A Passionate Plea: Thank You!
Greetings Everyone!
I want to "Sincerely Thank each one of you!" who have very faithfully followed, and visited my blog on a regular basis. Your participation and feedback is very, very encouraging! From now on, I will use as my regular blog- my website: http://godwinbarton.com/
As I do lead a very busy life with a full time job, exercise regime, and making time for friends and family while the whole time staying "Artistically Creative," I've made a decision to post more regularly. I've written many more poems and have five more songs ready to go for recording. This all takes time and money...a lot of money! I also have a very amazing children's book completed and looking to get published, along with a book of poetry. I continue also to do presentations- as a musician, singer/song writer; author/poet; and professional story teller.
My producer, and "Liquid Tension Music" were most gracious in fully financing me for my first professional CD release to the exact amount of $6,500.00 hard cost, and an extensive amount more for miscellaneous. Now, it's up to me to make the money for the next round of recording, and to begin making the music videos that many of you are asking for. Here's where you come in. I beg, and plead to your kindness, and thank you for your already existing support: If you have not yet, can you please go to itunes, CD Baby, e-music, Amazon, or any other large number of sites and make a direct purchase of my CD, or individual songs. I promise you, by the amazing response to my music from everyone who has already purchased...you will not be disappointed. It is being loved by everyone, every where, and people can't seem to say enough great things about it. Also, can you please pass this information on to everyone on your social sites: facebook, twitter, My Space, and any others. Please, I have a dream; and together, we can make this happen. I am a very talented, gifted, and passionate poet, musician, and story teller. It brings me no greater joy than to share these gifts with the world. As I do my presentations in song- music, poetry, and story telling; literally, people are moved to tears, sometimes crying uncontrollably from the beginning to the end as my words pierce into their being- in the beginnings of healing, hope, and inspiration. I share with you my heart; I give to you my soul. I give you the stories- unscripted, unedited, and true. After a presentation, people can't hold me long enough in an embrace of extreme gratitude with a heart full of thankfulness. This is what I want to share with the world; the gift of life, the gift of hope, the gift of inspiration. My stories are many: from interactions with the realms of the supernatural and spiritual (yes, these things are real), and great, extraordinary experiences and events in daily living- to the guidance by dreams, and the realms of the prophetic. There are stories of struggle, destruction, death and annihilation; to hope, endurance, peace, beauty, and love. Then there are stories of pure enjoyment; of happiness. There must be a balance in all things.
I don't have the backing of major corporations or commerce; but I do have a producer who fully believes in me, and my musical talent, gifts, and abilities- so much so that he/they, were willing to place thousands on the line and hope for the best. Please, I, we, need your help.
I thank you again from the deepest parts of my heart, and my soul: you are all truly, truly wonderful.
The new songs too, are absolutely amazing; I know this, because the people who I have played them for already, are lit with excitement, with joy...and can hardly wait for the final, recorded versions.
Wishing you all a very "Merry Christmas and extremely prosperous New Year!"
Again, thank you!
Sincerely, and most lovingly...
Godwin H. Barton
"Today Is A Brand New Beginning For You."
Greetings!
I had a very significant dream last night; I just have to share it. I had a nephew, named Melvin, who was an incredibly, happy-go-lucky person. People just loved being around, and near him- he was that kind of personality. In my dream, the two of us were sitting on chairs facing each other. He looked at me and said, "Today is a brand new beginning for you." Then, smiling most graciously, he reached for my hand and said: "Congratulations."
My dream ended. Why is this significant? In all the years that Melvin was alive (he died a few years ago, I believe in his late forties), I never dreamed of him. Now, a few years after his death he comes to me, radiant, and with a beautiful message.
I can't help it...I continue to look forward to great and mighty things. God is so good.
Sincerely,
Godwin.
Life Gets More Exciting With Each Passing Moment!
Greetings!
Check this out...it's yet another component to my musical journey that my producer created for me: I have the greatest producer in the world! He's a "magician, a magical musician" and, "simply the best!" My songs were loved by many before the recording, but my producer has taken them beyond all beauty imaginable...and has given them life beyond my comprehension. Thank you so much!
Link to Vinyl, on-line Showcase: http://whocanthisbe.viinyl.com
With "Heart-Felt Gratitude and Appreciation."
Greetings!
As you may have noticed by the CD Baby badge at the top of my blog page...I have released my debut mini-album "Your Presence," as of August 9th., 2011.
How this all came to be is quite miraculous in itself. It all began with a very, very specific whispered prayer back in February 2011. A prayer about footsteps and meeting someone, also very specific, a meeting ordained of God and blessed of Heaven. I had no idea who this someone was, but I knew that God knew- and the feeling that I had, it was a meeting for a very specific purpose. I could only trust Him. It resounded so clearly in my heart, and in my spirit. As I prayed, it was too that the words were given to me directly so that I wouldn't miss a thing. I prayed that the Father would ordain our every action together, this person and myself: that, every action that needed to be made, would be made, and that nothing would be left undone. I also prayed that every word of our conversation that we needed to speak, would be spoken; again, that no word would be left unsaid. It felt so important. This beautiful, February morning, was prayed one of the greatest, yet simple, life changing prayers I've ever prayed. I couldn't resist- the urge was too strong.
On my lunch break that afternoon, at a chicken stop near my work place, I stood at the till ordering my food. Then "tap! tap! tap!" on my shoulder. I turned, and very surprised, exclaimed, "Oh my goodness! Hey! What brings you here to this neck of the woods?!" My very good friend and colleague, responded, "Well. I was driving by, coming to the intersection, happened to look up and seen you standing here. I quickly spun my car around and had to come and see you." "Wow! What a delight!" Being that we hardly connected in person and would see each other only at our sometimes, bi-monthly meetings, his popping up was a real surprise. Our conversation continued, about work, and an up-coming audit. When we finished with the formalities of "audit expectations" as I'd been through a couple of them already, myself, and passed, he asked, "So! What else is new?" I responded, "Well, you know I'm a published author..right?" He said yes. "But did you know, as a poet, I'm also a singer/song writer?" "No. I didn't know that. What have you written?" He too is a musician and has recorded his music professionally. I told him about my song "Your Presence" and my great desire to record it- professionally. I told him also of the few other songs that I'd written. He then said, "Hey, I know just the guys for you. Here are their names and contact numbers. Give them a call and they'll gladly help you. I know them personally, and they're great." I held onto this contact info for about a month and hadn't yet made a move. Then, the voice within: "Make the call." Then began this incredible journey.
