Passion Vs. Compassion

The word passion means:

1

often capitalized a : the sufferings of Christ between the night of the Last Supper and his death b : an oratorio based on a gospel narrative of the Passion

2

obsolete : suffering

3

: the state or capacity of being acted on by external agents or forces

4

a (1) : emotion passion is greed> (2) plural : the emotions as distinguished from reason b : intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction c : an outbreak of anger

5

a : ardent affection : love b : a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept c : sexual desire d : an object of desire or deep interest

The word compassion means:

: sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it.

In more simplistic terms, passion is a feeling and compassion is an active and conscious decision to alleviate distress (hunger, suffering, imprisonment, danger, pain, etc.).   What’s the difference?  Though we (humans) are filled with emotions and those emotions often dictate our reactions and responses, they do not rule us.  We always have a choice to give into our passions and desires, or overcome them.  However, compassion isn’t an emotional response, but a conscious pattern of thought where we use our intellect to assess a situation, event or conflict and see a path of deliverance.  

You see, it’s passionate to see a hungry child and feed it. We react out of our passion; our feelings.  However, when we assess their situation and use our intellect to see a way to alleviate that child’s hunger in the long run; that’s compassion.  Compassion isn’t devoid of passion, but sometimes, and often many times, passion is devoid of compassion. 

Passion creates a social system that will put a band-aid over an open sore.  Compassion understands there are infectious bacteria inside the sore and needs an antibiotic, but also needs a lesson in prevention.  Compassion understands that we can’t stand around every day and continue to throw band-aids at the diseases that plague our society. 

One of the common arguments I hear is: “Parent’s aren’t teaching their children basic sanitary practices, which lead to the spread of disease, therefore it’s OUR responsibility to care for these sick children AND their ignorant parents.”  That’s passion speaking.

Compassion will say, “While we treat children with infections, we teach them how to clean THEMSELVES to prevent the spreading of further infection.  For a trial period, we help the parents get on their feet and give them an opportunity to SHOW (their words and promises mean nothing) so they can be responsible.” 

Doing something for someone isn’t helping them; it handicaps and enslaves them. 

  

I found myself in my early twenties as a single mom with two babies and unable to pay my bills.  I applied for welfare and within a few days received my first AFDC check, Medicaid for myself and my children, and a book of food stamps.  I can’t tell you what a relief it was that I was able for the first time to pay my rent, on time.  That lasted for a couple months until I began to look for steady regular work.  I enjoyed the few weeks I got to be home with my babies without worrying whether I was going to be homeless and someone in a pencil skirt and jacket would show up and take my kids away from me because I couldn’t take care of their basic needs. Now they could eat, sleep and see the doctor in relative comfort.  I bought their governmental promises, hook, line and sinker, at least until the rose colored glasses slid down my nose.  

    

Though I had graduated high school and had a few quarters of college under my belt, I wasn’t qualified for any high paying jobs.  In the area I lived, it consisted mostly of service jobs – nursing homes and restaurants.  So, my options were limited – wait tables or clean bottoms.  I applied to the nursing home and got a job as a nursing assistant making minimum wage. I had to start somewhere.  I was very proud of myself.  I knew things would be really tight because the cost of daycare would take over half my paycheck each week, but combined with my AFDC and Food Stamps, I could see a path out of the deep well of despair within a year. This welfare thing was GREAT!  However, that dream shattered when I called my caseworker and shared with her the news of my new job!  That’s the moment I realized I had iron shackles around my ankles.  

To continue to receive AFCD, Food Stamps and Medicaid, I couldn’t have a job.  They would deduct what I earned from my check, require me to obtain my own medical insurance plan and reduce my food stamps.  I couldn’t even buy a car to get me back and forth to work, because they’d have to deduct the value of the vehicle from my benefits.  

I didn’t see the benefit of my benefits anymore.  It seemed like the same method pimps used to keep prostitutes under submission and in service, where the pimps (government) got them(women, children) addicted and dependent on the drugs (benefits) to keep them in enslaved service (keep the programs running & use as a political tool).  

I only had a few choices in front of me:  Submit to this form of slavery, like most of my neighbors in the housing projects and trailer parks where I lived, and teach this slave mentality to my children.  OR, lie and risk going to jail for perjury and theft and lose my children.  OR, struggle for a LONG time choosing to work two jobs and allow daycare and babysitters to raise my children for a while until I could get to a point where only one job was needed.  I didn’t have to have the best, but my kids deserved the best.  I worked hard for three years, forgot about ALL of MY wants because I was responsible for my situation and to supply the needs of my children.  

I climbed out the bottomless well I once found myself.  It was hard; the hardest thing I ever did.  I did it without any government help, all the while paying my taxes (which I could have really used), and reminded myself daily that I deserved better, and so did my kids.  I wasn’t rich, but I was free.  Most of all, my children respected me and were taught the pride of honest living.  They know that if they want to accomplish anything in this world, they’d have to do it themselves, not expect someone to do it for them or hand it out to them.  They have seen firsthand the results of a handout.  

My children are not children anymore, they’re all adults.  I’ve had many successes in my life since that bleak period.  I’ve moved up the corporate ladder in a male dominated business, I got married, I started my own company, and I’m reaching for my dreams of being a writer and was published in 2009.  I’ve already accomplished a great deal and I just turned 40.  I can’t imagine what’s next.

I still don’t have a whole lot of money.  In fact, I live just barely above poverty level.  Yet, I spend much of time now in volunteer work.  I help feed the poor, educate the ignorant, hold the hands of new dreamers, and share the gifts given to me with those around me.  I look for opportunities to help and to give, but NEVER in an entitlement program.  I don’t help everyone with their hands out… Like Jesus, I ask, “Do you really want to be healed, be delivered and set free?”  If so, then in my COMPASSION I’ll PASSIONATELY help and lead them to the way or answer that will help alleviate their distress.   And that doesn’t make me a hypocrite.

I’ve worked hard for what little I have, and I give regularly over 15% of my gross income to charitable organizations and projects I believe are compassionately helpful.  However, I don’t like the government sticking their hands in my pocket and taking from me what THEY think I should support.  They can’t even pay their own bills, but they want to tell me how to pay mine.  I’ve yet to see ONE entitlement program actually make a true difference.  Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome.  These entitlement programs have failed over and over and over and over, creating generations of slaves… yet they expect them to magically start working and changing the world.  The government is a plantation owner and the recipients of entitlements are the indentured slaves, and with a slave mentality they think it’s better to pick cotton on the plantation than be free and have to work among the unknown and uncertain where there’s a chance at success and failure.  Fear of the unknown is the greatest shackle of them all, and that is what our government sells best.

Imposters, Liars & Thieves!

Ever seen that commercial where you have this world class tennis player trying to play a game of tennis, but then just everyday, regular people with no skill, talent or record shows up on the court and you can no longer tell the world class player from anyone else?  Well, that commercial was about how the social networks have marred and blurred the pool of well qualified applicants looking for a job among the dead beats.  You can't tell one from the other.

What I'm discovering more and more everyday with the many people I meet all over the world, is that not only do the unqualified and inexperienced step out and try to obtain the jobs, careers or status of the well qualified, highly educated, extremely gifted and seasonable experienced, but they seem to think they deserve it.  Where does this type of arrogance come from?  Surely not from our present day leaders!

I understand we live in a society who believes in entitlements.  This new generation has grown  up being fed the importance of these entitlements so much they can't imagine their lives without them, even to the point of shouting decisions contrary are 'unconstitutional'.   The concept of actually earning what you get in this life is being cast by the wayside in the name of fairness and socialism. 

I was raised under the mentality that "Uncle Sam" owes you.  But, I've come to discover that I am Uncle Sam.  When you cheat the government by not paying your taxes, lying to gain welfare or unemployment, or fudge on your income to obtain government health care, free lunches for your kids at school and so on, you're not stealing from a communist or socialist government institution under the name of Uncle Sam; you're stealing from me and every other person who pays their taxes.

In this society with unemployment records at all-time highs, I'm also noticing how high school drop outs are claiming a college education on their online profiles and resumes without actually having one, and often securing jobs that should have went to the men and women who have paid their dues, tuition and time in study and preparation.  When these types of thefts (for that is what they truly are) occur it causes an injustice and imbalance in the working universe.  There are more college graduates working at low end jobs or unemployed today than ever in history.  Many spout that it's the illegal immigrants who are taking all the jobs, but that just isn't true.  Illegal immigrants often work the same low-paying jobs that high school drop-outs are barely qualified to hold, while the lying, cheating drop outs are infiltrating the entry positions designed for the college graduates.   Just as with the problems with some illegal immigrants, these drop outs feel they are ENTITLED to these positions they neither deserve or earned. I do also want to add, that it's not always a degree that matters, but experience.  You could have been a drop out, but have worked hard and learned through experience to climb the ranks.  That's deserved and not an entitlement.

