There was an editorial in the local paper this morning about how important it is to be thankful for what we have, particularly in hard times (or when times are tough, if you prefer). It seems to me that it's easier to be concerned with what we don't have, than to be grateful for what we do have. And so, allow me to relate the following true story.
Some friends of mine, a young family, invited me to lunch. I met them at a Chinese restaurant, after I went to an appointment I had with my regular (family) doctor. When I arrived at the restaurant, they were already there, along with some friends of their's, another married couple with a couple of young children.
As I sat down at the table, I made one of my usual inane jokes, and said that the doctor told me I had a couple of more weeks to live. I forget sometimes, that death is taken more seriously in the Chinese culture, and not generally joked about. So, while silence set in around the table, the wife belonging to the other married couple said, "Congratulations! You have 2 more weeks!"
Now, she knew I was joking, and even though she was also joking (in fact, she was funnier than I was), her words made me think about the way most of us respond to things that happen to us. I believe that all things happen for a reason. If we can't see that reason, well, sometimes we just have to look harder.
Anyroad (anway, anyhow), wherever you are, whatever you are doing, and no matter what your situation is in life, try to remember all the things you have to be thankful for, and have the best Thanksgiving you possibly can.
May you have a truly happy one.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
May I have This Dance?
Fall is beginning it's slow fade into Winter. Soon enough there will be snow on the ground, and the feeling of ice in the air. In another month or so, I will wish I had a fur coat like Albert's. I won't take his, however. He's rather attached to it. Of course, he prefers to live indoors, which is a bit unusual for a bear. But he was spoiled at a young age. I told that story a while back. You can find it somewhere back in this blog if you care to look for it.
I've become quite used to having him around the house, even though there are moments when I would prefer he was a bearskin rug, rather than a live black bear. He tells me that I occasionally get on his nerves as well, and I should feel privileged that he hasn't eaten me. Yet. It might be a long Winter.
But my real trouble at the moment is with my immune system disorder, which is causing a rather serious sleep problem. Or, I should say, a serious lack of sleep problem. Which also means, most days recently I haven't been capable of exercising, which compounds the problem. But, nobody promised me a rose garden, to use a well known quote and expression.
I do complain, sometimes too much. But life goes on, nonetheless. Or, to put it another way, there is always music playing. Sometimes, fast, sometimes slow. At different times it can be sad, or happy, sedate, or wild and crazy. Whatever music we happen to be hearing, the best thing to do, is learn how to dance to it. It ain't always easy, but hey, it's not a job, it's an adventure. Can ya' dig it?
Anyroad, that being said, I have a book calling my name, a bird who needs some attention, as well as a foot to sleep on. And of course, a bear who wants me to stop annoying him by banging on these keys. If I don't see you, have a truly wonderful Thanksgiving, no matter where you happen to be.
I've become quite used to having him around the house, even though there are moments when I would prefer he was a bearskin rug, rather than a live black bear. He tells me that I occasionally get on his nerves as well, and I should feel privileged that he hasn't eaten me. Yet. It might be a long Winter.
But my real trouble at the moment is with my immune system disorder, which is causing a rather serious sleep problem. Or, I should say, a serious lack of sleep problem. Which also means, most days recently I haven't been capable of exercising, which compounds the problem. But, nobody promised me a rose garden, to use a well known quote and expression.
I do complain, sometimes too much. But life goes on, nonetheless. Or, to put it another way, there is always music playing. Sometimes, fast, sometimes slow. At different times it can be sad, or happy, sedate, or wild and crazy. Whatever music we happen to be hearing, the best thing to do, is learn how to dance to it. It ain't always easy, but hey, it's not a job, it's an adventure. Can ya' dig it?
Anyroad, that being said, I have a book calling my name, a bird who needs some attention, as well as a foot to sleep on. And of course, a bear who wants me to stop annoying him by banging on these keys. If I don't see you, have a truly wonderful Thanksgiving, no matter where you happen to be.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
No Lions, No Tigers, But The Bears! Oh, My!
Well, the tale that Albert told me is quite unbelievable. The old bear, who told the tale to Albert, claims to be the descendant of an ancient race of bears who had established their own civilization long before mankind had evolved much beyond their monkeyhood. This original bloodline of bears had their own language, culture, and government. In other words, a kingdom of bears with their own society.
