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Serendipity Is as Serendipity Does

April 23, 2022
Ke’e Beach, North Shore of Kauai

The Secret of Life

I wrote about a scene in the movie “City Slickers”. Use the link and scroll down to “City Slickers”. This is my favorite scene in that movie and is thought-provoking. The quote from James Taylor also makes you think.

https://blazinbernie23.com/tag/city-slickers/

“The secret of life is enjoying time to the fullest.”

James Taylor

Obviously if you follow my blog, you know that I took a sabbatical from this blog for nearly 10 months. I have no excuses to offer except that I was focusing on another writing project. I’m including a link to a post I wrote about “serendipity” in 2015. It should help you understand my mindset about the subject.

https://blazinbernie23.com/2015/11/05/what-is-serendipity/

The Power of Love (Huey Lewis and the News)

Serendipity

It’s not complicated, which is the beauty of serendipity, it just happens, no forethought or logging in to a device is necessary. For example, maybe something like this happens. You’re on your front porch having your morning coffee, and you’re standing next to a hummingbird feeder. Still waking up, you hear a sound hardly audible, but it is a sound. It’s the sound of a hummingbird’s wings as the bird flies past your ear to hover over the feeder. You think, that is amazing, I’m so glad I feed these wonderful creatures. OK, one more thing, and I’ll move on. Think of the words from James Taylor that I mentioned (his music is cool too), “The secret of life is the passage of time.” That’s the essence of what I’m saying, life just happens, and we have no control over it, so why try to force it.

Books that I’ve Been Reading

For the rest of this belated blog post, I’ll just mention some books that I’ve read in the past months that might be of interest to you. A lot of what I read is fiction, C. J. Box is one of my favorite authors. He has a new book out, published in March, which I found out about thanks to one of my gym friends. The title is Shadows Reel. I read audiobooks a lot. If you like a good adventure yarn, check out C. J. Box.

Some other books, in the non-fiction category:

Matt Haig, The Comfort Book and Reasons to Stay Alive. When I first started reading his books, I almost didn’t finish the first one. He was talking about people struggling with depression and suicide. But then in later chapters he talked about “reasons to stay alive” and listed 40 reasons, under the subheading “How to Live”. When he wrote about how running could be therapeutic, he had me, since I’m a runner. Bottom line, Haig offers warmth and reassurance, reminding us to slow down and appreciate the beauty and unpredictability of existence.

Haruki Murakami, What I Talk about When I Talk about Running. Again, the running subject caught my attention. The book was published in 2008. Actually, Haig mentions Murakami in one of his books, which is how I found about his works. Murakami is a best-selling author, especially in Japan. I could say a lot more about his books, but you can check him out.

Short and sweet, I’ll end here. I promise I won’t wait as long for my next Rufous post. Thanks for reading.

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Bingle, Bangle, Bongle

September 15, 2019

It’s Hood to Coast 2019

I recently ran a relay in Oregon, the Hood to Coast Relay. For runners and walkers it’s a big deal – in the words of the race organizers, “the mother of all relays”. Feel free to Google it to get the full spiel, or check out Wikipedia’s narrative, especially if you run, but here’s my 25-words or less description.

  • 1200 teams
  • 12 runners, each running 3 legs
  • 2 vans (6 runners in each van)
  • Total distance 199 miles
  • Very little sleep
  • Little real food

The first van with six runners starts at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood, the first leg of the 36 legs in the relay. Already it’s a party atmosphere with vans looking for parking places, van captains checking in at the registration tent, loud music, long lines at the porta-cans, friends greeting friends on other teams, and pictures being taken. The announcer up on his perch above the crowds, calls out the team names when it’s their turn to start. Some of my favorite team names are:

  • Blood Sweat and Beers
  • Minnesota Sole Sisters
  • Scrambled Legs and Hamstrings
  • It’s Five O’clock Somewhere
  • Crazy Lactic Acid Rich Asians
  • Coast Encounters of the Hood Kind

Off and Running

Donna, our leg 1 runner takes off at 9:00 a.m. sharp, running her heart out, down that big hill leading to the next exchange.

The average team takes about 30 hours to finish the relay, traversing a wide variety of roads and terrain to reach Seaside, Oregon. Many of the legs provide breathtaking views of mountains and valleys, other legs meander through the suburbs around Portland and through Portland, into the Coast Range where rivers streams course along the roads, providing a distraction from the physical effort needed to run or walk. As a 20-plus year veteran of the relay, I take the scenic sights for granted while still appreciating the physical beauty of where I live.