Being a poet, it's almost a given, if you can play a guitar or piano, eventually, you're going to try your hand at composing...music that is. Knowing a few cords on the guitar, six to be exact, I began to write music. For the past ten years I had this song "Your Presence" which was inspired by a very lovely, young lady friend of mine. I've played this song many times over the years for many people; every one loved it. Not too long ago a teacher friend of mine asked, after I did a session of music, story-telling, and poetry reading for her class, referring to the song "Your Presence": "Have you ever considered going professional, doing music for a living?" She then said, "You're very good. You should consider it." I prayed too, over the years, that one day I would get into a recording studio- if anything, just to record "Your Presence".
On March 12, 2011, for the first time in my life, by the Great Grace of God and extremely generous hand of my producer, Jason, of Liquid Tension Music, I was in studio doing pre-production work. Jason, by his absolute and unwavering belief- in the strength and beauty of my music, in the magnificence of his arrangements, took my songs beyond all beauty imaginable. Now, five months later, the release of my debut mini-album: Your Presence.
I am so grateful for everything that has happened in my life.
I had to mail out complementary CDs and "Thank You!" notes to some very special people who are thoroughly promoting my album. As I wrote, this was spoken clearly into my spirit: "New acquaintances in our lives are additional feathers to our wings- that help us fly." I send this to you all also...with much love, respect, friendship, and appreciation.
Thank you so much for your support.
From my heart to yours...Godwin.
Link to CBC3 Page: http://radio3.cbc.ca/#/bands/Godwin-Barton
Link to Website: http://godwinbarton.com
Cherry Blossom Dreaming.
Hello!
This is a posting I placed on a social site some time back. It's just something I felt in my heart to write, to post. I received a few very passionate, heart-felt responses before it was flagged for removal. Women, searching for true love were deeply touched by the post's content: its honesty, depth, and sincerity. I guess for others it touched on too great a truth- that ultimately, there is the one out there who is our soul mate; the one who is ultimately made singularly for you, for me. In the direct or indirect acknowledging of this truth, or simple exposure to it, I feel, in denial, many choose to flag this post for its removal because it aroused feelings of discomfort within them. Its removal does not negate the possible truth- that there is a "Soul Mate" out there for you, for me. Too many of us just settle for the one that we think "Is the one," often giving up because of loneliness and not wanting to be alone, rather than letting life and love take its natural path- that would ultimately lead us to our one true love. In the same breath, maybe we do have to go through a few broken hearts and "lost love experiences" before we meet "the one." Also, the post touched on the concept of a "God," I do believe in God, I do believe in Jesus; I am not a man perfect by any means- but given the atrocities, challenges, and struggles of my life and the obstacles which I have had to over-come to get to where I am today...He's always been, and always will be: My best friend. I write this also having been through one failed marriage.
This post is based on a dream that I had one year after my separation. Today, three years and three months later, my ex and I continue to get along and are very, very good friends.
Posted: March 31, 2011 5:00 AM.
You're the most beautiful being that I've ever seen. When I seen you- I stood in awe: mesmerized, speechless...smitten: completely. I looked, I stared- my eyes could move in no other direction than to look deeply into those starlit eyes that shone with the sparkle of diamonds. The eloquence, beauty, and elegance of your stature totally enraptured my heart; my soul- the entire universe stood still, as a soft voice spoke gently into my being: "There she is..." My heart raced, rampant with passion. My spirit reeled; my soul danced. Excitement, happiness, and joy fail to describe fully all that I was feeling at that moment. I was elated, ecstatic, moved deeply with emotion as tears welled in my eyes and rolled gently down my face at the sight of you. First, because I thought that I would never find you- that we would never meet; and second, as each day ended and we still hadn't met, I had no idea how I would continue to carry the burden of the love that I had for you. It was becoming pain, heartache, and even torture. I had no idea who you were, where you were, or what you looked like. I had the image and the description that I often offered to the Father as I prayed. I knew that you were strong, spiritually, and beautiful internally and externally. I had so much love to give, so much love to share. As long as we hadn't yet met, my day ended as it always had: alone, in the agony of another whispered prayer. Somehow, I always found the strength to believe- I refused to give up. Now, here you are: The warmth of the tears rolling gently down my face reign in blessing.
Suddenly every tear cried in the secret place is given substance, depth, and meaning. Every prolonged, agonizing moment of waiting is given purpose. Every question answered, by your presence.
I tried almost desperately at times to make the dream come true; only to come to dead end streets, disappointments, and broken hearts. Finally I gave up the search and thought, "Maybe God doesn't need my help. He knows what's best for me and in His good time He'll send her to me. He'll cause our paths to cross. And when we see each other, we will know."
This God of mine has never failed me and does truly know what's best. If He gave me the dream, this desire, then in His appointed time it will come to fruition. In waiting for you, I had to believe this. This was my hope. After all, how much more symbolic can a dream become than that, of a "Huge, fully blooming, Cherry Blossom Tree" on the beach of my reserve in far northwestern British Columbia, immediately below my sister's house. The tree rooted and grounded deeply, where the water meets the shore. My sister and I on the boardwalk next to the tree, staring in complete awe, "How is this possible?" The blossoms: huge, beautiful, and of the loveliest pink. The leaves: the brightest, radiant green. The trunk: strong, and immovable. Under clear, blue skies, as the waves lightly rippled against the shore, splashing gently toward the tree. It was absolutely beautiful.
