fools fools and fools

Alvis Presley sang a song that he made popular called "When fools rush in."  Some of you might think that what I write is just foolish writing.  And it could be.

I admit that I'm a fool.  Yes I am.  No question.  I hope for the most part, I'm just a simple fool.  King Solomon said--There are three types of fools. A simple fool, or peti, is a person who makes mistakes, but quickly rightens them. The hardened fool, kesil and ewil, makes mistakes, but never learns from them and will not listen to others. The third level of fool mentioned in Proverbs is the mocking fool or letz. The mocking fool mocks the things of God. This word means "scoffer" or "scorner." Of course if you don't believe in King Solomon's wisdom, but instead you listen to what Hillary or Donald have to say, this doesn't mean much to you.  Especially if you think when you die, you are going to die just like a pig. But even if you think that way, isn't it important to be a good person? ItchieBitchie says--The real fool is a fool who doesn't know they are a fool!  

I had an experience recently that made me think about who I am. Joesixpack says--erv, you could have fooled me!  My Daddy, Chester, would tell me--erv, it's a lot easier to learn from others' mistakes than your own.  I really think some folks in a certain group setting might be very prideful.  It made me think how prideful I am. Some of these folks seemed to think and act like they were better than me doing a certain activity (i.e. some are better than me, some are about the same as me and some aren't as good as me).  That is not what gave me wisdom.  What gave me wisdom is some of their attitudes of superiority (i.e. nose up in the air). ItchieBitchie says--Big egos can cause a derailment! Sooooo it made me assess myself as to how I act around folks? My Daddy, Chester, also said to me a lot--erv, if you are good, you don't have to tell anyone! MissPerfect says--A big ego is a killer but I love it; I like to flaunt my stuff!  LuckieEddie says--There is a 1,000% change that there is a 0% chance that MissPerfect will stop being a flaunter (i.e. unless she gains 100 pounds).  Such is life.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--Delilah played Samson for a fool—repeatedly—with tragic consequences.

Here is an erudite quotation a friend sent me  (i.e. I never knew what erudite meant before) but this friend is smart soooo now I do. "If we got one-tenth of what was promised to us in these State of the Union speeches, there wouldn't be any inducement to go to heaven." ~Will Rogers~ Bubby Watson said some things about the Phoenix Open that weren't soooooo popular with the locals.  The folks got on him for it.  He said--I turned the jeers into cheers Friday when I gave them free socks; nothing like giving freebees to sooth the masses; you give them free stuff and they like you!  Sorta kinda like buying votes with promising freebee--promise them what they want seems to work as a vote getter; it works for some. Such is life.  AverageJoe says--It has always been that way and always will (i.e. and why wouldn't folks vote for someone who promises stuff that you don't have--and it's free--Da!--that is not rocket science folks).  Such is life.

WorldClassLarry says--Folks, don't be a fool.  I asked one of our little support group of 4, what we can do to take  care of ourselves.  They all agreed to stay active and do things you enjoy to get your mind off the tough stuff (i.e. take a mini respite).  Don't become a recluse.  But they said--It is not always easy. I don't hike much anymore as most hikes take tooooo long. But, I couldn't turn down an invite to hike with JoeTheHike before he left to go back home to MN to see his grand kids participate in athletics.  We did the Massacre Grounds Hike which is 6 miles of easy/moderate hiking (i.e. one of my favorites).  We had a hoot.  But I was a fool for not paying more attention (i.e. tooooo cocky maybe) and I slipped on the loose rocks on the way down and payed the consequences (i.e. not wise--just plain foolish).  Such is life.

I saw a saying on the back of a car recently--The wise old owl says, Whom?  Why do we think an owl is wise?  Is it because of their big eyes? Or maybe 'causse of their stoic look? Or maybe 'cause we are mesmerized by thinking they have an inner light soooo they can see at night? Soooo, "whom" means "who." And an owl makes the sound "whoo whoo."  Soooo what do you think the saying on the car meant? I'm not wise enough to figure it out. Such is life.

