this is… The Neighborhood
the Story within the Story
THE FEAR INSIDE WHEN THERE IS NOTHING TO HIDE
“Fear defeats more people than any other one thing in the world.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
∞∞∞
Why do we call the lion king of all beasts? It is not because he is the strongest. There are many animals in the wild kingdom, that would crush him, but they do not eat meat. It is not because he is the most ferocious. Polar bears and the great white shark would devour him. They simply do not exist on the same turf. And by no means, is he the most deadly. Legend has it, that one sting from the box jellyfish, has its victims screaming, long after they have passed out. And the mantle for the most murderous, certainly belongs to man. But the lion: It is factual, once the former king is overthrown, the new ruler will kill all cubs of the vanquished leader – in cold blood, no less. But even this brutal form of infanticide is based upon reason. The females of the pride, become of heat, leading to an obsessive mating ritual, offering assurances of survival of the species, as the stronger lions’ genes are passed down.
Lions are king because they fear not a thing, and thus have no secrets to keep. When a coalition crosses the clearly marked barrier into a rival’s territory, every lion in the pride knows exactly what hell they bring. A 2000 pound, full grown male buffalo either runs or stands his ground and prepares to fight, for a lion does not hide the fact he is hungry, and nor is he timid about announcing what he intends to eat.
No secrets. No lies. No skeletons hidden in the jungles, so to speak. And yet, in spite of constant warfare over territory and lineage; a never ending hunt for food, tormented by relentless droughts, and a ruthless rivalry with the laughing hyenas, the lion still rules.
The Fear Inside When There is Nothing Too Hide
by Kendall F. Person
Further up the food chain, in fact, at the very top, stands the homo sapiens, more commonly known as man. Minds so complex, we have no idea what we will think up next. Hearts so warm and caring, strangers will raise another man’s child, we call them step-parents. Family bonds so strong, love flows through bloodlines, enduring us to kin, that we have never laid eyes upon. Bravery within our soldiers. Nurturing are our mothers. Our teachers are sharing, volunteers are caring, spirits, daring and our bodies conquer mind-boggling feats.
We are not a perfect species, not by any stretch. While our minds snap and our hearts break. Our bones crack and bodies decay, but, as in the wild, nature must take its course and does not describe the imperfections of man. Imperfections are found deep within. Hidden inside closets that contain no key. It belongs to no evil force, because I believe, most humans are of goodwill. Nor is it the decay of society, since wars and societal differences are clearly defined in whichever history book we find most trusting. The root cause of dysfunction is the fear of shame.
Shame of losing our fortunes lead healthy, productive men to jump from skyscrapers. Shame of being hungry, so we steal, rather than ask our neighbor to break bread. And shame of our addictions, so we live in dysfunction, rather than seeking help. We tell lies about our bruises, for fear of what our neighbors will think. We create personas of who we are, because we are ashamed of who we be. We hide our sexuality and suffocate inside some closet, We purge documents, instead of admitting to our mistakes. We make false allegations to save face, and turn our back on the innocent, paying for our mistake, We cheat on our spouses, rather than work on an unhappy marriage. Then we take all of our secrets, and bury them real deep. Then turn our perceived shortcomings around, and judge others for not being perfect like me. Gossip in the tabloids, sales like hotcakes. Shock and awe is our reaction, but inside we know, our worlds are challenged with the exact same things.
There once walked a man – I speak only of my belief, no stones thrown or doubts cast at those of a different faith – who lived in a glass house. He held no secrets, and agenda was transparent. So secrets turned lies where concocted about Him. Sincerity in the non-belief or overpowered by their own secrets of shame, of which He can to release?
No reason to fear what is inside, for we have nothing more to hide… then thy neighbor..
∞∞∞
Falling Star: Send in the Clown – 3rd Stage Fall
Please welcome VVS Stone & Fiq performing Moving On the Official A Star is Born theme song.
A Star is Born – Round Three An All Around Artist
*******
Falling Star
*******
*******
Send in the Clown
Updated in real time
12:45 PM PST
The Decision Stands
H-Y Loco you have one final reprieve. As holders of the Silver Chase, Rebecca Lemke and Oscar Plascencia are now your last shimmer of hope. (Updated in real time at 1:00 PM PST)
*******
Updated in real time
1:00 PM PST
The Decision Stands
H-Y Loco has been thrown from the stage
A Star is Born – An All Around Artist
Good evening. My name is Kendall F. Person and I will be your host. The 8 remaining Artists also known as the 2015 Best Performance of the Year Nominees, were given a more difficult challenge this week, and were backdoor-ed into it, as a matter of fact (big smile). As artists, once we have learned, perfected and mastered our craft, we find that we become better attuned in understanding the other genres of The Arts.