I thank God continuously for the Cherry Blossom Trees that line the many streets of Vancouver. When I look at them, I think how wonderfully blessed I am to have you. I smile, and whisper, reaffirming my love for you. You don't know this, but the moments that I am away from you- I tell you a million times that I love you; and that I miss you. How exciting it is to know that in a few short moments or hours I will be with you again- it makes everything that I do more enjoyable and fulfilling. Everything is given life, purpose, and meaning. My "Beautiful Cherry Blossom," I can hardly wait to see you again. I love you so much.
End of Post.
Two years later; I still wait, believing...in the prophetic and absolute possibility- that dreams do come true.
If you've found love; hang on to it- and fight for it when you need to. If you've found love, it's a beautiful thing- don't ever let it go. A very good lady friend of mine said, as I shared with her my desire for an Asian companion: "Godwin. Maybe you shouldn't limit yourself. You should keep yourself open and available for the possibility of love coming from any direction, and who knows, maybe she isn't Asian. You may have to go through another relationship or two before you find the right one." There's great truth in her words. And maybe, just maybe...
Sincerely,
Godwin.
Electricity: The Cyber World
A Dream I had the morning of October 20th, 2010.
I was in an area that was an entrance to a sky train station. It appeared to be the Rupert Street Station, a ten minute walk from where I live. I was on my knees immediately in front of the entrance. My head was tilted downward and slightly away from an incredibly bright and blinding light. This light was the lamp which hung immediately to my left from the entrance ceiling and there were no other lights. Its brightness was like that of many lightning bolts; incredibly blinding and pure white. Even with my eyes closed I could see the complete brightness, just as if my eyes were wide open. Standing before me was a very young, beautiful woman; she appeared to be Caucasian. She stood about three to four feet in front of me, enshrouded in, and totally unaffected by the light. Though my eyes were closed, I could see her clearly.
She asked, “What happens to the electricity once it’s used?”
I replied, “It gets recycled and is used again. Each time it becomes more powerful than before.”
Some how, I knew she was talking about love.
My dream ended.
This dream comes just as I am going through an “internet dating break-up” after three months. I’d been slightly broken, but now I’m fine. Sparing much of the details, we had never met, never seen each other- other than the exchange of pictures, and never talked directly- she didn't speak English. However, she was learning. For the most part, ninety percent of our communication was done through a translation site. Bottom line, by the end, we had fallen completely, entirely, and totally in love with each other. We had become so enraptured with the "idea, image, and fantasy," of each other, that we became the essence of each others world entirely. I couldn't wait to be on line with her; she was all that I thought about: twenty-four seven- I lived for her, I breathed for her, and literally, worshiped the ground that she walked on. She said it was the same for her- calling it "Crazy Love!" Saying that she'd never ever experienced love and feelings like this before. It’s interesting isn’t it, the parallel of my dream: “Electricity, the Cyber World.” The “Pure, Blinding, White Light,” the essence of love, and the dialogue, the message: “Love will come again, more powerful than before.”
They Were Fierce and Powerful!
Greetings!
This is a dream I had the night going into Mother's Day, Sunday, May 9th., 2010.
My brother Hubert (Pops! Short for Popsie- a nickname given to him in his youth) and myself were in a very green, grassy area. The place was surrounded by huge mountains. Pops was laying on his back looking toward the clear blue sky as the sun shone brightly. I was sitting cross-legged next to him. The sky suddenly became dark with a fierce darkness: a darkness so deep, so black, so thick, it was unlike anything that we had ever seen. It wasn't a scary darkness, it emanated in immeasurable strength, power, and glory. Suddenly, there was the sound of thunderous winds, as that created by many mighty wings. The sky grew even darker. As this was happening there was a faint light that encircled my brother and myself. One of our sisters was sitting near by, watching, about eight feet away as this miraculous scene unfolded.
Pops and I looked to the sky. In awe we stared. Flying by the hundreds, even hundreds of thousands, were eagles so huge, vast, and powerful. Their sere numbers caused the sky to darken even more. Against the darkness we could see the silhouetted shapes of these gigantic beings. The length and shape of their wings- impressive, moving with precision, exactness, and presence. Their feathers- some jagged and ruffled, were those proudly worn and told a story of warriorship and victory in battle: they were warring eagles. They were conquerors and undefeatable. They were majestic, and they came from every where.
A huge ball as the shape of the moon appeared. Silhouetted against the light of this object was the upper part of an eagle as it would appear perched on a branch of a tree. Its head was turned to the right. It was distinctive, also powerful, with a beak perfectly defined accentuated in strength, power, and might. Its eyes piercing and bold. Another eagle flew past, thunderous, glorious, and mighty, and as it did the ball erupted into an explosion of light. The explosion was as a thousand lightning bolts put together that shot blindingly through the darkened sky. As quickly as it appeared, it subsided.
Pops and I sat in great reverence before the scene that unfolded before us. Instinctively, I raised my hands to the sky in adoration and respect- as one does when honoring the Father: King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I began to chant, repeating the phrase over and over again: "Eagle. Come to me. Eagle. Come to me."
I had within me a great expectation. Forming out of the darkness, and coming from directly above me, falling toward me, were two beautiful eagle feathers. They were large and black. Excitedly I exclaimed to Pops, "Oh my God. Look!" The feathers drifted lightly into my hand. Pops and I wondered in amazement. The feathers were over-lapping. I parted them with my thumb against my fingers. There, in the middle, was the most beautiful, pure, white eagle feather that we had ever seen. Perfectly shaped and as white as snow. I looked at Pops and said again with reverence and respect, softly, almost whispering, "Oh my God." Facing Pops, who was now sitting cross-legged as I was, I asked, "Do you want it?" He said yes. I gave to him the white eagle feather. My dream ended.
My dearest brother, Great things are in store for us...and it has "GOD" written all over it!
As I reflect further on this dream, this is what I feel, as I sent further thoughts to my nephew regarding his dad, my brother, Pops:
I love and miss you guys so much! I feel very strongly in my spirit that great things are in store for our family...especially your dad. This dream tells me that as God really begins to do his work in our lives (your dad's and mine), that the heavens- the realms of the supernatural and spiritual, will all be in our favor. As the feather was pure, perfect, and white...so it is to be within our spirits in this place to which God is taking us. Take care and be blessed! Share this also with your dad. Love you!