ItchieBitchie says--Certain events in life cause us to land the plane on the runway now (i.e. sorta kinda an emergency landing)!  Arlene was reminded recently when my sisters and husbands were here for dinner that she is very limited.  After they left the first evening, she cried and expressed to me that she can't do anything; useless; she said she just wants to die and go to heaven. She said--Jesus doesn't like me and is just punishing me every day.  She very seldom gets this way but this type of occasion usually triggers this feeling. That is quite some push back folks!  Real and personal!

I shared this with some friends and family.  I received this wisdom from a pickleball friend (i.e. there is more to pickleball that winning). She was not fooling around with her wisdom. Here is her wisdom--Yes, very hard......You probably know all of this, but in case you don't: Reassure Arlene of your love and that you will never leave her. She is scared.....scared that when you leave the house, you will get hit by a car on your bicycle and never come back....scared that you will find someone else and leave her....scared that she will get worse and be a big burden to you....scared that she will never know her grandchildren....scared that she will not be able to feed herself or take care of daily needs. You are her only anchor in the world, maybe more than Jesus, because she can see and touch you. Very hard and huge responsibility for you, but God will not give you more than you can handle. You are strong and courageous. Praying for you, I shared her wisdom with a support group--they were amazed by her wisdom.  I relaid this to her--her response--Not so amazing, but common sense and experience.  

Maybe this is just foolish thinking on my part but...What seems to make Arlene upset is when she compares herself to others.  Comparing can cause problems folks.  Joesixpack says--Yabut it seems like we all do it; many folks like to compete and that is comparing.  Arlene is very comfortable by herself or with me (i.e. no anxiety). Huh, interesting. 

Last Sunday one of my church friends, TheCanuckFromThurderBay, told me that a mutual acquaintance took his wife (i.e. who is pretty much confined to a wheel chair) out for some activity. His wife is in constant pain but very seldom complains. This outing, my opinion, was a pretty nice gesture of humankindness. They went to a casino.  His wife took along $40 and came home with $750.  That will relieve some pain maybe but not as much as her friend caring about her (i.e. my opinion). I read in the paper soooo it must be right--If you really want to hurt someone, don't pay any attention to them, snub them!

My niece and her husband gave me this tee shirt.  I was not aware until her mother, my sister, told me that the back was angel wings.  You could have fooled me! I thought it was the school's mascot like a bat or something. ANYWAY I was wearing it one morning running when a biker came from behind and said--like your shirt!  I guess she knew what it was or she liked bats! I wonder how it affected her. Sooooo a message from Oostburg, WI to someone in Mesa, AZ. Soooo what is the message of angel wings? I'm not wise enough to know. Hey, I'm just a little old farm boy from a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN.  

I realize that I'm a pretty small part of the world, very small part. Yet a very important part.  That gives me peace, comfort, confidence and purpose.  I'm unique as is everyone.  I'm not more special than anyone but God created me specially for my purpose.  I like that.  This is my opinion; you might not agree with me.  That statement might be harder to understand if you don't believe in God.  Even soooo, if you don't believe in God, you are all special and different.  I think we need to have self-awareness.  Self-awareness is the capacity for introspection and the ability to recognize oneself as an individual separate from the environment and other individuals. It is not to be confused with consciousness in the sense of qualia. Pretty deep for you?  Ok, then go to the coffee shop and gossip; that will work!

This isn't sooooo deep.  You will for sure understand this.  One of our little grand daughters begged her parents for $4.  She needed it she said but wouldn't tell them what for.  Finally she told them that she bought a box of Girl Scout cookies from a friend at school but didn't have any money to pay for them.  And to top it off, she ate the whole box in a day and barfed!  Now that is an early lesson in money management!  My mentor would tell me--erv, many folks spend money they don't have on stuff they don't need.* Hey, I'm not saying Erin was a fool 'cause, I admit, those Girl Scout cookies are "oh soooo good!" I might have done the same thing! But then again, I already have admitted that I am a fool!