According to this very old descendant of this great race, they would choose a king every 20 years (or there abouts) based on intelligence, wisdom, heart, and physical strength. Their civilization lasted in peace and harmony for over a thousand years. Until, into this society, greed was born.
There was a minority faction among the bears, who decided they wanted everything for themselves. They felt no loyalty to their great race. Only to themselves. They wished to control everything, from the food and honey, to all the female bears, and pretty much everything else. Of course, they knew it would not be easy for any of them to become King, because the King was chosen by a council of the oldest and wisest of the bears. So they had to do it by subterfuge (trickery). This group of malcontents chose a very young bear, and secretly began training him to outwardly act the part of the perfect King, while behind this false facade he would be their perfect agent to gain control. And, even though it many years, they did fool the council into chosing their agent as King .
Once they had control they were able to surround themselves with many of the strongest, although not the brightest of bears, through bribery and other unethical means. After that, they did away with the council of the old and wise bears, and made sure they were the ones to select each new King. This went on for over a hundred years, during which time this group of power hungry and nasty bears became fat and rich, while many other bears, not only were forced to work hard for the sake of this very selfish group, but also had trouble finding enough to eat, and in some cases, even being able to have a decent place to live.
But as these things tend to go, the majority of the bears finally became upset enough to attack and overthrow the rule of this small elite group. Unfortunately, this also led to an end of the Geat Bear Civilization. Because this small group of despicable bears had destroyed the innocence, trust, and goodwill that had existed in this peaceful society before they stole control, it was not possible for their civilization to continue as it had. It became every bear for himself. And so, they lost their language, their culture, and of course, their society.
It is rather a sad tale. One can only wish that mankind (which does include womankind, of course), could learn from this story of an ancient bear civilization, be it true, or not.
According to this very old descendant of this great race, they would choose a king every 20 years (or there abouts) based on intelligence, wisdom, heart, and physical strength. Their civilization lasted in peace and harmony for over a thousand years. Until, into this society, greed was born.
There was a minority faction among the bears, who decided they wanted everything for themselves. They felt no loyalty to their great race. Only to themselves. They wished to control everything, from the food and honey, to all the female bears, and pretty much everything else. Of course, they knew it would not be easy for any of them to become King, because the King was chosen by a council of the oldest and wisest of the bears. So they had to do it by subterfuge (trickery). This group of malcontents chose a very young bear, and secretly began training him to outwardly act the part of the perfect King, while behind this false facade he would be their perfect agent to gain control. And, even though it many years, they did fool the council into chosing their agent as King .
Once they had control they were able to surround themselves with many of the strongest, although not the brightest of bears, through bribery and other unethical means. After that, they did away with the council of the old and wise bears, and made sure they were the ones to select each new King. This went on for over a hundred years, during which time this group of power hungry and nasty bears became fat and rich, while many other bears, not only were forced to work hard for the sake of this very selfish group, but also had trouble finding enough to eat, and in some cases, even being able to have a decent place to live.
But as these things tend to go, the majority of the bears finally became upset enough to attack and overthrow the rule of this small elite group. Unfortunately, this also led to an end of the Geat Bear Civilization. Because this small group of despicable bears had destroyed the innocence, trust, and goodwill that had existed in this peaceful society before they stole control, it was not possible for their civilization to continue as it had. It became every bear for himself. And so, they lost their language, their culture, and of course, their society.
It is rather a sad tale. One can only wish that mankind (which does include womankind, of course), could learn from this story of an ancient bear civilization, be it true, or not.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
My Kingdom For A Horse
Well, as it so happens, I don't have a kingdom, but that's just a technicality. And, when I say I would give my kingdom for a horse, I'm really not talking about a real flesh and blood horse. I'm really using the idea of a horse to represent "energy". Energy is what I crave, and what I always seem to have a shortage of. It just doesn't seem fair. I was talking to my sister this morning, and she mentioned how my brother-in-law (her husband), had completed his soccer season (he coaches a women's college team), and needed to replenish his energy level. For some of us, this is definitely more difficult than for others.
Due to my continually ongoing immune system disorder, maintaining my energy is seriously problematical, and takes a great deal of effort, particularly in regards to diet and exercise.
