R I D G E W A Y

Quarter of a Century

2008-12-15T22:03:00.000-08:00

Sleep comes at last

Alone in the night

Covered by dark light

Here

Now

Finally

Take my hand sweet one

Home

Complete rest

All is laid to past

~Kevin T. Ridgeway

How does one fall? Beneath true light? Where does it all go? Does it really matter? Too many questions for one simple answer. The answer lies within each inquiry. Look no further than the period that sets the end of the line.

Life…my distorted passion. Tis the saying, “in the eye of the beholder”. As goes for the realm of reality, beyond the physical touch, life, in accordance with this proprietor, holds as such an image of what is presented and longs for the unseen. Tangibility is a desire that tugged my heart long ago. I sought, held, released, and moved away from temporal living. Wealth, power, and fame belong to those who lack the divine. To love, give, share, adore etc., are daunting tasks that require an internal cultivation. Seeds need to be, long before they are sown.

In the past quarter century it has been my observatory interpretation that such moments in time are coming, here, and passing. Time is relentless and uncompassionate toward human nature. Thoughts, words, and behaviors remain individual and constant. They come and go and remain ever vivid. The main goal of life is trying to keep up. Life beginners, intermediates, and masters still struggle with this challenge. Each person falls into a category, but we are not bound to a particular column, for life and people are forever changing.

So, it is in the opinion of the representative of this jurisdiction, i.e. myself, life is what we make of it. To live or not to live, is the same as to be or not to be. We can look for peace, love, and happiness for as long as our hearts content. However, if we establish to high a bar for our life, certain necessary elements may go unnoticed. Keep life within reason. The goal is not the finish line; it is the attempt to get there. Each person is or was in our life for a purpose. Lessons were learned, guidance was given, encouragement strengthened our internal fiber, and one thing leads to another. Nothing gets better. Only clearer. Our mission. We too came, remain, and will pass on; however we are meant to be for the continuation of life’s mission. That is a calling that no one can avoid, for we are all connected and remain one. Therefore, I conclude my two and a half decades with the above, and will touch upon my future growth after another quarter century passes.

~ KTR

Don't Hate

2008-03-13T17:30:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine sent this clip from the Ellen DeGeneres Show regarding the murder of the 15 year old, Larry, who was an openly gay boy. I think you all should watch and listen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcMEL3_YsVI

After watching this clip it reminded me of some of my own dark days. The written piece below was something I wrote several years ago. The words don't have to apply, but as reality holds us all, they are too true for words. Let us pray for all who are victims of hate crimes be it creed, color, gender, and yes even orientation.

"The look from there eyes scorches my soul for something I did not do but for something I didn’t ask for. The pain associated with such a glare impacts my soul so much so that my inner self becomes numb. So much for the saying “the fight is over the battle is won” because the battle is a predetermined victory. There are no weapons against such battle. Volunteered submissiveness is the only way to survive. The transparent chains become a rhythm known only to those who share the similar walk. Discomfort, shame, exile, etc. are the only rewards offered by the dominant army. Empty words and promises often overshadow the artificial reality of the situation and become the primary source of solace. It isn’t easy to breathe the same air as from the deceitfully half-hearted individuals who often can’t even walk the talk themselves. I often wonder if only a select few were created in the image and likeness of God? None-the-less, the outcasts continue to march quietly in fear. The Messiahs message “Do not be afraid” seems to be a mere phrase of irrationality. Where is mercy? Where is love? Where is hope? Above all these things where is Christ in others? “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23: 34). "

2007-11-27T21:03:00.000-08:00

Over the next couple of days I will be preparing for a very special trip. I will be embarking on a journey that will cover well over 1,848 miles, or 29, 740, 671.2 centimeters, how about 117,089,280 inches, maybe 2,974,067,713.136 millimeters, definitely 3,252,480 yards, and without a doubt 9,757,440 feet of distance. Fortunately for me, the Amish farm up the road has run out of rental horse and buggies! All I can say is thank the good Lord for modern transportation!

None-the-less, this time next week I will be heading westward for the fourth time in twenty three years. The reason this trip is going to be extra special has nothing to do with anything; rather it has everything to do with a particular someone plus three: Michelle, Matt, Anna, and Jillian Litton. These people are special to me not only because we are related, but because they are an awesome bunch. Before their girls were born, my sister and I, pictured above, and my cousin Tim flew out to Long Beach, CA and hung out with these Missouri native’s who embraced the radical California spirit. Every moment was an adventure. From talking about theological and philosophical topics in the living room, firing up the grill to cook shark meat on the tiny balcony, sea kayaking, swimming in the great wide ocean with the western sunset as the background, bonfires on the beach, visiting Balboa Park in San Diego, grocery shopping (it was more interesting than you realize), telling Chelle to “push herself together” after she threw her putter and self on the ground in frustration during a game of put-put golf, etc. Good times were had! No matter what happens during my upcoming visit, I plan to bring with me the same spirit that was kindled the last time we were together.

Over the past couple of weeks these Californian’s have been through a lot and have touched the hearts of so many which has resulted in an overpouring amount of support and love! I ask all those who read these ramblings of mine to consider whatever it is you can and contribute physically, emotionally, spiritually, fiscally, etc., and please send it towards the Litton’s. Know that whatever you offer will retroactively be included in this life experience and your actions, in conjunction with your God given gifts, will become part of this family’s ongoing desire to maintain the gift of life, particularly Jillian’s!