Above – The Cowboy at the Seashore – Pigeon Point Lighthouse – May 1, 2011
Please note, I am in the process of reorganizing my website. I have moved my music work to my Music page (link in menu bar), my sparse writings to my Writings page (link in menu bar), and I am adding my photography to my Photography page(s) (link in menu bar). This is a work in progress,.
My personal blog: Primarily for anyone that wonders just who is Allison Barton Rice? Or, who’s that _______ wearing a cowboy hat? Or, for the merely curious. (And, the what? Mr. Allison Barton Rice is a male human being that eventually began a life long process to be ever more true and authentic, which he continues with to this day.)
Previously, I wrote: “Well, at this time the primary source to answer those questions is my “Artist” page” at the [now defunct] icompositions website which retired and is no more as of August 11th 2018 (sorry that it’s gone). So, you will now find my bio & commentary further down on this page.
The 12 tunes on my one and only commercial CD ‘Wanted (or not) ~ The Cowboy’ are available for streaming and downloading on most music sites including Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Deezer, etc. Listen to ‘clips’ here or to full versions on my “Music” page.
Contributing musicians: Dan Olmsted – guitar / Mark Ungar – bass / James Robinson – drums / Roan Michaels – guitar / Sarah Matthews – vocals / Jim Grantham – tenor sax / Justin Silva – drums / and Franc Martinez – engineering and musical assistance.
***************************
Most relevant, for now, and very important to (and for) me, I am the plaintiff in a lawsuit* against the City and County of San Francisco – an ordeal that started on October 26th 2017. Unfortunately, I have not (yet) prevailed. But, it is not over. My lawsuit is currently with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Consequently, I am quite exhausted emotionally / mentally / psychologically and financially. And, the overwhelming stress has taken a great toll on me physically (i.e. allostatic load).
Obviously, I hope, pray, and believe I will prevail. And, to be sure, I am confident that my claims are one hundred percent valid.
Additionally, I am in the last few years of my life and I need to focus on keeping myself as healthy as possible in all spheres. Thus, I am not pursuing any other endeavors like playing and making music. That is, I am fully retired with few exceptions, like working on my lawsuit (or an additional lawsuit) as need be. Of course, any and all prayers for my victory in my Kafkaesque legal nightmare against CCSF are immensely appreciated.
*District Court, Northern District of California, San Francisco Division – Case No. 19-cv-04250 LB. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit – initial appeal reversed dismissal, Case No. 20-15087; pending primary appeal to reverse judgment, Case No. 23-16013 (Opening and Reply Briefs at Dkt. Nos. 17.1 and 31.1, respectively); pending secondary appeal to reverse award of CCSF’s Bill of Costs, Case No. 24-2217 (Opening and Reply Briefs at Dkt. Nos. 7.1 and 18.1, respectively).
***************************
In the middle of 2015 I became aware of a very wonderful person that I very much admire – her name is Lizzie Velasquez.
I am completely amazed and absolutely humbled by Lizzie, her life, and how she came to terms and/or learned to live with her condition and how she rose above the way a lot of people treated her and/or treat her. And, I overwhelmingly appreciate her truthfulness, honesty, openness, and, of course, her courage.
In coming to know of her and of her life, I have experienced an increase in my appreciation for the beauty & value that is within a person as well as an increase in my psychological freedom and inner peace. More particularly, she has really helped me to let go (more than I have) of negative thoughts, feelings, and opinions that I tend to harbor.
I hope to think of her everyday because she helps me have a more positive outlook on life. And, most significantly, to feel love again – real love.
Thank you Lizzie – you’re beautiful, you’re my hero and I love you.
Links:
BBC article: http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-ouch-30948179
Lizzie’s Instagram page: https://instagram.com/littlelizziev/
Lizzie’s YouTube page: youtube.com/@littlelizziev
A Brave Heart: https://youtu.be/pbW_zhslWWg?feature=shared
***************************
Allison Barton Rice bio & commentary:
*******
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
… as part of their migration, they must fly across the Gulf of Mexico …
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruby-throated_Hummingbird
*******
Now ~ The Cowboy
“Got me a Rock ‘n’ Roll Heart wrapped around The Blues ~ Peppered with Folk, Jazz, and Country Twang.”
