I smiled as I opened the email from Joshua and Ryan, the title had offered an instant memory jolt: “Love People. Use Things. The Opposite Never Works.” This took me back to the late ’80s when our son was in high school. I had just gotten a new car, a Plymouth Caravelle. It was relatively plain except for one important accessory. It boasted the latest in cutting edge technology. A phone …
Life Experiences
“Granddaddy Day” – Priceless
It started in 2005 as my Christmas gift to our four grandchildren. I wrote each their own card announcing “Granddaddy Days.” They were to be special days when we would spend time together, one grandchild at a time, for the full day. The initial impressions that morning were not good, but quickly became a cherished tradition. Seeing the world through the eyes of my grandchildren is wonderful. I often think about where their curious minds will take them as they grow.
Finding The Perfect Home
My mother collected many things her trips to Florida, including two prints. For years, they sat in a dark storage cabinet in my home. Now they are back home in Florida, back out in the sunshine. I’m sure they will be comfortable there. Now, in their new home, people will look at them and they’ll look back, pleased. I want that for everyone, even my things ..
Live Longer! Start Blogging!
They say, You can’t teach old dogs new tricks, but I think new skills are important for “oldsters.” For some of us, the new trick can be learning to appreciate music, or to play a new instrument. For others, it’s learning a second language, or tutoring younger students. Some explore volunteering and exercising to stay active and busy. The new trick list is long because any new cognitive activity will work magic. It can take us from just “Oldsters” to “Super-Oldsters.” Me? I blog.
Turn Off The Radio And Sing
When I finished my cancer treatment, it turned out that the journey back was longer and slower than I had planned. I tried many alternative therapies, but there was one possible cure I never stumbled across … until I stumbled across Fia Jack Skye.
A Lawn Chair and Six-Pack in the Age of Trump
Few people know Yellowstone country better than wildlife biologist Jeremy Schmidt. Jeremy has spent more than 30 years in the area, working as a winter keeper, park ranger, naturalist, photographer, and author. I asked Jeremy what he would do if he knew it was about to erupt – to blow. Jeremy’s response lingers, “Bruce, I’d set up my lawn chair, grab a six-pack, and enjoy the fireworks …
A Family Tradition of Gratitude
Family gatherings, especially around the holidays, can be packed with traditions. Some old, some newer, but it’s the traditions forgotten – then revived, that can be the most special. This past Christmas there was a dented silver cup on the table with slips of paper folded inside. It went overlooked among all the other offerings on our festive table until midway through the meal …
Lessons From a Spice Cabinet
I’ve learned there are a whopping 8.7 million different spices in the world. The spice trade is both huge and ancient. It’s been around for over 5,000 years. Spice trading was a global industry even before we discovered the world was a globe, instead of being as flat as my kitchen table. Clearly there has always been a demand for more than my basic ten choices.
Sometimes the Universe Brings it all Together
It was the 226th anniversary year of The Battle of McIntyre’s Farm, also known as the Battle of the Bees. Located seven miles out of Charlotte, this historic 1780 battle ended with 14 American Patriots routing 600 of British commander Lord Charles Cornwallis’ finest. I need to remember the powerful family stories. I need to remember how my relatives did #resist, fought with the colonists, built the underground railroad, worked in the mines, and were the Hornets running off Cornwallis.
Lessons from Black & White Photos
Stories from the past can be great teaching tools for today. I’ve thought about the stories told in our old photographs – both what I see, and what I don’t see. Our family pictures show people wearing their best clothes and posing for the camera.