I and many of my friends are not happy today. The old Chinese curse comes to mind, “May you live in interesting times.” And there’s no doubt about it; things are about to get very interesting. We need to get on with it, roll up our sleeves, pull on our boots, and go to work. It won’t be easy.
Principles
Yes, they’ll be almost like new
There are things I count on as always being there. Close to the top of my shortlist are my work boots. They’re comfortable and do their job without any fuss. They are always there for me, like old friends. My boots don’t get used everyday and sometimes I assume they will be just as ready to go as they were the last time I wore them. I don’t think of them as being tired or wearing out. That’s why it was such a surprise when the sole came off …
Newfoundland – Again, But With Different Eyes
I had visited Newfoundland 25 years ago, but on a different mission. Then I was neither the traveler nor the tourist, but “the businessman” who had come for the fish, or more precisely, for access to the fish and the profits to be made. This time, it was my turn to be the tourist with National Geographic as my guide …
Choosing a Yard Sign … or Not
Loving some neighbors is hard especially when they put out the wrong political yard sign. I struggle to even tolerate them this time of year. And yet, these are families I know and love, so I work harder at it. Then I wonder about people across town and in other parts of my state. Do I have to love them too?
Pickup Trucks and Responsibilities
Years ago, I made the choice to own a pickup truck. Of course I knew friends would want to borrow it, for moving to a new home, taking stuff to Goodwill, or bringing home their huge Christmas tree, but that didn’t stop me. My truck is a simple F-150 4×4 regular cab, short bed with a manual transmission. There is no carpet, and only crank windows with large wing vents for a great breeze on a summer day. The one luxury is an old cassette deck. The truck is twenty years old, simple and mine …
Stop getting Ready, Choose to Start
Do you wait before beginning a new venture, only to miss the opportunity? Do what you want to do, but stop only getting ready. Planning is important but, “Ready, Fire, Aim – with Trust” could be the best advice. That way you can keep aiming after you have already begun, trusting the process. Take for example, my friend Larry …
24-Hour News is the New Sugar
As we enter the general election season, I’ve decided that I have had enough. Too many sound bites, too much hysteria, and too little deep discussion of complex issues is as bad for me as too much sugar. The 24-hour news cycle has overloaded my head, like Twinkies once overloaded my stomach.
Memories Also Matter
Summer is my favorite season. I have more cherished memories from these warm months than any other. Maybe I remember these times more fondly because summers seemed more relaxed, and my family spent more time together. The days were longer, for one thing, so we could go for ice cream after dinner. Whatever the reason – I love summer.
9 Steps to Hit 100
I was born on July 14, 1941. I am 75. That used to sound old – but not anymore. I plan to hit 100, so I still have 25% of my life to live. Having a strong finish in my Q4 will be important. Here’s my plan …
No More Stuff: A Progress Report
The choice I made at the start of the year was simple. I Resolve: No More Stuff In 2016! I thought the experiment was going to be harder. So far, I haven’t been tempted to break my vow at all. Maybe the reason I haven’t cared about adding new clothing to my life is because Joyce and I recently added a new member to our family. Our new puppy, Louisa …