So, I woke up this morning somewhere around 5 am, when my neighbor seemed to be loudly dismembering the body of her latest murder victim. Yep, I think she's a serial killer. There's no other explanation. At least once a week, early in the morning I hear her whacking away at something with an ax or a hammer. She seems very sweet and quiet when I see her, but that quiet exterior must be hiding a raging psychopath underneath. I really don't want to complain, to her or the property manager, because I might be her next early morning project.
Anyroad, after laying in bed for close to two hours (after putting earplugs in), I dragged myself out of bed, and while holding a gun to my head with one hand, went out jogging. Since then, for the last three hours, I have managed to shower and get Eddie's Castle (it's a very large cage) ready for the day. I am moving with the speed of molasses going uphill.
So you might have an inkling (slight idea) of how I feel about energy. Now, to the best of my knowledge, vampires don't exist, or at least there's no proof that they do. And the whole idea of drinking blood just doesn't appeal to me. But, if I could become a vampire that was able to drain energy from unsuspecting victims, well, that would be a horse of a different color.
And so, now that we've come back to the idea of a horse once again, I will say, Be well, and stay out of trouble if you can.
Due to my continually ongoing immune system disorder, maintaining my energy is seriously problematical, and takes a great deal of effort, particularly in regards to diet and exercise.
So, I woke up this morning somewhere around 5 am, when my neighbor seemed to be loudly dismembering the body of her latest murder victim. Yep, I think she's a serial killer. There's no other explanation. At least once a week, early in the morning I hear her whacking away at something with an ax or a hammer. She seems very sweet and quiet when I see her, but that quiet exterior must be hiding a raging psychopath underneath. I really don't want to complain, to her or the property manager, because I might be her next early morning project.
Anyroad, after laying in bed for close to two hours (after putting earplugs in), I dragged myself out of bed, and while holding a gun to my head with one hand, went out jogging. Since then, for the last three hours, I have managed to shower and get Eddie's Castle (it's a very large cage) ready for the day. I am moving with the speed of molasses going uphill.
So you might have an inkling (slight idea) of how I feel about energy. Now, to the best of my knowledge, vampires don't exist, or at least there's no proof that they do. And the whole idea of drinking blood just doesn't appeal to me. But, if I could become a vampire that was able to drain energy from unsuspecting victims, well, that would be a horse of a different color.
And so, now that we've come back to the idea of a horse once again, I will say, Be well, and stay out of trouble if you can.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Warm November Days
We have been having some unseasonable warm and sunny weather for this time of year. Not that I am complaining. It will be cold and blusterly soon enough. I believe the blusterly part will come about on Friday. And yes, it will be colder as well, but not the biting cold of Old Man Winter. He will arrive more than soon enough. After our record breaking October snowstorm here in Connecticut, I have a feeling it could be a rather snowy Winter season. The Old Farmer's Almanac thinks so as well. We'll see.
Albert, my black bear friend, stopped by for a visit. He told me an interesting story that he heard from a very old bear, who was living in a cave in some remote hills in the wilds of Arkansas. How Albert ended up there on his walkabout, I have no idea. I'll try to relate the story he heard to you on another occasion. It's too long a tale to tell at the moment. But it does cast an interesting light on Bear, as well as Human, History. So, another time.
Anyroad, for those of you who enjoy using the wonderful facilities of your local Public Library here in the US of A, try to remember that it will be closed on Friday, which is Veteran's Day, a national holiday. And these soldiers, those who are alive, and those who given their lives, deserve much more than our thoughts and well wishes on just this one day. They sacrifice, and have sacrificed, more than we can possibly imagine, for their, and our, country. As well as for the welfare of people in other countries.
So, for those of you who are blessed, and lucky to be living in this wonderful country, like myself, please remember those soldiers who have fought, and those soldiers who are fighting, and have shed, and are shedding, their blood, sweat, tears, and in some cases, their lives. All for our way of life. Because without that willingness to fight for our freedom, and our basic human rights, such as the Freedom of Speech, would there even be a United States of America? I strongly doubt it.
As much as there are segments (parts or groups) of the population here in the US, that tend to make me howling mad (literally) on occasion, it is the fact that we can all live here in peace (mostly), that makes this a great country.