The last example I wanted to share that really irks me is when budding writers call themselves "Authors".  It took many years, several manuscripts and a whole lot of heart, pain, tears and passion for me to have earned the title of a published author.  Yet, day after day I come across misinformed writers posing as authors.  The more the title is misused and abused by those who haven't earned it, the more the title itself loses its prestige.  Just to clarify - to hold the title of "Author" you must have been published by a traditional publisher (any troll can self-publish garbage.) Posting articles on blogs or Op-ed pieces in newspapers doesn't make an author... it makes a pundit.  Anyone who posts on Facebook, Twitter or My Space can call themselves a published writer, because what they write is published on a forum that others can read.  Publishing something you written  on a blog, magazine or op-ed piece makes you no more an author than going to Taco Bell makes you a burrito.

I'm proud of the educational degrees I've earned in college, wish I could have earned more.  I'm proud of the experience I've gained at the different jobs I've held.  I'm proud of the accomplishments I've obtained in my writing career. I'm proud of the friends I've gained through recognition of my hard work, experience, gifts and talents.  I don't appreciate all the imposters, liars and thieves out there who try to destroy all my hard work, diminish my skill and demean my gifts and talents.

Crazy4Smallville's Review - Series Finale

            How do I review something that’s been a part of my life for the past decade?  How do put I put the stopper at the end of a bottle and then toss it away?  It’s a lot harder than you think.  It became even more difficult in the week following the finale, when I knew nothing else was to come.  It’s an empty feeling; a hollow hole left open.  Part of me wants to fill it again with something else, but then another part of me doesn’t want (or doesn’t think) anything else is good enough to fill the vacant lot, now unoccupied.  Where do I go from here?  That’s the first thing the ending of Smallville has given me – an unoccupied space in my heart that I don’t know if I’ll be able to fill; and if I do fill it, to what degree will the next thing be worthy?  From the look of what’s out there, not anything that I consider even in the same caliber.  What to do?  What to do?
     I have to say that waiting ten long years for a particular event to happen has taught me a lesson in patience, and the rewards that come from being patient and loyal.
            Well, here goes… for the last time!

I love the opening, how they show scenes from the very beginning, the very first episode and hit on all the really truly major points, leaving out the completely useless ones (but, we’re not going to get into all that).  Boy, did everybody look so much younger.  It’s like going to a family reunion you haven’t been to in a while.  There’s Pete,  Lex, Lana, Chloe, The Torch, Smallville High, the Farm, Shelby, Wall of Weird, Lionel… and then it brings us up to speed with Darkseid, the Kandorians, Green Arrow, the Daily Planet, Lois & Clark, alternate universes, Clark still dealing with the same issue he had ten years ago – a low self-perception and an over-exhausted case of humility. 

Love the DC comic book featuring Smallville on the cover and Clark Kent.  PRICELESS. Chloe reading to her son, how appropriate, especially since she just got her own character in the D.C. Universe.  What I don’t think is realistic in this scene is that a D.C. Comic will only cost $2.99 even in the near future (seven years) the way the economy’s in the tankard.  Don’t want to go down that road, so let’s move on.  No guessing whose son she’s reading too, not with a green bow and set of plastic arrows sitting on the dresser.  Great beginning!  OKAY – big ball of flaming planet headed straight to earth!  Let me guess… only one person can save us now!  Enter theme song by Remy Zero – “Somebody Save Me”.  Excellently done!  BTW – I’m so glad the network continued with the same theme song for all ten years, it just wouldn’t have been the same without it.

Starting off with the Daily Planet; quite appropriate.  It’s been the theme setting now for the last couple years, and I don’t think they could pick a better one.  Love the mild mannered reporter, and boy isn’t he being mild mannered!  Look at how easy-going and laid-back he’s being when his fiancé has called off their wedding.  Now, THIS is not the typical Clark reaction.  Lois being pig-headed… right in-line with her character. However, the big speech about why she’s being pig-headed is redundant from last week, and a waste of screen time.  I could be seeing something else right now… like LEX.  Oh, Burn!  He put the decision back all onto her.

Chloe and Oliver decorating the church for the wedding, talking about their own unmemorable wedding, and discussing their marriage.  I love that it’s just… ditto.  I love to see both of them happy, however I really feel that this storyline just got pushed to the backseat.  Chloe has been such a pivotal point of the whole storyline.  She was there in the beginning and has been there every step… and it just feels like knowing her story was just a small sideline… makes me feel her character was a bit cheated of the glory she truly deserved. 

Tess trying to restore the Luthor mansion?  Let it stay destroyed, right along with the Luthor Legacy.  Why would someone rejected and abused by a family try to restore the family name.  I’d want nothing to do with it, EVER. Restoring a bad name isn’t going to change what happened; it could only help cover future destruction by the same.  Grandma creepy sounds like a broken record.  Typical religious rhetoric being spouted from deranged lunatics.  Of course, the only difference from her than the rest of the loonies, is the fact that a big ball of flaming planet is headed straight toward earth. 

It’s so sad to see the Kent Farm, empty, boxed up.  That’s how I feel, as I’m sure millions of viewers.  Oh, yeah!  You tell him Ma Kent!  I never thought he should give up the house either.  She tried to tell Clark that Jonathan was always around, but he’s too thick-headed to see that.  Boy, did she hit the nail on the head, about Clark cutting out the past that made him who he is… Clark Kent is just part of what makes Superman great; it’s a combination of the gifts and powers of Kal-El combined with the heart and passion of Clark Kent.

Chloe back in the Daily Planet… LOVE IT.  Lois wanting to interview the President – PRICELESS.  Lois, bantering… nah, nah.  Clark’s vows… WOW, WOW, WOW.  Great writing.  She finally got it… “I’m such an idiot!”

Oliver disconnected all the satellite feeds…hmmm.  I know he’s been tagged by Darkseid, but how oh how is he going to get out of this?  A ring of gold Kryptonite?  Now, remind me what gold does – takes away Clark’s powers permanently??  I’ve always said there’s too much Kryptonite, too many weaknesses and too many obstacles for a superhero.    

Clark having a heart to heart with Jonathan?  Haven’t we heard this little speech, or something similar a thousand times already?  I wish anytime I needed to figure something out in my life that a person showed up in the flesh to give me the advice I need to move forward.  Instead, I have to rely on memory and imagination.  Wondering whose got he’d tell Clark about his ‘dark side’.  This little speech… boring.  Feels like it’s taking up so much other TIME, other scenes, other strings to tie.  Don’t talk so much… Don’t tell… SHOW.  Lois seems to have the same problems as Clark – low self-perception.  But, I love how Lois is bringing up remember her family and what they would say.  Lois’ vows are beautiful.  The camera going around and around the both of them standing against the door is perfect filming.  The two of them talking through the door… PERFECT!

 Tess trying to save the world, so un-Luthor of her.  Now, someone is out to stop her, so typical. 

Small country church wedding; perfect.  Martha – perfect.  Chloe & Oliver – perfect.  Lois’ dress… perfectly modern.  I would have like to have seen her in something more fairy tale.  Clark not at the altar but walking up beside her, to walk her down the isle… I’m in tears.  Perfect symbolism of how they’re to walk through this world – side by side.  Whoever came up with this scene -  I HATE/LOVE you.  I’m not a very romantic person, but this was about the most romantic thing I’ve ever seen.  Jonathan being there…again… I know I’m saying this A LOT… but PERFECT.

Even Lois’ vows… have the word ‘perfect’ in them.  I love how it’s in their minds, and not with their lips.  I thought I was done crying… I’ve already put the tissues up.  Now, I have to pause the show and go get them out again.  Here we go… Oliver handing the gold ring to Clark, and Chloe has to once again save the day!  Uh-Oh… Dark Oliver has come to the surface.  I didn’t miss the stained-glass being red, yellow and blue when it shattered.  Love the slow motion of Clark catching Lois.  Boy, I tell you what… that church cleared out quick.  Within a few seconds time not a soul was left inside.    Clark convincing Oliver to fight the darkness; he can sure dish out the compliments; he just can’t take them, huh?  I have no doubt Oliver will fight the darkness and win.  Why he didn’t do it earlier, I don’t know. 

