Monday 22 April 2013

I Haven't Gone.

Yes, you can breathe a sigh of relief. I know how much you eagerly anticipate my um .must-read postings.  In other words, I haven't gone.  Nope, still being a rebel, an anarchist of the alphabet!  So much so, not only doing the Z to A, but have even been known to type some words, ǝpısdn uʍop.

I!... I!...I!  Why is "Eye" spelt with an "E"?  Perhaps a 'pupil' named 'Iris' might let me know.
And without batting an 'Ilid', I continue one.  

"I" is for "Inner Space."  You may have read the following before.  If so, I hope you don't mind reading it again.  

And man reached out to the heavens.  Outer space, a wondrous place of countless stars, countless galaxies and countless questions.

And man, gazed deeply into outer space and forgot about his inner space.  For man's heart beat with a brutal savagery.   He shed the blood of his brother's and sister's in the name of greed, of hatred, of betrayal, of deception. He invaded the space, the personal space of the scared, the innocent, the vulnerable.  Yes, in his pursuit to progress, to advance, mankind lost touch with that precious gift.  The gift of the inner child.

And man's lust to conquer, to destroy, to steal from his fellow man, lived on.   Then one day, one momentous day, it happened.  One man looked around, saw the rivers of blood and heard a gentle whisper.  The whisper was the voice of his inner child and it said, "This has to stop.  I want to play, to sing, to dance, to smile, to laugh and love.  Please, we must make this stop."  The man looked over at his blood-soaked enemy and asked, "Can you hear it?  Listen carefully, for your inner child has a message for you, for all of us.'" And his blood-soaked enemy listened and he smiled.  The word spread.  The voice of the inner child, the inner space, spread far and wide.  The bells rang out with the chimes of peace.  Enemies embraced and enemies became friends.

That was a long, long time ago, on that blue and fragile planet.  Mankind reached out and explored the beauty of outer space.  And the message he brought was of acceptance, understanding, hope and peace.  And it all began that day when that one man realised that inner space was the final frontier.
"H" is for "Hope."  The above photo is Mount Hope, near Hope, British Columbia, Canada.  
"G" is for "Garbage Gobbler."  The one with the bigger mouth is the Garbage Gobbler.  Garbage Gobbler meet Gary the "Garbage Bloggler."

106 comments:

  1. Ok I will sayit... Are you the one on the right?
    Tee hee
    X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aha John Gray,

      The one with the bigger mouth is the Garbage Gobbler. So that would be the weird looking dude with the scruffy beard!

      Ha ha and don't you recognise the header in my posting?

      Gary :)

      Delete
  2. Need to take of the trash?
    At your beach bash
    As you hope
    To not be at the end of your rope
    Then it might go poof
    And one would roll down the mountain like a goof.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat in the Hatt,

      I like some trash
      With bangers and mash
      Not near the beach
      Out of reach
      I hope
      To cope
      A poof is a footstool
      Now aint that cool

      Gary :)

      Delete
  3. So true! We try to conquer everything around us when we first need to master and listen to ourselves.
    My inner child says I need to go play my guitar for a while!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Alex,

      Your inner child is in tune with the music that comes from your guitar.

      In peace and hope,

      Gary

      Delete
  4. "Enemies embraced and enemies became friends."
    I HOPE that's right.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aha, Al Penwasser,

      Enemies embraced and partied all through the night as magical unicorns danced through the fields.

      Yes, you HOPE you got it right and you most certainly did!

      Gary :)

      Delete
  5. What a beautiful post!
    And the upside-down writing? Is that even possible?
    Peace from my inner child to yours.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi middle child,

      Very kind of you.

      Upside down writing is ǝןqıssod :)

      Inner child peace to the both of us, my friend.

      Gary

      Delete
  6. So he who has ears to hear, let him hear!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Al Diaz,

      Indeed, listen and learn from the ears that tell us to hear the wisdom of our inner child.

      Peace, my good friend.

      Gary

      Delete
  7. Sublime: Listen to those whispers in your heart.

    Mundane: And avoid the garbage eaters whenever possible.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lee,

      I really admire how you understand that there is connection to all of this. A bit of humour that had an underlying meaning at the end. You are spot on, my friend.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  8. What can I add? You said everything. Greetings from my inner child.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Julia Hones,

      You added a warm response. Greetings to your inner child from my inner child.

