Sunday, December 16, 2007

The Message And Synchronicities One


The Messenger, The Mission Statement
Category: Religion and Philosophy

As a few of you who may know me well enough, perhaps you'd understand what I am trying to accomplish... Because of the bounty of circumstances in my life (a few that may be deemed inexplicable) I have sought answers. Not only to my mere existence but answers to the chain of events that led me to where I am today....

For those who had read some of my memoirs, such as
The Bookcase you'd perhaps understand the reasons why I am more of an inspirational writer than anything else.

You see, my life was wrought with uncertainties, but for the longest time, I didn't understand the reasons why. But after looking clearly at my life and the myriad of events that defy convention or coincidence I have come to the conclusion as to why I am here.

No, I am not God, I am not Jesus.... What I am, though, is perhaps what I've always been --- a messenger! And to fulfill my role as messenger I had to waddle my way through one heck of an obstacle course. I know now the reasons why though -- to make me stronger, to provide me with a greater understanding, to provide me more compassion, to provide me the many tools that would help me fulfill my duties. Today's world is much more complex than it was then!

And let me clarify a point, for the longest time I was numbed to my existence by alcohol etc. and it really wasn't until September 11, 1992 that I was awakened although I had been presented many signs previously although I thought then merely coincidence or simple serendipity, ah, but we all have those special moments, don't we?

I know there are messengers on this planet, though a few of you may disagree, that is OK. Before the "soul-alerting chain of events" in my life and before I was provided greater awareness and greater understanding I, too, was skeptical. Before the many serendipitous encounters and parallel events in my life with those on the greater world stage I, too, wasn't sure of my purpose here.

We are on the threshold of what I deem "The Golden Renaissance" a time of rebirth, a time for us to utilize our God-given gifts, creativity and know-how to beautify this world, our world, our children's world. This requires dedication, hard work and belief in the common good. I, again, cannot stress enough the importance of community -- the joining of hands, hearts, souls to help maintain balance....

The idea of
Monumental Lives For Monumental Change was provided to me in a dream - a dream so vivid, so real that I soon realized that it wasn't a dream after all. This is reality, you are my reality, I am your reality and together we represent a great and monumental reality -- one that will bear witness to positive transformation and change.


Living a monumental life doesn't mean possession of financial fortune or living in the spotlight of public adoration and fame, what I think it means is that you act in accordance with your own identity while acting in ways that are positive and conducive to happiness, serenity and harmony. What I think it means is that you generate positive energies and in turn, your positive energies have a positive effect on others. Linkin' Monuments-- a positive chain of energy!
Share your positivity with others. It is contagious.

Although I dealt with a lot of negative forces in my life and been burdened with many, many disappointments and met many dead-ends, I still retained a sense of optimism and a sense of purpose. Overcoming many challenges provides strength, provokes an amazing sense of accomplishment and being.

One of my favorite quotes that I penned most recently states: "You really shouldn't wonder so much what your life might have been but put into action what you want your life to become." Ah yes, for us who had rocky origins and detoured lives we mustn't look at that aspect in a negative light but instead, place it in a positive light and let it shine on us brightly today. Let's not begin our lives with yesterday: let us begin our lives with today.

Post Script:

Message I sent to all my contacts here (Gather) on April 15, 2007. Maybe one of you here have a copy or remember this:


..>..>..>..>..>..>..>..>..>..>..>..>..>..>..>..>..>..>..>..>..>..>..>..>
Subject: September 11, 2001
Date: Apr 15, 2007 06:02 PM
Message:
As an advocate, philosopher and sometime poet who is often inspired by the events of the world and the melodies of the ages I'd like you to view: In A Time of Healing


Sincerely,
Ricky J. Fico


On April 15, 2007 I had sent a mass e-mail to all my contacts and why I felt compelled to send this one (I rarely send mass e-mails), well, the next day (April 16, 2007) I got my answer why I felt compelled to write this poem the night before and subsequently send a mass mailing about it....

I am currently in the process of retracing major events in this world that are synchronistic with persons and events in my life... This is very important to me as I am trying to garner a better understanding to my mere existence and as to why things are the way they are... Since September 11, 1992 when God stopped me from going to Kauai to leave this world, I had been synchronistically connected to a large host of worldly events and I am begging for more answers, although I do have some understanding... Maybe there are no answers, maybe I am not supposed to learn the true nature of these questions I have...


You see, when I awoke Monday April 16, 2007 it was just going to be another ordinary day, so I thought. But then....the news. Virginia Tech. And the many coincidences.

*April 16 is my Aunt's Birthday who just passed away the year before.

*My Aunt's Address is 2121 (I won't divulge street name as my uncle still resides there).

*Seung-Hui Cho, the one responsible for the tragic events that day at Virginia Tech. resided in Suite 2121.

