Reviews for my book & a huge "Thank You"!

I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who downloaded my book and left such kind reviews for me at: http://www.lulu.com/shop/richard-peacock/symbols-of-love-authors-digital-edition/ebook/product-18857103.html

You have no idea what your support means to me!  And I thank you for taking the time to leave a review on the book there...

    Cheers!
    Richard Peacock

"This is a heartfelt collection of my poetry, 

A deep and twisted look into my soul!" 

- R -

"A Day in the Life" - The Beatles (Lennon/McCartney)

I read the news today oh boy
About a lucky man who made the grave
And though the news was rather sad
Well I just had to laugh
I saw the photograph
He blew his mind out in a car
He didn't notice that the lights had changed
A crowd of people stood and stared
They'd seen his face before
Nobody was really sure
If he was from the House of Lords.

I saw a film today oh boy
The English Army had just won the war
A crowd of people turned away
but I just had to look
Having read the book
I'd love to turn you on

Woke up, fell out of bed,
Dragged a comb across my head
Found my way downstairs and drank a cup,
And looking up I noticed I was late.
Found my coat and grabbed my hat
Made the bus in second splat
Found my way upstairs and had a smoke,
and Somebody spoke and I went into a dream

I read the news today oh boy
Four thousand holes in Blackburn, Lancashire
And though the holes were rather small
They had to count them all
Now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall.
I'd love to turn you on

-Lennon/McCartney

"Working Class Hero" - John Lennon (lyrics)

This is one of my favorite songs by John Lennon,
He really nailed it here, there is a bit reading into
it, however, once you've experienced some of it, you understand it thoroughly.
Actually this song is only second to "A Day in the Life".



"Working Class Hero"


As soon as your born they make you feel small,
By giving you no time instead of it all,
Till the pain is so big you feel nothing at all,
A working class hero is something to be,
A working class hero is something to be.
They hurt you at home and they hit you at school,
They hate you if you're clever and they despise a fool,
Till you're so fucking crazy you can't follow their rules,
A working class hero is something to be,
A working class hero is something to be.
When they've tortured and scared you for twenty odd years,
Then they expect you to pick a career,
When you can't really function you're so full of fear,
A working class hero is something to be,
A working class hero is something to be.
Keep you doped with religion and sex and TV,
And you think you're so clever and classless and free,
But you're still fucking peasents as far as I can see,
A working class hero is something to be,
A working class hero is something to be.
There's room at the top they are telling you still,
But first you must learn how to smile as you kill,
If you want to be like the folks on the hill,
A working class hero is something to be.
A working class hero is something to be.
If you want to be a hero well just follow me,
If you want to be a hero well just follow me.
-John Lennon

"England" - riots in my fathers country... August 8, 2011

There aren't any other words other than... What the HELL is wrong with our world???!!! Thugs in jolly Olde England! My father's birth country!

I am thoroughly disgusted with the recent crimes in London! This is the type of BS that should have been put a stop to YESTERDAY! It is in times like these where government should seek help ANYWHERE they can get it, to stomp out this sort of horrible terrorism act! It's simply any EXCUSE to commit unspeakable crimes!

It amazes me how some nationalities seem to have utterly NO RESPECT for human life and civilization! Watch the videos... it will make you sick to see the damage done in the London riots.

All I see is a group of animals raping and pillaging the country... striping it from all it's rich historic properties and memories! I am re-thinking free will at this point. There should be fear in one's heart of the repercussions of committing this sort of horrible act. The links are below...

http://youtu.be/J_TIAhYD8xU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MP-td3C55Yc&feature=share

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14461431

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14456065

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmGThsouYbw&feature=share

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxaTGwmCepQ&feature=share

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3HbhmoDHU4&feature=share

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIZV4YYQ2P8&feature=share

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmZZTSO1gTE&feature=share

NPR & PBS - Funding Cut!

