First of all, sorry about the absence yesterday. I really needed to catch up on some rest. The body and mind were running on empty. Today we had an unusual thing for a Friday. A wedding at 5 pm in D.C. It was a wonderful event and the last daughter of our close friends has tied the knot. No this is a shot from another wedding. I just don’t have the energy left to download and edit the shots yet.

I always enjoy watching the paid photographers and the different angles and shots they try to create. I didn’t shoot a lot tonight. I just enjoyed the event really.

It’s nice and comfortable going to friends’ weddings where you have watch their children be born and raised to become adults and then start families of their own. Speaking of which I wondered if I was going to escape tonight because my better half got a newborn from the brides older sister in her arms tonight and I thought they weren’t going to be separated.

Well, here it is just before midnight again. I think I might try to do more of my post earlier in the day instead of these last-minute rush jobs. But I do want to add one more point. It was kind of a flashback to one of the happiest moments in my life. I was watching the father-daughter dance and the song was somewhat similar to the one my daughter and I danced to or at least the spirit of the song and the intense looks of the father and daughter tonight made my mind wander back to that day I danced with my daughter. And the feeling was wonderful and has warmed my heart for hours and still does sitting here at home hours after I witnessed it.

So here’s to all the happiness children can bring you.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• There is nothing like putting on a sweatsuit after wearing a regular suit.
• It’s interesting to see how many common experiences there are between strangers.
• Going to spend the day doing as much as I can tomorrow because there is no sense wasting a weekend.

With so many things going wrong this week I’m glad I have some good thoughts holding on. Always remember you are in control of your own thoughts. So today I’m going to imagine I’m this guy on the beach walking his dog. That I’m away from the chaos and interactions with people that do me no good.

And tomorrow I’m going to begin anew again because my work week from the job that pays the bills will be behind me and I can get into my crafts again. The growing gap between enjoying one more and the other less is growing by the week. I still enjoy the type of work I do professionally. I still give it a very good effort. But I live for the time to do crafts and spend with family and friends.

I live for my dreams now and not someone else’s who already accumulated more wealth than they need. Another lesson I should have learned earlier in life. Don’t get me wrong. I have nothing against them being wealthy. I have nothing against working for wise businessman. I just would rather work for myself again one day.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Ah, the weekend, just in time.
• In 12 hours I’ll be hugging my granddaughter and all will be right with the world.
• Tomorrow is picture day. Taking, editing, posting, sharing and enjoying.
• If I concentrate on what I’m able to accomplish and not what I can’t I enjoy life a lot more.

I’m kind of proud of myself. I wish I had learned some important lessons at a younger age but better late than never. A day like yesterday might have stuck with me for weeks or months. But I’ve let it go today because there are many more positive things in life to focus on and as I’ve learned there probably are many more negative things coming to deal with.

So instead of getting myself in a knot, I’ve turned a corner and I’m back on track within 24 hours. A bit less actually. I regret the time I’ve wasted in the past in anger or worrying about what people who I don’t respect say or do.

So today I’m minimizing the unpleasant parts of the day and maximizing those that I enjoy. Not always an easy task but if that is the focus its something to keep coming back to when it gets out of balance.

The amount of people pausing over the death of Kobe Bryant is impressive. What is more impressive is the conversations about family and friendships and people helping each other strive to become more and better.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Hi, I’m Mike – I’m a packrat. Not a hoarder, just half that.
• Time to heal, time to feel, time to kneel, time to reel. Yep, the fishing bug is biting again.
• The favorite part of my car during the summer is the convertible top. In the winter it’s the seat warmers. A heating pad on wheels.
• Two nights in a row of 6 hours of sleep each. I know my body likes it and my mind is saying yeah, give me a few more.

I haven’t had disappointment stop me in a while now. But today it’s getting a win over me. I’ll get over it in a little while. I lose my confidence and respect for people when I feel honesty is thrown out the window. It affects me to the core when it impacts me.

It makes me mad. It makes me lose perspective. But I’m getting better in dealing with it probably because I getting more practice at it than I would like. I guess that comes from being a trustful person by nature.

It’s so hard not to slip back into a cynical outlook and turn into a hard-ass in dealing with everyone but I know that isn’t right. But boy is it tempting after days like today.

Looks like I’m going to have to rely on good old Karma again. So tomorrow we raise the mast again and head out to sea. I say that because there is a lot of water on land these days and lots of pirates to deal with.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I’m a lucky man to have such a supportive better half.
• Impacts of people aren’t totally apparent all the time.
• I have to think about eating smart each day to accomplish it. Maybe one day it will be different.

I was so happy about the Maryland men’s basketball game and win today, then the news of Kobe Bryant passing along with his daughter stunned me seconds after the game ended. I was with my best friends and it touched all of us deeply. Especially one of my best friends. We have been longtime Laker fans for decades.

I also quickly thought of my Son who has also followed the Lakers for many years. I remembered the day we saw the Lakers and Wizards play together. I remember the huge Kobe poster he had on his closet door and bobble-heads and other Kobe pictures. So I touched base with him to make sure we were good.

