Tag Archives: life

Embracing Connections: Life Lessons and Fall Cleanup

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The cleanup has begun. A hint of fall is in the air. I have given away the last of my squash to the food bank and met a wonderful bunch of workers there who talk to me each time I go. One of the women volunteers even gave me advice to pass on to my kiddo, who is looking for work in his field. We had things in common and talked a while. It is strange how we connected, especially over worries about our children. Communication is always the key to life, isn’t it? You never know where it will take you.

And speaking of connections, I have been following Renea Winchester for years, a writer originally from Georgia who now lives in Appalachia in North Carolina. She is a wonderful storyteller, and her words inspire me to carry on into the next chapter in my life. Her latest book, The Mountains Remember, details the history of her ancestors who lived in the Great Smoky Mountains. Her characters are strong and resilient, rooted in her family’s history in the mountains. The home featured on the cover is now a museum in the Great Smoky Mountains State Park. I encourage you to purchase her books. It will lift your spirits in the winter months. Visit her website at https://blogthefarm.wordpress.com/ to follow her story.

So, as I prepare beds for planting the multitudes of brightly colored bulbs, hoping for a beautiful spring, I know I will be ready for what life may bring in the winter of my years. We contracted for a new, more efficient sprinkler system in the spring, hoping for a greener future. (And there is always hope for a good snowpack this year!)

As long as I have a brain that works, I’ll keep listening, making new connections, giving hope and encouragement when I can, and writing my story.

I encourage you to donate money, produce, or canned goods to the Louisville Community Food Bank on Taylor Street. https://communityfoodshare.org It is a worthy cause!

Fixed in Time

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Do you know what fixed point in time you came into your own? I recently finished reading both Firefly Lane and Fly Away by Kristin Hannah. Her characters in these books got me thinking a lot about what era I identified with, the era that made me who I am. Although my primary years were in the 1960s, I came into my own in the late 1970s and 1980s. I identified with the music, the clothes, the career, and the women in my life who changed everything. We, as a gender, began to recognize that women were just as important as men and started demanding equal rights.  

In the 1950s, women were expected to stay home and handle all domestic duties, including raising children. They were supposed to be perfect, not speak out of turn, and so many believed they deserved their station in life. In some families, love was a commodity; abuse in some households was tolerated (it was your fault, after all, right?), and children were supposed to accept what they got, their place in society, and not question any rules. Many blamed themselves for everything that went wrong in relationships. After all, so many of them married their version of their father. And that’s what the future grandchildren understood that their mothers were supposed to do, right?

The women of the 50s, 60s, and even some of the 70s had no careers, no money of their own, no property of their own, and believed in this system. They weren’t allowed to go to the same schools as men (don’t want to distract the men from their pursuits! Wow!) But then, the children rebelled. We saw through the B.S. and wanted more. We wanted independence.

My mother was a homemaker, but she worked before she had children. She was adamant that her children go to college and have a career, and I am forever grateful to her. My male cousins influenced me, and I chose my career based on what they had accomplished. Many women and men in roles as teachers and commanders in my life kept me going, even when I wanted to stop. They saw something in me that made me overcome my doubts. They never let me give up. They influenced others who scoffed at women being in predominantly male fields. They also had expectations of who I SHOULD be, which made me think deeply and create expectations of who I WANTED to be. Through their influence and guidance, I became the resilient person I am today. I continue to research and learn, ask good questions, embrace the positive, and stay informed.

And although some women of my era got through those years and stayed stagnant in their thoughts and choices, keeping their daughters afraid, other women embraced everything new, combined their knowledge of past and present, moved on to something completely different, and became mentors to younger generations.

This year has been trying, to say the least, and as we approach fall, it’s time to clean up our own backyards, love who we are, mentor younger generations, stop hate and prejudice, and stand up and be heard. No matter how much garbage news is spewed at the masses, always do the right thing. Give when you can to those in need. Protect yourself and your babies at all costs. And protect others who don’t deserve abuse and hate.

Today I ask all of you to reflect on these last few years of distress and suffering, and start changing little by little. Protect yourselves, but don’t let your daughters buy into the TRAD Wife debacle. (Look it up; it’s real and a horrible thing happening right now with younger women.) Lend a helping hand whenever you can. You never know what kind words or deeds you give out each day will help someone in need. I love you all and wish you beautiful moments each day.

