THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Category Archives: Blogging


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I have roots in this town

Decided I needed to do some walking outside yesterday and skipped the treadmill. So I took the go cart (Miata) out to Ellicott City, parked at the upper lot, wound my way up to the old courthouse and down by the old fire station. Back up the street to the Wine Bin and back down the street to the Trolley Stop and admire the river for a bit and then back up the street through a couple of back ways and lots.

I sat outside the old Times building and the Stone building at the bottom of the hill by the river which both used to be my offices. But really I went down to see some major changes in the towns where buildings are being torn down for the new flood tunnels and park area I believe.

Lower end of EC. I’d like to see this town bounce back in a big way in the future. Photo by Mike Hartley

The next time I’m there I’m going to try that Milkshake shop called The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar.

Window at the Phoenix Restaurant. Photo by Mike Hartley

It’s also been a bit since having a meal in town so I’m going to have to change that also. More photos from the shoot coming later. Busy morning ahead.


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A break from

Do you need a break? From what? So asks the daily writing prompt.

Yes I need a break.

I need a break from doctors. Their offices, their waiting rooms, their imaging facilities, their hospitals, their billing departments and insurance companies.

I need a break from winter. I’m cold and I hate being cold.

I need a break from people who lose their minds behind the wheel and drive like A-holes. They are tempting me to start a new career as Dr. Karma.

I need a break from all the lies, conspiracy theory’s, anger and hate in politics.

I need a break from responsibilities. I friggen retired last month and I’m waiting for that parrothead lifestyle to begin.

But always remember. YOU make your own breaks in LIFE.

Shatter Shed. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Go Green

Know what you want and go for it. Yesterday I took a small pleasure cruise to get gas. Way too cold for the top down but a nice sunny day none the less.

Cool. Photo by Mike Hartley

Today I’m going for a longer cruise. Because I need to get out and do some photography. And of course enjoy some back roads.

We are in the home stretch now for winter coming to a close. I know, it’s too early to celebrate but by the end of this month the sun will be up earlier and it will be staying light later and the sun will begin to warm in the afternoons.

No I’m not putting the snow shovels away just yet but I’m anticipating that warmth that draws me outside again. And down to the beach for the car weekends in May and October.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Heading out with the camera feels good.
  • Life is about how many smiles you can have. Fake ones don’t count.
  • Lots of goals, little time.
  • My tailbone still hurts from that fall.
  • Life – having a good time despite those working against it.


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Invent

The Daily writing prompt asks what The most important invention in your lifetime is….

I got to admit I had to go look up what has happened during my lifetime to get the most accurate answer I could. I see birth control pill was invented the year I was born, as well as the 3 point seat belt. That one must have taken a while to catch on because as a youth I don’t remember wearing a seat belt till I was a young teenager when I started driving myself.

But its hard to choose as I look back over time between medical or energy or communication inventions which have been significant. Some medical advances have probably kept me living till today.

But then I stumbled on the Smoke Detector. In the early 70s the single station detectors were ready to be sold for homes. I believe hardwired ones became standard in the late 70s. While slow to take off they are in homes in this country in the high 90% range from what some searches have been saying.

I always have to remember to shut the windows before grilling. Photo by Mike Hartley

The number of lives saved and injuries prevented must be significant and its a gift that keeps on saving people and property. Proof that small things can bring big results.


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Starting line

And were off into a new week. They sure do roll around fast. Seems like the sun rises on a Monday morning, you blink your eyes and it’ setting on a Sunday night. Last week flew by. Way too much extraneous items intruding on my goals.

But we are off to a good start today. And this week looks like it has opportunities to succeed.

Why not. Photo by Mike Hartley

Each moment is an opportunity that is to be grabbed. Today is a good example. I missed the opportunity to do some photography this morning. But I did seize the time to write and organize and upload dozens of images to my site.

I will just have to double my effort on Tuesday morning and get out early.

Waiting for the starter to say GO. Photo by Mike Hartley

It might not be shorts weather yet but the sun was feeling much stronger today and that boardwalk is calling me again.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Two people close to me are reuniting now.
  • Boy am I glad I don’t have to do the beltways around Baltimore or DC during rush hours.
  • In some ways I feel lazy, but there isn’t a need to stay up 20 hours a day any longer so I guess 16 is a few less to be productive in. I feel a hell of a lot better each day though.
  • Life is a solo act. It might not seem like it but we are all alone.


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Ideal Day

The Daily writing prompt ask us today to “Describe your most ideal day from beginning to end.”

I would wake about 5am, grab a Coke and wander out the front door to the beach with a chair and camera and watch the sunrise over the Atlantic ocean, listen to the waves, and smell the salt air. Back inside to prepare a grand breakfast for my better half, my children and grandchildren.

Photo by MH

Right back outside after eating with the grandchildren to teach them how to do sand sculptures. Quick dip in the ocean and back to the home overlooking the ocean with one of those infinity pools (never been in one) that overlooks the ocean in front of the house. Swim and play with family.

Spend some quality time with my better half then hit the front porch that has one of those nice swings or a two person hammock that we just watch the family play on the beach for a few minutes. Then hop on a Harley and spend an hour or two cruising up and down the coastal highway. More beach time soaking up rays and listening to laughter of the family and children.

Lunch is a mixture of steamed crabs, Tony’s pizza and maybe some Thrashers fries. Finishing with cherry ice cream soda from Dumser’s Dairyland. Back to the beach and pool. Spend the afternoon seeing extended family and friends who have strolled by because we rented the entire area for them and their families for the day.

Out to dinner at one of the fine bayside resturants like The Hobbit or Fagers Island or Saltwater 75 with the family and watch the sunset together. Walk the beach hand in hand. Let the kids play games on the boardwalk and do some rides. Revel in their smiles.

As the family settles in, meet up with the boys and their hotrods and go for a drive in a 69 Camaro with a 427, blower and of course a 4 speed transmission. Come back and grab my better half for a moonlit walk on the beach. Sit in porch swing together listening to the waves and feeling a warm summer night breeze eating too much Fishers popcorn as she falls asleep in my lap and I sit quietly till the sun rises again.

Music would permeate the day. There would be no TV’s or smartphones or computers.


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Life and perspective

How do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life? Asks the daily writing prompt.

If I were to choose a one word answer to that question it would be “Profoundly.”

Significant events like deaths, early in my life changed me. Some of it made me stronger and other ways it took away confidence and security.

Time changes things over time. For instance the importance of the job over the years took on the shape of a bell curve over my career for me. Early on it wasn’t everything, then it really took off and it did become more important, and then more than it should have. And in the last few years many other things became priorities than the work being done for someone else.

Events give you experience and time gives you wisdom. For instance there is a lot of joy in creating a child. And that joy turns into a lot of wonderful smiles, memories and love in my heart and mind having helped raising them.

The passage of time changes all of us. We either adapt or not.

Every day you have the potential for events to change your perspective. It doesn’t have to be something drastic. It can be simple, from something someone says to you or how look at relationships in different ways from actions or inactions of others.


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Directionless

I just can’t seem to get started today. A few things on my mind. I’m going to have to find the right lube to get the gears moving again. I’ve gotten better in recent years in turning around difficult days. Practice overcoming pain is a good exercise. But the things that bother me mentally sometimes are harder to shake.

Photo by MH

I need to relax and just keep my eyes open, life is happening all around me. Just the simple act of walking through a parking lot can yield results. I might venture out later tonight and try my hand at some evening exposures. I need a lot more practice in that area. Plus I have some pages to fill for a nocturnal project I’ve started.

Photo by MH

I was thinking about doing some writing but I’m not sure I’m going down that rabbit hole today when I feel directionless. Hopefully something will spark me later to at least finish the 2 pieces I started earlier today.

Illustration by MH

There it is, I stumbled on an idea and task and direction that made me smile. So off I go because it doesn’t involve a computer. I’ll return later with the daily writing prompt reply and maybe other inspiration.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I’m not sure if we change or we just see things more clearly over time.
  • There are a number of things from my youth I’m glad I left there. But there are some I’m glad I brought along to my later years.
  • I looked at a couple of Ocean City webcams today of the boardwalk/beach and if you can ignore the month we are in you can imagine its summer with the sunshine today.
  • Recognizing World Cancer Day by getting negative test results. Life is good.


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To Do List

The Daily writing prompt asks what is something on your “to-do list” that never gets done.

The first question is which to-do list are you inquiring about. I have several. My photography list, my art list, my home and yard list, my personal list to name a few.

I’m getting better at knocking things off the lists I’ve made. It helps me stay organized and avoid conflicts and maximize my time. I’ve learned to break some items down into manageable tasks.

The one thing that I haven’t gotten done in years is to carve a path and grade it with stone to my lower back yard so I can get the tractor down there instead of push cutting that hill. Maybe this year?

