Hello fellow Bako's,

               Well it's been a little over a month since I left Bakersfield...... and have I changed any?I don't think so, at least I don't feel any different. I am getting back into my old routine's of getting up and enjoying a cool crisp morning drinking my green tea. I also do some reading, watching the news or writing some of my stories. I have written one poem since I have been in San Diego....... but that is a private poem written for someone I am currently going to date. It was written on the spur of the moment, as I was in a certain mood and needed to share how I was feeling with him.

        While here we have had all kinds of strange weather, even having a freak snow storm hit parts of the San Diego area. I still have yet to make it to the beach, but its not going anywhere so one day when its super warm I will go and let the sun hit my face as I stand looking out at the grand Pacific Ocean! And for music- I have been becoming friends with a local rocker who has his own band- Eric Recourt; he is currently working on a new cd so every once in a while I send him some words of encouragement, hugs and even kisses to keep him going. You can find him on facebook and myspace if you want to check out his awesome music.

    I wish while I was in Bako, that I could have gone and seen some of the local bands. Yet it seemed I was either sick or busy with something else, or had no transportation. I know, I know if I posted something about needing a ride that many would step up and come and got me. I did win a meet and greet with a band that came thru- but alas I was down with a bad cold and didn't dare go and share the horrible germs that permeated my body at the time. But that one is gone and since have had one I feel was worse. And it seems this last flu bug has hit nationwide- for me I was in bed sleeping for two days straight and I still have a slight cough. Which reminds me its time for some more tea and get dressed, then go out and enjoy the sunshine of the day!

See I am no different even though I am in another locale!

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THE KING'S QUEST

In the year 2075, the world had finally gone back to the way God intended the earth to be. People were happy and living peacefully in all parts of the earth. Except in one lone area where things hadn't seemed to change. It was like a curse had been brought to this land.

In the quiet village of Angeline, the King ruled with a kind heart. The people loved there King and the land they lived on. Angeline was a small village in the Dragonia province. Even though the dragons had seemed to die out long ago, the Kings never bothered to change the name.

New people never bothered coming into Valley of Dragonia, for fear of the great beasts that used to ravage the countryside. Even though the last of the known dragons had been slain years ago. There had been tales that when the new moon rose, a dragon would appear. But the people were to busy with their lives to heed the tales foretold by the elders.

Only a few of the older men knew what the dragons looked like. But they passed on to each generation about the fierceness of these great beasts. And it was tradition that each King would be trained in preparation for a battle against the dragons, despite none being seen.

In the third month of Kuzra, the 21^st day was the celebration of the new Spring. When the plants began to show there vibrant colors, everything was new, and brought a sense of hope for a good year. A time when children played outside, and mothers furiously tended to their households. A time when fathers where out hunting for food to eat. But some sensed an uneasiness in the air. Yet nobody could put their finger on what it was.

Some of the elders gathered in the center of town to talk, low and quiet were their murmurs of impending doom. They didn't want to scare anyone, until they were sure of what they thought. And Aragos saw no need to spread panic unnecessarily. He was the oldest of the wise men, an ancient from the long forgotten times. The days when many dragons roamed the land. In fact, Aragos was the only one who had actually seen a dragon up close. He swore to everyone that these huge beasts were real and very fierce creatures. Aragos would tell the tales to anyone who would listen that one day a dragon would again re-appear. And that the great King of Angeline would be the one to slay the last known dragon.

Only the children seemed impressed by the stories Aragos spoke about. They would sit wide-eyed in front of the old man as he told about the time when he was almost killed by a fierce dragon. Many thought that he was just an crazy old man, but since he never hurt anyone they let him sit in the village square and tell his tales.

Soon word got out to the King about Aragos, and the tales he told. King Rudolf wanted to learn more about these fierce creatures. He thought that he could capture one and tame it, and teach it to work for him. So he finally summoned Aragos to his chambers so he could speak with him.