*******
Preface:
In regards to this realm (that is, life as we know it) I am very cognizant that the preponderance of other beings are less fortunate and are dealing with much greater difficulties and much worse conditions than I. Some of my actions and many of my thoughts and prayers are for them. Otherwise, please consider “Don’t Take Life too Seriously | Alan Watts“
*******
I, Allison Barton Rice (aka: The Cowboy) started flirting with the guitar around the age of 11 (Beatles, Stones, British Invasion, and all that rot). One day, whilst on summer break from the first college I attended and under the influence of some fantastic mushrooms I picked, I played a friend’s electric guitar that was plugged into a wah-wah pedal and an amplifier. Playing it while manipulating the wah led to a major epiphany! That is, figuratively speaking, I was sonically wah-wahed into some sort of out-of-body experience in which the intricacies of the Universe were revealed to me.
As I went past Ursa Minor, I said to myself: “Damn! I gots’ta play the gee-tar more often, maybe all the time.” Needless to say, I became quite enamored with this particular madness and began to pursue music in most ways, shapes, and forms.
To be sure, I love music. And, very importantly, it is therapeutic for my thoughts and feelings (i.e. my mental health).
That being said, over the years I’ve come to learn that ‘Variety is the Spice of Life’. So, I try not to get too carried away in any one area. I guess the word would be ‘Balance’ and the thought would be ‘Holism’.
*******
Anyway, a bit later I worked as a hospital corpsman (medic) in the U.S. Navy. This lasted a bit more than 3 years, half of which with the U.S. Marines. The beginning of the end of my military career came in December of ’77 when I, objectively (western perspective), had a psychotic episode (i.e. a break with reality). Subjectively (eastern perspective), I had an ‘Epiphany’ (satori or kenshō) or, a more accurate and complete description, an ‘Episode of Unitive Consciousness’ (Samadhi) in which I experienced a total and completely overwhelming sense of Oneness with Everything – God (whatever that is), the Universe – Everything, in-particular the Monad, in some form or another of a Unified Oneness or Cosmic Connection.
For your consideration: “Alan Watts Explained : How Christianity Denied Spirituality“
In other words, while peering into the sublime infinities of the universe I experienced its transformative power. When I embraced it, denial became futile. When I surrendered, it embraced me – lovingly.
Consider: “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe,” wrote famed naturalist John Muir more than a century ago, referring to an epiphany he had while hiking in California’s Yosemite Valley.
Sometimes it is described as “Connectedness” by people who’ve had the experience, such as astronaut Edgar Mitchell (In Memoriam: ” … he was engulfed by a profound sense of universal connectedness.”)
For your consideration:
Who Am I ? Alan Watts on The Self You’ve Forgotten
The Zen Truth That Breaks Your Illusion of Control – Alan Watts
Trust the universe to give you what you need – Alan Watts
A Guide to Baruch Spinoza’s Life and Philosophy
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin – Cosmic Consciousness and The Omega Point
Jim Carrey’s Awakening – How to Embrace the Universe Beyond the Ego
To boldly go: The inner experience of outer space
And/or do your own search for “episode of unitive consciousness” or “unitive consciousness” and/or “Samadhi”. And, philosophically, consider dualism vs. monism.
The love, truth, honesty, peace, comfort, clarity, and beauty I experienced (and the experience itself) was, and is, ineffable and unfathomable. Perhaps it was my ‘Road to Damascus’. Then again, maybe it was nothing but insanity. Maybe it was both, or something else entirely. Maybe it was exactly what it seemed to be, a moment of melding with the totality of the Universe. Put another way, I was released from being shackled in a cave and saw reality instead of the shadows on the wall. But, like Sisyphus, it all came tumbling down and I again found myself shackled in a cave. What have I learned? When I strive for that freedom, my life comes tumbling down. When I let it in and accept it, I am one with that freedom.
In any case, to me it was the birth or awakening or revitalization of my spirit, or (simply) enlightenment (Bodhi).
However, I was deemed a lunatic (i.e. I suffered a mental illness induced by ‘stress of military service’ according to a multitude of psychiatrists) and, sadly, I was stigmatized and traumatically maltreated — such be the nature of the western perspective. To be clear, I was medically retired from the U.S. Navy and I am a 100 percent (i.e. “total occupational and social impairment”) service connected disabled veteran due to my mental illness, initially diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia with a mood disorder (major depression) added later. Subsequently, diagnosed as suffering bipolar disorder.