TheOtherWarrenFromOmaha says--One of your comments brought back some memories of growing up in Sibley Ia ( Home of the mighty Generals).  When in High School, I was a member of the boys quartet, and loved it.   A song we sang went something like this:  " The more you study, the more you know, the more you know the more you forget, the more you forget, the less you know "---- so why study ????    2nd verse: " The less you study, the less you know, the less you know, the less you forget, the less you forget, the MORE you know,  so why Study ????   Great logic.    I think it was called "sophomoric Philosophy".  Do any of you remember that song? Or is that a foolish question?!

I lead an expedition of hikers (i.e. some could of been werewolves) on a full moon hike this week up 'er in 'em Superstition Mts. Some of you might think--foolish! Let me tell you it wasn't easy to get a group together.  Some had sciatic nerve problems, some had knee problems, some were scared of the rattlesnakes, some had to go to bingo, some had social obligations, some got the flu, some had a bad ankle, some had to get up early the next morning for a pickleball tournament etc.  But what a hoot we had! I really enjoyed it. Oh ya!

I went for a run the other morning in our 55+ community.  There was a super senior lady standing on a three foot step ladder sawing on a branch.  I asked her if I could help her--no no, I will get it; I'm stubborn and persistent. I said--That aught to do it!  She laughed.  I talked to a super senior friend back home recently by phone--She told me--erv, when you get old, you got to be tough.  Such is life.

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyFriendJean says--Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.

*The rest of what my mentor said is--to impress folks you don't like!

trust me

Trust me, this "It's Saturday" is not an incessant drivel!  It's not a bunch of ballyhoo! Do you trust me? CoolJoe says--I don't trust you erv. I think you are just a swashbuckling, crazy man.  CoolJoe, who do you trust.  Maybe you don't trust anyone.

Many of you folks are compassionate, kind, humble, meek, patient, forgiving, and loving people with good hearts (i.e. my kind of folks). Even being that great, you might mess up occasionally. CadillacJack says--Your goodness does not get the publicity as fast as when you screw up. Trust me!

In one of C. S. Lewis’ Narnia stories, Eustace, a young boy, turns into a dragon because of his bad behavior. The lion Aslan shows him a well with bubbling water. Eustace is eager to jump into the water to heal his sore leg, but the lion tells him he must undress first. Eustace peels off two layers of dragon skin, but each layer reveals a new layer. Aslan says, “You will have to let me undress you.” The process is painful! When it is over, the lion throws him into the water. Eustace becomes a boy again. Saturday question--Do we ever turn into a dragon and have many layers of dragon skin?

My sisters and their husbands from MI are here in AZ for a couple of weeks.  We were wine-ing the other night.  Trust me, you give them a few bottles of wine and then you find out what they really think!  We did some drinkin'-thinkin'! Family is soooo much fun.  We told old stores and laughed a lot.

Basted!  I haven't heard that term since our Mom, Anna, used it years ago back on the farm a mile and a fourth south of Roseland, MN.  She taught my sisters to sew, I think.  Great memories of our Mom.  ANYWAY I got a tear off warm up pants a.k.a. a swishy pants from family for Christmas. The wast was about 2 inches toooo big.  Our daughter said--Put a couple of tucks in it.  Soooooo Jan, my friend who is the wife of TheND-BeetFarmer, basted a couple of tucks by hand, had me try them on and then sewed them on her machine. Jan and TheND-BeetFarmer have been married for a zillion years and have made a lot decisions.  They make their decisions over a few beers; they call it drinkin'-thinnkin'! I have no idea how many beers they drank while "drinkin'-thinkin'!!!!" God only knows!

ItchieBitche says--Let me tell ya, it is the tragedy of the world that no one knows what he doesn't know--and the less a man knows, the more sure he is that he knows everything! DuaneTheWorm (i.e. who has a maniacal ego and acts like a cyborg) is heavily disguised. Don't trust him folks; he's all about himself. Abraham Lincoln said--You can fool some of the folks all the time, and all the folks some of the time, but you cannot fool all the folks all the time. SusieQ says--DuaneTheWorm doesn't know it but he will end up holding the bag. He doesn't have tapetum lucidum.