A servant stepped in the room and said, “ Aragos is here, my good King.”

King Rudolf turned and nodded his head, then with his hand dismissed the servant. Turning his attention to Aragos he said, “ Come in...... sit with me, Aragos.”

Aragos bowed, and went to sit down where the King pointed. The King paced back and forth a few times, then approached Aragos and sat across from him. The King asked him to tell his tales to him.

“ Please tell me your wild tales of this dragon you saw. I have been taught much about fighting in preparation to battle the fierce beasts. But I want to know more- in essence I want to learn what they are truly like. Are they as fierce as I have been taught?'” King Rudolf asked.

Aragos began speaking with excitement, “ Oh yes, your highness. They are the fiercest beasts to ever roam the land. But they have not been around for years. The dragons are great tall creatures, green and with scales upon their skin. They have great big claws on there legs, sharp teeth and breath fire from their mouths. A most terrifying creature that I have ever seen, and that has roamed the land, your majesty!”

The King then asked “ And is it so that you have seen one with your very own eyes?”

“Yes your majesty, I have indeed seen one of these great beasts. I was almost killed by the last great dragon, when your ancestor King Gustov reigned. He battled against the fierce monster, and saved me from the perils of the dragon. I was but a small child at the time, and did not know the dangers that the dragon could do” Aragos said.

The King jumped up, and asked, “ So that was the last known dragon to roam the lands?

“Yes” Aragos began then said, “ but.......”

The King turned around quickly and said, “ But what? Tell me.... hold nothing back Aragos. If you know something, as your King I should know!”

Aragos bowed his head, and began to tell the King “ Your majesty it was a prophecy that was never written down. It was spoken of a year seeming to be a good one........ but would end in tragedy. That the fiercest of all dragons would wake from his slumber and ravage the land. One of the dragons had mated and laid an egg, before she was destroyed.”

The King stood pondering on all that Aragos told him. Then turned, walked to the window and while looking out he asked “ When do you presume this to happen? Cannot these beasts be tamed and put to good use, Aragos?”

“The time is not certain my good King, that is why you have been taught from an early age to fight. But a change is coming..... I can feel it. And tame them sir, I think not. It would take some great and powerful strength to chain the fierce beast. It is best to kill the last remaining dragon and bring peace to Angeline for all time!” Aragos said with determination in his voice.

“I have some thinking to do, you may go for now...... but Aragos I want you to keep me informed of any more changes” King Rudolf said while summoning the servant to escort Aragos away.

Aragos bowed, as the King stood by the window. He turned while walking out and told the King, “ Think wise, my King!”

Months went by and Angeline seemed peaceful. Summer came and went as the King continued to prepare in battle for the dragon that was prophesied to appear. One day he summoned the old man Aragos to see if he remembered anything more about the time when the great dragon would wake from his slumber.

As Aragos walked in he bowed his head, and said “ You summoned me your majesty?”

The King spoke with great worry in his voice, saying “ Yes, I have Aragos. I want to be sure that you have held nothing back from me about this great dragon. And if you know when the time of his appearance will be?”

“Well my good King, It has been spoke of when day turns into night and the moon turns black that the dragon will awaken. But I cannot be sure of this. It is something that was told to me by my great-grandfather before he passed on in death.” Aragos said.

“And this is what he told to you? Are you certain that this is what is to happen?” King Rudolf asked sternly.

“ Yes your royal highness” Aragos said.

King Rudolf then asked “But how can we be sure, is this not just mere speculation? I mean isn't this something that you think might happen?”

“Well your majesty we cannot be certain of anything. Tell me.... are you certain you will rise in the morning? Are you certain you will get a hearty meal to eat each day? So how can we be certain that if and when the great beast will come and ravage Angeline? You must keep yourself very prepared to battle the dragon and slay it!” Aragos said with assurance.

“ Yes, I will......... I am prepared. I train everyday for 5 hours, and if you say these great beasts cannot be tamed then I shall slay the last living dragon “ King Rudolf said.