Okay, now the story seems to be moving into overdrive.  Everyone scrambling.  Watchtower, Star City, Chloe, Oliver/Green Arrow… “See you in the funny pages,” Chloe said – Awesome.  “You need to do what you do best, be a hero.” – Again, Awesome.  Clark seeing Jonathan at the farm – Awesome.  Is seeing the dead one of Clark’s superpowers?  Jonathan telling Clark that he and Martha have done all they can, that Clark is going to have to let Jor-El guide him from here on out – Awesome. From one father to another… “He’s your father, he’ll understand!”  So far, that’s the best line I’ve ever heard on this show.  I’ve got goose bumps.  Family hug.  “It’s time!”  Boy, you got that right.  I’ve been waiting for 10 YEARS!  Clark better hurry… things look like they’re heating up.

I’m sad and excited at the same time. I can’t believe there’s only a little time left… and there’s so much more to cover.  Lionel got Tess on cold hard slab.  Lionel wanting to restore Lex, but he needs Tess’ heart.  It wouldn’t work with Tess’ heart… he’d care too much.  He’d be just like he was before, divided in his loyalties.  “Lex is missing a heart”; that’s been his problem all along.  You know, I’ve often wondered about the loyalty of body guards and henchmen.  How low does a person have to come to blindly kill or work for someone like Lionel Luthor?  Tickle me pink… there’s Lex laid out on a slab.  My toes are tingling.  I like Tess… I don’t want her to die.  She’s the only good thing to come out of the Luthors.  Alright… she’s not going down without a fight, and boy is she tough!  Shot Lionel without so much as a blink.  There you go, maggot.  Crawl toward your prodigy and give him your own heart.  What soul could Darkseid take in exchange for Lex’s life… Lionel doesn’t have one… or a heart. 

Uh-Oh… here we go.  LEX is ALIVE!  And thank God it’s not some unrecognizable clone.  It could only have been Michael Rosenbaum.  Anyone else and I’d have protested. 

Lois & Clark in the Daily Planet discussing life and death emergencies… splendid.  When did Lois get so smart… using Clark’s own vows to get him to ‘go save the world’?  What is up with that old-fashioned radio in such modern place?

How convenient that the Presidential Press is a woman that looks like Lois Lane?  With the way security is at the current White House where people can crash parties without pause, it doesn’t surprise that Lois Lane can use a false press ID to get aboard AirForce One.  I guess, we’re supposed to leave something up to our imagination in this series, after all.

LEX is BACK!  “Hello, Clark”… sent a chill down my spine.  “You still see it the same way… astonishment, with a hint of dread, yet with a hopeful finish…”  I love every line.  I burst out laughing with… “seems my father had a change of heart.”  Literally!

Lex always has the best lines, like this one… “You know, I used to think it was our families that made us who we are; then I hoped it was our friends.  But, if you look at history, the great men and women of the world have always been defined by… their enemies.”  He can’t forget his memories, even when he is cloned.  How convenient. 

Clark’s got a great line too with…“My destiny wasn’t yours to take.”

I’m mesmerized by Lex.  “Every villain is only as great as his hero.”  I know I’ve said this a thousand times over this past decade.  Especially during the Kawatche Cave times. 

What I find AMAZING is that the best advice that Clark get’s, the deepest revelations that he discovers… come from his arch nemesis.  Not from his father, not from Jor-El, not from Lois, not from Chloe… but Lex Luthor.  This is the most defining quote of them all, and let me tell you… this episode is FILLED with defining quotes:

“I’m not so sure that Clark Kent can save the entire world on his own,” Clark said.

Lex replied, “He can’t, but we both know who can.”  SUPERMAN! – unspoken, but implied.  GOT IT!

“I’m sorry I couldn’t save you, Lex.” 

Lex’s grin… that’s all that needed to be said.

I’m like a little kid in a candy store.  I’m literally tickled PINK.  Scratch that.. I’m tickled RED, YELLOW and BLUE.

 Oliver going GREEN.  Woo-hoo! 

Crazy religious zealots – don’t they know that the rapture was foretold to happen on May 21^st, but the prophet didn’t count right… so he’s adjusted it now to October 21^st????  Nuts… they’re not too hard to crack.

 Lois, on Airforce One… in the air???  Hmmm… where have I seen this before?  Oh, that Secret Service needs to be shot on sight.  Who in power is on the plane, if not the President?  Is that supposed to be the Secretary of Defense?   Where’s Daddy Dearest?  I thought he was supposed to be with the President?  I thought the President gave the last order, not the SECDEF?

Okay, Clark getting out a crystal… isn’t it supposed to be green?  Lionel possessed by Darkseid… typical.  Oh, Clark… quit talking… start kicking butt and taking names.   So, Darkseid is whoopin’ up on ole Clark, who remembers what his daddy said about turning to Jor-El… and then what????  He just teleports to the Fortress of Solitude?  You mean to tell me that all this time he didn’t need the key, or super speed? 

Doesn’t matter… he’s there… and I can’t breathe.  I know the moment is coming.  I feel it; I hear it… and now I see the flashes of the past… everything that makes Clark Kent super… and Kal-El human.  My knees jerking… my pulse is racing.  This is better than the movie, because I was there at all those moments; I’ve taken the journey with him; we all have.

“Seize your destiny!” Jor-El.

Oh-yea… we got air…. We got attitude… and we got FLIGHT.  And I’ve got no breath!

Tess & Lex; brother & sister; I wonder… does he remember how she took care of his clone when he was young?  Yeah… he loves her alright… and it’s typical of Lex to think the thing he’s doing is saving someone.  That’s his same old card.  Ah-ha… Tess got the last lick – by sliding his a neurotoxin that will make him forget… his past life, his time with Clark, his life with Lionel… but it doesn’t change the state of his heart… he’s still inherently evil…and I’m sure he’ll continue to do evil in the guise of ‘saving the world’.   How perfect… he’ll be the enemy, not realizing just what a true enemy he is… and thus it starts all over between Clark and Lex.

Clark REALLY at the Fortress of Solitude this time.  Is it suit time?  I just came down the last exuberant moment… and now here I go again to the next one.  It’s the suit rising out of the ground, isn’t it?  Yep… THERE IT IS!  It looks like the one used by Brandon in the last Superman movie.  “Your abilities may be my blood, but it’s your time in Smallville that made you a hero…”  I’m balling now… as Jonathan hands him the SUIT, and he stepping up to take it. 

Oh, he’s not even going to put in on… He’s going to take off first…. Does the curl come with the suit… HE'S UP, UP, AND A commercial? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!

Plane going down, Lois being knocked around… and now out of the sky… it’s a bird… it’s a plane… NO, it’s a man in a blue, yellow and red suit. Holding up a plane.  And wouldn’t you know it… Lois Lane has a camera to catch the moment on film.    AND she gets to interview the President.  Wait!  I thought the President was hidden in a bunker somewhere.  Oh, who cares…. Does it really matter?

The world is getting their first glimspte of SUPERMAN saving the world, releasing them from the bonds of darkness, setting free their souls that were once captive… and being the hero that he was born to be.  SUPER!  AMAZING!

And Chloe finishing the story to her 7-year old son.  Chloe, the one who got to see the farm boy become a super man.

Love Sean Astin in the role of Jimmy Olsen.  Perry White in the office… “Great Ceasar’s Ghost.”  Lex Luthor as President, in that white suit as prophesied by the blind woman in the first season.  Clark Kent… clumsy and mild-mannered. True, Lois.   It is sooo hot…. when Clark says, “Yes, Ms. Lane”. 

The Superman music, Clark runs out of that roof top, yanks those glasses off, pulls down that tie, and opens that shirt revealing the Red “S” on that blue suit…. PERFECT. 

     I can’t see the screen… my eyes are too blurred. My fingers barely feel the keys of this keyboard.  I can’t think of a more perfect ending.  I can’t imagine a better close.  I just hate that it’s over; which is really just a beginning. 

     Kudos to everybody who has been with this series since the beginning!  I remember the day I was driving to work and saw the first billboard of the series pilot over ten years ago, and the bubbles of anticipation I had then, and seeing the episode I just viewed… it has all finally come to a full circle, and that anticipation has been fully met and completely fulfilled. 
     I thank the actors and actresses who’ve been faithful to their roles for all this time.  While many have come and gone, there are those who’ll always live in my heart, and I’m sure in the heart of all the Smallville faithful forever; Tom Welling, Michael Rosenbaum, Erica Durance, Allison Mack, Annette O’ Toole, John Schneider, Justin Hartley, Cassidy Freeman and John Glover.  There have been many, many more through the years that I can’t think of at the moment, but I thank them all. 
     I thank the writers, editors, graphic artists, producers, filmmakers and anybody who did ANYTHING on this series.  Job well done!
     I can’t believe it’s over.  It went out in the most perfect style I could ever imagine, and I’m glad.  Smallville deserved it.  It warranted a classy and spectacular ending… and it got it.  I will greatly miss you, and I doubt I can every fully replace you.  Superman was my first love… and Smallville has done nothing but solidify that love even more for me over these past ten years.  Thank you Smallville.  You will always live in a special part of my heart.  I won’t say goodbye… but till next time!