The thought of the pain that family and the other victims is now enduring is not a pleasant one. But as I said to my Son, it reminds me to live each day to the fullest. But Kobe not only lived each day he showed how much hard work can pay off each day. He was a lot of things to a lot of people.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Days like today make you think about hugging and telling loved ones you love them.
• Taking 8 second and 24 second violations to start NBA games was a classy move.
• Watching the tributes to Kobe, his daughter and 7 others brought many a tear to my eyes.
• One good measure of a man is the tributes by his friends, family and those he worked with.
• Watching great and strong men struggle with words is tough.

Wow, what a fine day. A relaxing one with loved ones is a great way to utilize the time. And now some work on my crafts, maybe a few hours uploading some photos and then a good night’s rest.

But as it edges closer to midnight that chill goes up my spine about another work week starting tomorrow. But I’ll worry about that when I actually start. Till then a good time is going to be had.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Is it wrong to tape Saturday Night Live?
• Worry isn’t a waste of time when it’s on the right things.
• If I don’t get to work in my workroom I’ll have to rename the room.
• There is no such thing as too many blankets this time of year.
• I received a stack of photos today that had to be 30-40 years old. Talk about facing the reality of my age now.

Watching a young child learn to crawl is so exciting. You can see the mind clicking once they finally get over that leg and end up on their hands and knees. That sudden confidence. The rocking back and forth on the hands and knees like they are getting the band together for a march onto the football field. A few misfires forward that lead to a few faceplants, but then success. Several strides forward and a stop to survey the new landscape we just traveled to. That first look back to you with a mix of joy and accomplishment and then worry about the further distance from you.

That is what I remember from my daughter’s first movement on her own. And I remember that look of success and also the uncertainty of moving further away. But as all babies do they continue on to explore which is the beginning of a long process to their own independent life.

I’m a lucky father because now I got to experience it a second time now when I saw my granddaughter crawl the other day. I’m glad I view those things with such joy still.

At times in my life, I’ve been depressed and stressed and in a general state of unrest. Some days I wonder how I made it to this point with the thoughts and actions in life I’ve had. Now I look at those times and think how nieve and how small my world was. And the things that I considered big stuff was really small stuff. But without the wisdom of time and perspective, you don’t know those things. The knowledge that the world is so full of joy and wonderment and satisfaction that those things seem invisible.

That is why its all our jobs to help each other out during the different stages of life. If you see someone in need and think you can help, do it. For instance, I’m going to reach out to someone young who I’ve known for a while and see if I can help with their career.

But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes a well-timed and placed smile or compliment. Maybe a “how are you doing” and taking time to listen. Being there for a friend or family member. Being honest with people who need some honesty. Being compassionate when everyone is just making the best of a bad situation.

There are so many of us in need of help. We all see it every day in our lives. From someone dealing with a tough job. Maybe someone who lost a loved one. Those struggling socially. You know it. Its a list, several hundred miles long. If we do our part we can help shorten that list at least.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• When your family and friends are inspired life is enjoyable. It’s like your a predator of fun and laughter.
• I would love to get on a motorcycle again.
• Wishing a speedy recovery to a special person.
• Its good to be one top of both the old and young.
• Tomorrow is a special day for someone I love and therefore its a special day for me.

Lurking in each day is an opportunity. How to spend a few minutes here and there that can really turn into something special. I’m learning how to take advantage of those and build on them. Like tonight. I could have come home and hit the rack for some much needed ZZZ’s. But NOOOO, I’m going to stay up and work on the photo site. Maybe one day behind that work another opportunity will be lurking.

Tomorrow lurks a special opportunity. A chance to practice some people photography. Yep from young to old and everything in between. I think I’ll get some video also. And right now I’m going to try a few product shots just to take a break once in a while from editing.

I didn’t feel that spark for a few days there. 10-12 hours work a day can take make that spark difficult to find. I keep searching each week for that energy I remember having. I know its hiding someplace and I will find it.

But its the weekend now and I have some time to shoot and tinker with the crafts. So Life is Very Good for me right now. I hope it is for all of you also.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Wishing someone very close a speedy recovery.
• We toasted my best friends Lab tonight. He was a special dog.
• I fixed a few things today. That’s a good feeling.
• I used to let the fact that I may not be cut out to do some things stop me. Wisdom has tough me not to care about that anymore and to keep trying.
• I’m worried about the lack of things that tie a community together. Things like a community paper.

Feeling rather laid back today and peaceful. Maybe that is why I selected the photos below from Arlington National Cemetery. I love visiting in the summer. But its time to make my winter visit. So I guess I’ll bundle up this Sunday and head over.

If it’s a nice morning I think I’ll take a long way out and see a few sights and snap a few new images. I think I’ll try to snap a few images every morning this weekend. I’ve got to get moving on some photographic projects around the county I live in.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Welcome to town Sister In-law. Enjoy the visit.
• I wonder if the internet ever goes down for any length of time if anyone is going to be capable of doing anything?
• I’m making a lot of progress but its certainly not as fast as I would like.
• I know I need to watch less TV. But its a constant battle. Sort of like food. They keep putting stuff in front of me that looks good and I fight to stay away from it.