Aragos' eyes grew wide as he said “You have chosen the wisest course, my good King. It will truly bring peace to Angeline.”

“ Yes Aragos, I have indeed heeded your wise words. I am also going to make a decree to change the name of this valley too. I would like you to help me in deciding what the best name would be” King Rudolf said with stern determination.

And with joy that the name would be changed, Aragos spoke

“Your word is my command, your majesty!”

“ I would like it to be something that will draw people to this land. To make it a valley people will be happy and feel safe living in” King Rudolf explained.

“ I am sure you will think of a suitable name for this land, your Majesty” Aragos said.

“Go now...... I must think hard about this, my wise man” the King said.

Aragos left the King in deep thought. He was happy that the King decided to not just slay the dragon, but to change the name of the valley. But he was worried that the King would be hurt in the process. He hadn't any heir yet, so if he was killed it might spell doom for Angeline.

It was in the month of Richta, on the fourth day that the dragon woke from his slumber. The Dragon was hungry and ready to feed on anything he came across. As he came out of his dark cave, the dragon looked around and searched for something to eat. As he was walking down the mountain, he came across some villagers and devoured them. But he wasn't quite full yet, his deep slumber left him with a huge appetite. So whenever he came upon villagers, he would devour them.

Word soon spread that the dragon had awoken and was ravaging the valley. A messenger was sent to the King with word to be prepared to battle the dragon. King Rudolf stood ready, with sword in hand prepared to slay the fierce dragon. He paced back and forth waiting..... waiting for the dragon to appear.

Just then Aragos walked in, and calmly said, “ It is time your majesty. The dragon has ascended the hill, and soon will be here! You must be strong, hold your sword high and slay the dragon with deadly blows.”

“I shall slay the fierce beast with my trusty sword, the one that has been passed down through the ages. Now it is my turn to use it against the last known dragon, and end the fear that has plagued our valley” King Rudolf said.

“Yes, your majesty,” Aragos said proudly.

As he stood in front of Aragos, he looked into his eyes and said,
“My good and faithful Aragos, I have decided to rename the Valley after you! After I slay this dragon, the Valley will be known as Aragosia! It will be in honor of you, and all will know that you helped me in deciding to slay the very last dragon.”

Just then a servant ran in, and excitedly exclaimed, “ Your majesty...... your majesty the beast is here, and has entered the castle!”

“ Move and I shall go and slay this beast,” King Rudolf exclaimed.

King Rudolf stormed out of the room with his sword in hand. He bravely entered where the dragon was, and began fighting the beast. It was a long hard battle as the King dodged the dragons hot fiery breath. The dragon tried clawing at the King, slashing at the Kings arm bringing forth some blood. This only made the King more determined to slay the great dragon. Soon with a few more jabs to the dragons chest, King Rudolf hit the heart and with many blows he killed the dragon. Bringing peace to Angeline, and soon the new Valley of Aragosia.

 I will soon begin a new journey in my life, but my roots will always be in Bakersfield. I will be leaving this fair city, and moving to another soon. I am hoping to make a new start not just physically, but emotionally as I transtition myself into this new world. I am going to be doing the same things that I am now, some call me a slacker, others call me a hippie! But whatever I do will be centered around my art, and my new love of writing. I take pride in what I am doing, even though I don't think I paint that good. I am learning to be a better artist, just as each day I am striving to be a better writer.

        & nbsp; I hope to meet new people when I move to my destination, and join some book clubs with my daughter. I am currently reading a fascinating book called the Echoes of Torment written by Kevin Helmold. He is a fireman residing in Chicago, and has written this fine book and it can be purchased on Amazon. He can be found on Myspace, in fact that is where I found him... or I should say he found me. Seeing that I loved John Grisham books he thought I would like his book. So I made the purchase and am now delving into his book.

