There were, however, literally dozens of “Saint Valentines.” The name was awarded to martyrs by the early Catholic Church, meaning very simply, that the man was worthy to be a saint.

Arguments have been made that Valentine’s Day was never a holiday of any sort, until the writings of Geoffry Chaucer, after which, it began to appear in many works of fiction.

Valentine is generally regarded as the patron saint of lovers, thus the holiday.

So there you have it. A very brief, and fairly uninformative generalization about this day’s festivities. Either way, if you’ve got someone, hold on to them. But, what do I know? I just listen.

Jack.
I Listen.
Saint Valentine

Way off-topic.

I lied. It’s not a story at all.

What is it? It’s a call.

This was brought on by a post my Mexican brother, Renato, sent me sometime late last night. It was a story of love, and loss, of pride, and attitude. Please, just read it yourself. Fair warning. It is slightly graphic. But it’s goddamned beautiful.

What Renato made me think of with that post is not something I can really even begin to explain. But, being the cocky bastard that I am, I’m gonna fucking try.

It reminded me of something I had forgotten. Something that I am afraid Renato may have forgotten by the end of that post. I hope not.

I had forgotten everything that got me where I am today. Some people might call it vanity or pride. Some people might say an undeserved sense of self worth. What I am getting at is attitude. I have always believed that my stories are meant to be read, by sanction of god, or satan, or odin, or zues, or who gives a fuck. I’ve always had a feeling deep inside me that what I am doing is right. No matter what anyone had to say about it. That I was walking that golden path that so many before me have walked.

Is it pride? Sure. Is it vanity? You’re damned right. Is it undeserved? Go fuck yourself.

The attitude that we own this. That we belong. That we are meant for far greater things. It doesn’t matter if we are wrong, because this is the only attitude that ever changes the world. Some will fall, some will rise. It matters not.

Change is brought on by the cocky bastards out there. Do the world a favor, and buy one of us a beer. We’re easy to spot. Look for the guy that has absolutely no right to be dancing with the best looking girl in the bar. Look for the lead singer that takes all of the drinks the crowd offers up, and still doesn’t fuck up a song. Look for the guy surrounded by empty beer glasses and notepads that everyone stops to talk to and buy a beer for.

Look for us. If we are not screaming for attention, we are drowning in despair. We will be remembered, because we will not settle for less.

We spot each other with a word. We are brothers.

Jack
I Listen.

I listen better if that’s a six pack in that grocery bag.

Seems my Dream Catcher is getting those nasty thetans for me. No more auditing.

-Loki.
Yeah, I’m listening.

[EDIT - ADDITION - 02.21.08 01:32AM]

As a journalist and self purported religious scholar, it is time I made a stand on this. Take this however you like. I love writing and I love religious freedom. You are breeding intolerance and hate, and chopping all kinds of freedoms down. When a man or a group messes with freedoms, it cannot be allowed. We have here established Rights, as everyman does. These tell us our freedoms. One of those is Speech. In fact, the other 9 don’t even count if we don’t get free speech. Think about that. Also instead of litigating, try fucking talking to people. You think the Pope sues everyone that ever says anything bad about Catholicism? No. You have no right by United States law, other than those 10 as people. Tell us why were are wrong. Show us the ‘gift’ of your ‘religion.’

People have already said that by stating the above, I have shot myself in the face. Prove them wrong. Give me a real answer.

Loki.
I’m Listening.

I hope to start regular posts again soon, so stay on the lookout. Also, I will be starting a new blog shortly, with multiple contributors, in the ezine style. I am currently looking for writers who would be interested in contributing on a regular basis. Contact me via the form…

Writers should review this blog and share the same writing interests that I have expressed within.

[contact-form]

I saw this picture and had to share. For all the ferret lovers out there. I miss my Keller-Monster!

-Loki.

If you are easily offended, overly religious, or anywhere close to either of those two, DO NOT CLICK THIS LINK.

Pat Condell is a comedian whose material is based on the current state of religion and politics.

This man is a genius, even though he’s only pointing out what should be common sense.

-Loki.

-Loki.

It’s very confusing lately. Do you ever get that feeling that you really need to do something that matters? Anyone have any suggestions on how to approach that?

-Loki.