The Future We Make

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Last week we took a trip to Salt Lake City to see Kiddo graduate from college! It was a beautiful day and a heartfelt ceremony. We are very proud of him and hope for a great future. It marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one for him. He is sad to be done with college and not getting a job right away, but he is happy to be coming home. The move was grueling in the heat, and the 9-hour drive across Wyoming was not pleasant. But in the end, he and his friend (our inherited child for now) moved into the basement, and the essentials from the boxes are slowly being unpacked. The rest, alas, rests in the sunroom for now. David gave up his basement office for the second kiddo and moved to the workout room. (The workout room is now in the sunroom!) It’s nice having two others at dinner, and they seem to like my cooking. (I draw the line on laundry, though! They’re on their own!)

Once their rooms meet their expectations, they’ll go back to pursuing job opportunities and starting their careers. They may start by working at a grocery store or in retail for a while, but they are motivated to succeed. I believe in this new generation. In my heart, I know they will succeed and do great things, despite all the hullabaloo of the ridiculous idiot who is in the highest office in the land. (Yes, you all have to admit it!)

Twenty-Five years ago, a horrifying event happened, and even though we still mourn the loss, we persevere. Through good times and bad, good people stand up to oppression and madness and help each other. My family will always be an extended one, and I’ll help those in need whenever I can, giving what I have without asking for anything in return. When we keep helping each other, our lives are enriched and give meaning to the world around us. The future we make defines us.

So, today we revere those who tried to do the right thing to help those who needed rescuing. Today, we continue to hope that this will never happen again on our soil. Today, we can rejoice for those who survived and went on to do great things in the world. Today, we must stand together against oppression and fight for all others’ rights. I love you all and hope that life brings you happiness and love for one another.

PURPOSE

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Intention, meaning, aim; Persistence, resolve; Intend, set sights on; ambition, aspiration, desire, determination, direction, function, goal, idea, objective, plan, principle, project, reason, scheme, scope, view, wish.

These last few weeks have been an awakening for me, making me realize that life is fragile and precious, but also has an end. These last few weeks, I have lost a beloved pet, a brother-in-law, and a sister.

There is always an end to the greener seasons. The lowly plants, such as grass and flowers, show us that everything dies in the heat of the day and at the end of the season. Similarly, our lives must end when winter comes and calls us to another plane of existence. It is my hope that my loved ones have gone to a place they desire for a time, and maybe come back in the spring to another, more fulfilling life, one with a meaningful purpose and one that brings hope and joy to another family.

It’s moments like these that make me contemplate the destination of my life. I ask myself: Have my dreams been fulfilled? Have all of my experiences led me to my expectations of what life has been on this timeline? Did I fulfill my mission?  Have I lived my life with intention so that I have fulfilled my purpose, or do I have much more to give? I am determined to understand why I was put on this planet and why I was a part of this family. I haven’t always been the great communicator with my family, and I have hopes they understand that didn’t mean I wasn’t a part of them. My family made me who I am. I hope they fully completed their purpose in life before the end, and I wish them well in whatever they may become in the next life.

In Michelle Obama’s book The Light We Carry, she states: “Someday we will look back at this time we’re now in. We will view it from a different historical perch… what we will make of this time, what will feel ancient…Which stories will get told? What changes will we have managed to make?”  And “We have to be able to envision what’s possible…Every latent dream awakens only when someone is glad for it.”

So I listen when family or friends reach out. I acknowledge their thoughts and our differences and love everyone for who they are at this point in their lives. Perhaps that is my ultimate purpose. Perhaps just being there when someone needs me is what I have been put on this earth for. So, like Mrs. Obama, I want to stay vigorous, humble, and empathetic, and do the best I can for others. I want to keep perspective and understand the history of my past as my present self. I want to love my family for who they are, even with our differences. I hope they can do the same for me.

Love goes out to all of you today, family, and I hope that your tomorrow will be better.