Perhaps my greatest issue, and contrary to my Buddha-like beliefs and spiritual aspirations, is that I am a rather emotional person with a stress-anxiety condition. And, consequently, I often need a hand to hold (i.e. truthful, honest, and considerate guidance and understanding). Put another way, I find my thoughts floating somewhere in the conflicting nexus of the West and the East, struggling to parse the details and the differences — despite my knowledge and understanding that everything is everything. Consider ‘The SELF vs NO-SELF: Jung & Buddha’s Greatest Debate’).
In the social context, I am very sensitive to stress and I have difficulty discerning between sincerity and exploitation (i.e. a person’s motives). That is, I find it difficult to differentiate true care and consideration from fraudulent friendliness or hospitality — like the devious “Hello, my friend” or devious flirting or deceitful authority — any of which can make me feel confused, unnerved, or anxious.
In any case, I am very active with therapy and have been for decades. Consequently, I am able to manage my condition and function rather well. But, it’s a constant and major struggle for me. If you’re struggling on the inside, some recommendations: youtube.com/@CrappyChildhoodFairy • youtube.com/@heidipriebe1 • youtube.com/@patrickteahanofficial • youtube.com/@jerrywise • youtube.com/@tamiemjoyce • fractalenlightenment.com
And, just like everything, sometimes I need a little flexibility, cooperation, understanding, or accommodation as I strive or struggle to live what is my life and to make my way through this realm as best I can (given my condition and circumstances) – thank you very much. Otherwise, if you’re the kind of person that will denigrate me, or will not be truthful, honest, and straightforward with me, or will take advantage of me, then please leave me alone. Again, thank you very much.
*******
Moving on, throughout my life I’ve had a fascination with mechanical things, small and large. Even though we live in an Electronic-Information age (that’s been moving into a Nonsensical-Idiotic-Orwellian Age of Extensive Avarice & Duplicity), something about cogs, springs, wheels, and gears captures my attention, especially when they’re spinning around. Such, that I spent a great deal of time wrenching on cars and motorcycles during my twenties for fun and profit – as I continued to work in the medical field, albeit sporadically.
And, I was something of a professional student – attending day and evening classes around my work schedule – studying music, photography, art, humanities, social & environmental studies, along with general education requirements.
At the age of 29 …
while feeling restless and struggling with severe/disabling anxieties and depression, and uncertain and/or ignorant and/or not understanding and/or not recognizing and/or not accepting of my spiritual-emotional-mental-psychological need/s and/or condition/s, and striving to cope with some of life’s harsher realities
… I became so overly concerned about long term issues (career, earning potential, etc.) that I thought it a good idea to earn a B.S. degree in business administration. So I did.
Thereafter, I worked at several business type jobs of no particular interest to me other than a paycheck. And, even though the work and experiences were (and continue to be) beneficial for me, I did not care for most of it.
Additionally, having a weak understanding of “happiness” and turning away from the little I had in pursuit of what I thought it was (i.e. doing things for the sake of “money” or “something” or “someone” and not being true to myself), I drank a lot of alcohol, consumed ever increasing amounts of drugs (especially cocaine), behaved quite badly & quite poorly, and ended up being very unhappy.
Underpinning my thoughts, feelings, and behavior is that much of the guidance and treatment I received as a child (as well as through my formative years and thereafter) was inappropriate, incorrect, misdirected, untruthful, dishonest, abusive, traumatic, and damaging. Hence, I wasn’t very happy to begin with and I wasn’t inclined to ask for guidance or accept it when offered. Consequently, I found myself on the road to ruin (and a run-in with the law, which was a blessing and likely saved me from a very bad ending).
When I came to and started picking up the pieces of the wreckage known as me and my life, I became inclined. That is, inclined to seek out and accept appropriate and correct guidance for me, myself, and I. Additionally, further contemplation led me to realize and understand that my passion(s) is my happiness – as well as my direction, path, and purpose. Thus, If I’m going to work something out, that’s what I should work out – as best I truthfully and honestly can. Recommended: How a ‘growth mindset’ can lead to success – BBC Worklife
Fortunately, happily, and thankfully, I was [eventually] able to reclaim my soul and my passion(s) for playing the guitar, music, life, and love. Essentially, I stopped chasing my dreams and started living my dreams – as best I truthfully and honestly can. Which has helped me have a decent and positive life and to be a decent and positive member of the human race.
