World Kindness Week

World Kindness day is November 13 (yesterday), and World Kindness Week begins the Monday of the week with November 13. After the events of the last few years, and the many years crammed into 2020, kindness is needed now more than ever. There are a couple of Buddhist sayings that always come to mind when speaking of kindness. The first is, ‘Be kind whenever possible. It’s always possible.’ And the second is, ‘Be kind to all creatures. This is the true religion.’ Kindness is the quality of being friendly and considerate. There are many who believe kindness is a weakness and these are the people who would do harm to others.

When someone is kind to you, it can lift your spirits and put a smile on your face. What happens to you if you’re kind to others? Some benefits for a person who is kind to others include elevation of dopamine levels in the brain, which make us feel good. It can also include the feeling of emotional warmth leading to a healthier heart, reduction of inflammation slowing the aging process, reduction of emotional distance helping couples feel bonded, and contagiousness that often sets off a pay-it-forward ripple effect. There’s one important message I have for everyone regarding kindness. Always be kind to others and always be kind to yourself. That last part is harder than people think. Be kind.

Hellpets – Part 7

Read Part 6


            “Who’s hungry?” Charles said.

            “Oh, I’m so happy. I feel like I’ve never eaten. I’m so hungry.” Hinn said.

            “You ate this morning.”

            “Who’s excited for din din?” Charles said.

            “Me. I’m excited!” Hinn said.

            “Is Duke excited?”

            “Yes, but my name is Hinn. I’m still very excited about eating. Eating is my favorite thing. I’m gonna eat all this food!”

            “Slow down. You’re a hound not a pig.” I said.

            “Sowwy.”

            “You’re dropping food and slobber everywhere. Stop it!”

            “And here’s dinner for Duchess.” Charles said.

            “This better not be the same garbage the shelter fed me. Oh, wait. This is really good. Damn. Charles you’re my favorite.”

            “And I’ll fill up your water dishes while you two eat. Try not to make a mess Duke.” Charles said.

            “Yeah, Duke. Don’t make a mess.” I said.

            “I can’t help myself. Earth food is so amazing.”

            “That’s just dog food. You should try the human food.”

            “Human food? I thought they ate this stuff too.”

            “Nope. Their food is incredible. Especially steaks.”

            “What’s that?”

            “A big chunk of meat.”

            “Oh, my Gaap! Earth is awesome.”

            “It’s okay, I guess. Who are you?”

            “Ahh! Oh, Amy. When did you get here?” Hinn said.

            “Hinn, I hope I haven’t disturbed your Earth dinner. You must be Haura. I’m Hinn’s manager.”

            “Next time don’t sneak up on me when I’m eating.” I said.

            “I’ll do my best. Hinn, a word?”
            “Sure. I’m all done.”

            “Can we go somewhere private?”

            “Haura’s teaching me about Earth. We can chat in front of her.”

            “Very well. Your first assignment is starting soon. You’ll collect the soul, drag them down for processing, then return here and await further instructions. Understand?”

            “Yes.”

            “Okay. Get ready. And…go now.”

            They both left. Maybe I can eat in peace. I wonder if Ligur has crossed paths with that Hellhound before. He should pop in tomorrow. I’ll ask him about Amy.


Read Part 8

Flashback Friday Poetry: I’ll Never Know; I’ll Never Glow

a mother’s Sweet Look i would never know
cursed as well as deprived did my soul feel
and no woman’s Love would make my life Glow

years of sadness covered my heart in snow
locked away behind a big Wall of steel
a mother’s Sweet Look i would never know

she bore me than just left me saying “No!”
it hurt so much i couldn’t even heal
and no woman’s Love would make my life Glow

as life went on i continued to grow
knowing what i wanted was never real
a mother’s Sweet Look i would never know

through women and girls my heart went so low
the skin on my face i wanted to peal
and no woman’s Love would make my life Glow

am i happier now i don’t think so
thinking as i’m alone eating this meal
a mother’s Sweet Look i would never know
and no woman’s Love would make my life Glow

Early poetry from James. From the poetry collection Pariah Bound: The Lonesome Poetry.