Our culture is always changing; probably always has.  Vince Lombardi said--If you score a  touchdown, act like you've been there before (i.e. old school).  That's changed! The theory now is--If you don't want me to dance in your end zone, keep me out of it; if you're not winning, you can't act crazy! Crazy actions dovetails with winning! Ask "new school Cam Newton."  Yabut when Cam doesn't win, he's not near as flamboyant. LuckieEddie says--If you want to win, you got to be better than pretty good.  But a person can get over confident and get waylaid. Then they just "brick it!"

LuckieEddie says--The next time you tell someone “I love you,” make sure that person can reply “I know,” because they’ve seen your love in action. Folks who can do that are "mighty good folks!" They are "industrial strength" good folks. Talk is cheap but...! Trust me!

One of my brother-in-laws likes to have a beer once in a while.  I texted him and asked him what he would like.  He said--amber ale. Soooooo we were at the grocery store and Arlene and I were looking at all the beer.  I asked a guy who was looking for beer tooo--you a beer drinker--sure am--my brother-in-law wants an amber ale, what should I buy--I suggest you wait until he gets here and take him to the store and let him pick out what he wants and buy it for him; otherwise you will end up with beer in your frig that he doesn't like and you don't want!  Trust me! 

I changed my hot tub MO this year. Yep, I did.  I don't talk but just listen.  I can't learn anything if I'm talking. I went hot tubing after pickleball the other day.  There was another guy in the tub who was about my age from MN.  He asked me where I was from--IA--he said, I rode RAGBRAI (i.e. Register's Great Annual Bike Ride Across Iowa) 7 times--have you--ya--I ride it alone being self-sufficient but I'm a alcoholic and have been sober for 43 years: I contact AA in each town and stay in homes; I go to a meeting in each town; I will travel miles to speak and help folks who are suffering with alcoholic addiction. When I left I said--Keep up the good work helping alcoholics, guy. He said--Trust me, when I help others, I'm really helping myself.  Huh, interesting. Trust me folks, sometimes I hear but don't listen.  I want to be a better listener (i.e. with my heart).  When I'm talking or thinking of what I'm going to say (i.e. all about me), I'm not a good listener!  Ouchy ouchy! I went to Jefferson Elementary Monday morning to volunteer--no school--Presidents Day. Da! That is what happens when I don't listen. I need to listen more!!!!  Sooo Arlene and I go to the library, guess what, not open. Da! Good thing we didn't go to the Post Office or the bank! But Starbucks was open! Such is life.

Trust me!  ItchieBitchie says--Remember and do not forget.  ItchieBitchie, I must admit, I don't always remember and do forget sometimes as to what is important to me and why I'm on this earth.  It's not about how great I think I am, all though some times I think that is what is important.  But it isn't. Wonderful, wonderful, and wondrous Betty (i.e. who actually reached her peak in jr. high) says--Trust me, thinking you are greater than what you are doesn't last long!  TomTerrfic really thought he was great but now is "stone dead!"  Ouchy ouchy!

David Feherty does a standup show that is quite spectacular. It's all about his life in golf, the drinking and lots of stories about life on the tour. Here's one of his stories:  It was back in the 70s and a soon-to-be prominent golfer (Ray Floyd) was playing at Augusta for his first Masters. Back then the players could not bring their own caddies but had to use one of the locals. Floyd told the caddy master he wanted a big fellow who could handle his bag, but who also would keep quiet, no advice needed. The caddy who was assigned Floyd said, "Hello Mr. ...........". Floyd said "Hello." And followed that with, "That's the last I want to hear from you." Everything went well until the 10th hole when Floyd pushed his drive into the right trees on the par 4. After surveying the scene he said out loud, "I'm going to hit a low fade out through that opening to carry and land mid green and then roll over the crest down near the hole." Surprisingly he pulled it off exactly and turned to his caddy and said, "How's that?" The caddy spoke for the first time and said, "That wasn't your ball."