        & nbsp; Yet once I leave the streets of Bako, I don't think I will look back. Some things have not gone right in my life, but I am hoping this move will bring better days for me. I also hope to maybe find someone who sparks a light in my dark heart. One who will fill the gap that my last bf left in me and make me truly happy.Its been some months since he told me that it was over, yet I still have a hard time dealing with it. So I need to get away, from here and be on a veritable vacation. I will still come on here and post my pictures, poems and stories, but I will only visit the city I was born in.

I was sent this link and thought just in case some haven't heard of this, very important for everyone here to read!

jennifer

http://www.turnto23.com/new...

        & nbsp;   My fellow bakotopians, in my blog I am going to talk about a universal problem. One that plagues even our wonderful city. We have all seen them, the downhearted, the broken and bruised souls that are on the streets. Whether unable to find shelter, or have a job, or are sick......... the homeless are out there.
        & nbsp;  The fine canadian group- Your Favorite Enemies from Montreal, did a short video about this plight. It was a well done video, and they are doing there part to spread the word that something needs to be done about helping these broken & bruised souls. After watching the video, I was moved to write this poem to show that I know how it feels to be in that position.
        This can happen to anyone, young or old, alone or with a family. There was a time when we had a slogan " keep america clean", but somehow we forgot that-the streets are littered with trash. But we should start a new slogan on saving the homeless, I don't know how but if we start small it would be a start.
        & nbsp;  Well I hope whom ever reads this likes my poem, and if you get a chance go on myspace and check the video's that Your Favorite Enemies makes. They are really good, their music is great, and if you leave a message for them tell them Junie sent you!

Being Homeless

I am bruised & broken
tattered & torn
No where to go
no place to call home

I've been down on my luck
tossed out like the trash
pushed aside by many
and I have no cash

I am hating to beg... but
my heart does bleed
I'm no different than you
wont you stop my tragedy

Stop and look around
I'm not the only one
there's so many of us
who can't make it, you see

because we're broken & bruised
tattered and torn
been tossed out like the trash
or left so forlorn.

Jen Burlock

July 6, 2007

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A Tribute to the People's Princess, Diana

Her beauty is timeless

surpassing all others

no fairer woman

will ever be found!

She cared for so many

over riches & treasures,

As she spent the time

getting to "know" the people!

The ones who were broken,

those that did without,

the sick, and the lame

she was there, no doubt!

While caring for her own

she taught them to share

not just for themselves

but for the world to care!

This tribute I write

to show I love and care

for the beautiful woman

who was so fair~Diana!

May we all show our love for Diana!

She will truly be missed!

        & nbsp;       &n bsp;       &nb sp;       &nbs p;          The Quietness of the Morning

        & nbsp;       &n bsp;       &nb sp;       &nbs p;         ;                 & nbsp;       &n bsp;       &nb sp;       &nbs p;         ;            

As  I sit here now
in the quietness of the morning
listening to the birds sing
my thought begin to wander
not on what I am to do
No...... it's on what should have been
on what could have been
for me, for you, yes...... for us!

Time seems to float by
as I am wondering?
Do you sit there too?
wishing things were different
that we could have shared
more than just laughter
to spend some time
sharing our love, our bodies....

But now it's just a memory
a vague recollection
that we wanted each other
to give one another
something we sought
it was honest, truthful
something we both could trust

I felt your pain
as you did mine
such anger  I caused
only to be sorry, so sorry
your happiness, your smile
is what I sought
to share the good & bad
of life in whole

Now I still hope
the pleasure to have
the grand honor
of sharing my love
with only you
to be your one and only!

For now as I sit here
in the quietness of the morning
The birds are my friends
as they chirp “ good morning”
yet, I'm always wondering
what could have been,
what should have been
for me, for you, yes......for us!

A NEW LIFE

        It was a crisp, clear day in September, as Julie was starting her new job. She was eager to get started, and needed this big change. Julie came to know only a few people so far, they were mostly the ones she worked with and a couple near her apartment. This was her first month in the big apple, New York City.

