Life Through These Eyes, Vol II

by Michael S. Lambiotte

Overview

Remember this as you read Life Through These Eyes, Vol II: There is always a story within a story. I am often asked, “Are your characters real?” Oh yes, they are all real—very real to me. I loved a few, disliked many, and spent years trying to forget some. The book covers six decades of my life—stories of love, exceptional friendships, pets raising humans, marriage at its best and worst, really mean people, holiday memories, men being men, and much more.

At age fifty-eight, I discovered I had a message I wanted to share: A message that contained memories from childhood to retirement; wonderful, and sometimes painful, life lessons; praise and criticism regarding my community; and events and people that made me angry and disillusioned. I found an outlet for many hurtful experiences. Also, I found a way to channel my political feelings. Writing became my therapist.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781524689117
Publisher:	AuthorHouse
Publication date:	04/26/2017
Pages:	280
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.63(d)

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

R E S P E C T

Riding with Miss Manners

"Things may happen to you, but the only things that matter are the things that happen in you." – Eric Butterworth

Raise your hand if you have never done anything dangerous or just plain dumb while driving an automobile? For those with their hands up, let me remind you about: That recent red light you went through. No, pink doesn't mean go with caution.

What about the person you pulled in front of and you proceeded to drive at snail speed. They almost had your tail pipe as a hood ornament. Or the time you cut off the driver in front of you because the Sale' sign was just too damn compelling. And I distinctively remember a "Stop" sign doesn't mean proceed slowly with vigilance. Furthermore, remember backing into that car in the parking lot? You thought, "That car wasn't behind me when I arrived two hours ago."

Just as I thought, all hands are down. Now, raise your hand if you have ever witnessed another driver doing something dangerous or just plain dumb? Here are a few of my favorites: The early morning "I'm late I'm late" driver finishing her make up 1o miles over the speed limit. Or the man putting the final touches on that last-minute shave during his NASCAR-like commute.

How about the youthful driver cruising at 60 mph and texting a very important message? Oops! That tree interrupted the texting. "Sorry Mom and Dad. I'll never be home for dinner." And one of my all-time favorites: The driver who was approaching "Suicide Central," the intersection of Rt. 50 and Emily Drive in Clarksburg, West Virginia. She was proceeding through a pink light, cigarette in one hand, coffee in the other and head tilted to the left holding a cell phone against their shoulder. Obviously well coordinated and very stupid. Their juggling might get them a circus job, but it might also get them (or someone) unexpected coverage in the obituaries.

My point: Through these eyes, every driver (sooner or later) either initiates or becomes the victim of highway stupidity. Too often this stupidity results in further stupidity ... (aka) "Road Rage." I would like to devote the rest of this story to my unique solutions for highway temper tantrums.

First, I believe people make obscene gestures, yell obscenities, or otherwise react in socially unacceptable ways toward other drivers because they "know they can." It's almost like making that unpleasant phone call rather then talking with the individual in person. You become disconnected and safe. And can easily run away by hanging up. As a driver, you can 'salute' or yell at an offending motorist and drive (run) away. Avoid the face-to-face.

Here are my unique (sort of) solutions for highway tantrums: For the perpetrator (the cause of the incident) – Ignore the obscenities, stare straight ahead, and close your ears. Or simply apologize with the windows up and the doors locked. An exaggerated, "I'm sorry. I'm stupid" usually works.

Don't try to get creative or throw them off balance like I once did. After apparently irritating the driver behind me, he pulled alongside and presented me with a very unkind salute. I looked at him, smiled, and threw him a kiss. Not smart! In hind sight, my actions could have enraged him further or could have gotten me a date ... neither of which would have been desirable.

For the victim – If another driver does something beside, in front of, or behind you that is stupid, dangerous, or dumb, take a deep breath before you do or say something that is stupid, dangerous, or dumb. Think: That person could be a serial killer wanted by the FBI. Or, would you react in a belligerent or obscene way if you suddenly recognized the offender as your best friend? Well, come to think of it you might. But it would probably be with a smile and friendly salute!

