Darling, you sit down & I'll check you in. She sits down, I take her paperwork & identification up to the window & they check her in. They call her name, hand her a cup & show her the women's room. She comes out & they take her back to the Doctor directly!.......... Sure seems like she's been in there a while. The nurse comes out & asks me: ~Me Newport, would you like to come back to the room with your wife?~ I excitentely replied: ~Yes, of course I would, thank you!~ I followed her back & Mary was laying on a table with her belly exposed. I said: ~How are you doing Darling?~ She replies~ Just fine my Harry. Ohh, that's cold!~ As the nurse spreads a cold gel on her belly before taking the Ultrasound. This is repeated several times. Mary's face gleems brighter each time as she watches the monitor. We can even hear a Heartbeat. This early in the pregnancy. God truly does perform miracles, doesn't He? It's confirmed, a Boy, my Mary is having a Baby Boy! She has the biggest smile on her face, but I have to admit, I'm overcome with joy myself. I kiss my wife & again tell her I love her. The Doctor tells Marry she can get dressed & says: ~Congratulations, I'll see you two in my office after you're dressed Mary!~ She replies: ~Yes Doctor!~ She gets dressed & we sit & wait for the nurse to take us to the Doctor's office. The Nurse knocks & opens the door. She takes us across the hall to the Doctor's office, knocks & he says: ~ Come~ Nurse opens the door, we enter & sit down. The door closes & the Doctor say: ~How you to doing, get you some to drink Mrs Newport, some Apple juice, maybe some some crackers to go with it? I know you have to be hungry!~ She replies: ~Yes, thank you Doctor, I am!~ He calls the nurse in & has her bring Mary some Juice & Crackers! Water for me! He explains to us that everything looks good & he give her some vitamins & explains that she needs to take them. They're going to constipate her at first but it's normal. He told her to eat, that she's going to gain weight, that it's normal, but to exercise. He suggested a Maternity workout program for her & that she should walk. Cut back on the coffee. A little wine won't hurt once in a while but alcohol in general should be avoided! If she she's feels like something wrong, play it safe. He gave her his card & told her to not hesitate to call him look at any hour day or night! He also gave me his card and said: ~That goes for you too young man, you're in on this too!~ I reply: ~Thank Doctor!~ We walk out the Door, I go to the Window, I pay for the visit & I proudly escort my wife out to the car arm in arm! I take her to Lunch at Mrs Mac's Kitchen. She said: ~My Harry, I'm hungry, but just something light please?~This place has great food, but healthy & light. We park & go inside. The Waitress takes our order: Mary orders Conch Chowder, Baked fish. Key lime pie & Sweet tea. I ordered a Cheeseburger, Fries & Sweet tea. I enjoy spending time out with my wife. I ask my wife: ~Darling, what do you say, after we eat we go hunting for Baby furniture, maybe some clothes too now that we know it's a Boy?~ She replies: ~Thank you my Harry, that is a lovely idea.~ We eat our meals & let it settle a bit. It's 2:00pm. I pay the tab, leave a tip & escort my wife to the car. We head to Miami International Mall to Rooms to go. They have a wonderful selection of Baby furniture I'm told! It's 3:15pm & we're here. The Mall is packed. I got lucky, they have Maternity parking spaces near the entrance. What a wonderful idea. I didn't know they did that! We park & I help my wife out of the car. We walk through the Mall looking for Rooms to go! All the time Window Shopping as we go. She see some Baby rattles & little things that catches her eyes. Oh there's the store! Wow, look at all those little Cribs, Bassinets, curtains & other baby stuff! She is looking carefully for the perfect set! Ahh she's got it! Baby Cache Overland Point Blue in color. 4 piece nursery set. $1200.00. She bought blue curtains, blue Baby towels & washcloths. & Newborn Pampers, enough to last three months. She bought nursing pads. She said: ~Harry, Our son is going to want for nothing! Now let's go home & call my John Ross & give him the news he's been waiting for!~ I replied: Yes my Darling, let me first make arrangements to have these things delivered?~ I give my address to the clerk & assure her of the time & date to have it delivered. I picked up the bags my wife purchased on the way into this store & escort her out to the car. I say: ~Darling, did you enjoy yourself?~ She replies: ~ 'O yes my Harry, I did, I really did. Do you like it Harry? The Nursery set Harry?~ I reply: ~I do Darling, very much! I've always thought you have exquisite taste! Darling, I'll get with George & we'll get started on that nursery this weekend if you'd like?~ She replies: ~Really Harry, that would be marvelous. Thank you Harry, I love you ever so much!~ We're just getting home at 8:00pm. Been a long day. I help my wife out of the car & escort her into the house. I sit her down at the table & say: ~Darling, I know you're hungry, what can I get you?