 Oh, how she hoped things would be far different from where she had been living. To start in a new city was always hard, but Julie needed a change of pace. When most people yearn to escape to the country, she needed noise, excitement, and lots of strangers to get lost around.

 It was bright sunny morning, Julie was at her new job at a downtown office building. But as Julie walked to her station, an eerie chill came over her. Julie new something was going to happen today, she sensed it in her bones. This cold air she felt was on her even though the windows were shut, and it wasn't hot enough for anyone to be using a fan. Julie decided to shake off the eerie feeling and get to work, for now.

  As she sat down to turn on her monitor, she shivered again, even though she was no where near the air vents. Julie typed in her name and password to access her operating system. After the program came up, Julie began entering the information that was part of her job.

Things were going well, as she heard the familiar clicking of everyone's keyboard, and the occasional ringing of the phone. As Julie heard that, she smiled; happy that she didn't have a phone in her station. Julie always found phones so annoying, and they disturbed her peaceful thoughts. It was starting out to be a nice quiet morning, and the time went by while everyone worked.

Dan, the person in the next station stood up, breaking the silence, and yelled, “break-time!” He always did this too.

 As she finished typing, Julie could tell Dan was someone who was going to be a person she didn't care for . She disliked his type, he was already beginning to be an annoying person. He was always asking very personal questions,and he tried to worm his way into her life. She shook her head, thinking “there is one in every city!”

 Julie got up from her desk, and started toward the break room. When she got near she thought, ' might as well use the restroom while I am up'. So Julie walked past the break room door, she could see Dan standing and waving his arms around. 'Must be telling one of his stupid jokes', Julie thought to herself.

 Walking on, Julie entered the bathroom, quietly laughing, she went about her business.

 Then as Julie stood in front of the mirror, looking at herself, thinking; “ I am a pretty woman, why can't I find a nice guy? Someone to at least take me to dinner.” Then as Julie was drying her hands, she noticed by her watch that her break was almost over. So she walked out and headed for the break room.

  As she got closer she could hear Suzie laughing. She was a nice southern girl, and Julie liked her. Suzie was someone everyone got along with, and she was the first person who took time to help her get adjusted in her new job.

Upon entering the room they all turned their heads in her direction, and smiled. John, the guy that sat next to her everyday, said “ coffee, tea or me” with a big grin. The room burst out in loud laughter, I smiled and said “ tea, please.” George nudged John and said, “ smooth move, sherlock.” John just got that dejected look as he always did, but he never stopped trying.

 As Julie sat there drinking the tea and half listening to her co-workers, that chill came over her again. Looking around for the air vents....... she saw they were off. For a long time Julie sat there just staring out into space, wondering why she was feeling this? And what if anything was going to happen. A little while later Gracie jumped up, startling everyone saying, “ Ok break time's over, get back to work. Chop, chop times a wasting!, ” she also had a distinctly southern accent.

We all got up to head for our stations and back to work. Of course, as usual John said,” later chicka,”as he walked past me. I smiled, saying “ yeah, sure John!,” knowing it was just his way. Julie knew he was a happily married man, and would never dream of cheating on his wife. He was just being friendly, and wanted her to feel at home in this new job.

 The rest of the morning went on as usual, and before long it was lunchtime. Julie wasn't sure what she wanted to eat today, or where to head. As everyone left saying, 'see you after lunch', they headed out the door.

  Suzie was the only one that stayed, she brought her lunch every day, and was in the break room with the television on. I said to Suzie as I walked past, “ one of these days I will bring my lunch and eat with you,alright.” But she was so engrossed in her daily soap opera, she didn't hear me.

Walking out the front door, Julie looked up and down the street.

Cars whizzed by. And people were walking here and there, mostly shopping.

She started walking down the street, letting different types of food pass through her thoughts. She didn't want Chinese, she had that a few days ago.