Before you do or say something obscene to another driver remember, "Quit lying to your self! We all drive dumb at times." And my best solution for highway tantrums is, "Oh, high Mom. I didn't know that was you. We need to talk later."

I've never committed a thoughtless act while behind the wheel of a car. Except lie frequently.

Send Them Back – They're Illegal!

"The greatest good you can do for another is not to just share your riches, but to reveal to him his own." – Benjamin Disraeli

Send e'm back, they wear funny clothes!

Send e'm back, they can't speak our language!

Send e'm back, they have a different religion!

Send e'm back, they have foreign diseases!

No doubt, Powhatan, the Algonquian Indian Chief, and many of his followers thought and said these very words. For the record, they were directed at the English – in 1607. I think I still hear these words today. Listen, do you? Oh yea, this story is about immigration. No personal opinions though. Because, my opinions are just that – personal. However, I hope it will make you think. Think about your relatives and why they came to a strange and different land ... America.

My family came from Belgium and Germany. Legally, I think. It doesn't really make any difference now. That was over a hundred years ago. But, what if it was last week? At one time, immigration was mainly an historical topic for me, to be taught and analyzed in the classroom. While living in Virginia, it became personal. We lived in a city that was a political, religious, and ethnic melting pot.

Those years opened my eyes to ethnic diversity. I met adults and children who fled unimaginable suffering, inhumanity, poverty, and political persecution. Those years also opened my eyes to Americans who made an art form of using the system. Those who can work and should work, but choose not to work.

I had a friend who worked for the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service). They raided an open-air vegetable market in Washington, D.C. looking for illegal immigrants. As they were loading the illegals, he noticed a large crowd gathering. He said, "Go on in. I think they're hiring now." Someone in the crowd said, "F_ _ k no!! I ain't working for no piss-ass wages!" "Mike, I was so angry I felt like arresting the crowd. Maybe we were deporting the wrong group."

After retiring from education, I sold automobiles while Sandra, my wife, finished her tour of duty in education. One of my customers was a young man from Mexico. One day he said, "Mike, I love Mexico, but down there you work hard and get nothing. Here, you work hard and get something. I work hard for my family, here and in Mexico. One day, I want them to have what I have in my new country."

At that point, I didn't care if he was illegal or not. Over the years, I knew several immigrants who became citizens. I found out obtaining visas, sponsors, application fees, Green Cards, permanent resident status, and finally citizenship takes years and cost thousands. Entering illegally ... can cost you your life. Imagine selling everything you own to pay smugglers to get you across the border. The lucky ones make it. Some die trying.

Why do they risk everything? "Here, you work hard and get something!" Using my best Nixon imitation "Let me make one thing perfectly clear," illegal immigration is just that – illegal. But we better find a way to deal with it, and fast. Forget deporting. It doesn't work.

Yes, "illegals" strain our economy, schools, and health care system. But, so does "can work and won't work." Think - you're living where you do now, in extreme poverty, and under a brutal corrupt government. Yet in Virginia, there was promise and hope. But, you must sneak across a dangerous border. What would you do? Me ... "These boots are made for walking." Or running real fast!

Through these eyes, we must find a way to help the illegal immigrants become legal. We have no other realistic choice. Skills, desire, and work ethics are there. We must streamline the legal process for admittance and citizenship. Democratic and Republican lawmakers, put down your swords! Just once, do what is right, without checking your political playbook. Maybe it's our time – "to not only share our riches, but help them reveal their own.'

If I had not lived in a diverse environment, I would have lived my life one dimensional.

The Magic Mirror

"The greatest discovery of my generation is that man can alter his life simply by altering his attitude of mind." – William James

"Mirror mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all? Tis you my queen. You are fair so true." Many times, the wicked queen looked into her magical mirror for answers. Always pleased. Until one day her mirror said, "But Snow White is fairer than you." The queen was expecting truth, honesty, and a 'fairest' reflection. That she received on that one eventful morning created anger, conflict, and jealousy. But the mirror spoke only the truth.