Here, for instance, is how Feherty, playing "Feherty," talks about his alcoholism: I would go for my annual physical once every three years [arched eyebrows] and my numbers were all right, until the last one. My doctor was looking at the chart, and he said, "How much are you drinking?" And I thought, Oh god [slumped shoulders], here we go. I said, "Well, you know, one and a half, two and a half bottles a day." He said, "Of wine?" And I said, "No, Irish whiskey." The doctor said, "My god [mouth agape], these numbers should be in Cooperstown! They're Mickey Mantle's! Have you ever thought about getting help?" And I said, "No! [bewildered look] I can drink it all by myself!"

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans.

erv

MyFriendJean says--Be someone else's sunshine.  Be the reason someone smiles today.

yes, but...

Confidential

SusieQ says--erv, my feelings about your "It's Saturday" is that you are "way off base" (i.e. just barber shop talk). You give me terrible gyrations. My suggestion to you SusieQ is for you to stay away from your feelings, those unreliable, betrayers; they always cost ya! I will guarantee that this "It's Saturday" is not an apocalyptic experience. It comes with a money back guarantee! You can bet a milk shake on that.

All-in-all my running up 'er in 'em 'er mts is a great time for me. GREAT TIME! A famous psychologist (i.e. not a hip-writer) said--The three great enemies of spirituality are crowds, noise, and busyness. ItchieBitchie says--Put that on your front burner. He also said--Love folks when they are least lovable because that is when they need it the most. Yes, but...! A caregiver in our Alzheimer's support group said recently--The folks who he appreciates the most say--I have not a clue what you are going through but I care about you. MissPerfect says--It is soooo hard to be around folks who aren't normal and perfect like me and sometimes their caregivers as well (i.e. I understand that and accept it). Yes, but... Such is life.

My pickleball partner the other day was Jackie.  I asked her if she is always this happy and nice--I try to be, she said.  She carried me on the court (i.e. I just laid back and let her make all the hard shots). We had a lot of laughs (i.e. a very good time)! How old are you anyway Jackie--81--you must be eatin' the right biscuits! What a hoot!

Flip the pancake!  I played in a more competitive venue of advance players recently.  One of our opponents was maybe pretentious; my opinion.  We were ahead and I served. She messed it up and said it didn't count as she had her paddle up which she said meant she had time out. Okay! We played some more and I was serving again and she said it didn't count 'cause she said she didn't hear the score. I wasn't very nice when I said the score loud and asked her if she heard it and if she was ready. My partner said--erv, she is trying to get in your head. Crazy! Next thing PEDs! Hey listen folks, this is very rare (i.e. maybe she wasn't ready and maybe she didn't hear the score--could be). Yes, but.. most folks are just the opposite, very nice (i.e. maybe I was the person who wasn't nice--could be).  I met /playedwith a new guy the same day who was a peach of a guy, just a peach (i.e. a class act)! Such is life.

Joesixpack says--I'm snookered! Yes, but...! A simple answer to what causes El Niño and other tough questions is--nobody knows! For those of you who knew that answer, I give you the game ball. SallyWhoKnowsEverythng probably won't agree with that answer and would say--yes, but...! Here is something that might help you--It's not hard to tell an alligator and crocodile apart. One will see ya later and the other will see ya after while!

Headlines in the paper after the NH Primary--Trump, Sanders tap into sense U.S. off-track.  I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--Has there ever been a more turbulent era in American history? The two political parties seem hopelessly divided, our role in the flammable Middle East seems indefinable, the value of the unborn and marriage drift further from God’s ideal, and our fiscal indebtedness grows by the hour. Yet God remains uninvited into our situation. A nation that proclaims “In God We Trust” seems to put trust in everything but Him. GeorgeTheCrook says--Yes, but...Everyone seems to have a good life and are doing pretty good soooo why do we want to change. LuckieEddie says--You know what they say folks, it needs to get real bad before folks will change and it ain't bad enough yet. Soooo what do you think of that statement?  JakeSmart says--America is starting to see the the light--but there is a Bud in front of it!

Yes, and...! My mentor told me once--I can't tell if my Avalon is running or not as it is soooo quiet (i.e. he was old and probably couldn't hear very well anymore). Well, here is a stepback. Arlene and I went for a Smashburger the other night. We got out of the car and I tried to lock the door. It just beeped at me. What? I thought maybe I forgot to put it in park soooo I got in the car. Guess what, I forgot to turn the car off (i.e. obiviously didn't hear it). Such is life.