This has been Crazy4Smallville’s final review.  It’s been fun, people. 

Crazy4Smallville's Review of Prophecy

Crazy4Smallville Weekly Review - Prophecy




I made a promise that I’d review these last two episodes, and with a heavy heart I’m here to keep that promise. I’m already feeling the anxiousness of the series finale next week. It’s a lot like seeing your children graduate. You toil with them through all the homework, projects and extra-curricular all through Elementary, Middle and High School… to watch them graduate and then leave home for college. While you’re happy at their achievement, you’re sad because an important chapter in their lives have closed. That’s the way I feel toward Smallville right now. They’re about to graduate. With much pride, I’m watching them take their last steps until they leap up into a new adventure, disappearing into the sky above.



Anyway, let me get to this week’s review.



I love it! I love seeing the altar-ego of the mild-mannered reporter I grew up loving stretching his legs and getting comfortable into this role. I personally think he should have already made this leap into the mythos a couple years ago, but I guess it’s better late than never.

What is Lois doing? Is she having pre-wedding jitters? Marionette Ventures – how obvious is that? Marionette – puppet master. Easy leap. Oooh, Clark sweeping Lois off her fee to the Fortress of Solitude to tell Jor-El of his upcoming nuptials, cool breeze. Waited till the last minute, didn’t he?

Oh, no… not another power loss for Clark. Goodness, gracious. How many times does my favorite superhero have to go human on us? It’s kind of a broken record. The one good thing is Lois having his powers, but come on… with only one more episode left in the series… I think there are way too many OTHER story threads that should be tied besides this ‘non-essential’ distraction. I hope the rest of the episode changes my mind, because right now I’m really disappointed.



Oliver sliding down into a mysterious cave; Okay… that’s cool. I’m assuming it’s got something to do with Kryptonian symbols like my favorite Kawatche caves. What is Kara doing down there and how long has she been there. Kara is another character that I think TPTB went in the wrong direction. She started out with so much potential, but ended up being a character that I don’t trust her motives – and her betrayal, angst or even devotion (depending on which way she goes) just isn’t all that believable because her character has went through too many emotionally weak changes. Okay, what is the balance. I know Oliver has been marked by Dark-Seid with the Omega symbol – does that mean he’s the balance, having both a measure of good and evil within him? Or Oliver good and Kara evil, or vice versa? Not truly trusting either character it’s hard for me to understand what’s really going on.



Lois with super-speed reminds me of a high-strung squirrel hopped up on Starbucks. Of course, Clark is being all… cowering and a worry-wart. However, if I had Superman’s powers, I don’t think I’d be trying to figure out a story I’ve been working on – I’d be out leaping tall buildings, outrunning locomotives and zipping around the world faster than a bullet. I’d be trying out that laser or heat vision, or at least testing the limits of what brought me to that point with human boy. I just still can’t see how this scenario is as important to the series on the whole and coming to fast end. Not yet won over, but still holding out hope.



I love the ‘gold’ overtones they use in filming this series. It always evokes a ‘warm-loving’ atmosphere. Artic breath and broken heels… hilarious! Burgundy Blur? Really, that’s the best they could have come up with? Squinty head tilt… priceless. I actually think it’s a great concept of Lois not just learning about the ability of super-hearing, but the emotional and moral issue Clark has to deal with every day by having this ability. This is part of that … with great power, comes great responsibility. Yeah, it’s not in character for Lois to ‘consider’ other people, yet she’s completely selfless in her pursuit of justice. It’s the great character spotlight of Lois.

Bow of Orion – I agree with Oliver. If anyone is to yield a bow, it would be the Green Arrow. He’s the only superhero on this team that doesn’t have an inert superpower, but is super by his determination and steel will. It also doesn’t hurt he’s one heck of a lump of hunk. Don’t they make average looking superheroes or prince’s – so that it’s their gifts or powers that make them attractive? In real life maybe, but not on a popular television series. Wicked-cool special effects of that cross shot by Kara and Oliver. What happened with Kara. She’s so determined to get that bow – what could be so important for her to leave that mission?



Kara in the Fortress of Solitude – getting the third degree from Jor-El. Leave earth and let Kal-El embrace his destiny or stay and endanger his destiny? Is she being punished or promoted? This conversation puzzles me as to what her previous instructions were, because she was so determined to do her ‘part’, though I’ve never been really clear on the objective of that mission.

Controlling like a puppet – Come on… it’s not that hard to figure out. Holding water hostage. Winslow Shot – ToyMan – he’s such a childish character… much the way Lois was by running off all by herself. I guess she also inherited a sense of arrogance with those superpowers. Did she not learn anything watching Clark over the past few years – or at least since she’s known the truth about him? All the villains knowing all about Clark Kent and his loves… has always been an issue with me. This ‘common’ knowledge is more dangerous than any rock of Kryptonite. Now, they’re using him as the weakness for her. I can see that common sense isn’t a superpower – either transferred or inherited. Oh, come on Lois. You’re the one with the superpowers… how much more dangerous is it to give control of yourself with those superpowers to someone else. Don’t bargain with them… USE THEM! She should have reached through those bars and put a little pressure on doughboy to call off his dogs… or else zip on over there and round them all up when they come after powerless hubby-to-be? This is a really STUPID move. I’m still not impressed with this episode. Now, I’m actually frustrated.



Oliver at Orion’s bow… I love the imagry here. That silver-white and renaissance font make him seem Authurian. Oh, I love the quote… “You’re not like the rest of your brothers… you’ve got real potential”. Awesome! Can’t wait to see where this goes, although having only one episode left… not sure if I’ll ever see the end of it.

This puppet-geek is your typical maniacal loon. Its characters like this that made me love and appreciate the true evil genius of Lex Luthor. He’s bad, and you know he’s bad, but you feel for him and you want to see if redemption is possible, so you hope for it, but keep getting disappointed because he continues to be bad.

Okay, this power dance between Clark and Lois is really typical and unsurprising. I knew that in the last second… the powers would be exchanged. Trusting that a spineless nitwit to keep his secret, is really, really STUPID. It gives them hold over you, a weakness; a chink in the armor. Clark really needs to round them all up and get rid of them, or else he and everyone he knows or loves will always be in danger. This is a huge plot hole.



Clark back to the Fortress of Solitude, typical. Going to cry and whine to daddy about what he didn’t like. Ah, good speech. Clark Kent is starting to become his own man. Every time he’s given even a small semblance of this speech, his affection for some girl get in the way.



DID I JUST SEE WHAT I THOUGHT I SAW??? Was that a super-suit in that chunk of ice??? Now, my skin prickled and the hair stood up on my arms.



Well, so much for that high point. I can see from the look on Lois’ face… I know what’s coming. She’s going to cancel the wedding because she realizes the world needs Clark much more than she does. That he’s bigger than her.

Very touching that Kara also realizes the same thing… that in order for Clark to become the superhero he needs to be become, it can’t be about them. She has to get out of the way.

Lois finally stating that she’s Clark’s greatest weakness… and he’s hers. Very noble of her and my respect for her and her character just elevated. Lois being unselfish; A very touching moment.



Oh, I don’t really know what I think about that episode. I’ll take a few days and then see if something surfaces.



Well, it’s been a few days since I wrote that last sentence, and I have to still admit that my thoughts are still just as jumbled. I’m still not clear what the purpose of that whole episode was about. I felt it was unnecessary and that it was a waste of time and space that could have been spent on tying other threads. I guess until I watch next week’s episode, I won’t understand.

Either way, I’m really sad thinking about it because I know the end is coming… and its coming fast. While I’m excited, I’m also grieved. I’m really going to miss Smallville.

The Iron Daughter Review

Another pleasant surprise. I LOVE being pulled into a story, finding a moment to escape reality and get lost in the realm of fantasy.


I loved how Kagawa broke this book into two separate acts, because it really needed that divide to place the focus first on Ash and then on Puck. Of course, while Ash has all the qualities of what I loved about heroes in my youth, Puck illustrates all the qualities I love as an adult. The Iron Daughter has a mix of everything I love about fantasy.

I can't wait to read the next installment in this series and have already ordered "The Iron Queen".

I give it five out of five stars!  Definately a recommended read!

