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I decided that since "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery," I'd make a new folder for my gallery here on deviantArt. "Tribute-to-Ansel-Adams," his AMERICANA in particular being my favorite body of his work.
Viewer's liking old time B&W photography might want to explore that folder.


When a person gets to be my age; and in my case anyway, serious physical disabilities makes things like Memories & Time very precious commodities indeed.
In this context; there's certain things that tend to stand out in one's mind more than others; a news story, or a particular joke that is really sweet because it has a point, if you get my drift.

Yesterday being Easter Sunday; while watching CNN, I caught glimpses of the Pomp & Circumstances of the Pope conducting the traditional Easter Mass in Rome.
Now; I'm not one who has a "My way is the True Way" attitude in matters of spiritual advancement; but for some reason, seeing the Pope reminded me of my all time favorite "Parable Joke" which some one emailed me years ago...


Bobby, from a devout Catholic family, and Solly, from a Jewish family, were next door neighbors.
Their parent's, being respecting of the other family's beliefs, culture & customs, the two boys were best friends all through grade and high school.

Following H.S. graduation, the two boys went off to separate colleges, and as happens in life, lost touch with each other.
Time passes; unbeknown to each other, they'd both ended up back in their hometown, which had grown to big city status.
One day,in a new supermarket, in the aisles, they bumped carts.
Overjoyed, they caught up on the past 25 years of their lives while shopping and through the checkout.

Outside, having parked near each other, standing by their cars, they agree to meet here again, since they shopped on the same day.
Then, Solly asked:

"Oh, you mentioned your son just graduated; what school was it?"

Bobby, sense of proud father audible in his voice, replies; "Seminary school. He's a Priest now."

Solly, getting in his car, replies: "Priest, Schmiest; anyone can become a Priest."

Some time goes by & they meet again. In the parking lot,

"So. Bobby, how's the boychik Priest doing?"

"Oh Soll\y, he's fine. He's a Bishop now, appointed to the largest Archdiocese in America! I'm so proud!"

"Bishop, Smishop - anyone caan be a Bishop!" Crestfallen, Bobby watches his friend drive off.

More time goes by. Then one rainy day, Solly arrives, seeing Bobby loading bags in his car, he stops, rolls down the window, inquires:

"All done, eh? What's new by you?"

"Hi Solly. I gotta hurry home. Family celabration, My son, who's now a Cardinal, has been selected to the College of Cardinals, he leaves for Rome tomorrow."

Bemused, Solly replies, "Cardinal - Schmardinal, anyone can be a Cardinal." Speechless, Bobby watches Solly drive off.

A few more years go by; the old friends are getting up in years, inside the store they meet up, finish checking out & discover they parked side by side. Unable to restrain his news any longer; Bobby blurts out:

" Solly, you remember my son? Well, he's the Pope now! Now what do you have to say?"

"Pope. Schmope. Anyone can be a Pope."

All the years of perceived put downs takes a toll on Bobby. Exploding into a frenzy, he flings his shopping cart on it's side, spilling bags on the pavement. Silent, save for an occasional grunting sound, stomping & kicking his groceries every which way, as Solly leans on his car wordlessly watching his friend begin to tire. Ending up facing Solly, almost nose-to-nose, breathing hard; Bobby looks into Solly's calm eyes and asks:

"Don't you understand? My son is the Pope! He's the liaison between the biggest Church's congregation on Earth & God, up in Heaven. What do you expect from my boy, to be God?"

Slowly, still leaning on his car, Solly unfolds his arms, reaches out, patting Bobby's shoulder; he replies very soft spoken:

"Why not! One of ours made it; didn't He?"

Thanks for taking time to visit. I'll be uploading some stuff throughout the day today. Comments always appreciated.


"I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard may not be what I meant!" ~Richard M. Nixon~

Semper Fi
~SAZ~

"Infinite imagination; fueled by visions from the mind's inner eye, taking one on a perceptual magic carpet ride." ~Sazzart~