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People are People

June 11, 2023

Introduction

When you’re flying at 35,000 feet with various and sundry distractions, people walking by your seat and bumping your elbow because you forgot you’re on an airplane, children crying because they’re not used to the air pressure in the cabin, the person in the seat next to you is watching a movie on their device that looks very interesting, or your blood sugar is low because you haven’t eaten since you left the airport three hours ago, literary excellence is not guaranteed. However, because you’re a writer and you like writing you reach down into your knapsack that is under the seat and retrieve the spiral-bound notebook and a ballpoint pen that you bought in Portland, Oregon for your trip  and start writing. The following is what I wrote on that flight on May 28, 2023.

I always have a reason for my blog titles, which will become clear soon.

Soylent Green is Made Out of People

Peer Gynt (“Morning Mood” and “Åse’s Death”)

There was this scene in a movie with Edward G. Robinson and Charlton Heston. The soundtrack was a classical piece, very nice but the details of which evade me at the moment I write this in flight. As you watch this scene in the movie you see a large projection screen and hear the wonderful music. When I was researching Soylent Green after my flight I read comments from people who developed a love of classical music after hearing the soundtrack in that scene. Ironically, this movie was released in 1973 about the time I too was developing a liking of classical music. As it happened, I needed an elective for my Journalism degree requirements and thought, how hard can it be, a music course. It turned out to be a very challenging course with tests that required the students to listen to different pieces of music in an auditorium and identify details (the composer, the title of the piece, the period, and the specific movement being played). I think I got a B in the course and was happy with it.

Here are the details from Wikipedia (a direct quote):

“The “going home” score in Sol Roth’s death scene was conducted by Gerald Fried and consists of the main themes from Symphony No. 6 (“Pathétique”) by Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 6 (“Pastoral”) by Beethoven, and Peer Gynt (“Morning Mood” and “Åse’s Death”) by Edvard Grieg.” I included the Tchaikovsky piece.

Anyway, I was going to describe the death scene, but the movie is available and plenty of commentaries about its societal significance in 1973. Back on track now.

Bear with me in my stream of consciousness at altitude. A shirt worn by someone wobbling and working his way down to the rear lavatories on the Boeing 737 read “Shitake Happens”. It bugged me because I read shirts, and I didn’t know exactly what it meant, so on his way back from the restroom I asked him about it. He obligingly stopped long enough to explain that it was a shirt he got at a food festival in California. What fun, eh!

      Slot canyon, Zion             National Park

What’s the Point?

Or, asked differently, why “People are People”? Because it’s true, and the only way to live your live is to try to accept people the way they are. Having lived part of my life as a judgmental person, this is a surprising statement coming from me. I used to automatically judge a person before I took the time to get to know them. Not a good thing to do.

How about this, I’m at the gym swimming laps, which I love to do, and I see the person swimming in the lane next to mine, not too well I think. That’s when I try to press the “override” button – no, Bernie, you are not going to get out of the pool later and try to give them swimming tips. It’s their life, let them swim anyway they want to. Also, regarding first impressions, hold off on that first negative thought about someone until you spend more time with them. Maybe they’re just having a bad day.

Do a Good Deed!

Tchaikovsky, “Pathetique”

Going beyond that idea a bit, in your daily encounters you may realize that what the mainstream media reports in the news, about people, misrepresents one important concept. The concept is that most people, a vast majority, are solid, genuine, caring, and sympathetic individuals who are always willing to lend a helping hand. Give it a chance, you’ll see what I mean.

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Memorial Day Blog

May 25, 2020

Thank You So Much!

This is a tribute to those who served and died in the wars.

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America!

Bruce Springsteen: Summer of 69

I wasn’t in favor of war in my youth, but the draft still existed, and, guess who got drafted. Vietnam was pretty hot then (late sixties), so to avoid that I managed to crash my younger brother’s motorcycle and subsequently failed my induction physical. They gave me a temporary deferment so that I could heal. Being the genius that I am, I joined the Navy Reserves thinking that surely that would keep me out of Vietnam. Sitting in San Diego after my basic training, waiting for my orders, I heard my name called.

“Naval Support Activity – Saigon” was not on my list of preferred duty stations. There’s a reason why servicemen refer to that duty station list as a “dream sheet”. After my pre-Vietnam indoctrination at Coronado Island, my Dad (God bless you, Dad) said goodbye to me at Travis Air Force Base. His words were, “Keep your head down, son”, very good advice. It was going to be a long flight to Tan Son Nhut airport in Saigon, so I bought a paperback in the airport bookstore, The First Circle by Alexander Solzhenitsyn. Not the best choice of a book when you’re going off to war. I didn’t read beyond the first chapter.

Who Should We Honor Today?

According to Google (who else), Memorial Day originally honored those who died in the Civil War but now honors those who have died in any war.

Feel free to look at my December 3, 2017 blog about Vietnam. I included a brief Vietnam movie in that blog that illustrates what it was like in THAT war zone, what a Swift Boat looks like, etc. The wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other wars had their casualties, and those service people deserve to be honored today.

