“Everyone has a contribution to make.”
cover images from the One Life to Live collection at unsplash
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adapted score and 2013 Song of the Year nominee
Rise of the Dynasty Overture
by Canadian Composer Renan Javier
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ONE LIFE TO LIVE
by Kendall F. Person
One Until we stop, we have no idea how tall we will grow. Until we quit, the sky remains the limit on high we can soar. Until we wake up, how do we know that the world has not stopped. And until we die, we will never know how long we will live. Chance may be a bettor’s sport, one we wish not to play, but even though we live separate lives, we are all in the same game.
A drunken driver may tempt chance, that they are feeling fine, while we are travelling on the road, excited to get back home. Obeying every traffic rule, clean and sober still, hands on nine and three, safety belt secure. One mile till the off ramp and only four blocks from there, but our game collides with the drunken driver and in an instant, ghosts appear. There are aspects we cannot control.
But we can control our internal vision, the self inside with goals and ambitions, the person who believes in goodness and in salvation, the one who comprehends that all men are created equal, the thinking being that understands, freewill accounts for our differences and respect allows for our understanding. And if we smile in the mirror, the smiling face we see, delivers visual confirmation, that our prayers have been answered, delivering the strength the day will need.
We embrace motivational speeches and enjoy the sound of care free quotes and movies with happy endings, but most days come equipped with an agenda: children to raise and bills to pay and obligations that must be met, forcing our external reality to be at odds with our inner self. A tug of war is not an option. We feel the peace of our internal vision, slip back into its slumber, and we cannot chase it to where it is going, because we are already late for work. Peace turns into disillusion, which morphs into blame, then finds comfort in anger. We falsely believe we have been abandoned, so the external forces begin to bombard us, and we give way to our differences, spending precious moments filled with rage and standing in judgement of one another, and all the while, the clock never stops ticking and chipping away at our one life to live.
The day ends and we have made no progress on our dreams nor have we given our internal vision a larger role. But until the world stops spinning or the sun falls out of the sky or our Higher Power declares His vengeance or chance zeroes in on us, the morning arrives and our inner vision will awaken, another chance to follow and become the person we are inside. Not perfect nor a blissful euphoric, but one that fills external obligations, while not succumbing, but the one that believes world peace is possible, and we are never to old to chase dreams and make new friends. We have the wisdom to understand who we are – a small but intricate piece of humanity – and each place we find ourselves, in the pews of our churches or in houses of strangers, we try to make a contribution toward peace. In every precious free moment of this one life we have to live, listen to our internal vision, the one that sees the beauty in everything. One
– this is…. The Neighborhood
Recommended: The Review: One Life to Live by C.J. Leger
Unsplash One Life to Live collection and links to artists
shadow in trancoso by Jussaro Romao, Rio De Janeiro
cagliari 2017 by Nicola Fioravante, Universe
catching the sun by Sam Headland, Oxfordshire England
moody by Denise Johnson, Riverton Utah
valle del cocora silhouette by Deivid Saenz, Madrid Spain
sunset by Steve Halama, Billings Montana
reading with magnifying glass by Jao Silas, Cianorte Brazil
If you live in or around Tampa or Montreal, or visiting or such a strong connection, that somehow you will find a way. For the championship, anyone can play, because it’s not about the individual, it’s about the places we call home.
Submission Deadline Nov 24 by 11:59pm EST
for more info, please visit CITIES in the menu or email contact@thepublicblogger.com or join your team via facebook or google+
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Your one time donations or continual; from $1.00 to what your value and comfort dictates, you are appreciated very much. The name says Kendall F. Person, but the The Neighborhood is what you are supporting. (big smile)
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What does it mean to you?
this is... The Neighborhood 
Pingback: Kendall F. Person’s Inspiration – Laurie Woodward
Your words inspire. Thank you Kendall. I’m reblogging this one!
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Reblogged this on wwwpalfitness.
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I loved reading it. You’re truly inspirational!
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Soothing poetic beauty!
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So good to know you enjoyed the show. And thank you for adding your. You are appreciated.
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First time here is time to consider and will comment upon return when the thought has truly solidified. I certainly did enjoy this visit. Thank-you.
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I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Welcome to The Neighborhood
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“In every precious free moment of this one life we have to live, listen to our internal vision, the one that sees the beauty in everything.”
It’s so easy to forget this, it seems, when we’re faced with the everyday rituals of bills and obligations, as you have said. But you’ve found the essential reason we should listen to the internal vision in our head because it’s through our dreams we may see the beauty of what is possible and with a fair amount of luck and a ridiculous amount of work possibly bring that vision into reality and make the world a better place. I would say writers like yourself are a prop for people to be reminded of how to model their lives, which is why reading is important. Anyway, I’m rambling, thanks for the post. It’s made me sentimental again, briefly.
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Never a rambler here. You are free to express your emotions, for others to hear. It not only stimulates dialogue, but reminds others with similar challenges or thoughts, that we are not alone. So good to see you in The Neighborhood.
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Great ‘write’ Kendall. Thy will be done. Stimulating title as well! Thank you.
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Inspiration is circular. If I have given it you at some point, you have just given it back to me. Thank you for your kind words. So good to have you in The Neighborhood.
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Very poetic. Your words have depth and this reaches out immensely. Thank you.
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Words like yours from people like you motivate me to do more, to try harder. Thank you. So glad you are a part of The Neighborhood.
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Really digging this. Touches on a vast amount of key points.
