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Rated: 13+ · Book · Family · #2058371
Musings on anything.
BCOF Insignia

My blog was filled up. I'm too lazy to clean it out. So I started a new one.
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February 24, 2022 at 12:29am
February 24, 2022 at 12:29am
#1027322
         My brother and I have established a storytelling routine with the children in our extended family. They can be repetitive or stumbling, but sometimes they are quite inventive. They catch each other using some story line from a movie or tv show with different characters pr actions, but don't all authors do that? They give a lot of details, including colors. We have some budding fantasy writers in our family. This one is based on a six-year-old boy's tale.

         Six-year-old Hank begins his tale, "once upon a time, a cowboy named Roy had to go after some rustlers. He rode a pale unicorn with a silver horn. He rode out to the desert and over the mountains. The unicorn could fly when it had to."

         "They stopped at a stream for water. Other cowboys were coming up the mountain below. They also rode unicorns."

         His aunt interrupted. "Did Roy wear shiny black cowboy boots and a cowboy hat?"

         "No, they were brown like mine with some with some white decorations. He looked over the hill and saw a dragon come out of the cave in the mountains. He roared, but he did not breathe fire. There was going to be a war."

         "Roy got on the unicorn and signaled to the men on below. He whistled to them. The dragon looked up and snarled, but he did not breathe fire. More dragons came from behind him. They were big with long tails."

         Hank looked off in the distance.

         "So what happened next?" asked his aunt.

         "They had a battle. The dragons won. They were stronger and meaner."

         "What happened to the cowboys?"

         "They died."

         "All of them? Even Roy?"

         Hank nodded.

         "What about the unicorns?"

         "They were all killed, too. Their magic was just small." He pinched his fingers in the air and shrugged his shoulders.

         "Oh, my. That's a shame about the unicorns. Is there more to this story?"

         "Nope."

         "The end?"

         "The end," he said with a nod.

February 8, 2022 at 4:49pm
February 8, 2022 at 4:49pm
#1026301
         Mr. Lightfoot is 83 years old and still doing tours. I think it's great. I hope I'm still around at 83; traveling and working would be even nicer.

         However, you can't go to a concert of an 83 year old musician and expect him to sound like he did at 50 or 30. To make matters worse, he had a sinus infection and had to use a nebulizer a few times. Of course, everyone expects the guy to look older, but then they're upset he doesn't sound like the album at home. He is still a great guitarist. He still tells funny stories of his experiences and travels.

         I saw him a few years ago with my father. He was losing his voice then but played a longer concert with an intermission. I was impressed with his guitar skills. This time it was a shortened show with an opening act. Even the songs were shortened versions. His voice had dramatically changed. He kept going even when his breathing faltered.

          I have lost my father since that first concert, so this one had a little bittersweet nostalgia to it. And this time I was not a paying customer sitting in a comfy seat. I work as a volunteer at a historic movie theater that has been converted to allow multiple venues and seats slightly over 1000 people. All the seats were sold, so I stayed on my feet the whole time. I heard lots of comments from the patrons, who were mostly gray or white-haired. They either didn't like seeing him in this frail condition or they were celebrating his fortitude and remembering his past.

         I remember seeing Loretta Lynn on an outdoors stage, also limited seating. She was frail and getting feeble mentally. Her voice was also gone. Unfortunately, she still dressed in the frilly clothes of her youth and looked clownish. But I had that same feeling then of honoring her past mixed with sadness that she was in her twilight years of performing.

         I like seeing older stars like Clint Eastwood and William Shatner keep working and creating in the golden years. Singers, on the other hand, can't adjust like directors and actors. They are expected to live up to their former selves. We have to accept that if they are up in years, a concert is only a chance to look and remember, to pay respect, but not to relive their former glory.
January 1, 2022 at 9:44pm
January 1, 2022 at 9:44pm
#1024000
         How the time flies. Seems like last week when I was analyzing my goals and trying to make some breakthrough goals. It's been full and filled year. I haven't lacked for things to do and sources of stress. However, it hasn't been as bad as some years. For that I'm thankful. I regret only that I didn't make better use of the time.