      In peace,

      Gary

      Delete
  9. you handsome dude you!!!
    And boy oh boy does this earth ever need "hope!"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Caren,

      Awe thanks. Don't I make a handsome garbage gobbler! :)

      We hope that hope grows on our beleaguered planet and that hope makes it a peaceful place.

      In peace,

      Gary

      Delete
  10. Great post! I didn't know it was possible to post upside down writing on a blog - that rocks!
    My inner child says the sun is shining too brightly for me to be at my pc in the house. Must go outside!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Tyrean,

      Very kind of you. You like ǝpısdn uʍop ƃuıʇıɹʍ uo ɐ ƃoןq? Cool! :)

      Wow, outside with your pc. I might try that someday. Being in England is a wish me luck scenario. Thank you, Tyrean.

      Gary

      Delete
  11. If only it were that simple....

    A wonderful thought though! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mark,

      And the day we connect with the simple wisdom of our inner child, perhaps that wonderful thought will be a wonderful reality :) Thank you, Mark.

      Gary

      Delete
  12. Inner space...the final frontier. Boldy go Gary...boldly go.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Delores,

      I shall make it so, Delores :)

      Be well, my friend.

      Gary

      Delete
  13. Eye believe in power to the alphabet anarchist!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eye Jeff,

      The alphabet anarchist, to seek out new words....

      Gary :)

      Delete
  14. Gary the Garbage Gobbler? Fun post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Susan,

      You are probably right. Probably better than me being a "Garbage Bloggler" :)

      Gary

      Delete
  15. Many of us still retain our inner child, but the bullies are always around to beat it out of us.

    Great post, Gary.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Arleen,

      Of course, we cannot give the bullies permission to sabotage the wisdom of our inner child. Bullies need targets to mask their own insecurities. They need to listen to their inner child.

      Thank you, Arleen.

      Gary

      Delete
  16. I loved your little story. Tweeted!

    Hugs and chocolate,
    Shelly

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Shelly,

      I'm glad you loved my little story and thank you very much for Tweeting it :)

      Gary :)

      Delete
  17. I'm glad you haven't gone! I loved that story too. I agree that it is our frontier.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mina,

      Thanks for saying that. I have to continue on with my anarchistic alphabet alternative :) The final frontier is a magical place.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  18. BTW, Fred and Spike say hi to Penny!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And Penny says hi back to Fred and Spike! :)

      Delete
  19. Gary
    That is one exquisite header. I could put a magnifying glass to it and lurk for a long time. But I won't, now, as I'm behind again today.
    That is a beautiful story of hope and peace and I wish that could happen in the world right now in this very space. But I'm dreaming.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Manzanita,

      Glad you like my header. Perhaps I should use it in a posting and you can go for a wonder on the beach :) The location is "Tresaith Beach", near Cardigan, Wales. Despite the fact, I wont ever participate in the A to Z, I'm also struggling to keep up commenting on so many sites that are involved.

      Dreams can come true. And I know how much you are in tune with your inner child, dear lady.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  20. Hi, Kiahanie and Penny... Thanks for dropping by my blog earlier.

    That pic of Mount HOPe is just beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Michael,

      Delighted to drop by your blog, my friend.

      I took that picture and it's the backdrop to a dear friend of mine's garden.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  21. Replies
    1. Hi Carrie,

      I miss that garbage gobbler :)

      Gary :)

      Delete
  22. A brilliant short story. And I so hope it comes true. Soon. Or perhaps earlier than that.
    Thanks Gary - another stunning post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Elephant's Child,

      As usual, your words are very thoughtful and kind. Wouldn't it be amazing if we all got together and made it a reality....

      Thank you, dear friend.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  23. Penny, thank you for stopping by. I always enjoy your pawsitive comments and wishes.

    Gary, this is an inspiring, prolific story. Thank you for sharing it. I love that there's a Hope Mountain too. It's beautiful, though I don't hope to climb it. In fact, I hope I never attempt to do so.