Cutting funding for public creativity, art/music is effectively cutting a major artery in the right arm of every American. In times such as these children and adults alike need creative release and entertainment to ease the pain of the daily horrific reality of our current affairs. It seems odd to me the political decisions made during critical times that actually aide the demise of the spirit of America as we once knew it. I understand political B.S. and a corporate mentality, and it is exactly these practices which are destroying many lives time and time again. Please make the right decision and let the people decide NPR & PBS's fate. Government used to be for the people and by the people, it seems it is no longer our choice as Americans, we are now at the mercy of a handful of political thugs.

"Symbols Of Love" - Pick up your digital copy today! www.amazon.com or www.symbolsoflove.us

"Symbols Of Love" - Pick up your digital copy today! www.amazon.com or www.symbolsoflove.us

Fade Away...

Looking back in horror, as "this" vision fades away...
Chasing time in circles... lost deep, within each day.
Memorize these fragments, as they're slipping from your grasp.
For purpose in this life, fades away... present and past.
Knowing all that should be, yet unable to accept this gift...
Fading, within these foot steps, as the ripples seem to shift.
Distorting precise images, that prevailed in distant times.
Bleeding out... your prized possessions, all remaining? Endless time.
Hollow out your heart... so you may bare another day...
This shall surely be eternal... for we know no other way.
Live another lie, for we shall live amongst these crimes.
Bathe within the past... as you die time after time.
Follow in these foot steps, as you suffer and decay.
Raise your head to realize what lies ahead was lost today...
Given from another, who had taken from the rest, as your futures destine to you, visions fading for all the rest.
It's odd? You cannot see before you... what lies within your path.
Question every moment, as you shall reap this barren aftermath.

Lost with out... LOST!

Sadly... the last ounce of enjoyment in many of our lives has now been entirely drained from the bottle and or flask, your choice, in which we drank! I can't believe there is nothing left at this point on US television to exercise our American minds and stretch out our creative boundaries! I know many do not share my pain! And that's okay... I get it! You never reached that plateau of mental awareness... it's not your fault. It's our society and American ways. After all let's face it, we are not known for our historic culture and great minds! We are known for surfboards, sunshine and beautiful blond people bathing in their own skin and living for the next party and our shallow hedonistic existence. So many who have felt that they truly understood, yet many more feel a bit LOST! Such is life. You're not suppose to put it all together in a neat little box and put a pretty little bow around it and call it "consummatum est". Just ask Pandora... Anyway, as the final episode of LOST drew near and many questions were answered, many more were left strewn about like a fallen plate of spaghetti! I picked up the meat balls, after all, they were the only recognizable bits that stood out from the mess! So... here are the meat balls: They were all dead the entire time... Jack, Kate (Freckles), Sawyer, Juliet, Sayid, Charlie, Jin, Sun, Desmond, John and my very favorite character in the bunch Hurley... they all perished in the initial plane crash, from there each episode in which they attempted to figure out where they were, and how to get back to where they initially came from, and each attempt to flee the island, was apparently, what I believe to be the writers perception of "LOST SOULS" souls who haven't any idea what happened to them and that they actually are not in the physical form any longer. The flash backs of each character's life, seemed to be what each soul was remembering prior to the crash, then as the episodes unfolded several made it off the "Island", which was what I believe was the writer's way of conveying the eventual "crossing over" to the other side. As many of them were still left still on the "Island". The "Island" by the way... "Purgatory". The cross over was completed by Jack, Hurley and a hand full of the rest, as a way of accepting their demise or fate. They felt the need to go back to the Island in an attempt to help the rest of the LOST crew find their way back to the main lands, which I like to call "Heaven". When they did in fact come back to save the rest from the Island (Purgatory), they found it necessary to act out a script of necessary tasks which must be fulfilled in order for their loved friends, family and crew members to be able to realize or awake to what had actually happened and give them direction and purpose. These equations which they had to accomplish/solve, were the crossed over souls, only means of communication with the rest of the LOST SOULS who remained on the island. Sometimes in life, and most likely death, we can not see things as they truly are... and many times there are ways in which me must be dealt with delicately, as many of us are fragile minded, many more are extremely stubborn minded and if the obvious is evident and manipulation is the objective, rebellion sets in. Therefore creating friction and rejection, hence, loss of progression. And what I would imagine to be, the production of a LOST SOUL. And that it would be... forever if not guided in the proper way to the "other side". If in fact that is exactly what does occur at times after death. No one truly knows. So, getting back on track... Jack was the "Final" lost soul who took it upon himself (itself) to ensure all of the other LOST SOULS made it across to the "other side" safely. However, Jack became lost, so to speak, himself. So after helping the remainder of them to cross over, Jack himself indeed needed guidance finding his way back. Hurley and Benjamin Linus were to assume the guiding protector role from Jack, therefore, relieving Jack of his self imposed duty, and allowing Jack to cross. After Jack's final crossing, I believe Jack and the rest had finally realized... there was no more pain, no more heart ache and no more turmoil. And possibly the only way each would actually have ever realized this, is all in the way the entire sequence of events played out. We truly don't know anything more than our own perception of reality. And, "HEAVEN" may just be what you make of it! Or it may just be an alternate universe that runs parallel with ours! One that we can not conceive, for reasons in which we have not yet awoken to. Yes... I said awoken. Don't worry, you're not suppose to understand just yet... it's something you just can not conceive at this point in time. Did I say time?... what is time... really?