Poster: Ten Eagles by Gardner. www.people.jmu.edyUp Dates!
Greetings!
I often receive direction from my inner-most being, and as of late, have really learned to follow this. I also have a very, very close friend who is a teacher/librarian. She is an elderly lady who is a christian, born again and spirit filled. In the time that I've known her she has followed my writing career very closely. She has cautioned me and counseled me as she has noted the success in my life as a writer/poet. She knows too of my blog and has asked me to pay special attention to what I post in regard to my poetry and stories. Yes, she has heard me too as a story teller. By many of my friends within my literacy circle, noting me as a very accomplished poet, I've also been referred to as a "Master Story Teller."
I've been blessed as a writer, author, poet, and story teller. I acknowledge this and I'm very, very grateful.
As I've sat and reflected on my success to date and soon coming (major!) publication, my soon to be published children's book- and another project that I am working on, my book of poetry on which I am doing a final edit (for sure this time! I always say this and revisit the manuscript and again...guess what: I always find words more profound, radiant, colorful, and beautiful!)- in some cases, entire verses of poems have changed!
I feel internally the direction to not put all of my work (entirely!) on my site anymore. If you have been following my blog as I know some of you have, you will see that I've reviewed my blog and have edited certain poems and writings. In each case I've left only excerpts of certain poems and writings. The writings, because these are integral components of the book that I'm working on: "I Once Stood Over: An Eagle In the Wild." The poems, a few I've left fully in-tact as I feel these are deep, very meaningful, healing poems that for me helped me through great family loss and challenge and I know will help others. Death is an inevitable truth and something that every person and family on earth will encounter. In view of this I have left poems such as: "You'll Always Be My Baby Sister"; "I Think About You"; "The Two Best Friends of Mine"; and "The Nights Through the Seasons: Brothers Forever," fully in their entirety.
As a born again, spirit filled believer, I've learned to follow my inner voice and spirit. This has never, never failed me. The bible says: "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven." As I was thinking on my writing and my blog, I thought, "It's time to revisit my blog, edit it, and remove certain writings." The reason, first, for the many major publications I know are now coming my way and many of these writings are in some way a part of it, and second, plagiarism. I know for fact, as other author friends have shared with me some of their stories, one in particular, of certain verses/lines of a poem which were stolen from him and used in a song, that people do plagiarize.
I'd like to think that everyone in the world is honest and trustworthy; but, in all actuality, this is not the truth. There are people out there who just don't care, are corrupt, and will do what ever it takes to make it, to be in their eyes- successful...even if it means stealing some other person's work.
If you're out there and you've used any part of my writing in any way, shape, or form (without my express written permission or consent) to enhance your writing, singing career, or for financial gain- I will find out. Things, internally, and by dreams just have a way of coming to me. It's always been this way.
I pray, if you've followed my writing you've done so out of appreciation and that my honesty, truth, and humility has in some way touched you and made you a better person.
Sincerely,
Godwin.
Photos: Left: Taken at the Spaghetti Factory while celebrating my 11th Year Sobriety Birthday: January 30th., 2010. My very good friend commented: "You look like an author, an artist."
Right: Presenting to a room full of authors/poets at a major literary seminar in Vilnius, Lithuania, Summer 2009.
Letter to a Friend: Recovery
Greetings!
Please pardon at times, what may sound like pessimism (literally translated- act of seeing only the bad side of situations, or, expecting the worst).
I appreciate your trying to conquer your last length of clean time. I believe we as recovering alcoholics and addicts all at some point in time came to this resolve in our processes of recovery. As I reflect on this "proposed period of time" I realize now it is just because I (we) were not really ready to quit, to completely surrender- and the only reason we made it through these proposed periods of time is that WE KNEW that we were going to use again- in fact, it was the plan.
In this particular scenario it is not true recovery but the simple acknowledgment of the passage of time with no real "inner work" being done. You see, recovery begins on the inside...with the heart, the spirit, and the soul. People who have achieved inner peace and sobriety and still have it now, many, many years later are those that took the chance to take the journey from within.
It is true- alcoholism and drug addiction is merely the symptom...the real problem lies within: our brokenness, sadness, disappointments, hurts, angers, pain, deep rooted blame and unforgiveness. We can talk until we're blue in the face about how great we're doing and how much clean time we have but if the work is not done internal, I promise you on my mother's grave and on God's Holy Word, we will be using again. Then, it will be worse than before and we'll sit in the stinking(ness) of our addiction and alcoholism, crying in our pity-pot wondering what went wrong. Well, it's simple; pray for the courage, strength, honesty, humility, and determination to face our inner demons and LEARN TO FORGIVE! Quit blaming all those ones who for years we thought were the source of our problems and anger. Take a long look in the mirror and say: "Well! It's not my mother! It's not my father! It's not my brother, sister, aunt, or uncle! It's not my best friend! IT'S ME!!!! IT'S BEEN ME ALL THE TIME!!!! HOW BLIND COULD I HAVE BEEN!!!! I'M THE ONE WHO CHOSE TO HARBOR THIS HURT, ANGER, RAGE, BLAME, AND UNFORGIVENESS! I'M THE ONE WHO HAS CHOSEN TO LIVE IN THIS WORLD OF MISERY!!!" Get off that high horse of self-centeredness, humble yourself- and start apologizing and forgiving others. Yes, if they've hurt you- acknowledge that hurt- this is important too! But deal with it effectively, properly, and productively- this is possible. FORGIVENESS IS KEY!!!! There is no other way! There isn't! And there never will be!
I appreciate that you aim to go for three months of clean time; but, why stop there when so much good is under the bridge.
You want my brutal honesty? You've been hurt! Acknowledge it! Look at it! See how it has shaped your life, even destroyed it and the game you play is one of "Russian Roulette." One of these days you're going to take a bad hit, and, guess what, you're going to wake up in a place a billion times greater or more, than the torment you suffer now: trust me, I know.
