Hi everyone. My new site is up and running.  I produced two new songs over the past few days. One is entitled "Ball". It is about Paintball! The second one is called "Good Humor". I actually wrote that one about a year ago, but never produced and recorded it. So I did. 

I am feeling flustered. Nothing really to photograph. I remember, the other night, I was looking up at the sky in the morning. It was early, probably about 7 AM. And there was this hazy, dark, cloudy aurora in the sky. It was actually pretty scary. I didn't know what it was. It was almost as if something exploded in the distance. Supposedly the cloudiness came from Canada. The sun was shining that day, so I thought everything would be okay. 

After my posts on change.org, that sum up my journaling over the last year, I don't think I have everything else to say right now. I apologize for any inconvenience about taking it all down. Now that my official site is launched, I hope to keep it around for a while. 

As far as current events, I keep thinking about the "Peace Corps".  I tried to volunteer with them, but I couldn't because I have a medical condition. I serve. I've met some nice people since I started service in 2016. I was out there, but was very to myself and focused in the most extroverted way ever. And it hasn't stopped yet. 

I've learned, so much about myself and others. I've learned that mental illness is a serious thing. I have also learned about my own personal struggle with homelessness in life. I have learned about other people. I think that people are compassionate, nice, here at least in this state. I haven't travelled much. There is alot of history here in Massachusetts, like "the Mayflower", and the pilgrims who landed here. I read a good book yesterday. It was by Paul Aron, called "We Hold These Truths.... and other words that made America".  After reading it, I realized why I've been so down. History can be so downtrodding. This book helped me put it back into perspective. One quote is on my "Thought of the Day" page, so check it out. 

About my book, I didn't think it was too much to elaborate about my past. I've done that before. But, over the course of the last 10 years, I have been journaling more, and trying to realize what is important. I think, that it put it into perspective. I am so proud of myself.

I tried to take my own life in 2012. I survived. We don't need politics in the country. We need people to "Stand Up" (Rep. John Lewis). If you'd like to know what I think, read my book.

In reference to my change.org petitions, I think that we need more people running from all walks of life, not just the select few you see all the time. I try to tell people all the time, try to smile if your nice; if you hate, I dislike hate, or if you look a little lost, ask you "how are you?". Everyone could use a little cheering up. I've had my moments. 

All in all, I think that this nation is heading in the right direction.

Since, my posts have all been summed up in various ways, (change.org and here), I have nothing else to say. Enjoy the new site.

Good evening. I just got back from the mental hospital. I am doing okay. This picture was taken a couple of months ago. It is of a bird. The bird is in the middle of the photo. I remember that it was so certain, in an uncertain world. 

Alot of things are happening around here. An uprising in Chuta, wars, when there should be "love not war". 

I've been doing a lot more studies, religiously. I have learned a lot more about myself, and others. I still believe the same truths, especially the ones that have always been there, through trials, and tribulations, and avid action, questions, and some certainty. What isn't certain is the state of the world today, and, the state of this country. I think that the things that we can improve on are the things that money can't buy. 

As I travel the streets of Woburn, I am puzzled sometimes by the levels of service I receive. Observing peaceful conversation, and at times, taking part in them. And being participate in levels of friendship that I haven't seen since college. This weekend, I watched "A Beautiful Mind", with Russell Crowe. It is a good movie. It was about a man who has paranoid schizophrenia. While, I won't talk about my mental illness, what I will tell you is that homeless people, mentally ill people, deserve their fair share too. 

When I left McLean Hospital in Belmont in 2016, I was left with no opportunity again. It is the 3rd time that that has happened to me since 2009. The one opportunity I got in 2009 I was fired from. But I did stand. I've had bills to pay. I have been delivering human service since 2010. I think I've done a good job: people can be encouraging, and I always smile.  I've learned a lot. 

I volunteered at my local church a month or so ago. It was for the St. Anthony Festival. I am going to keep volunteering to push efforts of generousity forward.

Today, I remembered the biggest sacrifice I have ever made. It was to not go to a private school that was about 50 minutes away everyday from my home. My mother would have had to drive there everyday to get me to school. Later, I applied to St. John's Prep, and got in. That's where I went, through car pooling may I add. That experience was wonderful, it changed my life. 