As they trailed in one by one into the Backstage Access Room, they were asked a general but pointed question: What is the one genre of The Arts, that you are unfamiliar with but would like to become more studied in?
Tonight’s performances are raw, unedited and created under the pressure of a timer in a discipline of the arts that they may or may not have ever practiced….. until now.
Without further adieu….. An All Around Artist
Complexity Scale based on level of difficulty
and Artists’ experience within genre.
1 – Highest
8- Lowest
*******
Digital Photographer Summer Rose
City:Sacramento
Discipline Given: Sculpture
Complexity Scale: 1 (highest)
“I am a person who loves plays and works deeply
so everything I do is based on my feelings my heart”
The photo of me and my boyfriend is it. He is one of the most important things in my life and a lot of what I do is for him
Humorist Ned Hickson
City: Florence OR
Discipline Given: Poetry
Complexity Scale: 8
*****
The River’s Edge
by Ned Hickson
At the river’s edge
reflections swept away
by the current
from the current to the past
the eddies of yesterday
Where choices once made
upon life’s changing tides
often return
from a distant ocean
where memory resides
To drown in its stillness
or emerge from the swell?
In salty gasps
and choking,
most choose never to tell
Remaining on the surface
by just letting go
trusting to float
while drifting
above the darkness below
Back to the same spot
to make the same pledge
about moving on
while forever standing
at the river’s edge…
Oscar Alejandro Plascencia
City: La Puente CA
Discipline Given: Drawing
Complexity Scale: 2
*****
GUARDIAN OF LOVE
© 2015 Oscar Alejandro Plascencia
She comes from the cerulean depths
With golden halo on her head
To guard your heart with every breath
And fight for Love until the death
So when you feel your fear rescind
It is her love come on the wind
Some say she comes only at night
While others say only in Spring
She’ll stoke the fires burning bright
Within your heart and make it sing
But if you fail to believe
She’ll spread her wings and take her leave
Charles Okpere
City: Lagos Nigeria
Discipline Given: Photo Essay
Complexity Scale: 6
*******
Rebecca Lemke
City: Lahoma OK
Discipline Given: Videology
Complexity Scale: 5
*******
H-Y Loco, Hip Hop/R&B
City: Sacramento
Discipline Given: Photo Essay
Complexity Scale: 7
*******
Anew(Duo), Contemporary Gospel
City: Chicago
Discipline Given: Short Film
Complexity Scale: 3
*******
Kelly Lewis, Poet
City: Los Angeles
Discipline Given: Songwriting
Complexity Scale: 4
Chasing the Dream
Written by: Kelly Lewis
Performed by: John Akers
When you can’t wait any longer to figure it out
Or for someone else to show you around
Cause all you have is right here and now
You don’t know how, but make that vow
Keep chasing the dream
Of who you’re meant to be
Stumble alone through defeated crowds
Pour your bleeding heart out, loud
Fight to standout and get it all down
With both feet on the ground get lost within the sound
Keep chasing the dream
Of who you’re meant to be
Raise your voice above the noise
Working hard to tear down and destroy
The fantasy of living reality
Of who you’re destined to be
VOTE Polls close 10/26 @ 10:00 AM PST
Star Fin an original animated short
“Every artists shall shine brightly,
but as 2015 slowly fades,
only one can stake their claim.”
– Author Yelle Hughes
*******
created by Kendall F. Person, thepublicblogger
A Star is Born – Solo Performances
*******
Greetings and welcome to Round 2 of A Star is Born, where we hope to bring you the best in Solo Performances by the 9 remaining nominees for Best Performance of the Year. My name is Kendall F. Person and I am your host. You are currently listening to still the same by Sacramento’s K33ng T. Enjoy the show and please, do not forget to vote for your 3 favorite performers. And without further adieu, let us meet the actual stars of the show.
*******
Ned Hickson, Humor
Florence Oregon
Ned Hickson and the Florence Oregon volunteer firefighters
There’s nothing funny about being a firefighter. Mostly.
In addition to being a humor columnist, I’m also a volunteer firefighter. I have tried hard to separate my two pursuits because, let’s face it: Who wants to go into a burning building with someone who writes about glow-in-the-dark mice?