There is one more thing that I have been slack on getting to, and that is visiting my parents gravesite in recent months. I’ll have to cure that soon.

A Sunday morning visit is in order. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Sailing into February

As we close out the first month of 2024 I’m looking forward to a good month ahead. But I’m going to institute a few changes now that a lot of logistics that took an incredible amount of time in January are completed.

Sailboat leaving the Inner Harbor of Baltimore. Photo by Mike Hartley

A few goals for the coming month:

  • Stay out of the doctors offices.
  • Get out each day and photograph.
  • Create 3 posts a day on the blog.
  • Read another book this month. 
  • Finish the pastel piece I started in Jan and begin another.
  • Upload a few thousand image to my photo site.
  • Complete a chapter in each book I’ve started to write.
  • Finish carving for my son and granddaughter.
  • Get an old vehicle running and sell it.
  • Finish family wall of images.
  • Start final large prints for the Ellicott City wall.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Good memories can be sustaining.
  • There is always a great deal to learn.
  • Every 5 years, for at least a day or two, nobody can call me full of crap.
  • Sounds like the Orange One is upset at Taylor and her Swifties.


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Hoops

What are your favorite sports to watch and play? Asks the Bloganuary writing prompt today.

I played a lot of baseball when I was really young. In my teens though I migrated to basketball and that has been my favorite for decades and is for both watching and playing. A hoop in my driveway, the ball in the closet by the front door ready for a nice day. March Madness is like hoop heaven. The University of Maryland are the team I support.

Basketball with its constant motion, running in so many directions, jumping constantly, diving on the floor and the physical aspects. Mentally it also takes a special discipline. Soccer is the only other sport that has the motion and that doesn’t have enough scoring for me.

Major League baseball made some significant rule changes that really sped up the game which it needed and made viewing much more enjoyable. I find myself watching less and less football. I used to enjoy some of the sports talk shows but no more. Too much emphasis on the gambling/point spreads/over under and whatever else they can think of to bet on.

I enjoy watching a lot of different sports BUT, gambling is on its way to ruining sports. Not that the NCAA didn’t get a jump on the pros by screwing up college athletics first. As usual greed and power will kill a good thing.

I think I’ll check out some local little leagues or local courts where the players play for the love of the game.

Photo by Mike Hartley


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Looking Up

A change of perspective is always good from time to time. In one month I’ve had a huge change in perspective in many ways.

Look up. Photo by Mike Hartley

The first would be a change of professions. I’ve moved out of IT work and into the creative fields of Photography, Writing and other arts like carving, drawing and painting. I work on these every day now. They are my new work and love.

Changing how I take care of myself physically and mentally are underway. I’m maintaining a healthy weight and adding exercise to the equation. Doctors visits and tests are being honored. I’m getting better rest.

Having looked at reality a little harder I also feel a greater sense of urgency given my age and history. And that I’m using as daily inspiration to learn to do things professionally and even better than I once did for someone else.

I realize it might not be instant. I’ve got a lot to learn and a ton of work to do before I might get it figured out and right, but that day will come.

Things change, people change, we change.

Having exited night shift work my schedule is much more aligned with my better half’s. I love it but I can tell she appreciated the time to herself sometimes. But not having to be quiet while I slept in the mornings is a plus for her.

Freedom to pick and choose what day to do things and what time without someone else dictating a substantial part of the week is like having chains removed.

I think my friends are still adapting to the change of me no longer in the daily grind shoulder to shoulder with them. And its got their wheels turning about retirement.

As we age relationships change. I hear discussions of moves among friends and family. Even grandchildren grow up.

I change and I’m not sure how that will affect me and others. I’m trying to embrace it because I think the saying goes “the only constant in the world is change”

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • January is not ending with my original plan. But Thursday starts a positive streak of production, I hope.
  • Listening to my body, instead of ignoring it and punishing it. Hope its not too little too late.
  • Going to be smarter in how I use my time in February.
  • I’m going to finish one goal of reading a book this month. Next month will be a challenge, a longer book and shorter month to complete it.


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Winner/Loser

What would you do if you won the lottery? So ask the Bloganuary question today.

I used to waste some minutes thinking about this. Sometimes when work was at its worst I’d allow myself to think about walking away and doing my own thing or just the other fantasies of life without financial concerns.

I just didn’t find it healthy for myself. Nothing against taking a wild chance once in a while if that makes you happy. I just thought the time and money would be better spent on appreciating what I do have and maybe helping someone else.

Gambling, remember moderation. Photo by Mike Hartley

I try to avoid gambling as much as I can. I make a friendly small bet with my son on football games that after a whole season usually results in me losing $10-$30. I did have one successful year. I do that though to keep in touch and talk sports and some ribbing or bragging rights.

I will occasionally play. And by that I mean maybe 2-3 tickets a year. In recent times it hasn’t even been that much. I buy the family some scratch offs at Christmas but don’t play those either. But I realized giving money away to throw a slip of paper in the trashcan wasn’t much fun.

It’s good to know yourself before you start gambling. I’ve got an additive personality and I know I could quickly be in trouble if I started betting or playing lotteries. And then the horror stories you hear about the winners.

But to answer the question

  • Set my family up for life.
  • Take care of some good friends.
  • Donate about half to charity.
  • Smile and have a good time with my better half.


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Perspective in a shovel

In some ways, I enjoyed shoveling this month. The exercise, cool air in the lungs, and snowflakes in the face. I looked across the street at a neighbor’s home knowing he was probably inside looking out wishing he was on his tractor with the plow doing his driveway and helping others as needed.

Unfortunately, he is in his 90s now and unable to get around much and his better half said he wasn’t doing well. A very nice man with a great smile. Always a wave and would take the time to chat for a few minutes if we were out together working. Yes, my better half and I did shovel them out along with another neighbor. But that isn’t the point.

You’re going to need a bigger plow. Centennial HS – Photo by Mike Hartley

I remember the year I had surgery one summer and for the first time in my life, I had to hire someone to cut the yard. I would look out as they cut and wanted to get back out there so bad on my mower and do it regardless that I despised wasting time on a mower. It was the first time in my life I wondered how many more cuts I would have the pleasure of doing. From that day forward I never looked at cutting the yard as a chore.

And now recently I thought about how many more times I would have the pleasure of shoveling my driveway. After not having snowed here in 2 years, getting back-to-back ones in a week was a change of pace but one that I have appreciated also. That was till my back reminded me that I was too old and should be done with a shovel and either get a snow blower or tractor.

We take a lot of things in life for granted for long periods till reality shakes us and we realize things are finite. Surrendering to those devices (equipment) also means my time with them may be limited. So enjoy life as you can, one shovel full at a time or one crank of the engine. You never know when you will be looking through that window at others outside.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I’ve been talking to myself a lot for a very long time. Maybe I need a new therapist.
  • Fandom is a nice thing that can also go too far.
  • I’ve been wasteful of time in the past, I regret that.
  • The joy is in the work.


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Books in my pile

What books do you want to read? So ask the Bloganuary question today.

I want to finish (the WAR of ART) by Steven Pressfield this weekend. Then onto (My Effin’ Life) by Geddy Lee of RUSH. Next is another book I got for Christmas (The 1998 Yankees) by Jack Curry. And maybe get back to (The Photographers Playbook) which is a compilation of 307 assignments and ideas.

I’ve been enjoying reading lately. Mostly because it’s finally things I like, instead of reading for work. I learn and that is fun.

Oh, another full disclosure. A book is something I hold in my hand. Yeah, I was able to transition from a traditional Newspaper to the Online version but it doesn’t feel right no matter how many years pass. But there aren’t enough days left for me to move to reading a book on a substance other than wood pulp. (paper)

Support your LOCAL BOOKSTORES.

Read. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Getting on

Getting on with life is sometimes challenging. It’s how you balance all those inputs and needs with what you are willing to give others and yourself. It’s quite a dance at times. One that can get quickly out of whack and end up with neither you nor others being happy.

I’ve been struggling with that lately. I need to back off of some things and maybe eliminate a few. It is the last week of the month and I don’t feel the accomplishment I had thought was possible. A couple of unexpected doctor visits and tests which won’t impact next month hopefully and the time spent dealing with the snow and really cold weather.

Have we seen the last of it? Photo by Mike Hartley

I was kind of freewheeling in January anyway because I just wanted to relax for a few days. But I think I’ll add a little structure to February and see if we can accomplish a bit more. I’m going to devote some time to blogging in 2-3 blocks of an hour each. And an hour or two in book writing.

I want to try to spend 2-3 hours a day photographing/editing/uploading/printing. Maybe more if possible. Reading is also going to become a daily activity of at least an hour.