Now that we have our first grandchild, I want to make their visits to our house, like a visit to the Magic Kingdom. I want them to have such fond memories of it as they grow into adults.

I thought about this as I saw the importance of my own children seeing their grandparents home for the last time. Talking about the rooms or parts of the yard they liked the best. You can see the memories in them.

I can envision one memory there so clearly. It is one that I will always have and take with me. When the children were very young we took them to their grandparents and my better half and I went to look at a kitten that was rescued. We ended up getting it and bringing it back to their home and the look and tears of joy on my daughters face can still bring a tear to my eye today.

I hope to make many happy occasions for many years to come for them. I want to watch them run from the car to the front door someday. I want them to walk in the kitchen and just start looking around like my children do.

As usual my better half is way ahead of me. The toy collection has begun and a toy box was needed already, and she isn’t a year old. And some recent larger toys and a stroller have invaded. I love it. I see something new and I can’t help but smile.

Maybe one day some of these will be part of their collection that they pass down to their kids. Time moves so fast. Seems like just yesterday we brought our own children back from the hospital after being born.

The outdoors were not fit for man or beast today so these artificial ones will have to do. That was some bright sun today. It was quite deceiving. Because that cold was as cutting as that beak.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• If only they knew.
• If only I knew.
• Does anyone know?
• Oh no, everyone might know.
• I do know that time got the best of me again today.
• I do know my heart is a bit heavy for an important friend tonight.

This is going to be a great week. I’m trying to start thinking more positively and going into a new week with a good attitude is key. Initially, it’s easy to look at this week in a positive light. Birthdays coming up with those close to me. A close relative who lives on the other side of the country coming to visit. The short work week and family plans for the weekend. What is not to like.

Why not think of the great times and work ahead to be done. Why not look at the possibilities. Why not act and do something positive. The negative and tough times will come on their own. Let’s make good use of every good moment we can draw from every week.

So find yourself something good to hang your hat on this week.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Take a moment to send some love or kind words or a phone call to someone who’s under the weather or has a child or pet who’s ill.
• Wow, I got a note from WordPress that its been 6 years now. Well, at least I’ve used it to get more motivated, more confident, more creative, more inspired, more positive and filled with thoughts about what I can do in the future.
• I’ve got to get busy saying all the things I’d like to say before I don’t have the time left to say them anymore. And yes kids, that is why I say I love you so often.
• Remember to learn from history before your doomed to repeat it said a wise man I believe.

Had a few things start off the year in a less than optimal fashion but I’m learning to let them pass and move on to better and brighter things. Some things and some people aren’t going to change. And that is fine, I just accept it and move on.

By a stroke of luck I have off on a holiday Monday. I hope to make good use of it and capture some new images. I’m doing a favor for a friend in the morning and then some quick rest and a productive rest of the day. The only thing that beats a short holiday workweek is a week of vacation.

And the only thing that I hear beats a week of vacation is retirement. Each day I start a new week I cross off a number on my desk that looks forward to that day of retirement.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Well the team I had a rooting interest in lost this evening so that ends this years football season for me.
• I’m beginning to think that Snickers commercial is real. I feel much more like myself after eating one.
• I’m glad I don’t wager anymore. I bet with my heart instead of my head.
• I’ve got to accomplish more each day.
• I was almost in too much of a hurry today.

I had the pleasure today of attending the Maryland basketball game with my Son, a wonderful Xmas gift from him. Nothing beats spending time with my kids. Well, spending time with their children and pets also comes in a close second. Family time is so important to me.

Really everything I do now besides work is more important. It didn’t use to be that way but its the reality now. What used to seem so important is now down the scale. Work is what I used to measure my worth by at one time in my life, counts for a much lower percentage than in its heyday. At times in my life, my reality was out of whack in regards to my balance in life and my work. Well, more accurately my work was my life. That is very wrong when it hurts other important things.

Please don’t get me wrong. I work hard and take it very seriously. I’m a lead in my group and constantly strive to improve. I believe I’m a good team member and the only thing that ever puts me in danger of losing a job is my outspoken mouth.

But the passion in my life is back in the right places. Family, friends, helping, hobbies and crafts along with taking the time to appreciate living.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Picking this year’s NCAA basketball tournament is going to be a crapshoot this year.
• I like it when people are honest with me.
• I believe a good night’s rest is in order.
• I have something deep in my heart that I hope works out.

If you can help someone or many people have a better life then there is no better gift that you could give yourself than to just do it. I know the days I do something like that, it makes my day feel more complete. It feels like accomplishment even though you have nothing tangible in your hands. Well, sometimes that hug and handshake go a long way.

Taking the time often entails you giving up something most precious to you. Yep, you have to take your time and give it to someone else. Sometimes it tough while you are actually doing it. Sometimes it’s not fun. Sometimes you cross the balance of doing too much by delaying other important things. But that payoff at the end is nice.

Keeping your sense of optimism each day is important.

This is kind of funny because the line above is where I left off writing this post earlier. I was all excited about some pictures I took this afternoon but I believe my oldest digital camera may be on its last legs. I could get the images off if I had a card reader but its download ability seems to have disappeared. I’ve spent some time troubleshooting but without luck so far.