~ She replies: ~'O Harry, I want Pancakes & eggs!~ I look at her, raise my eyebrow & say: ~Okay my Darling, you're every wish is my Command!~ I am now making her Pancakes. Pregnant women crave things, & we men must satisfy those cravings. I am only happy to satisfy my wife's every craving! I place a plate with a stack of Aunt Jemima's Pancakes. I warm her some blackberry syrup up & she's in Heaven. I ask her: ~Darling, can I get you anything else? ~She replies: ~My eggs~ I forgot her eggs! I cook two eggs Sunny side up, place them on a saucer & : ~Your eggs Madam!~ I serve her a glass of juice & she has a good meal. I fix me a ham sandwich, that's all I want for tonight. I bring her the phone. She's got to call JR before lights out. I say: ~The phone my Darling, Getting late & you have to call JR.~ She replies: Thank you Harry, Oh I'm so full, those pancakes were so good. Who taught you to make pancakes?~ I reply: ~My Aunt, Aunt Jemima!~ She looks at me & says: ~You're so silly!~ She calls JR & gives him the news. He's ecstatic about it. He's always wanted a little Brother, now his wish is coming true. I'm finished cleaning up in the kitchen. My wife has already gone upstairs. I lock up & follow her lead. I open the door & she's waiting for me. She says: ~Harry, you haven't fed me dessert yet!~ Well, excuse me while I take care of dessert! Goodnight!
TGIF It's been a long week, can't wait for this day to be over. I want to get started on that Nursery for the Baby. Got to get with George, I'm sure he'll have a ball helping me with it. It's 5:30am & I've arrived at George's, I give him a call & let him know I'm here. He comes right out. He gets in the car & hands me a check for yesterday's Tour's tally. I say: ~Thanks George, but I could have waited a while. I wasn't in no kind of hurry. I trust you. Come on, Let's go get our Caffeine boost!~ He replies:~aye, Me can use it Captain. Ya find out what ya be havin did ya George?~ I reply: ~Sure did George, a Boy, we're going to have a Baby Boy. George, I want to get started on remodeling a room to be used as a nursery. Can you help me old boy?~ He replies: ~aye, me be a might honored me would Mate.~ I say: ~Ok George, first thing in the morning I'll pick you up & we'll go get the materials we need & get started right away. Should be finished by the end of the day. We'll eat at my place tomorrow, is that alright!~ He replies: ~Be sonundin might good Harry!~ There's the Cafe, I stop get our coffee & doughnuts & we head for the Marina! It's 6:15am & we're sitting in front of the "Willow" drinking our coffee & eating our doughnuts. I tell George: ~Clients are just a couple Newly Weds that want to experience what it's like to go out on the water. Paying us $375.00 to find out. We're taking them out for two hours & back. They'll be here here at 8:00am. 7:40am we do our precheck. The clients, Jerry & Angela Williams are here. I welcome them aboard, we congratulate them & have them don life jackets. I give the order: ~Take her out George~ He replies: ~aye aye Captain!~ He takes the helm steady as she goes at 2 knots. We'll not take it over this speed as they've never been on a boat before & we want it to be pleasurable for them. I ask them: ~How are you two doing, can I get you something to drink. I have soft drinks & water!~ Mr Williams just stood & stared & replies: ~Water!~ Mrs Williams looked as if she was actually enjoying herself & replies: ~Please, Sprite, Thank you!~ They seem to be getting along well now. Even Mr Williams. He's drinking Coke now & smiling. It's 12:30pm & time to head back. I give the order: ~Take her home George, & take your time!~ He replies aye aye Captain. Steady as she goes at 1 knot. We get back to the Marina at 2:45pm. Mr & Mrs Williams Thanks us for a most wonderful experience. They tell George that he sure knows how to drive a boat! I thank them & give them my card. He pays me & give us each a $100.00 tip. I look at George and say: ~How about that?~ He just shakes his head, looks at the bill & smiles! We tie the"Willow" up, clean & put her to bed for the weekend. We head for home. I remind George I'll be picking him up about 8:00am. I head home! I always feel good when I get home, it's 4:00pm. I walk in & my beautiful Mary is fixing me dinner. Chicken & Dumplings. I like Chicken & Dumplings. I kiss her & tell her I love her. say: ~Darling, I'm going upstairs & clean up! I'll be back down in a jiffy. She replies: ~Okay Harry, Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.~ I go upstairs & wash up. Man I needed that! I come back down & Mary's got dinner on the table. I tell her: ~Darling, you never seize to amaze me! You always seem to put a delicious meal on the table every night! I find myself the luckiest man on Earth~ We eat & I help clear the table. I volunteer to do the dishes & my wife rejects it's but says: ~'O my Harry, I do appreciate it, but you worked hard today! But here, I'll wash & you can dry!~ I reply: ~I accept my Darling with pleasure!~ We do the dishes, go upstairs & make an early night of it. Maybe not that early. Goodnight!