I’ve gotten away from the treadmill each day so that will become a daily habit again just like today. I still hope to have some flexibility. Like when it starts to warm up I’ll do my walking outside. I always enjoy writing early in the day before the sun comes up but I do like splitting up the time working on different blog thoughts.

Food – Had a great meal at BJ’s Alehouse in Columbia yesterday. I love their Avacado Egg Rolls and I had the half rack of BabyBack Ribs with a salad and white cheddar potatoes. And one of those Pizolli deserts, the strawberry shortcake one.

Our server said it was his first day there but he was great. I suspect it wasn’t his first waiter job because there were no mistakes at all. Their timing was excellent and everything was great.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Too many people make up too many rules for others.
  • I forgot to mention the passing of an early favorite of mine Charles Osgood. He hosted a show CBS Sunday Mornings for 22 years. I’ve followed that since Charles Kuralt started it.
  • The sheer will of the people will fix it or break it.
  • If the days you wanted to be ignored and left alone would match the days everyone else is busy or out of town, that would be neat. Hasn’t happened yet but one can hope.
  • What a beautiful day outside.


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Traditions

Write about a few of your favorite family traditions. I’m wondering if I’ll continue on with these writing prompts. I guess it’s good practice and I do enjoy some of the Bloganuary questions.

A family week at the beach has been one long standing tradition.

To Go (goodie) Bags – We don’t usually let our kids leave empty handed. Be it a piece of clothing my better half got while shopping or maybe something they needed at the grocery store. Lots of time my better half and I cook extra and if they are by we send them home with some. Maybe a treat for their pets, and of course something for the grandchildren at a minimum. Like yesterday, something for each of the little ones was purchased so when we gather this weekend they again won’t leave empty handed. Something our parents did for us.

Ready for winter to be over and the return of sun, beach and crabs. Photo by Mike Hartley

We gather on Birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas – Always have, always will.

If you go to the shore without the family you bring something back to the family – examples – Fishers Popcorn, Salt water taffy, Lump crab meat, Sweet corn from MD Eastern shore.

To name just a few.


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Rolling to RockSalt Grille

I’m really liking the town of Westminster. We have family there and I love visiting. And one of our favorite places that never disappoints and leaves us feeling very good is located right on Main Street. RockSalt Grille is that spot and we will continue to patronize it as often as we can.

It’s always crowded but service is always top notch as it was this visit also. Timing, attention to detail and good food, what more can you ask.

The Mahi Mahi tacos, the Berrylicious salad with shrimp and the Short Rib Quesada were all great. And having no will power I had to try the bacon mac and cheese which was also top notch.

Photos by Mike Hartley

I didn’t get a chance to snap images of the 3 deserts we got to go. But I heard all were delicious. Smith Island Red Velvet cake and Oreo Cheesecake and Italian Lemon Cream cake were the choices but I’ve had the Key Lime pie and that is very good also. I image they all are.

This is one fine establishment that is a treat that keeps topping itself.


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Overdue

Name an attraction or town close to home that you still haven’t got around to visiting. Asks the Bloganuary question today.

Antietam National Battlefield in Antietam Maryland is my answer. This is just over an hour away from home so I consider that local. I spent that time commuting one way to the job for decades to it meets my definition of “close to home.” I’ve had this on my list for years now and this is the year, of course when it warms up, because its and outdoor activity.

I’ve been to Gettysburg a number of times, my daughter went to college near there. I also went in my youth and did the tours. I have a picture on the wall of my better half early on when we were just dating of her with a battlefield fence behind her on a day trip we took there.

So time to see a battlefield in my own state.

Canon, ready aim, pause, aren’t those flower nice? Photo by Mike Hartley


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A Card

My better half and I still give each other cards for our birthdays, anniversary and at Christmas. We take some time finding the right sentiment inside. And we always add our own to them. So I thought it strange the other day to find a card on my pillow. It wasn’t a holiday, not even near my birthday, anniversary has passed so what is up.

I opened it and it was a retirement card from her and some of the most touching things she has ever written. It felt so special that she expressed thanks for a lot of sacrifices I’m made along the way and the appreciation for them and more. Sometimes a card is much more than a card.

Travel - We tried but failed to get away this month so far. Looks like we will have to make up for it and double up one of the coming months. I’m looking forward to getting in the car and exploring a bit. Even day to day around the local area.

You can’t box up the beach. I don’t care that its winter. Photo by Mike Hartley

Physical Status - I always liked Mr. T in his prediction for the fight with Rocky. He would turn that face slightly with the meanest scowl say “PAIN.” Yesterday I felt like I woke with him in my face saying that. Such is life occasionally. Today is about the same, but I have a diversion coming in the form of my young grandson with the endless motor. So this discomfort will pass with time and much easier now that I have something to enjoy along the way.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Each time I put my mind to it I surprise myself.
  • Improvise, adapt and overcome is a good attitude not just for Marines but Seniors also.
  • Setting my goals higher today in terms of print output.
  • The warm temps coming will be a nice temporary reprieve. I’m thankful.
  • Ideas galore this morning. Let me go write them down before they pass. Have a good day.


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1 2 3 4

Kick it. Yeah I’m on a drum roll this morning to start my forth week of permanent vacation. I’m continuing to make some positive changes each day. Listening to some music this morning and finding a ton of inspiration. Plus it’s amazing after you have been under the weather for a bit to come out of it and feel the world is at your steps again.

Old shot of a drum set in window of Bill’s Music in Catonsville. Photo by Mike Hartley

Mother Nature is loosening her freezing grip on us slowly now and I can again venture outside without making a sailor take notice with all the cursing I can come up with.

The first few weeks of retirement didn’t exactly feel like it. Not much free time so it kind of felt like the same old routine. I was still and still am adjusting my sleep patterns. When you skip at least one nights sleep a week for 10 years and maybe average 4-5 hours a day for that timespan and your body and mind doesn’t immediately change overnight.

I was beginning to think I’ll never get to all I want to do with all these other things pulling at me in life. Then I remembered something I used to tell myself when I was working for someone else. I’m in charge ultimately.

So lets get to it.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Each time I think I’m though preparing my shore exhibit, I find another print I like.
  • I hope Lamar Jackson is listening to all these talk shows and commentators who have anointed Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen as the best QB’s in the league. Both of them are at best second in their own conference. Baltimore is going to EAT KC like BBQ.
  • Some really big companies have some really bad websites.
  • I have a new favorite day of the week. All of them.
  • I’m about to find out if Nationwide is on my side.


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Time, ain’t it something

I blink my eyes, and my kids are grown. I blink my eyes and my career has come to a close. I blink my eyes and WordPress says it’s been 10 years together today. And 2,845 posts later here we are. Doing more then ever and loving each day I get a chance to take a crack at it again.

Keith Weller shot this picture of Amy and myself in our camera room at the Times building on Main St Ellicott City back in 1976. Those 48 years just flew by. But I have a whole new career ahead of myself now.

It was time to get together for a dinner with my oldest best friends last night and it was a wonderful time. An appreciation for that time together is always between us. The silent acknowledgement that time is not on our side now and that we are to savor these events sometimes comes to the surface but we are usually too busy having a good time to reflect on that aspect.

Time to crank up my own publishing machine. Photo by Mike Hartley

I was going to do a food review of where we ate but I’ve started to think about how I want to do reviews and I don’t feel like making anything other than positive ones. So when I think a place is average or maybe below I’m just going to skip it.

The restaurant business is so tough and costly and it might be more of a disservice to a company if you just caught them on not their best day. We are all human, we all have them.

When I like a place a paragraph or two maybe of what I liked. But when its a hit, you will know it.

Lots of things go into making a good meal. The setting/location/view to the staff/service and of course the food. Different things are also more or less important to individuals. For instance comfort is a big one at our age an uncomfortable seat make it hard to enjoy a meal.

So here is hoping our next meal out is a special one that I can share with you all.

It has taken me most of the week to start feeling okay again. I’m sitting here smiling about it because the options are in front of me as they were before but now I have energy/health and a great mindset to move ahead again. Life is great today.


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History has taught me

What makes a good leader? Wow, I like this Bloganuary question.

Having just retired, I have a long list of leaders I’ve worked for. So I’ll use their examples of things that led me over the last 5 decades. Not all my leaders had these qualities. Some of the qualities I’m listing come from what BAD leaders didn’t have or do. But thankfully I’ve had some really great ones along that way that I’ll always be thankful for.

Leaders can be found at every level so I don’t think of them as just executives or bosses. I’ve seen people lead/manage from below many times over.

And just for clarity – I’ve worked for men and women leaders. I’ve worked for Black, White, Asian, German, Indian and Danish leaders. I’ve worked for former hard assed U.S. Marine leaders and Mom leaders. So I’ve also experienced a number of styles of leadership. None of those things matter, you either are a leader or your not. It doesn’t mean you have to be one all the time either but if you think you are you better be aware of the responsibility that comes with being one.