You want to get well? Yes, ninety meetings in ninety days is a good thing; it worked for me! My challenge to you in your proposed ninety day sobriety goal- do the work internally, and come and tell me after ninety days that you want to use again. If you do, then you're free to do it. No one will hold you back or try to persuade you otherwise. Do it, put in your ninety days internally: feel great, love life, be born again and anew, quit blaming and forgive. After ninety days, if this is not good enough for you- you're free to "PICK UP YOUR MISERY AGAIN AND GO DANCING SADLY OUT THE DOOR!"
I hope this answers your questions and addresses the concerns which you had.
The response was:
Thank you for spending the time that you have on your reply. It was quite lengthy and you put a lot into it! Yes, I understand what you are saying...but, I know I am still not ready to entirely quit. My co-dependence is too deep, so I want to take smaller successful steps to bring me there...because I DO want to get there someday, and I really am not happy with my willingness!
My reply:
I know no other way- if you're not ready to quit- why put yourself through the misery of the ninety days? Use until you're ready to quit...and, if you don't die during the process- maybe you'll have another chance.
The final word:
Most excellent. One thing you do have is the desire...and really, this is really how it all begins. I pray you make it through.
Sincerely, and truly your friend: Godwin.
PS: By the "Grace of God, through brutal honesty, humility, and forgiveness...on January 30th, 2010, I will be eleven years clean and sober."
Two things that were said to me and I held onto through the earlier years of my sobriety and still recite today: 1) And this too shall pass. 2) By the Grace of God...there go I.
I hope you find what you are looking for...
Photos: 1) Mountain side road in my home village- Kincolith. Recovery is a journey toward the light! 2) Angel Warrior: static.squidoo.com "Go for it! You are not alone!"
The Supernatural and the Spiritual
Greetings!
It's 2:18 am on a Sunday morning. Around 1:00 am I got through about a two hour phone call, although it seemed like minutes, with a very good friend of mine- we were talking about things supernatural, and the spiritual. These topics, with many of the people that are my closest friends, are the things we talk about the most. It is such a wide ranging topic so effectively approached in biblical truths and based on many of our live's immediate experiences. There does truly exist, the realms of the supernatural and the spiritual: these things, they are real.
I Just Want to be a Writer!
Greetings!
I just want to be a writer...the deepest and most profound thoughts of my heart, mind, spirit, soul, and body; the feeling and emotion that swept through me as a mighty rushing wind as I walked along the banks of the river that separates New Vilnius from Old Town. Tears streaming down my face in absolute gratitude as I looked to the clear blue sky with hands raised in victory and praise, semi-shouting, with cracking and crying voice, "Thank you! Thank you Father! Thank you! I only want to be a writer! To be known and recognized as a writer! Thank you!" I continued walking, weeping joyfully and thankfully, swept away in a whirlwind of gratitude. Walking back toward Old Town after picking up every newspaper that I could find, eighteen in all, having been told by our director after a morning workshop: "Godwin. You'd better go and grab the newspaper. You're a local celebrity. Your picture is in the paper, actually, more than once." I quickly ran over to him as he showed me the story and the photos. I peered excitedly and then ran. Having had dinner at what had become one of my favorite stops- Fortas Restaurant: elegant, stylish, classy, and affordable. The food, fit for kings and queens and excellently presented, I sought the assistance of a waitress. "Excuse me. Do you speak English?" "Yes. A little bit." I replied, "Good. A little bit is all I need." Reaching for the newspaper which was entirely in Lithuanian, I asked, "Can you interpret this for me, please?"
I began by explaining to her who I was and why I was in Vilnius. A local newspaper had gotten word about the two week literary event being held at the Institute of Vilnius University and the many world renown authors and poets that were in attendance, also, the many participants that had come from Canada, the US, Africa, and Europe- seventy plus in all. They sent a reporter and a photographer. They appeared at an evening reading that was going to feature some famous Lithuanian and American writers. Myself, being the social butterfly that I am, noticed the reporter and photographer and approached them.
Walking toward the one holding the note pad as she was scribbling away, I smiled and said, "Hi! How are you?" She smiled back as she spoke perfect English, "I am well. And how are you?" "Very well, thank you." Looking directly at me she asked me if I was an instructor or a participant. "I'm a participant." She then asked, "What is your name and where are you from?" Her questions then came swiftly as she scribbled and scratched with each word that I spoke. In our exchange she learned that I had a web-site, a blog. As we talked there was the continuous sound of the camera shutter taking pictures it seemed a hundred shots a minute. The reporter, looking very delightfully at me with the most gratifying smile said, "You can look at the camera and smile!" Looking toward the camera I naturally smiled the biggest smile that I could find accompanied with light laughter. Her final question was, "Will you write about your experience in Lithuania on your blog? Specifically, about your experience in Vilnius?" I replied, "Yes, of course, when I find the time. To be quite truthful with you, the program is very, very structured and full, we're kept very busy. We've little time to do anything else during the day but all that is required to meet program requirements." I continued, as she listened very attentively, "I will, as soon as I can, up-date my blog and definitely write about Vilnius." She smiled very pleasantly as she thanked me for my time. The camera taking one last shot as I turned to walk away.
Opening the newspaper and showing the waitress my picture, pointing to the captioning beneath the picture, "Can you interpret this for me, please? I don't know what it says. Can you help me?" Looking at the photo and then to me, she exclaimed,"Oh!" Smiling a very excited and gracious smile, pausing a moment, and then again, "Oh!" as she looked at the photo and again at me. "Oh! That's you!" "Yes. That's me." She stood there smiling, staring into my eyes, her face graciously lit and elated, her eyes sparkling- one final time, "Oh!" I chuckled as her reaction sparked my spirit, "Please. I'm very, very flattered. I need your help. I don't know what this says. Can you interpret it for me- please?" "Yes. yes, of course." Reading it first to herself, she turns to me and says, questioning and with excitement, "You're a writer?!" "Yes. Yes I am." She smiles heartily as she reads:
"It says your name is G. H. Barton. That you are a writer from Vancouver. And that you write about Lithuania on your website."
I say, "Thank you," as she continues to stand before me, glowing. Her smile, face, and beauty...a sight to remember. Finally, after a few moments- she turns and continues her duties.