So I’ll reread that line above where I left off earlier to make it to the end of this post because I’ll miss that old camera if this is it – Keeping your sense of optimism each day is important.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Experiences in life aren’t always fair says everyone who ever lived.
• I thought about taking some snow pictures tomorrow morning but it’s cold outside. Well maybe I’ll go outside, but if I do that cover your ears.
• I think I’ll go take some steps tonight. Yep, the treadmill comes alive.
• One good way to make people happy is to listen.

I’m getting scared of the accepted carnage on the highways. From the fender bender to the most gruesome collisions. The inmates (drivers) have taken control of the asylum (highways). People have realized there is not enough law enforcement to keep them from doing what they want on the roads. And the priorities of the few are wreaking havoc out there for the many.

This doesn’t even take into account the people that never had the skills to drive in today’s fast-moving pace. Or those whose skills have eroded. It’s magnified by the volume of traffic so the margin for error is reduced.

Then again I guess with the list of things that are wrong in this world that’s small potato’s unless you’re caught in a mess because someone thought they were more important than everyone else.

Well, let’s hope we all kind of relax in the coming year, maybe be in less of a rush and maybe more courteous.

Really when I started this I was just really pissed off about someone who tailgated me for a few miles. I’ve got to get me a few of those James Bond weapons installed. I’ll have to make an appointment with Q.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Laughter is really good. When its with friends it’s great.
• Sometimes in life, you got to be prepared to say “whatever”.
• If I appear in a tired state this evening, it’s really more like a tired country.
• Notice when it was warm out this past week I posted snow pictures. Today is a spring photo because it’s cold as %@$#*@(*#&^ outside.
• And here I thought I had a good amount of free time today.

Yes, I feel alive today. It’s amazing what a good night’s rest will do for me. And with a weekend ahead my mental spirits are rising fast. I can’t wait to get the camera in my hand and get some fresh work done.

Got a jam-packed weekend so I figure it will be flying by as usual. So I’m going to try to soak up every minute of it I can.

The next few days are pretty stacked with things for others but there are a few hours this weekend that I’ll be doing a few things for me. I’m glad I don’t spend a lot of time worrying about that balance. I feel selfish when I do. Actually I’m enjoying the things I do for others very much. I guess I was wise in choosing whom to help.

I’m so glad I was able to break out of a negative outlook cycle of life. When I look at the mistakes it was related to selfishness. Also not appreciating all the gifts I’ve been given in life. Maybe even not appreciating every opportunity. I try to do better each day now.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• It’s better to just do the difficult stuff and get it out of the way than to look at it and wonder about doing it.
• Even people you should be able to trust can be deceptive.
• If I can start and finish each day with a smile I’m doing well.
• I’m in need of some music, and some dinner.

Rumor is the COLD is on its way. I know some are very happy with this thought. I do not share that sentiment. But it does provide some beauty that I do like to view. It’s one of the things I’ve always liked about Maryland. It has a nice balance of all seasons. They seem to equal out in duration and they all have very unique qualities.

I just have issues with being cold so Winter is my least favorite. I don’t like the shorter sunlight. I don’t like the bareness of nature but the snow does show something wonderful. Its a peaceful thing. All I think about is the special kind of quiet it provides. Natures sound room.

Winter also brings out the youth in you. Of course, the emergency room business goes way up also. I think I’ll like it a lot more when I’m retired. At least that way when and where I go will be determined by me.

A busy week ahead but with the cold coming, I think I’ll split some wood for some exercise. I know my son can use some for his fireplace. And it’s a nice seasoned pile.

So the rumor has it we have some winter precipitation headed to us on Saturday. Well, bring it on Mother Nature. I got my big winter coat out. We have the prerequisite family SUV with 4 wheel drive. I guess I should fire up the generator and test it before the power goes out sometime this winter.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I’m glad I’m not an Astros, Redsox or Mets baseball fan.
• I wonder if the number of corrupt things in this world finally outnumber those that aren’t?
• That was a good College Football game last night.
• I’ve got to get back to looking for the humor in situations.
• The accident that happened next to me yesterday reminded me how dangerous it is out there on the road. Someone just not paying attention.

I chose the title Monday Minutes because that is about all the time I have free on Mondays, just a few minutes. So let’s make the best of it and see what we can come up with today. Sometimes a deadline will inspire greatness.

I saw this image and I thought about hidden beauty. Everyone has a hidden beauty inside them. It can come out in many ways. And sometimes that beauty leads to wonderful things.

My first thought of something beautiful in nature is like a wildflower on a hillside on a Hawaiian Island that is so stunning it stops you. But today I’m thinking of the hidden beauty of the people involved with the care of sick children all the way to elderly and their loved ones and circle of friends. From the nurses and caregiving attendants to the staff and in a lot of cases the family and closest friends who care and try to make life good.

I can’t remember what clip is was I saw recently over the holidays of athletes visiting hospitals and the reactions and joy it brought. And while it seems the beauty is in the act of the stars visiting and bringing those smiles and a few minutes of normalcy in life, I believe its the ones visiting who might have received the best gift of all if they were open to it. And that is seeing how fortunate they are in health and ability, to learn how much joy they can bring others and share that, to realize that its not just the person in the bed or wheelchair or medical tree of tubes that go with their every step that they are helping.