A good leader communicates with you: This may be #1,2,3 – Leaders should know you and what makes you tick. To do that they have to listen to you. A good leader also recognizes that the time with each person can and may need to be different. Some need positive reinforcement and others it would be just a bother. So communication means getting to know the person first, and then developing and learning and adjusting so you both are on the same page but still all the needed communications are going on, but without a ton of wasted time and meetings. Good leaders also recognize that people change and needs change over time.

Example: In my last decade of work I went back to an overnight shift. Our manager worked the day shift because they spanned multiple areas. The managers had realized I had the experience and knowledge to teach and help coordinate the team which was perfect because they were working day shifts and couldn’t be up overnight as we were. They let me take the lead on communications/coordination within the team and having worked in engineering for a long time together we made sure all the balls in the air weren’t dropped. There wasn’t a need for meetings, or face to face except the once a year review for me. We did weekly turnovers, nightly reports, responded to Slack messages and tons of email every night and they were all copied so we were all on the same page. But very rarely did we speak together or see each other.

A good leader will challenge, motivate and push you: I had a former marine as a boss once. People would ask how can you work for him, he’s on you like white on rice. It’s the way he did it though. What people saw was him challenging me to be better. He also did something as a good leader. If he had an issue it was just you and him in his office. No public dressing down. And the opposite was true outside the office door because he would praise an defend you like a Pitbull if you were doing the right things and your best.

A good leader has strength: I’ve seen some incredibly challenging situations where standing up in critical and very important situations to represent a position/action/person/direction and speaking up and carrying it through is totally inspirational. Lots of times these actions are little ones throughout the year that let people know you have courage and their backs. And I must interject this here. I’ve run into some incredibly strong women. Once that make a lot of men look like wimps. A suit and attitude does not make a leader.

A good leader will give credit where credit is due: They also will reward good work. Some good ones always give the team credit first and sometime entirely. There success is the teams success.

A good leader will say “Thank you”: Many times a simple thank you will do wonders for someone’s moral. It shows you are watching, recognizing and appreciating the work done. Thanks for working those holidays. Thanks for staying late for that emergency. Thanks for working this weekend. Thanks for working through your break today. Thanks for finishing that project early. Thanks for catching that before it blew up.

A good leader will look ahead and challenge you do to the same: Questions like where do you want to be next year, or 5 years down the road? In addition to the team goals what are your personal goals this year? A good leader might pair you up with a good mentor.

A good leader will not avoid conflict and face it head on: This is inevitable in jobs. Leaders are there to sort things out. Avoiding it is DISASTER. And I’ve seen some Disasters.

A good leader is flexible: Life is not always predictable. Good bosses understand that. Ones who ignore that aren’t leaders.

A good leader will connect first: Leaders who come from a position of authority and superiority first and then try to connect are lost. For they have made the statement “I’m better than you and have control over you and you serve me.” Well so they think.

A good leader will have consistency and integrity: Decisions and actions overtime bear these qualities out.

A good leader is usually a good coach: I’ve seen a lot of things taken from sports and applied to business successfully. They can handle situations with people and organizations at the same time, chart a course, adjust and adapt. And as one of my best friends phrases goes “take the glory off the field.”

A good leader has a good batting average: Leaders are making decisions all the time. Constantly in the batters box being evaluated on every pitch and hit. Yes every good leader may strike out once in a while but you know they hit for a great average so you can overlook one here and there.

A good leader will be honest and tell you tough things: This means things to help you improve yourself and the team.

Again, I’m thankful for some very wonderful leaders who touched my life. I still am in contact with all of them and most likely will be for life.


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Cotton balls of snow

Greetings fellow frozen ones. Outdoors on a wintery day again. The cloths are hung again to dry from the snow. The warm and comfy recliner will soon be visited in between working on a few projects in my office.

I was so pleased earlier when some inspiration and time available just happened to pair up and I worked on a book I’ve started and feel good about what I got done. I’ve read where people schedule their writing times and I just find that difficult.

Lots of times when I sit to do the blog and if nothings coming along I’ll get up and walk away and do something else. Most times I’ll get a photo of mine, new/old and that will inspire a blog and off I go. Most of the time it works that way. But writing for a book and a blog I’m discovering are two different things.

In writing for the book and not using images except from my mind so far. And immediately I found that I can’t sit and write some material when I’m down in spirits. I can knock out a blog on my worst day mentally and still keep it positive for the most part. No such thing in writing books I’ve started so far. Then again maybe I’m trying to write the wrong book, when I’m depressed. I’ve never tried writing something dark.

I hope time allows for me to finish a few works. Don’t know if it will amount to a hill of beans but like blogging, it’s become a purpose.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Snow doesn’t look as deep as it is from an inside window as it does outside with a shovel in your hands.
  • Try to limit disappointment and then move on.
  • As is typical. The plow comes down the street as I finish shoveling my driveway. That is just fine though, I’m happy with the job they do in this area with snow removal.
  • If you look and listen hard, it’s easy to figure out where people stand and their priorities. Now taking that information and processing it can be the hard part for a lot of us.


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Communication highway

In what ways do you communicate online? Ask another prying questions from the daily prompt.

Things changed recently in that regard. The company apps like Slack, Zoom, Teams and many other system monitoring and admin tools along with company email are no longer. I used to spend a lot of time communicating on Slack because the hours I worked everyone else was in bed. And if they had to be woke they weren’t in the building.

Communication bundles. Photo by Mike Hartley

Blogging here is probably my most common one to the public. I use a lot of email to family and friends. I get on Facebook every few days but I don’t post much of anything there. I used LinkedIn in the past.

Is texting considered online communication? It’s done from smartphones right? Who knows. Again I do some but not an unusual amount. Probably less than average.

Oh yeah, a little YouTube and that might increase as I learn to take more video.

I have a photo site on Zenfolio and as my site grows so does the communication.

Medical institutions and hospitals have all switched to some form of online communications. Some do it well, some don’t. Unfortunately I have several medical apps.

Commentary – I have no problem with technology except that we all are prone to go overboard and misuse it. Communication face to face or at least with voice is important. Real friends are not measured in Facebook counts or likes. My advice to the youth which is probably far to late. Get your damn face out of the smartphone and talk to someone. Walk with someone. Hold hands with someone. Laugh with someone. Cry with someone. Live with a real human being and not a screen.


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Just maybe

Come up with a crazy business idea. So ask the daily writing prompt.

This is the first prompt I haven’t had an idea on quickly. Mainly because I don’t care much about business having recently left it.

Okay here is crazy. The business is called All Natural Yard and Landscape. We plant a bunch of wildflowers and let the yard just grow. Cutting paths of course so you can still wander through and to your entrances and driveway. Show up every week to trim paths and entrances.

Still charge like you would if your cutting the whole lawn. You can sell it as being good for the environment which it is and make it seem the trendy thing for all these sprawling rich estates. You make a killing because you can do 10 yards in the time it took to do 1. Plus less wear and tear on your equipment. You get the Green Business Award, You get rich, you retire. Maybe I should tell my son about dad’s hairbrained idea.

All Natural Yard and Landscape to the Rescue. Photo by Mike Hartley

Have a great day. And if you can’t, I’ll try to pick up the slack for you.


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Calm before the Storm

I love getting up before dawn. I feel creative in the early mornings, it’s quiet with little to no interruptions. It feels like I get more done at this time of day than any other part. When it’s warmer I’m out and about capturing images of others catching morning waves be it here at home, at the beach or where ever I am.

Another early riser in Ocean City. Photo by Mike Hartley

But not this morning, lots of tasks to knock out before more craft time. I think I’ll make my better half some breakfast first and then enlist her help with some logistical things.

Even thought the sun will be making an appearance today we are expecting some significant rainfall and strong winds tomorrow and Wednesday. That combo could lead to a loss of power so I’ll have to get prepared for that possibility.

So I should work on a few post for the next few days and schedule them just in case. Then make all the outdoor and indoor preparations on the home today. I’ll get all the devices and batteries for the cameras charged today. I haven’t been out shooting flood photos in a while and I hope that isn’t the case tomorrow, but I see a flood watch posted already. Also a high wind advisory.

Mother Nature will do what she will do. I wish everyone facing her wrath the best this week.

Dining Tip of the Day

The Bluestone Restaurant in Timonium Maryland is one of our family favorites. Usually meeting up there around the holiday season. The Shrimp Tacos and Calamari were my choice. The service, food and atmosphere are great.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I feel opportunity right before me. I’m reaching for it.
  • I’m trying to embrace change. It’s a large thing to get your arms around.
  • When you think your challenging yourself enough, add a little more.
  • A day of anticipation. Important appointment coming up.


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Play and Time

Bloganuary day 2 asks “Do you play in your daily life? What says playtime to you?”