    Fun photo of you and the Garbage Gobbler.
    xoRobyn

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    Replies
    1. Hi Robyn,

      Penny is always delighted to leave a pawsitive and hopefully, pawfound comment on your lovely site :)

      Thank you for your nice words regarding my story. The view from the summit of Mount Hope reveals the peaceful panorama we so desire :)

      Gosh, wonder which one is the Garbage Gobbler. LOL

      Thank you, Robyn.

      In peace and hope,

      Gary x

      Delete
  24. Humans have done so much damage, it's beyond fixing. I'm not sure if we could ever get that serene peace on earth but at least we can help towards calming things down a little. If only we could all get together and put down the weapons of war, physically and mentally it would be a start.

    That Garbage Gobbler looks like it's made out of lovely chocolate or maybe I'm just hungry again. What exactly is it supposed to be or is it just an ornament etc?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Rum-Punch Drunk,

      Perhaps if we listen to the wisdom from within, there may still be time to fix this mess. What if they gave a war and nobody showed up...

      Alas, not chocolate. Some kind of plastic. It's actually a rubbish disposal. At one time, they were a common site in Provincial and State parks. A novelty item that hopefully promoted putting litter in an appropriate place.

      Thank you, my friend.

      Gary

      Delete
  25. I love your sentiment, Gary. My inner child agrees wholeheartedly. Great beach picture too - very summery!

    Have a great day and say hi to Penny for me :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Suzanne,

      I just knew you would share this sentiment. Your inner child rejoices. Ah yes, a last summer photo on one of those rare days we actually got some sunshine. Welcome to Tresaith Beach in Wales :)

      A great day to you and Penny says hi back :)

      Gary :)

      Delete
  26. Great post Gary, loved the beach photo. it's good to visit you as one never knows quite what to expect.

    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Yvonne,

      Thank you. The beach photo, a wonderful summer's day on a Welsh beach :) Expect the unexpected, my friend.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  27. And so this is the gospel of gary the gobbling garbage guts, looking into the last frontier, chapter I vs Self - how very wonderful, it really is easier than most people think - :) My inner child says thanks for coming out to play, kids love hearing the same stories over and over again... and goobies

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ida,

      Gary going gleefully gratefully glowing gracious goodness. The final frontier has adults realising that the inner child needs to be listened to. Such profound yet simple lessons.

      Ida comes out to play and now it's story time all over again. Whee, look at me! :)

      Thank you, Ida.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  28. I'm still snickering at the garbage gobbler and the bloggler. You are very creative. Thanks for sharing your 'innermost' thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi The Desert Rocks,

      Garbage gobbler and garbage bloggler. Both having fun. And thanks for reading my sharing of my innermost thoughts :)

      Be well and smile.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  29. Gary which one are you in the pic??? You should have at least labeled it so we would know who's who. But I am shure through process of elimination we can infer that you're the one on the right :)

    I'm kidding of course. Tell Penny I said hi!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Keith,

      Ah, the "Optimistic Existentialist" keys in on the garbage photo:) You would be right that I'm the one on the right. You just wait when you put up one of your next deeply philosophical postings. I shall leave a comment so wonderful you will be stunned by it all :)

      I have passed on your hi to Penny.

      Peace, dude.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  30. I LOVE the garbage gobbler, I want one in my yard!
    I also like the beach in your header picture.
    My inner child is alive and well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi River,

      What a great idea. I should put a garbage gobbler in my garden. That would freak out the garden gnomes! :)

      Ah yes, the header. Proof that we actually sometimes get sunshine in Britain :)

      Hello to your alive and well inner child.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  31. Gary... did you write that little story? It is so heartfelt ... Wow!! I am amazed at how well you write.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Terry,

      Yes, I wrote that little story. I like to variate my writing. Never stick to one particular genre. I'm most flattered by your compliment. Thank you, Terry.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  32. Beautiful message wrapped nice and tight in elegant, creative prose. My inner space loved it!
    WriterlySam

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    Replies
    1. Hi Samantha,

      What a very kind thing to say. May your inner space continue to rejoice in the wonders of a new reality for us all.

      Thank you, Samantha.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  33. Ah, such a clever blogger! Enjoyed your creativity!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Empty Nester,

      Loving your icon photo! :) A clever garbage bloggler, perhaps...