*This tragic event was at Virginia Tech. My mom and my aunt's mother (my grandmother) was named Virginia.

*The poem I wrote the night before this tragic event was titled "In The Time Of Healing" It's about coming together in such a time like these. This is the poem:

In times such as these
I, too, fall to my knees
Time dealt without explanation
Heartfelt tears of a nation
The world divided by a separation
of rivers, streams and seas
Near the lines of demarcation
a collapse of dreams
and falling leaves

The seventh line, "near the lines of demarcation" has much significance because later the next day I found out that the person responsible for murdering 33 incident people was South Korean and what has been known to separate North and South Korea--- "the line of demarcation." This is one of the most recent events.

But there are many more --the O.J. Simpson case is a major one.... Oh, it is now wonder to me he commited his last arrogant and illegal act in Las Vegas on September 13, 2007. September 13 is my birthday. Now he is facing prison time. Finally, vindication. Full Circle.

I am seeking those who, too, share similar experience or those who may have an understanding as to what I am relating here... Maybe there isn't really an explanation, maybe we are not supposed to have a complete understanding of these matters. Maybe I should continue being me and not try to analyze as much my place in this world, instead, just accept it and do what I am supposed to do. Sometimes it's easy but other times I feel so isolated...

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Solitary Beacon

Typhoon-like winds swirling and whirling all around, the roars of thunder pounding inside my twelve year-old head. The piercing spears of blue - jagged and frightening - striking near the periphery of my innocence.

I'm but a boy, abandoned and left to die. I have nothing to shield me against the storm, nothing except my will to live. I'm but a young boy, my safety seriously in jeopardy. Between the colliding forces of nature, the only other sound I hear is the beating of my heart and the gurgles of hunger.

I'm all alone, a solitary beacon nearly faded in the sea of darkness.

I turn inward. Why me? I'm but a boy, a good boy, who entered this world not only with opened eyes but an open heart.

The thunder, it slams down hard against my soul. The walls of my sanctuary tremble, then shake vigorously. Fear is harboring me from movement; I'm paralyzed, close to death.

I feel like closing my eyes, giving up. Perhaps, the world will be better without me.

Lightning slices through the sky, tearing apart whatever gets in its way. I will no longer fight back.

And then, from behind the clouds appears the sun. And suddenly, a voice so strong echoes throughout the whole of my being: "Fight . . .baby, fight!"

And so I did fight and awoke to a new world. . .

In my world there is harmony with nature -whether it be with beast or fowl or mountain or sea or with flower or tree.

In my world there is peace between men -differences in religion or political belief does not lead to war, it only leads to a more qualified understanding.

In my world children are not left on the doorstep to die nor are they ever considered a burden, an unnecessary mouth to feed. Whether the child is of the human species or other animal, it makes no difference. Whatever lives has the right to breathe.

In my world charity still begins at home. Do for your mother, your brother, your daughter what they in turn will do for you.

In my world, abundance of material possession does not ensure you a higher station.

In my world, love is sacred. In my world, love is real.

And now...lessons from my past

Being born into poverty made me see how easy it was to be categorized by those born with silver spoons in their mouths. I know first hand about segregation. I know from personal experience how it is to be ostracized just because I had to go to school with hand-me-downs and cardboard-soled shoes. I know how it is to be ridiculed and scoffed at because I was different. But was I really? In many ways, yes.

I've always had a lot of compassion and empathy for the downtrodden, understood well their plights. I can sympathize with those who were forced to be different. I really have low-tolerance for people who are selfish and inconsiderate, who are lazy, and who are egotistical and those who think that they are owed something.

Being born into poverty provided me many advantages. For example, the simple things in life made a big difference to me. Simple things like love, caring, understanding - those were but a few of the scant possessions I had. Monetarily, they cost me nothing. Doing without an abundance of material possessions provided me more time to contemplate the universe, more time to look within myself.

Being born into poverty I learned not to take things for granted and not to waste what I did have. There's too much waste in this world and I feel it a sin to contribute to the burgeoning heap. Being born a poor boy made me realize early on of the many gifts that I was given. Those who are preoccupied with their man-made materials may never know of such wonderful gifts.

From a very early age I understood what was right and what was wrong. It was not something I was told. It was not taught to me. Perhaps I was born knowing. I knew it was not right to ridicule others who were born with handicap. I knew it was not right to horde just because you felt this need to have more than anyone else. I knew it was wrong to laugh and mock those who had less than you.

Being born into poverty provided me so much. Perhaps, I had been provided the greatest education, one you would not be able to get in any of the Ivy League schools. Monetarily, my education cost nothing. All it cost me was my understanding. Throughout the years I learned to understand why I was put on this obstacle course. Without the obstacle course I would not be here. Easy as that . . .

