I hit a wall creatively yesterday and mainly relaxed watching TV and napping and that sort of thing, while feeling somewhat guilty. I think it is important to figure out why these moments occur, in real time. In this instance, I think that producing a new chapbook of song lyrics and… Read full post »

*I will phone bank for Obama one more time on Monday. It's been a long journey from late 2007. But worth it to support a man w/integrity, authenticity, creativity and intelligence. Win or lose, I do not regret for one minute what I have done, however much it is a drop… Read full post »

Reflections for the Creative Person

A random approach to creativity can prove to be very fruitful.

A true friend listens, does not judge and provides encouragement.

At the root of anxiety is the feeling of loss of control.

At the root of love is trust.

Consider… Read full post »

I have started to remember my dreams again, and think this is a healthy thing, to bring anxieties to the surface, get them out where I can look at them clearly. It makes me feel better mentally and physically.

First, I dreamed that I failed a test. The trouble with a test… Read full post »

If you would like to hear an mp3 I made of this song, email me at patrickgfrank@gmail.com   Patrick

Ballad of Joe Malone and Me

When Joe Malone rides out one night exploring

destiny

Will fate demand he sell his soul… Read full post »

Folks have been asking me for a way to listen to my songs. If you email me at patrickgfrank@gmail.com I will attach an mp3 of this song. Patrick

New England Man

There is an old New England man, still he teaches how to sail, waves and tide are always new to… Read full post »

With less than two weeks to go in the election, and involved in phone banking for Obama to Ohio, it's hard for me to concentrate on creative projects. And I've hit some roadblocks, creatively. never mind, this too will pass.

I feel pretty good physically and mentally. There's a new poem… Read full post »

What If Obama Wins, What If He Loses

What if President Obama wins, what if he loses? A crucial question for the country. If Obama wins, a lot depends on who controls the House and Senate. But even more than that, a lot depends on the willingness of both sides… Read full post »

Being creative is not a hobby. It is a way of life.

  Read full post »

What if President Obama wins, what if he loses? A crucial question for the country. If Obama wins, a lot depends on who controls the House and Senate. But even more than that, a lot depends on the willingness of both sides to sit down and dialogue—and yes—compromise on key issues,… Read full post »

We have come back from the high school reunion in Delray Beach and have landed in a much much more relaxing spot on Crescent Beach. Just too much conspicuous consumption down there for my taste. I am not thr 1%. Not even the 53%. I don't fit in any more, if I ever… Read full post »

Random thoughts:

No, Obama did not have his butt kicked, as one OS pundit said. But he will be much more assertive the second time around. Americans can spot a phony a mile away. The phony is not Obama. Obama was centered and told the truth. Romney was relaxed but lied… Read full post »

I thought that Barack did fine. He was statesmanlike, while Romney was relaxed but told a lot of lies. Both men held their own.

Will the pundits please shut up with their instant declarations of who won or lost? Foi many of them, it seems to be all about them. inflated… Read full post »

Random thoughts:

Rumination is not useful; dream work and mindful reflection can lead to greater understanding of the self and external reality. Some times I lie awake after waking up and just run over worries or concern seemingly endlessly, getting nowhere in terms of enhanced insight… Read full post »

I hit another dry spell, creatively, but seem to have broken the logjam. For me, writing and submitting are closely connected, and when I have no clear idea where I want to send material, the writing itself seems to dry up.

It is analogous to writing songs and performing them. If… Read full post »

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A chipmunk on our stoop, her neck broken,

our Fiona transitioning to a feral cat. We love her, regardless. Her taste of freedom has turned into an obsession. Yet, she comes back sometimes at night, for scratching and solace. Somehow she must know that winter is not so far off,… Read full post »

"Love is a temple, love's a Higher Law...

One life, one love, you've got to do what you should...

We carry each other, carry each other..."

 driving south

into the Blue Ridge

listening to U2

I feel the quiet of the dawn

the stars are still blazing

another year passes...

the… Read full post »

I am working on a new book of 100 great sayings, and have reached a hundred. A few examples:

"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one" (Mother Teresa)

"I don't think of all the misery but of the beauty that still remains" (Anne Frank)

"He who truly… Read full post »

Go straight to the heart of the matter. Don't beat around the bush or play games. Life is too short to speak in code or resort to sarcasm. On the political scene, we must call a spade a spade. In my view, that means calling out those on the extreme right… Read full post »

I Will Stand (for Barack Obama)

I will stand with this good man, I will stand with you, my friend, because he calls on us, to dream again

I will stand with this good man, though we may lose and we may win,… Read full post »

A good day tutoring at-risk kids. These kids have so many challenges and need encouragement, not condemnation. Yes, they have made mistakes. Who of us hasn't? They are very concerned over voting rights and health care issues. They know black men in their community who are ex-offenders and felons and… Read full post »