RELEVANT

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Relevant: An adjective that describes something closely connected, appropriate, or pertinent to the matter at hand. It signifies a logical relationship that matters in a specific context. It implies a traceable, logical connection that brings value, context, or significance to a specific situation or topic. Common Synonyms: Pertinent-Stresses a clear and decisive relationship to the subject; Germane-Implies a precise appropriateness or fitness for the situation; Applicable-Suggests that a general principle or rule fits a particular case.

I never wanted to be mediocre. That was author Jim Harrison’s greatest fear, and he was an accomplished writer. I believe writers constantly seek information relevant to their projects or to where they are in their stage of life. We all want to be heard, yet many avoid the spotlight, whether out of fear, angst about being identified as a fraud, or simply being too shy to have others acknowledge them. Many of us become reclusive at the end of our days on this plane of existence, while others rally and reach out to shout out the injustices of the world, in an attempt to wake up those who have shut down. With a constant stream of negative media bursts, I’m not sure whether the latter is better or where I am right now in this creative soup.

I hear others complaining about the state of the world, but not taking the time to figure out ways to make it better. It’s the quiet ones who just do things for the betterment of society and take no credit that we should be thankful for. The loud ones are just that, loud and obnoxious, not doing anything to make the world a better place. And yet we listen to them because they are a constant in our media streams.

We all want to be relevant and heard, but hearing other people tell you that you are well liked, so why aren’t you here at some event or other, or needing you for some task, or statements like “Why do you worry about it so much?” doesn’t help a person’s state of mind when too much else is going on. Sometimes people just need to take a break from the world, and you have to let them just be.

It’s best to just keep admonishing yourself that you are who you are and where you are supposed to be right now. You don’t have to feel bad about it when others don’t understand. Acknowledge internally that you are important no matter what and keep on doing what you do best. You are relevant to yourself, and others may or may not acknowledge that, so you just have to be okay with it in your head.

When your favorite pet is in her last days, you try to reconcile in your mind that it is okay to let her go, that she had a good time during her lifetime, and she was loved. She was always there for you in both good and bad times. She would always meet you at the door with her tail wagging and jumping up and down for treats. She didn’t demand much of you except to be fed, let outside to go potty and do the zoomies in the yard, walked, and loved. It is heartbreaking to let the little ones go, but life still moves on.

I am at a loss right now that people in general can’t be like a beloved pet. I question why we can’t all just get along and help each other out. Why can’t we look beyond our fears and pettiness and become companions for each other unconditionally? Why can’t we get over past hurt, move on to the next phase of our lives, and create something new and wonderful? There are days when a lot of us go into that deep, dark hole of self-loathing and defeat, and a willful mind is necessary to get out of it. But there are also more days when there is hope for the future and the relevance of logic and compassion will be restored to all.

So all I’m asking for today is that each of you find your new purpose in life. You can be relevant to yourself, but be relevant to the world. Ask yourself, “Can you live with who you have become?” And, if not, “Who are you going to be in the future?” I love you all and want you to love each other with no conditions. Enjoy the moments of love and laughter each day with yourself, your friends, and loved ones.

REVERENT

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Reverent: An adjective that means showing profound respect, awe, or veneration. It describes a humble, serious attitude of deep admiration—often bordering on worship—toward a religious deity, a person, or something held as sacred. Synonyms: Respectful, devout, admiring, and venerating.

I’ve been thinking lately about the things I hold dear to my heart and how I revere them. In my case, it’s not about anything religious but about an appreciation of things from my past, such as books and the authors who wrote them, an amazing building such as the Obama Center and the root of the Obama Foundation, and all of his family and people whom I respect, a beautiful piece of art or music, a beautiful landscape, incredible night skies as viewed from the heights of the Colorado Rockies, or simply a well-designed old-fashioned filing system.

1.  I used to lend books from my personal library to friends. I learned that most people considered these works expendable rather than treasured pieces of my collection. When I didn’t receive some of the out-of-print works back, I stopped lending them. I had to research thrift stores to find the ones I’d lost. I found most of them, but I no longer lend books. These are treasures I revere, and most people don’t understand the adventures I return to when I reread them. Hopefully, the ones I’ve kept will help my offspring revisit the lands I went to in the past.