Now, although I feel at a stand still, I feel a little more stable than I have been, financially. Not much is achieved without much effort, labor, and zeal. They say that Jesus spent 30 years in mediation, but only 3 years in the ministry. I have been going to this day, but have spent the last 3 month starting to slow down.   I've always had a good head above my shoulders, but people can make mistakes. 

I feel like I am on my own two feet. Massachusetts has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Disparities is where a lot of problems can be. But nothing is symbiotic. Relationships should be collective. And no one, should be treated like dirt. I went for a run on Friday night around Horn Pond. I could only run about 1/16th of it, then I walked the rest. I was in good conditioning.  

When I was at McLean over the last few weeks, my nurse introduced me to what is called Nichiren Buddhism. I never knew about it, but just read a book the other day about it. I practice a lot of Zen Buddhism. 

What I do hope, which is why I wrote the book I published, is that people can learn from others. People can always achieve new things. Maybe you should run for President - Of the United States of America, that is. If people delve deep, and do what's in their heart, we should be alright. There should be services in place all over the country, for things that matter like homelessness, and mental illness, although healthcare overall. Though I wouldn't know much about homeless condition, there have been some big changes in healthcare. I'll leave it at that.

It doesn't matter who you are. Great things can be achieved, if we do them together. 

Good afternoon. By now, only a few people know about my website, my photojournal, and music. But, I hope to make it a bigger presence. There is a lot to talk about.
America has a lot of buildings, big buildings. But it feels like we can't make the country more communal in ways that fits all. If I had my choice I would walk to work. Why are so many cars occupying the freeways? To get to work and back? By now, we should have had more answers, and I don't think we do.

On a more positive note, the minimum wage right now, is much better than it was back when I was at my first job, at 14. People should be able to walk to work, right down the street at there local "Dunkin Donuts", or "Country Store", and make a livable wage, and walk or drive home. It should only be applied, communally, that way, we can make even bigger communities of people with the bigger buildings, rather than having a bunch of people driving into the city, 1 hour away from home. Plus traffic. 

Needless to say, all my jobs have pretty much been right down the street or road. There is no need to drive into Boston sitting 3 hours in traffic occupying the roads, and emitting carbon pollution to make a 3 figure salary and go home to your family every day. Things should be much more affordable communally, right down the street. Industry is important. There should be industry in every town or city, and therefore more jobs available to people in their own communities. Massachusetts is a historic state. I would hate to see it ruined by the occupance of pollution emissions from cars sitting on the freeway from traffic for hours. The amount of wealth our current companies have in this country, especially Massachusetts, there should be reason to hire anybody, and give anyone the chance at a higher wage, no matter who you are. And, more people should pay rent, and learn what it is like. There should be less, "ownership".

I remember, when I left McLean Hospital in 2016, the first thing that I did was try to get a job. That is so that I can make a more livable wage. But, no one hired me. I had interviews for janitor positions, barista, home improvement, and others. But, no one hired me. It feels like, amongst all of the job interviews I have had, predominately over the last 16 years, the interviewer has always had something to say. It's time to put words into action.

This picture represents hope. It is of a bird.

Last night, I volunteered for the Woburn Community Fridge, in Woburn, Massachusetts. I got to see in practicum how others can help those in need. I have also volunteered for Haven from Hunger, Lazarus House, Habitat for Humanity, and St. Anthony of Padua. 

I have been feeling better, but have realized that I've suffered from hunger from the things I'd never do. Now that I am starting to even out my keel I hope I can keep it that way.

I am realizing that this country is propelled both by drugs and money. Neither of which I do or have.  Cannibus legal was a mistake. Hopefully there are some other boots on the ground that I can become acquainted with.

Good evening. One thing that I'd like to solve is the undying need for money. Even with a good budget, things can fall through the cracks. 

There are so many kinds of people out there, and all should be alloted some sort of budget that works. 

