THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: dailyprompt


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AI thoughts

The daily prompt with a good question – What do you think is the future of AI?

There is a question I could probably fill a book with speculation about. A question that I hope for the best but fear for the worst.

An old term/saying comes to mind when thinking about AI at this point of time. I think it went – Don’t get too far out over your skis.

And that is where I think we are now. Getting ahead of ourselves in a relentless pursuit of the almighty dollar and to be first.

When it has the possibility of so much good and yet we seem to want to unleash an unknown beast untethered. Instead of doing something for humanity we are making our implements of war stronger.

I grew up in the 60s and 70s and thought I knew what turbulent times were. I’m afraid this technology might eventually cause even more turmoil than those decades.

In some ways maybe solutions provided could solve very troubling issues for our planet and society. Issues of health, food and water management, and others. But if the worst of human nature gets its hands on things which have been the case many times in our history, we could be in for monumental problems.

I do know I wouldn’t want the roar of a datacenter next to my neighborhood. I’ve been in these warehouses of machines. They are already going to take more energy to run than we have. As is common, the people are footing the extra bill in power along the way and may pay a lot more in the future for it. Unless AI comes up with a clean cheap technology for energy.

What scares me is I hope we aren’t looking at a repeat of end of 2007 and instead of a subprime mortgage failure we AI investment bubble burst.

But I’ll end on an optimistic note. I hope some really bright and ethical people get a hold of this technology and that it takes life on earth and improves it for us all and our planet.

Close-up image of several rolled black cables secured with black straps.
Wire bundles. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Stress

The daily prompt with one of those questions I have no use for this morning. It asks – Which book’s world would be the absolute worst to live in?

My first thought was reality is usually stranger than fiction and the world in the coming future is certainly going to have more struggles than we have today. So, these could be the good old days we are in now. I’m going to try to improve it for my kids and grandkids in the time I have left.

My better half says we have a free day today. I like the sound of that and to quote a good friend of mine, “all up.”

Some good music is pumping through my ears; I’m almost finished editing a shoot of 191 shots and about to upload them. Once that is done, I’m back on the treadmill for some heart exercise.

After a few minutes of thought, my question is – Are you seeing more people in your orbit under greater stress and are you overwhelmed yourself?

In our group of family, friends and acquaintances we are seeing more people struggling. Hard-working people, educated people, even retired people who have worked hard. And it’s not just financial struggles. It’s that atmosphere of tension and aggressiveness that is troubling.

People wondering if their profession is going to be around and if they will have to learn new skills and start over again. My children are grown but 2 of them are teachers. I have grandchildren that go to school. Imagine being nervous of family being in school because you know it’s no longer safe.

Just taking a drive can be a brush with death every time you buckle up because of an ever-increasing number of idiots and selfish F’s. Or is that food safe at the store now? And what germ or virus is lurking around the corner for our next health crisis.

Then again, the suns out, it will be warm enough to put the top down, and a good song has my spirits flying high and the hope it to make the best of the day.

I’m not overwhelmed, but I sense it on the horizon.

Remember to enjoy the colors of the season because soon it will look like this.

A dense grove of bare trees during winter, showcasing their white trunks and branches against a backdrop of brown foliage.
Photo by Mike Hartley


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Underrated flick

What’s the most underrated movie you’ve ever watched? – Asks the daily prompt again.

Kelly’s Heroes, Silverado and Hell or High Water. I’m not a huge movie buff so my choices were limited.

A large orange pumpkin displaying several purple award ribbons at an exhibition.
Pumpkin from Bumpkin. Yes, that is a full-size skid under it. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Share and survive

What’s something you’ve done that you never thought you could? – Asks the daily prompt.

I began to share my photos and thoughts/writings and soon maybe some of my other attempts at my creative endeavors. Which I never thought were good enough. Of course, I could still prove myself right there.

Survived a few cancers and was lucky enough to learn to appreciate life like I didn’t do for the first 50 years of it.

Close-up of a vintage Kodet lens mounted on an old folding camera, with visible film compartment and lens markings.
Photo by Mike Hartley


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For a week

The daily prompt asks – If you could switch lives with a famous person for a week, who would it be and why?

My first thought was why would I want to do that. One being away from my life for a week means I might miss something important in my own life. Second, I don’t aspire to fame. It comes with a price. And even for a week that’s means with the good comes the bad.

Your loss of privacy, the constant demands of fame. With that fame sometimes comes fortune and with that comes everybody who wants something or a part of it.

You have to sort out people who want to be true friends and those who want to be next to famous people. That part is easy now, if people hang with me, they are my friends.

Even if I play along it would be very hard to choose. I thought about my favorite baseball player right now, Aaron Judge. I thought it would be cool to experience that natural talent and skill he has, plus he seems like a nice person. But then I thought about coming to bat in Yankee Stadium and the few drunks would say something stupid and I’d respond, “hey fat boy, come on down here and do better” and I’d ruin his good reputation which I don’t want to do.

So next.

I love comedy and thought about experiencing the brilliance of writing, creating and performing and getting those great laughs. And then I thought about the tortured souls of three of my favorites Robin Williams, John Belushi and Richard Pryor and I’m not sure I want that pain.

Next

Ah, Muhammad Ali – One of the most known people on the planet at one time. I’d want to know what it’s like to have that motivation and drive he had. That focus and physical talent and skill combined in the ring. But also, that mindset in life and following his own path. Speaking what was on his mind and following his own convictions. Of course, before all those blows took its toll, which is a heavy price to pay for those early years.

Well, I’m back to my original answer. None. For the simple reason that it’s not specifically specified which week of their lives you would be switching with. For example, if I wanted to be Richard Pryor, I wouldn’t want to be the week he set himself on fire and nearly died.

So, I’ll continue happily in anonymity. I wouldn’t want to miss that facetime with my children and grandchildren for any fame.

Now if you want to give me a week at a bed and breakfast with a front porch overlooking the ocean and a sandy 100-foot path to it, I’m all in.

A charming porch with white furniture, featuring a welcome sign and an entrance sign pointing to a parlor. The porch has decorative trim and is surrounded by greenery.


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Stress

The daily prompt asks – How do you manage stress?

Over this long lifetime I’ve handled many stresses in both good and bad ways. In truth it’s managed me at times in life. When I reacted poorly to stress, I sometimes used drinking and drugs.

I realized life was about managing stress. Like a wise friend shared with me, you can’t control a lot of things, only how you react to them. Life is one continuous stress test.

Being older and retired, a lot of those big stresses have passed or changed, and some new ones took their place.

The major ones have passed in some ways. but also changed in some significant ways. For instance, the stress of being a young parent through infancy till they are getting a college degree and one day are saying goodbye to you and their home. But you never stop being a parent or caring or worrying about them. And now we stress with the grandchildren.

The stress of the job is gone. Answering to someone else has passed. But I’ve always answer to myself, and I can be a tough taskmaster. Answering to someone else was a major stressor. I have trouble with authority when I don’t agree with it. And some who knew me professionally might have thought I was outspoken. Which usually meant saying what others lacked the stones to say.

A huge stress, especially in this area, is the daily commute. I avoid rush hours like the plague now. That is a stress I’m so glad is passed because I love to drive, but those 100-mile commutes to the middle of Washington and back were brutal.

The stress of being a caregiver for parents last years is a major one a lot of us go through. But when it’s over you miss going shopping for them, picking up after them, taking them to the doctor’s and caring for them.

The financial pressures are still here, that is a lifetime one for most of us.

The stress of health becoming an issue and eventually leaving this world. Health is the most important thing and it’s what you realize and stress about the most as a senior. Both for yourself and especially those significant others growing very old with you.

The stress of trying to have the energy of a young parent when watching grandchildren.

Thankfully I haven’t had the stress a lot of seniors go through when they retire. I’m loving it.

My stress reducers

  • Music
  • Get in a stick shift car with rear wheel drive. Pull up the light, focus, bring RPM up, put in 1st gear and let that clutch go.
  • Exercise
  • Tell the boss where to go.
  • Good friends you can unwind with.
  • A motorcycle
  • I guess I could have reduced your stress by making this post a little shorter.
A man in a red jacket sits on a bench with his hands covering his face, appearing distressed, while several people are seated or walking in the background near a pavilion.
Don’t Stress over the coming Holidays. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Forward in Time

The daily prompt asks – If you could go back in time and give your younger self advice, what would it be? I feel like I answered this question before. And when I search for the word advice on my blog, I see many questions answered on advice for the younger me and others.

So, I’ll pose this question another way today.

Thinking forward, what advice would you give today for a senior citizen, like me.

  • Do it today. You’re not going to feel any better tomorrow or the next day.
  • Appreciate your senses and memories, for they will slowly fade.
  • Know that each meeting with family and friends is more special than the last.
  • Pursue what you want to do. Act on your ideas and don’t stop.
  • Share your feelings now before the opportunity is lost.
A person fishing on rocks by the water during sunset.
Photo by Mike Hartley


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Proud

The daily prompt asks – What’s something you’ve done that your past self would be proud of? – I hope I get the concept of this question correctly.

  • That I returned to dreams I had in my younger days of trying my hand at art and writing in my senior years. – Better late than never.
  • That I was a very good professional despite my continuing self-doubt.
  • That I might have been a good parent. – you will have to verify with the kids and grandkids, but I think you might get an affirmative.
  • That I had the strength to be a caregiver for parents.
  • That I’m still here, despite those thoughts in my head to the contrary.
  • That I’m still driving a stick shift.

Fall is here.

A couple sitting on a wooden bench by the water, with one person wearing a pink hooded jacket and the other in a light gray sweater and cap. The background features green plants and shimmering water.
Photo by Mike Hartley


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Mentor

The daily prompt asks – What’s the best online course you’ve ever taken?

To be entirely honest, it’s been years since I have done an online course. I can’t even remember a remote favorite. I know, I’m wasting all that knowledge and experience.

Not that I don’t watch YouTube videos for tips and tricks.

What I will do instead is talk about the importance of a mentor. Online courses and manuals will only take you so far. That personal experience with someone with decades of experience can be an invaluable way to learn. At least that was my personal experience.

The people being mentored know the importance of it. The people doing it understand that it’s important for the group to succeed. The mid-level managers and supervisors know it because they trained the trainers.

It was especially important throughout the whole of my 50 years in newspapers. Having worked at small, medium and large companies, it was the one thing consistent throughout. Now whether some upper management realized it was even going on or not or the importance of it is another thing.

Maybe it was just the era I came up in or the work experiences I had, but people shared knowledge. Well yeah, you always have some that try to use it as power, but a majority of people were mentors or being mentored. The amazing thing to me is that it was so informal.

When you paired the right people together the gains were immediate and significant. In the IT environments I worked in, we wore many hats. Way too many hats in most cases.

Even early on when it was with production equipment, in the engraving and press areas. There were no safety training or warnings or manuals. When people started in the pressroom, you were taught where to and where not to put your hands. What to do when you hear a bell. What path not to be in as to not to be run over by the clamp truck bringing couple ton rolls of newsprint to the press. How to climb through a running 9-unit web offset press like a jungle gym to adjust ink settings because that is how it was done on old presses.

Later, as a UNIX Admin, we had to know operating systems, network, security, storage, backup, database, applications, performance tuning, redundant disaster systems at multiple locations on platforms from every company known to man.

At each stage and many in between, I was either being taught or teaching someone.

Only towards the end of my career did I notice companies pitting employees against each other. That internal competition has its own set of problems, which they are finding out.

Sorry to ramble on so long. Online courses are cool. Mentors are a more powerful learning tool though. IMHO.

