THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley


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Are you happy

Happiness is sometimes an elusive thing. But when you are, you know it.

A man and his dog. Photo by Mike Hartley

Today has started off well with the recharge with the family yesterday still providing a smile to my face. The anticipation of a beautiful day outside and a good week ahead.


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Waiting for your ship to come in

Waiting for your ship to come in? Referring to becoming successful or wealthy as the dictionary says. Not me, because I’m not interested in it either. I do feel successful in my own ways but not in a way society would judge as successful. And I have wealth but not the monetary kind.

Photo by Mike Hartley

I think I’m happier not chasing riches or fame. I’ve chased financial stability, which is also quite illusive, but never riches. Success is not measured by others. You have to be good with yourself. I bet if Michael Jordan had only given 50% effort and was still the best player in the game the success wouldn’t have been as sweet.

That term – waiting for your ship to come in – is one I think of when I see people playing the lottery or gambling. That ambition for much more. The disappointment when it doesn’t come. I’m drawn to that, but I know how dangerous that mindset is for me. So, I don’t gamble.

I refuse to do these betting apps or services. It’s too easy and too addictive. When I think about gambling, I think there is someone who is hungry, that could use a meal or sick and in need of a cure. So, I donate to those causes instead.

I don’t know where the right balance is. My current impression is that we swung too far the other way and have incorporated gambling and sports together and I worry that it could be the death of some sports when coaches, players, refs, owners get caught up in it. It’s just too much money for some people to pass up.

Many don’t even realize their ship has already come in with the gifts already received. That is kind of sad. One of the good things about not having it all is you appreciate what you have more. I look at some having it all in monetary wealth, as a burden.

Random Thoughts of the Early Morning

  • I get to see children smile later today. I’ll let that good feeling carry me till then.
  • Care about yourself, there can be many times in life where you will need that.
  • Work on creating a space in life where you can thrive.
  • It’s a very exciting family day.


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5 things

What are 5 everyday things that bring you happiness? – A fun question from the daily writing prompt.

The 5 Material Thing that bring me happiness

  1. My cameras bring me happiness. Even if I’m doing nothing but charging their batteries and cleaning the lens or working on a better travel bag for them, they are fun. But when I get time to bring that viewfinder to my eye and hit that shutter release button, I’m happy.
  2. My Miata and that gearbox on a sunny day with the top down.
  3. My tennis shoes and shorts. All my professional life, I dressed pretty casually. Not business casual but casual. Yeah, if I had to go out to a conference or something I’d dress the role, but at the office it was my comfort that was a priority. I guess it came from working night shift people didn’t care what you wore, as long as you showed up. When I got moved to the day side some years, I just bought that style with me. It shook things up at one of my employers because nobody ever wore shorts to work during the day apparently. I’d been doing it at night for years and suddenly there was a problem. I asked to see the dress code and there wasn’t any. Win for the kid. I continued to wear shorts when it was hot out.
  4. My computers allow me to further express myself and are a great source of fun.
  5. My home brings me happiness. I love taking care of it, be it the yard or structure.

The 5 Real Things that bring me happiness

  1. Waking up each morning and catching a sunrise.
  2. Family & Friends- They bring me happiness each day, every day.
  3. Music – My world would be a much darker place without it.
  4. Food – Something a lot of us take for granted. I enjoy, appreciate and love each bite I take at every meal.
  5. Animals be they pets, or wildlife make me smile. I love living creatures. Well, most of them.
Sunrise on the Atlantic. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Happy tear

What brings a tear of joy to your eye? – The Daily writing prompt inquires.

  • Running across something from my parent’s belongings that triggers a good memory.
  • My grandchildren kissing/hugging me when I didn’t ask for one.
  • My children. Their successes and milestones, of course. But sometimes just after spending a wonderful day together at our home.
  • When my wife cries in joy.
  • Retirement
  • When I first walk out to the beach each year.
  • Having an important medical test and the results are good.
Now there is a formation. Photo by Mike Hartley

Other responses to this prompt


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It all

What does “having it all” mean to you? Is it attainable? – The Daily Writing prompt inquires.

Having it all is what I live each day. I try to be appreciative of everything I have. My loving family and friends. My owned home. My health and ability to enjoy the pursuits I love. So yes it’s attainable.

I think too much focus is spent on having it all. Those who are constantly trying to have it all might not even realize they have it already. Those who have gone through adversity know that having it all is sometimes very simple.

I don’t need a big lotto jackpot to have it all. I don’t need a big mansion to live in to have it all. I don’t need a private beach. I don’t need the newest car or other status items to have it all.

If you’re loved, if you have a roof over your head, if you have food to eat and the ability to have some fun then you have it all.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend. Photo by Mike Hartley

Other replies here: https://wordpress.com/tag/dailyprompt-1949