In Journalism school we used to have great fun with headlines, coming up with humorous or nonsensical word plays that would get the reader’s attention. In this case, “too many words” refers to something a relative posted in Facebook with that heading. I’m pretty sure what he meant was that writers/authors/reporters/etc. need to get to the point. So, depending on how long this part of my post is, I may comment more on wordiness as a sidebar.
First Some Definitions
Open-mindedness: “Receptive to arguments or ideas” (Merriam-Webster)
Bigotry: “Obstinate or intolerant devotion to one’s own opinions and prejudices” (Merriam-Webster)
Examples of bigotry in a sentence: “A deeply ingrained bigotry prevented her from even considering the counterarguments.”
Why Am I Venting?
Prompted by some Facebook sessions a few weeks ago in which I made the mistake of getting embroiled in a political discussion, I decided to vent in this post.
If I had taken my own advice – “don’t discuss politics using social media” – I wouldn’t have participated in the Facebook sessions that upset me. I say that because for me social media is the wrong platform for exchanging that kind of information. I.e., if someone comments in a news feed that so and so did this or something happened that supports their point of view, I want to be able to ask that person, “What’s your source for that information” or “Why do you believe that’s true?”
“You’re entitled to your own opinions, but you’re not entitled to your own facts.” Daniel Levitin
Anyway, back to my “embroiled political discussion”. Before the dust had settled on the Facebook exchanges that lasted several days, yours truly had been thoroughly thrashed and labelled with some very unkind labels (nothing obscene, but much undeserved labels).
For a bit more grist for this mill, check out this Imprimis piece by Amy Wax. You can read all of it if you want, but at least scroll down to the paragraph that begins, “It is well documented that American universities today, more than ever before”. Read that paragraph and the two paragraphs that follow it.
As you may know, Imprimis is a right-biased source. If that bothers you, just forget all that (bias business) for a minute and read the damn article. Amy Wax provides some thought-provoking ideas.
Here’s some music to listen to as you read and a quote to think about:
Antonio Vivaldi: Four Seasons (Spring)
“Truth and lies were irrelevant, what mattered was what people believed.” (A quote from LethalAgent, a novel by Vince Flynn that I just finished reading)
What’s My Point?
Shouldn’t I be allowed to contradict someone, to express my own opinions and try to ferret out the truth without being lambasted for my own beliefs? And, yes, if I hear a convincing and accurate argument that disagrees with mine, I’m willing to say, OK, you’re right, and I’m wrong.
If you missed this part in the Imprimis piece by Amy Wax, here it is again:
“What those of us in academia should certainly not do is engage in unreasoned speech: hurling slurs and epithets, name-calling, vilification, and mindless labeling. Likewise we should not reject the views of others without providing reasoned arguments. Yet these once common standards of practice have been violated repeatedly at my own and at other academic institutions in recent years—and we increasingly see this trend in society as well.”
Sorry, no pictures this time, but for sure I’ll add pictures in my next blog. I’m done venting (feels great!), thanks for reading and listening. I’ll save the “wordiness” sidebar for another post.
The Who: Tommy’s Holiday Camp (from Tommy, the rock opera)
If you follow my blog and have been patiently waiting for “Part IV – Spiritual”, here it is. I should know better than to attempt multi-part blogs, which seem to take forever to finish. The one I did on Crystal City, inspired by a gym friend who grew up there, took four months to complete. I hope you read Crystal City, it’s an interesting example of humanity gone amuck.
Be sure to read to the end of this post.
The Creative Process Can Be Painful
Starting with a blank page, it’s a challenging process – normally, I have my draft notes (in my green notebook), other sources of information at my fingertips, including blog notes in my daily journal. Sometimes I imagine myself as Michael Keaton in “The Paper” typing away on his keyboard or in a much older classic film about writing a novel or a news story using a manual typewriter, and the writer is frustrated because he’s been sitting for an hour and has only a part of a sentence on the page and a wastebasket full of crumpled paper. Anyway, let’s get back on track.
“Spiritual” Means What?
Looking at its history and literal meaning, according to Merriam-Webster, as an adjective “spiritual” means:
Of, relating to, consisting of, or affecting the spirit
Of or relating to sacred matters
Ecclesiastical rather than lay or temporal
Concerned with religious values
Related or joined in spirit
Historically, first used in the 14th century – source Middle English, from Anglo-French and Late Latin; Anglo-French espirital, spiritual, from Late Latin spiritue alis, from Latin, of breathing, of wind, from spiritus
I like the “breathing” connotation, as in “inspiration” or “respiration”, i.e. spiritual as in an active state.