This is an AI compilation of what some of the great writers write about the meaning of reverence: The concept of reverence spans philosophy, theology, and nature. The most prominent authors who have explored reverence across different disciplines include:

  • Paul Woodruff: A philosopher and classicist whose book, Reverence: Renewing a Forgotten Virtue (2001), is widely considered the defining modern text on the subject. He defines reverence as the virtue that keeps us from overreaching and helps us recognize human limitations in the face of the unknown, truth, and nature.
  • Albert Schweitzer: Nobel Peace Prize-winning theologian and humanitarian who originated the famous ethical principle of “Reverence for Life”. His philosophy demands universal compassion and respect for all living things.
  • Mary Oliver & Wendell Berry: Renowned poets and essayists who frequently write on the intersection of nature, humanity, and the sacred, urging a reverent approach to the natural world.
  • Paul Nicklen: A celebrated wildlife photographer and conservationist whose visual and written works (such as Reverence) cultivate a deep awe and respect for polar ecosystems and the wild planet.
  • Eric Sloane: Author and artist known for A Reverence for Wood, which explores the historical, spiritual, and physical relationship early North American settlers had with timber.

For more quotes, visit the Daily Good website. I was particularly blown away by Paul Woodruff’s insight on leadership, and Wendell Berry’s thoughts about the future: Why Reverence Matters

2.  Looking at what the Obamas have accomplished with their Foundation and the Obama Center makes me humble in my accomplishments. To have something as wonderful as they have created makes me want to work harder to explore the universe and help others gain a sense of the world beyond themselves. It makes me want to read more, write more, and share my views with all the young people who will take over the world someday. I want to visit the Center someday and revel in the world of art, music, and learning about their accomplishments firsthand. I hope every large city can create something wonderful like this for ALL people to enjoy, not just the privileged few.

3.  When I view beautiful works of art, particularly current studies of people or places, I cry. The talent these folks show always amazes me, and I am in awe of their accomplishments. I could never duplicate their skill, so I don’t try. Instead, my creative efforts go into writing about people who do these things. My characters are composites of people I know, and their fictional talents are drawn from real artists’ accomplishments. Writing is an art as well, and we should revere all those who create in their own ways.

4. The same reverence holds true for great music. I’m not talking about just the classics but about people who choose to make a joyful noise no matter their talent. The effort to improve oneself through music brings harmony. When my aunt and uncle took me to my first concert at a local high school, I felt so privileged to dress up in my finest clothes and patent-leather shoes. For such a little kid, I was still in my heart for a little while, listening to the sound of harmony. I cried at the beautiful sounds the orchestra made, even though they didn’t understand why I was crying. It impacted me for the rest of my life. I joined the band, and later a choir. Today, when I go to concerts, I feel the same, and my life is better for having heard great artists. It’s hard to explain that feeling, but I know others have it in them when I see their faces. They get it.

5. When I first came out to Colorado, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the mountains and the incredible landscape, the heights of the mountains and the great expanse of blue sky during the day, and the stars and planets shining down on us at night. It was so different from where I grew up. And, when I went camping in my early years, away from any night glow of civilization, I was immersed in the beauty of the world outside this earth. The night skies spoke to me about places we might explore someday. This beauty is what we should hold onto and keep the hope alive for a better tomorrow. This is the world we should hold in reverence.

6.  Finally, I am so grateful for growing up in the times I did. I have enormous respect for librarians and record-keepers who enriched my life. There is nothing more beautiful than going into the library for the first time when you are a kid, seeing the vast landscape of books, and looking forward to the adventure held in each book you check out. The librarians were my friends, and it was a safe place for a nerdy kid to hang out and just be herself. And although bookstores would become my next-best friends over the years, I still appreciate the librarians who taught me a lot about life. The libraries were places where I learned about the catalog files, at the time a low-tech (or no-tech), but well-designed, old-fashioned filing system. Organization and research became ingrained in my blood. Record-keepers became my gods and goddesses, and they taught me the value of maintaining and retrieving things. I loved the orderliness, and it helped me later when the computer kids helped me create an online data system for research and crime-analysis files. I still use these manual record-keeping systems today, and organize my computer files in a similar way.

