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Downtown….

“When you’re alone and life is making you lonely, You can always go…Downtown” – Downtown by Petula Clark

They were small in stature but lived a big life. For my uncle and aunt, size did not matter! Both stood five-feet or less yet they enjoyed life to the fullest!

I had the honor and privilege of attending one of the more memorable services in my lifetime. What a blessing to live with your best friend, forever lover, mother of your children, and the most beautiful woman you have ever laid eyes on.

This was the love story of two people who overcame many obstacles and chose to see life as a joyous occasion no matter the circumstances.

So what is with the old pop song Downtown?

Here is my tribute to my aunt and uncle…. Continue reading “Downtown….”

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Surprise Rendezvous… (edited)

Bzzzz…. Bzzzz…

Someone was texting me. Casually I lifted the phone from my pocket to glance at the incoming text.

“I’m here. Where are you?”

Replying discreetly – “At the Red Panda.”

Slipped the phone back into my pocket before she sees me. We walked a little bit further when my phone buzzed again. I wandered away to read the message – “Where are you now?”

Replied – “Prairie Dog. Will return to the Red Panda.”

We walked back to the first exhibit. Stalling, I took a few more pictures.

She should be here any minute now – I whispered to myself.

“Well, hello!”

Continue reading “Surprise Rendezvous… (edited)”

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Goodbye 2017!!!

As another year winds down, it is a time of reflection on what transpired during the past twelve months. Did our New Years Resolutions get the best of us again? Did we accomplish our BHAG’s (big hairy audacious goals)? How many new friends did we encounter along the way? What new births did we say hello to? How many have we said goodbye to?

It saddens my heart when people tell me that “not much happened to me this year.”  How are these people living? Do they really ignore all the little things that happen on a regular basis? We all have our stories to tell each and every year.

This was the reason I chose to use this picture to represent our lives. Hope you will find your own journey in this post.

Continue reading “Goodbye 2017!!!”

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Holiday Colors

One of the beautiful indicators of change are the colors of leaves all around us. The vividness are a constant reminder that if there is anything consistent, it is change.

Why do we capture pictures of these changing hues year after year? After all, they will reappear this same time next year (assuming the trees survive the environmental changes). We have a fascination for these wonderful displays of coloration but I wonder if there is a deeper meaning that is aroused within us when we are reminded of the changing seasons?

The holiday season brings our own colors within our hearts and minds. What do I mean by this? Let me share my insights with you….

Continue reading “Holiday Colors”

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E.R. Visit – Part One

I have accompanied, visited, and dropped off friends and family members at E.R. over the years but never would I have anticipated that one day, yours truly would become a patient as well.

It all began with a staph infection on my hand that irritated my annual eczema outbreak. Normally, my skin would recover with a plant-based lotion used for intensive skin therapy. Other eczema areas were effectively treated with this lotion but my right hand seemed to have a stubborn issue.

Fast forward a few months and having received some effective antibiotics and topical crème, it dried up the area on my hand and was getting rid of the staph that was now embedded into my bloodstream. All was going well until a couple of weeks ago when I noticed that my right eye had a peculiar growth… Continue reading “E.R. Visit – Part One”

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Joseph’s Story

Have you ever read the full story of Joseph in the Bible?

A descendant of Jacob, Joseph was sold into slavery at the age of 17. His step-brothers hated him as he revealed his dream that one day, they would all bow down to this younger brother.  He was Jacob’s favorite son and was given a coat of many colors. Some of you may remember the stage play Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

As a side note for many of my old SF church friends – I have many fond memories of performing Dreamer – What Really Happened to Joseph every weekend for months! In spite of the loss of one of our brothers, we chose to live on.

Joseph’s life endured many twists and turns until he finally became second in command in Egypt – only the Pharaoh had more authority. This was unheard of for a foreigner to rule Egypt. However, God used Joseph to interpret dreams that would one day save Egypt and Israel by storing up a percentage of harvest in the good years and rationing the food in the lean years.

Joseph definitely had the courage to live on in spite of his circumstances. Here is what I have learned from this Bible series. Continue reading “Joseph’s Story”

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Lost and Found

This world of technology creates a new level of self-imposed anxiety.

Have you noticed that in your life?

Try leaving your cell phone at home the next time you go out for a day. Many would be hard-pressed to separate from their electronic devices even for an hour. It is a mini-computer for that perfect solution to a portable office. For others, it is merely a communication device when, and only if, they want to be conversing with the outside world.

We learn to synchronize our personal calendars with family members so everyone is aware of the whereabouts of their loved ones. Gone are the days of – “Let me check my social calendar (i.e., their spouse or partner).”  We use it for relaxation, quick-fix camera shots, stream data, personal hot spot, etc. There are many applications to download and the usefulness is limited only by our imagination. All of this is generally within our control and our preferences dictate the functional use of our little electronic anchors.

But what if we LOSE control of our devices?

I am not talking about the forced updates or the occasional drop in the toilet. No, I am talking about actually losing your cell phone.

Such was the anxiety I experienced recently during an afternoon movie outing… Continue reading “Lost and Found”