As befits this series, how does spiritual fit into the scheme of things? I ask myself, “Am I spiritual”? I think we all are spiritual to some degree, but not necessarily in a religious sense.
OK, I’ve decided this piece won’t progress beyond the “draft” stage, something I realized many weeks ago, that “Spiritual” was going to be a real challenge. I’m going to conclude with a story or two, pictures of course and probably some music.
Inspiration
One of the stories I really liked is about a woman who overcame a serious physical ailment and moved on with her life in a very positive way. The article was in the March-April 2020 Daily Word, a Unity publication.
Odds & Ends: about Relaxing
I wanted to include a link to another article with some ideas about relaxing, especially important during the Covid-19 situation. This article was also in the March-April 2020 Daily Word, a Unity publication.
OK, this segment is a bit divergent from the main topic, but in my opinion it speaks of our need for spirituality in our lives, whether it be religious or another form.
“Great spirit, grant that I might not criticize my neighbor until I’ve walked a mile in his moccasins.” (traditional American Indian prayer)
The quote reminds me of my time in scouting when I was growing up (in my first childhood) in Texas. I belonged to a boy scout troop in my hometown. One part of our regular troop meeting, for some of us, was the Caddo Lodge. We had our own special meeting room, members of the lodge had to go through a rigorous all-night initiation, and on special occasions we would perform traditional Indian dance ceremonies. The quote above was similar to the ending prayer for our meetings. Kind of makes you think doesn’t it, at least it reminds me of my New Year’s resolution to “not be so judgemental”.
The Caddo Lodge was not a unique organization, given the existence of well-established groups like the Order of the Arrow, which is still in existence. I belonged to the OA too when I was in scouting. If you’re interested, check out the link for more background.
Canned Heat: Let’s Work Together (Let’s Sick Together)
Coldplay: God Put a Smile on Your Face (Album: A Rush of Blood to the Head)
Crosby, Still, Nash & Young: Helplessly Hoping
Eagles: Love Will Keep Us Alive (Album: Hell Freezes Over)
Chicago: Wake Up Sunshine (Album: Chicago II)
Bottom Line
For me, as a Bible-reading believer and as a person who finds his own inspiration and guidance in the word of God, I wanted to end with these verses and underscore what I’ve been saying in this blog.
Galatians 5:22-24 (NIV Bible): But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Looking in the Rear-view Mirror: Resolution Reboot
Now that we’re over two-and-a-half months into 2020, I wanted to check in, see how you’re doing, tell you how I’m doing – resolutions kept, resolutions broken, resolutions revised or tossed – and perhaps chart a course for what’s left of 2020.
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you.” (Walt Whitman)
A Note about the Music
The two pieces of music in this blog are by Vangelis. The 76-year-old Greek composer is one of the most important, influential figures in the history of electronic music as well as the world of film scores. His best-known works are the Chariots of Fire (1981) and Blade Runner (1982) soundtracks and the tracks used in the Cosmos (1980) television series. I find Vangelis music very thought-provoking and relaxing. I recommend ear buds or headphones to better appreciate the music.
Vangelis: L’apocalypse des animaux (soundtrack)
Sidebar: COVID-19
Just an aside to give you some of my thoughts on the virus. Less than two weeks ago I was still going to the gym three times a week, swimming, and running (actually, I still run three times a week). However, my well-meaning adult children, said, “Dad, you have to stay home.” No matter now, they closed all the gyms where I live. I’m not panicking, just waiting for a cure and waiting for COVID-19 to run its course. Without getting religious on you, I’ll just say that I’m confident that it will be resolved and our normal lives will be resumed.
Going Beyond New Year’s Resolutions
Although I love Woody Guthrie’s no frills doodle-filled list of New Year’s resolutions from 1943, to broaden your mindset, think of New Year’s resolutions as tools that we use for self-improvement. You might want to go back to an article I included in my January 7 blog, written by David G. Allan. His concept I thought was very interesting, his “meaning of life” exercise. Granted it goes beyond a simple list of resolutions that you write down and try to accomplish. If you read the entire article, note that he suggests that you turn your “purpose” into action.
Allan gives examples of some very famous people’s answer to the meaning question:
“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” (Albert Einstein)
“Throw little torches out to lead people through the dark.” (Whoopi Goldberg)
“Love.” (David G. Allan)
A couple of life meanings I thought of for myself were – “show more compassion to others” and “try to be less judgemental”.
Another good reference, if you’re serious about finding your “purpose”, is Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life.
My Own Resolutions List
For each of my resolutions below, I’ll give some of the affirmations from Daily Word that seemed relevant to me.
Relax more. A good, personal mantra to remember when you’re stressed is – just breathe.