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Frankie – One Life to LIve was an emotional one for me. It makes us ever so more sweet that you are feeling it too. Thank you for adding your voice and welcome to The Neighborhood. You are need here.
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Thanks Ken. Hope to view more.
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Hi, this piece is great!!! Am I allowed to quote your work in a book i am working on???
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So glad you enjoyed One Life to Live. Quoting work that carries a copyright is totally okay as long as you follow proper protocol. I am honored. Welcome to The Neighborhood.
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Beautifully written. I couldn’t agree more. I often imagine coming to the end of my life and looking back over what I’ve done and I want those remembrances to be ones of embracing and promoting peace.
Keep up the good fight! We need voices like yours.
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Reblogged this on How do we feed the world's starving?.
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Pingback: Our Featured Presentation: City of Dynamite | Kendall F. Person, thepublicblogger
This was a good piece. It sorta reminds me of the story in the bible of Jesus visiting Mary and Martha. Mary is focused on spirituality and Martha is caring for the guests hurried and worn from the stress. Both aspects are needed and yet Jesus indicates Mary chose the better role.
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Very very deep. I enjoyed this one very much. Going to read it again.
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Talk about motivation speeches.
We have our idealistic thoughts and world views and then there is the reality of the world. Living in your innerself with too much idealism will get you nowhere, but that idealism should remain since a healthy balance between idealism and realism can be a way to achieve great things in the world and maybe one day world peace, difficult though, but why give up on that dream.
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I often say, that while I may present a topic, the real wisdom, and knowledge and sharing can be found down here. Thank you, old friend, for adding your voice. You are always appreciated.
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I did a Review on your piece for my readers on CJLeger I enjoyed this very much and recommended it a few people.
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I am finding words difficult to come by after reading your review of One Life to Live. It felt like a magical experience, that you were not talking about me. But you were and then I felt humbled, unlike I have ever felt before. I have only understood for a short time, how to best use my gift of words. And your review led me to a journey of discovery that I did not know I still had left. You are and will always be appreciated, C.J. Leger.
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Never stray from your gift, for it is given to very few people during the course of history. I am glad you liked my review. I look forward to reading more from you.
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Pingback: Review: One Life to LIve on The Public Blogger | C. J. Leger
Beautiful. Especially love the last line. And again great music.
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Your kind words, as always, are appreciated very much. You will hear from composer Renan Javier again. He is one of the collaborating artists on City of Dynamite and ‘Destiny Awaits’ will add the score, helping to bring the show to life. I will pass on to Renan, your good words.
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Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
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Reblogged this on This Twisted Fantasy Life and commented:
I just read this piece and I must say that I was truly moved. I had posted earlier about chasing my dreams and this post was practically a sign telling me to, “Go forth and achieve my dreams”. I have only started blogging last week and am already finding it to be an empowering resource in my life. These words following along to the pieces of my emotions, thoughts, and goals. Can’t wait to read more. Enjoy loves!
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It is always so endearing, when a visitor wanders into The Neighborhood and makes themselves at home. Thank you for adding your voice and personal story to this forum, you have discovered that this is a safe place. Welcome to The Neighborhood and I wish you all the best as you find your way within your blog.
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This is so inspiring. I’m honored to have my blog followed by you. I have been making major life changes and enjoy the aspect of motivational signs that the inexplicable universe has to offer. I wish you the best of luck and hope to work with you one day in the future. Peace.
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I am so sorry that I am just responding. Thank you for your beautiful words and I am honored to have you follow me as well. Welcome to The Neighborhood.
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Being able to live in Peace & some Serenity gives the opportunity to help others and be KIND along the way! Great Post Kendall. At first when I read “One Live To Live” I thought, “Oh no, Kendall is addicted to Soap Opera’s”!!! LOL.
Good Post!
Catherine
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Hello Catherine. Always good to see you. I am of the soap opera generation, I was in high school/college when General Hospital swept the nation. While their lives were overtopped and steeped in drama, the allure may have been that no matter what happened, they survived and came back from whatever the scriptwriters threw at them. And because soap operas were a 5-day a week show, and characters could last for decades, there was a bond, a reason to root, because in some cases, they were just like us. Thank you for adding your voice. You are appreciated.
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Thanks Kendall,
I love being a part of your Neighborhood! Oh YES, General Hospital!! Luke, Laura, and the Gorgeous “Rick Springfield”!! OOO LA LA!!
*Cat*
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Man, you are a talented writer, Kendall. This hit me on a very, spiritual level. There was a span of 6 months I spent reading the Bible religiously. I would just open it up and read a few passages, spending the day contemplating what they meant. I’ll tell you, those were the most peaceful 6 months of my life to date.
when you talk about recognizing the beauty in everything, it’s true. No matter what or who I saw, I could see just a hint of beauty, and people noticed the difference in me. It was great, I felt great. That tells me I need to do that again. 🙂
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Lisa – I often say that I am humbled by the platform I have been given and when I write, I understand that the neighbors, visitors and guest do listen, so I try to use my gift of words, not simply to entertainer {although I consider myself a performer} but within this all-inclusive forum, even if there is a disagreement, each knows my intent is to provoke-thought, start a discussion, and spread the word of peace. Thank you for adding your personal story and for understanding that The Neighborhood belongs to you. While I may introduce a topic, the wisdom, knowledge, sharing and caring often takes place down here. Thank you and please have a beautiful weekend.
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You too. It’s always nice to exchange words and thoughts with you. Keep up the great work!
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Thank you…
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You are very welcome. Thank you for adding your voice and welcome to The Neighborhood.
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