Two individuals wearing white uniforms and hats are walking away, each carrying a large red bag. They are on a brick-paved outdoor area near a building.
Back to work partner. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Robin

The daily prompt asks – Which celebrity would you love to meet, and what would you talk about?

I would love to have met Robin Williams. I would love to talk about his natural gifts of humor and how he crafted it over his life. I’d like to make him laugh unexpectedly and know him as a person instead of a celebrity.

I’d be interested if he wished he had a more private life instead of the celebrity? If he ever thought about just stopping performing.

Also, his feelings on how drugs affected the comedy writing and performances. Not stories about what transpired but if he thought parts were better or worse because of it.

I’d ask who his favorite people were to work with. I’d ask what he thought were the best parts of other comics.

Comedy is an art form that is not only good for the soul, it can also save lives. I’m sure people have told him how they have been pulled out of despair or saved by making them laugh again and turn a corner the positive way. Is that a good feeling or a weight?

I’d ask if the hospital visits, he made in private to those in bad shape, were the most rewarding performances for himself personally?

I’d ask him how he liked his burgers cooked, what kind of cheese and if he wanted grilled onions.

Two raw hamburger patties on a grill over hot coals.
Conversation and Food. Always a good combo. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Good

The daily prompt asks a good question today – What does it mean to be a good person?

Words like respect, compassion, empathy, sharing, honorable, loving, truthful, come to mind. Little things and big things can make a good person.

Simple acts like holding a door for someone. Letting someone merge on the road. Smiling for no reason other than to maybe make someone else smile.

Maybe checking on an elderly neighbor or keeping in touch with a friend who is struggling physically or mentally and giving support.

Pulling over to see if a disabled motorist needs help. Saying have a nice day after an elevator ride together.

Sometimes being a good person is something that is thrust upon you. Seeing someone being abused verbally or physically and intervening.

Maybe charitable donations to help those in need. Some donate organs.

Taking the time to speak with someone who is lonely. I saw a lot of them when my mother was in assisted living.

Share some hope and optimism. Help someone remove obstacles, keeping them from being successful.

Sometimes it’s difficult for me but my mom always taught me that there was good in everyone. And I believed her till Trump and his minions came along.

If I wasn’t doing this at 3am, I’d probably have had a few more but off to the next project of the day. Have a good one.

Decorative display in a window featuring large burlap letters spelling 'LOVE', adorned with red heart-shaped accents and a cozy-themed red container.
Photo by Mike Hartley


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Travel

What’s a country that’s at the top of your bucket list? – Asks the daily prompt.

The one I live and grew up in and haven’t scratched the surface yet of seeing. The United States is huge and is loaded with natural and manmade beauty. Even if I spent every day of the remainder of my days, I wouldn’t even begin to touch all the spots I would like to visit.

I’ll do my best to see some of it, but I’ve also learned something about myself in retirement. I like home also because I’m still exploring the state I live in and finding all kinds of great things.

Maybe the question today was a trigger to take a trip with my two best friends because I had just run across this photo while looking for a shot for another post. This was the last time we went deep sea fishing off Florida well over a decade ago.

Two men walking in a parking garage, each pulling a suitcase. One man is wearing a black shirt and a cap, while the other is dressed in a light-colored shirt with a sweater draped over his shoulders.
My buddies. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Engine Optimization

What are your strategies for SEO? – Asks the daily prompt.

In one way, this is going to be a short answer. Maybe I’ll pick up some tips from others on this question.

Only in the last month or two did I even turn on Optimize SEO and let it autogenerate metadata. I didn’t even put anything in that before. So probably a part of the reason I stay obscure, but it doesn’t bother me in the least.

In another way this is going to be a visual answer to the question. The era we grew up in we were always in Searching for Engine Optimization.

Close-up view of the engine compartment of a vintage car, featuring multiple carburetors with chrome accents and red hoses.
Close-up view of a Chevrolet 409 engine highlighted in orange with a chrome air filter and various engine components.
Close-up of a polished chrome engine with a supercharger and various components under the hood of a classic Chevrolet Nova.
Close-up view of a Chevrolet engine with a blue air filter and chrome components.

Photos by Mike Hartley

I’m sorry, I just got back from a large car show this past weekend and engine only means one thing to me today.

Close-up view of a shiny red classic car's front end featuring a prominent grille and a high-performance engine with multiple chrome components.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Going my way?

Close-up view of a polished chrome car engine with a distinctive blower and a unique seat design featuring cartoonish eyes.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I love the custom work done on the engine bay.

Close-up view of a polished engine with multiple chrome intake manifolds and mesh filters, set against a bright red background.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Keeping it simple.

Close-up view of a polished engine compartment showcasing a shiny chrome intake system, air filters, and various engine components against a vibrant red background.
Photo by Mike Hartley


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Know now

What’s one thing you know now that would have saved your younger self a lot of pain? – Asks the daily prompt.

That is one long list to sort through on a Sunday morning. I guess I’ll go with the knowledge that you don’t have to drink or can drink in moderation.

I don’t get the impression people share a lot of their past experiences and the knowledge and wisdom they gained with others. I’m guilty of it myself. There are a lot of young people who could use some sage advice. Not that all will take it but if it helps some why not. Though watch what sage you choose to take advice from. There are many different paths to happiness.

Just a few things off the top of my head.

  • Life is short and goes by fast, but don’t live it day to day like there is no tomorrow.
  • You get one body, take good care of it. Stay active.
  • Love is great, love is tough, love changes over time.
  • Work hard. Give an honest day’s effort. But save the best for your own interests and desires.
  • Playing or coaching sports is immanently more fun than watching it, gambling on it or fantasizing about it.
  • Try to peacefully coexist with people, nature, environment, because it benefits all of us.
  • Compassion, empathy, charity are not weak traits.
  • Smile, laugh a lot, share your emotions.
  • If you are lucky enough to have children and grandchildren that love you, you have life by the tail.
A boat sailing across the ocean under a colorful sunset sky.
Caught this yesterday just after sunrise coming into Ocean City MD. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Weirdest movie

What’s the weirdest movie you’ve ever watched? – Asks the daily prompt.

Either The Shinning or A Clockwork Orange.

Front view of a bright orange vintage car with distinct grille and headlights.
Photo by Mike Hartley


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Morning routine

The daily prompt wants me to – Tell us about your morning routine.

I wake up early. I stretch out a bit, hit my home office, check email and then get to work on the morning posts here. Oh, before I sit down, I get my morning Coke. I never was a coffee drinker.

Before I write I always step outside no matter what the weather is to check out the morning and sometimes the animals that greet me by surprise before daylight hits.

After I write for a short bit, I check the news of the morning and usually get on the treadmill for a bit.

As far as eating sometimes, I’ll have a full breakfast and other times nothing.

Several hours later my better half usually wakes.

Two sunny-side up eggs cooking in a frying pan.


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Meeting in transit

What’s the best way to meet new people while traveling? – Asks the daily prompt.

Being I’m not an experienced traveler; buyer beware of advice.

My first thought was to turn my phone off and put it away. That way my head is up and attention to meeting other people is possible. Sounds kind of simple. But everywhere I go that seems to be the case most of the time. People’s faces buried in their devices.

Ask a question, introduce yourself.

Maybe if you see people you’re traveling with dining at the same times or spots see if they want to join you.

Ask locals about traditions or what they think is special about their community. Lots of people like to talk about where they live. Watch out for the negative ones though.

Being an amateur photographer, I ask others what they might be shooting with and how they like it and of course where good spots are in the area.

Those were just a few off the top of my head. I’m no world traveler. When I was younger and traveled a little bit with my mom I learned. Be respectful, be positive, ask questions, express thanks for help and suggestions or time and the company.

Interior view of a large, open train station featuring tall columns, a statue in the background, and various people waiting and moving about. The space is well-lit with large windows and hanging lights.
Photo by Mike Hartley


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Ask them and yourself

If Aliens arrived tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d ask them? – I dislike these type questions from the daily prompt.

Okay, I’ll play along.

  • What’s with the big heads?
  • How many galaxies per gallon does that thing get?
  • Why did you decide to land on the armpit of the universe?
  • You think that thing is fun, let me take you for a ride in my Miata.
  • Well, you landed in Maryland, let me teach you how to eat crabs from the Chesapeake Bay. Also, you’re going to need special driving lessons for this state.

But seriously, maybe there are some questions that we should ask ourselves each day.

  • Did I touch base with family and friends and tell them I love them.
  • Did I improve others day.
  • Did I respect my environment.
  • Did I learn something.
  • Did I share something I know or a skill.
  • Did I smile and say kind things.
  • Did I accomplish something.
  • Did I have fun.
  • Did I do things people will remember me fondly for.
A serene sunset over a body of water, with silhouetted street lights and a bridge in the foreground, casting a warm glow across the sky.
Sunset over the Rt 90 bridge coming into Ocean City. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Underrated LS

What’s the most underrated life skill? – Asks the daily prompt.

This is a tough one; I’m torn between 3 of them. Decision Making – Problem Solving and even though I don’t see this on many lists I’ll add Common Sense.

I was going to say Empathy and Compassion, but a large segment of the population has ditched this ability.

Here are a couple of underrated life skills some might not think of and some of my personal favorites off the top of my head this morning.

I’m glad I grew up thinking without the help of the internet. It taught me to not give up and find the answers myself.

Coping with loss is a unique life skill I haven’t mastered yet.

Knowing your circuit breaker panel.

Being married to the same person all your life and being happy. Well, most of the time at least.

Being a good driver is an underrated skill. It’s kept me alive hundreds of times.

Knowing that your friends know that you can be counted on.

Listening to doctors instead of politicians.

Having the courage and drive to not give up and pursue your dreams.

Swinging a hammer without hitting fingers.

Having a great memory is so important.

Go ahead and be outspoken, most don’t have the courage to say what is on their mind and they need a voice.

Knowing where the flashlight is when the power goes out.

Don’t go through life without having cut loose a few times.

Being able to create an image, story, painting, song, film. engine or anything creative and beautiful is an underrated skill.

A group of mechanics working on a yellow race car in a garage, focused on the engine area. Several individuals in black and yellow team uniforms are gathered around the vehicle, with tools and equipment visible in the background.
Pit crew – skills combined and multiplied. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Live by

What’s a personal mantra or philosophy you live by? – Asks the daily prompt.

No one philosophy, but I guess a hodgepodge of little ones. I try to be a loving person. My mom taught me to look for good in people. In a short time, my dad taught me courage. I try to be a good father, husband and friend. I work hard and play hard. I respect till I’m disrespected.

Mantra for each of my personalities.

  • Personal – Love, Laugh, Appreciate
  • Professional – It ain’t going to get done looking at it.
  • Driver – Miata is always the answer. The Camaro was my first love. V-Twins rule the world.
  • Hobbyist – Create it, Share it.
  • The Other Side – The Doctor is in. Kickstart My Heart
A large decorative heart sculpture made of intricate patterns, displayed on a pedestal in front of sheer curtains.
5 foot glass heart. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Plan it

What’s the best way to explore a new city? – Asks the daily prompt.

Do some investigation on what you would like to see and do before going. Have plans for good and bad weather. Study transportation and food. The less spur of the moment things you have to decide on the better.

Then go and have a good time. Be flexible. Ask people when you get there about your assumptions. When you’re there note places, you would like to go next time.

And don’t forget to be a human being. Respect local culture and traditions. Be courteous and not that ugly American.

Oh, don’t forget getting there and back. We discovered the train and that was the perfect solution for this city. We will be taking it to other cities.

Things worked out for us on our first visit to NYC earlier this year.

A group of people sitting on an observation deck, overlooking a vast cityscape filled with tall skyscrapers and a clear blue sky.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Sometimes it’s helpful to get an overview of the city.