So, as I age, I reflect on my learning roots and appreciate those who started it all, those librarians and file clerks who shaped me. I understand their protective nature and how they felt when kids wouldn’t respect the rules, making their world more complicated. I liked working with the librarians. I liked filing. I revel in the joy of organizing and researching even to this day. It helps my brain make order in the universe. (I would have been a great librarian in the Library of Congress!)

I understand that when people touch my personal stuff, I want them to see me and how I see the world. I want them to respect those things I hold dear and revere them as I do. In conclusion, I guess I am a personification of all of those librarians and organizers of the world when it comes right down to it. The system is necessary to preserve the past. What we revere will survive in this world of chaos. So, thank you, wonderful people, for keeping our learning centers alive. Thank you, President and Mrs. Obama, for creating a beautiful library and museum. Words and art matter. Let’s preserve them the best way we know how. I love you all and hope you are safe and comfortable tonight.

Know What You Are Facing and Find Your Battle Buddies

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N.K. Jemisin, Paul Trembley,  Andy Weir, Veronica Roth, and Amor Towles were each asked to write a short story for a collection by renowned figures in Science Fiction during the pandemic. A screenwriter and author, Blake Crouch, last known to be living in Durango, Colorado, was driving through the Rocky Mountains with his partner, debating the topic of growing up in the “bubble of rapid change in technological advancement. He felt that much of the advancement had been amazing, but some of it needed to be rolled back because of its negative effects. He also posed the question of whether we would ever know where the discovery would lead us and, if we had to stop it, whether we could. And how would it feel to change the world? Would our world become a better place? This collection of six stories (including one by Crouch) is phenomenal, and most of the writers have moved on to newer and wonderful projects (e.g., books and movies, including The Martian, Project Hail Mary, and A Gentleman in Moscow, to name a few).

Since the first six of the Far Reach novellas were written, six more authors have written a new set, and I have read them all. Each tale speaks of a society like the one we have today and how we can cope with expanding into the unknown universe to make our lives better on Earth in the long-run. The books touch on subjects that help us understand that we are just a speck in time and space, and life will change no matter how we try to stay in the past.

I often search for connection in my current world of solitude and find others doing the same. We lack connection because we are so stuck in our individual lives. We aren’t getting what we need out of the constant streaming of bits and pieces of doom and gloom. So, I have to sit back, reflect on what is really important in my life, and concentrate on what is next. And yet I still need that connection with another human, so I keep searching. Gardening and writing sustain my spirit, but sometimes you just need to bounce back into that maelstrom of human interaction.

I recently looked into the 10-10-10 Rule, developed by author and speaker Suzy Welch. She developed a decision-making framework used to overcome short-term emotional responses by evaluating the consequences of a choice across three time frames: 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years. When facing a difficult or emotionally charged decision, she recommended that you slow down and ask yourself the following three questions before taking action: 

  • 10 minutes: How will I feel about this choice in 10 minutes? (Focuses on immediate, often emotional reactions.)
  • 10 months: How will I feel about this choice in 10 months? (Focuses on the mid-term consequences and adjustments.)
  • 10 years: How will I feel about this choice in 10 years? (Focuses on the long-term impact on your overall life goals.)

Welch stated that most regret comes from making a decision based solely on how it feels in the immediate short term. By zooming out and looking at the bigger picture, you can stop impulsive reactions and ensure that your choices align with your core values and long-term trajectory. In other words, you can focus on how to get out of a spiral of despair.

If you focus on the good and future possibilities instead of what is happening daily in your life right now, you can get away from this moment in time. Unless time travel is real, you can’t change the past, but you can walk into your future with courage.

If you can take your current situation and surround yourself with what author and speaker Alli Worthington terms your battle buddies, you will get through your disappointment and come out stronger and wiser on the other side. She stated that “We weren’t created to go it alone anywhere in life. When you are in the deep valley of disappointment, reach out to your battle buddies, those few friends who have proven they genuinely care for you.” And “Your battle buddies will not only validate the pain of your disappointment, but they will also care enough to lock arms with you and drag you out of that pit….They’ll help you find perspective and walk with you as you battle to overcome your disappointment.” And, finally, “Finding a battle buddy is a great way to remember you aren’t alone. When you feel like someone else is in it with you, it’s easier to remember you have the power to overcome your disappointment.”