As I’ve discovered, this is a little like trying to separate marshmallows using a blow torch; the longer you keep at it, the more they blend together. The truth is, once the emergency is over, firefighters are funny — which is why, after five years, many of them are still asking, “Why haven’t you written about being a firefighter yet?” So to all of you, I say: You asked for it.
Before we get started, here are some actual terms we use which, in spite of how they sound, have nothing to do with Internet searches:
Reverse lay * Cross lay * Double female * Minute man * Hard suction * Straight stream * Flashover lap dance
Ok, fine. I made that last one up. For any of you who thought otherwise, while disappointed, I think it illustrates why I might need to seek a higher class of readership.
People often ask, “Why would anyone would want to run into a burning building?”
The simple answer is that firefighters are just like anyone else: Unless we are trying to avoid going to a Twilight movie marathon, we don’t want to run into a burning structure either. However, there is an inherent trait all firefighters have in common, which is a need to respond to a crisis and help people, even if it means putting themselves at risk for the protection of others.
To ensure we are trained and physically capable of handling any type of emergency, firefighters must complete a special academy designed to teach the skills they need, as well as test their physical agility and endurance. This is accomplished through intensive hands-on training, live drills and nearly 100 hours of class time studying all seven seasons of Rescue Me.
Ha Ha Ha! Just kidding, chief!
(On a COMPLETELY unrelated note, if anyone at the station finds season five in the training room, it’s mine.)
All kidding aside, as I mentioned earlier, I have avoided writing about being a firefighter because it’s something I take seriously. However, sometimes its the humor that gets you through the bad stuff. When our pagers go off in the middle of the night, and we are buckled up heading to a scene with lights flashing and sirens screaming, you’re never sure of what you’re going to walk into — which is part of why we do it. The other part is knowing, every time we buckle up, we’ll find people next to us in the engine who are part of a special community willing to put themselves in harm’s way to help others.
Unless, of course, there’s a glow-in-the-dark mouse involved.
Either way, I truly love my firefighter family…
(c) Ned Hickson 2015
*******
Summer Rose, Digital Photographer
Sacramento California
*******
Oscar Plascencia, Original Performances
La Puente California
Togetherness in Love
Tranquil waves of mother’s love
Often crash upon the shore
Gently washing every stone
Equally since days of yore.
Troubles come and troubles go,
Her love is the remedy
Encapsulating our hearts
Reassuring unity.
Now and then the tide is low
Evoking some resentment,
She’s not keeping love from us
Solely weights our contentment.
Insuring our happiness
Not choosing her favorites
Loving every stone the same,
Oneness permeates through me
Verging on the brink of tears,
Enraptured with this family.
© 2015 Oscar Alejandro Plascencia
*******
Anew(Duo) Contemporary Gospel
Chicago Illinois
121 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
*******
Robert M. Goldstein, Cross Section of The Arts
San Francisco California
My Walk with Pat
I Will Tell You These Secrets
Your touch
is a
soothing.
caress
and when
we touch
heart
beats within
your chest.
I think of you
each morning,
I look for you
each night,
I remember
your embrace
and savor the
memory of my
delight.
how can I express
the power
of
my gratitude?
To hold you,
To know that
I am safe,
sheltered from
the pain
of these
memories
that nearly
consumes
me.
I look into
your eyes
and see a soul
that is not
afraid
of my pain.
I can never
repay you
for the wonder
you bring
but I can tell
you these secrets:
you kiss my lips and open my heart
you touch me and awaken my body
you gaze into my eyes and heal
my soul, and when you hold me,
I am complete.
(c) Rob Goldstein 2015
*******
H-Y Loco, Music in Collaborations
Sacramento California
*******
Kelly Lewis, Artists Collaborations
Los Angeles California
Forlorn is the spirit that does not have a home
Within a beating heart of another to call its own
Seeking permanent shelter the weary soul roams
Through emotional turmoil heightened by alone
Personal endeavors that drive strangers together
Divine powers intercede to raise an eternal dynasty
Creating strong family bonds that endure forever
Values and traditions bestowed upon a living legacy
Extending ourselves to others exchanging needs
Surrounded by people with intellectual variety
Gatherings in communities by those who believe
In forming distinct units within larger society
Wealthy are the hearts with cultural immunity
Held together by rich diversity’s home of beauty
(c) Kelly Lewis 2015
*******
Charles Okpere, Leadership in Writing
Lagos Nigeria
What crime would I say I actually committed, all I did was chose to do what I had always loved to do. Society has its very special way, of putting man into a space of acquiescence; that sphere man never decides to choose for himself, that’s if he would ever be given a chance to choose …but why? Society goes ahead, using confusion to cut the soul that should hold humanity together; into bits, at the same time; it wants every single piece of cadaver it chops off to be very functional at every single tax it shoots at man. Impossible as it seems, we accept this ‘gift’ society has given us.