Lots of times its also a brief reward and respite for those loved ones and friends. The joy of just seeing a smile or excitement for those enduring life challenges that they cherish is like medicine for their hearts also. These people are also hero’s who do extraordinary work. They are there throughout the weeks and months and sometimes years of treatments or recoveries. And they are there for sometimes unfortunate endings.

Many of these people might be members of your family, or neighbors who are doing wonderful things. And it doesn’t take extraordinary efforts to make an impact. Just making the time to visit elderly parents on a regular basis improves their lives a lot. Donate some time supporting the caregivers. Just tell them the amazing job they are doing or something to brighten their days.

Some people try to hide it or minimize their work and contributions. That humbleness is a beauty in itself. These people don’t blow their horns. They do this work from a labor of love. Wouldn’t be nice if we could all care for each other even when we aren’t sick.

But I just felt like I need to say thanks to all the people out there doing the hard work each day in and out.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Help yourself and you will be better prepared to help others.
• Appreciate all you do have before complaining about what you don’t.
• I sense cold weather coming and I’m not a happy camper.
• Life is easy if you don’t over complicate it.
• It feels good to keep your spirits in the positive direction. Even with some pain.

Just pick something to challenge yourself. Both physically and mentally if you can. At least I hope this philosophy will work in my senior years. I’d like to take on and experience a number of things in retirement.

In some ways, I’m looking forward to being more active and challenged in retirement than I’ve been in my professional career. Mainly because I’ll be in charge of direction and challenges to take on. So light that grill and take off.

But retirement is a few years off so I got to get busy utilizing the time well now to prepare for it so I can hit the ground running. Like having a portfolio of work ready to go. I’m working steadily on that. About 6,400 images so far. Yeah I know, quality not quantity. But always remember, sometimes it only takes one more image to make a really good series of images.

I’ve promised myself to get out and shoot some this week. And I think I’ll start this evening. Also I think I’ll try to prepare a few special and smart dinners this week.

I did better this past year but far from where I should be in terms of eating right. So I’m going to try to do better again. Because I’d like to live for a long time. Well, let me rephrase that. A lot longer than I have already.

So I’ve got a couple of pieces of fruit for my lunch tucked away for the beginning of the workweek. Maybe some nuts and I’ll try to stay out of the snack room this week. It just comes down to making smart decisions each day about eating. From what to how much. Its all a matter of choice. I even ate some spinach during dinner. I guess that was a correct choice.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Not a good weekend for the local sports teams here in Maryland.
• Finding something you think you misplaced is a nice treat.
• Some things take time and effort over a long period to finally start to look successful.
• It’s a good thing to maintain long distance friendships. You never know when you might be living close together again.

Not all people obey the SIGNS. Like the NO DIVING sign below, some take liberties and use them as suggestions. Take the Speed Limit sign for instance. Is there a sign more abused? Well maybe STOP signs come in a close second. Maybe the Yield sign. Then again No Parking signs get abused.

You just passed your Exit signs are fun. Signs like Welcome to Your Town bring a smile to our faces. Especially when we have been away for a while.

We buy your used car flipping sign guys in front of Carmax. Emergency Room signs become very important as you make your way through a strange hospital. Increasing gas price signs along the highways.

Big Numbers on Lotteries signs flash at every store. Signs in your neighbor’s yard for a Home For Sale. Signs supporting the various Candidates for Election. Signs indicating accidents ahead. The many and inventive Yard Sale signs.

Signs its someone’s Birthday with balloons on the mailbox. Builders signs at every corner. Bent Street signs. 2 for $5 Burger signs. Do you Need a Lawyer sign (most of these you won’t see because they have been run over)?

The Left lane must turn Right at the next intersection signs. Even signs where your Dog Can’t Crap. I didn’t know dogs could read. Important signs like Restroom signs. Always look closely.

Oh, I have a tremendous issue with people abusing Handicapped Parking signs. Pray, I don’t see you. Another one you might not want to ignore, the good old RxR Crossing sign.

The Bar sign over your local watering hole that you dream about having in your basement. The sign next to your daily horoscope. The Pancake Breakfast sign in front of the local church.

And remember – Not all signs are on the Level.

So today I’ll spend the rest of my time looking for positive signs. Mainly from people instead of objects.

My apologies for posting a strange picture yesterday without explanation. That machine in front of the old Washington Post building with the entry gate down is a Linotype Machine. It was used decades ago, yeah when I first started in the industry to set type for newspaper pages.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Everyone needs a recharging station.
• The more humor I read or hear, the better my day is.
• Do you ever have those days where you think you should get out and do something but the call of the house to stay home and do nothing is so loud it can’t be ignored?
• Taking Christmas lights down is depressing. But then again having 68-degree weather to do it in is nice.
• One of my favorite drummers passed recently. Thanks for the great music, Neil Peart. I loved seeing Rush live.

We all have the ability to write. One of my best friends is an incredible writer but he would never fantom writing for writing sake. I thought about writing for many decades before I decided to try it. I really should have been working on it all my life.