Yes, I enjoy playing in my daily life. From grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge and flipping it to see if I can catch it upright to teasing my better half or playing a joke on my friends or children.

I’m recently playing artist and seeing if I can be any good at it. Sports used to be a source of play for many decades of my life but not so much anymore. I used to play games challenging myself at work. When I was younger pinball and foosball were games I loved to play. It’s funny though, I’ve never really played any video games. I did a bit with the kids when they were young and Nitendos were the rage I believe but even then I didn’t care for the electronic-type games. Give me something with touch and feel though and I’m in.

He can play that horn. Photo by Mike Hartley

Oh, we used to play ping pong into the wee hours of the morning. I still like that game. My Son loves tennis and I need to get out on the court with him again now that I have surgically repaired shoulders.

Being a grandparent and having that child run into your arms is the PlayTime alarm bell ringing. I’m always thinking of what might make my grandchildren happy. Usually, they come up with the play agenda and I’m along for the ride. Sometimes I am the ride, no wonder my back hurts. Our basement became a play area for them shortly after they were born but we also get outside a lot. I love going crazy with them chasing or being chased. Anything to hear them laugh. And you know what? I enjoy playing catch or doll house, racing cars or board games, building with Legos or Lincoln Logs, or running through the sprinkler almost as much as they do.

I always have tried to make life fun and play is a big part of that. Which means I’d sometimes find ways to use it at work. Usually in the form of some practical jokes. You had to because some of the characters I’ve worked with are ruthless.

And now that working for someone else has come to an end. It’s about to be some serious playtime.

I can’t imagine a world without play.


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What a Day

I haven’t felt this alive in a while. Like I’m looking out and I have the chance to redefine my world. What an opportunity that is to have. And now that the job that pays the bills is no longer, the time to live again for wonderful things is about to happen. I don’t know who is more excited, my better half or me.

Enjoy the view with your best friend. Photo by Mike Hartley

I’ve boxed up my work computers and they are ready to be sent back. Moved my work desk back into my office and got my two computers set up nicely on a separate desk. Also redesigned the TV area of the basement space a bit.

My balloon. Photo by Mike Hartley

I think this is the first New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day that I haven’t worked in a long time. It’s sweet to have the time off. Tomorrow is another day off followed by another one and so on. Life is great again.

Coming up with my own 2024 goals list. It’s already pretty flushed out with ideas to review with my partner in travel and adventure. Tonight we are going to travel and see local light displays. Was too tired last night but we are out and about for a bit this evening.

Photos by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Love is in the air to start the new year.
  • Retirement is a happiness pill you don’t even have to swallow, it’s just absorbed.
  • A cold rain does nothing for me.
  • Learning in bunches today. It feels good.


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Challenges

What are your biggest challenges? So ask the first Bloganuary writing prompt. But, first a Happy New Year to all. May it be one of health and love.

I’m facing two challenges right out of the gate. At midnight my last day at the job of the last 26 years was completed. I’m looking for a new career. My first challenge is coming off an overnight shift for the last decade. In other words, I have horrible sleep patterns that I need to correct and start getting some healthy rest.

I have more than enough career ideas to keep me busy unless I want to return to work and that thought at least in the short term is no. So the next challenge is to keep healthy. I’ve been working hard at that but I also know I’m not in total control. The next visit with the cancer doctor is days away to go over test results. I have never wished so hard that they are good and that I have time to spend with my family. I hoped so hard to get to this point surviving a few cancers.

Happy New Year. Photo by Mike Hartley

Life is full of challenges no matter what the date is. Like a friend tells me it’s how we react to them that matters. When I wake up tomorrow there will be new ones at the doorstep. So bring’em on.

I’ve also learned that helping others with their challenges makes your own seem easier.


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The year was

Share what you know about the year you were born – ask the daily writing prompt.

I was born in 1957. I really can’t say I know all that much about it. As usual, the first thing I know about that year is that my Dad had a 1957 Chevy. Yes, a classic. Wrecked before I was old enough to drive a big toy car.

My Mom being a big baseball fan and one of the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team always reminded me that was the year they announced the move to Los Angeles.

That is about it for the year that I know. BUT – I think someone in my family got me one of those books on what happened the year you were born. Let me go find that. Ah, took some searching the bookcase but found it. Let’s see what I don’t know about the year I was born.

Gas was 31 cents a gallon. Stamps were 3 cents. The minimum wage was a dollar. Average income a year was just short of 5 grand. TANG the orange-flavored breakfast drink was introduced. Maybe that is what is wrong with me. I remember the weird taste of that stuff.

Burger King introduced the Whopper that year. The first battery-operated watch by Hamilton Watch company was introduced. Now here is something close to my heart. Wham-O produces the first FRISBEE. And another favorite of mine The Cat in The Hat was published.

Leave it to Beaver and Perry Mason premiered on TV. The top name for boys that year was Michael. I guess Mom and Dad went with the flow because that’s me.

I see Elvis bought Graceland for 100K and Kentucky Fried Chicken started to sell in Buckets.

Whoops, just came across a figure I didn’t care for. It says the average life expectancy is 69.5 years. I had better get my behind in gear, that only leaves me a couple.

Have a great day.


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Creative

How are you Creative?, so asks the Daily Writing prompt.

I’m creative through my art interests like photography, drawing, carving/etching, and writing. But I feel I’m creative in almost all facets of life. From creative solutions at a technical job to well-timed humor with friends. From how I customized my cars in my youth to the games I invented with my grandchildren.

I found it difficult to be creative when depressed. But when I’m not it just flows.

Fitting photo for the morning given the 2-5 inches of rain the last serval hours. Photo by Mike Hartley

My granddaughter reminded me to be more free-thinking and creative in the time I spend drawing with her. As I teach her about contrasting colors and staying within lines, she teaches me to just do what comes to mind. To be happy doing it. To share it.

I feel I’m creative in love, cooking, and even in my workouts. Creativity can come from anywhere and in almost anything. From mowing the lawn to shaping the shrubs.

I’ve never felt more creative in my life. And I’m freeing up some time to express myself more this coming year.

All of us need to get busy coming up with creative solutions to a lot of the world’s problems.


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Skillz and lessons

What skills or lessons have you learned recently? So ask the question in the daily writing prompt.

Keeping a balance during the holiday season and enjoying it is a skill I’m refining each year but I’m close to getting it down.

I’ve learned dealing with financial institutions is a tricky business. Just because a computer spit it out, doesn’t mean it’s right.

I just got a new computer so I’m developing my skills in Windows 11. Also starting to work on developing my weightlifting technique.

I’ve learned that when engaging with contractors – get EVERYTHING in WRITING.

As the Doobie Brothers say “Music is the Doctor” Lesson Learned.


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Peaceful mornings

Mornings should be peaceful. And they usually are in the hours I’m up experiencing them. When I’m on vacation I found my normal rising time somewhere between 4-5 am in the mornings. That is a quiet and peaceful time.

Must be a good spot at Centennial Lake. Photo by Mike Hartley

My better half likes to sleep in so if I’m up and at work early at that 4-5 am hour, I won’t be taking away our together time. After that, the schedule is yet to be developed but I do like to start the day with as little chaos and as peacefully as possible.

There is a good chance I might even incorporate a mid-day nap if I’m staying up late doing evening shooting or out with the boys. I’ve read that a regular sleep schedule is good for the body and especially the mind. After decades of not having one, I think I can confirm that statement is true. I feel like I’ve taken years off my life working such an abnormal schedule.

So I hope it’s not too late to change that feeling and pattern for the better. At least we will finish the right way.

Here we go

One thing I know about publishing is consistency works. I’ve been anything but consistent when I publish posts. I’m all over the clock because of my crazy schedule now.

So starting in 2024 I will try doing morning and evening posts daily. And roughly the same timeframe each day in addition to trying to find the sweet spot in people’s viewing times but also so they know when my posts are regularly published.

Plus it will get me on a schedule of production and up and out the door each day my better half and I are healthy. But I’m a person that when an idea strikes I don’t like waiting on it so I’ll give it my best shot now for the two weeks remaining this year while I’m still working full time.

Which means I have a lot of work to do in the middle of the holiday season. So as the plate below says.

Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I hope that I’m too busy living experiences instead of sitting around telling people about past ones.
  • If the music you’re listening to doesn’t move your shoulders and hips, you should find another tune.
  • If I could tell my younger self something important it would be to have more confidence in myself. Not that I’m not still working on it at this advanced age.
  • Having close friends over lifetimes is like making great music together.


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Nosey

I love how dogs communicate with facial expressions. I think my Sons dog has a bit of a herding breed in her. She seems to use her nose to direct people. She also likes to put it against you if she is resting. But her main use is for food. She would be an elephant if not for her parents restraint.