         Sometimes, it seems like we're always setting goals, or resolutions or giving ourselves some kind of makeover. As though we just can't be happy with ourselves or the progress in our jobs or social lives or finances, we search for the next big step in life coaches, pod-casts or self-help books. What does this dissatisfaction say about us?

         If we go at this process with the idea that some "answer" is out there, like striking it rich, or finally finding perfect love, or losing that last twenty pounds, or getting into the right club, we'll probably keep getting disappointed. On the other hand, self-improvement is not a bad idea at any age or any level of achievement. Broken resolutions are usually due to setting our specific goals too high or within too tight a timeline, or it doesn't achieve what we truly want.

         For instance, if faith is important to us, then spiritual growth is a worthwhile endeavor, so our goals should be measurable things that support that growth. If we want to retire on time without going backwards in our lifestyle, then we need to update the goals that help us achieve that. If we want more time and money for travel, what are we willing to sacrifice or change to make that happen? We do need to be clear that our goals are not just a detailed "to do" list. We also need regular evaluations and be willing to alter our goals or change the deadlines.

         Having goals is important, even for retirees, so that we don't just keep wandering aimlessly and end up broke, unhealthy, and all alone. Knowing what we want to be in three years, five years, and ten years is important, whether we're 21 or 71. We all want to believe that despite the great memories, our best days are still ahead.
December 26, 2021 at 4:06pm
December 26, 2021 at 4:06pm
#1023690
         I just watched Phenomenon (1996) for the first time. The movie shows John Travolta's nice guy/small town person from his point of view before finally revealing he has a brain tumor. Suddenly we have explanations for the flashes of light, his telekinesis. his speed learning, etc.

         But before we get logic involved, we start thinking what if I suddenly had great insights and wisdom and could learn things we always wanted to know. I started thinking about what I would want. I'd learn to play the piano; it would be slow at first because you don't play with just head knowledge. I'd have to practice a lot to keep up with what I knew. I would like to read fast, maybe not 2 or more books a day, but maybe 4 or 5 a week. I'd read the Bible every week, even if I had a good memory like he did.

         I'd learn to drive a stick shift and work on cars, just for fun. Maybe even small engines, like lawn mowers. I would get the hang of navigating smart phones, and FitBit or facsimiles, and commuters, and video games. I'd read the insurance policies and my investment papers and understand them. I could file my legal papers without hiring a lawyer. I could even figure out dental and prescription coverage for the best rates. I might do a lot more DIY projects and repairs.

         As a result of all that reading, I'd know more history, civics, government and languages. Jeopardy would become too easy after a few months. World classics would take only a fraction of the time they used to take me (and still do).

         In the story, his big ideas and skills could be carried on by scientists for the future of mankind: solar energy, organic fertilizers, etc. I'm afraid my interests would be mostly for my own enjoyment and not others. But it would be fun to have greater brain power without having a disease to do it.
December 25, 2021 at 10:50pm
December 25, 2021 at 10:50pm
#1023667
         Merry Christmas to all. I hope you had a great day, wherever you were, at work or at home or elsewhere.


         When I say "Merry Christmas", it is meant in a general way to uplift someone's spirits. If I have a little joy and happiness in my heart, why not share it, if only for a moment? From me, it can be to a Christians, Jew, Moslim, Hindu, agnostic, or others. It is a special time for me, and I'd like to share it. I don't demand that you share my beliefs or customs to share in my happiness.

         I wish every reader the best in all of life. Live well. May peace on earth become a reality to us all.
December 14, 2021 at 1:09pm
December 14, 2021 at 1:09pm
#1023201
         Christmas stories lean more on legend and pictures than Biblical account. For instance, the Bible does not say "3" wise men, just that they brought 3 kinds of gifts. Mary may have walked all the way; there is no donkey mentioned. There was no singing according to the Bible, and the wise men came much later, when the baby was older and they actually had a house, not a stable. And the stable itself might have been a cave used for animals, which was common then.

         The hymn I'm printing here is an example, although excellent in many ways, and makes us nostalgic and comforted because of its familiarity. We don't know that it was midnight or if the skies were clear. There is no mention of music, much less gold harps. Yet much of the song rings true.

