Author Archives: theminstrelscitadel

About theminstrelscitadel

In search of courageous souls who aren't afraid to dig a little deeper and have a conversation about all manner of things. Rant, rave, debate, discuss... let's do it!

Designer Jeans

Posted on April 16, 2023 by theminstrelscitadel

They were like two strutting roosters amidst the comfy chairs and the high traffic carpeting. He was meant to entertain them, charm them and secure their money. Something went wrong. (Testosterone) “What are you looking at?” he asked with a … Continue reading →

Posted in commentary, economics, humor, mundane life, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Designer Jeans

Mainstream Kid- Brandi Carlile

Posted on April 20, 2019 by theminstrelscitadel

via Mainstream Kid- Brandi Carlile

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Mainstream Kid- Brandi Carlile

The Donald says Thanks!

Posted on January 19, 2019 by theminstrelscitadel

Every tyrant needs 3 particular things in order to attain and maintain power: 1) An adoring,unquestioning audience 2) A scapegoat 3) A cadre of thugs willing to do the dirty work It also helps if there’s a propaganda machine in … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Donald says Thanks!

Popping In, Disappearing

Posted on January 9, 2019 by theminstrelscitadel

People pop into existence with all the freshness of growing grass, and the vibrancy of the wind. A lifetime, however long or short, is an avenue to the gods only know where. That last breath, that last look… I’d like … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Signs of life and musical adventures begin again

Posted on September 30, 2017 by theminstrelscitadel

Phil Shiell is back with some new music. Tasty stuff!

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Signs of life and musical adventures begin again

Philip Shiell with Bantaba X on Desert Suite, Teile 2+3. Awesome.

Posted on January 9, 2016 by theminstrelscitadel
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

January

Posted on January 18, 2015 by theminstrelscitadel

The Sun hides and crystals that have piled up remain. Hidden or not, the mere presence of his shy face sends the squirrels hurling down tree trunks and skittering across the crusty surface of the snow. I have the window … Continue reading →

Posted in commentary, January, nature, Poetry, promise, prose, snow, Spring, Sun, time, Winter | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Coda

Posted on December 13, 2014 by theminstrelscitadel

He’s got a green guitar, Emerald Isle green, and his hair is snow white now, but his voice still rings like a Tibetan bell. I don’t care that the decades have given him more wisdom than he had when he … Continue reading →

Posted in adventure, appreciation, belonging, Community, compassion, Contemplations, desire, existence, freedom, immortality, mortality, peace | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

the long adventure

Posted on December 11, 2014 by theminstrelscitadel

Stones are rounded by the caress of water, three hundred thousand years without me. I am so small. I am so big. I am just a speck on the page of this long adventure. To breathe in the dust of … Continue reading →

Posted in adventure, Contemplations, desire, existence, life, Poetry, Social/Political Commentary, time | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on the long adventure

Environmental Justice

Posted on December 7, 2014 by theminstrelscitadel

I want to explain what “environmental justice” means to me. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency of the United States) defines it thusly: “Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, … Continue reading →

Posted in activism, America, Apathy, China, cities, Community, Corporations, Earth, economics, environment, Equality, global dominance, India, justice, pollution, rural, superpowers, systems | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Environmental Justice