Note: Click on the image for a larger picture.
Sibling Hurricanes: Fred and Linda
Greetings!
Today is the eve of my birthday, and what an amazing time it has been already!
It began with my ex-wife calling me late noon to inform me about what she had been reading in the Hungarian News: Hungarian scientists tracking two hurricanes, over the ocean, which had formed in the recent day(s). She then asked me, "You want to know what they named the hurricanes?" I said sure. "They named them Fred and Linda." I responded, "No way! Really!" She said, "Yes. Hurricanes Fred and Linda." I then felt a great surge of energy, emotion, strength, and joy! The titles read:
Hurricane Fred in the Atlantic, Linda in the Pacific both expected to weaken
Fred and Linda, as stated in earlier posts, were two of our siblings who passed away five months apart, four years ago. Fred, on September 24, 2005- and Linda, on March 4th, 2006. It was a great loss.Here they are, visiting, on the eve of my birthday- TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM! What greater way to make their presence known- I feel electrified, motivated, and energized! I feel so much emotion, strength, and hope! I feel love!
One article begins, and notice the term "sibling":
hu Sep 10, 6:11 pm ET
Photos: Click on the images for a larger picture. NOTE: On the larger picture- the date of my birthday: Friday, September 11, 2009.
Left: Hurricane Linda
Center: Aerial View- Hurricane Fred
Right: Hurricane Fred
Fred and Linda were my absolute best friends in the whole world!!!! Coincidence or miracle? MIRACLE!!! I can't help but feel: "WHAT AN AWESOME BIRTHDAY PRESENT! MAKING THEIR PRESENCE KNOWN!" I feel them so deeply in my soul right now...it's permeating. I'm tearing and choked (pleasantly!), I miss them so much! This is so amazing; I couldn't ask for a better birthday present than this!
"I love you my brother and sister! Thanks for dropping by!"
Cheers!
Godwin.
Climb, Until Your Dreams Come True
This is a dream that I had, Saturday, September 01, 2007. I recorded it at 5:14 am.
I was up in the back woods area of my home, Kincolith, with a few other men. We were in a gym like setting, they were playing basket ball. One of the men, also a Barton, my cousin, asked me if I was going to help them with the pilings. I didn’t respond as I did not know for sure what he was talking about, and, I knew inside myself I did not want to commit. I walked out of the building. I was walking with my nephews Donald and Desmond. We were walking through the ball field area and the water was very, very high. I looked at the old wooden boardwalk that went from the field to the main village and asked my cousin (although I don’t remember him leaving the gym with us), referring to the posts supporting the boardwalk, “Are those the pilings that you were talking about?” He said no, and as we were now walking on the boardwalk, he pointed to some pilings (poles) that were sticking out of the water not too far from our right, and said, “Those ones. Those are the ones we need to change.” They were just some poles sticking a few feet out of the water; there was nothing special about them. They weren’t very large poles either, rather short and thin. It was obvious the poles served some kind of purpose, as they were coated in creosote to protect them against rotting in the water. I looked, and questioned internally, as they did not seem to serve any real purpose. They reminded me of the poles in
Godwin H. Barton
Miracles, Signs, and Wonders.
Greetings!
I lead such a charmed, and blessed life.
Today, at approximately 4:00 pm, I was preparing to do a work-out. On my weight bench was twelve cents- a dime, and two pennies. I took the twelve cents and very carefully placed it next to my stereo. The reason I did so, carefully, is that my cup of water also sits next to my stereo, and when reaching back and forth for it, I did not want to knock the twelve cents on to the floor. There was now nothing on my bench. I left the room for about a minute, and then returned.
There, on the bench, was another twelve cents- a dime, and two pennies. I looked toward the stereo, the other twelve cents was still there, exactly, where I had placed it.
I touched the coins, and could feel an energy radiating from them. It resonated through my body.
I'm expecting great things.
Sincerely,
Godwin.
Photo:
A real, "ONE MILLION DOLLARS," that sits encased in the lobby of the Star Trek Exhibit, at the Las Vegas Hilton.
For Aida: For the Moments of Passion; For the Moments of Truth
I can still feel the touch of your hand in mine; In a few moments, you brought such life.
Vilnius: City Of Angels
So much beauty-
it envelops and surrounds.
So much beauty-
in the air and all around.
The faces of-
angelic beings that glow.
The faces of-
angelic beings I know.
They're everywhere-
on loan from Heaven above.
They're everywhere-
in the forms of peace, joy, and love.
Effect of such beauty-
immediately melts the heart.
Effect of such beauty-
one smitten from the start.
What is Vilnius...
It is the City of Angels.
Godwin H. Barton
Note: Click on the images for larger picture (1-top; 2-left; 3-right).
Vilnius: City of Romance, City of Angels
August 5, 2009
Greetings!
I am one of the last two to leave
I sit here heavily engaged in thought of one participant in particular. She’s young, beautiful, and a very free spirited individual. We connected in a good way over the course of the past two and a half weeks. I fear though, I may have hurt her heart slightly and this is what bothers me most. Perhaps, this is why the silence is so resoundingly sad. I had opportunity to make amends to her before she left, but, just when I wanted to talk, as one suggested- “heart to heart,” it didn’t really seem that relevant, that any previous connection we made was just that, just a connection with no real significance attached to it...we just got along and had fun together- a lot of fun (Is it like this for everyone who “just meets” and instantly gets along?) This was my feeling when I thought I should bring it up (my offense), and that I was reading too much into it. I’ve convinced myself that just as the Rolling Stones sing, “It’s just my imagination, running away with me.” Maybe there really wasn’t anything there; it’s a fantasy that I created in my mind and totally allowed my heart to feel. If this is so, why is it staring me in the face and right now, why do I feel loss for not talking to her before she left? I tell myself also that everything is alright, I mean, after all, I went to her room to visit her for a few moments last night (as she left Vilnius on an afternoon flight today) and then she came to mine, as I told her I had a gift for her, a little keep-sake and on her way out, she came to get it. Having received the gift she was very delighted, very happy; I motioned her toward me and gave her a great big hug, holding her for a few moments, and told her that I’m going to miss her like crazy. She commented on the good times we had and left my room- happy. So why do I still feel a slight sense of loss.