A group of people standing on a glass observation platform, looking and pointing at something in the sky on a clear blue day.
Photo by Mike Hartley

So, look down, look up, look all around.

A large, ornate gothic-style cathedral with tall spires, located next to modern skyscrapers, under a bright blue sky. People are gathered at the entrance and around the surrounding area, with city traffic visible in the foreground.
Photo by Mike Hartley

And have a great time in your next CITY.


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Feeling Alive

What’s a moment in your life that made you feel truly alive? – asks the daily prompt.

Wow, I guess I’m lucky. I had a lot of things pop to mind when I read that question. Falling in love, watching my children being born, 145 mph on a motorcycle, holding each of my grandchildren for the first time and every time I see them.

The hour ride with the top down yesterday I was feeling truly alive again. And again, this morning when I woke up, thankful as I am each day I open my eyes and I’m able to get vertical.

If you ever rang a bell at a hospital, you feel alive. Maybe not your best, but you’re on your way.

I like finding something each day to make me feel truly alive.

Entrance to the I. Lee Finkelstein & Louise Kovers Goodman Family Waiting Area, featuring a closed door with a caution sign and a waiting area chair nearby.
The bell some get to ring. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Set the wish sailing

The genie grants you a wish. What is it? – A question from the daily prompt

More wishes.

Just kidding. The first thought that rolled through my mind was health and happiness for my family. And then my personal selfish wish that summer was just starting again.

Now a question for you all. How much time do you spend wishing?

For me it’s a fleeting thing.

Oh, I wish I had got two scoops instead of one. It would be nice to have that 69 Camaro as one goes by. When I was working, I would wish it wasn’t Monday again.

If it’s something I’m going to spend time wishing for I’ll spend it working on that. Like my art. Usually at the end of the day, I end up wishing I was a better artist and then I’m inspired when I wake up to get to work on being a better one.

A sailboat navigating on water with a city skyline featuring the Domino Sugar factory in the background at dusk.
Baltimore Harbor with Domino Sugar plant in background. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Just playing along

What are your favorite side-hustle ideas? – Asks the daily prompt.

Side hustle ideas used to flow like water but since retirement, they have disappeared. But I’ll play along for a bit this morning.

Being I have a new mower maybe I’ll cut neighbors yards being they all have these services that charge an arm and a leg to come each week. I could undercut them and still make a nice profit. I would have to hire a young kid for the trimming and blower cleanup.

I like detailing my own car and I can see doing others.

Writing a book is something that I’m slowly working on so I guess that could be seen as a side hustle. But I’m not writing it to make money.

I’m going to keep all my paintings hidden till I pass where they will become famous when seen and my kids will make a fortune off it.

An older man sitting under an umbrella on a street, sketching on a drawing board while wearing a headset. He is wearing a blue shirt, plaid shorts, and has a bag beside him.
Now this is nice work
Photo by Mike Hartley


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5 simple ones

What are five simple exercises to do at home? – Asks the daily prompt.

I’ll have some fun with this first.

Mow yard – Clean gutters – Powerwash deck – Put mulch down – Shovel snow

I try to do the treadmill, work my upper half with some dumbbells, and lots of stretching w/exercise bands. Try to stay mentally sharp. Oh yeah, the grandkids make me run up the street as they leave with their parents.

Close-up of a treadmill with colorful resistance bands hanging from the handlebar in a dimly lit room.
Work it. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Relationship and Learning

Which relationship has taught you the most about yourself? – Interesting ask from the daily prompt.

Being I’m approaching 5 decades of marriage to my better half, it’s certainly her. So many things we’ve been through together and learned through that time. Some very fun lessons and some difficult ones.

The relationship we have with ourselves can also be a learning one if you are honest with yourself. If you learn from the own decisions you make, then you progress. It helps to be happy with yourself so you can learn other things about yourself. Me, myself and I are always learning.

This question made me think of a lot of things different relationships have taught me. I’ve had some very close friends that have shared great insights and experiences that taught me more about myself.

Work friends who taught me things like confidence in my professional abilities. Many of these work friends became more than that and I just call them very good friends now.

I know he didn’t intend it that way. But my dad, passing a young age taught me a lot about myself. Though I think life might have been better if he could have shared his knowledge with me.

A black and white photograph of a man and a boy playing with a ball in a grassy area, with residential buildings in the background.
Dad showing me the proper grip on a football. This is the last shot of us together.
Photo by Shirley Hartley


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no thanks

If you could start a new business right now, what would it be? – Asks the daily prompt.

Before I retired, I thought I would start a small business based around my hobbies. I quickly realized that is not what I wanted to do. I enjoy doing my creative arts for myself and sharing them with others.

There are a lot of things in running a business that people have no concept of. I did it once before with two partners and you wouldn’t believe the effort it takes and the time and energy you must put into it for it to have a chance to be successful.

My time now is split between my children and grandchildren, my better half, my friends and the many hobbies I enjoy.

There is one thing that I think about doing and that is if I were to be offered money for my work, I’d have them send it to one of the charities I like.

A woman kneels on the grass taking a photo of a man with two children, one girl in a pink jacket and a boy in an orange jacket, who are posing together.
Families are doing their own portrait work now. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Eating

What are your best healthy eating habits? – This question from the daily prompt is going to be a stretch.

It’s going to be a struggle to answer this question with a straight face.

Well, I eat regularly. My better half helps me to eat healthy. But that only goes so far.

I do eat some vegetables, nuts and fruits. Not enough though. I try to keep the amount of red meat I eat in moderation. I love seafood.

Limiting processed meats, I do well with limiting, except bacon.

Pizza is a food group.

In short, I’m not the healthiest of eaters. But I do keep my weight in check and exercise.

Sizzling strips of bacon frying in a pan with bubbles and grease.
Photo by Mike Hartley


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Hacks

What are some life hacks that you practice? – Asks the daily prompt. For some reason I feel like I’ve answered this one before so I’m sorry if I repeat anything from a previous post.

  • Be consistent and persistent if you want to get good at anything.
  • Take care of family.
  • Check in on caregivers, it’s a difficult role.
  • Give your loyalty to companies wisely. Many don’t deserve it. If you’re not appreciated, move on.
  • I like to make eye contact with people and smile.
  • Love animals, don’t be cruel.
  • Be courteous.
  • Be active. The more you do the better you feel.
  • Getting up early has always worked for me.
  • Knowledge is power.
  • The more appreciative of the small things in life, the happier you are.
  • Work hard, earn but don’t be a slave to money.
  • Love yourself and others.
  • Don’t forget to have fun.
Two children sitting by a pond, one wearing a red shirt and the other in a dark blue shirt, with a duck swimming nearby and a small ice cream cup beside them.
Find a friend. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Wait for it

Do you believe in karma? – Asks the daily prompt.

You bet I do. Through the years I’ve seen it with my own eyes. It gives me hope and peace in life. Because there are a lot of bad people out there doing a lot of bad things.

But this Friday is going to be a good day, so I’ll look forward to good things happening. When in some ways might be karma for others.

Dark turbulent ocean waves under a cloudy sky.
Like waves, Karma keeps coming. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Write for you

The daily prompt asks – How do you write what people actually want to read?

I don’t.

I write what comes to mind. If people like it, that’s great. If they don’t, that’s fine also. I write because I like it.

Sometimes my photos will inspire a thought. Other times I just ramble on.

I think if your writing for what people want to read it’s not truly coming from you. It’s some form of what you think others want and I’m not sure that brings out the best in people’s writing.

A close-up image of a jellyfish swimming in dark water, showcasing its translucent body and delicate tentacles, with additional jellyfish in the background.


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Spur of the moment

What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? – Wow that is some ask from the daily prompt.

At first, I thought to myself I’m not that spontaneous. But as I kept coming up with answers that I couldn’t share here repeatedly, I began to laugh. So, I’ll revise that statement. I’m not spontaneous in the ways I used to be.

And that reminded me of another common statement my friends and I make often. When we see and discuss a viral video, we always say, “I’m glad there weren’t cameras in our early days.”

There were even categories of spontaneous events. Road Trips, Pick-up games, Parties, Gags and Pranks, Drag Races, Grilling, Fishing, Food trips and Concerts. Also creating various things like our own sayings that we still use 5 decades later.

The days I quit drinking and smoking were spontaneous ones.

Okay I’ll use this old one. There was a guy in our neighborhood who would yell at us for playing at one of our friend’s homes across the street. We were young teenagers just playing games outside, we used to play ping pong at his house and then back outside for some yard games.

One night while we were watching the Olympics and going outside and creating our own with excitement he called the police on us. These aren’t close homes. Half acre lots. The guys father quickly dismissed the police and they left. Later that night when I left, I remember looking over at his freshly sodded yard.

Well, I decided to give him a project the next day. I rolled up a good number of pieces and piled them neatly into a big square of sod sitting at the edge of his yard by the road. I heard my friend’s father almost died of laughter the next morning when he went out. The same officer questioned us the next day and I could see him trying not to laugh as he said I don’t want to be back out here for any calls.

A grassy field with freshly cut hay, bordered by a line of trees under a cloudy blue sky.
Photo by Mike Hartley


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Take care of yourself

How do you make time for self-care? – Not a bad question for this Tuesday morning.

It wasn’t the priority it should have been. To be honest, some of my life I’ve been poor at it. I made stupid choices like smoking for a few years. Early in life I pounded alcohol like there was no tomorrow. I got a grip on that in my mid 20s thanks to my better half. And being a child of the 60s and 70s there were probably a few substances ingested.

I’ve been overstressed most of my life. Not enough me-time before I retired. Spent far too many decades overworking. Sleep has been an issue, the lack of it being the problem which has plagued me all my life. Being active and having healthy relationships I’m much better at.

So here is what I make time for now:

I weigh myself every day. It keeps me from getting too out of control. I try to stay at a target weight but allow myself a few pounds but never more than 5. I know people say don’t weigh yourself so often but that is the only way I have found to stay at a healthy weight.

Seeing a doctor often has been routine most of my life. It’s saved my life a few times already. Two nasty cancers were caught early enough and other things adjusted to healthy levels with meds.

I get vaccines and flu shots and whatever else my doctor recommends.

Staying challenged by working at my hobbies, which also provides satisfaction.

Mental health is still a challenge. Always has been. Should have sought some professional help throughout the years upon reflection.

I do like having time to myself early in the morning hours. Music, hobbies, relaxing, understanding thoughts and feelings. Sometimes great joy and other times deep sadness.

Oh yeah, one of my favorite self-care items. The top down, manual transmission, rear wheel drive and dry roads. Unfortunately, it’s raining so my therapy remains under cover.

A car covered with a gray vehicle cover parked on a driveway, surrounded by trees and a house in the background.
Photo by Mike Hartley


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Only home feels like home

What’s a place you visited that felt like home? – Asks the daily prompt.

I can’t say I’ve found a place I’ve visited that felt like home. I guess the closest thing I can think of is Bethany Beach Delaware. It doesn’t feel like home, but it could be a place I could call home.

You see we have been in this home for so long I’m not sure anyplace could ever feel like this again in the time I have left on earth. There is comfort that comes with time. Knowing the area like the back of my hand. The views, smells and sounds I’ve become accustomed to.

The hundreds of photos I have on the walls in my basement won’t be here. The little over an acre of property that I know every inch and bump of would be unfamiliar to me in another spot.

The sounds and sights I see of my children and grandchildren in this home could never be replicated someplace else. The firepit that sits in the middle of what used to be the family pool can’t be replicated.

It would take forever to learn all the spots on the wood floor that creak a bit when stepped on in another home.

In another location I wouldn’t be a bit over 2 hours from both the mountains and the ocean.

And I certainly couldn’t live without the Snowball Stand just up the street.

There is no place like home.