“Relax: I relax my mind, heart, and body.” (Daily Word, March 7, 2020)
Pray for others and pray at least once a day.
“My prayers bless others and uplift the world.” (Daily Word, April 25, 2020)
Good deeds – think of others; small deeds count too.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” (Mahatma Gandhi)
Don’t judge others – this one is high on my list of resolutions.
“For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
Stay healthy – take care of myself.
“I choose to create and experience abundant life.” (Daily Word, February 23, 2019)
Forgive – all others and myself.
“Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’”
Write more – at least once a day.
Why not, it worked for Stephen King.
Be fair-minded and less opinionated.
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinions, but not to his own facts.” (Daniel Patrick Moynihan)
Spend more time with my family.
“The family is the first essential cell of human society.” (Pope John XXIII),
“Be a beacon of light in the forest of uncertainty.” (My own “purpose” mantra for the time being)
I’ll wrap up this blog with some media information that you might find useful. I’m constantly looking for independent, unbiased, and accurate news sources. As always, you may choose to disagree with anything I write, and your feedback is welcome.
The following are new media sources on my list and not fully vetted, i.e. I haven’t checked them out thoroughly, but I thought they were worth looking at.
“We just want the facts ma’am.” (Sergeant Joe Friday, Dragnet TV series. OK, you’re right, only a boomer would know that quote)
Epoch Times is a subscription publication, but you might want to check it out. To see other examples of their news coverage, go to their podcast:
There are quite a few Christian news outlets, I selected this one at random.
Another site (not a news source), “Protect Press Freedom”, the mainstream media apparently are supporting – Nora O’Donnell (CBS?) mentioned it on one of her broadcasts. Why was I watching mainstream news media, must have landed on it when I was channel surfing. I decided not to provide a link to the PPF site until I vetted it.
One More Vangelis to End With
You’ll recognize the music if you’re a Harrison Ford fan.
What are Type A and Type B personalities according to Wikipedia?
I think in my last post in this series, Mental, I got into some really heady stuff (sorry, “heady” wasn’t intended to be a pun) about memory, about the long-term effects of marijuana, etc. Obviously mental and emotional are very closely connected and interactive, but think of mental as the engine and emotional as the resulting output – keep the “engine” tuned up and the “output” will be efficient and reliable.
I would label myself as a Type A person – hard for me to relax, always working on something. The Wikipedia definition fits me very well, especially “impatient” and “more competitive”.
Two days ago my morning Daily Word reading (affirmation) was:
“I give my mind and body permission to rest and relax”.
The accompanying Bible verse for that day was:
Psalm 23:2-3: “He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.”
Wow, even if you don’t read the Bible you have to admit the Psalm verses are powerful and calming.
A Brief Flashback
Looking at my 2019 New Year’s post if you want to check it out. You might want to take the time to think about “what is the meaning of life” or “what is my purpose in life”. David Allan’s Reader’s Digest article provides ideas on how to figure it out.
Don’t Overthink It
Some of the solutions to keeping your emotions in working order are very simple and attainable – try relaxing, practice breath control, do yoga, exercise, hang out with your friends (or if you don’t have a lot of friends, make new friends).
Wrapping It Up
Just quotes . . .
For a creative writer possession of the ‘truth’ is less important than emotional sincerity. (George Orwell)
In the pool area of my gym, the quote below is in huge letters superimposed over the picture of a swimmer looking directly at you with a knowing look in her eyes and saying:
“Before you can accomplish something, you must expect it of yourself.”
Maybe that’s the ticket for making New Year’s resolutions and actually keeping them. As I noticed a couple of days ago, the gym where I work out was very busy. As they say, the traffic will subside when people lose the motivation that prompted their “resolution list” and they stop coming to the gym on a regular basis.
If you read this blog, you know that I’m a big believer in fitness – all kinds, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. It’s challenging, but really worth it in the long run. My goal this time is to throw some ideas your way, just to plant some good thoughts about what to expect of yourself this year.
After you see Woody’s list, you might want to check out the Open Culture web site offerings.
A Humorous Sidebar: Humorous Words
Not to distract you from our main goal, pondering our 2020 resolutions, this humorous Reader’s Digest item was too good not to share. Ignore the ads and enjoy!
A More Serious Item
I watched a program on public TV about N. Scott Momaday, the other night and found his ideas very thought-provoking. Here’s a quote from the program “The Man Made of Words”:
“Most of us have developed an attitude of indifference towards the land. We Americans must come to the moral comprehension of the earth and air. We must live according to the principle of a land ethic. The alternative is that we shall not live at all.”
By the way, he won a Pulitzer Prize for his book, House Made of Dawn. I haven’t read it, but I plan to.