Stand up and be counted??? CENSUS ME!

Okay... another governmental tool that enables them to use YOU (which is very cost effective) to provide them with the information they need in order to stay on top of your business. I can not see any reason why the government would need to know if you have a mortgage on your home and how much that mortgage is actually for??? Nor, can I see a reason why our government would need to know what nationality you are in order to build bridges, fix roads, provide funding for school teachers as well as state and city employees! And I have no idea why they would need any of us to do their foot work, after all how many of those governmental agencies that are over staffed with employees who are suppose to be in charge of our national security etc... are actually sitting back right now in their air conditioned personal offices, enjoying company provided Starbucks Coffee, from their in house Starbucks that was personally delivered while they lounge in their over-sized leather chair and enjoy some company provided Internet porn as they contemplate whether to take that vacation in Fiji or Monaco? All while many of us continue to loose our jobs, healthcare, homes and transportation?

"Levity of Words"

"There is much too much to say, yet, no one left to listen. It is in times like these, which you reflect and realize, exactly who and what is truly important in your life. Keep listening, for at this point, I haven't yet, said anything of any significant value, even so, I have since dictated a novel... I shall give them what they seem to want and say nothing period, for they haven't any idea of the damage inflicted by the levity of words, thoughtlessness of their actions and lack thereof. -Richard Peacock

Healthcare... the Un-American way? Continued...

Enough with the US Health Care debate! It's not about a perfect bill, a perfect system! That day will come, oh let me see... the day after NEVER! It's about improvement and room for it! The bill may not be anywhere close to perfect, who knows? Only the House Reps. and Obama at this point, but, I can honestly say that our system is broken without any bill in place and we have to start somewhere. If not now, then when? And with what structure? The only individuals who are against this bill are the ones who either fear the unknown and have nothing but what they have heard from the higher up on the food chain, or, fear they are going to be the target of higher taxes and, or, fear that the government tell them which procedures they are able to have. I guess they don't mind having the insurance companies and HMO's make those decisions for them. The government getting involved should only regulate prices and put a tourniquet around this blood thirsty system! As we are now, they can name their price and there is no one to stop them in their tracks! The insurance companies will either approve it or deny it, either way they are passing the costs onto YOU the consumer!

Haiti

What's up Haiti??? Your national crisis, the entire world comes to your aid! We (USA) send troops, doctors, charitable donations and countless volunteers! Several of the volunteers apparently attempt to assist masses of children, with their parents consent, make it to land with a promise for a better life! And your Haitian government decides to throw our US Citizens in JAIL! WTF! Way to show your appreciation!

Political "B.S."

Recently our Government has addressed us in the "State of the Union" speech. I have a friend with whom I enjoy trading thoughts on our Government and the state of the USA in general from time to time. Here is a bit of a recent blog between the both of us, which we had posted on our Facebook pages.

Paul wanted to know my thoughts on the recent "State of the Union" speech?