I served on a barracks ship that supported Swift Boats (“brown-water Navy”). My role was as a noncombatant, but the people we supported were combatants. They came and went; literally, i.e we frequently lost boat crews. A boat would go out on a mission and become a casualty. I never became close friends with the “Swifties” because the opportunity wasn’t there – maybe as a familiar face, someone standing in a chow line, or gearing up to go out on another mission. They were only acquaintances, but some of them paid the ultimate price. OK, we could digress into whether or not the Vietnam War was worth it. Considering all the lives lost, on both sides, it wasn’t. And, some of the casualties were draftees, not enlisted soldiers and sailors. They didn’t volunteer, but they still served. Good or bad, wars happen.

I’m going to end with a quote, actually it’s a bumper sticker that I saw on a neighbor’s car.

“Except For Ending Slavery, Fascism, Nazism, And Communism, WAR Has Never Solved Anything.”

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Some Good News

May 22, 2020
Blogger’s Note: Blog under construction – new WordPress user interface and blog redesign (be patient)

Thank You, John Krasinski

Music

Building All is Love: “Where the Wild Things Are” (soundtrack)

Not to diminish what I said in my last blog when I was venting (never mind the Prozac, I’m OK now), this post is in a much lighter vein and hopefully will be uplifting for you.

Yes, obviously I’m a John Krasinski fan – I recently finished Season 2, Episode 8 of Jack Ryan, which I thought was nicely done. Other notable projects for him were The Office, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, and a new one, The Quiet Place, Part II, which I haven’t seen.

Hebrews 4:16

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

What a World We Are In!

Basically, John’s work inspired me to do this blog about trying to stay sane in a crazy world. His show, which unfortunately is ending after eight episodes, is amazing, uplifting, endearing, enlightening, and many other superlatives. I’ll provide the link at the end of this post, so you can check it out.

News bulletin: Just heard that SGN will be continuing on a different network.

Pandemic Basics

Actually, I hate the “p” word and prefer “situation”. You already know the basics, one of which is to wash your hands – remember, at least 20 seconds. The 20-second “song” that I prefer is the ABC song. If you were ever a kid, you know how it goes. I say that as a segue into my next segment, which kept me awake early this morning, trying to match the alphabet letters to a good “prompt” that might help you or help someone else deal with the situation. Trust me, I have my down days and need encouragement. Hang on, here we go:

  • A – Ask a friend or relative if they need something.
  • B – Be available, if only to listen.
  • C – Check on your neighbor to see how they’re doing (don’t forget the mask).
  • D – Don’t crush your cans before putting them in the recycle bag. :}
  • E – Exercise
  • F – Find someone to talk to when you’re down, or if they’re down, talk to them.
  • G – Go on a walk, and take the dog if you have one or your cat.
  • H – Say “hello” every chance you get, even to strangers.
  • I – Inspire someone with a compliment about their talents.
  • J – Say a prayer to Jesus (often).
  • K – Kindness always works (“. . . random acts of kindness”).
  • L – Love more, hate less.
  • M – Make an effort to smile often.
  • N – If you’re wearing your mask, just nod as you pass someone.
  • O – Only faith and determination work best.
  • P – Pay it forward when you hear good news.
  • Q – Quit frowning.
  • R – Run
  • S – Say a prayer every day.
  • T – Try on a new pair of socks.
  • U – Use your generosity to help others.
  • V – Voice your opinions, but allow feedback.
  • W – Work as much as you can, but take breaks too.
  • X – Marks the spot.
  • Y – You can rely on your faith to get you through this. Check out Hebrews, Chapter 11.
  • Z – Zippidy do dah zippidy eh, my oh my what a wonderful day!

I think it’s time to wrap up this installment, with some pictures, and the link to the SGN Episode 8. Sorry about any ads that may pop up, not mine.

Thank you again, John Krasinski and your production team for SGN!

Pictures

  • Half full or half empty?
  • A back-window sticker
  • Proud Daddy Finch
  • Dog photo-bombs frog
  • Just do it
  • He who shall not be named
  • Wiggles
  • Zoey
  • Zoey again
  • Eileen’s Lily
  • Rex and Bella
  • Crows’ Feet

SGN Link

Episode 8

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A Plea for Open-mindedness

May 18, 2020

Too Many Words

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 Lethal Agent, 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.

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Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!

May 10, 2020

Mom

My Mom

Glen Miller: Big Band

Mom’s Are Wonderful People!

None of us would be here if it weren’t for moms. Those of us whose moms are gone miss them dearly. Just browse the social media postings for May 10, 2020, and you’ll see what I mean. One Facebook friend posted today that she kept a voicemail of her mom’s last message for years just so she could listen to her voice and wouldn’t forget what she sounded like.

A Sentimental Deja Vu

About six years ago I went to my hometown in Texas for a high school class reunion. It was a memorable trip for several reasons. First, I got to see my classmates who I hadn’t seen in a long, long time. Also, I made a special trip to the cemetery where my mom was buried. A bit of information before I reveal the last reason.