*******
Realize, you and your life belong to you! Because God gave it to you, God did not give your life to someone else! Furthermore, from whence it came, there it shall go – so it seems to me. (“All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again.” Ecclesiastes 1:7)
Thus, I preach: Live the life and be the person you truthfully and honestly love and (likely) you’ll love your life and you’ll love yourself. As for injuries and disabilities and deficiencies, do not despair, all of this is temporary and your home is in heaven. Again, from whence it came, there it shall go.
Circumstances can and do play a part in this. So, be realistic about your passion/s vs. your finances and/or vocation/s. A person’s passion/s and their vocation/s do not have to be the same activity. Indeed, a person may do very well separating the two – for any number of reasons. Nonetheless, involve yourself with the people, activities, endeavors, etc. that you truly care about – as best you truthfully and honestly can.
If you need to make changes, internally and/or externally, make them – as best you truthfully and honestly can. Don’t waste any part of your life being phony and/or fake and/or miserable and/or in denial, that’s no way to live. And, regarding “toxic” (i.e. toxic relationships, toxic people, toxic activities, being toxic, etc.), get rid of it or away from it or clean it up (be it within or be it without). Recommended: Avoid Toxic Relationships By Setting These 5 Non-Negotiable Self-Boundaries
The result(s) you seek will take some time and effort (maybe some pain, maybe some euphoria, maybe both or something in-between), nonetheless, continue the pursuit – you and your life are worth it.
I hope that if there is anything you take away from reading this – it is this: Life is for living, and the most important and worthwhile life you can live is your life. And, please allow me to offer what I believe is likely the best piece of advice everybody should take, sons and daughters — “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it …” (Proverbs 4:23).
So, do and be everything you want to do and want to be – as best you truthfully and honestly can. Whatever, whenever, and wherever that is, even if it is nothing – that’s OK, too. In fact, we all need to spend some time doing nothing so as to rest our bodies and our minds, and to relax and rejuvenate ourselves, and to simply enjoy existence.
However, life, as we know it, may very well be a preordained experience – like being a passenger looking out the window in some sort of vehicle that someone else or something else controls. In other words, literally everything may be unfolding (like a flower) in some predetermined pattern.
*******
Remember – be yourself, your TRUTHFUL and HONEST self (in thought, word, and deed) to everyone, ESPECIALLY to yourself – all the time. Yup, all the time. That’s the standard. Can’t do it? YES YOU CAN, little hummingbird.
Realize, If YOU ARE your TRUTHFUL and HONEST self, you will naturally BE YOUR BEST self. AKA: Self Realization.
Slip, stumble, or fall? That’s just part of it all. You know, live and learn. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep on (i.e. come clean, apologize, and make amends – to others AND to yourself).
A little insight: The more truthful and honest you are the mo’ better you feel – about yourself. Some now, more later. And, to the extent that you’re truthful and honest will be the extent of yourself and your life that you can [humbly] be proud of. Pretty much anything and everything that you’re not truthful or honest about will eventually and ultimately be something you regret and are ashamed of. Additionally, being truthful and honest is not stupid and/or unsophisticated and/or foolish – fact is, it’s quite the opposite of those things.
If I come across as being sanctimonious, pious, or (even worse) proud of myself – please realize I’m a bit of a mess on the inside and sometimes rather idiotic. So, what I write is as much for me to read as it is for anyone else.
Furthermore, and quite late in my life, I’m learning to stop trying to always be right and start being humble; to shut-up and listen; to be more keenly sensitive, insightful, considerate, and respectful. If I’m going to love, I need to show love (truthfully, honestly, and cautiously). If I need love, I need to give love (truthfully, honestly, and cautiously).
A word about being “truthful and honest” and “relationships” (interpersonal and otherwise) – be tactful (i.e. kind, considerate, sensitive, understanding, thoughtful, delicate, diplomatic, discreet, discerning, judicious, politic, perceptive, subtle, careful, courteous, cordial, polite, decorous, respectful, etc.) as best you truthfully and honestly can. Recommended: When Boundaries HURT: How to Honor Your Needs Without Abandoning Others
However, for protection or to thwart some unjust or malevolent action, sometimes a stern rebuke is needed. Sometimes a very stern rebuke is needed. And, sometimes a very very stern rebuke is needed. Do not be irrationally or inappropriately afraid to truthfully and honestly standup for yourself or someone else when appropriate.
Otherwise, are we to surrender to some fear or favor and live in denial? Or, are we to have at least some modicum of faith in our laws and ourselves and our ability to seek the truth and, if we find it, to have the resolve and courage to accept it and proceed accordingly? Even when we don’t like it or it’s for someone else’s benefit? In other words, are we to do the right thing only when we like it or only when it benefits ourselves?