A welcoming porch of a brick house with two chairs and a small table, surrounded by colorful flower beds and greenery.
Our porch in front. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Wishing

What’s one thing you wish you had started doing earlier in life? – Now there is a question from the daily prompt I can go with.

I wish I had worked on my artistic interests earlier in life instead of starting so close to retirement. I will always have the feeling of What If?

I started them in my early years at school but dropped them. And here I am now with a lifetime of work to cram into a few remaining years.

Lesson – Follow your dreams.

Photo by Mike Hartley
Photo by Mike Hartley
Photo by Mike Hartley
Photo by Mike Hartley
Star fish – Sea Horse Tree.
Photo by Mike Hartley


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Chopper

Okay, another question from the daily prompt I have no interest in. – If you could pick any fictional animal to be your lifelong companion, what would it be? Nope, not even going to start thinking about it.

So, I’ll come up with something more suited for myself this morning. – A recent helicopter crash got me thinking. Wouldn’t it be a lot safer for everyone if the news stations want to cover accident scenes or fires or stationary events with drones instead of helicopters?

In the most recent incident 3 people died. The two in the helicopter and one on the ground.

Personally, I’m not thrilled when one is overhead of me. A drone isn’t going to make me comfortable either but if that falls out of the sky on my I’m likely to survive.

Seems like it would be a lot more cost effective also. Just a thought.

I’m fine with police using helicopters and I hear some are also using drones.

A police helicopter flying in a cloudy sky, displaying the word 'POLICE' prominently on its side.
Baltimore Police chopper over Inner Harbor. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Maybe tomorrow

Not in the mood for this type of question from the daily prompt today. Maybe I just don’t feel like playing along this morning. The question – If you had to switch lives with a fictional character for a week, who would you choose.

I’m just fine being me. I don’t aspire to be someone else or imagine myself as some fictional person. I admire real traits of real people and try to be like that.

Maybe if we concentrated on the here and now, we might fix some of the ills that affect so many.

Sorry about being a grouch. I was out late with my best friend who just lost his dad, so life is a little too real to be playing this morning. It got me thinking about my own loss long ago.

I’ll be ready to play along with tomorrow’s prompt.

A row of gravestones in a cemetery, aligned with American flags placed at the base of each stone, surrounded by lush green grass.
Flags lined headstones at Arlington National Cemetery. Photo by Mike Hartley


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sh sh sha shark

The daily prompt asks if – Have you ever liked a villain more than the hero? Who and why?

This is an oldie and an odd one, but I like the Shark in the movie JAWS. He has great music and almost always gets his man or woman.

A close-up view of a shark swimming underwater, showcasing its patterned body and long tail, with blue light reflections on the water surface.
Shark! Photo by Mike Hartley

Sorry I’m a bit late with the daily prompt. We took a short vacation the last two days. But I’m back at mission control and ready to rock.


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Cracker please

The daily prompt is at it again with the book questions. – What’s the longest book you’ve ever read?

Probably some computer technical manuals before the internet existed. Oh, maybe the Time/Life series on Photography which is 17 volumes.

So being that answer is so short I’ll share some thoughts of the morning.

  • If you really want to see how fast time goes get a daily desk calendar.
  • I like to envision my kids sleeping. Even though they are adults, I know life is tough and I’m glad they are at rest.
  • I’d like to snap a few hundred fresh images today.
  • Keeping my weight in check is a mental thing. It’s all about being honest with myself.
  • A great week for some long walks.
A red macaw and a blue-and-yellow macaw perched on a metal stand with autumn leaves in the background.
Have a bright day. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Advice

What’s the best advice you’d give to someone younger than you? – Asks the daily prompt.

Don’t give up hope. Life can be tough. But as long as you have hope, you’re working and looking to make things better. You won’t miss opportunities if your eyes are open to them.

You can see things that aren’t in front of others because of your mindset.

Graphic with the word 'Hope' in bold above an illustration of two hands reaching towards each other, with the phrase 'Hope Starts With You!' below.


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Respect

The daily prompt wants to know – What’s one thing that would instantly improve your city?

Respect for each other would be a nice start.

Love someone. That way all the stupid shit we do to each other would stop.

Graphic design featuring the word 'LOVE' in stylized typography with the word 'SOMEONE' curved beneath it on a black background.


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What a long strange trip it’s been

The daily prompt wants to know – What’s the longest trip you’ve ever taken?

I think the longest trip I’ve taken in term of time is a 10-day excursion to Florida with my best friend when we were in our early 20s. Details of that are classified or yet to be remembered.

In terms of distance, I think it was from Baltimore to Helsinki Finland. I went on a business trip for work. Some old images from Helsinki are below from a very old Kodak digital camera.

Main entrance of a red brick church featuring a large decorative window and an ornate archway above two wooden doors.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Historic church with two tall spires surrounded by autumn trees against a blue sky.
Photo by Mike Hartley
A city street scene showing traffic signs, parked cars, and people walking along the sidewalks with trees lining the road.
Photo by Mike Hartley
A woman with a headband pushes a stroller along a waterfront promenade, with a harbor and boats in the background.
Photo by Mike Hartley
A bustling outdoor market stall displaying a variety of fresh vegetables, including tomatoes, lettuce, and peppers, with price signs in the background. A person is seen selecting vegetables.
Photo by Mike Hartley
A soldier in uniform standing guard under a roofed platform in front of a doorway.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Truckin, up to buffalo. been thinkin, you got to mellow slow
Takes time, you pick a place to go, and just keep truckin on.

Grateful Dead


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Travel tip

The daily prompt wants to know – What’s the best tip for budget travel?

I’m far from being a travel expert, but I did find one thing I liked that saves money and was easier. We took the train to NYC earlier this year and that is the way to go at least from our location. I think we are going to do the train to Boston next year.

Another thing I have found is that mid-week stays are usually cheaper than weekends. But that might not be true for some big cities.

With airfare and gas getting so expensive I’m guessing travel might be affected and might be a good time to get some hotel or B&B deals on destinations near you.

A vintage black locomotive and a red caboose at the Cumberland train station, with a covered platform and street lamps in the foreground.
Cumberland Station. Photo by Mike Hartley


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When life was simple

Who is your favorite cartoon character? – Asks the daily prompt.

Road Runner and Coyote / Bugs Bunny

I feel like I grew up in a great cartoon era. My favorites were The Bugs Bunny and Looney Tunes Shows. The Road Runner Show and Flintstones were also favorites.

When I was really young, I think I remember one called Top Cat.

Cartoons in my youthful times helped me to laugh. They were such a contrast to real life.

Oh yeah, all those dials on the tv below were real. You had to get up to change the channel and volume. Or adjust brightness and contrast but those two knobs were only on the newer sets.

A vintage television set on a retro sunburst background with the text 'CARTOON MORNINGS' in a whimsical font.


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Big Time

How does your mindset affect your financial success? – Now there is a question that I haven’t thought of before from the daily prompt.

Your mindset affect success Big Time because it affects your decision-making process and that is very important in choosing the right job and when to make changes. Your job is your financial income in most cases. And a key to your financial success unless you’ve been left a gob of money which isn’t the case here or many others.

If you see yourself as limited or lacking confidence in your abilities, it’s going to be harder to keep moving up the ladder. If you are pessimistic that the system is rigged against you and you never invest, that can hurt.

If you don’t set some goals to improve it’s likely you will stay in the same spot now or slip back.

If your mindset says you’re responsible with carrying around money or credit cards, and you’re not, that mindset will land you in trouble.

If you have to have the latest and greatest of everything, that is going to be costly along the way and prevent you from saving most likely.

If you live a day-to-day mindset, without planning for the future, I’ve seen that leave people homeless and hungry.

Please don’t let money be your guiding light. Greed has become rampant. Do well for yourself and your family but help others along the way and we will all be better off.

A vintage pocket watch encased in a glass dome, resting on a bed of shredded paper.
Photo by Mike Hartley


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Missing

If your pet could talk, what would be the first thing it says? – Asks the daily prompt.

It would be great to have a pet again but after losing so many over a long lifetime my better half says it’s too painful to go through again. Pets were always part of our lives. And I do miss them

If our past pets talked, I think they would say, “I love you too” or “how about some of the food you’re having” and maybe “let’s play again.”

Close-up of a cat's face focusing on the nose and mouth area, showcasing soft fur and whiskers.
Queen of the Jungle. Or our home. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Good 3 Days

The daily prompt asks – Have you ever regretted reading a book – which one and why?

Sorry but the answer is no.

So, onto another question being that answer is so short.

How was your Labor Day Holiday weekend?

Mine was great. Lots of work on Friday and Saturday prepping for the kids, grandkids and some of their friends for a cookout on Sunday. On Monday we road to Kent Island to visit one of my best friends and his wife. A 4-hour boat ride on the Chesapeake Bay and Wye River were great. Then lunch at Harris’s Crab House and desserts and beverages at their home.

Hit some beach traffic on the way back but nothing too serious. About another 30 minutes to the ride home.

A small white boat navigating on a calm waterway with lush green trees in the background.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Any weekend with some time to spend with family and friends and not feeling rushed is a real treat.

View from a boat showing the water spray and turbulent wake behind, with clear blue sky and a tree-lined shore in the background.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I hope your weekend was a good one and full of great times.


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Airports

What’s the best and worst airport you’ve been to? – Asks the daily prompt.

The best airport experience is thankfully my local airport BWI (Baltimore Washington International Airport).

I don’t know if I’d call the next one the worst, but I wasn’t thrilled with the hikes I’ve had to take for connecting flights in Atlanta.

BWI. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Nope

What’s the most annoying trope in books or movies? – Asks the daily prompt.

Questions like this expose how little I know about books and some words. Like trope, I had to go look that one up and this is what I found.

trope

  1. a figurative or metaphorical use of a word or expression:“both clothes and illness became tropes for new attitudes toward the self””perhaps it is a mistake to use tropes and parallels in this eminently unpoetic age”
  2. a significant or recurrent theme; a motif:“the scene echoes a common sci-fi trope””my sense that philosophy has become barren is a recurrent trope of modern philosophy”

And that further confused the F out of me with more words I don’t know the meaning of, and I have company coming today so screw this question.

This is a question I’ll send one of my good friends who works with a literary society, and she can explain it to me in terms I can understand.

The question I will answer this morning is – How many people and how many times will people bulls**t their way through questions like this and others they don’t know the answer to?

Early in life I was guilty of this, it’s a test of both courage and wanting to learn to say I don’t know and get the help or pursue the answer.

The embarrassment of lack of knowledge can force people to say some stupid stuff. Just look at our commander and chief for example. Not wanting to appear stupid is a very intimidating thing.

I’ve never been called book smart or well read. That doesn’t mean I haven’t done very well professionally and accomplished complex things in my career. You don’t have root passwords to every major system in a large company without both trust and knowledge.

I used to have a lot of confidence issues with my lack of knowledge in areas. And going through life taught me that a lot of smart people have big holes in their knowledge also.

So let me get busy learning something else new today. I’ve got to think about how to cook for a very large group today on a grill not the size for it. I’m good at figuring things like that out well. Have a great Sunday morning all.

That chill in the air this morning reminded me that Fall is coming.

A serene scene of two people sitting on a bench under a shelter by a calm lake, surrounded by trees adorned in autumn colors.
Photo by Mike Hartley


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A year from my youth

The daily prompt asks – If you could relive one year of your life, which one would it be?

Sitting here, I was surprised that a year or two or more didn’t immediately pop to mind. I started recounting years and years which was leading to some frustration. Not because I didn’t recount good times but because they also came with some difficult ones as well.

Guessing there is no perfect year. So let me refine my search.