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Saturday, April 27 Delivery day Remodeling for the Nursery 6:00am & I'm drinking coffee & waking up. Got to go pick up George & go by Home Depot for some supplies. Minor remodeling will accomplish what we need. We have the room, just want to make it into a Nursery. I'm going to put a Baby washing area in the room next to the Nursery so not to have to go to far. The Nursery of course will be next to our room with a double door opening. Ok, I'm on my way to get George. I'm excited about working on this project. A Baby, we're going to have a baby. Oh, almost passed George's. Let me call him, oh, there he comes: ~Hey George, how you feeling this morning?~ He replies: ~Gran, Me be feelin jus gran Harry! How ya be me Brother?~ I reply: ~Im feeling real good George! Can't wait to get started, really quite excited about it to tell the truth!~ He replies: ~Me knows Harry, haha, ya face be shown it like da sun!~ I reply: ~I'm happy George, really happy~ Here we are, Home Depot! We go inside. We pick up the supplies we need & head home. We figure it's going to take us a good seven hours between us to get the job done. We head home with Home Depot delivery following behind. We're home. It's 10:30am. Rooms to go has already delivered the Baby furniture. We get started right off. If we work only taking thirty minutes for lunch, we can finish this job by 7:30pm. Mary & Lucy has promise us a Dinner of Delights. Kellyanne is making Dessert. She has requested to be an alternative God Mother & we have agreed! We've been working now more than two hours & we're more thirsty than hungry but the ladies insist we stop & eat. They bring us Sweet tea & Ham & Cheese Sandwiches, Chips & some whole Dill Pickles. This is Florida & we do love our pickles! We stay on schedule & get back to work right away. Been a good six hours now & it's looking really good in here. All we have left is to put up the Double doors & paint the room. Haha, 7:15pm & we're ahead of schedule. The Nursery is finished.
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"Mary's Inspection" I say: ~Come on George, Let's go get Mary & Lucy! I want my Mary to see this so I can see her face. She'll be so happy!~ He replies: ~aye Harry, dat she be! Dis be pretty nice Harry, I be thankin ya fer lettin me be part of it!~ I say: ~No George, I couldn't have done it without you! You are my very best friend & I'll always be there for you! He's got tears in his eyes again. This is a strong man, but a man with a heart! He replies: ~Me be thankin ya me Brudder with all me heart!! We went downstairs & I take Mary by the hand & tell her: ~Darling, come upstairs, I want you to see something!~ Lucy & Kellyanne followed. We get upstairs & I say: ~Now close your eyes my love! (I open the door, guide her in) now open your eyes!~ She reacts: ~Ohhhh Ohhhhhh 'O my Harry, Oh & you too George! It's sohhh beautiful! Look Lucy, have you ever? Oh Harry, you've made me so happy! Now, you two boys have got to be starving! Your dinner is hot & waiting for you. Oh Harry, I just love you so much, thank you! George; Thank you too, you're a real friend!~ We all go downstairs & we sit down at the table for dinner. We have Pork Roast, Baked Potatoes, Green Bean Salad, Corn on the Cob, Peach Cobbler, Sweet Tea, or Beer. The Ladies really went out. Kellyann made the Peach Cobbler! I say: ~Everything Looks so delicious! You all went way out! I can't wait to dig in!~ George says: ~aye, me too, Let's be eatin!~ He smiles, winks at Lucy! Lucy says: ~George, prayers!~ He replies: ~Oh, ya, Me be fergetin!~ I say prayers & we eat some really fantastic, fit for Royalty food! I say: Kellyanne: This your Mom's Peach Cobbler recipe? It's the best I've ever tasted. I can say that because Mary's never made me any. She's famous for Blueberry pie.~ She replies: ~No sir, My Granny taught me to make that! She use to say: -dat ders Texas peach Cobbler Kellyanne- & Don't ya be fergetin! & I haven't. I'm glad you liked it Sir!~ I replied: ~I did, very much! Thank you!~ We eat up. We offer to help with the dishes but the women folk won't hear of it! They insist that we did such a fine job on the Nursery that we deserve to sit this one out! 