My 9th grade English teacher would probably roll over in her grave if she heard me say that. I think my parents might like that I try to write. Then again is my writing about nothing really writing? Well, who decides what is nothing and what is life and observations.

These days you don’t have to be a writer for newspaper/magazine or write a book or short stories. Like me, you can write away with abandon. Yeah, the audience is few but that is OK. If it was just my family I’d be a happy man.

And who knows, I might write something good someday. And even if I don’t its helped me. I slow down when I write. I try to think. I try to balance. I don’t always succeed but I keep writing. I hope to write about the many experiences I have yet to have. Today I got tickets to a concert for my better half and me to attend this summer. I hope to write about how special that evening is.

For the past 10 years, I’ve had the idea and half-hearted effort at writing a book to my children. I started and didn’t get very far on a book on living in the nocturnal world for periods of time in my life sprinkled with Night photography.

I always think about writing on how important family and friendships are and can be. And yes those can be painful at times also but the best is so rewarding and right that it outweighs the pain of the few that go sideways.

I write about getting old, about having a changed look at life after cancers. I write about hating cold weather. I have yet to write about how each Sunday makes me nervous because the Packers are playing and that is my Son and my favorite team. And yes we pull for the local Ravens team also but if its a Super Bowl were backing the Pack.

I haven’t written more than a few of the hundreds of wonderful experiences I hope to have as a grandparent. Or for that fact the wonderful experiences of being a parent. And yes I could probably fill a few bookshelves with mistakes I made in that. But they survived me anyway and did very well.

I haven’t written about my life in newspapers. No, it’s not that exciting. But I’ve watched a lot of exciting things. And I’ve had a view that few had until recently.

I don’t know if I’ll ever write about some of the mistakes I’ve made in life. (that would fill a few isles in the library). Sometimes I start to write about a friend who has passed and I feel its too personal to share. But sometimes it feels good just writing it.

I thought about writing about the special group of guys who played ball at Hammond Village. I thought about writing about how awkward I felt growing up.

Each day I sit and either a photo inspires me or a thought races across my mind and my fingers at the keyboard and I blog away that day. So it’s nice having the freedom to write. It’s good therapy for me to be more positive.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Being a Maryland basketball fan takes a lot of medicine to get through some nights.
• I’m getting much better at not wasting time being mad.
• My day was a success. I made a child smile repeatedly.
• If I didn’t work so hard during the week I’d be a lot less tired on my weekends.
• I wonder if I’ll ever ride a motorcycle again?

I had an ambitious project that started before the new year. It’s a little larger than I thought but I’m also glad of that. Because the more I work on it the better I feel. The more I work, the more I think about what more I can do with it. And the thought of filling it up with even more content as each day passes.

It’s part of my daily routine now to add, edit, label, position. Almost 6,000 images so far and lots more to go. Already starting to organize it a little differently. I see weeks if not months of work ahead. Ain’t it great.

I love that I’m finally organizing all my family and friend’s photos. And I’ve got an area for all the old family slides once I get them transferred.

I feel alive. I’m feeling like opportunities are there if I just step up and follow through on some of my ideas.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I’m almost giddy about seeing my grandchild in a few hours. Let me charge the camera batteries.
• Having a day a week where you can gather with your best friends is so important.
• Taking some things as they come is part of life. But always have your lines.
• I try to take every image as it belongs in a nice frame. I’ll settle for 1 per week.

I don’t know why I thought of that as I rolled out of bed today but I went ta-dah as I woke. And I kind of chuckled as I did because ta-dah is a bit pretentious when not used as a joke. I’m not one for grand entrances or grandiose proclamations. But just waking up today felt good. So Ta-Dah.

Waking up each day feels like a victory. So why not celebrate it with a joke and a laugh. And maybe if I’m happy it will rub off on someone else.

Instead of shooting today I’m going to try to learn something new about my camera. Yes, I’m lazy and don’t know every one of the controls. But I’m trying to be less lazy and it is fun. I’m also working on my photo portfolio on Zenfolio. I got about 5,500 images on there so far. Not all public but a large percentage. Still finding stuff stashed away to upload. Like the two photos used today.

Random Thoughts of the day.

• The pen may be mightier than the sword. But it’s losing to the electronic devices.
• I wonder what the ratio of friends on Facebook to real friends is?
• That is one bright moon out there this evening. Guess that and the snow on the ground help brighten up a cold evening.
• I’m looking forward to working hard this weekend. That way I’ll be too tired to worry about the work week ahead.
• Today I’m going to do something important. Not sure what it is, but at least that is my hope.

Ah, the first snow of 2020 in the area. Well, the term snow is relative. Here it means it snowed anywhere between an inch to a few feet. We get mostly the inch kind in the mid-Atlantic area. I had a few minutes to watch it start and check every once in a while till it covered the grass slowly and then the driveway and street in front of my house. And it brought a youthful smile to my face.

Long gone are the days of “Killer HILL” sledding or neighborhood snowball fights. Or going to the ballfield and doing imitation slides to home plate in the snow. The building of the giant snowman in the front yard vanished decades ago. Laying in the middle of fresh snow making snow angels and listening to the quiet that snow provides are memories.