I can’t say that I’m an environmentalist, but I try to be aware of the small role I can play. The part of the country where I live just outlawed the use of plastic grocery bags. If you forget to bring your tote bags, you can buy paper bags for a nickel when you check out. At my house we recycle. Maybe it’s too little too late to undo the damage and save the earth, but you have to try. OK, so you can add that resolution to your list, “don’t forget your tote bag”.
One More “Preachy” Item
A parting shot before I wrap this up. I was watching a program about Tuscany the other night – why is it that public TV seems to be the only thing worth my time these days? Anyway, it was interesting, partly because it looks so beautiful, and I would like to go there.
By the way, the TV program is “Rick Steves Europe”, really well-produced show that provides travel information and history. In this segment they talked about the local history and culture and how it affects the citizens (or vice versa). They were in Siena, Italy, where they practice something called “passiegata”. This is a daily evening ritual where the locals walk around in the streets, visiting with friends, eating, and just relaxing. Notice I said walking, that’s right, no cars. One more comment in the Tuscany piece:
“A community ruled by a just government enjoys peace, prosperity, and is great place to raise your kids.”
FYI: Imprimis
I haven’t read all of these Imprimis publications, but I’ve read enough of them to raise my awareness level of important issues in our society and to make me want to learn more. This is the main link to the web site, you can pick and choose the specific publications of interest to you.
More Music and Pictures
The bridge pictures are NOT metaphorical, nah, of course not, too obvious. The clouds, well, you can draw your own conclusions. Bottom line is, I just like taking pictures, and sometimes they are symbolic. The music, yeah, kind of obvious, but I really like the movie.
If you’re a follower of this blog, hopefully a faithful follower, you probably understand the Rufous angle, my blog theme so to speak. Deja vu, six years back, here’s the link if you care to refresh your memory.
Regarding the Rufous transition, as I look out the window at the bird feeders in my backyard – watching the Juncos, Goldfinches, Sparrows, and other birds, lo and behold the unmistakable shape and colors of the Rufous-sided Towhee as he flits around feeding on the ground (never perching on the feeder). Today being December 21st, he’s supposed to be in the south-lands this time of year. I’m not complaining, I hope he and his mates hang around as long as they want.
I think humans transition too, personally not being a winter person, my first music selection is Four Seasons (Spring), obviously thinking ahead to warmer temperatures and flowers blooming.
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons (Spring)
Introduction to Part II – Mental
What’s in this installment? This is a continuation of my blog series, following Part I, Physical.
I am providing links to my past blogs that are related to this topic, like Mindfulness and any other relevant links as we go.
Speaking of mindfulness, check out these Jon Kabat-Zinn quotes.
Blogger’s disclaimer:
It’s important to me that people enjoy my blog AND learn from it. My most straightforward advice is on my well-worn (note the dirty bill) hat. However, I’m providing other, more intense options for re-oiling your mental machine if you so choose – self-help books, Jon-Kabot-Zinn training, etc. You can pick your own level of engagement but above all:
One of my favorite hats
Setting the Tone for Mental Balance
I’ve included Daily Word quotes in this blog. As part of my daily routine, early in the day I sit down with my journal, my Bible, and my pocket-sized Daily Word booklet and flip to the page for that day. The Daily Word affirmation and the brief text for that day only take maybe 10 minutes or so to read and think about. It makes for a good start for that day. I’m including some of my favorites here. It’s a very inexpensive publication.
Daily Word Readings
June 21, 2019: “Mind, Body, and Spirit: My mind, body, and spirit work together in harmony.”
June 14, 2019: “Clarity: Through Spirit within, my mind is clear.”
June 3, 2019: “Healing Meditation: I am an infinite expression of life. I am whole and well.”
May 10, 2019: “Focus: I focus on the good, bringing out the best in every situation.”
January 9, 2019: “Relax: I am relaxed and rejuvenated. For mental restoration, I practice mindfulness.”
May 18, 2019: “Relax: I relax into a time of prayer.”
The following is a five-step prayer process developed by Unity, the publishers of Daily Word. Please note, as always, I never try to force my religious beliefs on anyone, although my God is spelled with a capital G. Think of this five-step process as a restorative exercise, a counter to our 21st century lifestyles where we constantly experience video images and sound bites, TV commercials, sports on TV, and cell phones always in our right or left hands.
Step 1: Relax – Breathe deeply and let go of outer concerns.
Step 2: Concentrate – Focus my thoughts on the Spirit of God within.
Step 3: Meditate – With an open mind and a receptive heart, feel the peace of God’s presence.
