Transitions...

I've been updating my websites including Xanga.  I've found Myspace to be the easiest to navigate even though I do have a Facebook.  I will be moving my blog over to my Myspace because of simple convience.  I will keep my Xanga and check it periodically but invite you to drop by my Myspace and Facebook.

My Myspace is www.myspace.com/thompsonvineyard

My Facebook is http://www.facebook.com/people/Darrell_Thompson/666192207

Please add me when you find me!  Look forward to seeing ya' in another galaxy of the vast cyberspace!!!!!

An evening in NYC...

 We made it to the big city around 8:45 last night, walked around and looked at the lights as we attempted to find a place to eat.  We stumbled on St. Andrew's "New York's only Scottish Restaurant and Pub."  We sipped ale and ate like we were in the homeland.  The Thompson name is a decendant from Scottland.  From what I've researched as of yet from the MacTavish clan.  Anyway, it was the perfect place.  Awesome atmosphere and not a tourist place unlike most everything in Times Square.  Intimate and romantic we ate wonderful foods from the homeland and fell in love all over again.  Something a married couple needs to do on a regular basis!!  Here's the link to give you an idea of the place: http://www.standrewsnyc.com/

Here's other more pics...

Currently Listening Hemispheres By Rush The Trees see related

The first Starbucks of the summer, packing for a trip to Pocono/Manhattan, and generally letting things slide off my back!!!  I'm feeling a summer of rejuvenation coming on!!  I think I'm actually gonna pull the Les Paul out and work on my chops.  I've got a cool opportunity to maybe play with a group again.  For that I'm pumped! 

I just walked in the door after an evening out with my son.  We ate at Adobe Cafe.  Eh, typical TexMex, but the company was awesome!  We then walked over to the Edwards IMAX theater to see the new Speed Racer movie.  I had been given some disappointing news about the reviews stating that it was a lot glam and too long for kids (2 hours 15 minutes).  I had no expectations going into the theater other than to spend some quality time with my son.  Low and behold to my surprise I was blown away by an incredible 2 hours 15 minutes of what I consider great entertainment.  I loved the effects as well as the story line.  Yes the movie was geared towards a much younger audience but I absolutely loved it.  My son loved it.  He and I have gobs of dialogue to share with each other.  I love that Pickle and myself are starting to build a repertoire of experiences and common interests by which we can communicate and enjoy each other's company.  Another perfect evening. 

I really believe Jesus is starting to paint the picture of who enjoys my attention and company.  Both in the area of family and friends.  This lifts my spirits and makes me happy.  The picture is getting clearer where I'm suppose to place my emphasis.  There maybe some changes coming that maybe difficult for some.

When common meets different......

Last night was a great night.  A good friend invited me to an Astros game.  He lives close to the stadium so he knows all these cool little things, like where a good parking place is located so you don't have to pay (legally), a good place to grab a burger and beer right across from the stadium, and a great pick of seats where you can see all the action as well as be in an area where you can possibly snag a foul ball.  The guy seating right next to us grabbed one.  The weather was perfect.  The game was awesome.  The Astros drilled Milwaukee in the 5th.  Very exciting.  Nothin' like sippin' on a beer, watchin' a great game, and hangin' with a friend who you share a lot in common.  Sometimes I think God really gives us a taste of heaven on earth. 

I'm struggling right now with friendships, despite having the wonderful evening I experienced last night.  My dilemma is not with the bud I went to the game with last night.  On the contrary, it's friendships like his and mine that help me to think I'm not some kind of social freak that doesn't know how to relate.  It's easy to connect with him.  We like many of the same things, but even more, there's a mutual respect for the areas of difference.  It's like those differences are minimized in order for the relationship to thrive.  And thrive it has.  He's a cherished friend.  My struggle is with the friends I'm finding difficult to maintain good relational ties because of so many differences.  It's like these differences are maximized to the point where they become obstacles that are difficult to overcome.  What's sad is that these friendships started out great and have an approximate history of a couple of years, but the common threads that once held fast are now unraveling.  There are a few common threads but because of such disconnection the friendship struggles.  Am I at fault for some of the unraveling.  Yes I am.  I admit it.  But this is a two way street.  I long for the embracement we once shared.  I'm saddened that commonalities have taken such an emphasis that we can't relate any more because we've grown apart and the differences aren't celebrated as diversity.  I love diversity.  I've always felt that presence is the life blood of relationships.  Even when there is very little in common.  I miss the tolerance these relationships once had for our differences and the acceptance of the person as a whole even if we didn't have the same taste in music, movies, food or philosophical ideals.  In some ways I'm feeling a little shunned.  I find it difficult to balance family time, my career, and community time.  Because of my working schedule I have very little time left in the day in which I devote to my family.  I find my whole schedule to be a disadvantage for availability in order to maintain these struggling friendships.  Unless I can combine my family time with some of these relationships we barely see each other during the week.  These disconnected friends have such a flexible schedule that they can stay up late and hang out, be spontaneous, and basically fellowship at the drop of a hat.  Proximity thrives healthy relationships.  Once again the importance of presence.  Am I feeling left out.  Yes, I am.  Am I jealous of their freedom.  I admit it.  I wish I had it.  I do get a taste of it during the summer but unfortunately the obstacles of differences tend to squelch any chance of momentum.  Thinking back I experienced this this past summer in retrospect.  I really need some supreme intervention!!  Please pray that these relationships will be restored to health and that I will have a humble and gentle heart.  Thanks!!!