Setting the Heart Free

Sun 10.9.22

As I lay in bed last night it came to me that I was about to start on a new creative writing book, and what the book was about.  I’ve been worried the past three years about whether I was ever going to leave the law courts and return to this world of imagination.  If there is one thing the courts, with its documentation system, have taught me it is this: Leave no Stone Unturned.  You must question every assumption, research every matter you and your opponent bring forth; your perceptions, no matter how insignificant they seem, are possible keys. Respect them and allow them full court.

I’ve attached my last brief, https://www.luhrenloup.com/summary-judgment-response (works best if you just drag it up to menu bar) which unlike creative writing. is put together in pieces, i.e. whatever information I have on a particular aspect is thrown on page; there’s no sequence.  Whatever is at hand is noted from one subject to another and then arranged coherently.  Presently opponents in my federal case have made a motion for a summary judgment hearing.  They believe they have enough evidence to get the case dismissed, and they’ve presented their brief to support this.  I’m not obliged to respond to it, but if I do, I have seven days to produce it.  Judge may schedule a hearing, or if he thinks the motion has merit, dismiss the case outright.  He has 30 days to make a decision.  The 30-day deadline passed this last Friday.  Opponents have not convinced the judge that they have the outright evidence to allow for a dismissal.  

There is as yet no decision.  On looking into the matter, I find that this is not unusual.  At present there are over 4000 summary judgment case rulings past 30-day ruling due.     Opponents, the firm of Petruccelli, Martin & Haddow has 5 people working on my case.  After I handed in my response I immediately began the work of gathering the evidence I would need for the hearing and got the necessary documents in order.  There followed days where caught up with my legal work I began to have free time.  

I get a number of emails that keep me abreast of what’s happening in the courts at the SC the fed and state courts, sites with legal expert interpretation, attorney blogs, the ABA, which I pursue regularly, yet of late I just dismiss the emails without looking at them.  I have moved on.

I have an inordinate fear of heights.  When I worked on the ship USS Conyngham I expressly volunteered to work up on the mast.  “You don’t have to do that,” the guys on my crew advised me. But I did.  In order to gain powers that lift you out of the ordinary, that allows you to hear the ancient one within guiding your life, you have to conquer your fears or you will be owned by them.  You’ve noticed I’m sure, the government’s recent theme, be afraid, be very afraid.  Every small step you take to silence your fearful mind builds to set the heart free. One is never completely free of fear, but with enough eposure one is able to master it.

I don’t know what will happen with my federal case it is out of my hands.  And I have a book to write at present.