I was doing some dancing today, to Maroon 5. I think that I have seen the light. There are problems that have to be straightened out, in the United States of America. I have been borne witness to them. My book, titled "Stuff" sums up some things that I have seen, and other things that I have believe in. I hope that someone is listening. My community has a family of coyotes living in it, maybe they are. But, the works are, this country should not be about drugs and money, but "Patriotism". And there should not be homeless people or mental ill crises, only people that stand up, take care of others, and get taken care of. Granted, we were probably put on this earth, suffering collectively, in some way shape or form. But we can help each other. Everyone suffers, but it shouldnt' be under some envelope of a nation. It should be under God. As a nation, if we came together and helped everyone, it would be a lot better. A lot of things separate us all: race, gender, work, ethnicity, and beliefs. I am a believer, after some time, that there is an ethical approach to these problems. I have always believed it morally. As I slowly learn, I hope you do too. Progress has to be put into action so that we don't repeat history. 

Good afternoon. I went for a long walk to the library last night to print my student transcripts, but the computers weren't working. I walked all the way back empty handed, but I did read a book about the "Louisiana Purchase". I thought it was interesting, that course of history, and comparing it to today.

It is a beautiful day today. I was just playing some trombone music: two songs, "Smoke on the Water", and "Jump, Jive, and Wail". They are two of my favorites from the Jazz bands that I've played in. Thing seem to be going pretty well. Much better than yesterday (fingers crossed). I ended up talking to a man at the Dunkin Donuts that I was at this morning. I still feel the same about homeless people and the mentally ill. There has to be a better way to restitution. 

A lot of things have happened over the world, that make transparency kind of hard. But we need it, transparency. I believe in hard work, and that is what has got me to my present moment (relieved). One of these days, I will be volunteering again for Habitat for Humanity, mental health first. Still wishing for better things then, cannabis legal, and, yes, I DO feel like there is no justice for 9/11. The 11th of September is right around the corner. I wonder what our leaders have planned for that annniversary date. We are going to need strong leaders from all across the playing field, all over the country, running for public office. "Maybe you should run".  That's a quote from one of my mental health clinicians once. It's true; you can, we... can. It shouldn't take money. Just resilience. I am reminded by the Xaverian Brother way, at St. John's Prep where I went to high school, that "not much is achieved without much effort, labor, and zeal." Doesn't say anything about money. It seems so corrupt, those "PAC"s that support candidates. It should just be people running, and people voting, no cash involved. Donations are another story. You know, the donations of labor that this country is built upon. Things, that I have contributed to society today. I wonder who is running next. I'd like to see more people from the military running. We need their experience. People from the lower places in life, not the higher ones... I think we've had enough of them. People can so experienced in their crafts, but all you get is the wealthy people. Kind of rude, huh. 

This is what I'm doing with my business degree... pretty cool huh? I got my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a management concentration from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. That's a 4 year degree. And yes, I have been, and have noticed a lot. But, I've already posted what I've noticed. I hope people get there exercise. All I see is cars driving by, and I have predominately walked from place to place since 2009. I have no in on business, only the outside. But, I can see in. I have had conversations with various people. I have been to career fairs. I have been on interviews. But, I have taken the sidelines. A family focus is good, but it should be focused on the individual. People grow up, things change. A family mindset may not always be. We have to care for nature too. Too much roadkill. I am reminded by my faith. 

I am reminded by Pope Francis who said we should "Build bridges, not walls".  It is true. I think that, right now, if we all make a contribution to each other, hopefully the darknesses will become lights, and that people will actually see. Pope Francis also said that "money should serve, not rule". I feel blind. I feel persecuted. But at the end of the day, we've had strong leaders like former President Obama. I hope that things will straighten out. The American people are strong.  Through darkness, there can be light.

Good morning. Today I am feeling pretty good. The picture of this bird was taken about 6 months ago, by me. In two days time, it will be another anniversary of 9/11/01. Memories are always going through my head. I am reminded by my own strength. I remember the bees that stung me years ago at an outing that my dad brought me too. My horse, that I sat on that day. I am reminded by my own perserverance, that is still true to this day. But, I don 't see justice. I see more of the same. Every day I see people standing up. I stood up yesterday, when I volunteered. There are probably people standing up everyday, suffering with different infirmities. Change can be a slow process, but it can be done. I am a standing witness to this. Maybe it is the same for 9/11. I hope to bring change.