Getting out in the snow and playing like a child is something that should continue through life. When my kids were growing up we would make a snowman, so I did that as an adult also but I haven’t in a long time. I’ll still make a snowball once in a while and throw it at my better half while we shovel the walk and driveway each year. I haven’t made a snow angel in decades but maybe if we get good snow this year I’ll flop down and make one. I’m trying to remember how to be a youth. Maybe if we get a good snow one day I’ll build a ship next to my lighthouse.

Photos by Mike Hartley – I love the views around my home.

Trust is something that is going around in smaller amounts and continues to decline. It’s a shame and it’s part reality. There always have been bad people on earth that prey on others. Now not only are we more aware of them the number of them goes up. From simple phone scams to robberies.

Trust on so many levels has come into question. And it should. If you don’t have trust what do you have? It has been eroded on so many levels. Maybe that is why the few relationships you have where you have explicit trust are so special.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Happiness is the day I can choose what road to drive and when instead of the trek to the office and back.
• Each day I learn lessons about myself.
• Snow is cold and I don’t like cold.
• Snow is beautiful because it replaces grey.

A verse for today from Ozzy Osborne song Crazy Train

Crazy, but that’s how it goes
Millions of people living as foes
Maybe it’s not too late
To learn how to love and forget how to hate

Sometimes I have to start small to get in the routine of doing something good. I was looking at a number of talented people near the end of the year and how they have posted their favorite photo of the month for 2019 or significant projects.

When I started looking at my photos by month I realized I was using a number of older photos that I had in my library of images taken before I started blogging regularly. I’m not saying that is a bad thing or they don’t count, but I started this to promote shooting more.

So tonight I begin again anew. Well those are pretty words aren’t they? More like “about time I got my ass in gear” would be more appropriate. So I’m going to try to grab a few frames this evening and keep shooting every day of my life. I’ve let myself get lazy and not think like a young man where everywhere you look is a good opportunity for an image.

When my mind is right, photography is a joy and ease. When its cluttered with issues and troubles it’s hard to see the opportunities. So here is to keeping the mind free of those stresses.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Mondays are always the roughest day of the week for me. In one way that is good. The rest of the week is cake.
• My old camera is starting to show its age. Just like its owner.
• I’ve gotten used to working alone. Even though I consider myself a social person I bet I’d have a few issues working in a populated office.
• I’m in love with so many people. Life is great.

Why not today. It’s a good a day as any. I’m fired up. Production is in high gear and projects move forward. I got a special one with a due date in early March so that leaves me only two months to follow through with that but a great start was made today.

I’m excited, I’m focused, I’m positive and thinking ahead and acting now. Getting on a positive roll is nice. So many things impact that when you can just get into that mode and sustain it for a few days or weeks if your lucky, it’s a wonderful experience.

I don’t know what got me going today, I’ve been making some progress while I was off for a few days from the job that pays the bills and I guess it got contagious. I’m excited about learning some things to help make my sites look more professional. Well at least attempt to spruce up the amateur I am.

I’m within a week of having my photo site updated. At that time I’ll start posting some links here to Galleries. I’m starting a Facebook page that I guess I link to this site. I’ve got some learning to do. Speaking of FB, I’ve got to communicate with a few people using some of my photos. I just want credit when they do use them.

In some ways when negative things happen, I’m doing much better at turning them around to positive things. Didn’t always used to be my forte. Sometimes I’d get really mad and make them worse. But I guess I’m getting a little smarter as time goes along.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I miss my better half and its only the first day of the workweek.
• In some areas of my life the hits just keep coming but people will learn I hit back also.
• Working on my own work is so much more rewarding that working on someone else’s. Well at least in the feeling department. Maybe not so much in the financial area.
• Partners who don’t speak aren’t partners.
• This is my decade.

We rooted some pieces of history from the attic today. Some of the kid’s things we saved from their youth. Brought a lot of ooh’s and ahh’s from each of us with each box or toy we passed down. And then when she opened the clothing box of their favorite things it stopped both of us.

I didn’t even come close to taking everything out. It will still be a while till the grandchildren need bikes or wagons. But I’m so glad we saved some things. Well, actually a lot of things. Just the books and stories alone bring back so many memories of reading to them and the games we would play doing that. My better half reminded me of the storm noises we used to have to make at a certain page in one of the books. She held it up fast so I didn’t catch the title and this old mind memory for that would be stretching things.

I also found a few boxes of my Mom’s items also that I stored after she passed several years ago. I was kind of intrigued by this one piece I believe she got when she traveled to China. From the descriptions, I’ve found online it’s a Classic Blue/White Porcelain Ginger Jar.

It looks nice, is large and is fairly heavy. I can’t read what looks to be a Chinese mark on the bottom of it. Time to enlist more experienced help. I did find one interesting site called Invaluable that had some good info. I’ll look for a local dealer experienced in these wares also and keep searching.