What’s with the main heading, Bingle, Bangle, Bongle? As it happens, teams sometimes have to replace runners who are injured or have other situations preventing them from being on the team. In our case, one of the women on our team pulled a hamstring muscle. I recruited a new runner and Don, who had been in our van 1, was moved to van 2. Later for various reasons he was moved back to van 1, but before the dust settled and we figured it all out he was back in van 2. Good naturedly, he took it all in stride (so to speak).

Party at the Beach

At the beach, we ran across the finish line as a team, and wandered around with the multitudes celebrating the end of one of the most amazing athletic events imaginable. Later at our hotel, we made s’mores over an open fire, had some drinks, and collapsed from a very full two days.

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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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The Dog Days of Summer

August 17, 2018

Running and Close Encounters with Dogs

Running obviously is a physical activity, but along with the endorphin effect it often provides serendipitous experiences. I’ve mentioned my dog encounters before.

On one very warm and sunny day in Portland, running along the Willamette River, my friend and I needed a pit stop so we stopped at a park that had restrooms. I should mention that we often stop during a run to commune with our four-legged friends, the friendly ones at least. It was at the park we met Possum, whose owner was giving him a drink. He was a cool dog with an unusual coat. The owner told us he was a Catahoula. Doing some research later, I discovered that he was a Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, which apparently became the state dog of Louisiana in 1979. The owner said that he was a Katrina orphan that they rescued and brought to Portland when they moved here. I thought it was an interesting story.

One More Dog Story

On another run, by myself this time, I met Bruno the Pit Bull. I always ask if a dog is friendly and if it’s OK to approach the animal. Two ladies were walking Bruno, and they said it was OK. Big, but only six-months old he was a beautiful animal. We were talking about the undeserved reputations that Pit Bulls have, as being vicious. Bruno was very friendly. Not everyone agrees on the breed’s inherent personality, but here’s a bit of information. Personally, I’ve met a lot of very friendly pit bulls and some not so friendly other dog breeds.

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Blog of the Week: December 10, 2017

December 11, 2017
Pink Floyd: On the Run

What’s the Scoop?

Regarding this particular literary exercise . . . you’re reading a rehash of my week, hopefully interesting in that you may able to relate. We live lives of “quiet desperation” someone once said. Did I learn anything last week and am I now wiser for having learned new things, always a good question. I do a daily journal, bits and pieces of which may appear in this series of blogs – I’ll leave out the really mundane stuff, grocery lists, etc. Of course, sometimes the mundane stuff provides its own drama in our daily lives such as signing up for medical insurance after going through the myriad of available options and trying to make the right decision. Thank heavens for my own stress relief in the form of gym workouts and running, which for me is meditation. For example, in my Daily Word booklet that I read, last Monday’s word was “Meditation: I experience oneness through the art of meditation.” The accompanying Bible verse was from Psalm 49:3, “My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance of my heart will give understanding.” Tuesday’s reading was about “world peace”, Wednesday was about “letting go – to open the way to new and bountiful good.” Not easy for some of us to accomplish. Thursday was “Pray for Others” in a vision of wholeness for people you may not know. Friday was “Forgive: I appreciate my innate capacity to forgive.” Obviously, another challenge for many of us. Saturday was “Prosperity: My life is filled with an overflowing measure of God’s goodness.” For me, starting the day with a positive affirmation is a real boost.

Saturday’s Run

What a nice run, it was chilly and hilly, but dry. The Portland area has been enjoying a dry spell. I bundled up and took off on one of my familiar routes, a paved trail near where I live. I wanted to run about seven miles. I didn’t run fast, party because of the hills, but the run felt good, no major aches or pains. I had a few “dog encounters.” There were many people out with their animals. I always try to stop and pet the friendly ones. Two big German Shepherds were out enjoying the sun. The owner told me their names were Nola and Harley. Toward the end of the run, the sun was going down, the wind was kicking up, and the temperature was dropping. I was at the top of a big hill looking down at the valley. I noticed a little kid in a green jacket. As I ran down the hill I rounded a turn and he and his mom, pushing a stroller, and their dog were coming up the hill. I said hi and headed for home.

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Merry Christmas 2016

December 26, 2016

What Happened to 2016?

Update: I forgot to add quotes yesterday, which I’m doing now including the Christmas quotes link at the bottom.

I like this next quote because it reminded me of an incident in my life at my home in Texas. I got a chemistry set as a Christmas present and immediately set about using it in my bedroom. While experimenting with mixing various chemicals, I decided to heat a test tube and forgot to take the stopper out. I wasn’t hurt, but I had a nice painting project repairing the ceiling and walls in the corner of my bedroom.

John Vane
At the age of 12, my parents gave me a chemistry set for Christmas, and experimentation soon became a consuming passion in my life.

Read more John Vane quotes if you’re  interested.

