I've been doing a little soul searching these past few weeks while I have been absent. Oh yeah, I do apologise for that. Sincerely. Some of it has been my eye surgery as I adjust to the new lenses and all; but some of it has been reflecting on my blog and the direction it should be going. I like the writing muses I have been doing but I think it's time to delve into more of what makes me, me.
What I mean by that I guess, is what drives me to write - where did it all start and where is the inspiration coining form?
I have been writing all my life, going back as far as my junior high school days - but, I was lazy. Lacked the drive the commitment and motivation. Hell, I was a hormonal kid with a set focus. Girls, flying, camping and anything else involving hanging with my friends! You know what I mean.
My serious side of writing I guess started before I headed off to Africa. I wrote a 300 page manuscript that was shear and utter crap! The base story was terrific but I lacked some serious skills! Lol. I would show you some of that, but I do want you to hang around for a bit. Besides... I may resurrect that old batch of weeds and rediscover Jake's beginnings. Hmmm... actually, that is kind of funny. I haven't thought about that in years but THAT manuscript was the true birth of Jake McCord. Jake after all, is my alter ego! How could I have forgotten!!! There are a few things in life that I have not yet managed to quite get to and good 'ol Jake does the job nicely. Good on him! Lol. I'm glad he's leading the way.
Okay, seriously, where it began? In the jungles of Africa. That is where The Bridge at Mkeri was born [pronounced - Ma-Kier-ee]. I have since revised that title a bit as this book isn't about one single title. It's a series of four. I can guarantee you though that Jake will not go quietly into the night. He has other plans...
Africa. Conjures up all sorts of images and adventures in ones mind. I can tell you first hand that everything you can think of? It's there! And more!
The dark jungles that are cut by coursing rivers and streams; filled with crocodiles, snakes and man eating animals. They are alive and doing quite well as they wait for you. If you do manage to find yourself over there, alone and walking peacefully along - remember just that. Remember, those that have gone before you, and take heed of this warning. For you my friends, are not alone.
I was working that year doing seismic exploration. For some of you, that don't know, it's the search for black gold - oil. Okay... actually in this case, lol, we were looking for gas really. But the end result is the same. I was one of two operators running a crew. Operators do just that - operate the recording equipment. If you want a great story that explains what and how it works - check out the Bandit Creek Books "Fools Gold". They are a collection of short stories and mine is one of them. "Where Rabbits Run Wild" has a very good description of how it all works.
It was a very hot day during what is known as the Hot Season, and I was beating a path through the jungles outside of Mkeri. Carrying my Panga for protection and for cutting bush, I stopped as a commercial went through my head. Weird huh? Lol. Before I left, the Armed Forces were running a recruiting commercial and it went something like this:
"It's 7:00 am and 30 degrees. The sweat is running off you like a wild river . Beating flies and mosquitoes that wold rather carry you off quietly into the jungle - you have been slashing bush for the past 2 hours. You are about to give in. Then... you remember. It's not a job, it's an adventure!"
Well okay... it didn't really go like that! Lol. But, it did go like that after I was done with it! Lol. Yeah, I don't really know what that commercial was anymore except the last part. But it was that very moment, I broke into an opening in the jungle and on the far side was a stone fortress overgrown by trees and vines. In the 1700's the Germans had occupied this region and they had built these small fortifications to protect their interests. Then, wouldn't you know it, out popped the romantic in me. As I climbed the walls, I could see the aqua-green waters of the Indian Ocean. Sitting down, I studied the ruins and the surrounding beauty and it all started to flow. Like music across a symphony, it built in complexity and volume as the story began to unfold in my mind. Jake was always a part of me - always has been. But Janine... she was new. That short haired brunette with calculating eyes and skills unmatched by most men, stepped out of jungles before me. She had a wry grin and an ease about her that I fell for that very instance. What man wouldn't? She followed me for the rest of that journey. Always close by, she would remind me of what was to come. Of when I could be with her. She stole my heart in those jungles as I gazed across the rolling swells, and she's held it ever since.
Sometimes a story can grip the writer in the most profound way. To guide you and steer you through the pages as their world unfolds before you. In a minds eye, you become one with them. You live and love and sometimes, you even die with them. Not to worry though, Janine is safe and resting this very moment aboard a small river class ship as she cruises off the coast of Malta. Jake however, he is still up to his 'ol tricks as he walks the Africa plains in search of his one true love. The Sultans Sisters.