Even with how annoying the description above sounds, I would still say this; Society’s tactics seems to suck man dry; off his potentials and depriving him from a well deserving old age.
It seems my questions are never going to end anytime soon, because the ‘status quo’ humanity seems to be completely satisfied with hasn’t come close to being self-explanatory to me …except the “wise ones” do justice to my huge questions on this topic.
I figured society has always being the same, right from the first community on planet earth, if not this stereotypical facet we exist in, should have somehow 
evolve into something all our hearts coincidentally craves for at the same time.
It seems to me; no man can just change the mentality of a fooled crowd. it seems society has more ignorant individuals on its side, so we are somehow all forced to follow, without any sprout of resistance residing on the inside of the ones that thinks the status quo isn’t right.
What’s really painful; is when family and “real friends”, who should be there to share in our mental wars and daily battles – on keeping dreams alive, choose to turn their back on our struggles and then joins the crowd in making my ‘salient potentials’ look like mirage and one silly lustful pursuit.
…but I have to still say this; “dreams would always be dreams, till they take bold steps into reality”. I guess every man that have this same experiences as me, should join me in holding unto convictions and those unseen assurance that keeps him going and waxing strong, even in the face of oppression and intimidation.
Lately, words like “disobedience” “rascal” “self-reliant” “independent”, have being practically thrown at a few of us, as if we are actually headed for doom …and I am thinking to myself, could this negative vibes from society be that one needed spice, that sends a man to that “abysmal” point of stardom?
Well!! I do care for my family, loved ones, well-wishers and hard-hitters as well. I also do care about my happiness and long term relaxation in actualization of dreams; added with plenty of fulfillment.
My daily convictions are the oil that keeps the engine running, you could either join our crew-ship or abandon ship completely. I am sure no one, within the space I own, would ever fault me, for trying to be me. So I choose to live on, heads up high in complete focus. All I need you to do when you choose to stop by; drop your words of encouragement or just keep moving and act like I never existed to you, either ways, let’s keep growing in peace and oneness; making our land a better place for the ones not born.
(c) Charles Okpere 2015
*******
Rebecca Lemke, Mommy Blogger
Lahoma Oklahoma
When I first found out that you were here with me, I was overjoyed.
I had wanted you for a long while.
It was a constant longing. An ache in my heart that I couldn’t seem to fill.
Then, it happened. Your tiny form began growing inside my womb.
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, those two pink lines staring back at me.
My heart was exploding with new-found love for you, my baby.
The knowledge of your existence was the sweetest message I had ever received.
Your little heartbeat was music to my ears.
Your tiny kicks against my ribs were my daily delight.
I prayed for you, that you might be my baby someday. That your presence in my womb be a reality.
I loved you, even before you existed.
I fought for you, against everyone and everything that threatened us.
I missed you so much, and I hadn’t even met you yet.
My arms ached to hold you. My heart carried that blessing for so long, alone.
I introduced you to music, and felt you dance within my womb. I spent hours feeling your joyful dancing.
I became more and more anxious for your arrival. The anticipation was unbearable.
My heart raced when the doctor said, “You are having a baby today.”
How could I be anywhere near what you deserved?
What if I wasn’t good at being a mother?
Doubt filled my mind.
I didn’t have time to dwell on doubt, though.
My attention was torn away by waves of intensity wrapped around my abdomen as contractions drew you nearer to the outside world.
A kind of strength I had never felt before enveloped my body, washing through to my core.
I knew it was time.
The force of your tiny body leaving mine was indescribable.
I felt no pain or fear.
I heard your cry and instantly experienced your damp, wrinkled skin touch mine as you were placed on my chest.
As I held you, I rejoiced.
The missing piece of my heart was finally where it belonged.
We were together at last.
(c) Rebecca Lemke 2015
********
VOTE UP TO 3 ARTISTS
POLLS CLOSE 10:00 AM PST ON 10/19
Trending
Support The Neighborhood
You are appreciated. (big smile)
ABOUT ME
Kendall F. Person Answers Questions on Quora
this is... The Neighborhood 
You must be logged in to post a comment.