Back to the Future (main them from Back to the Future soundtrack)

I watched Back to the Future again (for the umpteenth time) the other day. It’s definitely in my top 10 list of favorite movies, heck maybe even top 3, along with Raising Arizona and Predator. Further back in the list of favorites would be James Bond movies, especially the ones with Sean Connery (You Only Live Twice, Goldfinger, etc.). I noticed how young Michael J. Fox looked in Back to the Future. Of course the movie was made in 1985. I suppose it’s that aging thing, something about being relative to your own age makes a person react in a certain way. The music too is a big part of my favorite movies, Huey Lewis and the News in Back to the Future and John Barry in the Bond movies.

Coldplay: You Only Live Twice

What’s Your Point?

Someone close to me reminds me when I get off track or “excessively verbalize” – yikes, that’s not common wording, but I suppose it’s appropriate.

I was kinda getting off track, my main purpose, as I recall, was to say Merry Christmas, but I always like to throw in some pictures and music. Another thing on my mind was to mention that I’m running again (the slide show follows). For those who missed the late 2016 summer of my not running, I’m finally back. Adios to “the boot”, sayonara chump, good riddance, etc., etc.

Willie Nelson: On the Road Again

Pictures from My Recent Run

This area below isn’t terribly far from where I live in Oregon. By the way, the brown and white animals are alpacas, not horses. I also saw plenty of raptors and one dog, an untethered German Shepherd in someone’s yard, but he wasn’t interested in me.

I’m not running very fast these days, but it’s great to be out on the roads again.

Joe Cocker: Feelin’ Alright

Canned Heat: On the Road Again

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More Music and More Pictures and More Quotes

Just a few more pictures, selected at random, I do like taking pictures. and some music, then I’m done for this go-round, except for a whole bunch of Christmas quotes that I added.

Chicago: Wake Up Sunshine

Doobie Brothers: Listen to the Music

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Stuff Happens

August 18, 2016

Couch Potato Blues

If you read my last post, about Crystal City, I said something about episodes or turning points in our lives. Some turning points obviously are more major than others, such as what happened to people at Crystal City. My story here is a minor inconvenience by comparison.

Pink Floyd: On the Run (Dark Side of the Moon)

It Was Only a Small Rock!

I run. Sometimes I talk with others when I run. My left foot landed squarely on top of a rock, not large, but it fractured the fifth metatarsal bone – that’s the one that connects the little toe to the ankle. Metatarsals help provide arch support and balance. Sometimes called a stress fracture, people who do physical activities like dancing or running tend to be more prone to this type of injury. On my x-ray you could hardly even see the faint line that indicated a fracture – hopefully it will heal quickly.

Pink Floyd: Time (Dark Side of the Moon)

What’s Plan B?

When stuff happens that affects your life and your lifestyle, such as being very active (running, cycling, swimming, working out), then what? Maybe I’ll find some good quotes and include those – if life gives you lemons, make lemonade or whatever. You might like Ron White’s updated version of the lemonade quote below.

What the heck, try these quotes on for size.

Steve Jobs
Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith.
Read more really good quotes about life.
Ron White
I believe that if life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade… And try to find somebody whose life has given them vodka, and have a party.
Pink Floyd: Breathe in the Air (Dark Side of the Moon)

What’s Your Point?

Actually, that’s what a family member (near and dear) says to me when I start rambling on about some run I just did – she’s not a runner, but I still love her. Not sure I have a specific point, just killing time while my foot heals. Got tired of Netflix, so I thought I’d do some blogging.

The pictures in the slide show I took after one of my favorite 10K runs in Estacada, Oregon. Very interesting place as you can see in the pictures. Be sure to check out Fearless Brewing if you’re in the neighboorhood.

Signing off for now, time for more boring Netflix. Never fear, I’ll be trucking on down the road before you know it! Enjoy the pictures and the music!

Willie Nelson: On the Road Again

 

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Priorities – Are They Important?

April 16, 2016

In this blog I’ll be sharing some photos from recent memorable runs and hopefully some thought-provoking ideas about priorities.

First the runs – actually, let me rephrase that, first I’ll tell you about two of my recent runs with words and pictures.

You may have seen my piece about What is Serendipity? a while back.

Run 1 – Big Bird Lives

Interestingly enough, referring to one of the two run/walks I’ll tell you about in this blog and speaking of Great Blue Herons, a couple of my Tuesday running/walking group buddies and I saw one at Commonwealth Lake this week. Commonwealth Lake is in a local neighborhood near where I live. “It was amazing” to see this magnificent creature standing on the shore line of the lake not more than a dozen feet from the path where we were walking. The bird didn’t flinch, just stood there looking around. They’re actually very large birds. Unfortunately I didn’t have a camera.