Step 4: Embrace the Silence – Rest in a consciousness of oneness. (Psalm 46:10)
Step 5: Give thanks – Leaving yourself open to receive good.
Deep Diving
I was reading a book by Caroline Leaf titled “Switch on Your Brain”. This book is well-written, by a woman who is highly educated and an expert in her field. I found bits and pieces of it very informative and useful, but when she delved into quantum physics – did you know there is a particle even smaller than a quark (the name of the particle escapes me at the moment) – I realized I should move on to my next book. She uses a lot of biblical references to illustrate her ideas.
Dr. Leaf talks about things like this — did you know that memories never go away? Every single memory in our lives is stored in that amazing organ, our brains. For example, when I started on this section, out of the blue I remembered a play I went to in Houston many many years ago, “The Persecution and Assassination of Jean-Paul Marat as Performed by the inmates of the Asylum at Charenton Under the direction of the Marquis de Sade”, surely one of the longer titles ever for a play. Go ahead and Google it.
I remember it was performed in a theater in the round. The audience encircled the stage, which obviously is challenging for the production crew when making scene changes, etc. OK, that’s just an example of a non-volatile memory that somehow miraculously stays in our heads and then all of a sudden – pop, the thought materializes. Of course, sometimes, especially for older people (like me) when you’re trying to remember something it doesn’t materialize at all.
Quote: “If you want to accomplish something, you must expect it of yourself.” (Anonymous)
Just a suggestion for a “lighter” read, this one might work for you:
The Art of Clear Thinking by Wallace Ermes, available as an audiobook, lots of good reviews.
Something Else Mental – Overthinking
In my opinion, sometimes in a situation the plain truth or solution is right in front of us ready to be acted upon. How about this example of trying to get along with your neighbors. Let’s say, they’re leaving for work in the morning or just getting home from work, ask how they’re doing. Or, you get your neighbors mail by mistake, just walk over, knock on the door, and hand it to them. You’d be amazed at how simple courtesies like that can improve our relationships, even the casual ones.
Driving courtesy – you’re in a long line of traffic and someone is trying to merge into the line. You stay back, honk or motion to them, and let them merge. A by-product of that act is that it makes both of you feel good, kind of like when you pet your dog. Stopping to let people cross the street, same thing, a mutual benefit.
More Serious Examples of Overthinking
Voting – study the candidates and pick one. If you don’t have a lot of time, find an unbiased voter’s guide. If you didn’t vote, don’t complain about who was elected.
Religion – don’t be judgemental, let people choose (notice that “mental” is part of judgemental). Personally, I think there is a God (capital “G”) who loves me, but that’s just me.
Relationships – spouses, friends, getting along, cue Beatles music, “All You Need is Love”.
Moving on to Milepost 99
If you read Part I in this series, you know that I place a high value on physical fitness. Let’s put “mental” in perspective. Logic would tell us that mental well-being is on a par with physical. I’ve run 10 marathons, and I think the mental part of that effort is very important, perhaps 60% or more.
The rhetorical question is, “is it important for us to be mentally healthy, both individually and as a society?” What are we as a society doing to be mentally healthy? A cursory assessment of that question might conclude, not very much. Just look at the TV commercials advertising drugs to “get us back on track”. And, check out the number of self-help books that are constantly published. Not to say those books aren’t well-written and helpful, but are there better ways to get back on track? I’m not the expert, but perhaps something in this blog will set you on the track that is best for you.
Merriam-Webster’s definition of mindfulness: “The practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis.”
Sidebar: Imprimis Article
I decided to include Alex Berenson’s thought-provoking piece about marijuana because there are so many things going on in our society that surely must make us wonder about what’s really going on. I only mention the article because I think it’s related to my “mental” subject, and I could do a whole blog on the possible root causes of things like mass shootings, drug dependence (including alcoholism), the #metoo movement, information overload and preoccupation with information (and misinformation). Hey, I’m guilty too – my granddaughter called me a “phone head” the other day. How often do we panic when we realize we forgot our cell phones?
I read Berenson’s article and thought, my word, I didn’t know that about marijuana. Having traversed decades in my later life with NO exposure to that magical weed that we so frequently indulged in back when we were “hippies”, I hadn’t really worried about marijuana. I do live in a state that legalized it, and I do have friends with medical issues that praise its beneficial effects and who use it as medicine. However, when I read Alex Berenson’s Imprimis piece, it gave me a broader perspective on marijuana and how it affects people. Rather than try to summarize the publication, I’ll let you form your own conclusions.
