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claysikes

Lived enough of life to know what matters, and still young enough to enjoy it to the fullest - it's not what we do in the best of times that matters; but rather how we 'handle it' in when our world has been turned upside down.

62
Stories
53
Followers

Stories by @claysikes (62)

claysikes
claysikes
2012-08-10T03:06:14

An Island Misadventure

A hot July night was cooled a bit by an ocean breeze coming off the high spring tide, as the island's darkness was brightly illuminated by a beaming full moon.

2 0 1862 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-08-04T01:54

The Fortune Teller

Moonshine whisky can kill if it is made wrong, and delight if it is made right.

6 0 2999 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-07-13T04:25:34

Racing Cars

Racing cars in open wheel formula racing is an adrenalin rush as the speed is as intoxicating as the competition.

2 0 211 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-07-11T00:40:16

The Role Of A Lifetime

Some of life's greatest actors have had no formal training, never stood on a stage or in front of a camera; yet masquerade in their false identity with great skill.

2 0 47 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-07-10T03:51:01

Coastal Georgia Stories

I have often been questioned about growing up the son and grandson of high-sheriffs in rural coastal Georgia.

6 0 1010 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-07-10T03:48:29

Untitled

A hot July night was cooled a bit by an ocean breeze coming off the high spring tide, as the island's darkness was brightly illuminated by a beaming full moon.

6 0 1865 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-06-15T22:56:45

An Island Misadventure

A hot July night was cooled a bit by an ocean breeze coming off the high spring tide, as the island's darkness was brightly illuminated by a beaming full moon.

0 0 1865 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-06-15T21:24:13

An Island Misadventure

A hot July night was cooled a bit by an ocean breeze coming off the high spring tide, as the island's darkness was brightly illuminated by a beaming full moon.

0 0 1865 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-05-17T00:54:03

The Passion Of Purpose

The passions of man are many; but nothing surpasses passion that is ignited by 'purpose.'.

0 0 15 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-05-09T00:41:57

Death - Up Close And Personal!

A few hours ago another lifelong relationship vaporized in death, and I am feeling numb, sad, and truthfully, a little mad.

0 1 161 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-04-28T16:50:45

Contrast - Joy And Happiness

Joy is a condition of the heart, while happiness is a condition of the mind.

4 0 47 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-04-21T11:59:56

Problems Guard Power

Our leadership stops at the point we can no longer solve problems. Problem solvers in any field are natural leaders, as we evolve by and through the challenges we face.

2 0 123 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-04-21T10:47:16

Greatest Obstacle To Truth

The greatest obstacle to obtaining the truth is the assumption you already have it..

4 0 14 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-04-13T04:46:49

St. Simons Island

My island life is a slice of heaven. Serene settings are serenity's magic potion, unmatched by drug or drink, as inner peace stimulates the creative nature - I am here by divine appointment.

10 1 70 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-04-08T04:35:37

Full Moon On The Beach

Walking on the beach tonight just like when I was young. The moon is full tonight, dancing on the ocean and sparkling like diamonds, and a warm southwest wind invigorates the comfort of it all.

4 0 64 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-04-04T04:51:47

The Night Sounds

The sounds of night differ depending upon geography.

10 0 52 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-04-03T03:49:12

The Real Heroes Of Life

Our country is filled with millions who hold highest regards for attributes like beauty and talent - the premium is always placed upon one's God given assets: Acting, athletics, beauty, writers,...

22 0 265 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-03-27T23:37:41

Hunting Something Positive About A Headache

I have a 'headache' kicking my 'butt,' forcing me to lie on my 'back' and rub my 'neck,' 'forehead,' and 'eyes' - at least the rest of me ain't involved at this point!.

2 0 33 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-03-23T16:25:49

Breaking The 'Upper Hand' Mindset

There is a great advantage in playing with those who think they hold all the cards, when in fact they do not, as it often reveals the worst in human behavior.

14 0 50 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-03-10T19:56:55

Lesson From A Stranger

The old man rolled his tobacco, enjoyed his smoke and sat on the same bench in front of the circa 1940s marina every Saturday morning.

10 1 362 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-03-08T22:24:12

Small Town Love

Today we said goodby to yet another lifelong friend.

4 1 86 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-03-07T02:33:59

Opuss

Opuss is a like ballroom that 'invites our words to dance.' Like every dance floor there is diversity in style, rhythm, and sway; but no matter the skill, lets keep on dancing!.

34 1 32 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-03-06T04:44:17

True Wealth

True wealth is never measured in dollars nor found in physical possessions, but rather securely rest in having a healthy mind and body. So many sacrifice so much to gain so little..

10 0 32 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-03-03T23:54:26

Savannah

Savannah will charm, enchant, and invite you back in a single visit!.

6 1 12 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-02-27T00:37

Solitude

Solitude is amazing therapy as the voice of silence speaks with such clarity..

20 2 13 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-02-26T03:14:02

Sometime

Sometime there are no words. Sometime there is no explanation. Sometime there is no reason. Sometime it simply is what it is - no more, no less. We wonder why.

4 2 54 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-02-17T00:46

The Living Years

Life has but one ending, yet filled with many new beginnings..

20 0 11 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-02-16T03:25

Eyes Of The Heart

Life's greatest treasures are not always seen with eyes, but always known by the heart..

36 0 15 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-02-11T18:38:12

Intelligent Fools

The world is full of academic fools whose stubborn arrogance relegate them to idiocy without comprehension..

4 0 16 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-02-11T04:43:02

The Islands Of Georgia

I grew up on beaches without people, camped on dunes as high as hills, discovered island treasures having nothing to do with pirates, and fell in love as hard as a man can fall.