This was shot a while back but I’m guessing she has this expression now. She is recovering from some surgery so she isn’t the happiest of campers yet.

Our granddog Paisley. Photo by Mike Hartley

I like how she furrows her brow when she is concerned like above. And then relaxes like below.

This is that in between look. Pet me for a bit till I’m asleep, but don’t go anywhere. Photo by Mike Hartley

Writing

I’m no professional writer. Might never get close to being one but that won’t deter me. I didn’t even know I liked writing till I started blogging about a decade ago. I didn’t start off thinking I’d write much in this blog because it was for my photography.

Writing has turned into a joy and I hope to get much better now that I can devote some time and energy into it. In the past I’ve done a few poems for friends, humorous stuff. I’ve written a few touching things for special occasions.

And now I want to do a lot of it. I have no idea if I can accomplish it or will be satisfied with it but I’m going to try my hand at a few books.

The most important writing I do is to my children and that is often in the forms of almost daily emails.

But there is this itch to do something new in life. To make an impact. To help others and myself at the same time. So off I go to make the best use of this day and every one forward.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • My hats off to Mr. Norman Lear. You helped change the world through laughter. RIP.
  • When I retire soon I worry about not being exposed to the young people at work who secretly challenge me to keep up with things and also their views and observations.
  • I love the thought of having the time to read more soon.
  • I didn’t realize the comfort I was giving up working on laptops the last few years till I got a nice desktop unit. These old eyes need screen real estate.
  • I slept 6 hours this morning. I haven’t slept 6 hours in a long while. It’s a nice feeling. The hair on my neck tingles at the thought of 7-8 hours.
  • My Mother could decorate the most beautiful Christmas trees I’ve ever seen.
  • We are all responsible for the demise of sports as one of the great things in life. Money has changed every level of it now and taken away many of the most special things about it.


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Action

I feel like a movie set director this morning yelling ACTION to the crew and cast. The trouble is I’m the only one up. So I’ll get me, myself, and I in gear and see what the cast can accomplish.

The first order of business is to make sausage gravy and biscuits. Boy was that good. Now I have to do a cleanup. Always the worst part of cooking. A part I used to do when I was young working at restaurants.

I’m taking some biscuits and gravy to my grandson who I’ll see today. Might be too spicy for him. I’m sure his dad will consume it if so.

Listening to the song Lucky Man by ELP this morning. A live version that has me drifting back in time. It also is appropriate because I’m feeling lucky to be here. My better half just shared a photo of a friend’s husband in hospice.

The youngsters are at it again. I thought I heard this one the other night. Photo by Mike Hartley

Mental over physical. Nice concept that I haven’t fully perfected but I’ll keep trying. Pain is a nice adversary. One that only gets stronger as I age. So I have to keep upping my game at the same time both physically and mentally.

It’s never too late to make some positive changes. Long ago a friend suggested morning stretching and I adopted some of that routine. Recently I’ve cut out a lot of sodas and bad snacks which resulted in a nice weight loss.

I’m walking more this year than any in the recent past and using the treadmill when I can’t get out. But more steps are needed and why not get going on them?

Perspective

Well, I did it again. I passed out and broke my daily streak of posting. I think it was around 120 days this time. I’ve passed 200 before but illness or pain of some sort usually catches up with me at some point and I’ll sit down for a few minutes and I’m out cold. This time I had the 3 previous days where I had only slept maybe 10 hours combined.

My reaction to messing up my daily streak is different this time than in the past. I know I do this daily. I work on my photography daily now. I work on education daily in my crafts. I work on making things for loved ones or friends daily. I look to upgrade my writing daily. (I know it may not appear that way on this one). I’d love to do more woodwork but that might have to wait till next year to be added to the daily list.

So I’m working daily on more and more things important to me all the time. And that is my measure of success. And doing that at the same time while still working full time plus now is difficult at times, it’s still a ton of fun.

So I forgot to hit the publish button before sitting on the couch. No big deal. Another streak begins today.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Holding a grandchild yesterday. Holding another grandchild today. Life is good.
  • I’m a big fan of history. That is why I watch events so closely each day.
  • I finally found an internal voice that balances out the one that says I LOVE FOOD.
  • Anytime I have a few free minutes, it’s happy hour time.


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Two a days

I wonder if they still do two a days, 2 practice sessions a day in sports. The preseason prep for the regular season. Well, I think I’ll give that a go here. The time between now and my retirement is preseason and then the regular season begins next year.

It’s quarterback season. Photo by Mike Hartley

Having the daily routine down I’m hoping to get into the morning and evening blast from mission control and post two a days. Sort of like the old days when your daily newspaper had a morning and evening edition. Now all I need to do is create interesting content and designs.

Time for that last blast of fireworks as July is about to be in the rearview mirror. Photo by Mike Hartley

Old Man Inside/Outside

Time to be outside today with this wonderful weather. If there is an eject button on the couch use it today if you’re in the mid-Atlantic area. I’ve been up and cleaning the grill for later and putting up the umbrella and patio cushions.

Keeping it simple with burgers and hot dogs tonight. As we approach the midday hour remember to moderate a bit, it’s still warm out. As I was quickly reminded after a little time behind the push mower.

Food

Had a wonderful dinner at Pachanga Cocina Mexicana on Rt 40 in Ellicott City last night. My better half had the Burrito Maria Grande and I had the Crab and Shrimp Burrito Grande. Both were excellent with rice and black beans. A Fried Ice Cream for dessert and all was well on a Saturday night. Oh, and the service was great.

We will be returning again soon.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Feels good to have a functional workroom again.
  • Time to schedule some time off in August.
  • Is it wrong to eat your leftover burrito before 8 am the next morning?
  • I wonder what percentage of people cut their own yards? I guess the guys who sell home lawn equipment know because I’m guessing they have seen their numbers dip in this area.


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Why

Because it’s therapy. Because it challenges me. Because it gives me a voice. Because it helps me learn. Because I meet others. Because it raises my spirits. Because it gives me ideas. Because it might provide a laugh or make me laugh. Because it might leave something for people to think about and at the same time makes me think.

That is why I’m blogging today.

On the road again. Photo by Mike Hartley

A busy day and the workweek beginning have left me short on time. A common occurrence.

Solitude. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I hate stubbing my toe.
  • There is a fine line between a mess and organized chaos.
  • The Who = Where every member played the Lead instrument. And the song was just the highway for the race.
  • I’m not a fan of days with more pain than without.


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Precious

What I do with my time is the most precious commodity I have. Sometimes I wonder if I’m wasting some rambling on here each day right or should I just concentrate on the photo part? Or should I abandon that and focus on other arts? I don’t feel I waste a lot of time. I might check FB every 2-3 days for a few minutes. I don’t belong to Twitter, Instagram or TikTok, or whatever flavor of the day social media is. I don’t spend my day immersed in email or the smartphone.

I have a photo site with about 7500 images and growing that I’m going to make into something someday. And I have this mishmash of a blog. I guess I continue because it makes me happy. It doesn’t feel like work. Well, most of the time. Sometimes when my head isn’t on straight or depressed, it becomes difficult to write.

But I got to admit that I like it and find blogging somewhat therapeutic.

Don’t you dare roll through that STOP SIGN! Photo by Mike Hartley

“No Excuses” is a good motto to live by. I was thinking about this on the job the other day. I forgot to send something at the end of the shift because another coworker forgot to do something they promised to do earlier in the evening and I had to do that after my shift ended and forgot to get back to that last task of the shift because I was miffed. I thought about talking to my boss to explain myself and I said “No excuses.” Despite having to do something else unplanned I should have still done my role. So I didn’t make an excuse or talk to the boss.

I think I’ll try to go forward and not make any excuses. (let’s see how long that last)

Now, which boat do you want to be in the storm? Photo by Mike Hartley

Family is like the tide. Sometimes in and sometimes out. Being older and seeing my own family go through huge changes through decades and seeing other close families it’s an amazing thing. And sometimes surprises happen that are least expected. And sometimes things that seemed destined sadly become that way.

I’ve had some recent family successes and it feels good. Even for something I thought was over at one time.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Everything changes, but I thought the hope was for the better. Now I’m not so sure.
  • Raising children is difficult enough with both parents’ and grandparents’ involvement and support. Anything less is a miracle.
  • The reason we can’t get past important issues is that we are of two different minds.
  • It’s ok to admit you’re tired. You might find yourself in the majority.


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Not far

The writing prompt for today for Bloganuary was “How far back in your family tree can you go”. Well not really far I guess in comparison with some friends I’ve shared with before.

Reflection of tree in a pond along Triadelphia Mill Road. Photo by Mike Hartley

Wow, ok going backward there is Mom and Dad obviously. Most of what is beyond that is very fuzzy and still being discovered. Mom lived into her 80s but Dad died in his early 40s when I was very young. My father’s dad also died in his early 40s. He was a WW1 Veteran. I found a Purple Heart in his box of medals. I met his mother 2x when I was very young before she was killed in a car accident. He was an only child so that side ends there.