A Parting Quote (non-political)
This quote is from a Criminal Minds episode this year:
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion but not to his own facts.” Daniel Patrick Moynihan
In my last blog posted at the end of 2018 I suggested that you might want to figure out your purpose in life, “What is the Meaning of Life”. Given that it’s already February, maybe it will give you a leg up if I reveal my “purpose”. If you need an inspiration for your own, go back and read my previous blog. In that post I also included a link to David Allan’s article in Reader’s Digest, some good ideas there.
Plant a Garden of Positive Thoughts
That’s it, that’s my purpose. Okay, I’m a goody two shoes (I should Google the origin of that label), but here are two reasons why I chose that as my purpose. First, it was something I read, another is that I’m looking forward to spring (do not like winter), and another reason (I guess that makes three) is that my significant other is a master gardener. I get involved in plenty of planting projects. If you think about it, the act of planting in itself is a positive thing, a cause of growth, either a vegetable from a seed or (metaphorically) growth that occurs when someone you helped reaps the benefits – kind of a “you too” benefit instead of a “me too” benefit.
Here’s a quick Bible quote: “No foul language should come from your mouth but only what is good for building up someone in need”. (Ephesians 4:29, paraphrased)
Huey Lewis and the News: The Power of Love
My Mission Statement
Several years ago I lost my job as a contract technical writer for the U.S. Forest Service. I’d been there over three years, but the federal government was cutting back on agency budgets. I think Obama was president. I don’t blame him, things happen.
Anyway, I went back into the job market. At some point I decided, given the lack of technical writer jobs being offered to me, I should try a career change. I went back to school and earned a certificate in non-profit development at a university in Portland. In one of the courses I learned the importance of a mission statement for any organization that was serious about achieving its goals. The following is my mission statement:
“My mission as a blogger is to educate and enlighten as many people as possible with a positive spin on the factual information that I provide for my readers.”
I know, given all the negative information that’s available in our world – fake news, incomplete news, inaccurate news, and politically biased news – it’s a challenge to ferret out the “real stuff” that is happening all around us.
Think Good Thoughts
I remember (from my hippie days in Houston) meeting a “gypsy” who lived in a very cool, highly-tricked out 1950s vintage Chevy pickup truck. I wish I had a picture of it. The body was bright red with a cab-over balcony big enough for one, an amazing living space with “rooms” partitioned with artsy curtains, including a small kitchen. He parked the truck in a vacant lot. If you walked up the steps at the rear of the truck, you could see a sign over the doorway that read “Think Good Thoughts”. Obviously that message stuck with me all these 40 plus years.
What’s Next?
I’ve been thinking about immigration issues a lot in the last year, and I want to present some things for you to think about. I’ll do that next time, now I must get my beauty rest so I can watch the “stupor bowl” tomorrow – actually I’m only interested in the beer commercials for a few laughs.
However, to whet your interest in my upcoming immigration topic, here’s a link to a piece written by Brett P. Reistad, National Commander of the American Legion.
I watched a program on public TV the other day about Vortex I, a documentary about a 1970 event, really interesting and historic as it relates to the state of Oregon. I may have to do a follow-up blog about the Portland vs Austin question.
Thanks to Portland State University and the Oregon Historical Society for the Vortex I web write-up.
It Is Still 2018?
Yes, as I put pen to paper (actually fingers to keyboard) drafting this post, probably my last post for the year, there is only a full day left in 2018 before the big ball drops in Times Square. No, I won’t be there, but I have a runner friend who lives in Oregon but really likes New York.
The first and only time I was in New York occurred when I was a teenager. I was with my oldest sister and her husband, and it was Christmas time. We did a lot of “tourist stuff”, went to Rockefeller Center with the big tree and the ice skaters. We also went to a supper club in mid-town Manhattan where Joan Rivers was performing. She was pregnant, and I thought her jokes were pregnant. Anyway, for a boy who had grown up in small-town Texas, New York was an amazing experience – from a town of less than 8,000 to New York City, walking down 5th Avenue where people were packed in practically elbow to elbow. The subway and Greenwich Village were fun too.
Was 2018 a Good Year for You?
For me, now winding down 2018. I can say that it has been a good year, possibly a great year, but I’m ready to move on to new challenges. When you get “older and wiser”, you tend to get philosophical (and more forgetful) about life. Hopefully, no matter what your age, if you look back and reflect on 2018, you will smile and say that it has been a hoot or an adventure or whatever, and you will look forward to 2019. There are two quotes, a Nelson Demille quote at the top of that page and a Hunter S. Thompson quote at the bottom in my Favorite Quotes post. In my opinion, those two quotes say it all.
What is the Meaning of Life?
If you are at all interested in the meaning of life or the purpose of life I’m suggesting that you read another Reader’s Digest article, to start you off on the right foot for 2019.