Richard Peacock - Sorry Paul... I did not catch the BS that Obama was spewing the other day... at this point it all sounds the same... blah, blah, blah, blah... blah, blah! :O) GO USA! At this pace we are on track for 3rd world status by 2020! Whoooo, Hoooooh!

Paul Ricci - They are trying to nip something in the bud, He kept making the reference that the American People don't trust their government...Really, could it be because they bailed out the people who buried "the People"? or perhaps we are merely a reflection of our own government since they don't seem to trust each other. When was the last time you voted for a pay increase and longer vacation time for a congressman? Exactly...

Richard Peacock - I can't remember the last time my vote counted for anything! And even if my vote did count, the ballot would not have any of the candidates/propositions on it which I would have wanted to vote for anyway. The government truly has done one of the biggest "SNOW JOBS" on the American people that I have ever seen or heard of. They tell us we live in the greatest country in the entire world! We have freedom of speech! Freedom of religion! Freedom to the pursuit of happiness! And they even paint a pretty little picture of what the American dream should be for each and every one of us! Then they decide who will be nominated as our government leaders. How much we will pay in taxes. How the taxes will be spent. What battles will be fought and for how long. They tell us our vote counts and then decide what votes will be counted. And they even want to play a hand in God's vote! And tell us who will have health care and who will die without it! Republicans and Democrats... who needs them? They both are only there for one thing, MONEY. More specifically... YOUR MONEY. Yeah, I am about done with the way our Government has taken over! What happened by the people, for the people? We truly have no choice any longer, oh yeah, they want us to think we do, but, in actuality we are the sheep and they are our master. They do what they wish there in Washington. And we really have no idea what they are actually getting away with. I have one single word that sums it up! Corruption

More to come on this subject...

Merry Christmas! For some...

I apologize ahead of time for this one. If you are completely and utterly in the Christmas spirit this season, you probably will not want to continue to read on any further.


It seems that during this particular Christmas Season, I am finding myself more reflective than usual, upon the circle of life and how it seems that at times, life in itself is quite a moot point. I feel that I truly know why our lives were given to us, and what we are suppose to be doing with the precious life which we have been given, however, it is very difficult to "do the right thing" when you deal with so many selfish and self centered individuals on a daily basis, who ignore those in pain and in need, it seems there are just not enough people doing their part to lend an hand and I find it extremely hard to stay positive and keep the faith which I was taught/given, in the early years of adolescence. So many have become extremely self centered and oblivious to the pain and suffering around them in these times. While others are taken advantage of because of their kind giving nature and many others, including family members are merely taken for granted, and in many cases forgotten or discarded during hard times or in their elderly years. I can not understand how so many of us go through life "mentally blind" to the pain and suffering in which we are contributing to and allowing to continue in so many cultures and countries, as well as our very own! And in many cases I feel too many of us look past the need which is directly in front of us, right in our own country, town, neighborhood and or families! I see charity as something which should be given to the ones closest to you in need. Look at it this way, if you give $20 - $100 to an organized charity and take that "tax write off" (that probably really would not hurt you in the least to skip!) then, that charity will take your money and stretch it out in order to place a portion of it toward paying for everything from advertising to office supplies, rent, utilities, CEO's salaries and the list goes on... how far do you think that donation truly goes on it's own? Yes, ultimately these causes do make a huge difference in the long run, after huge amounts of funds are collected together which ultimately make the difference, however, if you take that same donation and instead give a family in need in your church, in your neighborhood, in your town and in many cases in your very own family! That money which you may donate, could make it's greatest impact on the individual family or person rather than a large organization, and the amount you donate to them, may not seem like much to you, however, the money which you donate at times may change their world as they know it! Even if just for a short period of time, it may make a huge difference in their comfort, moral or even be that little helping hand in which they need. I feel that charity goes much further and does the most good when you find the needy first hand and address that need personally and swiftly. I see so many consumed these days with video games, online games, cell phones, texting, and apps. and the pursuit of self gratification and entertainment to keep their minds occupied and out of touch with reality to the very point of missing out on their family life and special moments and time which could be spent with the loved ones around them, those loved ones will not be here in the flesh with them for eternity! And there is much to regret when they are gone! So many are self absorbed and self consumed that they only worry about themselves period. And it is truly sickening and pathetic. I feel were are to live our lives fully and never leave this world with feeling any regret of possibly having missed out on a non-replaceable experience which could have been spend with our loved ones, or other simple pleasures which we felt we should have experienced. However, I also feel that we must remain responsible when it comes to the aspect of, others happiness. Yes we are responsible for our own happiness, however, we do effect the happiness of those loved ones around us. We have family, friends and spouses, as well as others around us, whose emotions and feelings we need to take into consideration. When it comes to making decisions that will effect those in our lives either directly or indirectly. We have Mothers and Fathers, Grandmothers and Grandfathers, Sons and Daughters and all of the above have the one common thread experience in which they share throughout their lifetime with you. Mothers, Grandmothers, Fathers and Grandfathers watch their babies (you) being born as well and grow into young children and eventually if they are lucky enough they mature into adults. All the while, each growing older. Ironically enough the oldest witness the birth of their young, and their children and grandchildren and in turn those very offspring (Children/Grandchildren), watch as their parents and grandparents slowly grow older and eventually leave this world...