Till nex time,
~T.L. Gray

The Iron King Review

The Iron King Review


I love the world of fantasy, not because it’s an escape from reality, quite the contrary. It’s because of how fantasy inspires the imagination and helps to color in the stark contrasts of our black & white existence. Everything in reality is an absolute. Up is up; down in down and the law of action and reaction remains constant. But with fantasy, nothing truly is impossible. Those possibilities in our mind turn into possibilities in our reality. We don’t truly live as a human being without a dream or a vision to propel us forward into the unknown realm of artistic creativity. Where there is no vision, there is death. I’m sure if you think about it hard enough, you’ll be able to name some of the zombies you’ve met in your life; breathing corpses, people who walk around in rut (a repetitive routine), too scared to go outside the lines in fear of failure, not realizing they’ve already failed. They’re hollow, empty, life-less zombies.

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa has a lively imagination. Though most of the characters in her book we’ve previously met before in A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream, The Labyrinth and Alice in Wonderland, she did a great job weaving these new versions into a fresh adventure, creating an even more compelling and lovely story. While goose bumps didn’t pop up on my arms, it felt nice having a sense of familiarity while venturing on a new journey; like taking a summer trip with a car full of old friends. The love I had for these characters that inspired my own young adult series several years ago, came flooding back into the forefront of my mind, as if it only slept beneath a thin veil waiting for me to remember them, and remember them I did.

Meghan Chase made for a great and realistic heroine, Puck plucked on my heart strings and Ash reminded me of what I love so much about warring princes and their royal quests.

This quest reminds me about a truth I was recently reminded of (you’ll get that about 4am): Life isn’t lived in the moment of a promise or even in the revelation of its fulfillment, but in the journey between called the Land of Promise. It’s from moment to moment along life’s journey that we truly live, where our characters are developed; where our strength is tested. We all want to make it to the top of the mountain standing before us, but it’s only one peak in the midst of a mighty mountain range. Our life is the journey up to those peaks and then down the other side to our next mountain. I think that’s why I love to read about coming-of-age quests mostly found in young adult fantasy fiction. They inspire my imagination and encourage me to keep going, to focus on my destination and enjoy the adventure along the way. The Iron King is one of those books that have inspired me lately and I can’t wait to read the next one. I highly recommend it for anyone else who’d like to take an adventure.

The Demon King Review

It's been a long time since I've been able to get lost amid the pages of a good story.  I mean get really immersed where everything around disappears and the mind escapes into the land of fantasy.  No television, no dishes, no laundry, no bills, no work, no responsibilities or chores.  Just the adventure that explodes in the mind, meeting new characters, caring about what happens to them, feeling for them and hoping for the best. 

Well, thanks to Cinda Williams Chima's Seven Realms series, I've been able to do just that.  It's not like I needed an escape.  Actually, it came at an inopportune time, but at a much loved and cherished one anyway. 

The first book of this series, The Demon King, is excellently written and follows the journey of two reluctant heroes.  Hans Alister - a streetrat, vagabond and a marked man with no hopes for a future and nothing of a past to cling, except for a mystery, an unknown inheritance and a secret that changes everything. Then there's the princess heir-Reisa  whose future is already mapped, enslaved as a political pawn in the fight for power, until her path crosses with a childhood friend and a villaneous streetrat. 

I loved it.  I devoured every ounce of  imagination.  I can't wait to continue the story in The Exiled Queen. 

Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Author of The Blood of Cain

Cheap Cabernet Review

This was a hard book to read for me. Not because of the writing, but because of the subject matter. After reading the first few chapters, I felt like Cathie Beck had been peeking into my life. When the story progressed to where we meet Diane and Cathie starts to notice the first signs of Multiple Sclerosis, I had to put the book down. Not because it was disturbing, but because it reminded me of things I've long chosen to forget.


I so tried to keep my editorial eyes open while I read this memoir,looking for pacing, story structure, fludity, etc. Instead I found a catalyst that threw so many things I have chosen to stash away right back into the forefront of my mind. This story doesn't entertain me, it makes me feel, makes me remember. Maybe not everyone, perhaps not many who haven't went through a lot of the same things or had a friend like Debbie or have known someone with MS, will get the same thing out of it, but it felt like Beck let me have peek into her soul at the time she was sneaking a peek into my own.


I've never read another book like this. I really wouldn't even know how to categorize it. I'm too close, having grown up with a mother with MS, been a teenage mom, a single-parent in my early twenties, and facing my 40th birthday just around the corner having not yet met my Debbie, being and becoming a writer and knowing the true taste of cheap cabernet. Perhaps it's time for my own WOW group to form.


Till next time,

~T.L. Gray

A Well-Manicured Murder Review

Every once in a while I go through my 'Chick-Lit' phase, where I want to delve deep into the female psyche and get lost. However, those times are far and few between. You'll never find this gal lost in a hopeless and senseless romance novel, because to me they're all the same. I'm all about action, adventure and imagination.


A Well-Manicured Murder by Georgia Adams gave me a little of both. I love murder mysteries, especially when I don't quite know who the murderer is by the first quarter of the book. This mystery left me questioning until the very end. While the revelation was one of my guesses, I couldn't quite be sure... so it's a win as far as I'm concerned. So, kudos to the brilliant minds of Browning, McColgan and Dunn.


I'm not without my bias. I know 1/3 of the trio that make up the Georgia Adams persona, Mrs. Joann Dunn, she's a member of my writers group and it's my love for the work she's shared in the club that led me to desire to want to read this book, and I'm glad I did.


If you love down-home, good southern humor, with a dash of mystery, you'll love A Well-Manicured Murder.

I can't wait to dive into the next installment of the LitChix Mysteries in Killer Condo.


Till next time,

~T.L. Gray

I Am Number Four Review

"While the beginning of this book was fantastic, full of intrigue, curiosity and excitment, the ending left me wanting a little more. My heart soared through the first ten chapters, thinking 'finally, something with some backbone', to losing me short...moreWhile the beginning of this book was fantastic, full of intrigue, curiosity and excitment, the ending left me wanting a little more. My heart soared through the first ten chapters, thinking 'finally, something with some backbone', to losing me shortly thereafter. Not that anything in particular was bad, but I really felt like the 'integrity' of the story was bulldozed over in the name of 'commercialization'. A diconnect happened, pulling me to the outside of the story, instead of having me inside on the battle field fighting right along side John. I can't quite put my finger on it.



The relationship with Sarah was the typical teenage obsession, all about how she made him FEEL, and vice versa. Love isn't only about feelings. The development of the relationship started off at a great pace, then about half-way through it shifted gears into an unbelievable level of devotion and extereme understanding. Where were the real 'human' moments of shock, disbelief, question, fear. It's human nature to protect ourselves when we're afraid, but here you have a character instantly throw caution and everything she's known all her life to the wind... because she kissed a boy and liked it?


Then we have the relationship with Sam. This too started off at a great pace, and had a nice twist with the whole gun incident, but then everything after that.... got lost. In fact... Sam got lost for a whole chapter that covered practically a whole season. Then, suddenly he pops back on the scene, a big battle ensues (which John doesn't even give him a second thought through the whole thing) which he shows up at the end to help save the day, to making a decision to take off on the road with two aliens. Just a week before he couldn't tell his mom "no" when it came to visiting his aunt, but now he's ready to take on the world?


Don't even get me started on the whole Mark relationship. The guy is a bully, plain and simple... then all of sudden he turns into a knight in shining armour because John saved his two dogs? A bully isn't a bully for no reason. There's usually a deep-seeded reason, and that reason doesn't disappear with one incident and change his whole NATURE. Transformation of character takes time. But, even that isn't what bothers me. There are some obvious BIG plot holes when it comes to this character. #1 - why was a video sent to him, and who sent it? Why HIM. #2 - WHY on Earth would he take and 'confront' Henri and John about it? He was afraid of John after the Halloween incident. In fact, so afraid he couldn't even give him the party invitation on his own. He miraculously stops "bullying" John after getting his butt kicked once. I'm sorry, but that's just unbelievable.


However, with these obvious flaws, the story still held my attention, still had me pulling for it. I just can't for the life of me figure out WHY the paradigmn shift happened. It seems like one person started writing the story, and another person who's only read the outline, finished it. It's like some of the best elements of the story were taken out and the worst elements were added to ADD certain 'commercialized' elements to sell movie tickets was added at the expense of the true story. A story shouldn't be written to sell a movie... it should be written so well that one is inspired to desire it's film adaptation.


I'd still recommend this movie. I gave it to my 20-year old son, and he loved it. Felt something was missing, but still loved it. I'm sure lots of teenage girls will love it too.



Till next time,

~T.L. Gray

Pull the Ripcord

Do you ever get into one of those moods where you find yourself escaping but you don't really know what you're escaping from or to?  I do sometimes and find it's a strange place to wander; it's quite unnerving.