“Maybe some Spanish, or Italian food would be good today”, Julie said out loud, as people stared at her.

She remembered that her neighbor, Ruby told her about a great new Italian restaurant. And it was real close to her work, about two blocks up the street. Walking on, Julie looked for the place, and as she got closer she could see the sign. It didn't look to bad from the outside, and it had a real interesting name, “Arrivederci.”

A typical Italian name, and she could smell the fragrant food as she got closer. It was heavenly. She could smell fresh bread baking and a strong scent of garlic. It made Julie's mouth begin to water and her stomach growl. She found she was hungry.

Slowly Julie looked around as she walked in, it somehow seemed vaguely familiar to her.

As she walked to the counter, the woman asked her, “ Can I help you miss?”

Julie began looking at the menu above the womans head. Everything sounded so good, and being Italian food it was her favorite. But she needed something that was easy and fast to eat, since she had to get back to work.

This would be a nice place to have dinner with someone, Julie thought to herself as she kept moving her eyes back and forth across the menu. The woman, whose name was Maria asked her again what she would like to eat.

Julie replied, “ I'll have some penne noodles with red sauce, please.”

Maria then said, “And to drink miss?”

Julie answered “ oh just some tea, I have to go back to work..”

Then the woman, Maria told Julie it would be brought out to her, feel free to sit anywhere. Maria handed Julie a tall glass of ice tea with a lemon slice hanging off the edge.

Turning, Julie saw a nice window seat was open, and headed for it. She liked watching the people of New York walk by. She sat and thought “ what a bustling city, unlike where I lived before.” Things sure move faster here, which she didn't mind. Julie longed to get away from the past and all the tragedies it held.

As she sat waiting for her food, and sipped her tea, that eerie feeling came over her again. It felt like a cool breeze. She shook as the coldness went up her spine.

She started looking around and saw that the door was shut and there were no fans running. She sat there squeezing the lemon slice that came with her tea, and started thinking.

When was the last time she had this strange feeling, and what happened? She sat there racking her brain trying to remember.

Maria brought her the plate of food, and asked if there was anything else, some bread maybe?

 Julie said, “no thank you.”

She began taking slow bites, still unable to shake off that sickening feeling that something terrible was about to happen. It was hard for Julie to enjoy this delicious food now.

She drank all the tea, so Maria quickly came over with more and refilled her glass. Julie watched, and said, “ Thank You, Maria.” Then went back to eating her lunch, again trying to enjoy her food.

As Julie took her last bite, it dawned on her. The last time she got that eerie feeling that sent chills through her, even though it was not cold.

It was when she lived in Oklahoma.

She had just moved to Oklahoma City to get away from a bad relationship.

Moving there Julie got a job with a mortgage company and worked down from the Federal Building. That was the first time she got that eerie feeling. That was when it was hit with a bomb, blowing it up.

Just then she looked up, off in the distance she saw the twin towers. Julie got a panicked look on her face, as she sat there and saw a plane hit the building. The person sitting next to her gasped, making everyone turn and look her direction. Maria walked over asking what was wrong, and Julie just pointed out the window.

That is when Maria and everyone sitting there saw another plane strike the other building farther down. They sat there staring in shock as both buildings began to slowly collapse. And someone standing behind Julie said, “ Oh my God.”

Even though they were miles away, they could see the dust cloud coming. Julie and the others could hear sirens heading down the street toward the twin towers. Most of the patrons were at the window, watching the horrific scene unfolding before their eyes.

Just then the sign of the restaurant fell, and Julie remembered what Arrivederci meant in Italian- “goodbye”!

They all sat staring and were awestruck by this tragic scene.

Just then the mushroom cloud from the twin towers hit the window, breaking the glass. Some were running toward the back of the restaurant, but a large shard of glass cut into Julie's body instantly killing her. The last thing she remembered was that strange eerie feeling again......