I know without any doubt that we were specifically put here on earth for a reason, if not several of them. And some reasons are even beyond our own comprehension, since we only use a very small percentage of our brain's mental capacity. However, the most important reason for our lives, I believe is to love one another, learn as much as we can to better ourselves all the while, spending as much time as possible attempting to make life better and more comfortable for those around us in our lives, and to enjoy and make every moment important in your life when ever possible. We are here for the journey, and the journey becomes who we are! And at the end of the day it's all about how many lives we have(you) touched and made a little easier/better through out that journey?

Merry Christmas.

Sting "If on a winter's night"

This October... while browsing a local store, in the hope of finding new musical treasure for this coming season... I stumbled upon a CD with a beautiful photo of large trees which were covered by newly fallen snow. The photo imagery also produced a dark image of a man walking along side his dog, amongst what seem to be either large Cedar, or White Birch trees. Needless to say, the photo sparked my curiosity! The description further seduced my soul...

"If on a winter's night" is truly a must have collection of folk and traditional English songs, some of which span from the 14Th century! This collection of song has been personally gathered by Sting himself, most taken from the British Isles. This winter collection is quite intimate, authentic and extremely well done! You will fade into another place and time as you realize an almost dream state, as you relax and absorb each tranquil and at times festive musical masterpiece. This collection is as genuine as the centuries of English and Irish & Scottish tradition/history in which it conjures! Beautifully done Sting! Thank you for straying from the main stream and having the courage to walk that crooked path! -Richard Peacock

Crowborough, England

My father came from a small town in England...
here is the site to this small town.
www.crowborough.info/about.htm

Whispers...

In the beginning, pure and unadulterated,
As you travel thru, passed along,
Dancing from lip to lip. cheek to cheek,
Ear to ear.

Beginning...much as a truth,
Yet, ending up as something much more...
Deep into your darkened lie, they all fall.
Deceiving all whom you entice...

Passing thru each memory, each time, becoming further and
further from what is pure, as you once were...

Playfully teasing, displaying bits and pieces of your alluring attributes.
My God! You are magnificent! As imagination awakes.

You draw your victim closer into your grasp...
Foolishly blinded by your seduction.
As you take advantage of all creatively,
and an imaginative lust, for the unknown.

Engulfing all whom you seek to deceive.
Destroying those whom lie prey to you're predatory nature...
As curiosity lies down by your side, to consummate the marriage.

Why?... WHY???