Albert, my black bear friend, stopped by for a visit. He told me an interesting story that he heard from a very old bear, who was living in a cave in some remote hills in the wilds of Arkansas. How Albert ended up there on his walkabout, I have no idea. I'll try to relate the story he heard to you on another occasion. It's too long a tale to tell at the moment. But it does cast an interesting light on Bear, as well as Human, History. So, another time.
Anyroad, for those of you who enjoy using the wonderful facilities of your local Public Library here in the US of A, try to remember that it will be closed on Friday, which is Veteran's Day, a national holiday. And these soldiers, those who are alive, and those who given their lives, deserve much more than our thoughts and well wishes on just this one day. They sacrifice, and have sacrificed, more than we can possibly imagine, for their, and our, country. As well as for the welfare of people in other countries.
So, for those of you who are blessed, and lucky to be living in this wonderful country, like myself, please remember those soldiers who have fought, and those soldiers who are fighting, and have shed, and are shedding, their blood, sweat, tears, and in some cases, their lives. All for our way of life. Because without that willingness to fight for our freedom, and our basic human rights, such as the Freedom of Speech, would there even be a United States of America? I strongly doubt it.
As much as there are segments (parts or groups) of the population here in the US, that tend to make me howling mad (literally) on occasion, it is the fact that we can all live here in peace (mostly), that makes this a great country.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Yes, No, Maybe...Maybe Not
Well, there may be someone out there wondering where I've been, and what happened to me. So, let me clear a few things up. Yes, I'm still alive, and in one piece. No, I haven't robbed a bank and had to lay low (hide out) down in Mexico. Maybe it would have been a good thing if I had been on walkabout with my friend Albert, campaigning against global warming. Then again, maybe not.
Fighting global warming would be a good thing, but watching Albert take some of those right wing (Republican) villains to task can make me a little green around the gills (an expression meaning nauseous). See, Albert is a bear, and he takes global warming very seriously since he heard about some of his Polar Bear cousins no longer having a place to live. Anyway, when he gets mad, it ain't pretty. I hear there a few fat cats (rich & well-to-do people; not that all rich and/or well-to-do people are evil, but many seem to be) that Albert helped lose some weight. Usually, he takes a contribution of an arm or a leg. Literally. Both an arm and a leg, for those who really get him angry.
But, in my case, I've just been trying to get myself back on an even keel (functioning well). It's been a bit of a battle to get both my sleep and exercise back on a regular schedule. This hasn't been one of my better years for keeping my chronic fatigue syndrome under control. I'm working on it, though. So, please bear with me. And no, that wasn't a crack about Albert.
For those of you who have been following the Republican presidential candidate front runners, all I can say, is it really does seem like a long running Jerry Springer show. So enjoy.
So, to sum up: Yes, I'm still happy to be alive. No, I don't plan on getting dead soon (although we don't usually have a choice as to when that will happen). Maybe, Eddie and my ship will come in (hit it big, usually financially), and we'll move to Bora Bora. But then, maybe not.
Fighting global warming would be a good thing, but watching Albert take some of those right wing (Republican) villains to task can make me a little green around the gills (an expression meaning nauseous). See, Albert is a bear, and he takes global warming very seriously since he heard about some of his Polar Bear cousins no longer having a place to live. Anyway, when he gets mad, it ain't pretty. I hear there a few fat cats (rich & well-to-do people; not that all rich and/or well-to-do people are evil, but many seem to be) that Albert helped lose some weight. Usually, he takes a contribution of an arm or a leg. Literally. Both an arm and a leg, for those who really get him angry.
But, in my case, I've just been trying to get myself back on an even keel (functioning well). It's been a bit of a battle to get both my sleep and exercise back on a regular schedule. This hasn't been one of my better years for keeping my chronic fatigue syndrome under control. I'm working on it, though. So, please bear with me. And no, that wasn't a crack about Albert.
For those of you who have been following the Republican presidential candidate front runners, all I can say, is it really does seem like a long running Jerry Springer show. So enjoy.
So, to sum up: Yes, I'm still happy to be alive. No, I don't plan on getting dead soon (although we don't usually have a choice as to when that will happen). Maybe, Eddie and my ship will come in (hit it big, usually financially), and we'll move to Bora Bora. But then, maybe not.
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