Yes, but...it's might be my sight tooooo!  We were having a bagel at Kokobelli the other morning.  We were sitting by the window and there was a senior couple sitting on the patio. She appeared to me that she was an "in charge" type gal according to her body language. I then noticed she had a tattoo on her leg. Soooo, are gals who are in charge more likely to have tattoos?  I have no idea. Was just wondering.  Soooo in the afternoon, I was heading to a pickleball venue on my bike.  I was approaching a 4-way stop in our resort.  There was a lady coming from my right in a golf cart (i.e. very aggressively).  She waves me to go ahead  (i.e very aggressively and animated).  It was a 80+ degree day and her age was about the same.  By her body language, she appeared to be an aggressive gal.  I noticed she had a snake tattoo on her leg.  Huh, interesting.  Yes, but...as I got closer, it wasn't a snake tattoo but was just a varicose vein! Man-o-man.

I was playing in my regular Thursday group (i.e. 10 folks in a round robin).  One game I was matched with Johnny (i.e. probably the youngest of the group).  He said to me--erv, which side do you want (i.e. a certain side gets to serve first)--I don't care Johnny--He said--I always think that the oldest guy in the group should get to pick!!!!!! He made me smile.

I was visiting a pickleball buddy and his wife at their park model last week.  Their daughter known as "The Birdwacker" (i.e. a very nice 38 year gal--just like her parents) from the Midwest was visting her parents along with her 2 younger children.  She told her mom who told me later--I get tired of Dad and erv talking about their hurting knees! Yes, but...some day she will understand that!  Maybe! What a hoot!

Two old friends met at a local social gathering and one was struck with how sad and depressed the other was.  "You look like your world is about to end," said Jack. With a sad face, Joe replied, "you don't know the half of it.  Three weeks ago, an aunt of mine died and left me $100,000."  "That's terrific! "Jack said. Scarcely pausing Joe added, "Yes, but...Two weeks ago, this cousin I never heard of died, and I was his closest relative, so the lawyer said I'd inherited $95,000, all tax-free."  "So why is that bad?" "Yes but...Then last week a grandfather I haven't spoken to in 10 years passed away, and he left me almost half a million dollars!" "So what's your problem?" "Yes but...This week: Nothing!" 

Yes, right, I know! AverageJoe doesn't have an extra gear. All his gears are about the same--slow! He's a regular dog trotter! Joesixpack says--Beauty is skin deep but ugly goes to the bone!  Talk about skin deep beauty, I suggest you watch the YouTube -- The Gift Wrap and the Jewel by Wanda B Goines.  It has been watched by some 500,000 folks.  It seems to be full of wisdom.  See what you think. Yes...but!  Here is some wisdom I have learned from some smart folks:  Two questions to always ask--How can I help you and what do you think?

ItchieBitchie says--I guess we all have "free will" to do somethings what we want.  Saturday question--Do you like free will?  Not everyone does.  Some folks like everyone to make decisions for them.  They don't want the responsibility.  They want the government to take care of them or somebody! Jesus said to the handicapped guy at the Bethesda healing pool--Do you want to change?  If the beggar changes, he would have to find another way to earn a living (i.e. not everyone wants to change).  Jesus healed him.  The handicapped beggar didn't know who healed him when asked.  Yes, but...He didn't ask to be healed either (i.e. don't know if he even believed in God).  Interesting to me.

As my old friend Jim says--Happenstance, na, I don't think sooooo! Yes, but...I gave Sarah some cash anyway!  Remember last year when I wrote about the street gal, Sarah, who was living in the desert?  Well, I ran into her and her dog outside of Fry's Grocery the other day.  She said she does live in an apartment; just recently lost her job but will start a new job next week.  Soooo how do you pay your rent--my rent is paid for through the end of the month but I don't have any money for food.  I gave her some money.  A true gift has no strings attached.  Yes, but erv...! Joesixpack says--We exist to assist!