      Thanks for that.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  34. The last challenge for humanity- to show they're still human...
    Well done.
    Laura
    x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Laura,

      Humanity rediscovering humanity.

      Thank you, dear friend.

      Gary
      x

      Delete
  35. When I was a teen, my grandmother advised me to "travel light". Everything we buy is but junk, the real stuff; the stuff that is eternal doesn't cost a dime.

    Thanks for the reminder Gary!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Elizabeth,

      So true, the material world has no value compared to the priceless knowledge of our inner child.

      And thank you, Elizabeth.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  36. I wish there were a place for us cranky people to go when we're not otherwise cheerful. Then when we're back to our old cheerful selves we can rejoin the human race. Jolly good idea if somebody could rent a safe space for all us while we're miserable beings, some nice place to sit for awhile. Uh, no I wasn't thinking jail. LOL.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Joylene,

      What say we have a cranky old time inside a garbage gobbler. It might actually eat up our cranky garbage. Hey, being miserable can be darned good fun.

      Right then, time to go and moan at those folks who insist on blocking the sidewalk as they gab away. Will they shift their butts? No chance!

      Thanks, eh!

      Gary :)

      Delete
  37. What you wrote about innerspace was brilliant, well said. Thanks for sharing it. And the picture of the eye is awesome in a sort of creepy way.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Julia King,

      Glad you liked my inner child story :) It's good to share. Oh yeah, and eye, eye, eye, that's my eye. Eye took the photograph. Not easy taking a photo of an I, sorry, eye :)

      Thank you, Julia.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  38. What a great story. Yes, our inner child is very informative and intelligent. If only we spent more time listening with our hearts than spending so much time involved in the noise of the world. Nice pics, btw, too:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi M.J.,

      I sensed with your eloquent and beautifully written writing, that you would relate to this. We do indeed need to take time out from the frantic noise and listen to the gentle music of our inner child. Glad you liked the pics.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  39. Beautiful mountain. I lived in Vancouver for a year, and I really miss the mountains. One day I'll find my perfect little cabin on a mountain.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Christine,

      The coast mountains backdrop in Vancouver. The splendour of the "Lions" mountains. The photo I took was in Hope, British Columbia. I hope you find that perfect little cabin on a mountain, my friend.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  40. The Garbage Gobbler would never eat the workings of Gary the witty and insightful Blogger! Besides, Penny wouldn't let him!

    Julie

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    Replies
    1. Hi Julie,

      The Garbage Gobbler has no chance against Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar! :)

      Thank you, Julie.

      Gary

      Delete
  41. I like this concept of inner space. I probably don't spend nearly enough time hanging out in there these days.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Patricia,

      I reckon you will now go and hang out a bit with your inner child. What a marvellous conversation you will have.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  42. Lovely post. I definitely don't listen to my inner child enough, and I really need to make more time for her. And right now she is saying she must have a Garbage Gobbler for the kitchen. Sigh... see what you started? ;-)

    Also, tell Penny thanks for stopping by. I hope she's enjoyed seeing the various Rish family canine companions.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jocelyn,

      Time spent well listening to your inner child :) A Garbage Gobbler in the kitchen? Sounds like my son!

      Penny is delighted to visit your site. She is really enjoying seeing your Rish family canine companions :)

      Gary :)

      Delete
  43. I remember your eye post, it was a good one, I wish all Mankind would listen to their inner child. Wouldn't that be wonderful? I'm preparing to go on holiday (as you brits like to put it), and hope to have a long chat with my inner child. Hope I don't get scolded too much. (;

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Elise,

      Thank you and I eye remember my eye post :) Yes it would be most wonderful if folks started listening to their inner child. I'm sure you will have a fantastic vacation, Elise. Yes you can, in between signing autographs for your adoring fans, have a good old chat with your inner child. Inner child tells you to behave yourself! :)

      Gary :)

      Delete
  44. And S is for Sexy Gary from the picture in question....Oh My you are one fine gentleman :)>

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    Replies
    1. Hi Petronela,

      Hey thanks for that. I'm one sexy looking Garbage Gobbler um Garbage Bloggler. I'm so confused :)

      Thank you, dear lady.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  45. Why isn't eye spelled with an I? I've wondered that myself.
    Being a new friend, I haven't read your inner space post before. You are so right. It's still an undiscovered territory, as much as outer space is. Beautiful photo of Mt Hope. Looking at it makes me hope, and that's a good thing. I could use more of it right now.
    Say hi to Penny for me and don't let that garbage gobbler get you! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Laura Eno,

      Many spellings to confuse us. Why isn't sea spelt with a "C"?