By the way (just a quick note) about my walking/running – sometimes, due to various and sundry aches and pains, I walk rather than run. I enjoy both running and walking, the main thing is getting off the couch and going out to get some exercise.

The Allman Brothers – No One Left to Run With

Run 2 – Another Run in the Sun

IMG_20160406_143431058

Mike & Jim along the Columbia River

On the second run on a Wednesday with a couple of other running buddies – be patient, I’ll get to the part about “priorities” eventually. Someone had suggested we run in a location where we hadn’t run in a while. We met in Vancouver across the river from Portland. It was a bright sunny day with a bit of a breeze, and we took off east toward Mount Hood and ended up on a paved trail that follows the river. I’m including pictures that I took. Afterwards we had a late lunch and drinks sitting in the sun. Everybody was out enjoying the weather. Eat your hearts out Californians, you take your sunny weather for granted, we Oregonians relish those wonderful sun-filled days.

The “Priorities” Part

IMG_20160406_145835828

What would your ribbon say?

The topic presented in my church one Sunday this year was about priorities, mainly how to focus on worshipping God, loving people, and using things in that order. I guess the first two priorities are pretty obvious, although you can substitute another word for “God” if you prefer. On “using things”, that covers a broad area – spending time texting, etc. – I guess the point is that “using things” should be the lowest rung on the priority ladder. I think the pictures illustrate that choosing your priorities carefully is what’s important. If it’s a choice between going for a run or spending time with my family, which one do I choose? For me for years, running took priority over everything. One day I realized that there were other things that should have a higher priority.

Take a look at the pictures. I was walking along the trail in Vancouver when I saw “The Soul Tree”. At first I didn’t know what all the ribbons were about until I stopped and read the sign. I decided to add my own ribbon (“My Family”), and I took pictures with my phone.

The Soul Tree
My Family

I’ll end on that note, but hopefully your priorities are well chosen.

Just a few quotes to end with . . . check out Brainy Quotes for a lot more.

Tony Blair
It is not an arrogant government that chooses priorities, it’s an irresponsible government that fails to choose.
Whitney Houston
I have priorities. Maintaining my daughter is my first.
Myles Munroe
Our life is the sum total of all the decisions we make every day, and those decisions are determined by our priorities.

 

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Birthday Blog – 2016

February 23, 2016

19447_divers at Poipu

Diving with my son and others off Kauai

A song, a quote, and some favorite photos

Joe Cocker: Feelin’ Alright (Live)

Just thought I’d jump in here and post something on my birthday. Lots of folks have sent me birthday greetings, which is very cool – thanks, ya’ll! Anyone else who happens to have a birthday today, Happy Birthday to you too!

I’m off to buy myself a new pair of running shoes and go to the gym this morning. After that, I may just goof off for the rest of the day.

The following quote, one of my favorites, is from a book, Up Country, by Nelson Demille.

“The journey home is never a direct route – it is in fact always circuitous, and somewhere along the way we discover that the journey is more significant than the destination and that the people we meet along the way will be the traveling companions of our lives forever.”

Bonus Quotes: Love What You Do

By the way, the “Donald” quote wasn’t intentional, so take it or leave it, but I like the messages presented in this collection of quotes.

Bonus Photos:
  1. Ducks on Creekside Marsh
  2. Man Feeding the Gulls at Cannon Beach
  3. Bernie taking a picture while driving (keep that a secret please)
  4. Gospodor’s Monument on I-5 south of Centralia, WA
  5. Tree of Life, mural on a building in Estacada, OR

Man Feeding Gulls

 

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Harry’s Run, Part I

December 28, 2014

To me running always seemed like a perfect metaphor for life, you start here and you finish there. I remember running with Harry Deans in the summer of 2001 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He and his wife Beth, my sister, would rent a condo there every summer for a couple of months to relax and enjoy the sunshine. They invited me to come visit, so I drove over from Oregon. I had a good time with Beth and Harry bumming around Steamboat, going up to the mountaintop and into town to shop. I had known Harry for years since he and Beth got married, and we got to visit more often when we all lived in Houston. After I moved my family to Oregon, our visits were much less frequent, but it was always fun to go back. I remember flying with Harry on one trip. I had flown into the Denver airport, and we flew to Cheyenne where Beth and Harry lived at the time. I thought he was a very good pilot.

This is Part I about Harry’s life and is intended to introduce some thoughts about him and his passing on December 22, 2014. In Part II, I hope to include more about Harry’s life and to include remembrances of Harry from family and friends. I will say that my own remembrances of Harry are good ones, and I’m glad that he was part of my life. I’ll miss him.

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