I guess it would be my 12th-13th year of life. Things were still in turmoil, my father had passed just a few years earlier, family finances were at rock bottom, I was already working part-time gigs.

Man was landing on the moon and an influential music festival – Woodstock – caught my attention. The world seemed in turmoil with Vietnam raging and civil rights fights taking place with massive political unrest and kids getting shot on campus not by some nut but our government.

I remember finding peace and solace in music and sports. And I immersed myself in those when I wasn’t in school or working. If I wasn’t on the basketball court or baseball field, I would in my room with the headphones on. It was an awakening year in many ways.

While there was chaos all around, I was at peace humming tunes from the Beatles or CSN back and forth to the courts or fields. Or in my room swinging a bat with The Who Live at Leeds on the headphones.

It’s the first year after my dad passed that I remember my mom thinking we were going to be okay. I could see it because if my memory is right that is the year she changed jobs from a bad one to a good one.

Picking up my dad’s old camera and taking some pictures became an interest that year.

A year without professional career responsibilities. A year without loves heartaches or raising a family pressure. A year with great health and abilities. A time when learning came easily.

A year that fun returned.

Close-up of a vintage camera lens surrounded by metal chains, highlighting the Kodet lens and Flash Kodon shutter.
Shooting with chains. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Nothing special

What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done when no one was watching? – Interesting ask from the daily prompt.

Comparing any difficult thing I’ve done to what a lot of people do in terms of bravery isn’t right. Those who work in the medical field or police and firemen. Those are brave people. Our service men and women, those are brave people.

I wrote about a few personal incidents that a daily prompt asked about bravery years ago, so I won’t repeat that. I thought of the time I spent caregiving but that isn’t bravery, it’s just humanity.

I was with both of my parents alone when they left this world and that was difficult.

The answer is probably simple and the same for a lot of us. It’s dealing with mental and physical pain. The kind that hurts, that only you feel and absorb and hide. To those in pain, you have my respect and sympathy. And I hope you are free of it in the future.

Below are a few shots of what I think of when I see bravery. People who made great sacrifices. I found a lot of them one day at the WWII Memorial in DC many years ago.

A view of the World War II Memorial featuring a large central fountain and numerous granite pillars adorned with wreaths, with visitors strolling around and colorful autumn trees in the background.
WW II Memorial Fountains. Photo by Mike Hartley

WWII vets are known as the Greatest Generation. My parent’s generation.

A group of individuals, many in wheelchairs, wearing matching blue shirts, gathered at a memorial site, with water features and trees in the background.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I don’t think we learned enough important lessons from them, or we wouldn’t be in the position we are in today.

An elderly man sitting in a wheelchair, wearing a red shirt and a white cap, shielding his eyes from the sun with one hand while holding glasses in the other.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Bravery is very difficult to remember for some.

A young boy stands in front of a black wall inscribed with names, touching the surface thoughtfully. He wears a gray shirt, striped shorts, and a cap, carrying a bag over his shoulder.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Photo by Mike Hartley

Bravery can come in small packages.


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now vs raised

What’s something you do completely differently from how you were raised? – Asks the daily prompt.

I didn’t let my children drive before being of legal age. I didn’t let my children ride in the back window of the car or without seatbelts.

I didn’t follow my father into a career in the military.

As a child I spent a lot of time on two wheels. When I got older, I added a motor to them.

I treated my kids to TV sometimes during dinner. But only when their mom was at work. The tv was never on during meals when I was young.

My belief or faith is different than how I was raised as a catholic child.

I dress far more casually than when I was raised. Also had long hair for a long-time vs that buzz cut I had in my youth that my parents liked.

I curse more than I should.

I don’t think my parents knew how to relax, even in their senior years. I think I got that down now in retirement.

A wooden white bench positioned on a boardwalk, with sand visible in the background.
The coach can put me in or let me ride the bench. At this stage of life, I’m fine with either, as long as it’s a nice view.
Photo by Mike Hartley


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It’s a phone

What are your favorite 5 apps on your phone? – Asks the daily prompt.

This is going to be embarrassing. I’m not much of a phone user except for using it as a phone. Partly because I hate reading on something that small.

  • Messages/text
  • Phone
  • News
  • Weather
  • Mail

And the mail part is only reading something essential at that moment. Otherwise, I read email on the computer. News and weather are also only quick checks.

I try to keep my phone use to an hour a day and I keep it pretty close to that. I’d like to make it less but with kids that is their communication vehicle. And looking at pictures and videos of the grandkids takes time because I don’t want to miss anything.

I hate having to use my phone for tickets.

A blue telephone booth with glass panels, showing a payphone inside.
Remember when it was a dime and a rotary dial on the ones in a booth? Photo by Mike Hartley


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A Photo

What’s the best thing you’ve ever found randomly on the street? – Asks the daily prompt.

My first thought was cars. I love the beauty and styles of cars. But I know I share too many pictures of cars as it is. And then the true answer came to me.

A Photograph.

A person dressed in a bunny costume creates large soap bubbles while standing on a sidewalk near colorful decorative wind sculptures and several buckets.
Barry the Bubbleman. Photo by Mike Hartley

One of his many fashion statements.

A man wearing a pink shirt and hat is standing next to a bicycle adorned with colorful balloon decorations. He is balancing a balloon figure on his head while holding a beverage.
Annapolis MD. Photo by Mike Hartley

I didn’t realize I was taking so many street shots over the years. But it’s a great place for catching great moments.

A woman in a floral dress and a man in casual attire walking down a narrow street lined with colorful houses.
An afternoon stroll with the baby. Photo by Mike Hartley

Have a good day.


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Kindest

What’s the kindest thing someone has ever done for you? – Asks the daily prompt.

This is a tough one to answer because I don’t want to leave the special things anyone has done for me and I know I will.

When my mom stepped up and raised my sister and I alone at a young age was pretty special. Or when she helped with the down payment on our first home.

My better half taking care of me when recovering from surgeries is very special. And every time I’m sick is the kindest thing.

Maybe our children throwing us a surprise anniversary party a while back.

My best friend helping me move in one day, with just the two of us was extremely kind.

When my 1- & 1/2-year-old granddaughter runs at me going Papa-Papa with a huge smile. When my 4-year-old grandson grabs my hand and runs us towards the shed to get the tractor out. And anytime my 7-year-old granddaughter reaches for my hand gives it the same squeeze my daughter does.

A colorful logo featuring four stylized hands forming a circle, with the text 'Be That Kindness' below.

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This Job

The daily prompt asks – If the salary was the same, what job would you be doing right now and why?

It is the job I’m doing right now. It doesn’t have a salary, and I love it. I’m retired and doing a variety of things and hobbies. And I’m not sure I would like to do the things I do now professionally or for a salary because that means someone else might be making decisions.

About how I use my time. About how and what I create. About what direction to go. About what they like versus what I like. Right now, I’m my only client and I only worry about what I can do and like.

When I was in my teens I thought about becoming a photographer. I did a lot of photography for my high school yearbook and some work after that in a few college classes, but I got a job at a newspaper chain at 18 years old and became a reproduction photographer and engraver in my first few years in the business.

I got to see what photographers had to do, working assignments other people came up with most of the time. Tight deadlines, constant running and always feeling like they were compromised in their work because of time and constraints of other ideas or selections of their work.

So, what I do is capture a bit of life, share it here and on the walls of my home and in prints I give family and friends. I’m trying to put together a few exhibits in the future. At times I paint or draw and other times I carve. I get to share my hobbies and interests with my grandchildren and see their interest in things bloom.

Yeah, it would be nice to recoup the money I spend on blogging, a photo site, printer supplies, computers, art supplies, tools and cameras. But if that meant, answering to someone else, no thanks, no matter the money.

Two people standing on a sandy beach with the ocean in the background. One person is raising their arms in excitement, while the other is looking at their phone.
Give me the RAYS. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Lots of hobbies

Share a hobby you’ve picked up recently – what got you into it? – Asks the daily prompt.

When I retired a little over 2 years ago, I got back to a passion that I had in high school and that was photography.

Earlier this year I picked up a few paint brushes and did a few pieces and then stopped. I also had this desire to paint long ago, and I’d like to get back to spending some time with it this fall.

Almost the same with my woodworking but I do pick that up almost every week for a few minutes at least.

Blogging started about 12 years ago so that isn’t a recent hobby but only in the last 2-4 years have I put a lot more time into it.

My hobby this weekend will be cruising some back roads with hills and curves. That way I’ll have something to share at the Maryland Miata Club meeting this coming week.

A scenic view of a quiet road lined with trees, seen from the perspective of a vehicle's hood. The road features two yellow lines and is surrounded by lush greenery, including lawns and a fire hydrant.
Having a convertible has its photographic advantages. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Alike

What’s the weirdest coincidence you’ve ever experienced? – Asks the daily prompt.

The first one that popped into to mind was when I was walking down the beach a few years ago and saw my double. We walked past each other and then stopped I guess at the same time because we were turning around together about 10-15 feet apart. We stood there for a minute or so just looking at the spitting image of each other and then we both shook our heads and walked away.

I know I was kind of stunned and weirded out by it and I guess he had the same reaction. I have no idea why we didn’t talk but it was a strange moment in my life.

Two brown birds perched on a wooden fence, one holding a small piece of food in its beak, with a green background.
Did you see me? Photo by Mike Hartley


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Book it

The daily prompt asks – What’s a book you never finished but still think about?

That’s an easy one. It’s not a book I didn’t finish reading. It’s the books I haven’t finished writing. I’ve gotten away from that, and I should return and finish them. That’s the downside of having an active family, lots of chores and many different hobby interests.

I’ve got a few started on various parts of my life and things I’ve observed. Like living a nocturnal lifestyle, my life in newspapers and of course a book for my children and grandchildren on life.

I was working on them earlier this year, but I’ve neglected them for a few months now. So, I’m glad this question came up so I could return to making that part of my working routine.

A decorative crystal paperweight shaped like a flower with a silver pen resting on top.
Luck in Writing Photo by Mike Hartley


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What world

Which fictional world would be the most fun to vacation in? – Asks the daily prompt.

Truth be told I couldn’t name 5 fictional worlds. So, I’ll go with what’s familiar to me when my kids were you. My wife wouldn’t let the kids watch The Simpsons. I used to bring the old B&W TV into the kitchen on Monday nights when she worked evenings, and we would watch The Simpsons and laugh. So, I guess Springfield would be the first.

The only other fictional world I can remember is Naboo from Star Wars.

I’ll be watching 3 grandkids today maybe I’ll visit Bikini Bottom from SpongeBob SquarePants.

Sorry for the lame answers, just not much of a fiction fan.

A pileated woodpecker pecking at a tree trunk with a visible hole, surrounded by branches and a blurred natural background.
My new backyard neighbor. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Go back

The daily prompt asks – If you could go back and witness any historical event, which one would you pick?

I would like to have been at Woodstock. I loved concerts in my early days, but Woodstock was a year or two before I started to attend shows.

A bright yellow cartoon bird toy with a smiling face, hanging from a string against a blurred background.
Guess I’ll have to settle for living in the town of Woodstock MD. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Tattoo

The daily prompt asks – If you had to get a tattoo right now, what would it be and why?

I have nothing against tattoos, and I like the art some people create on themselves. I also don’t care for them on my body, so I’ve never given it a thought before.

But if I did, I guess I would get something I saw a couple years ago that I liked.

It said – “Shoot First and Ask Questions Later” and then a picture of a camera next to it.

A yellow Kodak container with a red lid next to a blue decorative ball featuring fine strands inside and a red emblem.
Good old Kodak Film and GE flashbulbs. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Meeting someone

The daily prompt wants to know – How did you meet your significant other?

