It has been 11 years!

   It has been eleven years since I started talking to myself on this "blog".  Somehow it is satisfying to be able to speak what's on my my and have only the dog to respond to it.  Yet, I don't really speak my mind because there is the chance that someone that I care about might be hurt to read it.  We all have pain and disappointment that is caused by friends and family that hurts deeply but that we cannot speak about because they still are important and mean so much to us.  I like to give the impression that I am a tough guy and that I am OK with letting people go when they hurt me, but that is really not how it is.  John Wayne said, "Forgive you enemy, but remember the bastards name."   That is true but at the same time you try not to loose a person only because they broke your heart.   

  I have been trying to keep busy during the pandemic by making little things out of clay.  It is pleasing to see something nice come from the labor (passion) of your hands.                            

     

                                                                                            

(see Instagram:   10 Saguaro )

A New Year

     A new year begins and another one fades into the past.  Some are excited about the future and some see only the regrets.  2012 was filled with natural disaster, criminal acts of tragic proportions, controversial elections and mind numbing economy.  You know what???? We can expect the same in the next year as well.  Sounds fatalistic.... it is not meant to be negative. It is meant to take a realistic look at life.  God knows we would love to have everything tied up with warm fuzzies and sugar coated kisses.  But I say, nay, nay!  

    Not all the peanuts in the jar taste good.  But that should not be the criteria for avoiding snacks.  Remember the words of Auntie Mame,  "life is a banquet and most suckers don't even get up to the table!"  Did you lose your job?  Did someone die?  Did you lose parts?  If you want someone to hold you and support you, I'm your man.  If you expect everything to go perfectly, you are living in la la land.

    This year brought friends death, personal pain and illness, frustration and malaise.  And I consider this year to be one of the most wonderful years of my life!  Why, because I am surrounded by those who love me, respect what I do and think about, because I have a means to express my inner self, AND the expectation of a new beginning each day!  Why don't we begin the new year with the expectation that life will be nothing more, nothing less than life!  Live through the crap and remember the roses.  You and I are unique. We are special and we only go around once!  Reach out and hand a friend or a stranger the boon of YOU!  

May you and yours have the best of New Years!