Hope you have enjoyed this little glimpse into the world of Jake and Janine. Next time I will begin my adventures in the dark continent as I tell you the whole story. The birth of Mkeri.
Till next time - keep loving and living as if there were no tomorrow,
Trip...
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Monday, 23 April 2012
Thursday, 23 February 2012
The Bubble Gum Effect - Trip Williams on Relationships
It's not very often I will speak on such matters of the heart. Especially when I'm trying to explain my views on how life works. There are thousands of experts out there and the websites and blogs are filled with them. Nope - I'm just simply trying to explain MY view on relationships. Oh yeah..., this is the male version.
I first spoke of this Bubble Gum Effect at my sons wedding. Not very often a grooms father will stand and try to explain what happened in his sons' life, that created the unlikely event allowing himself to become ensnared by a woman. Yeah - that's right; you heard me! Ensnared!
Don't get me wrong, I think marriage is a beautiful thing when you have just that right partner and I sure don't want to be predisposed to the idea that this young lass is not the right one for my son. However..., like most men,; he did not understand the Bubble Gum Effect and that can lead to a moments indecisiveness and there you have it. Yup - wedding bells!
Before I explain the Bubble Gum Effect, I must first state that as a man, we really want to just enjoy life and continue to have the finer things that is associated with a good living. Yes, women are a part of it but really... to settle down with one? I'm not sold. After all, I was first introduced this phenomenon at a very young young age and I too succumbed to the wiles of a girl and I..., was ensnared. That was fortunately short lived and I have gone on in my life to enjoy a happier and simpler existence. Yup... I'm chewing my bubble-gum!
The Bubble Gum Effect.
When us young men are first venturing out into the world and experiencing life from this new perspective as a hormone charged male supper propagator, we find the candy bowl. That's right... a bowl full of delicious and sweetly wrapped candy know as women. Think of it as Double-Bubble Bubble Gum.
You select this sweet morsel from hundreds of prospective bubble-gums; and, you smell it. Hmmm...... it smells so sweet and delicious! Then you unwrap her. As the fabrics of the wrapper unfold to reveal the mouth watering tasty treat inside, you start to drool. Then comes the first taste - you are overwhelmed! As you chew this incredibly delectable explosion of adventure and delight that cascades across your senses; one may forget that this is only a treat and that one can only savor this for a short time.
That's right - the flavor starts to fade.
Now some men, or rather boys, experience a less than favorable shift in their mood. The flavor is loosing its' hold. You are coming back into that world of reality and realize that YOU as a young proud member of the male species; want more!!! That's right! We want another treat!
Some boys do not recognize the fact that there is a whole bowel full of tasty treats out there waiting for us. No..., some of us are not wise in the world and we become fearful! We must have that pleasure again! So we marry the girl. Fairly easy catch on her part wouldn't you say? Kind of like a black widow. In some respects - very similar. The joys and pleasures experienced are slowly held back - taunting us and guiding us to do your bidding. Then, over time, we loose our man-hood and become lost. Lost to the wiles of that woman and in so become lost to ourselves! Some men are even... when, do I need to say more?? Ewhhh... nasty thought - it makes me shiver just thinking about it.
Now some men, they see that bowl of candy and they know that as the taste fades, there is only one thing left to do. Spit her out! That's right - toss her to the curb and get another one! Yeah baby... that's what I'm talking about! Life is once more good and pure and just the way it's suppose to be! Your Zen has returned!
But as time goes on, you encounter that one woman who has had her bubble-gum spat the ground a time or two or fifty...! She now is wise in your moods and the ways of the gum. Just when you're ready to spit her out - she, DISTRACTS YOU!
As her gum is tossed whimsically to the ground..., she lures you back in and guess what happens? That's right! You step on her gum! Have you ever stepped on gum? Seriously... it's GUM! It sticks to your foot and you can't get it off! So once again, we as men get ensnared; and then the wedding bells chime....
