THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: change


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Turn around

I’m trying to turn things around but having limited success. As a matter of fact, I feel like I’m losing. Not the best feeling in the world but there it is.

I’ve been pretty good at dealing with change in the past. Being in a technology area most of my career I didn’t have a choice because things moved fast. But I’m finding the more I’m removed from it being retired the more problems I have when I encounter something new. Like messing with that Park Mobile app a few years ago. And as time goes on the more F’ing apps you need to just get by.

With people, I’ve also had the ability to deal with changes over time. But that past success seems to be fading. And I can’t say if it’s my ability to deal with things is getting more limited or if the changes others are going through have changed things to where I’m not in a comfortable place.

Photo by Mike Hartley

There is work to be done in evaluating, adapting or changing some things. We will see if the old concept of older people being resistant or unable to change affect me or not.

Yes, I’m familiar with the adage “the only constant thing in life is change.”


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Changed

The daily prompt wants to know – What’s a piece of media (book, movie, song) that changed how you see the world?

When I was young there was a lot of music talking about the chaos in the country. CSNY (Crosby Stills Nash and Young) was one of them that reached me. I was maybe 12 when I started listening to what was classified as counterculture music. The kind your parents came in and said what the hell is that.

Many songs from the late 60s and early 70s were ones that inspired emotions, gave messages that made you think, challenged norms. I know I felt changed by much of it. Like the song title from the group Ten Years After “I’d Love To Change The World”

Comment – This is a very important question moving forward. Media can influence how we see the world. And that has never been more obvious than the current times.

I’m not encouraging you to dump getting information because you fear it’s all tainted. It’s always had a slant one way or another depending on your views. BUT in all that information is the truth. You have to dig, you have to question, you have to read and investigate. You have to find trusted sources but also check them from time to time.

And then Teach Your Children as CSNY said. Teach them to love and look for truth.

Stylized text graphic featuring the word 'LOVE' with the word 'SOMEONE' curved underneath, on a black background.


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Be Upfront

Changing my approach to change. I’m trying to combat the forces of age and nature that resist change with advancing years.

Changing speeds in my motivation is a beginning that will help with everything else. I’m already feeling and seeing the difference in productivity and results.

Chrome and Color. Photo by Mike Hartley

I’m trying to make a big change in terms of letting some things go. Some old family items, at least a third of the stuff in my workroom, some materials I’ve been saving for who knows what project.

I’m trying to change the focus here to more of my original intent with a photography focus but here I am contributing more grey matter.

Some changes are in relationships. The ones that require me to be the giver most of the time, become less attractive.

Some are changes in interest. This one has been happening for a while now. Since my retirement I have had less in common with a lot of people because I’ve dropped what I was doing professionally almost entirely. My hobbies now don’t register with most I’ve known for a while, with a rare exception here and there.

Many changes are out of my control, but they could have big effects on me. Things like friends moving away or passing. Of course, I’ve been touched by people close to me passing as we all have. But most all my best and longest-term friends have always lived close by. That will be tough as those things change.

In some cases, I might be forced to accept change and that is probably the most difficult. I’ve been lucky enough to maintain my own home and property for many decades here. But those days are numbered. I still enjoy it and can do most of it, but the heavy stuff is taking a toll. And there are parts of this yard it’s very easy to fall on which I’ve done many times.

Well, it’s late and time to change into exercise man, watch a little of the Ravens game before returning to work here for a late-night post. Don’t worry, I’ll change it up so it won’t be a serious post.


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Open

We opened the blog shop early today (couldn’t sleep) but then we closed for a morning doctor’s appointment and a visit to long time neighbors who are moving away next week.

To the left of this monitor is a picture of our son and daughter and their 2 daughters and son. It’s at the bus stop for elementary school. I had them all face me shoulder to shoulder straight faced and then had them turn to the side and look over their shoulder at me and smirk. It looks like a lineup.

Where have the last 3 decades gone? We are so lucky they are all healthy and doing okay.

The neighborhood is starting to have some turnover. I saw that happen to my parent’s neighborhood and now it’s happening to ours. That’s life, constant change.

Open so often, no sense changing the sign. Photo by Mike Hartley

After a quick refueling (lunch) the shop is open again and the printer has just fired up to complete the Christmas day prints of the family celebration. Then upload some new images to the photo site and spend a little time organizing there.

But first back to the treadmill.


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Change

Describe one positive change you have made in your life. – A softball question from the daily writing prompt.

At a young age I was developing a serious drinking problem. For close to a decade, I was a heavy drinker. My better half helped me get a grip on it and I’ve been fine since. I didn’t have a drop for about 2 decades after that.

I might have a shot with the boys once in a great while. Or a frozen cocktail while on vacation at the beach but nothing else. Drinking was almost like a competition sport with our group. And I was pretty good at leading the pack.

Booze and I are not a good combination. I’m not a mean drunk, quite the happy one in fact, but it would take over my life. For it almost cost me the most wonderful woman in the world. And I’m not taking that chance again.

The shots I do now are at the range. Photo by Mike Hartley