The morning began, Tuesday, July 28th, 2009, with the morning lecture being canceled. I was sitting at the coffee shop having my morning treat and was about to make my way to the institute for the lecture. The group who had just left the coffee shop moments before came running back to tell me about the cancellation and that we were free until 2:00. They stood looking at each other, then to this lovely young lady who was with them, and then to me. Just as quickly as they had come, they turned and left, leaving me standing face to face with the lady who was fast becoming my friend. As they were walking away, one turned and said, “Ok. See you guys later!” “What do you want to do?” She asks. I reply, “Well. I think I’m going to go to the city, the newer part of
I look at her as she’s looking more beautiful with each passing day, my heart immediately forgets about running around in the city and I say, “Well, I do have reading and writing to catch up on too- maybe I’ll join you.” She smiles as we make our way to the dorms so that I can pick up my lap-top and binders. She then asks as we’re walking along the river going to old town, the more traditional European part of the city, “Where do you want to go?” “I don’t know; a coffee shop or a park? I’ll go anywhere you want to.” It’s a beautiful sunny day and she hasn’t yet been to Gedimina’s Castle which sits high on a hill that we are now passing. Pointing to the castle she says, “Let’s go up there.” I’m not going to object, already imagining the romance and beauty of the moment, “Let’s go.” The walk up echoed in the sounds of our cameras taking as many pictures as possible. Reaching the top we sat on benches that were heavily thronged by the beauty of a giant weeping willow tree. On one side of us were the ruins of the ducal palace and on the other, the best surviving
She looked at me as she pulled her books from her back-pack, smiling. In the exchange of our dialogue she was quick, witty, and sharp. She had me laughing. I sat and watched her as she worked- sneaking the occasional picture or two. Every so often we would break and chat, two hours went by as if they were minutes. “I’m getting hungry,” she said, “let’s tour the castle then go somewhere and have lunch.” “Sure, let’s do it!”
Gedimina’s Castle is considered to be a symbol of
“Five litas,” the clerk said. Communicating with gestures and words, the best way I knew how because English is spoken by very few in
“This is pretty amazing isn’t it? Look at this, how huge this area used to be.”
The models in the museum depicted areas that were so vast, which were fortified with huge, thick, stone walls lined with towers. One of the models had an outer wooden wall as well as a huge stone wall. Moats were all around the fortified areas. Inside the huge walls were homes, castles, fields.
As we stood in relative awe, I commented, “Can you imagine the work that went into building all of this? And to think, it was all done by hand- there was no heavy machinery back then. Wow, amazing; the higher and lower castles of
The next level had us exploring the armor and weaponry of the knights. “Oh cool. Look! A knight’s wardrobe!” There were shields, swords, and other protective gear and weapons. There was also armor completely assembled forming a towering knight, two of them. Looking at my fair lady and motioning to the knight that’s shinier than the other, I say, “Go and stand beside that one. I’ll take your picture. You can tell your mom you’ve finally found your knight in shining armor!” She laughs, poses, then says, “Your turn!” Our cameras are seizing every picturesque moment, even the unplanned ones.
From the top of the tower the panoramic view is incredible. You can see all of
We stand close to each other as we’re enjoying the view; the absolutely amazing, amazing view.
“Beautiful, isn’t it- absolutely beautiful.” She agrees, and by the expression in her eyes and on her face, she’s enjoying every moment of it. We pose for more pictures with the panoramic view in the back ground. I comment, “You look so happy.”
“You see that bridge over there, toward the city? It’s the second or third one over.”
“There’s a restaurant there, right on the bridge that I’ve wanted to go to. I was there as I was exploring the city when I first arrived. I haven’t eaten there yet, as I don’t want to be there alone; I’ve been waiting for someone to come along. It’s very beautifully situated. First, the restaurant is made to look like a part of a ship and, it’s right next to the river with nothing but green field all around.”
She replies, “We could go there if you like. If you don’t plan on going to this afternoon’s lecture. It’s one o’ clock now and the lecture is at two.” I think on it for about a second, again, I’m caught up in the beauty of the moment and the possibility of lunch with a lovely young lady at the edge of the river, “Ah, sure, why not.” “What about the lecture?” “Well, missing one lecture won’t hurt. Let’s go.”
“It’s a bit of a walk. How will we get there?”
In
She says, “Let’s take one of those,” pointing to a bicycle drawn rickshaw.
The teenage driver looks at us as we’re trying to explain to him where we want to go. “Over there, the city, restaurant on the bridge.” He does not understand us. He pulls out a map. Pointing, she says, “Here, along the river- to this bridge.” He says, “Ok, twenty lita.” My feeling is he still doesn’t fully understand us but knows he’ll be fine if he just stays close to the river. Intent on sharing the cost, she reaches for her money and says, “I don’t have any change right now. I can pay you later.” I tell her, “No. Don’t worry about it. It’s not a problem. I’m just very glad to have your company.” We pose for a few pictures in the rickshaw before we begin our short journey.
We talk and laugh as our cameras continue documenting. I take pictures of her taking pictures. I have an adjustable display screen on my camera. I can turn it around and backward, and holding my camera in front of us, take pictures of us together fitting us perfectly into the screen. I check the picture to see how it turned out. “Wow. Look at this; very nice. Look how happy you are.” She attributes the glow to years of practice by her parents who specialized in photography.
We pass the castle in the down town area, at the part of the river where the words are written, in Lithuanian, imbedded in rows of beautiful, bright, red flowers on the banks of the river, opposite each other; on one side, “AS TAVE MY LILI!” and on the other side, “IR AS TAVE” accentuated by an enormous, beautifully and perfectly shaped heart, made of the same radiant, red flowers. As we were informed by our tour guide in an earlier arranged tour, the words translate to: “I LOVE YOU!” And, “I LOVE YOU TOO!” Such life affecting words to put next to a river that flows continuously. Love should be that way- it should just flow.