So, no matter what you believe or how horrible the state of the Union is right now, know you can rely on your buddies to get through it. Know that you can still do some good things and pay it forward every day. Know that you are worthy and stay positive!

I love you all and hope for a better tomorrow every day that I am alive!

DOING

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I had lunch with a friend a while ago, and we are both in the process of creating memoirs. It was nice to touch base with someone who has had an incredible and interesting life, has loads of journals, notes, and stacks of pictures and papers to sort through (like me), so she can just get to the point of putting it together on the computer.

When I think of all the things that I have done, I feel humbled at what she has accomplished. Her book should be enlightening, to say the least, and I will be able to follow her path in a few years, entering the further chapters of my life, sorting through memories, traveling, and having the next great adventure, going to places I have dreamed about, learning new things, and meeting new people. I look forward to reading about where she was from and where her travels took her.

We laughed about being the “doers” in our families, taking on tasks no one else wanted and excelling at them. We mocked those who weren’t willing to try new things or even do what needed to be done. We agreed that we didn’t want to be the leaders, yet somehow our doing the jobs that needed doing made us become one.

We commiserated about those who refuse to get out of their ruts and won’t learn anything new. They have stagnated into obscurity and dislike others who have moved on. She encouraged me to move on, forgive, and forget those people. They won’t change unless they want to do something new and invigorating with their senior years.

We agonized over those people who have shut out their human side, not caring for others who have less or are different from them, instead condemning them and never stepping up to help.

We discussed at length how we define ourselves, and how our past affected us. We posed questions about how our past might define us, how we might overcome some of the trials that have scarred us, and how we might move on to accept that our present actions are now defining us.

Finally, we noticed that our active listening gave us insight into each other and into how we might teach others to do the same. People who don’t listen are a pet peeve of mine, and I realize how important it is for others to sit down and breathe so we can communicate in a positive, rational way and learn something new about each other and the world.

And finally, we agreed that some people are, to put it bluntly, lazy. Hard work is hard. It’s also hard to do the work. It’s hard to understand the world, and you have to dig for facts, not just believe insane sound bites. It’s important to read and study every day you are in this world, making reality out of nonsense. Family is important, and sometimes you just have to create your own family. Some of us don’t have blood relations that speak to us, because we are so different. So, my advice is to embrace the family and community you create.

The biggest lesson I learned from her was that I need to let things go and accept that other people have issues far bigger than mine, but still need someone to blame. How to dive deeper and figure out the WHY their behavior still bothers me greatly, but I guess that’s one of the things I also need to let go of.

So my advice to you all today is to live your life fully and in the moment. Don’t procrastinate. Do the things that need to be done, even if you don’t want to. Grow something beautiful. Make something tasty out of what you grow, feed others when you can, and embrace happiness. You may not live long enough for the world to change for the better, so make your own world better, and make your happiness when you can.

In the few days before summer is truly announced to the world (the summer solstice), love where you are in this moment of time.  Love the summer as much as I do and get out and dig! Love each other as much as I love you all.

LIFE PLANS

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Or: The Fortress of Solitude
“The secret of a good old age is simply an honorable pact with solitude.” —Gabriel García Márquez
“The voices may propel you to warble along, or to dance, they may inspire you to seduction or insurrection or introspection or merely to watching a little less television…”—Jonathan Lethem,The Fortress of Solitude

I was thinking about what a person does with the rest of their days when they retire and/or a loved one passes. Growing up in the 60s and 70s brings back “youthful, isolated memories” [Jonathan Lethem] in my search for people I can connect with today. In my younger days, I had a plethora of cousins and school pals to “hang out” with. As I moved on to college, I made friends in class, at work, and at bars we frequented. When I went off to work in the “real world,” I found family in law enforcement. We were a band of brothers and sisters fighting the good fight. We were a tight-knit group who took care of each other. When I took my adventure out west, I met some amazing people along the way. We bonded and kept in touch for a while. I had work colleagues, law enforcement family, hikers, and martial arts buddies, yet another family. And then the kiddo came along, and I had 18 years of non-stop on the go, doing everything surrounding raising that boy of mine. Friends were a different crowd, and it all centered on doing my best to make his world safe, fun, and productive.