We met like people did before technology. We were at a club where live rock bands played. I think it was called the Hollywood Palace at the time. The friend I was with asked her friend to dance and we started talking at the table. In the conversation I found out where she worked and went there and asked her out for a date.

Things seem so different now with technology. But nothing really has changed. People meet one way or another. I guess what is very different is that you have a ton more information about a person when starting off. We had to learn about each other slowly and from what we said to each other and what friends told stories about over a period of time.

Nothing we did back then was recorded or taped. No cell phones for easy communication or internet to find out about someone.

Remember when you had to meet parents the first time?

I think there was a different level of respect for each other.

I guess I got lucky. We are still together and I haven’t had need meet a significant other again.

A man and a woman sitting on a dock, facing a scenic waterfront with boats and a radio tower in the background.
Photo by Mike Hartley


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Traditions

What’s a cultural tradition from your country that you love? – Asks the daily prompt.

Being very close I’ll start with Labor Day weekend cookouts. The 4th of July weekend fireworks and cookouts also.

Huge meal portions. I know, not real mannerly but I like to EAT also. Oh, we also have free refills here in the states. And speaking of huge meals there is one of our favorites here called Thanksgiving.

I was going to say Freedom but the Nazi who has assumed control here has put that at risk. Diversity in this country is also at risk due to the orange narcissists.

Halloween and the Super Bowl are big and fun events this country started.

One of my favorite holidays is Memorial Day. In honor of fallen in military service. If you have family who have served it’s an important day that many have forgotten the true meaning of which is unfortunate.

Flags for the fallen on Memorial Day weekend at Arlington. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Relive

An interesting question from the daily prompt today – If you could relive one day from your past, which day would it be and why?

No one day, leapt to mind immediately on this one. The first day of retirement was pretty good. That relaxed feeling was so good and hasn’t left me since. So, I’ve been living with that for a few years now and it still feels good.

The days my children were born was wonderful but very stressful so I’m not sure I want to repeat that. Now the day they both graduated from college was a pretty great day. Relaxed, joyful, proud, inspired and happy.

Of course, the days my grandchildren were born was very special for obvious reasons.

There was a day in NYC with my better half earlier this year that was so relaxed and filled with an ease that only comes with time together.

Christmas morning with my children and grandchildren is pretty nice. It’s hard to beat the happiness I see in the children and grandchildren throughout that whole day.

That day of deep-sea fishing with the boys and catching a ton of big tuna was a blast that we haven’t repeated in a very long time.

The day my dad brought home our first pet was pretty special. One of my best memories when I was young. We were just a happy family that day. I wish it had lasted longer.

Maybe I’ll make today one that I’d like to relive in the future. Don’t know why, nothing special planned yet. But the possibility remains and that is exciting.

Rods at the ready. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Cry

What’s the last movie that made you cry? – Asks the daily writing prompt.

This answer might seem strange. The movie isn’t a tearjerker. And men don’t cry. Well, I did.

I have trouble watching movies about war now. I guess the last one was Midway which was on recently. They remind me of my father who came back from WWII and Korea but died a young man from the traumas of war.

I didn’t deal with my father’s passing well. I cry more now than I did when I was 9 when it happened. I think I just pushed a lot of those feelings way down for decades and never dealt with them.

It’s funny the other day I was watching some YouTube clips and ran across a movie called Greyhound. It’s about a Destroyer escort in WWII in the Atlantic. My father was on a destroyer in WWII in the Pacific. I watched a couple of YouTube clips of it and started to choke up. It looks like a great movie that I would enjoy but I know it would be upsetting.

One of the great disappointments in my life is that I just didn’t get a chance to know my father. He was a shell of a man he was from surgeries and service experiences according to my mom. We never talked about his service. Why would he share that with someone so young anyway.

All I have is pictures and some letters from his days in the service.

A man holding a framed black and white photograph of another man wearing sunglasses and a coat, with a ship in the background, set against a wall decorated with flowers and a framed picture.
Dad and I. Self-portrait I took of us 15 years ago. I didn’t intend on using this shot at all, but this post seemed a good time.


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History scrubbing

If you could erase one event from history, what would it be? – Asks the daily prompt.

My first thought was to erase World War II. I believe that war caused the greatest loss of life and the most suffering seen on earth. I might have grown up with a father if it weren’t for that and the Korean War.

Then the thought of not having Trump as our current president came to mind. Because the potential destruction this idiot might bring about could be worse.

But I’ll stick with my first choice.

Below are some shots I took at the WWII Memorial in Washington DC. The sacrifice so many made has been forgotten too soon. We need to learn from history or we repeat it.

A row of granite pillars featuring bronze wreaths, each labeled with a U.S. state name, against a blue sky with clouds.
Photo by Mike Hartley
A group of people, including caregivers and individuals in wheelchairs, walking by a water feature in an outdoor setting.
Photo by Mike Hartley
World War II Memorial fountain with archway labeled 'ATLANTIC' surrounded by columns and wreaths, set in a park with autumn trees.
Photo by Mike Hartley
An elderly man sitting in a wheelchair, wearing a white cap and a red shirt, is adjusting his glasses while shielding his eyes from the sun.
Close-up view of a stone monument with the word 'MASSACHUSETTS' engraved, featuring a decorative bronze wreath at the top against a cloudy sky.
A fountain in the foreground with water spraying upward, in front of the World War II Memorial, featuring tall pillars and wreaths. The Washington Monument stands in the background under a clear blue sky, with American flags visible.
Photo by Mike Hartley
View of the Washington Monument with an American flag in the foreground and memorial columns featuring wreaths.
Photo by Mike Hartley
A fountain in the center of a memorial park, surrounded by people walking and enjoying the scenery, with tall trees and a blue sky in the background.
Photo by Mike Hartley
A group of people enjoying time by a fountain, with one man in a red shirt being pushed in a wheelchair by another man. Nearby, other individuals walk, some using wheelchairs, showcasing a social outing.
Photo by Mike Hartley
A group of people, some in wheelchairs, gathered at a memorial site. Many are wearing matching blue shirts and hats, enjoying the sunny day.
Photo by Mike Hartley


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Not into conspiracy theories

What’s a conspiracy theory you actually find believable? – Asks the daily prompt.

Personally, I don’t keep up with all the conspiracy theory’s running around. I hate the damage they cause some people who are affected by false claims. And sadly, for the people that believe them.

My example would be the Alex Jones and false claims on the Sandy Hook School shootings that killed 26 people was staged. Another good one would be the Holocaust never happened. Those types of claims further victimize people needlessly.

I’ve read through lists of them and I can’t find one I find believable. So, I’ll come up with one of my own.

I think Trump will do anything to steal, cancel or manipulate the vote this coming November to his favor.

A man with short hair is seen from behind, wearing a black T-shirt with the text 'THE LIVER IS EVIL... IT MUST BE PUNISHED!' printed on it, while talking on his phone.
I have never heard it put this way before. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Each day

How do you deal with uncertainty? – asks the daily prompt.

Being that everything in life is uncertain, I just get busy living. I guess time and experience have given me that insight.

I wasn’t always good with it and wasted some time in my life thinking about what I couldn’t control. I used to spend time on things too far in the future that would change before that.

Yes, like every person I still have worries about all the uncertainties we face every day. Any parent or grandparent has worries about their children out in the world.

I have a type A personality and I like predictability. I do things in my life to take away uncertainties. I plan, when possible. I live in the present. I look at something that is uncertain and get busy analyzing it. Is it even important, what steps can I take to reduce the uncertainty.

Over the last two decades, I’ve had some health issues that really raise the uncertainty level to the max. The nice thing about that is it gives you a new perspective, and I’ve learned to live with uncertainty much better over that time.

It’s okay to acknowledge it, but it’s not okay to spend time dwelling in it. I guess I’ve picked up a few type B personality traits. And maybe I’ve found balance?

Don’t ask how long, use today. Photo by Mike Hartley


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When did it happen

What’s a moment when you realized you were officially an adult? – Asks the daily prompt.

Many decades ago, when my dad died when I was 9 all the older men at the service said I was the man of the house now. I wasn’t an adult, but I grew up faster than most from this point on.

At 18 I guess it was official, and I was a working stiff and had been for some time, but I wouldn’t say I was an adult.

I guess it was when I got married at 23. But even then, I still wasn’t behaving like a true adult. Maybe at 26 when I stopped drinking for a long time. At about the same time, we were trying to start a family. That was probably it for me.

Then again, my wife purchased this sign for me which I have hanging over my office door. So maybe I haven’t hit it yet.

Photo by Mike Hartley


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Eat this

Which is the best restaurant in your city? – Asks the daily writing prompt.

Answering a question like this could result in a lot of questions about my answer. For instance, if I select Kelsey’s Restaurant and Bar people might say that isn’t a high-end restaurant. It has great food, a comfortable atmosphere and good service. And I can go casually dressed.

Not that I mind dressing up for a really nice place but I’m not totally comfortable in nice clothes.

If I answer with my favorite local place that we go to the most it’s not going to appear on many lists of people around here for the best restaurant but Oscars, is it for us. We went there last night, and I had avocado egg rolls and a shrimp and bacon club sandwich with unsweet tea. Great meal, great service.

If I want baby back ribs I go to the Corner Stable on York Rd. Best, I’ve ever had.

Dumsers in Ocean City and Bruster’s Ellicott City for ice cream.

Okay, the best is probably Hudson Coastal Raw Bar & Grill for seafood and Grill 620 for steaks.

A yellow t-shirt displayed in a store window with the text 'I PUT OLD BAY ON MY OLD BAY' printed in bold, multi-colored letters.
For those of you not from the Maryland, Old Bay is a seasoning that we love to put on crabs and other seafood dishes. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Time Machine

If you had a time machine and could send just one message to your past self, what would it say? – I feel like I just answered a question like this a short time ago from the daily prompt.

Message to past self at:

10-year-old me- It’s okay to cry, don’t keep all that pain inside for so many decades.

20-year-old me – Slow down on the drinking. And don’t take another 6 years doing it.

30-year-old me – The pain of loss repeatedly will be rewarded greatly, just hold on.

40-year-old me – You got your dream job at the most prestigious place in your profession. Don’t be intimidated, you’re just as smart or smarter than a lot of them.

50-year-old me – You will beat cancer.

60-year-old me – You will beat cancer again.

Yesterday – that was a great decision to relax a little and have a little fun between the chores. Now get back to work.

Turbulent Times, but that is life. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Lyrics

Which author would you love to have dinner with? – Asks the daily prompt.

Neither were authors but wrote songs for their bands. Both are gone so having dinner with them would be tough. But I’d like to know how they wrote a bit more. I have read that Ronnie Van Zant never wrote the lyrics down to the song he wrote for Lynyrd Skynyrd. I read two terms that I think described his writing, personal and intuitive.

The other person is Neil Peart who wrote the lyrics for most of the songs for Rush. A very well-read man who crafted a huge volume of songs. Some are a little off of my interest but others so insightful and relevant. Some I’m still dissecting.

Lots of their songs spoke to me.

Photo by Mike Hartley


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Restored

What’s a moment when a stranger completely restored your faith in people? – Asks the daily prompt.

When I see strangers stop at accident scenes to help.

Seeing a vet technician comfort someone after the loss of their pet.

When I see a young person stop to help an elderly or disabled person.

Seeing throngs of people at charity runs or events.

Watching a handful of officers fight an overwhelming riot on January 6 at our Nation’s Capital.

The invisible moments that so many contribute time and money to good causes each day.

The moment we as a majority group take control of this country again and address real problems and get working on solutions and implement them.

Watching people donate blood.

The little 5- or 6-year-old girl hooked to numerous tubes and bags of meds that sat across from me awaiting radiation treatments who was the happiest person in the world with her mother at her side. Thank you honey.