The excellent article, Maintain Your Purpose in Life, was written by David G. Allan.
If you’re old enough, you may remember that screensaver from many years ago, a weird red and green cartoon character, mouth open and tongue hanging out (captioned the “meaning of life”) that flitted around the computer screen daring you to click it with your mouse, and of course it always evaded you. Regardless of the implication suggested by the screensaver creator that it isn’t possible to figure it out, read Allan’s article and give it some thought, about your own purpose in life. For him it’s a yearly exercise, and he says that his answer changes over time. Don’t overthink it – the year he got engaged, Allan’s answer to the question was “Love”.
He also points out that this isn’t a theoretical exercise, you should turn your answer into action. If your answer is “love”, then you should love more.
Bottom line, there is no right answer, only what’s right for you at any given time. He talks about how studies have shown that people who have a specific purpose in life and can articulate it, live longer. He suggests that if you take the time to think about it and answer the question, it will in effect add meaning to your life.
Allan quotes some of the answers from famous people.
“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” (Albert Einstein)
“The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity.” (Leo Tolstoy)
“There is only the meaning we each give to our life, an individual meaning, an individual plot, like an individual novel, a book for each person.” (Anais Nin)
What’s Ahead – Foreshadowing my Blog for 2019
Stuff about good people and what they do. If you read my November blog, I included a link to Reader’s Digest stories. Every November Reader’s Digest publishes their America’s Nicest Places issue. A couple of other interesting links for you:
Vietnam, my experiences and my observations about the war.
More about “Is Portland, Oregon weirder than Austin, Texas?”
Mindfulness, a continuation of my blog topic. A subject that keeps popping up in the media.
The Big Leap, a book by Gay Hendricks – I included the link in a November post, just boring “self-improvement” stuff. Kind of like meditation, it may require some effort on your part to realize the positive results.
Music and Pictures
Vivaldi, The Four Seasons (Winter)
Vivaldi, The Four Seasons (Spring)
Vivaldi, The Four Seasons (Summer)
Vivaldi, The Four Seasons (Autumn)
Some Parting Shots
I’ve mentioned my Daily Word readings – just a couple of recent ones to pass along that I thought were noteworthy.
December 29, 2018, “Love: It is my nature to extend love.”
“I recognize that forgiveness is easier than condemnation because forgiveness reflects the truth of who I am. God is perfect love and therefore so am I.”
A companion Bible verse, Ephesians 4:26: “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.”
December 30, 2018: “Power: I am a spiritual being, bestowed with great power.”
“I align my thoughts with my highest good, envisioning health, abundance, love, and success.”
If you have been reading The Big Leap, the last sentence should remind you of Hendrick’s “universal success mantra” that he discusses in the book.
Just as a segue, a few words about my creative process. Aside from my lame excuses, my procrastinating, or whatever else might be preventing me from sitting down and working on my blog, I’ll just call it “blogger’s block”, similar to writer’s block. You’ve seen it in the movies, the famous writer (not that I’m famous) sitting at his writing desk, coffee and cigarettes on the desk (not that I smoke or recommend smoking, although I do drink coffee). His waste basket, full to the brim with crumpled sheets of paper, is nearby. He stares at the sheet of paper in his typewriter, a chapter name at the top of the page, and a line or two of text, or possibly just an incomplete sentence. OK, “typewriter”, that’s an older movie, maybe he’s sitting at his laptop keyboard staring at the screen. At any rate he’s not happy.
My writing lapses aren’t usually that dramatic, but I do have them. Thank you, Tom (my gym friend) for kick-starting me by praising my work. Be patient, I’ll take us back to Vietnam in a few minutes, honest – this one is dedicated to you.
Options, Options, and More Options
How about this, I’ll include you in my thinking/decision process, kind of as my virtual writing assistant, helping me decide the content for the next installment of my Vietnam blog. OK, OK, agreed, kind of a not-so-subtle way to get people to comment on my blog.
I have a 36-page double-spaced draft that I wrote nine years after my return from Vietnam. I used an IBM Selectric typewriter, and the draft is on the original paper. Many authors still use typewriters, and some like John Le Carre’ (The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, etc.) write out their manuscripts in longhand. His wife types and edits his manuscripts, which I think is very cool. Anyway, my thought was to just go through my entire 12-month Vietnam tour and select highlights, like the one in my last post, “A Dark and Stormy Night” . As I have already done, I am using some of the text from my nearly 40-year-old draft, for example, the Preface that follows is from “Vietnam Ten Years Ago – A Sailor Remembers”.
