Lando Calrissian and Redemption

   
   "Lando Calrissian and Redemption"
   
   Even the late, great General Schwarzkopf Jr. said that Lando betrayed Han Solo; however, when you possibly have Boba Fett's disintegration blaster and Darth Vader's powers of the Dark Side at your throat; next, there's not much of a choice--or is there?
   Regardless, Lando shows us redemption, displaying a heroic attitude in the rescue of his old buddy Han.  Plus, the deleted Tatooine sandstorm scene from Return of the Jedi possibly offers further illumination into Lando's apology to Han; furthermore, Han forgives Lando, allowing him to pilot the Millennium Falcon during a raid on the second Death Star. 
   What does this teach us?  Christ might wisely state:  "When your brother sins against you--rebuke him.  But if he asks for forgiveness many times; then, forgive him."  
   Lando, that scoundrel and gambler, turned out to be a pretty cool guy.   

Margaret of Castello

   
   "Margaret of Castello"
   
   Date of birth and corporeal death:  1287 - 1320.
   
   Margaret of Castello was birthed blind, having a severe curvature of the spine, difficulty walking; moreover, was a dwarf.  Her parents basically incarcerated her for 13 years so no one could see her unsettling disabilities.  However, they journeyed with her to a Franciscan Church, where miracles were reported, yet when no cure came--they abandoned her.
  The poor took her in; furthermore, Margaret learned and loved the Book of PSALMS, living in prayer and charity.  She ultimately joined a religious order.
   In 1558 her coffin was found rotted.  Yet when opened, her body was perfectly preserved.  She was Beatified by the Catholic Church and is considered the Patron Saint of the poor, disabled, and unwanted.  What a truly gallant tale, her never getting angry over her condition, but suffering alongside Christ our Lord.  

1984 Lotus Esprit S3

   
   "1984 Lotus Esprit S3"
  
   While residing in Little Rock in them metal music days, where the beloved Hogs will always be constantly called, I used to follow a 1980's Lotus to the gym on my motorcycle when I was an adolescent, into the belief that muscles made a tough guy, which of course is not true for the redneck scrapper, him fueled by spirit alone.  Anyway, here are some specs for the 1984 Lotus Esprit S3--this version more prominent in Europe.
  
RWD with manual 5-Speed gearbox.

120.2 Cubic Inches, though I may be a bit thrown off by the Metric System.

Cylinder Alignment:  Line 4.

2 Carburetors.

160 horsepower.

160 lb-ft torque.

Still, the performance is uncanny--like this:

0-60:  6.7 Seconds.

Quarter Mile:  Around 15 Seconds.  

Top Speed:  138 Miles-Per-Hour.    

Crystalline Cool (6)

   
   "Crystalline Cool (6)"
   
   Duncan had followed his father's advice, knowing the intercession of a truly wise patriarch was necessary at most times; therefore, he asked Aimee out on a date.  Nothing fancy, just a banana malt and some french fries with sea salt.  She agreed with a toothy smile.  Duncan returned her bright smile with a halfway, Han Solo grin.
   He filled up the rusty El Camino with a half-tank of gas--all he could afford, and a tear rolled down his cheek as he left Roadkill at home, wanting to bring the holy hound, but thinking it the wiser to allow for Aimee and him to sweetly gel on their first rendezvous before being accompanied by his canine companion.  
   She lived in a trailer, and had cats.  He sneezed a few times when she got inside his cool vehicle, her wearing jeans covered in feline fur, and a conservative gray sweater--her blonde mane flowing downwards upon her angelically curved shoulders, and when she looked at him with her emerald green eyes, he melted softly like Frosty the Snowman always did at the end of his animated life.
   They cruised the pastoral settings of their rural poverty, finding a SONIC, and ordering very meekly.  Within the counterpoise of car and truck, the twosome talked not politics nor religion, but got into the vibe of sports.  Aimee was a big baseball fan, and so alive with glee that the two teams chosen for the World Series were the Cubs and Indians.  She stated:  "Baseball is calm and charming Duncan.  So darn charming."  

Intercession by way of Saint Joan of Arc

   
   "Intercession by way of Saint Joan of Arc"
   
   Here is an invocation to a great Saint, alive in Christ, misunderstood on Earth, accused of witchcraft and cross-dressing, burned to less than smithereens, yet so alive--so alive!!!

* * * *

To Saint Joan of Arc

In the face of your enemies, in the face of harassment, ridicule, and doubt, you held firm in your faith.  Even in your own abandonment, alone and without friends, you held firm in your faith.  Even as you faced your own mortality, you held firm in your faith.  I pray that I may be as bold in my beliefs as you, Saint Joan.  I ask that you ride alongside me in my own battles.  Help me be mindful that what is worthwhile can be won when I persist.  Help me hold firm in my faith.  Help me believe in my ability to act well and wisely.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit--Amen.     

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?