June 1st......You Suck

The life continues
but the living hurts
Is this the way she wins its way
against all costs
My head is worn down
My attitude is jaded
and poetry becomes the only shelter
of my time

I'm not dead
I'm still here
And life, as torn and fresh as it may be,
begins a new chapter in his melancholy novel

I feel
the hurt inside and out
I want to be happy again
the delight needs to be
brought back into his eyes

My two worries
failure and recovery
I pray
become respectful
each and every day
but these days he's silent now
and slow to adjust.

J.R. 6/1

Photobooth Tour

These days it's fun to look back and look at the progress made throughout the past two years. I'm still a goof and can we all overwhelmingly agree that the stache is legit? Because personally.... I'm pretty impressed with that thing. Have a great week everyone. Be sure and make each day this week productive so that your thoughts and
actions are positive for everyone around you! My goal.... making my heart feel happy.

Missed Opportunities

I miss opening the door for them
I miss surprising them with flowers on a dreary day
I miss paying for dinner bringing a smile to her beautiful face
I miss spending time on a picnic bench filled with conversation
I miss sharing a bottle of much overdue Picazo Cabernet
I miss the inspiration that assists in creating a poem
I miss the security of our late afternoon talks
I miss taking a walk with my good friend
I miss discussing the details of the day
I miss the chance at a great friendship with quality
I miss my missed opportunities.

"You may not be able to
change a bad situation,
but with humor
you may change
your attitude about it."

Allen Klein

Valley Times Invitational 2011

What a time to get together and leave all your
daily worry behind, while you hang out with your
best buds; since you were throwing papers off your
Diamondback bike at 6 in the morning.

The same guys that were there with you while you
while you were struggling to hold on to life in the ER
after that fateful day on Vermont Place 20 years ago.

The same guys that were with you watch you graduate
from high school and soon thereafter jet off to Scotland
to play an amazing, memorable two weeks at the Home of Golf.

The same 3 guys that are known for joking
eating, and making memories (whether
thoughtful, or insane) they always stick with
me to guide me through the year.

How could we not have a VTI tournament without
including lots of food?

This tournament brought along some downfalls
and some pain to my game. I've never experienced
blisters before, until this week. Not a good thing
when its on your thumb... so painful.

We met Gene.
An awesome Christian that was paired up with us at
Roddy Ranch. It was refreshing to finally be paired
with a golfer that was humble, yet very talkative.

As you could tell, by the third round even two gloves,
as ridiculous as it looks couldn't help my blistery game.

Ricky Pierce was on his game.
Even escaping from the nasty stuff off
of the side hill while pushed up against a tree.

Ricky even found a buddy with escaping from
his lie. I hate snakes, but Rick picked that Bull Snake
like he was a Pro. Long enough for us to take a quick pic.

This annual tournament brings us boys

enjoyment, refreshment, fellowship
and a much needed time to get back to square one in
all of our lives.

I laugh at some of the shots we took because
in essence, it describes us.

My Best Friends...

It was so good to have that chance to see
them again. Compete, laugh, converse, and
enjoy the time with these fruitshacks.

Until next year when we get to hang out again.
It's been fun boys.
Always memorable.
Always a good time.

FINAL SCORES

Ricky Pierce-361
Rafsanjani-362
Minnesota Fats-405

Happy Happy Birthday Precious Ruby

Because you mean so much to me,
I celebrate your birth.

Sharing time and space with you,
Rings my bell for all it’s worth.

Whenever your birthday rolls around,
I contemplate once more,


How happy I am that you were born;
The thought makes my heart soar.

I wish your birthdays happened more,
So I could let you know,

How very much you mean to me,
And so I could tell you so!

Happy 1st Birthday my sweet Ruby!

Wisdom.

Through the Eyes of Minnesota Fats.



The last few days marked a fun and enjoyable time with my two best friends - Jon Ruff and Rick Burke. Though we are separated by a few states, our bond is strong and we relish our times together. What started as a simple friendship back in Elementary school has blossomed into years of memories, growth and hilarity as we trudge through life. It has been interesting to see what has happened to each of us in respect to school, Jobs, family and opportunities the last few decades. I am thrilled that we made a commitment to each other to all get together every 2 years so we can keep in touch and spend time together. What a great time to just play golf, go out to eat and laugh. Some of our favorite pastimes.

We are fortunate to have each other to rely on... I am reminded of the Bible's urgings in Proverbs 17:17 - A friend Loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity. What I love about our friendship is that even though we fight and disagree, our love for each other is strong enough to overshadow our differences and we forgive each other and move on stronger and closer. We all should treasure this gift of close friendship we have.. Many modern psychologists say that most adult men will only have 1-2 close friends in a lifetime. We have truly been blessed boys in having each other. Thanks for being there for me now matter what. I love the loyalty we have amongst each other. That faithfulness is a gift from God. I am looking forward to playing golf next go around and writing something similar in the decades to come.

JT :)