So there you have it ladies. At least one of us males are on to you females and we recognize the fact that life is a bowel of bubble-gum and we, the proud dominant species of this world; become reduced to a little trinket carrying, gum-stuck fool. I may not be popular for spreading this little secret to all the men out there but I feel I owe it to them. You know, as the 'One who has gone before', sort of thing. Yeah, it's a guy thing; but that's the way I see it. Welcome to the world of the Bubble Gum Effect!
Trip...
I first spoke of this Bubble Gum Effect at my sons wedding. Not very often a grooms father will stand and try to explain what happened in his sons' life, that created the unlikely event allowing himself to become ensnared by a woman. Yeah - that's right; you heard me! Ensnared!
Don't get me wrong, I think marriage is a beautiful thing when you have just that right partner and I sure don't want to be predisposed to the idea that this young lass is not the right one for my son. However..., like most men,; he did not understand the Bubble Gum Effect and that can lead to a moments indecisiveness and there you have it. Yup - wedding bells!
Before I explain the Bubble Gum Effect, I must first state that as a man, we really want to just enjoy life and continue to have the finer things that is associated with a good living. Yes, women are a part of it but really... to settle down with one? I'm not sold. After all, I was first introduced this phenomenon at a very young young age and I too succumbed to the wiles of a girl and I..., was ensnared. That was fortunately short lived and I have gone on in my life to enjoy a happier and simpler existence. Yup... I'm chewing my bubble-gum!
The Bubble Gum Effect.
When us young men are first venturing out into the world and experiencing life from this new perspective as a hormone charged male supper propagator, we find the candy bowl. That's right... a bowl full of delicious and sweetly wrapped candy know as women. Think of it as Double-Bubble Bubble Gum.
You select this sweet morsel from hundreds of prospective bubble-gums; and, you smell it. Hmmm...... it smells so sweet and delicious! Then you unwrap her. As the fabrics of the wrapper unfold to reveal the mouth watering tasty treat inside, you start to drool. Then comes the first taste - you are overwhelmed! As you chew this incredibly delectable explosion of adventure and delight that cascades across your senses; one may forget that this is only a treat and that one can only savor this for a short time.
That's right - the flavor starts to fade.
Now some men, or rather boys, experience a less than favorable shift in their mood. The flavor is loosing its' hold. You are coming back into that world of reality and realize that YOU as a young proud member of the male species; want more!!! That's right! We want another treat!
Some boys do not recognize the fact that there is a whole bowel full of tasty treats out there waiting for us. No..., some of us are not wise in the world and we become fearful! We must have that pleasure again! So we marry the girl. Fairly easy catch on her part wouldn't you say? Kind of like a black widow. In some respects - very similar. The joys and pleasures experienced are slowly held back - taunting us and guiding us to do your bidding. Then, over time, we loose our man-hood and become lost. Lost to the wiles of that woman and in so become lost to ourselves! Some men are even... when, do I need to say more?? Ewhhh... nasty thought - it makes me shiver just thinking about it.
Now some men, they see that bowl of candy and they know that as the taste fades, there is only one thing left to do. Spit her out! That's right - toss her to the curb and get another one! Yeah baby... that's what I'm talking about! Life is once more good and pure and just the way it's suppose to be! Your Zen has returned!
But as time goes on, you encounter that one woman who has had her bubble-gum spat the ground a time or two or fifty...! She now is wise in your moods and the ways of the gum. Just when you're ready to spit her out - she, DISTRACTS YOU!
As her gum is tossed whimsically to the ground..., she lures you back in and guess what happens? That's right! You step on her gum! Have you ever stepped on gum? Seriously... it's GUM! It sticks to your foot and you can't get it off! So once again, we as men get ensnared; and then the wedding bells chime....
So there you have it ladies. At least one of us males are on to you females and we recognize the fact that life is a bowel of bubble-gum and we, the proud dominant species of this world; become reduced to a little trinket carrying, gum-stuck fool. I may not be popular for spreading this little secret to all the men out there but I feel I owe it to them. You know, as the 'One who has gone before', sort of thing. Yeah, it's a guy thing; but that's the way I see it. Welcome to the world of the Bubble Gum Effect!
Trip...