The decorations are down. Well most of them. I still have to take the outdoor lights down and the basement tree and lights. But in the next few days, the home will be back to normal. It’s kind of sad, I enjoy them so.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• My least favorite season is chapstick season.
• A normal workweek on the horizon. Lord help us.
• I’m trying but I’m not sleeping well.
• Terps basketball wins make me feel really good.
• Is the dynasty over? Could the Pats be OVER? And yes I did pick the Titans.

I had a real setback earlier this week that I’m still trying to snap out of. I’m extremely disappointed about the negative effect it has had on me and my family. I’ve always had trouble letting go of things when I’ve been wronged. I think the phrase that applies is “It sticks in my craw.”

Each day I try to get better with my temper. I consciously make a serious effort. But there are still people and actions taken in this world that really rub me the wrong way.

Luckily we had our granddaughter today and that innocence and joy, the love and trust, the warmth and appreciation was a nice relief from some poor feelings. And the day was finished with a nice visit with my father and mother inlaw.

It didn’t cure me because I’ll be dealing with long term effects of this issue for some time but it helped me refocus. Not forgive, but to not let it dominate my time. Not let it dominate my attitude or dampen my joy of life and each day. Even though it’s not a small thing, I’ll put it in that category when it comes to worrying about it.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Desire does the job.
• If you add chores to your already busy routine, but you see the payoff, they no longer are chores, they are just routine.
• Hopefully, I’ll turn the corner tonight and wake up totally motivated on Saturday.
• My dental hygienist has the softest touch with my teeth. I don’t dread a dental visit when I know I’ll have her cleaning the pearly whites.
• Sometimes when you feel like you have the most time to do a post, it’s actually the least amount, as I finish another one just before midnight.

Almost time to start taking the ornaments off the tree. Seems like I just started putting them one. The day I started I got the reminder to make sure the “special ones” are up and displayed. After almost 40 years of marriage together we have a few more ornaments than we can use. Even with the big tree I get and the one in the basement.

Some items like our kid’s first ornaments from births and ones they first made in school or ones from our parents that were part of their trees for decades. A few sets or series of ornaments that are our favorites. That is the special part of every tree. I love seeing everyone’s interpretation and sometimes history on the tree at holiday time. I like making our tree different every year.

I love the smell of a fresh-cut tree. We also have a smaller artificial one in the basement. I hope I’m well enough to go get that live one each December for a long time to come. And even though we might not celebrate every year at our home, it’s going to be decorated well because we both enjoy it. Of course, my better half is the far superior decorator and the place is really nice with the touches and items she brings to each room.

I guess I’m just a little sad the season came and went so fast. But its always like that when you have a good time. So till next year Christmas and New Year.

My how life changes. I just thought of something I have to add to the bucket list. I want the grandkids to bury me on the beach on our family summer vacation. I know its a few summers off but the idea of that just popped in my head this afternoon. See, even during winter, I can have warm summer thoughts that put a smile on my face.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Friendships are getting together, laughing, sharing, helping, remembering and planning. It’s also fun to add some good food and drinks.
• A short but successful day. Some rest, some fun. And finish strong with some work.
• It’s hard to smile about a rain-filled 2-day forecast. I guess I could practice some foul weather photography.
• Why I chose to start my Friday off with the dentist appointment is beyond me. I might want to consider the checkup from the neck-up.

Well, to be honest, I don’t have much new to do today. a working holiday for me so that is pretty consistent with the past. I did get on the treadmill but I started that a few days ago. I did communicate with friends and family about the wishes for the coming year. Mainly listened to theirs.

Being a better listener is something I’m going to try to do better in this coming year. I’m pretty good at it already but I can always get better. For I think I talked more this past year than I normally do so I’ll try to cut back on that which makes time to listen. I get much smarter by listening more and talking less anyway.

My new year hasn’t started out the way I had thought it would in some respects. I got to adjust to some sudden changes. As usual poor communications made it worse. And no they weren’t on my part. But I’ll recover. And I’m looking for positive ways to make the year better despite a setback.

As you get older and nearing retirement age (or past it) and your still working its harder and harder to go back to work after some time off with family and friends. It’s all we want to do now (be able to be retired). Yes we still work hard but it’s not the focus of our lives it once was. And now we look at each other and say how are we going to do more years of this?

Of course the new grandchild has been a strong draw to spend time with and we can’t wait for our days together each week. Its that time to share with the people important to you that really is the joy. Yes I know most all of them have to return to work also so it can’t be a holiday week all the time. I also know that what makes it so special now is because they are limited throughout the year. But the balance is way off. We all focus to much on our jobs and not each other.

The long commute seems to be longer and more difficult and more dangerous. The rude people are harder to tolerate as well as for things that go wrong. The desire to be a leader has eroded. And no I’m not in a position of leadership anymore so its not like I’m not doing my job. I’m a natural leader by the work ethic I have anyway.

All I know is that I look with glee each time I get to cross off a week on my countdown chart at the job for the day I can hopefully retire. Of course that was dealt a blow this week already.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• If you can start off a new year with the kiss of the person closest to your heart, then you’re off to a fine start.
• I love those funny daily desk calendars. Nothing like starting your day with a smile.
• OK, I’m ready for a snow day from work. But I see none in the forecast.
• I’m glad twinkling lights on a Xmas tree still make me feel good.