Our rickshaw is slowing down, almost, to a stop. I realize we’ve come to a very, very narrow part of the side-walk. Our driver is trying his best to navigate slowly around the pole that takes up most of the space, without having the rickshaw topple onto the street. I look at my companion, “What do you think? Should we stop and get out for a minute?” She looks at me, agreeing, “It’s probably a good idea.” I say, “Yeah. If we topple, I won’t look too good lying on the street with the rickshaw on top of me.” We laugh. We stand and watch as our driver continues his maneuver. As careful as he is, one wheel drops onto the street and the rickshaw topples lightly. We look at each other and smile, “Yep. Getting out was a good idea.”
“Here we are! Right over there- that bridge, that restaurant!”
We pull up, and before we fully disembark, I take a photo of the lovely young lady next to the rickshaw, she who is looking more and more beautiful with each passing day.
She chooses a table on the corner closest to the river. It’s such a beautiful, sunny, sunny day. “Do they serve us or do we have to go and order at the counter?” “Just a minute, I’ll check.” I return to her, “We order at the counter and when it’s ready, they deliver to the table.” “Sweet,” she loved to use the words “sweet,” and “cool.” From her, it just seemed right.
We used the bit of time we had waiting for the food, to do more studying. Actually, she did. I sat and watched her. Just being near her made me feel good and she was such a lady. “Hhhhmmm this looks good.” My dish was coiled, white sausage with sauerkraut and mustard. She ordered a wrap. We exchanged a few bites and sipped our drinks. Some how we got onto the topic of partying, drug use, addictions, and trauma: I shared with her the struggles and challenges of my life, briefly, from childhood to now; how I used to use and the incredible dysfunction that became my life. The trouble, encounters with police, and hospital visits, which were all indicators that I could no longer drink safely. I concluded, “Now, by the grace of God and his incredible mercy, I am over ten years clean and sober.” At this point she said with absolute delight and the loveliest smile to back it up, “Alright!” and high-fived me. She spoke of others in her life that had a similar story and how she helped to support them.
I then recited one of my favorite verses, from one of my poems:
“Wishing to be a child releasing laughter in the rain-
only one way to go, again walk through the pain.
Character, wisdom, knowledge, and strength-
seek only to be thy attributes, event after event.”
She looked at me with her expression of continued delight, and said, “Now that I’ve heard a part of your story- that makes perfect sense.”
We finished our meal, then continued with our assignments; we read, critiqued, wrote, for at least another couple of hours. Somehow, her presence took away what can be the arduous task of studying. Again, the hours felt like minutes. We then made our way toward the mall, the Europa. We needed to find a place for her to mail her post cards. Although the malls are nice in
“Hhhhmmmm a chocolate shop!” she said happily as we made our way through the door. Looking at the wide assortment of very attractive and fancily decorated chocolates, “What’s in this one?” The clerk explained, “That one is made with cinnamon filling.” “Oh, I’ll take a couple of those.” Before the clerk even had a chance to put the chocolates in the bag, my friend was already picking and choosing other chocolates, shooting her questions rapidly, “And this, what’s in this?” It was a joy to watch her, as the expression goes; she was truly like a kid in a candy store. Those were the best chocolates I’d ever tasted, as they went from her mouth, to mine; they were truly, delicious.
I left her for a few moments and caught up with her in an accessories store a few doors down. I asked her, as I'm also looking for gifts to buy for my sisters, “Have you found anything that you like?” She looks at me smiling, “Well, I did find a really cool necklace that I like, and I’m trying to decide whether or not to buy it.” I say, “Show it to me please.”
It’s a very nice, Egyptian style piece, I imagine, an Egyptian princess would wear; gold in color. I look at her and say, “Please. Allow me to buy it for you, to commemorate this wonderful day having spent it with you.” Excitedly she responds, “Really! You’d do that for me?” “Yes. Please. Allow me too.” I take the piece, along with another which I’d picked out for one of my sisters, and return to her, “Here, from me to you.” Reaching to embrace her as she leans toward me, I say, “Thank you for making this such an amazing day.” She smiles radiantly and with such pleasure. “Oh! Thank you! Thank you so much!” I continue, “The truth is, every time you doll up and are getting ready to go out, as you put on this piece, you’re going to remember me. The thought of me is going to pass through your mind, and if you don’t say it out loud, you’re going to whisper it in your heart: Godwin.” The smile that she so often responded with was becoming etched upon my heart. “Again, thank you for such a beautiful day, it’s been fun.”
We left the mall and began our walk back to the dorms. We walked along the river, first, because it’s a lovely walk, and second, it’s a shorter route. Again, our cameras snapped this shot and that shot; I was not going to miss the picturesque moments of such lovely company while walking along side of a beautiful river; she, to whom it has been said, has the spirit of water. When she first told me, I thought, “How beautiful; as water is the symbol of life.”
As we prepared to bed for the night, each of us to our own rooms, I caught her outside her door. “Thanks again for such a wonderful day.” She responded, “Yeah, thank you. It was fun.” I continued, “You know, you’re an answer to a prayer. I prayed that at some point in time I’d have the company of a lovely young lady; someone to share the more beautiful parts of
My offense: The very next morning as I was sitting having my coffee and treat, she came down the stairs. I was engaged in a conversation with some others. I saw her in the corner of my eye: she was beautiful, smiling, and radiant. She looked at me and I just looked away. I didn’t say a word. I entered the coffee shop to get more coffee, she was there, two persons in front of me. I wanted then to acknowledge her, but just couldn’t. She left.
The day passed quickly and I hadn’t seen her again until late evening, and it was only for a few moments. Still, no words were spoken. For sure, it was too late to say “Good morning!” I felt so bad for not acknowledging her, as she, like a princess, walked down the steps of the coffee shop. I think about it, and I reason. It is because of the slight tinge of rejection I felt in my heart, as we were engaged in conversation the day before, and she said: but I have a boyfriend, and he’s nice.
“I’m so sorry for not acknowledging you. Please forgive me.”
I wish I weren’t so selfish in love and friendship; or maybe, it was: just my imagination- running away with me.