It's not always a bad place to be, but it might not always be productive either, and I think being productive is very essential to life.  This past summer I went with our youth group to the Forward Conference and their motto was "Life was meant to be lived in one direction - forward."  I whole-heartily believe that.  That's why being in this 'esape' mode baffles me.

What do I mean by escape mode?  It's like waiting for an important letter to arrive in the mail, or a more modernized version, waiting on someone to reply to a post, tweet or email you've sent.  To keep your mind off the waiting, you 'escape' into a either a good book, a good movie, a good distraction.   I love my escapes, and often have some of the best times in them.  However, while I'm having a great adventure in my wonderland, the world continues to move around me, but I'm at a physical, emotional and spiritual stand still. 

What's wrong with that?  Nothing, in and of itself.  I actually think everyone should take a few escapes from time to time, and allow themselves to detox from the world of our labors.  Everything is a labor.  Our jobs, our families, our careers, our hobbies and our passions.  All of it takes a part of our soul, our energy our very being in order to 'work' with each one of them.  I'm sure you've heard the phrase, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."  That's so true, but it's more like Jack's just plain ole' wore out if he never escapes. 

Being in escape mode is like sky diving (like I'd know the first thing about sky diving having never been).  You're exhilarated by the rush of complete freedom, but you can't stay there forever.  Your body is still falling toward the ground and eventually you'll have to pull the chord or you won't be sky diving any longer, you'll be splattered all over the cold hard earth. 

What I"m trying to zero in on... is the state of free feeling.  Even though you're free, you're not in control of anything while you're falling... you're just falling.  You may manipulate moving to the right or left, slow or fast, but you can't control up or down, stop or go.  You're going to continue to fall until you reach the ground; the law of gravity dictates this.  That's what I find unnerving about 'escape' mode.  While I enjoy the thrill of whatever adventure I'm on, I'm still free-falling and I don't like the lack control it involves. 

There are things I've been waiting on for years.  I suppose this is God working on my 'patience'.  If I'm not careful, I can allow my 'wait' to push me into 'escape'.  This is not good.  Escape is not the answer.  It is during our waiting that we do the most important part of our living.  If we 'wait' to live after we receive, we'll miss our lives altogether.  The journey from one moment to the next is where living occurs.  While we may photograph or memorialize those defined 'moments', it's the journey to them that's important.  Escaping the wait, is avoiding life. 

What it boils down to is this:  Escape into brief moments along your journey, but live life in every moment, not just scheduled ones.  You'll miss it, you won't know where your chord is during your free fall and life will smack you right in the face when it's too late to save it.  

Till next time,
~T.L. Gray

Insanity

Article submitted for Winter 2010 edition of Impact Times Magazine
Never would I have considered the word insanity, in any shape, form or fashion pertained to me or anyone I knew. I pictured straight-jackets and padded-walls. However, I’ve discovered insanity runs amuck. Having heard the infamous quote from Albert Einstein about the definition of insanity meaning doing the same thing over and over yet expecting different results, it’s only recently I received the revelation of that fundamental truth.

While watching an episode of Wipe Out with my family, I remarked how ‘insane’ these people must be to put themselves, their bodies and their sanity through such a daunting obstacle course. But, in the middle of that statement, I realized these contestants were not insane at all. They embarked on an exciting and dangerous, yet new-fangled adventure. That doesn’t fit in any circumstance under the definition of insanity. It may fit under the guise of extreme, crazy or even stupid behavior, but not insane.

Since receiving this revelation, I’ve noticed just how insane the world really behaves. I see insanity at work, insanity at church, insanity on the radio, television and big screen. I’ve run into insanity in my family, friends and with people whom I fellowship. I’ve even met some insane writers, and how it that possible? Before I received the revelation of the meaning of insanity, I thought all writers were a bit insane, but now I understand that creating an original work of art is anything but insane. However, the pattern of behavior many people perform, hinges on the line of insanity in many of the decisions they make every day. Here are a few examples to show what I’m talking about.

I have a friend who is a terrible flirt. She flirts with all men, no matter their status or success. Being the center of attention takes the highest priority in a social atmosphere. This is habitual for her, yet it never ceases to surprise her that she is inappropriately propositioned by men or finds herself in trouble. The insanity of the situation is that without a shift or change in her behavior, she continually expects a different outcome from the men.

In the political arena, we ‘the people’ are insane. We watch our political leaders do something year after year (they have voting records), all the while promising what our itching ears want to hear, yet we EXPECT them to act and vote differently than they have been all along, just because they said they would. Who’s the truly insane – the politician or the people expecting them to do something they’ve never done before? We forget… if it acts like a duck, quacks like a duck, looks like a duck… IT’S A DUCK! Yet, we expect our ducks to magically turn into swans, and make excuses when it’s pointed out our swans are really ducks. Who says magic is make-believe and miracles don’t exist?

With this new revelation of insanity, I’ve gained a sense of liberty; freedom from false expectations. I used to get disappointed in people because they didn’t live up to my level of standards, or I didn’t live up to someone else’s level of expectations for me. Now, I measure a person by their own rulers. If they have short rulers, that’s not my responsibility. I’d be ‘insane’ to expect them to behave to the standards of my own ruler. Some have bigger rulers than me, filled with more responsibilities and capabilities. Some have smaller rulers, smaller expectations; smaller life goals. I’m happier. I might be crazy, but at least I’m not insane.

Book-Savvy: WINNER of The Blood of Cain by T.L. Gray

Book-Savvy: WINNER of The Blood of Cain by T.L. Gray: "<img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFVBVvzww1qHnQ4o9EbX3wOBbtLOrR-JVHWpt8VQT0djiUvK3uGE-r57QxO7isjRDugAIt_u90PSRYHGrT7Y6tUJZri8-SPbGQ5JfvKjgO-bdrYMFJwX5g6pUm8TSFwuJnHKNBg/s45/IMG_4766.JPG' width='35' height='35' class='photo'..."

Lest We Forget

Do you know what bothers me most sometimes with myself and with other people?  When I tend to forget my mistakes, wrongs decisions and errors and start running foward with all my might.  I fully expect to win the race I'm running, without difficulty, without obstacle, without consequence.

You might ask, "Why is this dangerous?"  It's dangerous because I've completely ignored the pitfalls, road blocks and holes I've tripped over, fell into and became ensnared with in the past.  If I learn nothing from my past mistakes, I'll never stop making the same mistakes again and again. 

You tell me which is better to run?  Recklessly and without adandon, or carefully with precaution?

Well, I'm here to tell you that it's not popular or desirable to follow the latter. It's slower, harder and comes with a bad, bad case of self denial and responsibility.  We all want to run without abandon, and when we fall on our face, we NEVER blame ourselves.  It's always the rock's fault, the hole's fault or the obstacle in our way keeping us from reaching our destination in one piece. 

If you're honest with yourself, you know this is the truth.  However, I've come to learn that many of us are not honest with ourselves or anyone else.  We lie all the time, convincing we're justified in our actions, anger, bitterness and resentment.  We have short-term memory problems, but does God?  Usually when all hell breaks loose in our life, we contribute it to either something we are currently doing or not doing.  We forget what we've already done, thinking and convincing ourselves that we've dealt with that past offense and no longer face the consequences of our actions.  My friend, that's wishful thinking.  Having a mindset like that is like running recklessly and without abandon. 

God does forgive, but in His perfect LOVE, He corrects, He purges, He rebukes, He trains and He chastises us in order to permanently remove our weaknesses, blemishes, blunders and immoral character.  It hurts.  It isn't easy.  But, without carrying the weight of those things that easily entangles us, we can run a wise race.  It doesn't matter that its full of entrapments and snares, because through experience, through trials, through facing the consequences, and learning from our mistakes, we can now trust Him as HE guides us through until we reach the finish line.  

There are things we sometimes do that are 'religious', because it's what we've been told to do.
Instead of balking about the 'religion' of the ritual, consider it's original purpose.  Because beneath the 'religion' of everything, you'll find reason and purpose. 

I.e. The Levitical Law to abstain from pork.  At first you avoid eating pork just because religion dictates you don't eat pork.  If you only follow the religion, then eventually you'll eat pork just to rebel against the religion. You'll cling to every thought and excuse you can conjure to 'justify' eating pork. But, if you consider the reason behind the religious rule, you'll discover a warning to protect your health. 

I.e. The New Testament commandment not to forsake assembling together with your brother's and sisters - attending church.  If you go to church because the Christian religion dictates your attendance, eventually you'll quit going in rebellion to the religion.  You'll cling to any and every reason to justify not going. That's the natural thing to do.  But, if you consider the spiritual purpose of gathering together, you'll discover it is for your own personal growth, accountablility and responsibility that you attend. 