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth, To touch their harps of gold:
"Peace on the earth, good will to men," From heaven's all-gracious King.
The world in solemn stillness lay, To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come With peaceful wings unfurled,
And still their heav'nly music floats O'er all the weary world:
Above its sad and lowly plains, They bend on hov'ring wing,
And ever o'er its Bable sounds The blessed angels sing.

Yet with the woes of sin and strife, The world has suffered long,
Beneath the angel strain have rolled Two thousand years of wrong;
And man, at war with man, hears not, The love song which they bring;
O hush the noise, ye men of strife, and hear the angels sing!

All ye, beneath life's crushing load, Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way, With painful steps and slow,
Look now! for gland and golden hours, Come swiftly on the wing;
O rest beside the weary road, And hear the angels sing!

Foe lo! the days are hastening on, By prophet bards foretold,
When with the ever circling years, Comes around the age of gold;
When peace shall over all the earth, Its ancient splendors fling,
And the whole world give back the song, Which now the angels sing.


         There's the contrast of beautiful music, peace, and awe with the noise and strife of men. That beautiful moment of good news and hope has been followed by thousands of "years of wrong". Humans toil and are crushed by the load of life's burdens, and time keeps going by. Yet we still have that hope of the "age of gold" when all unite in peace and join in that angelic message.


         The lyrics were written by Edmund Sears in 1849. There was a revolution in Europe and the U.S. was at war with Mexico. This weighed heavily upon him as he listened to the Christmas greetings and music. The tune was probably different the first time it was performed, and only later picked up the tune we all know.
November 6, 2021 at 5:38pm
November 6, 2021 at 5:38pm
#1021015
         Just saw Harlem 100 in my town last night. Too bad, all the seats weren't filled. Toe tapping, shoulder swaying, brief nostalgic trip down blues/jazz history. The group paid tribute to the cultural contributions of black people to the world over the last 100 years plus.

         Normally, pre-Age of Covid, they would have school groups take field trips to their venue for a more educational review of history and Harlem specifically and then do a public show at night. We only had the public show, wo they worked a little history into the talk. They really celebrated the black woman and the hard role she has filled. We had selections from Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Ethel Waters, and Marian Anderson.

         It was a total show, from the way they played musical instruments, sang and moved together. They had regular table lamps on stage, reminiscent of the 1920's that pulsated off and on to the beat of certain songs. The lead singer did some eye catching footwork. He was from Sierra Leone; one was from South Africa, but all now live in or around Harlem to soak up the atmosphere.

         If you are fortunate enough to have them arrive in your town, by all means, go and take some friends. You will love the show and be inspired by their story. It's less than two hours of total inspiration and fun.
November 1, 2021 at 12:27pm
November 1, 2021 at 12:27pm
#1020540
What would you say to your 80 year old self about all the things you've witnessed in life? Would you discuss what you've missed out and regretted or would you congratulate yourself on all the things you've accomplished?

We've had some excellent prompts in October, but I never took time to respond. So maybe I'll pick a few good ones now.

         Age 80 is getting closer every day. I hope I survive that long! I want to believe that I will have forgiven myself for all my bad choices. I want to feel that I have loved and been forgiving of others, even if it hasn't been a reciprocal relationship.

         Hey, old girl, don't sweat what you haven't accomplished. Just be glad you made it through college, you held down a job, sometimes two at once. You did a lot of babysitting and leading kids at church, so maybe you were a minor, but positive, influence in some young lives. You survived surgeries, a stroke, a really bad marriage, and borderline poverty. Your biggest disappointment was not having children of your own, but that's a fairly big group of women in the same boat. Your life still mattered regardless of what you have occasionally felt about childlessness.

         Look at all you've lived through: the Cold War, school drills for air attack, the X15 flight into space, John Glen orbiting the earth, man walking on the moon! You remember exactly where you were when you learned that John Kennedy was shot, saw the space shuttle explode after take-off, and heard about the attack on the twin towers. You remember the bells rang all over town, signaling the peace treaty in Vietnam and that wonderful feeling that came with it. Remember the first heart transplant in South Africa? You knew that was just a beginning and a sign of hope for all humanity.

         You lived through the race based riots at your high school and bomb threats. When the black high school closed down, several years after desegregation, you were one of a few who called the members of the black band and invited them to marching practice before school started.