Graphic design featuring the word 'LOVE' with one letter stylized and the word 'SOMEONE' curving underneath on a black background.


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Let it rock, let it roll, let it go

If your future self could send you one sentence, what do you hope it would say? – A deep ask by the daily prompt.

Okay future self, think carefully.

You might be young in spirit, but your body is old in years so get your ass in gear and get out and have some fun while it’s still working.

Smoken HOT. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Travel dish

What’s the best local dish you’ve ever eaten while traveling? – The daily prompt with a food question this morning.

Wow, this is an interesting ask. I haven’t been a big traveler in my life you’re not going to get that exquisite meal description from a faraway place.

I’ll go with a simple one that is always a great memory for me. It’s when we were young and before children. Our 3 or 4 days at the beach each summer would always end with a meal at a place called Reflections in Ocean City. We didn’t have a lot back then, so we treated ourselves this one night.

Those dinners alone with my wife bring back good times.

I rarely ate like that then or now but in this place, I would just get a full course of food. Okay, let’s start with their Ceaser salad. The best Curtons I’ve ever had and the freshest parmesan cheese. Onto the best cream of crab soup I’ve ever had. Not too thick or thin, tons of huge backfin crab chunks floating on top and sherry if you so desire which I do. And they would leave that in case you wanted a little more.

Next was the bacon wrapped BBQ shrimp appetizer. Then the combo of a crabcake and filet mignon. And then we would finish with Bananas Foster which was prepared tableside. As were some other entrees which we sampled over the years. Some years before children this was followed by a walk on the beach together.

Unfortunately, they closed several years back, and we have had to discover other ocean favorites. Like Fager’s Island which has a great view and some fine dining.

Looking back at the bay from Fager’s Island. Another favorite dining spot. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Wishing I learned

What’s a thing you wish schools actually taught? – Asks the daily writing prompt.

That’s an interesting one. I haven’t been to school in a long time.

I wish they made learning a foreign language a mandatory thing. It was optional back when I was in school and I regret not learning another language.

I wish school taught me to think more, instead of memorizing the crap. The best classes are when teachers didn’t spend all their time in the book. I got more out of few conversations with teachers about life than I did in most of school.

Not that knowledge isn’t important to have and lots of that is in the book and assignments but life lessons and finding what students are interested in and helping them pursue that is a gift.

Remember athletes, keep up with the academics. Life is hard without them.

The mist of morning is soon replaced with whistles and the sounds of contact. Photo by Mike Hartley


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They are who they are

The daily prompt is asking – Share a photo of your pet and tell us one thing that makes them uniquely them.

Every pet I’ve ever had has been unique. Just like people they all differ. I’ve had the pleasure and pain of having many loving pets.

A fluffy gray cat lounging on a white plate, with a glass and metal utensils placed beside it on a wooden table.
Where is my milk and what is for dinner?
Photo by Mike Hartley

From the first one I had below that my dad brought home to us to the last one above, that I brought home to my daughter, they all have been special.

A young boy in a striped shirt kneels on grass, smiling and feeding a black cat.
My first pet was special because it was the last gift from our dad. Photo by Mike Hartley

From almost having dog like behavior in a cat to a giant fur ball of a cat.

A gray cat with green eyes peeking out from a pile of colorful gift wrapping paper.
Are you ready for some Xmas?
Photo by Mike Hartley

My first cat was a Manx. A big strong cat with no tail. She was the one who behaved like a dog. The neighbors had a German Shepard, and she was no fan of that dog at all. One day I saw him charge her and she leapt in the air landed on his back with claws out and this dog let out a howl of pain and ran for home. The dog always kept a distance after that. She would just sit in the front yard all proud and hiss at it if it started in her direction and it would turn tail and run.

A light brown dog walking near a red door, with a patterned rug on the floor.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Above is our granddog who we just lost last year. My son is still hurting from his first pet loss. It never gets any easier and my better half can’t take another loss, so we/she decided not to have anymore pets.

A black cat lounging in a bathroom sink.
Don’t forget to wash up.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Pets are a huge responsibility, and a lot of people don’t fully accept it. The one thing that made all my pets unique to me is the love they shared. If you get a pet, please take good care of it.


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Advice

The daily prompt wants to know – What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Someone once said something like this to me – Instead of measuring yourself against others, why not measure yourself against what you want to be.

Or the sticker a friend gave me that is on my office door. Work like a captain. Play like a pirate.

A black buoy with the words 'AHOY MATEYS' and crossed swords painted on it, resting on a chain.
Photo by Mike Hartley


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Okay now

What’s something you used to worry about but don’t anymore? – Good question from the daily prompt.

It’s really a softball question for me. I used to worry about work. All kinds of worries. Of the thousands of decisions I made each day, were they right. I used to worry about traffic getting back and forth, being it was a long commute to a very busy city. I used to worry about my strained relationship with some higher ups. I used to worry about my co-workers doing things right. I used to worry about what time I’d be called again when I was off.

But not anymore. Work is no longer on the list of worries. And boy is that a huge weight off my back.

Retirement is great. I can swing with it? Photo by Mike Hartley


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Outlook Quotes

What’s a quote that perfectly describes your outlook on life? – More questions on quotes from the daily prompt.

I went through some of my saved quotes, and I think these apply the best to me.

“Happiness is not the absence of problems, it’s the ability to deal with them.”- Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

“Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.”-Frank Tyger

“Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.”-Greg Anderson

A man with raised arms celebrates on the beach while a woman stands nearby, holding a phone, with ocean waves in the background.
Keep reaching. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Being there

What are your top 10 travel destinations? – Asks the daily prompt.

I’m not one to think more than a trip or two in advance because we have never traveled much. So, I won’ fantasize much here beyond what we are going to do and a few we might like.

We hope to take a trip to Charleston South Carolina this year sometime. Maybe another trip or two to the beach. New York City is one we want to return and see more of.

My better half would like to get to Ireland. I would like to see Yosemite, Zion, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. Maybe San Francisco.

Today my top destination is some back roads in and around some of Howard County with the top down and music on.

I prefer train if it makes sense. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Some Quotes

What is your favorite quote? – Asks the daily prompt.

I have tons of favorite quotes. I acquire more each day it seems. And I know I’ve shared a few others in the past that are more prominently posted around my desk. Here are a few recent ones I’ve found.

  • Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. – Pablo Picasso
  • Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears. – John Lennon
  • Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. – Thomas Merton
  • Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. – Herman Cain
Art and youth. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Find it

If you had to give one life-changing tip, what would it be? – Asks the daily prompt.

Find someone to love deeply and work that you have passion for.

Photo by Mike Hartley


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Skills

What’s a skill you consider basic, that most people don’t actually know how to do? – Interesting ask by the daily prompt.

Oh wow, that is one you have to ponder on for a few seconds.

The first that popped to mind is one of my passions. Driving a stick shift (manual gearbox) vehicle. Which led to another observation. People don’t know how to drive.

Okay enough car talk.

Being older I had to work through problems without the aid of the internet to help. So, I guess my first instinct is to try to find a solution to the problem instead of just giving up like a lot of people do now.

This credit card society has made cashiers poor with math apparently. Pay in cash and get ready to observe someone struggling to make the correct change owed to you.

How to get to the truth seems to be a skill that lots are lacking these days.

Apparently, the ability to not be without your smartphone is something so many are afflicted with.

I’m guessing most couldn’t fix a flat tire or change their oil and filter.

When to talk, and when to listen is becoming a lost art.

Again, having grown up without most of today’s technology, memorization was a very important skill. I bet most people couldn’t tell you the phone numbers of their most frequent contacts. We used to remember hundreds.

Manors and common courtesy seem to be going out of style also.

A circular sticker on a car window featuring the text 'THE MANUAL GEARBOX PRESERVATION SOCIETY' along with a gear shift pattern and the numbers 'R135 4H 246'.
Photo by Mike Hartley


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Bugs

The daily writing prompt is asking – Who is the fictional character you relate to the most?

I’d like to think I’m a bit of Bugs Bunny. Wise, easy going, loving life. But I’ve been feeling a lot like Charlie Brown lately.

Such is life, full of ups and downs. I hope the wind is blowing in the right direction for you today. Have a good day all.

A person windsurfing on a calm body of water with houses visible in the background.
Photo by Mike Hartley


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Reason or random

Do you think everything happens for a reason? – Now there is a question to ponder from the daily prompt.

I think some things are random and other happen for a reason. Most happen for a reason though. I guess that is my belief in science.

But science also teaches me we live on earth which random things happen like weather and earthquakes that are totally unpredictable despite huge advancements.

So, there is always going to be a bit of both from what I’ve experienced in life.

Photo by Mike Hartley


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Home style

The daily writing prompt would like to know – What’s your home decoration style?

When we picked the home, we have been in now for over 4 decades we, decided on a rancher. On a lot with a big front yard and trees and woods in the lower back yard.

I’m not familiar with style names in home decoration. I don’t catch many if any of those shows on TV doing it. What I do know is my better half does have nice taste and style and has made the home a welcoming and comfortable space while looking very nice at the same time.

I’m more of the maintenance guy. I power wash, mow, fix, repair, move and hang things when needed.

The basement is another story. That is mostly my domain. A mixture of my art space, office, workroom and laundry and utility room. I’m randomly mounting dozens of 8x10s on the walls trying out different projects and themes which I take down and replace fairly often.

I do have one wall that I don’t change. A series of photos from Arlington Cemetery that I shot. With my dad’s flag in front of them. That will probably be there till I’m gone.

If I had to find a few words for the style I guess I’d use welcoming, comfortable and pleasing. Those are at least the expressions of those visiting.

Sunlight filtering through trees in a misty forest setting.
The warm sun of morning. Looking our our back kitchen window. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Simple Man

The daily prompt has a good question today. – What’s a song lyric that has stuck with you forever?

I guess the song from my youth that has stuck with me the most is from the band Lynyrd Skynyrd and the song Simple Man.

“Simple Man”

Mama told me when I was young
“Come sit beside me, my only son
And listen closely to what I say
And if you do this it’ll help you some sunny day”

“Oh, take your time, don’t live too fast
Troubles will come and they will pass
You’ll find a woman and you’ll find love
And don’t forget, son, there is someone up above”

“And be a simple kind of man
Be something you love and understand
Baby, be a simple kind of man
Oh, won’t you do this for me, son, if you can”

“Forget your lust for the rich man’s gold
All that you need is in your soul
And you can do this, oh baby, if you try
All that I want for you, my son, is to be satisfied”

“And be a simple kind of man
Oh, be something you love and understand
Baby, be a simple kind of man
Oh, won’t you do this for me, son, if you can”

Oh, yes, I will

“Boy, don’t you worry, you’ll find yourself
Follow your heart and nothing else
And you can do this, oh baby, if you try
All that I want for you, my son, is to be satisfied”

“And be a simple kind of man
Oh, be something you love and understand
Baby, be a simple kind of man
Oh, won’t you do this for me, son, if you can?”

“Baby, be a simple, be a simple man
Oh, be something you love and understand
Baby, be a simple kind of simple man
Oh, won’t you do this for me, son, if you can?”

A close-up of a dried rose with pink petals and a slightly wilted appearance, set against a muted background.
Even when they are ready to go back to the earth, they are beautiful. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Night owls

Another friggin book question again from the daily prompt. – If you could rewrite any book’s ending, which one would you choose?

So, if I could REWRITE today’s question it would be. – Do you think you could be nocturnal?

The reason I posed this question is because I have been nocturnal for a decade or two of my life, maybe more. It started with working night shifts. But it has extended beyond that to even my retirement days. There are nights I’m up most of the evening and early mornings.