Magic mirrors only exist in fairy tales. But I wonder? I wonder what it would be like to have a magic mirror to help me (us) deal with life's conflicts? One that would tell the truth. Be honest and fair. However, accepting what we see deep in the mirror might not always please. For how we deal with conflict separates the successful from the unproductive and the happy from the discontented. Yet, it can lead to the incompatible seeing as one. Or it can rebuild bridges destroyed by anger and misunderstandings.

When we first glance into the mirror we see conflicts everywhere: At work, family, with friends, and neighbors. We're seeing a reflection of life. And we go to the mirror and say, "OK - mirror mirror on the wall, be honest. Tell me the truth! Tell me when I am right and when I am wrong." But, are we prepared for the fairest of them all. Remember, mirrors lie not.

A mirror sees most conflicts as a failure to communicate or our unwillingness to accept the possibility we might be wrong. Conflicts at work are unavoidable: Your boss never considers your ideas. Jealousy over promotions will happen. Colleagues will steal ideas or take credit for the work of others.

Also, show me a family without conflict and I will show you a very unhappy single person: Siblings yell and parents argue. Dance recitals will conflict with soccer games and anniversaries. Furthermore, if you know someone or live in a certain neighborhood long enough, disagreements are as certain as the sun rising and setting. The difference is ... will you believe what you see in the mirror?

But if you are willing to look deep enough, you will see reflections that please and offend. You will be pleased when you see your image writing a note that says, "I'm sorry. I know my words stung." However, you will be offended when the mirror asks, "Why didn't you invite them to lunch so you could talk." Taking that giant step (talking) is not always easy.

You will be delighted when you see your image not engaging in hurtful gossip about a dear friend, club member, or a co-worker. On the other hand, you will be upset by your reflection being rude to a guest in your home, especially when you didn't realize you were offensive.

And you were thrilled when your mirror complimented you by saying. "The gift of your time is a gift never forgotten." Yet, you were embarrassed (or were you) when you saw your likeness canceling an invitation already accepted. Something better came up.

In the fairy tale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a magic mirror created conflict by speaking the truth. I think the authors of Snow White, the Brothers Grimm, may have stumbled onto something – a mirror that tells the truth and reflects who we really are. However, we need to use this mirror to resolve conflicts and never allowing it to create conflicts.

I hope the next time you look in your mirror, wherever it may be, you will be able to see more than a simple reflection. I truly believe magic mirrors do exist. And if we look deep enough, I hope we will be able to see the person other people see.

And for the fortunate ones, who have a true friend, don't be afraid to exchange reflections. That's the magic of the mirror!

Magic mirrors really do exist for some people. It's the reflection of a friend.

The Title Fight

"I will speak ill of no man and speak all the good I know of everybody." Ben Franklin

In the red corner, at 6'5" and 285 lbs. is ... Gossip! In the blue corner, at 6'3" and 260 lbs. is ... Knowledge! Both fighters are powerful and strong and have enormous influence with those around them. Gossip can destroy his opponent with a single punch. Not only his career, but possibly his life. He charges to the center of the ring ... fast and furious.

Knowledge is more of a finesse fighter. He works slowly, calculating and analyzing his opponent. Then, and only then, will he make his move. Knowledge is as powerful, but not as flamboyant or quick to strike with devastating blows. In the end, how each uses his power will decide victory.

For an insider look at these two heavy weights, let's go to their training camps and observe their techniques. First, is Gossip. At 6'5" and 285 lbs. and very intimidating. His training is secretive, always surrounded by rumors and idle chatter. The chatter about his opponent is always personal, designed to distract from the task at hand.