      There's plenty to discover from inner space and outer space and even from the "C" um, sea.

      Hope lives on Mount Hope, I hope. I shall say hi to Penny for you. Must go now....being chased by a zombie garbage gobbler....

      Gary :)

      Delete
  46. The garbage gobbler is cool! How did you manage to get that type upside down? That's a good trick!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sherry,

      The garbage gobbler is cool. The garbage bloggler is a fool:) It's easy to type upside down. Just turn your keyboard upside down and sıɥʇ suǝddɐɥ :)

      Gary :)

      Delete
  47. Inside is is where love and hope reside. We have so much to discover about ourselves and our fellow man.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Diane,

      We both continue to share the same ideals. We should celebrate this diverse world. An all different, all equal world.

      Thank you, Diane.

      Gary

      Delete
  48. I still have my inner child - my husband says it's a gift :) That's a cool Garbage Gobbler and Garbage Bloggler.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Gwen,

      And a gift you will treasure as much as your husband treasures your inner child. Garbage Gobbler and Garbage Bloggler. I wonder which one I am? :)

      Thanks Gwen and I should have a look at your um latest ghosting.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  49. Such a beautiful thought. The sadness is that in this time, on this planet, the inner child of the most blood thirsty were taken in violence. Until all children know love, the inner child will not know peace.

    Okay, maybe I'm a cynic.

    Sorry, I've been absent a few. Hope your A to Z'ing has been fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Yolanda,

      My ideals have been sabotaged by those who have decided to ignore their inner child. If all children knew of love, their would be no violence. More love and less guns.

      I'm a cynic. I consider a few aspects of the alphabet challenge a cynical exercise that has nothing to do with my ethos of a sharing, caring blogging community.

      I've not visited your site lately and I'm sorry about that. I'm not doing the A to Z. I am a non-conformist who has actually, ironically promoted this ridiculous challenge.

      Seriously, dear friend, happy alphabeting. Will soon reach the letter "A". Oops, wrong challenge! :)

      Gary :)

      Delete
  50. The world would be a much better place if we listened to our inner children.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Misha,

      True and something to bear in mind when one writes. Happy alphabeting, dear friend.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  51. Without a doubt, you're our favorite alphabet anarchist. And yes, we never truly grow old as long as we embrace our inner child, and hang onto our sense of wonder and play.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Susan,

      I take that as a wonderful compliment. I love being the alternative alphabet anarchist :) How true, we're never too old to lose our sense of wonder and play. Thank you, Susan. Good to see you back.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  52. I'm right there with Susan and I am glad you aren't living up to your denial of participating in this challenge! Thank you for your kind words on my blog post. You are one of the reasons I love to do this challenge. "Meeting" you has been a real pleasure and I look forward to continuing the contact...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lisa,

      Very kind of you and Susan. I couldn't imagine myself dedicating my blog to an entire month of a challenge. Oh no, no way!

      It's my pleasure to interact with you, my kind friend. It's obvious that the A to Z has some positive aspects. For I suppose I would not have had the pleasure of "meeting" you. With positive anticipation, I look forward to further interaction. Be well and enjoy the remainder of the weekend.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  53. Hi Gary - boy .. lots of comments! I love your header/banner photo (whatever it's called!) .. the eye of the bay ... and yes why is I/Eye called by the E? Did you find an Iris?

    Cheers .. I'm way behind - the connection decided to zero Eastbourne out yesterday ... catching up as best I can ... Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Hilary,

      I'm blessed in getting a lot of comments. Of course, while I still attempt to comment back to each person, it doubles the total. I'm still waiting for a pupil named Iris to let me know why "eye" is spelt with an "e".

      Hilary, how frustrating with the dodgy connection. Never worry about catching up, my friend. You can only do what you can do.

      Happy Sunday.

      Gary :)

      Delete

I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.