by Tom Mueller The kids had decided – Colorado the choice They’d hoped for this move, to that they gave voice To parents at home this decision seemed rash An ill-planned trip could burn through their cash Or worse, result in dashed dreams and defeat High expectations left dashed on the street Mother’s voice echoed
by Tom Mueller I first met Jim in a telephone call His voice was distant, I was small He called his Sis by phone every year From a land down under and far from here He lived in the Outback, hours from Perth A mining man he, prospecting the earth He searched for gold, as
By Tom Mueller It’s a busy workday – a normal workday – with lots to do and deadlines approaching, and in the midst of this your computer stops working. You want to save the document you’re working on, but it’s no use. You’ve lost it. Then a new page appears on your display. It’s a
Dakar, Senegal – It’s nighttme when I arrive here, and the ride from the airport to the city is along a dark and dusty road. Dust hangs heavy in the headlights of oncoming vehicles and the occasional street light, a reminder that the great Sahara Desert lingers nearby. Winds from the east pick up its
I love exploring new places and new countries, especially when I can do so on a motorcycle. I recently spent a weekend exploring rural England on a bike and had a blast. I was fortunate because the ride was a last-minute decision, but with some research I was able to pull it together. I found
AUCKLAND, New Zealand – I came out of the turn and twisted the throttle open, feeling the big 1300 cc motor growl as the rpms came up and the horsepower spooled out to the wheels. I’m on a motorcycle and touring the New Zealand countryside. I feel good. I’m cracking down a two lane blacktop
By Tom Mueller Mike Newman is an entrepreneur on a mission these days. Known by a growing number of Texans as the man who built his own castle in the Texas countryside, he’s now diligently building a business around the castle and attracting thousands of visitors a year to the small town of Bellville. And
‘The acceleration is amazing!’ By Tom Mueller If you ask 8-year-old Marcus Rodriguez what he likes most about racing karts at speeds up to 60 mph around a track in northwest Katy, you get an unexpected response. “I like driving in the rain,” he says. “It’s fun.” Kart racing in the rain? Well, this isn’t
by Tom Mueller What is is about the kids in our care That gives men a reason to want to be near They're loud and demanding and care not a wit But to play and to horse and to give us a fit! Yet something inside beckons me near A deep feeling I love -
by Tom Mueller A strange wind blows around me these days A scent of changed is mixed with the haze This no surprise - BP is regrouping Yet something lurks deeper, my spirit is drooping Pondering yes, this often I do Examining thoughts like snakes in a zoo They slither around, aimless at times, Til
by Tom Mueller Add to the list of timeless ends A weekend passed with family and friends This one, too, stole by so fast But memories remain As the shadows they pass A Friday night, alone with the Boy A casual meal Of Kung Pao and soy The day's climax An epic test The permit
All the things I thought would be By Tom Mueller All the things I thought would be In this life I just don't see Like shadows shifting in the night They dance and taunt my drifting mind The path not taken, decisions long made Haunt my thoughts in night and day Decisions not wrong, regret
by Tom Mueller I wake at night, a panic I flee Some stray thought has frightened me My brain is thinking and filing the day I’m asleep, yet part of the fray My heart starts pounding, my skin grows wet It’s something unseen my mind can’t vet I’m falling, I’m losing, I’m running behind Mostly
by Tom Mueller I lay on death’s bed Life force ebbing this eve I wonder of life And the value I leave The watchers are near Sensed more than seen Malevolent – not But neither at ease Gordon described them As he neared his death Shadowy figures Above and ahead So what
If you want to sear a point into a person’s brain, connecting emotionally is usually a good way to imprint your point. Emotion creates a tighter connection than just pointing out facts or offering a methodical argument. This is partly why large companies struggle against protesters and other organized opposition – companies tend to focus
HANOI – I came down the stairs of our home intending to grab some breakfast before meeting up with my driver and heading to the office. Such was my morning routine living and working in Hanoi, Vietnam. But this morning was not going to follow the normal routine. I knew it as soon as I