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8) And, consider the parable of the Good Samaritan.
*******
I wish to comment on two facets of whatever it is we are, in whatever this realm is.
This is, of course, with the acceptance of existence (i.e. I exist, you exist, the universe exists) and that the totality of existence is beyond our knowledge and comprehension – at least for now. And, without regard to quantum theory.
First: At any and every single point in time, each one of us is what we is and each one of us can not be anything else at that moment. Within accepting/embracing/recognizing one’s self (existence) as one is (i.e. just as I am), love of one’s self blooms, and contentment and peace prevail – more so than anywhere else, perhaps entirely so.
In that regard, I accept/embrace/recognize what I be (my existence) – even if nobody else does.
Second: Life is dynamic. Just as a seed sprouts, becomes a seedling, then a tree – the life each of us has is metamorphic.
In that regard, I accept/embrace/recognize where I’ve been and what I was, where I am and what I am, how I grow and proceed, and what I and my fate will be.
I accept/embrace/recognize for my and everyone’s benefit – I accept/embrace/recognize as I hope everyone does or will.
From acceptance/embracing/recognition comes love and growth. “Seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven/God and all things shall be added unto you.” – especially on the inside.
That is, the Kingdom of Heaven/God is within you. Seeking it first is simply realizing and/or recognizing the existence of the spiritual realm and that you exist in that realm and it exists in you (a living being does not live by bread alone … ).
Accept/embrace/recognize and love … “Do unto others as you wish them to do unto you.”
And, what of that other person (good, bad, or otherwise)? In a way, that’s pretty much you (or your mother, father, sister, brother, significant other, partner, son, daughter, friend, or enemy) in another pair of boots on another trail. Or, at least it could be and/or will be someday. Or, perhaps, it was at an earlier time.
Thus, consider: LOVE* without prejudice. *Agape, unconditional love; Storge, one-way love, like that of a mother to her child; and Philia, love without physical or romantic attraction, like the love between friends (i.e. not Eros – not that there’s anything wrong with Eros love as may be appropriate for you and … well, that’s for you to decide).
Furthermore, physical death (i.e. departing this realm, maybe the ultimate transition) will come to each of us, and then ??? I ask: What meaning is there to our existence and/or what we have or don’t have and/or what we are doing or not doing? What will it mean when we die and/or thereafter? And, when your time comes, who you gonna call?
Anyway, in my opinion, all parts of the world are screwed-up at one time or another. And, to the extent you’re happy and well and upright, will essentially be the extent to which the screwed-up part of the world will not like you, maybe even hate you – especially if you’re forthright, too. However, the good and worthwhile part of the world will love you dearly and you will find kindness, solace, and a respite there.
Otherwise, I’m not sure there is anything a person can do except be completely truthful and honest, and love God, yourself, and others – especially your enemy. And, as far as I can tell, that’s where true freedom and peace of mind is.
These days, when love comes over me, I will say “I love you” when it’s truthful, honest, appropriate, and right to do so. I say “truthful, honest, appropriate, and right” because it seems to me that too many people are way too careless with these three little words, rendering them meaningless and often times hurtful and/or harmful. Especially when someone says ’em without being ready or willing to back ’em up, or, worse, when he/she is lying.
And, one thing for sure, what a person does or doesn’t do, most often means much more than what a person says (i.e. actions speak louder than words). Obviously, the two should be congruent (truthful, honest, and good is implied, little hummingbird).
In any case, I do have a natural enthusiasm for life and love. When I can, I like to let others know that I care about them and I think of them. However, I have no interest in being too much or too little of anything to anybody. And, I have no interest in anybody being too much or too little of anything to me. But, sometimes it happens, one way or another and/or for one reason or another.
So, (likely the most meaningful, significant, and/or important thing I have to say for myself) I’m sorry and I apologize for any instance(s) I failed or let someone down that I should not have, for anytime I was not there when I should have been (or vice-versa), and for any harm I’ve done that I should not have – past, present, and future. Not only in the general sense, but in each and every case. And, not just in word, also in deed. If there’s something I can do to make up for my transgression(s), I do it. So should you, as need be, in addition to apologizing. (A word about people that are not willing to apologize and make amends when they should, I’ve got no use for such people and I don’t want any of them in my life).