         You've gone from IBM system 3 with drum storage to personal computers, desktops and laptops, and now i-pads. Hardly anyone has a landline anymore (you one of the last in your circles to even get one of those), You've seen personal, portable phones go from big clunky radio size, or even car phones, go to wallet size phones and add extra features, like calculators, music, and compass. Cell phones even take better pictures than some cameras.

         And medicine! Not only heart transplants, but valve replacements, joint replacements, medications, and testing. Your first echo cardiogram in the 1980's was done by a doctor who spoke into a microphone, recording what he saw as he did the test. Ten years later, a technician, with no medical degree, did the whole procedure with a better protocol for privacy, and a doctor looked at the results the next day and wrote up a summary. You've seen such advances!

         The world changed so dramatically while you lived, and you adjusted and changed with it Your generation has weathered a lot, causing some change, resisting a little, but emerging stronger. What a great time in history to have lived.


September 14, 2021 at 4:56pm
September 14, 2021 at 4:56pm
#1017419
Day 3227: September 14, 2021

Prompt: Write about patience. Do you have a favorite quote about this subject you would like to share?


         A long time ago, I learned from the Bible that patience comes from trials and tribulation. So I never prayed for patience, like some people commonly say when frustrated: "God, give me patience!" No, I figured I was patient enough. I certainly had enough tribulation.

         At this point in life, I figure I have plenty of patience for real. If you deal with kids, or drunken husbands, or financial troubles, or bosses you don't like, you just quietly develop patience. Sometimes, it's not the trials, but your learning and reasoning abilities that give you patience. Just recently, I lost my patience when my finished basement flooded. I was using the shop vacuum, when I saw my brother, who was visiting, using my good bath sheet to mop up the floor. Without thinking I yelled at him. I just exploded. As soon as I stopped, I knew I was wrong. I composed myself and then apologized. I could do a laundry on top of the clean up. It wasn't the end of the world. Just because he couldn't read my mind and didn't do it my way, I did not have to blow my lid. I care too much about him to have a problem between us. I wasn't patient that time, but caught myself and might do better if there's a next time.

         Patience can save a lot of heartache and broken relationships. It can allow children to work out their own problems instead of an adult playing general and alienating everyone. It certainly saves us some stress.
August 20, 2021 at 3:04pm
August 20, 2021 at 3:04pm
#1015902
Prompt: “Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life."― Mark Twain Your thoughts, agree or disagree?

         Books! Oh, to be surrounded by good books. If only I could live long enough to read all I want. I am a slow reader, so that makes it even harder to keep up with the books I have. To stay up late and read a story I just can't put down, now, that's a thrill. (I can't permit myself that pleasure any longer, because I'm on a c-pap machine, and it has to be so many hours a night. It reports on me to my doctor like a GPS. Hopefully, it's making me healthier and I'll live a little better.)

         It's a family thing. My brothers liked to read, or at least two of them, but all three quote Shakespeare. My parents read and collected many books, which I now have. And the e-reader has books you can't lend or give away. I need to move to a smaller home, so deciding which books I can keep, and which have to be donated, is baffling me.

         Twain is further right. Chatting with a few friends is a wonderful way to pass the time, whether we're remembering the old days, or discussing books or movies, or contemplating alternate meanings of "The second coming". Those friends are the ones who will meet us in a crisis, or sit by our beds while we are dying, or come to our second weddings. We'll do the same for them.

         As to the "sleepy" conscience, he is right and wrong. It would be so easy to enjoy the first two, and not think about cutting the grass, doing laundry, or getting to work on time and wide awake. The carefree life floating up the Mississippi would be nice. However, we live in an age of taxes and insurance and responsibilities for the nice things we must have. And what of the rest of the world. Would the ideal life involve ignoring the damages of natural disasters in another part of the earth? A sleepy conscience permits us to be free of guilt for our own "errors in judgment", much less oppression, injustice, and violence at home and abroad.

         If only he hadn't thrown in the part about the conscience. We can never be truly carefree for long because our world is in such turmoil. It keeps us unsettled and distraught. The books and friends are a welcome relief and escape from the turbulence astir in the world.



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