Thursday, 16 February 2012
Reflections - By: Trip Williams
Over the years I find myself quite often reflecting on my past. Some may think this as a whimsical cerebral interlude or even trying to recapture one's glory days; but I think not. It closely resembles what I was eluding to in my previous post on Inspirations. I find inspiration in the reflections on my life! If you look in a shimmering pool of water, the reflection looking back is that of you. This is your immediate life. As you look to the edges, it becomes blurry. This is closely akin to your past. As time goes by, we forget things about where we came from, what we have done and in some cases - who we are. Those are the blurry edges of our lives. But, beneath the water is our memories. Suspended in time, it lingers - waiting. Waiting for you to retrieve them and reflect upon them; and that, is what I do.
At times these memories seem to find their own way home as the thoughts appear in my mind. Some random but most very deep memories filled with emotion. Good and bad. From these, I draw upon for my writing. From these, I find a new world.
Back in 1979, Iran took the american embassy hostage. While people watched from their living rooms, a different world was unfolding around them. A world that no one knew and would have been terrified to have really know. I was in the navy and when this crisis broke, the Canadian fleets pulled into harbor alongside the ammo storage facilities. There we offloaded our practice rounds and with our holds teeming with high explosion warheads, we set sail. We were now on second degree war time standby.
With the entire fleet at sea, American ships hailed us not by radio, but by signal lamp. Everyone was running silent. It was reminiscent of WWII. Demanding to know our identity, lamps flashed through the night as we passed by - patrolling the waters along our borders. Waiting. Waiting for orders.
One late night early into this tense patrol, I was standing watch on the starboard wing as lookout. Flying high above the rolling waves, I scanned the horizons watching for ships and debris in the water that may bring harm to my ship. As we cut through the oceans swells, the moon was full and the air warm. Cascading phosphorus sent shimmering displays of greens and blues splaying across the waves and behind the wake from of our destroyer.
Something caught my eye. Below the horizon something was wrong. Phosphorus trails were lighting up. Raising my binoculars, I focused on twin trails streaming through the waters on an intercept course with my ship. About twelve feet apart and with the left hand one leading the other, I watched intensely. These trails of color were traveling at high speed and unforgiving from their course.
Stepping back from the steel enclosure of the lookout wing I leaned against the open window to the bridge and called for the office of the watch. Pointing at the fast approaching wakes he raised his binoculars to see what had me backed up against the bridge. My mind was racing with only one thought - torpedoes!
Disappearing back in the dim lit bridge, the officer of the watch left me alone - alone to die. To suffer in silence the fiery ball of death I was certain would come. Knowing that my death was immanent and with no place to go, I walked to edge of the wing and watched as the two trails hit their mark. The phosphorus disappeared and as I held my breath, two explosions of water appeared near the bow. They were dolphins! I almost pissed myself! Christ, that scared the shit out of me! I know I laughed when I saw them but with that was a rush of emotions I find hard to explain even to this day. Death did truly come to great me that night and with his arm firmly around my shoulder, he lead me down that path into darkness. I know that bugger was laughing as he left my side. Trust me when I say that I have never watched porpoises or dolphins without thinking of that night.
So what is the point of my tale? Just that from that night, I have built countless tales. Ones of battle, of survival and ones even of romance. Think of the endless opportunities presented to me that night. Stories even yet to be told! Countless stories! These are the things in life that I reflect on. Whether it be from fear or from exhilaration - we can use these events to our advantage. I know I do. I will have to admit though, I have a sweet spot for romance and even out of the depths of terror, a little love can always be shinning through. Ahhww... but alas, that is a tale for yet another day. A tale of the young girl waiting for me back at home port. The one my mind flashed to moments before my death. The one who was not my fiance'e.
Trip...
At times these memories seem to find their own way home as the thoughts appear in my mind. Some random but most very deep memories filled with emotion. Good and bad. From these, I draw upon for my writing. From these, I find a new world.
Back in 1979, Iran took the american embassy hostage. While people watched from their living rooms, a different world was unfolding around them. A world that no one knew and would have been terrified to have really know. I was in the navy and when this crisis broke, the Canadian fleets pulled into harbor alongside the ammo storage facilities. There we offloaded our practice rounds and with our holds teeming with high explosion warheads, we set sail. We were now on second degree war time standby.