My mom had 2 sisters, one married late in life and never had children. The other had 3 children that I lost touch with long ago. My mom’s mother died shortly after her birth. Her father also passed early.

What I am doing is trying to piece together a family history from what I’ve been left, especially about my Mom and Dad. In the short life of my father, he served in WW2, Korea, went on expeditions to both poles, and was part of Operation Deep Freeze as a Navy HMC. I’m trying to start transferring all the images he shot over time to a catalog for my children. Mom raised two children alone and did many wonderful things in her life also and made an effort to document what history we had which I’ll build upon.

I want something for my kids and their kids to have because I know I’d like to have more from my past. But it was difficult in those days if you didn’t have a lot of resources. Pictures beyond my parents are slim.

My parents are under the shade trees at Arlington National Cemetery. Photo by Mike Hartley.

Well, there is my tree, I guess it’s a lot more than some people have, but at the same time, I wish I knew more. So I’m onward to learn more.


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Catchup

Last year I participated in Bloganuary but I got so busy at the start of the year that it slipped my mind. So in an effort to catch up with the last few days and get on the daily prompt again. I’ll try to keep the reply to the first week’s questions brief.

Another fitting vanity plate. Photo by Mike Hartley

I’ll start with today and work my way back.

Today’s 1/7 writing prompt – Write a short story or poem about rain.

A great storm came through 
Rain thunder and wind blew
She passed that rainy night
Goodbye Mom you were my light

Jan 6th writing prompt – Why do I write?

I started what I thought was going to be just a photography blog and discovered the joy of writing about a decade ago. I write for my sanity. I write to share my thoughts and feelings. I write to find some humor. I write to maybe make a difference. I write to cope. I write to feel better. I write to challenge myself. I write to prove I can improve. I write to learn how to write a book.

Jan 5th writing prompt – What brings you joy in life?

My wife, my children, my grandchildren, and my friends. My hobbies and crafts have moved ahead of the joy of the job that pays the bills. My 6-speed Miata with the top down headed to the ocean on a warm summer morning. The list goes on and on but I promised to keep these short.

Jan 4th writing prompt – What is a treasure that has been lost?

A longtime friendship that is gone.

Jan 3rd writing prompt – What is the earliest memory you’ve had?

Being this old you lose a lot of the earliest memories. And those early years were quite difficult so I’m guessing I’ve suppressed a lot. I remember a very early Christmas and marveling at the tree and decorations at maybe 3 or 4 years old.

Jan 2nd writing prompt – How are you brave?

Wow, this is a good one. I don’t think anything I’ve done in life is really brave. Fought off a few cancers and some nasty auto accidents but that is self-preservation. I guess starting a business might be on the fringe. I chased off a guy threatening a woman in a parking lot long ago. I speak up a lot at the job where others won’t.

I’ll go with this one but I didn’t think it was brave when I did it. I worked the night shift for many years and about 20-some years ago I was on my way home one night. I turned the corner to the street that was about a mile from my home and I saw a very big biker kneeling by a bike a bit after 3 am. I only caught a glimpse but being a rider myself, I pulled the car over. As I walked across the road I said you need some help?

As I passed the center line on the road and saw another guy and the reflections of the other bike on the other side of the bike that had been worked on. As they stood up I think the smallest one was about 6′ 3″ and about 280. I’m a spindly 5’10” and maybe 180 at the time. then I see the patches on the jackets laying over their seats. I just quickly said I can put my car lights on or I live down the street and can get some more tools if needed and extended my hand. They just looked at each other and started to laugh and said can you believe this guy stopped to help the likes of us in the middle of the night. They thought it was special because everyone that had passed them the last hour or so had sped past even faster. I said I was a rider for a long time and that is what we do.

This wasn’t brave but I’d like to think I’d act in the right way when I see someone in need if faced with any situation.

Jan 1st writing prompt – What is something you want to achieve this year?

I’d like to become a much better photographer and artist. And even a better father and grandfather.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • If you haven’t found a song that would inspire you to do great things, find one.
  • There is a very simple adage in life that a friend reminded me about. Make it work for you.
  • Operating in obscurity is fun. It’s a lot less criticism.
  • Someone should start a pool on how long McCarthy last as speaker of the house.


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An inviting start

The inviting start of this new morning and the new year has me smiling and thinking of the possibilities. And that is the way I’d like to wake up each day. It was easy today after being off for a few days and seeing my family and friends. I’m hoping it kind of sets the table for the year ahead.

I’m going to try to drink more water this year and ease back on the Cokes. Photo by Mike Hartley

Let’s see if I can maintain that motivation and produce some meaningful work. And that means I need to stop doing the same thing I was and expect different results. I just haven’t put my heart into it and now is the time to begin the effort in earnest.

The trick will be keeping all the other balls in life from hitting the ground.

Nikon Photo Contest – Just got the email invite to enter and the thought “why not” hit me. And then I started to go through this year’s work and boy was I disappointed. One is how little use I made of my best tool, my Nikon. Next was how little I shot throughout the year with all 3 cameras and the video camera. But I won’t let that deter me but inspire me to make a drastic change this year. If I can blog every day I can shoot every day.

I also have to clean out some of that crap and also make some prints for the family that I didn’t throughout the year at some events. And lo and behold I hopefully learn from those weak images and failed attempts to improve this year’s offerings.

Perspective and Control – I’m no longer dreading Sunday nights which is the start of my workweek. I’m looking forward to it and being extremely productive regardless of the hours the job takes away from those first 4 days of the week. It’s all how I look and approach it.

I’m no longer dreading winter. It’s just another thing to skip past till I’m in Ocean City or Bethany Beach this summer eating a cherry ice cream soda from Dumsers and catching some rays on the sand.

Don’t worry, this will be the last shot of me this year.

Meds – They say timing is everything. I’m going to try that for one facet of my life starting today. With my screwed-up schedule, I end up taking my meds at all different times of the day during the week. I’m setting a time for that each day from now on and seeing if that helps the body.

Exercise – I hope to slowly build into a fit human being this year. Shouldn’t take a tremendous effort but as my best friend says it’s incorporating it into your daily routine. I’ve got a set of dumbells and a treadmill so that is where I’ll be starting. I haven’t had a daily exercise routine in decades.

Once I got the daily thing down for a few months and the temps start to warm I’ll get outside more and move that walk to a jog. And I’ll have a foot up on my summertime body. Maybe this year people won’t keep rolling me back into the water.

Getting a foot up on the world. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • The Sunday afternoon nap should be written into law.
  • I think it would be fair to say the Big 10 didn’t have a good day at football yesterday.
  • Despite the good cheer and feeling of the holiday season, the world remains a very dangerous place.
  • Live your own dream regardless of all the obstacles.
  • I’m saddened to see the obvious huge sums of money that gambling is exacting from people that can’t afford to lose.


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Writing

In the words of Dr. Johnny Fever and the show WKRP in Cincinnati. “Hello, fellow babies.”

The more I read about the art of writing the more inferior I feel by each paragraph I read. But there was one very important tip to start with and that was to Be Fearless. To just let it flow. So I’ll start with that because I’ve got to go reread some of the other pieces and see if I can grasp those concepts.

Fenceposts like life are interlinked. Photo by Mike Hartley

Today was a slice of life in a short ride. A peaceful back road, after a haircut, an errand run for my better half back in the town where I see a young lady and baby, looking at each other so deeply, oblivious to the world. A quick cruise through Main Street in Ellicott City and a slow ride up along Columbia Pike. I look to the left and there is a good size family leaving Slack Funeral Home. Some hand in hand or arm in arm walking slowly, heads bowed towards their cars. I get to Rt 29 and head north towards home and there I see a number of people trying to make it to the funeral home before their time.

I feel like I got a snippet of life in a ride of about 45 minutes today.

A 36-day streak of posts, so says my WP updates so I’ve decided to just keep it going. Having worked in a daily publishing environment for the last 24 years it’s something I hoped to do for myself when I retired but what the hell, I’ll see if I can keep that daily pace here while still employed.

This brings me back to creating good content because neither of us wants to listen to me ramble on. But what is good content and where does it come from. To me, the only way to get that answer is to keep doing it. And I don’t mean hoping to stumble upon it. Working hard to create and refine each day.

And while I do it I have to work out a great number of issues. Where is this blog going? Do I want to do certain things on certain days like Food Fridays, Shutterbug Saturdays, or Monday Mayhem? Or should I try to mix a number of things together each day and just neatly divide them into sections?