“The following narrative is the product of my memories and feelings about a personal experience and the desire to share the experience with others – a retrospective look at something which happened ten years ago. Since that time, it has rattled around in my head, I have discussed it with others, and I have written about it.
The memories of my year spent in Vietnam have not been naggingly painful or filled with nightmarish, melodramatic flashbacks (as others have experienced). In fact, some of what happened was quite pleasant. There are other memories I would rather forget.
Occasionally, I use real names in the narrative, because I remember some of them. However, I have no intentions of misrepresenting actual events or offending any of the real people involved. (Bernie Blazek, October 1979)”
More Options
Keep reading, Tom, we’re getting there.
So, the previous option would be to take my original draft and present it as a blog. Probably not the best choice, presenting over 10,000 words in my blog. Choosing “highlights”, as I’ve been doing, I think is better.
I also thought about getting “political” by addressing the question, “Are wars bad?” I’ve seen the Ken Burns TV series about the Vietnam War, and I was there for a year, but I think that question is beyond the scope of this blog. I will mention just one thing, a snippet from the Michael Berry Radio broadcast from Houston, Texas. You can Google him if you like. On June 6 this year, he dedicated a good part of his show to D-Day veterans, many of whom died in Normandy, France.
Berry talked about an 18-year-old who was drafted. One of the things struck home, about the young man, whose whole life was ahead of him, a girl friend, a future family. He didn’t enlist, but when he was drafted, he went willingly. He never came back. Say what you want about Michael Berry’s political views, but I think he called this one correctly.
OK, one more snippet about a bumper sticker (I may be misquoting it, but you’ll get the idea) that I saw in my neighborhood. “Except for overcoming communism, fascism, Nazism, and slavery, wars have not accomplished a thing.”
I guess one more option would be a musical/pictorial blog, kind of like I’ve done with other topics. By the way, I have to guide you down the music trivia path, just for a moment. If you read the first Vietnam installment I did, I included a song titled In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida. You should read this wikipedia piece about the song . . . veeerrry interesting!
OK, Tom, I’m running out of gas on this installment and need to go have dinner. Please feel free to comment and/or make a suggestion (or anyone). ‘Backatcha’ with more later.
The music and pictures are either symbolic or just for entertainment.
Canned Heat: Can’t Find My Way Home
Huey Lewis and the News: The Power of Love
Canned Heat: Let’s Work Together
Don Henley: Dirty Laundry
Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young: Helplessly Hoping
Building All is Love: “Where the Wild Things Are” (movie soundtrack)
“The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still, small voice of conscience.” Mahatma Gandhi
A Frame of Reference
Thinking about John 8:32 that I quoted in Part I – OK, admittedly I’ve taken a single verse from the Bible out of context, but I’m just trying to establish a frame of reference. The verse does make sense, right? Obviously, the misinformation, the subterfuge, the biased media reports, and, in my opinion, the indifference of the general public in wanting or caring about the truth have not served to establish an environment of trust in the good ole USA. When you go to the doctor, you want the truth, right – doc, what is the prognosis? I’ve had some very good doctors who were straight shooters and gave me good advice.
Does It Matter?
OK, you may ask, what’s the X-files connection? As Mr. They said in Part I, Does It Matter?” Hopefully, the issues I bring up and the points I try to make will help you connect the dots.
Imprimis Potpourri
Blogger’s Note: I give full editorial credit to the authors of the articles.
I’ll be including snippets from several Imprimis articles. Obviously, feel free to read each of the articles in their entirety, but as I said before, it’s thought-provoking but not light reading.
Remember, this is an address to a graduating class in Texas in 2017.
“In short, I’m not sure there’s much need to inspire a group like this. So let me suggest a pitfall to avoid going forward, a pitfall not only for this year’s graduating class, but for everyone in every corner of American society today. It has altered the way we talk to one another and perceive one another. It has perverted the notion of free speech and poisoned the academic environment. It has turned the American political system on its head, creating a situation where opposing views are not only unwelcome, they are deemed to be signs of evil intent. It has pitted friend against friend and has caused rifts within families. I’m talking about identity politics, the attempt to divide Americans and set us against each other. The attempt to classify and categorize us by all sorts of measurements and standards. To a great degree, those who are making these attempts are succeeding. And their efforts are changing our country in fundamental ways.” You really should read all of this one, especially on page 7, right column.
Next Up?
I’ve decided to continue the Imprimis material in a future blog.
I’ll be including:
Are We Free to Discuss America’s Problems by Amy L. Wax.
A More American Conservatism by Larry P. Arnn.
Immigration in the National Interest by Tom Cotton.
The 2016 Election and the Demise of Journalistic Standards by Michael Goodwin.
blazinbernie
Looking for a Rufous 