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We go to the Library. I ask George: ~Want a Warm Brandy & a Havana? ~He looks at me with such surprise & replies in a Whisper: ~Ya be havin Cubans?~ He shakes his head yes & smiles like a child! I go to the safe & pull out a box of Havana hand wrapped Cuban Cigars. I take two out & put the box back in the safe! I pour us a Brandy Glass each & warm it to room temperature in the palm of my hand as heat tends to destroy the flavor of good Brandy! I handed George a Cigar & cutter, then the Brandy. Next I cut the end off my Havana & put it in my mouth. I lit George's Cigar then mine & toasted our friendship & our wives, children & the new baby to come! George says: ~Dis be really good Harry! Really good!~ I reply: ~I know George, I save this just for my special friends & guess what?~ He reacts with a huh & a raised eyebrow!~ I say: ~You're the only one I've ever offered one to!~ He raises both eyebrows, smiles, says: ~Really!~ We both hug like brothers & give it a hardy laugh! George is really like a Brother to me. I have two, I love dearly, wouldn't trade for the world, but God has Blessed me with another! The ladies finish up in the kitchen, they're tired & Lucy says: ~George, I've been on my feet all day, do you mind if we go home. It's 10:30pm? I want to go to Church in the Morning!~ He replies: ~No Me little Honeybun! He looks at me & says: -Excuse me Harry why me be taken me little wife home- He says to Lucy: Der der me love, let's go!~ I look at my cigar & wonder if it may have had an effect on him. I never seen George act like that. I would almost say he was acting frisky. Oh well as the French say c'est la vie. My wife looks tired too. I kiss her, just pick her up & carry her upstairs. We shower, go to bed & just fall asleep in each other's arms. Thank you God for everything. Amen
Sunday morning
7:00am & we're sitting at the table eating breakfast & drinking coffee. We've got to finish getting ready for Church. We're meeting George & Lucy there at 8:45 am so we can congregate a little before services begin. Awh my wife's look beautiful this morning. She's wearing all white. She looks like an Angel.
It's 8:05am, I escort my wife to the car & help her in, close the door. I get in & we head to the Church. Takes about twenty minutes to get there so I have plenty of time. We're here, it's 8:40am. George is just pulling up behind me. It's funny how the two of us seen to time things so closely. I park & open the door for Mary & we walk up to the door & shake the Pastor's hand. He says: ~Good morning Harry, Mary! This is the Day that our Lord has made! God Bless you. Good morning George, Lucy, Kellyann! This is the Day that our Lord has made! God Bless you!~We all go inside & meet up in the foyer & congregate. This is the time we see people that sometimes we don't see for months at a time. There the bell, Church is about to begin. Music is playing,.............! It's 12:30pm & Church is over. I'm taking my beautiful wife to lunch. I ask Mary: ~Would you like George & Lucy to join us or just the two of this time?~ She replies: ~Oh no Harry, that's fine! I enjoy their company! Invite them.~ I say: ~Hey George, Coming to lunch with us?~ Nay Harry, Me be thankin ya though! Its me Lucy & me's Anniversary Harry!~ I think to myself, that's why he was acting so funny last night. I reply: ~George, I didn't know, why didn't you tell me? I would have done something for you!~ He replies: Me don't want no fuss Harry. Me be owen ya Harry. Ya me Brother, Me Love ya Harry! Thank ya Harry.~take my wife to lunch at the Buzzard's Roost Steak House. I tip the Valet & we go inside. We're seated right away as I've called ahead Mary's drinking Lemonade & I'm having Sweet tea. She's decided on a seafood platter, I'm going to settle on the Cowboys Steak, Fries & Salad. I say: ~We've got to get them an Anniversary gift at least. I know George's a proud man. He doesn't want anything that he didn't earn. But I got to figure out what we can give them that he wouldn't think is Charity!~ She replies: ~You leave that to me Harry! I'll talk to Lucy tomorrow! We'll figure something out!~ I reply: ~I don't even know why I worry about things Darling? You always have a solution! Thank you Darling.~
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theaveragekenyan · 5 years ago
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And Justice For All...