Do I keep doing Random Thoughts? Should I start tinkering with poems and run off what few followers I have. Hell, it’s wide open, I can do whatever I want and choose to focus on. I’m sure I’ll know when I’m satisfied with something and I’m guessing that is when I might hear approval for it.

So after 8 years of tinkering and on and off postings, we’re going to gear up and see what is possible if I set this mind free and apply myself.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Cake and ice cream have so many positive aspects. Why dwell on a few negatives.
  • Perfect time to practice some poor weather photography the next few days.
  • I have a real bad problem with Nazi flags and those flying them being out in public in this country and I’m not Jewish. Did this country forget what our parents spent the 1940s doing?
  • This workweek is flying by.


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To get me going again

Good morning all, and a Happy New Year.

Time to get paddling. Photo by Mike Hartley

It’s always good to have a commitment to something. I started blogging in 2014 and my goal was to do daily posts. Well, I’ve never accomplished that goal but it’s never too late to start trying again. So I saw this WordPress challenge for blogging every day in the month of January. So here we go.

And today’s writing prompt was:

Wow, this prompt makes you think and try to remember way back. One because my teenage self was about 50 years ago. In some ways, those days are very clear and in other ways, they are a total blur. Those were very difficult but also some fun times.

My father died when I was 9. So I started growing up before the time I was a teen, I think I might have been rebelling against it a bit. At 10 yrs old I biked a fairly large paper route for a couple of years, would dog sit, landscape work, odd construction help. When I turned 14, I helped my Mom buy a car. She let me drive it to a night job working a factory kitchen after school. I didn’t have a license till I was 16. I worked most of my entire teens and just before I was 19 I dropped my first year of college (lack of funds) and started my lifelong career in Newspapers.

I worked hard and played harder as a teen. And so did most of my friends. Many mistakes were made but also lots of great memories.

  • I would say if you’re going to work hard to impress someone make sure it’s the right people with the right things.
  • I wold say put that cigarette down and never pick up another one.
  • I would say you are not invincible.
  • I would say to find another way to deal with pain and insecurity than drinking and drugs.
  • I would say don’t put off or give up on your artistic interest.
  • I would say have a lot more confidence in yourself.
  • I would have said don’t be afraid or think it was uncool to succeed.
  • I would say don’t drink and drive you FOOL. No, I never hurt anyone or myself but I drove far too many times when I shouldn’t have.
  • I would say listen more and talk less.
  • I would probably suggest a helmet and roll cage when drag racing and the high-speed runs we made.
  • I would have told me that learning is fun and get to it.
  • I would say aspire to things you think might not be possible, more in life.
  • Life is fun, enjoy it and take better care of yourself because you will live longer than you and others would think.


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Quality and Quantity

One of the objectives, when I started, was to use the blog to keep me shooting daily. I’ve fallen off that pace but still post because I have some images from past years I’ve been filling in with. And while I like using my images and they sometimes inspire observations, but I’ve got to get more quality into each post.

It’s sometimes funny how blogging mimics publishing which it really is. Traditional publishing when I started had many pieces involved. Writers, editors, proofreaders for the words. Then there were the photographers, photo editors, cartoonists, illustrators, publication designers, page editors, and so on. Do I have all these skills, not a chance? But as a blogger, I might want to think about acquiring them if I want a quality product.

Wall of front pages on 9/11/2001 Photo by Mike Hartley

Of course, the content of those components leads to the quality also. But there is a lot to be said for all those pieces making it professional. I can have the best photos but if my misspellings in the caption are what is funny and remembered instead of the image, I’ve failed. If the photo is beautiful and the words inspiring and the layout is wrong, it doesn’t get the right impact.

There is so much to keep in mind, so many high standards to shoot for. No wonder why people don’t start or try. Hell, I’m still embarrassed regularly on my work because I have seen and know better but because of lack of time, I do the best I can. But the only way I’m going to get better is if I keep doing and trying.

The organization is certainly one of many things this blog lacks so I think I’ll experiment on how I form a post and maybe put it in sections to start with. Because if I have more content and it’s of good quality it’s no good if people can’t easily go to it. I think I’ll learn some about anchors this month and apply them.

So if I keep putting one foot ahead of the other I should be able to make some progress on quantity and quality this year.

How to make this year special. It’s been on my mind. Yes, I’ve allowed it to go there but also keeping that reality that limited success might be had. Hey, any year you make through alive is special. But how to go about making it special again is what I need to get a grip on.

Making personal gifts for special occasions is my thought. Or gifts just for the hell of it. I’ve had the joy of receiving some personal ones and they are special to me. So I hope I can do that for those important to me. Who knows, maybe I’ll discover some hidden skills. I’ve done some before but I’d really like to do a few special ones. And I know my first few pieces might not be stellar, but practice makes perfect. For instance today I learned to trim a little closer to avoid extra sanding time.

I also hope to use some local merchants and artists for gifts. I’ve seen some wonderful work and it’s worth supporting. If this country wants to make a comeback, it’s going to be through small business again because the big boys can’t care or cover all the small and medium-size towns, cities, and countryside of this country. Plus having something made HERE is something we all should get back to.

Not a many houses lit up this year. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Nothing like being up before sunrise and seeing it.
  • The tour busses on the road, aren’t musicians anymore, they are just politicians.
  • The older you get the less you need resolutions.
  • Major accomplishment today. I can see the top of most of my desk and what I can’t is essential. I also added a bookcase and removed a few pieces from the office.


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That blank page

Sometimes when I sit down to start a post the blank page in front of me gives me pause. I guess it’s that self-doubt I carry around that intimidates me for a few seconds. Will I come up with something creative or interesting? What images should I use? Do I spend some precious time on design? Do I even know what I’m talking about and will putting words to paper remove all doubt that I don’t.

And then I put my first few words down and I’m off. And that fear and pause I have is dissipated and fades away and I start to smile as the fingers go off on their own. The mind wanders and I try to catch some thoughts and ideas as it races around the track in my head.

At peace with myself. Photo by Mike Hartley

And then at the end, I start to worry again before I hit the publish button. I know my English skills leave a lot to be desired. I know some of the pictures are amateurish. I might not have the interesting idea or take on it that I thought I had when I started the post and I pause again. Sometimes saving it as a draft, sometimes trashing work, sometimes more edits or photo changes.

I think about the posts I’ve read and how well written and talented you all are. I read some and the education and background provide insights and knowledge to me I previously lacked and wondered if I could ever do something like that for someone else?

I’m not a wealthy man in monetary means so I’m not a big traveler. So are people going to want to see images from small towns and the state of Maryland constantly? My career choice is somewhat interesting but I’m not retired yet so talking about it could be risky. I’ve had some medical challenges but so has most of the world. I’m no master at being the head of the family, an illusion my better half pretends to let me have.

I love to joke and laugh and I think I’m good at keeping friends and family entertained at times. But I’m not a comedian. And I’m kind of intimidated to try it here even though I’d love to try to write comedy. I try sneaking something into my posts from time to time.

Regardless of how well my work is received or not, I have found I love doing it. But now I’m going to venture further and really try to make some significant steps. I’m going to try to be more well-read in topics I choose to wade into. I’m going to challenge my photo skills by first utilizing some time with books. I read a post a few weeks ago that suggested instead of more gear, try some books on the profession. So I’m starting with something called “The Photographers Playbook” and I also have gotten out a very old set of Time/Life books on Photography and hope to read every day from now on. Like I’ve said before, I’d like to get a good jump on my retirement career.

The last few days I’m on a roll and shooting more. Not successfully but by mistakes, you learn what not to do at least. I’m trying to get rid of what I call Old Man Finger. Having shot film for many decades, I still have that conservative finger when hitting the shutter button. And no matter how many times I remind myself to just keep shooting (because it’s digital) when I’m trying to photograph my granddaughter who defines the term “constant motion” I still pause and try to catch that exact moment I want and often am too early or two late instead of just shooting a burst.

So this coming year I hope some efforts to better educate myself yields some better quality work here. I did learn a few things in my long career in Newspapers. And one of them is “Content is KING.” In other words, if you’re putting out good work, they will come. So I’m not going to sit here and put out a bunch of goals for the coming year on the number of posts or amount of followers I’d like to add. I just want to improve and time will tell me if it’s working or not.

So good morning all, have a great day. It’s time to have some French Toast this fine Sunday morning.

So I like a little extra powdered sugar. Hey, I went very easy on the syrup. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I’m thinking more about fostering a cat this coming year.
  • I want each day from now on to count for something special.
  • Coming off a week of vacation to return to work tonight is a rude thought to end the year with. But what the hell, it is one of those years.
  • My sister-in-law returns home today. It was nice having her visit for a few days and it was good for my better half. I do worry we won’t see her as often now though. And that would be a loss because she is a sweet woman.
  • My desk needs cleaning, as it has for a while now. Maybe I can embarrass myself into doing it.