And then kiddo grew up, moved off to college, and he needed less help from us. So, I decided to “retire” and create my world at home, with a million tasks, hobbies, writing, and all the things I wanted to do on my own. I had to seek out new contacts or be content with my headspace alone. Some days I am fine. Other days, I isolate myself, and my mind is filled with “what ifs.”

Isolation makes us motionless to reach out to others. There is a difference between isolation and Solitude. We can choose both, but we need to decide what is best for us and how to balance that alone time. Sometimes we need a quiet space for our minds to reflect and create, so we choose to isolate ourselves and create moments of solitude.
“​​Our language has wisely sensed these two sides of man’s [a person’s] being alone. It has created the word ‘loneliness’ to express the pain of being alone.  And it has created the word “solitude” to express the glory of being alone.” Paul Tillich

But sometimes we need to reach out and join with others to get moving in our bodies so our minds can rest and recover from thoughts we dwell upon. And, if the physical body cooperates, I have an action plan. There are certain limits to my activities outside the home. Driving with limited vision has put a damper in late night adventures. So, I seek out daytime workouts, friendships, and get-togethers. And volunteer groups can be tricky. All of us have been in charge of something or someone our entire lives. We have to be willing to let go of that and participate as a NOOB when we start something new. We bring our skill set and volunteer it to others. We have to be content with the fact that not everyone is like us and try to blend into the atmosphere. We have to learn (yes, me too!) to be happy with chaos if you are prepared to join a group and aren’t the leader. And we have to understand that not everyone organizes like us as individuals (yes, me too!). That seems to be the most difficult task to belong to something bigger than you.

 Organize your life and let it go (this is very, very hard) if you can. Be happy in the moment and participate in life’s mysteries. You grew up with wonder, so try to maintain that as you age. For further information on embracing solitude and aloneness, see:
https://www.success.com/quotes-about-solitude-and-being-alone\
and:
https://www.success.com/magazine

Also,  I encourage you to read Jonathan Lethem’s book The Fortress of Solitude. I highly recommend the read. His connection to the world is very interesting, and I can understand his process!

What Makes People Go Bad?

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“Human nature….We seem cursed with the need to acquire control over each other and our environment. To rule. To change everything we can possibly meddle with.” [Charles de Lint. The Little Country (p. 273). Triskell Press. Kindle Edition.]

Today, I am pondering human nature and why we have gotten to the place we are today as a collective of beings who should be taking care of each other, no matter what. Human nature wants to have control over someone else when their lives aren’t what they hoped they would be. Friedrich Nietzsche once said that “Underneath the reality in which we live and have our being, another and altogether different reality lies concealed.” And it is that reality we must attempt to achieve, not the personality we have sought after, the hero of our own drama. The hero will die an un-heroic death if we don’t embrace the good and the bad of our perception of ourselves and others.

The current state of affairs, unfortunately, is all about people in control who have the most wealth. And they believe that fairness is only for those who can afford it. Don’t buy into the adage that the privileged get away with crimes and misdemeanors at the expense of others. In a Woody Allen movie, Professor Levy is heard saying, “The universe is a dark and indifferent place which human beings fill with love, in the hope that  future generations will understand more.” [From: Crimes and Misdemeanors, Woody Allen, 1989]

So before you decide to go “out the window,” or check out of this reality, reflect on what you can do to stop the hate, the bad people in charge, and commit to a kind deed every day that you live. Embrace your rebellious teenage years and speak up, demanding justice for those being attacked. Demand that your government representatives take action against those who think they are above the law of the land.   

I recommend you buy and read this very short but highly impactful book. It is amazing! The Greatest Sentence Ever Written, by Walter Isaacson. A must-read for people who are fighting against the orange one and his mania. And here is that sentence in case you forgot:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

And to my fans: I have fine-tuned the cover on Frankie & Jamie. Take a look and buy an escape, for a little while, into the story in the depths of the Grand Canyon in this second book of the Silver Rangers Mini-Series, available on Amazon.

I send love and hope out to all of you every day that I am alive and kicking! Brave the wind and do something fun!