When The Poet's Well of Words Runs Dry

When the poet's well of words runs dry - just a start to a
song I've been battling with for a while...now that golf season's
over perhaps I can manage better than a three putt where
songwriting is concerned....speaking of which...
It was probably three or four degrees the last time we
played golf this year...we got our first snow fall later that day.
I was even par after 8 holes - which wasn't shocking -
but I made the comment that, despite the temperature,
this was the atmosphere under which a
person should play all the time..because it was so cold, and
there were leaves blanketing the fairways and greens, I
found myself out there primarily to be with buddies to
enjoy the walk and fresh air ( interrupted by the odd
cigarette ) and the chuckles and barbs that normally
accompany an outting of this nature. There is always
present the desire to perform as well as possible - but
under the conditions expectations were low...and there
was no pressure when faced with that six foot putt...
Instead of concern over the implications of missing - the
focus was entirely on executing the shot...instead of
concern over a tee shot on the left side of the fairway
instead of the middle the focus was - okay, lay up
short to a great place to chip from or shoot for the open
part of the green...I was astounded at how easily the
game went that day...instead of battling expectations
the emphasis all day was on what was left on the golf
course ahead...it was blissfull...cold, but blissfull.
I'm watching with a heavy heart the hockey world today.
The Leafs are dismal and the game is in a very sad state.
It's a terrible shame that at a time when a beautiful
sport has more exposure than ever before, the NHL
has been reduced to a very high priced beer-league.
Even high def can't make up for a talent pool that has
been stretched beyond it's health. I would love to see
today's game played amongst the 12 healthiest teams.
With 12 teams of the NHL's best players, coached by
league's the 12 best coaches, showcasing the 12 best
goaltenders with only the best officials....wow..
each game would be a spectacle for an entirely different
reason. Hockey is one game where you simply cannot
field a team with just one elite level player.
Did you hear...Celine Dion's not coming to Halifax...
it's too bad..she would have easily sold out and brought
a ton of money into the market place without all the
potential residual negatives associated with more
rock oriented acts. Actually, when you look at the aging
marketplace perhaps a closer look should be taken
at bringing in some classier, big name performers for an
outdoor venue like the commons...and then pray for clear
skies. As far as Dion is concerned while I admire her talent
and success I wouldn't open the blinds to see her...and
apparently I'm not alone.
Quote of the week: "That Hochtaler's a great wine...good
to drink and a not-too-shabby aftershave." The Reverend.
Til next time...