With the entire fleet at sea, American ships hailed us not by radio, but by signal lamp. Everyone was running silent. It was reminiscent of WWII. Demanding to know our identity, lamps flashed through the night as we passed by - patrolling the waters along our borders. Waiting. Waiting for orders.
One late night early into this tense patrol, I was standing watch on the starboard wing as lookout. Flying high above the rolling waves, I scanned the horizons watching for ships and debris in the water that may bring harm to my ship. As we cut through the oceans swells, the moon was full and the air warm. Cascading phosphorus sent shimmering displays of greens and blues splaying across the waves and behind the wake from of our destroyer.
Something caught my eye. Below the horizon something was wrong. Phosphorus trails were lighting up. Raising my binoculars, I focused on twin trails streaming through the waters on an intercept course with my ship. About twelve feet apart and with the left hand one leading the other, I watched intensely. These trails of color were traveling at high speed and unforgiving from their course.
Stepping back from the steel enclosure of the lookout wing I leaned against the open window to the bridge and called for the office of the watch. Pointing at the fast approaching wakes he raised his binoculars to see what had me backed up against the bridge. My mind was racing with only one thought - torpedoes!
Disappearing back in the dim lit bridge, the officer of the watch left me alone - alone to die. To suffer in silence the fiery ball of death I was certain would come. Knowing that my death was immanent and with no place to go, I walked to edge of the wing and watched as the two trails hit their mark. The phosphorus disappeared and as I held my breath, two explosions of water appeared near the bow. They were dolphins! I almost pissed myself! Christ, that scared the shit out of me! I know I laughed when I saw them but with that was a rush of emotions I find hard to explain even to this day. Death did truly come to great me that night and with his arm firmly around my shoulder, he lead me down that path into darkness. I know that bugger was laughing as he left my side. Trust me when I say that I have never watched porpoises or dolphins without thinking of that night.
So what is the point of my tale? Just that from that night, I have built countless tales. Ones of battle, of survival and ones even of romance. Think of the endless opportunities presented to me that night. Stories even yet to be told! Countless stories! These are the things in life that I reflect on. Whether it be from fear or from exhilaration - we can use these events to our advantage. I know I do. I will have to admit though, I have a sweet spot for romance and even out of the depths of terror, a little love can always be shinning through. Ahhww... but alas, that is a tale for yet another day. A tale of the young girl waiting for me back at home port. The one my mind flashed to moments before my death. The one who was not my fiance'e.
Trip...
Thursday, 2 February 2012
Welcome to my blog!
Welcome everyone to the brand new blog of Trip Williams! I guess that would be me. :-) I have been doing a lot of thinking about what I should, or may want to, blog about. After all, this is really a conversation between you and me. That said, I think that I will be starting off with letting you folks learn a little about me!
So often, I hear people saying that you need to keep your life quiet - don't say anything about who you are. For me, I would rather that we get to know each other just a little bit. Even though this is a little one sided, I sure don't mind sharing some of my life with you. I figure it this way; if you get to know me better, you will understand my writing just a titch bit more and maybe, just maybe..., relate a bit to what I'm saying. Sound fair enough?
I plan to be blogging about twice a week and yeah, I won't always be boring you with the minuscule things that I find hilarious, but you may not. I'll be doing guest blogs, posts from things that I feel are interesting and so forth. I will try my best to NOT bore you or get engaged in any religion or politics. Even though I can be very politically motivated and yes... quite opinionated at times. But THAT is just me being me!
So, welcome aboard and I hope you drop by, leave comments and have a good time!
Cheers!
Trip...
So often, I hear people saying that you need to keep your life quiet - don't say anything about who you are. For me, I would rather that we get to know each other just a little bit. Even though this is a little one sided, I sure don't mind sharing some of my life with you. I figure it this way; if you get to know me better, you will understand my writing just a titch bit more and maybe, just maybe..., relate a bit to what I'm saying. Sound fair enough?
I plan to be blogging about twice a week and yeah, I won't always be boring you with the minuscule things that I find hilarious, but you may not. I'll be doing guest blogs, posts from things that I feel are interesting and so forth. I will try my best to NOT bore you or get engaged in any religion or politics. Even though I can be very politically motivated and yes... quite opinionated at times. But THAT is just me being me!
So, welcome aboard and I hope you drop by, leave comments and have a good time!
Cheers!
Trip...
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