tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184761972009-02-21T08:52:58.246-05:00This is the blog of Steve Johnston: writer, marketing professional and consultant. Among the materials posted here are previously posted poetry, articles, short stories and opinion pieces. Please feel free to share any feedback or opinions.Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18476197.post-1136464365585830792006-01-05T07:30:00.000-05:002006-02-17T14:56:40.863-05:00

Vagabonds traveling,Shadowy and cold,Voices, thick with the accentOf a night’s revelry.What strange crew is this?A rabble cast in moonlight bathing,Strange and wonderful.The words were foreign,But the laughterSpoke of dark and bitter liquids,And appetites better left unspoken.I stood there watching,Perched upon the window,Like a raven, in gloom,Eyes burrowing, deeper.My mind burned with visions,

Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18476197.post-1135875619854033932005-12-29T11:50:00.000-05:002005-12-29T12:00:19.893-05:00

Well, after the holidays it is time to get back to a normal playlist. While Christmas songs had dominated for the past two weeks, now we return to our regularly scheduled program....Kings of Leon - Aha Shake HeartbreakA solid rock album that actually has a somewhat fresh sound. Raw, fun and solid rhythms.The Rolling Stones - A Bigger BangThe greatest rock-n-roll band in the world does it again.

Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18476197.post-1135268039304274432005-12-22T11:13:00.000-05:002005-12-22T11:13:59.320-05:00

A crimson river of sensation,Set against the pale tiles,Pieces of a broken life,Tears of my essence.A feeling of loss and relief,Pressure slowly draining,Down into the dark recesses,Of a cold, metal pipe.I touched the smiling flesh,Stretched wide, in approval,flashing a bone, white smile,As if to greet me.I need to stop the bleeding,Silence the discontent,Save what makes me whole,And remember the

Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18476197.post-1135101606726056172005-12-20T12:46:00.000-05:002005-12-20T13:00:06.776-05:00

I nearly cut the tip of my finger off today. It was a dumb accident, trying to open a package for my dog. A slip and slice and a river of crimson.It may sound weird, but it was a neat thing, as I was able to see my bone, ivory white. It throbs as I type, but I can' keep the words in my head.The fun part was the waiting in the emergency room. You would think that blood dripping would help to move

Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18476197.post-1134784227613276512005-12-16T20:42:00.000-05:002005-12-18T11:40:55.140-05:00

Today was one of those wonderful days, where the sun breaks through and allows a brief respite from the bitter cold of winter. It felt good to walk around outside and feel the sun on my face.It is on days like today, that you can appreciatejust how wonderful a sunny day can be. But at the same time, it is sad to watch the snow melt, leaving mud and muck behind.Its kind of a wonderful process

Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18476197.post-1134652429610790142005-12-15T08:05:00.000-05:002005-12-15T08:13:49.623-05:00

As the sun rises on another day, the sky is an amazing collage of pinks and blues. Sometimes you forget how beautiful the world really is. But all it takes is one sunrise, quiet and calm, to bring it all back.I pity people who never take the time out to watch a sunrise. They are either running too fast to notice or are sleeping in, recovering from the previous day's adventures.Sometimes, I find

Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18476197.post-1134596561425926392005-12-14T16:04:00.000-05:002005-12-14T16:53:03.776-05:00

I read quite a bit and recently have been on quite a tear. Here are a few books that I highly recommend:To The Last Man: A Novel Of The First World War by Jeff ShaaraA work of historical fiction, derived from the journals, letters and interviews with numerous historical figures. A very insightful read. Historically accurate, engaging and easy to read. This book paints a human side to people,

Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18476197.post-1134591471310642722005-12-14T15:06:00.000-05:002005-12-15T11:23:56.696-05:00

It is another grey day here on the east coast. It is cold, the ground is frozen and the snow has turned ashen. These are the days that make winter seem dreary.I long for another batch of snow to make it all seem new and clean again. Snow makes the world glisten and feel good. At least for a little while. You just have to open your eyes to it.My dog loves snow. Why, because it always offers him a

Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18476197.post-1134490295643137862005-12-11T11:10:00.000-05:002005-12-13T11:11:35.643-05:00

Snow fell softly,Melting on my skin,A cold, wet memory,Of a day, long ago.Christmas lights,Shown like a beacon,Warming my heart,And leading my spirit.The house glowed,A clean, white aura,Washing over my darkness,Cleansing my heart.As I opened the door,Pine and conversation,Light and fresh bread,The comforts of home.(c) 2005 Steve Johnston

Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18476197.post-1134490186137004992005-12-07T11:07:00.000-05:002005-12-14T15:54:48.676-05:00

As he walked with his father, Billy could hardly contain his excitement. It was here at last. It was Christmastime! He loved the hum of the people in the stores. The electric buzz as registers rang and purchases were made. It all seemed so captivating.The smell of Christmas treats. The sound of Christmas songs. The feeling of the fuzzy ball on Santa’s hat. It was a cornucopia for the senses.As

Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18476197.post-1134592696799479172005-12-03T15:18:00.000-05:002005-12-14T15:38:16.846-05:00

I just got done watching the Cream perform on PBS tonight and it reminded me just how much I love music. Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce had not played together in decades, and yet, within a short time, it seemed like they had never stopped.It is amazing how you can have the kind of a connection with someone. You can be close and spend every day together for a while, then go off. And

Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18476197.post-1134489977228909932005-12-02T11:03:00.000-05:002005-12-13T11:10:17.153-05:00

Sorry for the pause in posting! The holidays have kept me busy. shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc. I hope that you are all doing well and hope to hear how you are spending your holidays.Right now, things are settling down. I am finished with my holiday shopping and am focusing on my writing and household maintenance. A little writing, a little painting, a happy wife.I have some new holiday pieces

Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18476197.post-1132294362076145532005-11-18T01:12:00.000-05:002005-11-18T01:12:42.090-05:00

An invisible line,between you and I.Energy transferred,like water between glasses.A raw emotion,sparking a response.Nails across skin,echoed in a chill.A fear transferred,or shared in part.Light emitted,candles in the dark.A familiar voice,soothing and calm.Words of home,calling from afar.An open door,Fire, ripe and wanting.Scents and scenes,solidify from nothing.A single line flashing,waiting

Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18476197.post-1132253903899042272005-11-17T13:57:00.000-05:002005-11-17T13:58:23.916-05:00

It is sad to think about all of the little things that we take for granted every day. All of the people who do their jobs well or do the right thing and allow us to enjoy the freedoms, comforts and wonders that make our everyday lives better.While it may seem strange to thank people for doing the jobs, in this era of shortcuts, rudeness and selfishness, it is important to pay tribute to people

Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18476197.post-1132160848080481522005-11-16T12:06:00.000-05:002005-11-16T12:07:28.083-05:00

The angel looked upon the woman and saw her wounds. He asked her, "What is it that you are digging for?""I am hurting and I am I trying to find the root of my pain so I can kill it," she answered."My sweet child, the root of your pain lies elsewhere, and God will deal with him in his own way," answered the angel.“But it still hurts? How can I go on when my body tortures me this way?” She asked,

Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18476197.post-1132160786722329702005-11-16T12:04:00.000-05:002005-11-16T12:06:26.750-05:00

Blue,a note extended,resonatingwithin my heart.Pain,a hollow feeling,emptiness,pulsating out.Anger,a raw emotion,bubbling,to the surface.Release,the chain is broken,renewal,and recovery.

Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18476197.post-1131156088387731052005-11-04T21:00:00.000-05:002005-11-04T21:01:28.386-05:00

What do you believe in?Is your faith strong?Does yours, hate mine?Is my sin worse in yours?God comes knows all,And everyone knows God.If you are right,Then I am to burn,Or come again,Or be lost in darkness.So why are we here?To hate and kill?To suffer and learn?To simply be?Where are we going?Hell? Paradise?Food for worms?Back again?Is it more importantto ask the questions,or to argue that our

Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18476197.post-1130977776425257902005-11-02T19:02:00.000-05:002005-11-02T19:29:36.450-05:00

Radio Frequency Identification, better known as RFID, is a technology that has been used by the military since World War II. Previously limited in use and capabilities, this technology is finally beginning to impact global trade and business.RFID is essentially the use of a tag or chip with an antenna and a reader or transmitter and reciever of radio waves. Used within supply chains, this simple

Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18476197.post-1130727803296200732005-10-30T22:02:00.000-05:002005-10-30T22:03:23.296-05:00

Sliding down into the comfort of the darkness,The soft glow of the pale screen greets me,Electric impulses race across copper bridges,Kind words touch like no hand ever could.Thank you.©2005 Steven Johnston

Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18476197.post-1130727367241061352005-10-30T21:53:00.000-05:002005-10-30T21:56:07.250-05:00

The sky was clearing and a gentle wind blew across the rooftops. I could barely make out the whispers. They began as humming and slowly grew as the voices began to distinguish themselves.I could hear the shrill sounds of men, women and children, all speaking in a ghostly harmony. There was sadness and anger. There was confusion and surprise.A chill ran down my back. The voices were growing in

Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18476197.post-1130725019547550622005-10-30T21:04:00.000-05:002005-10-30T21:16:59.556-05:00

Hello out there, whomever you are! I am launching this new blog as a means to share my creative and professional writing, as well as some of my opinions and hopefully some professional experience.I have previously contributed to a number of blogs and will continue to do so from time to time. I will include links to those for your convenience and information.Among the more active blogs that I

Steve Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07044772840349454656noreply@blogger.com0