God is all powerful, all knowing, he, for lack of a better description, is everything to everyone... yet, he allows us our own choices in life, he allows so many horrific events to take place and evil to on many occasions prevail. We are given free will, the choice to live or die, the choice to cherish life, or take one. The choice between good and evil and although many do not know how to do it... the ability to take control of our life and manipulate that life to a certain extent channeling it in various directions. We are told not to judge, for judgement is suppose to be left unto our lord. Yet we are able to persecute and ridicule. Even the State is given the power to decide how life is spent and at times whether life is lived at all. Church congregations, ministers and countless Christians as well as Catholic and multiple other religions, being human, and extremely confused as to what our God wants or asks of us, seem to forget right from wrong and become hypocritical and judgemental and treat one another as less worthy of respect judged upon race, creed or religion. Rather than "treat others how you would expect to be treated" and "love one another". WHY??? Why are we allowed to become so corrupt in our beliefs, values and views of one another? Why were we given free will to hate and commit horrific sins against each other? Why are innocent children taken from this world at young ages? Why do we grow old? Why must we all loose our loved ones one at a time and in some cases all at once? Why is there so much hate? Why is there so much greed? Why don't we take care of one another? Why are some reading this right now and thinking "Fucking Idiot"? Why are so many so screwed up? And why don't we value one another? Why don't we have the time for common courtesy? Why don't we make time for friends? And why does it seem that many who call themselves your friend, usually end up asking for something you haven't offered? And why do some take advantage of your good nature and genuine caring for their well being? I could and would blog on much, much longer here, but I think you've been, or are now, where I have gone with this... next time you call a family member or a friend to ask for something from, or of them, think about the last time you called just to say hi, or to tell them you love them, or miss them or would like to get together with them... or better yet! Think about the last time you offered them something of yourself freely without motive. Think of in what way you have enriched their life and then, attempt to remember some of those great moments you have brought to their life and the last time you made their life a bit easier or happier because you gave something of your self, selflessly.

Craftsman, Tudor, Victorian or Second Empire?

Architecture... it is very much a beautiful work of art... especially when the architecture is historic! My favorite styles of architecture are; Craftsman, Tudor, Victorian & Second Empire Victorian, however, there are many other styles which are very beautiful as well, such as; Spanish & Mediterranean, cottage & bungalow, modern and eclectic. At the moment I am very much into the "English Tudor" and "Cottages"... I can especially appreciate the scoop or bend to the roof line as it slopes outward bending gently and drawn slightly upward... just add a traditional French, Italian or English garden with a picket fence, and beautiful wisteria or bougainvillea to a pergola, trellis or arbor across the drive and you have the perfect recipe for mass curb appeal! What style best fits you? Check out some of Google's images of the "Tudor". And let me know some of your favorites as well!

Alone... to be or not to be... this is my question?

Are you one who enjoys being alone? Or do you enjoy companionship at all costs! I have always loathed being alone, yet, I am alone most of the time. I work by myself most of the time, write by myself all the time & truly have no one close to me who fully understands my drive to write and basically create musically & artistically. I have no one with whom to work with while writing music. I don't spend much time with many artistic friends, nor, do I have anyone in my family other than my mother who is actually creative. I feel that spending time alone can be a curse at times and a blessing others. It is nice to have a bit of time to yourself to reflect and gather your thoughts, rediscover yourself etc. However, for me this subject is like a double edged sword. I like to have time to think deeply by myself. However, I feel a great need to spend time with my wife and family. Time which I do not have enough of. Seems to slip by and each day I awake seems to eventually play out much like the last. I am basically a workaholic, when I am not working I am thinking about what needs to be done. So, I could be spending the day with my wife while she is shopping and secretly, I can't wait to get back and get this list done. By the way, this list starts in my head and eventually sleeps in my bed. I spend many nights tossing and turning either prior to falling asleep or after having have been asleep for some time, only to awake to another sleepless night with "The List". At times I will either write it down or record myself a memo on my phone for later review, however, that is not always how it works, there are many times in which I start thinking of more and more items to add to "The List" and here is where I spend the rest of my night. I do find that I am more productive when left to my own devices. But then again, there are many times in the past I have felt as if I have driven myself to the very brink of insanity, while left alone to my own devices, deep within thought. Most of the time I feel as if I am very much alone in my world, there are so many of life's situations and circumstances, which I truly feel that I am the only one who is able to fully understand and or complete these tasks accurately. Most of my family seem to occupy themselves with meaningless chitchat and are not quite as driven as I. They don't seem to want to take on the heavy issues, it seems they are drawn to issues of levity. I understand that I am very much alone in my world when it comes to dwelling within analytical thought.