Cameroon 0 – England 3.
I’m a big believer in, that no matter whatever happens within a football game, the above result will be the only long lasting importance. To the real purists, it can be distilled even further to simply, England beat Cameroon, verbatim.
The Women’s World Cup 2019 will be no different to any other major Footballing competition, they come, they go.
That said, the game between Cameroon and England was a real treat. The football game was excellent, but the actions of the Cameroonian players during the game was by far the best entertainment. They cried, they argued, they spat, they threatened careers, they looked silly and yet, amongst all of this, they played some nice football.
This is what former USA footballer, Hope Solo, had to say.
“This Cameroon team, they don't have the resources. They don't have the quality coaching in their country, they don't have the experience like England or somebody like Phil Neville. We have to try and understand that. Perhaps they weren't even told about the rules, the laws of the game and the evolution of the game. So, your heart has to go out a little bit to this Cameroon side. They played with emotions and brought this emotion to the tournament. As much as we want to see a little bit more class from Cameroon, they did bring that beautiful emotion and packed this entire stadium, You have to look at it both ways”
It’s such a diplomatic way of looking at the game, and largely I agree with it, however, just which resources are required to educate a football team about spitting, elbowing, shoving the ref, the off-side rule? Let’s not even go there with the stereotypical view that women don’t understand the off-side rule, many football fans don’t understand the rule. It is a rule that whichever way is tweaked, in an attempt to make it easier to implement, will mutate into something more complex.
“Perhaps they weren't even told about the rules, the laws of the game and the evolution of the game” Whilst the evolution of the game right now is VAR, the introduction of the off-side rule came in 1863. Every decision made by VAR concerning the off-side rule was 100% accurate.  
The Cameroon team were visibly shaken by the off-side rulings, crying, arguing with the officials, huddling together in the center circle, claiming FIFA is racist, essentially the team “blew their shit” and wasn’t prepared to accept a decision go against them. It was if they were not prepared to accept the rules, as if there was perhaps another way to get the decision overturned, sadly that option was not available to them.
I can’t say it was a macrocosm of African life, because I haven’t lived within enough African cultures to speak for the whole continent, but the Cameroonian Ladies attitudes definitely resonated as far as Kenya.
The petulance displayed by the Cameroon team throughout the game made me draw direct comparisons to how the average Kenyan lives life. A life that perhaps hasn’t been told about the rules, laws and evolution of life, or as more than likely, chooses to deliberately ignore them.
Upon on your first arrival to Kenya you’ll hear very quickly about authority and justice, usually from the driver as you exit the airport into Nairobi.
Every single Kenyan knows just how corrupt their country is, and yes, whilst they are all utterly ashamed and embarrassed about the ‘C’ word, we are all fundamentally enslaved by the “system”.
Recently, I’ve heard at least five friends or associates tell me of their experiences of refusing to pay Tea Tax, and how now, each and every one of them says, that will be the last time they fight the system, next time they’ll just pay the bribe.  
It took me a while to learn how to deal with “The Police” here and certainly, my first initial reaction with the police was to challenge. Why have I been stopped? I’ve done nothing wrong. Of course, that’s a perfectly natural way for everybody to act, well, not in Kenya as it turns out, there can always be something “wrong” and you’re guilty until proven guilty.
Growing up in the UK you become aware of your rights from an early age, you develop and become armed with a robust set of civil rights and unless you’ve been hacking the matrix, you’ll be able to exercise them.