"The amount of money spent does not equate to the greatness of memory for the greatest of memories are those that are provided by means that are immeasurable." Ricky J. Fico

This quote I wrote when thinking of what truly matters and where our greatest memories are derived... It is nicely inscribed on my Memories series of inspirational gifts, keepsakes and apparel.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Testament

In my life I had witnessed so much, and at times, perhaps not enough. Sometimes what I witnessed compelled me to stand taller than I would otherwise; other times, unfortunately, I had but no choice than to take refuge in some god-forsaken trench, cowering to the whims of my world. Perhaps then I was too weak to fight back. Drugs and alcohol could weaken one's resolve, this I know.

I had come many a mile in my journey, all for good reason of course.

In my life I had witnessed so much. Through discourse and gain, through triumph and tragedy, I had traveled. And learned. There were times when I laughed and times when I cried. Some could say I'm a true warrior, and perhaps the scars of battle etched within the inner sanctum of my being could reveal this simple truth. But, like any warrior, I fought to defend. Honor, dignity, integrity - they mean so much to me. As does compassion, understanding, forgiveness.

In my life I had shared what meager possessions I held. Selfishness, I could never subscribe to. . . no, it is much easier for me to give than take.

In my time I had been a martyr, sometimes out of necessity, other times by choice. At times I had sacrificed but knowingly. An old line from an old song echoes in my head: "Sacrifice, the future has its price and today is only yesterday's tomorrow."

Even when I was living in the park, cold and rained upon, I smiled back at the world. Deep down, I knew. My inner strength had compelled me, moved me and yes, there were times when I felt like giving in. But they were only momentary lapses of reason. I would gather myself and move on, today is only yesterday's tomorrow. Yes, I will fight my way through yet another storm.

In my life there had been so much to be grateful for; sometimes it is easier to remember what I do have versus what I don't. Quite possibly, that is why I had made it here. Simple philosophies, I assure you. I had read a few of the classical philosophers and their philosophies are beyond the realms of simplicity. For now, I will be my own philosopher. Much simpler.

I do not adhere much to the doctrines of any set religion. Spiritually, I'm at the helm. Politics, a way of the world, at times I must take a stand, but not one that I find to be incorrigible. I'm against a lot of what is taking place in the world, and a lot of what I witness saddens me, really it does. Again, a simple philosophy: "I cannot carry the world on my shoulders but on my shoulders it is my world that must carry me." I cannot worry as much as I once did what happens outside my window. I can only do what I can in my own small ways to change what I can; whether it be through the written word and/or through the powers of being. I had, in the past, witnessed what many may deem to have been miracles. A matter of perspective, perhaps. But there have been events in my own life that defy convention, perhaps could be viewed as mere coincidence. As a realist, I also must determine the odds though my idealism would provide me enough reason to judge otherwise.

Do not judge me as a victim of unforeseen circumstances, I'm a result of what these circumstances had provided me. I harbor no ill-feelings of what course my life had taken for I've been strengthened by it. Through my ordeals battling alcoholism and witnessing the dissolution of my family, I had found solace, perhaps a much keener understanding. I still wish, I still pray, I still want.

***************************

Again, a long night has led me back here - Today. The sun is shining brightly. I'm reminded of an old song: "The sun is the same in a relative way but you're older and one day closer to death." Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon. Yes, one day closer to death, one day further from birth. Ah, birth. . . I love that word. It means so much to me. I must admit, I'm not too fond of the word death though. Death could connote the end while birth signifies the beginning.

The beginning: I was born a poor white boy. So what? Who cares? It matters not to me if I was born a poor white boy nor would I mind if I was born a poor black boy . . . Opportunities exist, bottom line. Adversity, I love that word too. It provokes challenge. Ah, challenges. So many challenges in life, aren't there? Writing could be a challenge. Writing about your life as a poor white boy could be more of a challenge. So what? Who cares?

From an early age, I wondered about things. Most of us do, makes us human. I wondered about the world in which I had entered. With all its many colors and textures and its people. I learned early on that people are capable of many different things. Like building. And at the same time, destroying. But I was a curious poor white boy. And if I was born a poor black boy, I would've been just as curious, I know I would, I just know it. A blue boy, a white boy, a purple boy, a black boy - all human, I swear. Same with the white girl, black girl, also human. Interesting concept, we humans are, aren't we? Besides our individual personalities, traits, heritage, we are all woven from the same cloth. I am an egalitarian too, believe strongly in equality for all. Balance, yes balance!

From an early age I sought answers. Didn't you? When I was young I had more questions than answers. And today, well, I don't have all the answers, never will. Not if I'm human. In which I am. My mother, she gave birth to me like any other human mother would. Yes, she held me in her womb for nine months. I'm classified as a mammal. But humans are not the only mammals in this world. There are others, I swear. I've been to the zoo you must know. At an early age I saw Sinbad the Gorilla and Leo the lion. Behind bars, made me cry. "Why Momma? Why are those animals in jail?" No easy answer for a four year old. At four years old, I had questions. Sometimes answers never came though. As I got older, some of my earlier questions were answered and some of them, still made me cry. I'm an emotional being, most humans are. I swear they are. Some humans, they may have a lesser conscience though. Some, I guess are behind bars now. Maybe it's better that way, I don't know.