Bottom line though... does God ever change?  Does He ever waiver?  Does He allow or overlook the breaking of ANY of His commandments without consequence?  Not according to the Word.  Whatever you sow, you'll reap.  For every sin there's a blood price to be paid.  For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, a consequence. 

So, while I tend to 'forget' my past trespasses, God will bring every one of my deeds into judgment, even the ones I convienently don't remember.  Thank God for His Grace and His Mercy. By them both, I have a chance to face/deal with my actions BEFORE its too late.  I quit making excuses for myself or anyone else who's lying to themselves.

Crazy4Smallville's Weekly Review - Episode 7 Final Season

Smallville Episode 7 Final Season Review


Here we go again for another episode of Smallville. Each week, I can literally feel my heart getting heavier and heavier. It’s almost like knowing one of your children are about to leave home to go away to college, leaving their childhood behind and entering into the never-ending era of adulthood and responsibility. We all know that once they leave home, that’s the last morsel of childhood left. I’m already feeling the loss, and they’re still with me. Okay… enough reflection.

BTW – if you want to read an awesome reflection of self-revelation, visit Allison Mack’s blog and read what she wrote about leaving Smallville behind.

Okay, now to the review at hand. We start off this week’s episode with a couple creepy dudes riding in the back of a van headed toward Smallville; wonder who they’re looking for? The Kent Farm… why does that not surprise me. Speaking of the Kent farm… ooh, la, la. Lois comes trapsing down the stairs behind Clark in his high school football jersey. Needless to say anything else, the smiles on both their faces say it all. We all heard that strawberry loud and clear too. LOL… love the playfulness, and I have a feeling there won’t be any porch swing left when they’re through. Well, maybe there will be. LOL! Nothing like an uptight dad to spoil the moment. Good paced and entertaining opening segment. The whole Lois and Clark relationship doesn’t make me cringe like the Lana & Clark lovefest had.

Okay, my first rant of the night. I don’t like strong women turn into groveling wimps, even if it is because they have an over-bearing and militaristic father. The General hates superheroes huh? That’s usually not the sentiment of military personnel, being they themselves are superheroes; unless it’s a resentment thing with the all the ‘super-powered’ super heroes, and he’s a little bitter they have abilities he’d never be able to train, learn or obtain by natural means. Love Michael Ironside, all the way back when he was battling the Greatest American Hero in the early 80’s.

Love the general’s assessment – “You live in your mother’s house and you work in a basement.” Is that a “Honey Do” list ole Pops gave Clark? Don’t do it, Clark. Stand your ground or you won’t earn the respect of dear ole dad. Uh-Oh, looks like Clark and the General are on opposite sides of this Anti-Vigilante act. Yep, I was right. Sounds like a little bit of bitterness there against the super-powered. But, I have to agree with the General. If Superman decided to wear black instead of red, white and yellow; he’d be a real threat, and what could our armed forces do to stand up to someone like him – other than have green, red, blue, black Kryptonite, Lana Lang, Lois Lane or a bout of low self-esteem? Clark’s only looking at the positive, which is admirable. Regardless, they’re both wrong on some points. They sound like Republicans and Democrats bickering.

Uh-oh… Lois didn’t back up her man, yet she didn’t support her father either. I think it was a smart move. Clark of course is spewing sour grapes.

Oliver/Green Arrow – someone I always like to see, literally. Seems he’s got a little bit of the resentment bug too… with Tess moving in on what he considers Chloe’s territory. I like Tess, but I don’t blame him. That’s right, boy. She’s seen it all before, and so have the rest of us. Eeww… the Suicide Squad’s put their mark on my green guy. Rick Flagg… oohh, he’s one of the guys who’s got Chloe, isn’t he? You’ve been tagged, Oliver. I’m assuming he’s alluding to Clark being tagged too.

Clark left Lois holding the bag. LOL. The fire is out, thanks to the Blur. There you go, Pops! But, that chip on his shoulder seems to only see everything negative. But, he’s still bright – catching Lois in her lie. Who’s calling Clark? Uh-oh, Clark… you’re carelessness has put the General on your trail.

Well, that segment wasn’t as good as the first one; full of too much bitterness from everyone. The guys headed to Smallville, the General, Lois, Clark and Oliver. I’ve got my own bitterness because of Chloe’s extended absence and no one is out looking for her. If something don’t happen quick, I’m going to go ballistic.

So, Clark’s been tag. How did someone 1. Know about blue K and 2. Be able to put it on Clark without him knowing. Oliver jumping out the window was priceless.

So, Lucy is back. The last time her stupidity got her mixed up with Lex. I’m wondering what stupid thing she’s going to do this time. Clark needs to put his stuff up with strangers in the place. Oh, no… come on. He isn’t going to fall for that pathetic ploy. Yep – he did. I’m actually very proud of how Lois handled that situation. She jumped on the right person. But, it looks like Clark’s not being so smart, using his powers at all while others are around. I don’t think he’s upset because of what happened with Lucy. “Still, you can put out a burning building, but you can’t control your hot lips.” Excellent point, Lois. Ah, the real reason for his frustration finally comes out… her not backing him in the kitchen. However, she’s wrong too… bending her values to deal with family. I know millions of people do it every day, but it’s a strong pet peeve of mine.

Colonial Stafford enticing the dim-whitted Lucy. She makes decision of someone raised by an Army General, as if she was raised by a beach bum. Didn’t daddy teach her protocol, especially placing tracking devises on her own father? I know the writers want to drive the point that Lucy’s low self-esteem makes her desperate to do something to make her father proud and to perhaps top her sister in some way, but this is ridiculous.

“Come, on… Chloe would have this finished like yesterday.” Way to drive it in, Oliver. I’m so glad to hear him being so open and honest. I like that Tess stands up to him and doesn’t let him run all over her. I like her more and more all the time.

Clark finished the General’s list. I knew that was a bad idea. I think the General is so used to being able to do what he wants, say what he wants, and everybody around him bow down to him. If Clark knows what’s good for him, he’ll stand up to the General. Especially since he’s talking about Mama Kent. Oooh, I’m starting to see a little ‘steel’ in that spine. Uh-oh, now the General is going after his cousin. YES… the boy has a spine. He might just be worth her, after all.

Doesn’t Lois see right through Lucy? Or is her fear of her father bigger than her common sense? She’s going to let her father just say what he wants, when she knows he’s dead wrong? Looks like it. Oh, Lois… I’m so disappointed in you.

Okay, this mysterious Suicide Squad seems to know all about Clark, but how and why? I know I’ve watched every episode, but I seem to be missing something, somewhere. Has my brain just been filtering out all the information from this group or what? I’m disconnected from them. They just pop up here and there and somehow I’ve not connected all the dots.

So, now Lois goes to defend Clark. Where was her spine a few minutes ago? Anyway, glad to see a resemblance of the Lois I’ve come to know and love. I can live with the little bit of submissive, low-esteemed glimpses I’ve been getting so far all episode, as an extent of her past relationship, but only if she rises above it. Also, where does Lucy come off going all shop talk now? It makes me think of a kid using big words out of context because they don’t know what they mean; they just want to sound smart. Uh-oh, I think I’m prejudiced against Lucy. Don’t know if it’s from past actions, the kiss in the barn or the double-spy acceptance at the gas station. Either way, I’m not a fan. You go, girl! “I’m staying with Clark, and if you love me, you’ll respect that.” Daddy just got TOLD!

Okay, what’s the pen for that was left behind? Flag… was that a play on the name Flagg? What’s up with Clark’s new hairdo? I like it, but it’s just weird. So, Flagg is an extremist after General Lane? AWESOME graphics when Clark saved Lois! Take that, General Lane; your daughter was just saved by one of them vigilantes you’re so hard against. However, he’s still right… because it was some bad vigilantes that were trying to kill him in the first place. However, Flagg also has a point too, he’s just gone too far, like General Lane; like Lex Luthor. Is this going to be part of Lex’s future army? Is Lex behind Flagg?

Way to go Lois for telling Lucy like it is. Good job being the big sister. It is exhausting… Can’t believe no one’s received this revelation until now. Makes me think how much of it will they retain for the next dinner?

Aww… Oliver is trying to make peace with Tess. I really think this episode has been filled with so many extremes; it’s nice to see things being brought back to the middle with Lois and Lucy, Oliver and Tess, Clark and the General. I’d like to peek in your window, Oliver. At least someone, other than Tess, is showing a bit of common sense. But, this feels too much close to ‘good-bye’ and I don’t like it.

See, Clark. Standing up to the General is what garners respect, now cowering. Way to go. Again, we see two polar extremes coming back to the middle. I can see how Clark, after he becomes Superman, could use a man like General Lane for a moral, strategic and courageous leader to look to for advice and direction. It’s a passing of the torch. (Makes me sad to think of another Torch.)

