Bend, Don't Shatter

Quote of the day:

"Empty beds. A good friend admited his love for sleeping someplace other than a bed. I realize that is why my bed at the house is loaded with crap. I guess I am afraid I will never have some one to share my bed with. I was fine till my dog stopped crawling into bed. I know it was because it was to rough on his hips. Which was kind of proof he won't be around too much longer. I fear one day I will Die alone and no one will care. My body will rott away and no one will find out till they break in to set it up for resale."

From the blog of my friend James Jetty. His blog is entitled "The Life of a gay trucker". Jetty has contributed several pieces to our "Witnesses from the Circle" site- to read more of his blog and see visions of his life on the road click here:

http://lifeofgaytrucker.blogspot.com/

Today's Blog:

Thanks to Ken for this link.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/traveloutdoors/2002526576_webroadblog29.html

Over the last few months, I've showed friends many of the places referred to in this article. I always find it somewhat unsettling and odd when outsiders write about familiar places; our cherished local secrets.

That's the price of "getting discovered". Suddenly litter seems everywhere, roads get gated, and the unspoiled nature of my backyard seems disrespected. I keep hoping that visitors won't trash our paradise. I hope that what draws outsiders here- our pristine perfection will remain undisturbed and tranquil.

I also pray that tourists will realize that this beautiful unspoiled paradise, the one that has been safeguarded for their enjoyment, has been preserved by the unsung preservationists-locals who stuck it out here long before Pend Oreille County or the Selkirk Loop were considered "hot" destinations. This area remains breathtaking only because the people who've lived here for generations knew a good thing when they saw it and they hoped to keep it that way-The Selkirk environment has been protected by local loggers, miners, tribes and ranchers-The down to earth folks who claim this region as their home-It has not been so well treated by the environmentalists, the big timber companies or the federal government.

Now that we've been "discovered" we'll see how long that tradition is upheld.


Prayer Requests:

For JoAnne's father Clarence, aka "Bob" who is facing life threatening medical issues...

For my roommate Paul...

For "the other" Paul's father

For Cathy and ongoing health issues...

For my cousin Grant's infant daughter, who is now finally home from the hospital...

For my neighbor Dennis who is fighting a five year battle against cancer...

For Clayton's Sister who is going through a tough time...

For Stacy and Chris-who face frightening health challenges. For their kids Madison and Christopher that they may know God is watching over their parents...

For Bobbi that her pregnancy continues without complications...Bobbi carries a boy.

For Brooke who is also pregnant. She is carrying a girl.

For all the cattle ranchers on both sides of the border facing Mad Cow fears...



Links, links, links...

More on the hypocrisy of mayor West
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/jimwest/story.asp?ID=100205_morality


West urges prayer group to help make Spokane "a city of Love..."
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/jimwest/story.asp?ID=100205_prayer


Experts warn of flu pandemic...
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002538085_fluforum04m.html


Want to define ignorant?...Read the latest "moral values" crusade lead by Seattle Talk Radio nimwads...
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/jamieson/243035_robert01.html