Most offences you are likely to stand accused of here will be similar to an episode of Scooby-Doo, they’ll be vague, tenuous and carry little legal credibility. Had the criminals, that Freddie, Velma and Daphne caught, possessed any sense, they could have switched the legal tables around and had the Magical Mystery Bus Crew up for Trespassing, Criminal Damage, GBH, Slander, False Imprisonment, Zoinks, I doubt they even had a Dog License.
So, with this in mind, my advice when confronted by a member of the Kenyan Police Force is to be cooperative, dumb and submissive…ok mainly dumb and submissive. Act like you’re stupid, but very friendly…you know, a very stupid friendly person, we all know one of them. Act respectfully, but perhaps as if you’ve just left hospital after being awoken from a 12 year coma. Do NOT let the officer know that you understand how the road works or even what a car does.
Sorry, how presumptuous, I’ve forgotten to say, the only time you will ever come into contact with a police officer is whilst in a car.
Just answer every question you are asked, make no sub-plots, second guesses, or even worse still, fall into the trap of attempting to translate what the officer is saying into any western logic, quotes from your Highway Code are not going to work.
“But Sir, there is no sign to obey?” or “The white solid line?…errrr which white solid line are you talking about?” or “Could you please show me the exact speed I was traveling at?” that type of smart-ass clever clogs logic ain’t gonna fly, just stick to “oh” “ok” and “sorry”.
Of course, answer where you are from, respond with where you are going and NO, you don’t know why Kenyan’s are not allowed to drive on International Driving Licenses, answering “because very few Kenyans know how to drive” is not going to lighten the mood.  Just stick to the basics as listed, with possibly a “terribly sorry, I’ll never drive again” or “I will speak to God as soon as I get home” In most cases, if your car has insurance, your brake lights work and you’ve acted out your best Jim Carey in Dumb and Dumber role, then you will be asked to continue your journey without any hassle.
It’s just that, when it comes to any level of confusion or reasonable doubt, that is when PC Chai will strike. Although there are much needed and continuing road upgrades occurring all over Kenya right now, many of the roads haven’t evolved well and road designation hasn’t been respected, so over time, there have been many glitches appear. When I say glitches, I mean in particular, junctions that are tenuous with their intended execution. There will be a sign missing, a marking lost, an invisible lane and this is where you’ll always find a cop waiting to pounce upon any vulnerability.
Also, whenever you’re stopped by a cop, you’d best hope it’s a male specimen. If you get a female cop you are going to jail. I can only assume that sometime in the 1990’s when women began to become more mainstream on the beat in Kenya, the then Inspector General found a book called “The Essential Guide to being a Female Officer in the East German Stasi” and based his whole outlook for Women in the KPS upon that. The Women Officers have zero personality, zero compassion, zero smile, they are Lucifer in fancy dress. It’s best to just plead the 5thamendment and demand to speak to your Ambassador immediately, good luck.
The Kenyan Police Service is now so widely and openly corrupt it’s normal. Chat to any Kenyan, Listen to any Church Service, look on any Kenyan News-site, watch Kenyan News TV, read Kenyan Transport Twitter Feeds @Ma3Route @KenyanTraffic and you’ll see video footage and photographs of cops taking bribes, cops about to be bribed or cops looking for bribes. It’s common knowledge and I’m yet to hear of a sustained plan to tackle it.
I’m not advocating for 1984, but to tackle the “system” would mean Kenyan’s being patrolled by VAR equivalents such as Speed Cameras, Average Speed Checks, Regulated Bus Lanes, Traffic Light Enforcement Cameras, Emission Detectors or even far more desirable a credible Police service. Sadly though any of that would infuriate the average Kenyan. Imagine, an automated justice system able to bypass the cops and not be swayed with a pithy excuse or any bribe or even a decent cop issuing a deserved fine, this is not 1984 just 2019.
Put simply, this would cause civil-war. There would be protests, riots, burning tyre’s (the most symbolic of all African protestation instruments), all of the cameras would be destroyed and all because the average Kenyan does not want to understand the rules, ergo the “system’ continues.
Let me be clear, It’s not just the Kenyan Police Service blighted by the “C” word, unfortunately the whole fabric of society has been riddled with the disease. The Kenyan President is very vocal in his “War on Corruption” and I hope he maintains the great work, however, to me, it still feels like the Anti-Corruption Agency has been given a watering can to put out an exploded nuclear power plant. 
For now though, let’s not judge Women’s football on one game, I just wish we could say the same about Kenya. 
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