10 2 179 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-02-08T03:44:17

Accountability - The True Prerequisite To Responsibility

One can never become responsible lest he first become accountable. True accountability is the basis upon which true responsibility is built..

2 1 21 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-02-04T22:42:17

Maturity

Maturity becomes apparent when our immaturity becomes more apparent.

10 0 65 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-01-28T03:30:21

The Light

Let the light lead your life, and darkness will fight for recognition. The light is always there, even in dark hours, but we must choose to follow it. Light is a choice, just as darkness.

6 1 46 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-01-21T13:57:36

The Creative Life

The world is filled with producers, those whose entire mindset is productivity. While the emphasis is on 'getting things done,' the end result is usually fatigue, stress, and burnout.

6 0 202 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-01-15T15:41:27

Tebow

The Tebow story is not coming to an end; it is just beginning!.

2 0 13 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-01-14T05:12:05

Haiti

My time in Haiti has produced some of the most difficult times, yet richest experiences; heartbreaking sights, yet fondest memories; laborious work, yet life-changing events. Why such satisfaction.

8 0 52 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-01-07T19:27:15

Understanding Money

Money is a wonderful servant, but a hellishly terrible master..

2 0 10 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-01-07T19:15:28

Crisis Revelation

While crisis doesn't necessarily define a man, it most certainly reveals him to himself. All we have when 'it' has ended is our 'conduct' during it!.

6 0 26 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-01-07T19:09:13

Change - Inside/Out

Seldom do our circumstances change without something (in us) changing first..

4 0 11 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-01-06T04:47:38

Success Can Lead To Failure

Previous successes can be the seed of ultimate failure if arrogance is the product (of that success)..

2 0 17 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-01-04T22:14:57

My Home

I live in a region steeped in history, pristine and undeveloped, whose natural beauty competes with any 'wonder' the world has to offer.

8 1 190 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-01-01T06:18:13

Opportunities Of 2012

2012 will, as comes every four years, offer many of us the right to choose our next leader. How we do this is becoming almost as important as the event itself.

2 0 228 words
claysikes
claysikes
2012-01-01T05:23:54

Pain's Root

There are two kinds of pain in this world - The pain of discipline and the pain of regret..

38 1 19 words
claysikes
claysikes
2011-12-30T23:41:10

Every New Year Offers New Priorities

As I contemplate the new year, I am reminded of the good and bad of the passing year. Almost amazingly there was much 'good' even in what I deemed 'bad,' though I didn't see it at the time.

4 0 135 words
claysikes
claysikes
2011-12-26T16:46:24

Air Tech

An Opuss entry from 30,000 feet - incredible technological convenience, even for an old guy....

2 2 15 words
claysikes
claysikes
2011-12-24T17:06:44

A True Christmas Gift

Tonight, Christmas Eve 2011, at age 63, I will gather with my two parents, my three kids, two brothers, and one and only Grandchild.

6 1 54 words
claysikes
claysikes
2011-12-23T12:24:02

When Riches And Talent Exceed Character

Riches and talent that exceed character are a curse, not a blessing..

6 0 12 words
claysikes
claysikes
2011-12-23T12:19:18

Joy

Joy is what you know, not how your feel..

0 0 9 words
claysikes
claysikes
2011-12-22T15:04:04

Our Greatest Gift

Children won't always do what we say, but they will always 'do' what we do. The greatest gift we can ever give them is a life worth living..

12 0 28 words
claysikes
claysikes
2011-12-21T13:22:18

Focus Upon Strengths Creates Success

The more undistracted devotion we can give our strongest talents the more effective we will be..

2 0 16 words
claysikes
claysikes
2011-12-20T02:52:28

Circumstances Reveal Character

Circumstances do not make a man - they reveal him to himself. Life is filled with opportunities that test our metal.

2 0 37 words
claysikes
claysikes
2011-12-20T02:42:25

The Oppressor's Strength

The strength of the oppressor lies in the ignorance of the oppressed..

12 0 12 words
claysikes
claysikes
2011-12-15T20:32:21

Girls - A Daddy's View

I have three children - two boys and a girl. Girls are different!.

2 0 13 words
claysikes
claysikes
2011-12-15T03:52:03

Character - Mankind's Strongest Attribute

I admire beauty and talent; but reserve my respect for genuine character..

6 0 12 words
claysikes
claysikes
2011-12-15T03:47:11

Failure - One Of Life's Greatest Teachers

Some of my greatest learning experiences have come as a result of great failure..

4 0 14 words
claysikes
claysikes
2011-12-12T22:20:01

The Life Of A Vision

Few men (women) of vision have the capability of managing the details of their vision.

8 0 90 words
claysikes
claysikes
2011-12-11T21:36:50

Mark Of A Leader

The mark of a 'true' leader is not position, but influence..

2 0 11 words
claysikes
claysikes
2011-12-11T20:41:04

Music

Music often reveals reflections from deep in my soul - it's uncanny probe unlocking emotion like no other....

4 0 18 words
claysikes
claysikes
2011-12-11T17:46:43

An Act Of Kindness

On a cold winter day, a young boy was 'cursed' by his drunken father and told to "go outside and repair dog pens." Saddened by the pain of his father's rejection and the discomfort of the bitter...

8 0 114 words
claysikes
claysikes
2011-12-11T15:45:22

Old Dog Theory

You can teach an old dog new tricks if he doesn't think like an old dog!.

2 0 16 words
claysikes
claysikes
2011-12-11T04:40:38

Growth

It is impossible to grow without first embracing change - there can be no growth without change..

6 0 17 words
claysikes
claysikes
2011-12-11T04:25:13

Traditional Ignorance

Ignorance often comes disguised as tradition..

10 0 6 words