I KNEW IT, that list was a test… but it was for Lois not Clark. Brilliant spin. Love it. Love the dinner. Love the music, love the mood, love the example that shows with a little wisdom, middle ground can always be reached. Then the last scene brings the extremism back. Eeehh.

That’s been this week’s review of Smallville’s final season. Stay tuned next week for another episode of what I think is the best show on television.



Till next time, Crazy4Smallville

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Crazy4Smallville's Weekly Review Episode 6 Final Season

Smallville Episode 6 Final Season Review


It being right before Halloween, I’m expecting something ‘corny’, and from the previews it looks like we’re going to get something that appears to be the offspring of Children of the Corn or something out of a M. Night Shaymalan movie.

Okay… we’re off. Lois and Clark are sharing. I’m assuming they’re in Lois’ car since Clark drives a big red pick-up. Although he looks nice in that convertible. It’d look even better if it was a Mustang, but that’s my own personal preference. LOL, Clark fixing the flat tire! Typical Superman moment. Where did the little Amish girl come from? Why is no one wondering why she just showed up out of nowhere? They are reporters, aren’t they? Can’t tell it.

For Christ’ sake, he’s Superman. Why didn’t he just zoom off with that tire and get back in like 2 seconds? Well, then I suppose Lois couldn’t get lost or kidnapped if he had, huh? I hope the episode gets better. That opening segment was a little too slow paced for me.

We’re back. Okay, Clark cuts his hand? What’s up with that? “How bad was your little argument?” So far the best line in the show. It’s still early. So, now he’s pretending to be an investigative reporter. What’s up with this cop? Why doesn’t Clark just speed off, use his super hearing, his x-ray vision? If they’re not working, shouldn’t he discover that?

Harvest festival in a backward village… what a surprise! Why is Lois even there? She’s obviously not kidnapped, which means she went by choice, but why? Why leave Clark out in the middle of nowhere? What’s she after? To get back to the story Clark distracted her from? Doesn’t she know that Clark can beat her anywhere? Even if she did get back, he’d be there, waiting for her. She’s not using that brain of hers, is she? Ooooo, sweet little Susie-Q is showing her evil side. What are they up to?

Alexander’s birthday party? It’s strange to see him being portrayed as a normal kid, but where did all these friends come from? Did they raid the local boys’ home? If Alexander is aging as fast as they say he is (4 years in 3 weeks), then he already KNOWS he’s different, and unlike any normal child. Having him around normal kids will only make him seem even MORE different. Way to go, Tess, for making him feel like a freak. From his little episode of free-association writing, obsessively etching out the mark of the Blur, tells me the Lex Luthor we’ve all grown to love to hate is somewhere lurking inside of sweet Alexander. Hmmm… there may be hope left for this episode, after all.



Clark leading Sheriff Mayberry into the woods (the same one’s he’s probably grown up around his whole life). I don’t understand why he keeps putting up with this guy. Just go already, then do your explainin’ like you always do, Clark. Okay, Blue Kryptonite, that explains the power loss, but it still doesn’t explain why Clark hadn’t already come to that conclusion and had been prepared. Is he that unprepared as a regular human? Doesn’t surprise me that the sheriff got the drop on him.

I love these scenes with Alexander and Tess. So, he’s been hiding drawings. The ‘bad man’ in his dreams… wouldn’t that be Lex. Ooooo.. there’s that Lex attitude I’ve been waiting to see. Lex thought Clark was the bad man, dangerous and a threat to the world. He never saw himself that way. Hmmm, more evidence that the real Lex is lurking just beneath the surface. Looks like Tess let down her guard by turning her back to Alexander. You’d think she’d learn something after dealing with Lex and Zod. Guess not.

Why doesn’t Lois just get up and leave? She knows if she just started walking back the way she came, she just have to whisper Clark’s name and he’d come rescue her (even though right now he doesn’t have super powers – but she doesn’t know that.)? No, she sits there, knowing there’s something terribly wrong, sadistic and evil about her dinner pals, but does nothing. Is she that desperate to ‘teach Clark a lesson’? Come on… I really like this Lois. Don’t make me not like her with a bunch of mindless head games.

The day they were shown the lord’s sign? Let me guess… the meteor shower? Yep, and now poor Esther’s death has led a mindless group looking for ‘signs and wonders’ to go astray. Who’d a thunk it? Okay, it’s officially crossed over into the Children of the Corn territory. That little girl was pure evil. Boy, the children that grow up in those corn fields. I’m with Lois… ‘what’s wrong with you people’?

LOL, Lois dressed up like Kelly McGillis in Witness, too funny! Oh, Lois – you saved my life – moment. EVERY superhero always need saving. So, now it’s up to Lois to save the day. It’s already been proven, Clark can’t think like a superhero without his super powers – at least so far in this episode. Mmm..mmm –I agree Lois. Wait, I have to pause and back that up for a second glance.

Alexander in the barn loft, remember Lex’s memories. Priceless. Their friendship is the thing of legend. Well, being in a new body doesn’t change psychosis. That’s right Tess, Lex is the bad man. Oooh, I love this scene. The Lex I love to hate always manipulated people by using their weaknesses against them. I love it! This little boy is doing a great job of being ‘Lex’. “Don’t call me that, my name is Lex!” Best line in the show so far.

Okay, we’re back in the cornfield with the crazy people. Clark looks good in that hat. Wonder why he never wore one on the farm? Flowers for the celebration… what for? Oops, that red fingernail polish gave the hussy away. Okay, now it’s officially moved over into the land of the freak with the ScareCrow,Sleepy-Hallow, KKK and Jeeper’s Creeper throw back. The slicing of Clark’s midsection with the Death-sickle even better.

So, Lois thinks Clark is dead? I suppose she’s running off adrenaline and holding her breath not allowing the free flow of oxygen to her brain. How many times has she seen Clark come back from the ‘dead’? At least once in the past few weeks. Lex seems to be the only person on this show that doesn’t suffer from short or long term memory loss. However, I do have to say… I’m liking the episode even if it is a far cry from the Smallville I’m accustomed. These religious cults drive me crazy. Don’t they try out any of their theories by testing them? What about trying “not” to sacrifice a girl and see if their crops still grow? Nope… no one can think independently. This isn’t about crops, but about control. Isn’t Lois someone’s daughter?

Okay, how did Clark purge the blue kryptonite with yellow by being buried in the ground? Somehow I missed that reasoning. I can’t believe Lois is just going to stand there.

I have to say, I love seeing Clark with that shotgun and taking the ‘heat’ like a regular joe. Oooo… it’s a sign! You get them Lois. Feed them some of their own medicine! Shove their own craziness back down their throats. But, why on earth does she have to speak in King James version? Clark’s “A-men” was hilarious.

While I found that last scene, inspiring and even a bit hilarious, there’s a part of me that doesn’t like the innuendo and stab at the religious and people of faith. While on many parts I agree with this assessment, especially of the religious occults, but there’s another part of me that feels the truly faithful get lopped into this fanatical group. I do love how Lois and Clark handled the situation. I don’t feel like the show intentionally made fun of people of faith, perhaps even defending them against the occultic innuendo, but I’d rather they stick to the science-fiction and leave religion alone… even the religious nut jobs. But, either way… it was a good scene.

What is in the vial? The antidote to his growth spurts? To stop him from accelerated aging, to keep him alive longer? Don’t give it to him, Tess. Kill him if you know what’s good for you or the world. However, it’d be much more interesting if he lives. YES! She threw it in the fire. Alright… someone on this show actually learns something from the past. Way to go, Tess. I’m liking her more and more each episode.

The believers were able to be led down such a dark path, because their foundation was weak and messed up to start with. This is the dozenth time that ‘stepping into the light’ has been said. How many more times does Clark have to hear it? “Crispy Critter in Hellsville!?” Love it! Still wondering when she’s going to mention her lack of judgment to rush off to cover a story… against Clark’s wishes is what got her in trouble in the first place.

So, glad to see Clark being so open and upfront with Lois. Love to see them finally sharing themselves with each other, but there’s still this part of me that rolls her eyes, because in my Superman universe, he can’t share himself that way BECAUSE of his powers… yet on Smallville they’re not a issue. However, I suppose if he can drink a cup of coffee without incidence, he can have sex. Whatever… still wondering when he’s going to gain the Kiss of Forgetfulness.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE… the very last scene. Alexander shaving his head, EXCELLENT. I’ve got goosebumps running up my arms.

That’s been this week’s review of Smallville’s final season. Stay tuned next week for another episode of what I think is the best show on television.



Till next time, Crazy4Smallville