THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley


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Live long and prosper

I’ve heard that line “Live long and prosper” somewhere in my lifetime.

The daily writing prompt wants to know my thoughts on the concept of living a very long life.

I hope to live a very long life. In some ways I’ve already have. I’m thankful for each day and the healthy ones especially. I hope to grow old with my better half and watch my grandchildren grow into young adults.

I have a lot to do and accomplish myself. I’d like to live it as healthy as possible. The concept of living a long time in ill health worries me. Whether mentally or physically it would be a struggle. Of course that is asking for a lot.

I’m guessing the percentage of people who grow very old and healthy, and then just pass peacefully in their sleep is very low. I’ve seen some of the end-of-life struggles and it bothers me, but it’s kind of out of our control.

Staying sharp both mentally takes work just like keeping the body in shape physically. I haven’t done the best job here but it’s never too late to start. I think we all have started over several times with these goals.

The thought of a long life like living till my late 80s or early 90s makes me smile. I can see myself shuffling through the bleachers to watch a grandchild play a high school or college game and attend their graduations. I can feel myself holding my better half’s hand on the deck as we catch some sun. Well, I’ll catch rays, she will be under the umbrella.

I can see myself in what will be then a very classic Miata that I have sitting in the driveway now cruising down some back roads and remembering what was there decades ago. I hope I still have a camera in my hands and that the hands can still tickle the keyboard with speed and agility.

Each doctor’s appointment now scares the hell out of me. Ever since some medical challenges in the previous two decades I fear that I might not be able to see some of those plans. Just as any senior fears when they get to this age.

A while back I learned and then relearned the importance of living in the present. So, it’s going to be a great day today and productive day.

Wishing all of us many more sunrises. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Longevity

What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life? So asks the daily writing prompt.

I’m all for living a very long life being I’m pretty far along already. I’ve got a ton of things I’d love to accomplish and experience yet. My concept is simple, I need to stay both physically and mentally challenged. Fit and sharp as long as possible.

And I need to remember what my mom told me once. Getting old takes courage. And that courage is always needed in life because we all confront many challenges. I’ve seen older family and friends experience the loss of lifelong partners. And many more experience physical pain, limitations, rehabs, recoveries and more surgeries or ailments all the time it seems.

I was talking to an old friend who had lost his two best friends in recent years. It was like a piece of him was gone also.

Like all challenges in life, its how we respond to them. I hope I’m ready to adjust as needed. I’ve been pretty good at it so far. Living for today, hoping for tomorrow, wishing for health.

Sands of time. Photo by Mike Hartley