And, of course, I deeply regret and I apologize for any and all lying, cheating, stealing, and deceitful behavior I did and/or had a part in.
Additionally, when it is correct and right, I am very forgiving.
However, if and when I’m able to determine someone is lying to me, or trying to get one over on me, or is being manipulative, exploitative, mendacious, dissimulating, malicious, or non compos mentis – or any combination thereof – I’ll likely (that is, at my discretion) tell him/her to get some help and/or to go to hell (or something even worse). For that, I do not apologize.
Should my preceding paragraph offend you or bring rise to any negative feeling(s) and/or thought(s) within you about me and/or concerning me, I’ll tell you what:
If I ever lie to you, or try to get one over on you, or I’m being manipulative, exploitative, mendacious, dissimulating, malicious, or non compos mentis – or any combination thereof – please tell me to get some help and/or to go to hell (or something even worse). I thank you and I apologize in advance, should it occur.
Tell me something truthful, honest, valid, and sound – I will respect it. If it’s funny, I’ll laugh. If it’s sad, I’ll cry. Et cetera. And, I will respect you.
Accordingly – Love & Truth (Honesty) is my Faith; Any & All Dimensions my Realm (not that I entirely know my way around, yet); and “God” – my Maker – be it Jehovah, Allah, Yahweh, Parvardegār, Vishnu, Krishna, Hiranyagarbha, Wakan Tanka, Big Kahuna, Supreme Being, Hyang, Ngai, Huwa, Osanobua, This, That, Whatever(!) – does it really matter what word we use?! I can’t say I’m in a position to define what “God” is or isn’t, but I tend to think “It” is something that is everywhere (omnipresent) and everything in totality is within “It” – whatever “It” is. Perhaps you would like to consider ‘Why Humanity Must Overcome Religion | Carl Sagan’ here. Now I ask, if “God” exists, (literally) what is God? And, (literally) where does God exist?
As Bobby Whitlock said on a live recording: “Life is what you make it. So, take it and make it beautiful.” – I add, as best you truthfully and honestly can.
Besides by word and deed, I like to express my beliefs/thoughts/feelings, and enjoy life with and through music – as best I truthfully and honestly can.
Whenever you have the blues, play ’em – as best you truthfully and honestly can.
Have a wonderful day, everyday – as best you truthfully and honestly can.
I love you, little hummingbird – as best I truthfully and honestly can.
*******
Elucidation, and a warning, about “Southern Hospitality” – especially in Austin Texas. On the surface it all seems so nice, but, it’s mostly a goddamn fraud (i.e. misrepresentation, dishonest, deceitful, deceptive, etc.) and a very sad state of affairs on the personal level for everyone. The preponderance of “friendly” and “smiling” people could not care less about you, “my friend”. In reality, they are lying crooked people (i.e. wolves in sheep’s clothing) only interested in taking advantage of you and taking as much of your money, or other things of value, that they can possibly coax out of you solely to enrich themselves. To be very clear, it is not everybody, but it is easily more than fifty percent of the people.
In other words, “Southern Hospitality” (i.e. to lie, be dishonest, commit a fraud and be proud of it) is a way of life in the form of pretending to be a “friend” – especially in Austin Texas. Consequently, the paranoia is rather elevated.
That is, if you’re a sincere, decent, caring, truthful, honest, and guileless person being nice and going about your business, the fraudsters think you’re trying to commit some sort of fraud on them because they’re so paranoid they think everyone is trying to commit a fraud. Consequently, confusion or worse ensues. So, beware “my friend” – especially in Austin Texas.
Musically, consider “Smiling Faces Sometimes” by The Undisputed Truth and “Back Stabbers” by The O’Jays. For a humorous perspective, consider “Anjelah Johnson-Reyes – Bless Your Heart“.
Food for thought, Cognitive Dissonance and Why the HONEST [PERSON] Carries The HEAVIEST BURDEN | Alan Watts.
In any case, be truthful & honest, be well, be good, be love and, perhaps most of all, be wise and beware.
“Leave the Hate, Take the Love” from The GODfather, staring everyone and playing continuously since forever.
Rest assured,
knows it ain’t easy. (Photo by Ed Zak, see “Ed Zak, photographer” and “Ed Zak Obituary“)
*******
Otherwise, please consider — “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) And, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Further consideration – The Hero with a Thousand Faces and Alan Watts Explained : How Christianity Denied Spirituality
Allison Barton Rice (aka The Cowboy) 