Gossip's rumors are about self-promotion.. His press conferences are always sensational and meant to hurt his opponent. To many, he may even appear as "acid-dripping" sweet. Beware! Let's look at who's in his corner. There's Bob (Gossip), who tells anyone who will listen about a dying child when that child is doing quite well thanks to science and God. Beside him is Carol (Gossip), who talks about a friend's battle with alcoholism, as she accepts that third glass of wine. To her left is Ted (Gossip), who loves spreading vicious rumors about his political opponents, the day before the election.

Never forget Alice (Gossip). She loves to speculate, at her social club, why the police are frequent visitors to the house a block from her home. Remember, being the center of attention is important to Alice.

However, despite Gossip's power and destruction, Knowledge knows he will defeat Gossip. It may not be in the first round, but certainly before the final round. Let's look at Knowledge's training camp. Knowledge's camp is open to the public. He is aware of his popularity and encourages others to watch and learn. Knowledge understands the importance of studying an opponent's every move. He analyzes Gossip's past fights and pays careful attention to how he hurts his opponents.

Knowledge is also powerful, but he's constantly aware of how his power influences others. He wants to win as badly as Gossip, but hurting and humiliating an opponent is not part of his strategy. Knowledge always tries to share and spread his successes because for Knowledge, there is no me, it's all about we.

Look who's in Knowledge's corner. I see Martin Luther King, standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial saying, "I have a Dream." Beside him is Mother Theresa, in the squalor of Calcutta, praying with a young husband, as he cradles his dying wife in his arms. I see Rachel Carson, holding a copy of her book Silent Spring in one hand and the upraised hand of Knowledge with her other hand. The public outcry to her book in 1962 was instrumental in launching the environmental movement.

Beside her, with arms raised to a higher power is the Rev. Billy Graham, at 86, preparing his last sermon after 67 years on the pulpit. Directly behind Knowledge is a man wearing a brown suit with his right hand in his jacket pocket. As Knowledge looks around, the man in the suit says, "In a time of turbulence and change, it is more important today than ever that knowledge is power." Mr. President, you died way too young.

In this heavy weight title fight called "Life," Gossip can land a devastating blow at any time. While Knowledge can defeat any foe. Within each of us ... Gossip and Knowledge are waiting for their chance.

When your bell sounds, and you walk toward the center of the ring, which corner will you choose?

The difference between spreading gossip and fact is the motive of the tongue.

What's Your Pedigree?

Every man has a history worth knowing, if he could tell it, or if we could draw it from him." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

The individuals portrayed in this story are purely fictional. Any resemblance to anyone living or dead is purely coincidental. However, feel free to interject your own opinions.

If you have had the privilege of a dog as a companion, chances are they were AKC registered (American Kennel Club) or good ole AMB (American Mixed Breed). For registration purposes, the AKC groups dogs into eight categories: Sporting, Non-Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Herding and Miscellaneous.

However, did you ever notice dogs don't care about categories, pedigree or papers And most of the owners don't either. Yet occasionally you'll run into a "snobby" owner who says with an arrogant tone and a tipped-up nose, "Myyyyy dog is the same breed that won 'Best in Show' at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Is that really a dog you're walking? It looks like a collage of leftover parts." Incidentally, the 2010 Best in Show was a Scottish terrier named Ch Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot (aka Sadie). No AMB's allowed in this event.

(Continues…)

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Excerpted from "Life Through These Eyes, Vol II"
by .
Copyright © 2017 Michael S. Lambiotte.
Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1 RESPECT,
Chapter 2 Some Get It – Some Don't,
Chapter 3 A Child of the 50's Memories,
Chapter 4 Really Special People & Places,
Chapter 5 Being a Man ... It's Not Easy,
Chapter 6 My Home Sweet Home,
Chapter 7 In My Garden,
Chapter 8 Sitting in A Tree ... KISSING,
Chapter 9 Holidays – Time to Dream,
Chapter 10 My Community Soap Box,
Chapter 11 Family and Friends,
Chapter 12 Oh, Those Beautiful Brown Eyes,
Chapter 13 When You Stop Learning – You Stop!,
Chapter 14 The Shape of Mean,