Broken Dreams,
leavin' me cold...lonely in the night
My empty heart growing so old
seems to be no hope in sight

Promises that hadn't been kept
lingering deep in my mind
rememberin' all the times I'd wept,
feeling helpless and blind

So sure that there's no way out
seems to be no cure in this final bout

Voices calling my name
Through the silent night
Shadows of an eternal flame,
flickering so bright

Weakened and distraught,
I search for the door
It seems I've been caught
in this endless war

But then September 11, 1992
a hurricane flew through
and helped to open my eyes
I was stopped from doing
what I had planned to do
I was given back my life,
a gift, a cherished prize

by: Ricky J. Fico


"You mustn't lose sleep over dreams not yet reached but reach for the dreams that will ensure a peaceful sleep." This quote of mine is nicely inscribed on my beautifully-designed "Dreams Too" series of inspirational gifts, keepsakes and apparel. Please take a moment! Thank you.

Sponsorship and Patronage is vital in this world!

(as it was over five hundred years ago -The High Renaissance)


Thursday, November 29, 2007

The Messenger

As a few of you who may know me well enough, perhaps you'd understand what I am trying to accomplish... Because of the bounty of circumstances in my life (a few that may be deemed inexplicable) I have sought answers. Not only to my mere existence but answers to the chain of events that led me to where I am today....

For those who had read some of my memoirs, such as The Bookcase you'd perhaps understand the reasons why I am more of an inspirational writer than anything else.

You see, my life was wrought with uncertainties, but for the longest time, I didn't understand the reasons why. But after looking clearly at my life and the myriad of events that defy convention or coincidence I have come to the conclusion as to why I am here.

No, I am not God, I am not Jesus.... What I am, though, is perhaps what I've always been --- a messenger! And to fulfill my role as messenger I had to waddle my way through one heck of an obstacle course. I know now the reasons why though -- to make me stronger, to provide me with a greater understanding, to provide me more compassion, to provide me the many tools that would help me fulfill my duties. Today's world is much more complex than it was then!

And let me clarify a point, for the longest time I was numbed to my existence by alcohol etc. and it really wasn't until September 11, 1992 that I was awakened although I had been presented many signs previously although I thought then merely coincidence or simple serendipity, ah, but we all have those special moments, don't we?

It is my thought: "It is okay to judge a book by its cover as long as the cover reveals its true content in a timely and orderly fashion." This is inscribed neatly on my "Impressions" series of inspirational gifts, keepsakes and apparel.


Wednesday, November 28, 2007

The Beginning (Revival)

A Brief Introduction:

Marsilio Ficino (Latin name: Marsilius Ficinus; Figline Valdarno, October 19, 1433 - Careggi, October 1, 1499) was one of the most influential humanist philosophers of the early Italian Renaissance, an astrologer, a reviver of Neoplatonism who was in touch with every major academic thinker and writer of his day, and the first translator of Plato's complete extant works into Latin। His Florentine Academy, an attempt to revive Plato's school, had enormous influence on the direction and tenor of the Italian Renaissance and the development of European philosophy.

Now, in part, through transcendence and clarity, a revival of such time and magnificence is happening and I, Richard (Ricky) J. Fico had been summoned to deliver upon a promise...one that seemingly I made a long time ago.

I haven't much in formal education but what I do have is much more valuable. And part of this knowledge and understanding that I had promised to impart to you can only be made possible if you, and let me stress this emphatically, share with me your knowledge and understanding as I am still a mere student. I've a simple quote I wrote not so long ago: "A Greedy mind is to learn, yet not teach and A Lazy mind is to yearn, yet not reach." I think you understand what I am saying. Oh, and this quote is inscribed nicely upon my inspirational gifts:
Power of Mind

As the days progress brightly into the nearer horizons of the "Golden Renaissance" you will, in large measure, be more resourceful, more tranquil, more successful...oh, I know it, I always knew this simple fact....

Although, to a certain degree, our very nature stems from a past most often hidden, our present embodiment is guided in part, by that past but to a larger degree by circumstances that are more evident, more temporal. And it is with this thought of mine, that I will attempt to synthesize these two elements. In other words, what I will utilize in my journey forward are the lessons from the past with the lessons of today... For those who believe in the concepts of the eternal soul, synchronicity, even reincarnation, you will have a clearer understanding to much of what I will be relating here as much as I will have a greater understanding of what you, in turn, hopefully reveal or relate to me....