Oh jeez, another question from the daily writing prompt that doesn’t inspire much enthusiasm. What is your favorite animal? – Cat – Always have been and always will.
Half Cat. Photo by Mike Hartley
So, time for my own made-up questions.
How much wall space in your home is taken up by kids or grandkids pictures, artworks, awards, certificates, handprints, height charts on doorframes?
We have quite a few pictures up in frames upstairs. We have 3-bedroom doorframes that measure the height of our constantly growing grandchildren. The fridge has pictures. We have a digital picture frame. In my office I have half a wall of grandkids artwork and another wall with a collage of 200 family pictures so far, it’s still a work in progress.
Here is another question. What was my favorite quote I heard recently?
A Ford UAW worker shouted “pedophile protector” at Trump at a visit to the plant in Detroit. More guts than most reporters.
And the last one. How many bobbleheads are in your home?
“Well, I’ve been waiting for this moment, for all my life” from a Phil Collins song, In the Air Tonight. A strong line for sure, maybe one I’ve listened to in the past. Waiting for that moment. That feeling. That enlightenment. That path or direction. That love. Thankfully I woke up decades ago and stopped waiting and started making moments.
As our friend Capt Dan would say. Yeah, Buddy. Photo by Mike Hartley
Because life is just a bunch of strung-together moments of pain, peace, and pleasure. Lots of times all on the same day. So today’s moments while maybe not the ones I was waiting for, will be great nonetheless. A lot of it starts with being at peace with myself which has been a struggle all my life.
If my mind was the weather it would be one endless series of warnings, alerts, and actual storms. Some very strong ones changed the landscape of my life. Many others always leave me looking at the sky even on sunny days.
Some days just feel like incredible challenges. Others, are packed with disappointments and trials. Don’t get me wrong, I have a ton of joy, and that is what I focus on. Along with the wonderful gifts and place in life I’ve been given, worked for, and created, good or bad.
Queen of the Jungle Photo by Mike Hartley
Each day we all get up, some ready to run through a wall with desire and energy. Others are terrified to take the blanket off and get vertical. Days can be filled with great anticipation and some with terrible dread.
I found out when I was young, mainly from my Mom, you just keep going. You suck it up and run through that wall again the next day and the next day and the next. You try to look for the best in life and in people. You don’t care that others might be more successful or had easier roads. You help those less fortunate than yourself. You are grateful.
I’m going to miss the game with the boys tonight. The strong embraces and handshakes. A few toasts to old friends, memories, and then a discussion of future plans. Then cheering Maryland onto victory. Just not feeling right today. A couple of old injuries bothering me and some new pains.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I wonder if it’s too late to add being a musician, to the list of things to try in retirement.
I’m one of the people looking forward to tomorrow. Despite the unknown executive orders.
Did I mention I dislike cold? Oh yeah, sorry.
Imagine what could be accomplished if we worked together. I wonder if people spent as much time thinking about that instead of what they would do with the lotto winnings that aren’t coming their way, it could be a real force.