Before I left Portland I googled my hometown to see if my old house was still there. Technology always amazes me. Just saying, this had been over half a century since I lived in the house. I looked at an aerial view of the neighborhood, zoomed in, and there it was, my old house. After all the parties and reminiscing with my classmates, I went on my “memory” tour. There was a for sale sign in the yard of my old house, and I contacted the real estate agent to see if I could visit the house, explaining that I had lived there. The house was occupied. I knocked on the door, introduced myself, and asked if I could come in. As it turned out, I found out later that the woman who lived there knew my younger sister from their school days. I should interject, if it weren’t for Texas overwhelming friendliness, this might not have worked. Don’t try it in New York City.

Think of one of those movies where the protagonist, say Benjamin (Dustin Hoffman) in The Graduate, is attending his graduation party, a pool party. He makes his grand entrance dressed in his scuba gear (presumably a graduation present), the sound of his breathing amplified by the face mask. Not sure why that scene compares to my hometown experience, but think about how you might react in my situation. I hadn’t been in this house for over 50 years. The fact that it was still standing amazed me. Except for different furnishings, it was the same house. I walked through the living room into the kitchen. This was the kitchen where my mom fixed meals for the family. Slight changes, cabinets had been updated and some new appliances, but otherwise the exact spot where mom fixed all those Sunday dinners (usually roast beef, mashed potatoes, and green beans), tapioca pudding, which I loved, and peanut butter cookies, also a favorite. In the next room was the dining room. In those days, families sat at a table and had their meals. Truthfully, I don’t remember conversation topics.

Continuing, we headed up the stairs. Indelibly imprinted in my mind is the cat on the stairway as we ascended, looking up with a puzzled expression (who is this unknown person in my house?). At the top was a bedroom two of my sisters shared and down a long hallway past a walk-in attic was the bedroom my brother and I shared. The whole time I was taking pictures, having gotten permission from the owners. I know, as I’ve implied, kind of surreal. My old bedroom was more or less the same – this was the same bedroom with the repainted ceiling, repainted because the lab experiment with my chemistry set (Christmas present) was literally a bust. Anyway, after the tour I thanked the owner and made my exit.

This was the most important reason for my visit – my mom’s presence was felt in that old house, and I’m so glad I returned. I don’t know what else to say, but here’s an exact quote from one of my mom’s letters, obviously a very personal thing to share, but it seemed important to say it. The letter was addressed to my aunt whose husband had just died.

Dearest (Aunt’s name),
How are you? I’m so ashamed of myself for not writing or calling. I think of you many times a day and pray that you are adjusting to your aloneness. No one can know what you are going through until they have experienced the loss of their loved one. I do feel that you and (uncle’s name) had something within your own lives that few, few married people ever find. It seems ironical that mortals cannot express themselves naturally and freely. I have never learned to show or let others know how I feel.

My mom’s given names were Jessie Helen Elizabeth.

 

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Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual: Part IV – Spiritual

April 23, 2020

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A Photo Taken in Texas

Welcome

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.

More ideas about relaxing, you might want to revisit two of my posts about mindfulness, Mindfulness, What is it, is it important? (2014) and Mindfulness (2016).

One More Quote and a Related Story

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.

More Walt Whitman Quotes

Pictures

 

 

Rex and Bella
A new bridge at Willowcreek
A couple of my favorites
Symbolic yard art
Anchors away
Along the way
A great tree!
Yes
Words speak
Not Churchill
Commonwealth Lake

More Music

Listen to as many songs as you want.

Doobie Brothers: Listen to the Music

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.

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Resolution Reboot – v2.0

March 25, 2020

20200316_154023_America Cares

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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),

More Brainy Quotes about family.

A Beacon of Light

“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:

Judicial Watch (free subscription). You be the judge.

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.

Vangelis: Blade Runner (End Titles), 1982

Pictures, of Course

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Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual: Part III – Emotional

January 7, 2020

dadson_at-the-beach-2

Dad and son

Introduction: Type A or Type B?

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)

Here’s a link to a bunch more quotes if you’re interested.

Music and pictures are always a challenge, I hope you like my visual and auditory offerings in my blog posts.

Joe Cocker: Feelin’ Alright

 

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It’s 2020: What’s Next?

January 5, 2020

IMG_1845

It’s a Brand New Year

Digifish Music: Second Dawn

Prelude: You Must Expect It of Yourself!

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.

Seriously, Woodie Guthrie?

I ran across this item, Woody Guthrie’s No Frills Doodle List-Filled List of 33 New Year’s Resolutions from 1943 and wanted to include it – you’ll find it both amusing and titillating. Guthrie’s 33 list of resolutions is impressive, some tongue in cheek, but others are right on:

  • Wash teeth if any
  • Listen to radio a lot
  • Learn people better
  • Love (4 occurrences)
  • Change socks (love that one)
  • Help win war
  • Wake up and fight
  • Dream good

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.

Back to the Future: Main Theme (from the movie)

 

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Is it 2019 Yet?

December 31, 2018

Is Portland, Oregon weirder than Austin, Texas?

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:

Imprimis articles (of course)

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.

That’s it for 2018, see you next year.

 

 

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