Mustang GT, 1987

   
   "Mustang GT, 1987"
  
   My step-daddy had one of these babies, way back when I was in the 9th grade; specifically, it was a special treat to be taken to school everyday in quicksilver cool.  Mustang redesigning after 1986; plus, adding a fuel-injection system.  Here are some basics about this wild pony:
   
302 Cubic Inches--a Five Liter, what the call on the street:  A 5.0!!!

225 Horses.

300 lb-ft torque--and all that power to the wheels pinned you back in the seat, totally.

0-60:  6.3 Seconds.

Quarter Mile:  Around 14 Seconds.

Top Speed:  148, and it could hold it with 8-Cylinder persistence.  

Joan of Arc and rising from the ashes

   
   "Joan of Arc and rising from the ashes"
   
   Mark Twain stated that the only book he put any "real work" into was his biography on Saint Joan of Arc, which was written before her canonization in 1920. 
   He mentioned that she needed no sword practice, for a Divine Spirit was within her, which would animate her every move on the field of battle.  Like a ninja--she knew what to do, before it had to be done.  A distracted opponent is a weak opponent, and what is more distracting than a beautiful girl in combat?  There is no situation that you cannot escape from, even when being tortured to death.  Put your spirit in the Hands of a Merciful God--wend your lovely way to His Unearthly Palace of Peace; moreover, picture the angels, the saints, horses running free, for the Kingdom of God is within you.
   And like the mythical bird, the Phoenix, Saint Joan has risen, gifting her soldier-like skills to the weak and downtrodden.  All we can do is protect those we love.  Our country, our friends, and yes--even our adversaries.  Send them doves and eagles in your prayers, so that they soar high above the Earth, and have the wisdom to picture the truth of All things.
   But like Jack Burton says:  "Never can tell."  Or can you?   

Right To Life

   
   "Right To Life"
   
   There's this guy I know, and at one point in his young life he was bleeding to death--nothing would stop it; moreover, in the middle of the night, the nurse came in to check his vitals, and she cruelly said:  "If I was in your condition, I'd know it was my time to go."  Yet the dandy dude fought through it, and thrived a bit.  
   We are asleep concerning the suffering.  The sick and elderly, or anyone dubbed a "burden" to society still has the right to live.  A RIGHT is a moral claim; moreover, we do not claim death, but death claims us.  And there have been many times when this "dude" has prayed to die, yet as the Man Upstairs says:  "To Me belongs vengeance and recompense."
   Saint Francis was disgusted by lepers.  He had an overpowering phobia concerning them; nevertheless, he conquered his aversion and kissed a leper.  People need touch.  A baby trapped in an incubator, alone and without the breasts of his mother has no touch.  And Christ does touch us by way of the Eucharist.  We all need positive touch.
   Many caretakers have abused patients.  Have cackled and shown violent and macabre images to them, or professed their readings of Christ's adversary; plus, much worse.
   Even though Merlin was paradoxically spawned, being born of both mortal and demon, as lore and legend go--he still conquered his passions and assisted Arthur and his gallant knights in their search for the Holy Grail; indeed, all life is special, and any soul can accept the light; otherwise, the alternative seems a bit vacuous.   

1970 Plymouth Barracuda (Big Block)

   
   "1970 Plymouth Barracuda (Big Block)"
   
   The Barracuda is not just a monstrous muscle car--much more; specifically, a salt water fish, found in tropical and sub-tropical oceans; plus, in a metaphysical sense--it fuels aggressive feelings and offers sincere courage, just like the awesome automobile, and now:  the specs and performance levels of this well-respected muscle machine--off we wend:

426 Cubic Inches.

Horses:  425.

Torque:  490 lb-ft.

0-60:  5.6 Seconds.

Quarter Mile Sprint:  13.5 Seconds @ 105 Miles-Per-Hour.  

Crystalline Cool (5)

   
   "Crystalline Cool (5)"
  
   Sitting on a comfy couch out in their rural backyard, a little red on their necks, but not drinking Mountain Dew--Duncan and his Dad started having a little talk.  His Dad igniting it all, as the twosome and Roadkill, the adopted Golden Retriever looked up into the celestial night, admiring the luminosity of the sparkling heavens--Dad saying:  "I'm proud of what's inside of you Duncan.  Heck, you couldn't even speak until you were four years-old--that speech pathologist was an angel I'm telling ya.  And then, you got fat on life, chasing girls, questioning everything, nervous as an innocent bird on a hot tin roof, yet you found your solace and refuge in the Lord.  And I'm inspired by your work ethic, no matter that it pays crap--you just give me 15% of your earnings and I'll put it in a fund for you.  Who cares if the community mocks your lack of being controlled by the fallen, gelling with an American Dream that is forged on damning the determination of the magnanimous, which seems deranged to those in pursuit of the brass ring.  And I'm a damn patriot kid."
   Duncan changed the subject:  "Dad--there's this girl named Aimee.  She works at the local burger joint in town.  Anyway, I can sense her interest in me, and she's blonde, which for some innate reason makes me crave her glowing laughter.  Should I ask her out?"
   His Dad chuckled with a cowboy's snort on a smoky cigar, saying:  "If it brings peace to you, and you never become more attached than to what is correct in life--go for it kid."
   Duncan gave Roadkill a heavy petty atop the dog's head, and the noble beast nuzzled in close to his friendship.  

1970 Buick GSX Stage 1

   "1970 Buick GSX Stage 1"
   
   Usually appearing a canary-like yellow, the 1970 Buick GSX Stage 1 sings with unearthly power and privileged potency.  Not to get too metaphysical about this bird, but the Canary Totem fuels the ability to feel and express emotions--and boy, does this big block sing on the blacktop.  Here are some specs and performance levels from this Classic vehicle--here we go:
  
455 Cubic Inches--total 8-Cylinder.

Horsepower:  Listed at 360; however, more in the range between 415 to 425.

510 pounds-foot of torque--imagine all that power going to the wheels!!!

Hurst 4-Speed Manual.

0-60:  5.5 Seconds.

Quarter Mile:  13.38 Seconds.

Top Speed:  Never can tell, but I bet she could hold 144 for a protracted period.  

Crystalline Cool (4)

   
   "Crystalline Cool (4)"
   
   Duncan's Dad surprised him at their humble habitat by driving his son's gift onto the gravel driveway--it was a rusty, old El Camino, which means:  Royal Road, or the King's Highway; moreover, in the back of the counterpoised automobile, it being pure balance due to being a truck and a car simultaneously, was a Golden Retriever armed with nothing but gregarious glee and fortune's fidelity, though a dog needs a frisbee toss here and there--gotta play sometimes, but never too hard, for devotion trumps regalement.
   Duncan was soooo happy that he immediately embraced his father after the old man exited the cool vehicle, touch being so grand, offering healing and the best positive energy, as Christ touches us by way of the Eucharist.
   Next, Duncan ran to the back of the El Camino, and the large Golden Retriever jumped into his arms, as if axiomatically knowing his new best friend; furthermore, there were licks of love and slobbers of sublimity.  The twosome danced and played in the pastoral parts of where they did reside, and Old Dad lit up a cigar, blowing his prayers and thanks to God, the Lord always hovering above, watching our every move and innermost actions.