Lots of them actually. I’ve never been a person who has slept normal hours anyway. When I was working, I slept maybe 4-5 hours a day. Once a week I didn’t sleep. That was my transition day where I woke early Sunday morning, spent the day with the family, went to work at 6pm and worked till 6am Monday morning. So I’d be up 24-27 hours straight flipping from the weekend where I was up during the day and then back to nights on the weekdays.

But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t awake during the days. Services you depend on aren’t open at nights so things like doctor’s appointments or shopping or much of anything had to be done during the day.

I was watching my grandson the other day, and he said he doesn’t like the dark because it’s scary. For me I see wonder. I’m very comfortable with darkness. I got used to dark at a young age working with photography. They didn’t call it a darkroom for nothing. That is where you handled film. In complete darkness. And making prints was done under this red light that only a touch from complete darkness.

The contrast of nights and days isn’t just light. There is a whole group of people who make your life possible by working nights. They take your trash away; deliver supplies to the vendors you use. They repair the streets and fix other infrastructure needs. Some show up when you have an emergency and the ambulance takes you to the hospital where people working overnight take care of you.

Security guards and police keep your business and some homes safe at night. Lots of people work overnight in warehouses shipping your products for delivery the next day.

All those upgrades to computer systems happen in the evenings. Planes still fly at night and have to take off and land. You need pilots and air traffic controllers. When something isn’t working in your hotel room you call the front desk and expect someone to be there no matter the hour.

When you go to the grocery store, who do you think restocks the shelves at night. Not a robot. If you go to Vegas, you might notice that noise from the casino doesn’t stop at night. It might even be the place in the world that stays up the latest.

There is a whole society of night shift people out there. You just don’t see us because we are out and about while you’re catching ZZZ’s. I read one stat that said 3.5% of the working people report for work between 6pm and midnight. And that sounds about the right percentage I was thinking about.

So, here’s a toast to my fellow nocturnal night owls. Without us, a lot of stuff doesn’t happen.

Sunset over a shimmering body of water with silhouettes of palm trees and a seaside pavilion in the foreground.
When your day ends, ours begins. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Dreams

What’s your biggest dream? – Asks the daily prompt.

Well, my biggest dream already came true. To have a healthy and happy family. That is such a concern when you’re holding your newborn in your arms for the first time. That panic that sets in because you know this isn’t a fair world and that it can be cruel to many.

And now I’m watching my children navigate the world with their children.

Personally, my biggest dream at this stage of life is to create images, words, drawings and paintings that I’m proud of and people enjoy. And to see some of those reactions.

Amateur photographer (me) photographing what appears to be professional photographer in green. I hope I don’t have to grow a gut to become a professional photographer.
Photo by Mike Hartley


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Promised

What’s a promise you made to yourself that you’ve actually kept? – Not a bad question from the daily prompt.

Well, let’s go back into history and see what we can dig up.

  • I promised myself I wouldn’t be an alcoholic again when I was about 26. That has worked out fine.
  • I made a promise when I got married and I’m still married to that first girl.
  • Made a promise to my kids that I would try to be the best dad I could. I think they are happy with my efforts.
  • Early on in life, I wanted my children to have the advantage of college like I didn’t and I was able to make that happen.
Drink responsibly please. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Beep Beep

Ah yet another question from the daily prompt I’m not thrilled with. – If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be?

Okay I think the phrase goes – Ask a stupid question and get a stupid answer. I know this isn’t what they were thinking of when they said fictional character but it’s what popped into my head at the time.

So, I’ll go with the Road Runner. If you noticed in this cartoon the guy always has a smile on his face. He is smart and intuitive and lives life in the fast lane. He likes to shift gears and taunt his opponent and always comes out on top. We could talk speed and handling.

Photo by Mike Hartley


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Best is for others

What is the best purchase you have ever made? – Feeling like I answered this daily prompt question before but I’m too lazy at 3am to go look if I have so here is a fresh attempt.

That’s an easy one. Any gift we get for the children or grandchildren that brings the best smile and excitement to their faces. Like the annual trip to the beach together. Sometimes our excitement is the best when we think we’ve found the perfect birthday or Christmas gifts.

High on the list of rest of the Best

Our Home.

The John Deere tractor I purchased in 1998 is still running and cutting today. Certainly, the best value. Well, it’s getting a deserved rest and some maintenance before it goes to my son. I just got a new one. I’ll let you know if that was just as good a buy as the previous one in about 20+ years. He might have to finish that review, if I’m cutting grass well into my 80s my wife is going to kill me.

A 1985 Honda Shadow 1100cc motorcycle. My first new bike. My first new vehicle ever. Everything before that was well used transportation. Man was ride that fun. I had to pause and remember twisting the throttle and hanging on for a minute there. Oh yeah. There is no replacement for displacement

This was almost #1 but the best purchases are never for yourself. At least that is what I’m learning over time.

A vintage motorcycle parked on a concrete driveway, with a brick house and green shrubbery in the background.
My old therapist. Photo by Mike Hartley

The 2016 Mazda Miata has been the most fun I’ve ever had on 4 wheels. Runner up is my 1974 Camaro.

A vintage red sports car parked on the side of a road, showcasing its side profile and distinctive rear design.
One of my biggest regrets in my photo history is I lost photos of this car after I modified it. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Misunderstanding

The daily prompt asks – What’s the funniest misunderstanding you’ve ever been a part of?

The older I get the more misunderstandings happen mainly because of people’s hearing issues. Both my wife and my best friend have hearing loss, and this creates some regular miscommunication and some very funny times.

I don’t remember this phase in my early years but it’s one I use often now when I get an answer that is totally unrelated to the question or statement I made. And that is “What do you think I said”

Mine hearing is still pretty good but not perfect especially when people are talking to me from other rooms.

In order not to embarrass any family members or friends here I’ll use one blunder that I made recently. My family was over and they were in the living room. My son yelled out, dad, do you get dryness in your beard? I said yes but I thought he said do you get dryness in your ear. He goes what do you use and I said a wet Q-Tip.

Well, I hear silence and then this laughter from the other room breaks out and I asked what was going on and then he clarified the question.

Now ladies, no more wheelies on the boardwalk, do you understand me?

Photo by Mike Hartley


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The less screen time the better

The daily prompt wants to know – What app eats up the most of your screen time – and do you even feel bad about it?

I guess I’m old school. I use the phone for phone calls and text. Those eat up most of my screen time. The news app is probably the most after that and no I don’t feel bad about it. My goal is to keep the time on that device to under an hour a day. And I stay pretty close to that.

It is my belief that those devices are not good for people in a lot of cases. Yes, they can be very helpful and there are wonderful apps that make life better for people, but most people go down the rabbit hole with those devices and rarely look up.

A man and a woman sitting on a park bench, both using their smartphones, with a large black dog standing beside them and purple flowers in the background.
Look away from the phone and love your pet. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Occasional traveler

The daily prompt is asking – What’s a movie or book that inspired you to travel?

To be honest I can’t think of a book or movie that inspired travel. Sometimes it’s people I know who have been excited about a trip that spurs interest. Occasionally things I see online or on TV trigger thoughts of travel.

Like the scenic railroad show recently showing travel by train through the states. Or some of the commercials for scenic river cruises. But no books or movies. Sorry

Thoughts of travel are interesting to me. Yes, I have desire to see other places. No, I don’t like to travel. I’m not big on flying but I’ll do it. Nothing has been as comfortable as home. Usually, I have to adjust my schedule because if I’m up and about at my normal times, I’m disturbing others.

I leave behind a lot of things I like to do regularly at home, like some of my hobbies and my car. Luckily, I can travel with cameras easily still. In a lot of ways, it’s quite disruptive to my normal routine. I guess I’m more of a creature of habit and knowns.

I like easy trips. Like our venture to New York City earlier this year. A 3-hour train ride, hotel within a short walk, direct to our destination and then sightseeing. We didn’t set timelines or a stuffed itinerary; we did as much as we could each day and enjoyed the hell out of it. Stayed for 3 nights and 4 days with great weather and that was perfect trip.

Picking the right season to go in also. For the first time in our history, we took a winter vacation to a warmer climate. We went to Lauderdale by the Sea in Florida for 4-5 days. Again, great weather and easy days and nights made for a great time. I remember what one of our Uber drivers said. “You picked the perfect time of year to be here. It’s horrible in summer and surrounding months.”

I love to drive but I’m not into driving in unfamiliar places and even though I’d dealt with city traffic and high-speed interstates and everything in between I had no desire to drive into NYC. Now I have thought about renting a car from Miami and driving down to the Keys. I hear that is a nice ride and scenic.

My better half would like to travel a bit more. My daughter and her take short trips together. We might do a larger and longer trip in the future but nothing major is planned now. We would still like to get to Charleston SC. And the trip to NYC showed us there is a lot more to see there so another venture will be planned.

Maybe when I do a little more traveling the bug will bite me and I’ll be off more often.

Interior of a large train station featuring high ceilings, tall columns, and decorative lighting. Passengers are seen waiting and moving about, with a prominent statue visible in the center.
Philly train station. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Trend

If you could erase one trend from history, what would it be? – The daily prompt limiting me to one where there are many that could use erasing.

I’d like to get rid of our capacity to destroy each other. I don’t know why we place such little value in human life.

We also seem to be in a rush to destroy our home (earth). Maybe we can start to turn that around.

Maybe people erase thinking their religion is above others. Or those who don’t believe are doomed and evil.

Greed seems to be a nasty historical trend that I could do without.

I guess if I had to pick one it would be that we should stop thinking that were above one another for whatever reason.

Logo design for 'Good Life Club' established in 2026, with the tagline 'Let's start something special'.


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Old Tech

Which outdated technology do you miss the most, and why? – Another tech question. No problem.

I miss a lot of older technology.

  • A good turntable for albums seemed like part of enjoying the music. Taking care of the vinyl records. It was part of the listening experience.
  • I love digital photography now. But I do have warm feelings of darkrooms and chemicals.
  • I miss the video game Pong. It was the only technology of the day that worked back then.
  • 8 track tapes. Keeping them moving at the right speed was an artform. Folded matchbooks and other small wedges to keep the tape in place. And later, pencils to go with cassette tapes that got unruly.
  • Black and white TVs with rabbit ears. Only 3 channels and no clicker to change channels. Didn’t cost a thing. No cable bill, no streaming bill, no internet bill.
  • Paper maps. Once you figured out the route you remembered it and committed it to permanent memory.
  • Speaking of memory, I used to like remembering the hundreds of phone numbers between my ears.
  • It’s not gone yet but future generations will never have the pleasure of driving a manual gearbox. I pity them. It’s one of the great joys of driving.


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Excuses

The daily prompt wants to know – What is the best excuse you have heard lately?

The one I gave my friend last night when I said my mouth hurts from the dentist appointment yesterday afternoon and I was staying home. It was honest and to the point.

On the other hand, I didn’t listen to the liar last night trying to find excuses on why he lost an election that he can’t admit he lost. A sorry excuse for a human being.

One of the better excuses I heard while managing people was a call that came in early one morning stating that he was going to be late. When I asked what time, he thought he could make it he said, “Well, I’m in jail and I have to see a judge so I’m not really sure.”

I’m trying to find an excuse not to cut the grass later today. The smoke from the wildfires in the air would be a good one. It’s going to feel like the upper 90s today would also qualify as a good excuse.

But when I think of excuses I think back to my very early days at work when managers were direct. So, when I gave an excuse for being late, he spoke and said, “excuses are like a**holes, everyone got one, and you just used yours, so don’t be late again.” And from then on, I’ve been early to work and rarely sick.

Colorful hot air balloons on the ground with spectators in a grassy field.
No thank you, I’m scared of heights. Photo by Mike Hartley