Yes, but...!  I recently had communication with a Northwestern College alumnus who I haven't had contact with for maybe 50 years or so. We had some communication by email.  I told her that I remember working with her using business machines on the third floor of Zwemer Hall.  I rememberr asking her out for a date.  She turned me down as she was dating her future husband.  She remembered it differently--she remembered it that we went on a date but I never asked her out again. What a hoot! It made me smile.  I remember her as a very nice and pretty gal (i.e. I bet she still is). Such is life.

Yes, but...!  ABlueBunnyicecreameater says--...none of us like doing something that makes us uncomfortable-and we all have that "something"!   

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyFriendJean says--Make the least of the worst and the most of the best.

P.S. Please "keepmeinmind!" The "me" is many folks.  You know who they are.  Just "keepthmeinyourmind!"

stronghold

Important information enclosed

You don’t need to worry if my writing upsets you in any way.  And I don’t need to worry either.  You know why?  The reason why is that 95% of the stuff you read you forget in 3 days!  I read it in the paper sooooo it must be right. Sooooo there, loosen up folks.  And really, I think some of you folks will forget it before you click off my blog.  Sooooo there!!!!

OneSmartPersonFromSchenectady says--Some folks have their own way of thinking and living, and they have no intention of changing their ways. I realize you might not all see this stuff  that I write from my perspective.  That is very possible. It appears that we all have different perspectives (e.g. about 50% of IA Democrats like Clinton and about 50% like Sanders and some don't know who they like soooo they flip a coin). Steve Jobs once said—You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.  Some of you might say I fabricate, exaggerate and, yes, tergiversate.  Joesixpack says--Butyagotta remember folks, it seems like no one agrees about anything at any particular time; everyone thinks they know the answers; everyone is smart and thinks for themselves.  Soooo it is impossible to have everyone agree with any of us.  Sooooo there you go!!!!

Ya, you all have received an envelope that has that printed on the outside “Important Information Enclosed”.  You open it and it’s an advertisement.  That is called a form of “Johnson Box.”  It’s something to get your attention soooo you will open the envelope or read a letter.  AdvertisingAgentBigBucksRandy says—It might sound archaic but it works.  It is used in many digital messages to get attention (i.e. soooo you will read the advertising or solution letter).  Using hard copy mailings, P.S. is the equivalent of it.  Folks don’t have time to read the whole letter asking for money etc. but will just read the post crypt. Relax folks, this is not a “lead in” to try to sell you something. I have nutten to sell ya. But that’s an idea!  I read in the paper soooo must be right—67% of consumers who buy online and pick up in stores are likely to buy additional items there. Businesses know what they are doing; don’t kid yourself.  It's all about the money folks. Soooo there you go!!!!

ItchieBitchie says--Some folks are always looking for more snap, crackle and pop in their lives.  One way folks try to do that is by using the “hedonic treadmill.” They buy one thing they want, and when it’s not satisfying enough, they buy another. And then another. The cycle never stops. LuckieEddie says—Be grateful…and learn that you don’t need “stuff” to make yourself happy.  Saturday question—What is your stronghold?

Joesixpack says--One day I went through a time of testing that led to a discovery of generational influences that impacted the way I viewed people and circumstances on a subconscious basis. I discovered this was a stronghold that had been implanted many generations earlier. Because the stronghold operated on a subconscious level, it was not easily recognizable. Strongholds keep us from being free to reflect stuff in and through our lives because they require allegiance until they are dealt with. Strongholds can often be so hidden that we would not even identify them as evil. A stronghold of fear, control, rebellion, insecurity, idolatry, pride, or bitterness may be hidden until it is revealed through circumstances. Does this make any sense to ya? CadillacJack says—erv, that’s pretty deep.

This might be easier to understand folks.  AZ folks like guns!  Oh ya, they do.  I stopped at a shooting range near my favorite mt trail.  I have never been at a shooting range before.  It was large and folks were shooting all kind of guns. Some that seemed really big and made a lot of noise.  I watched for a while and then went to the “sign in office” and talked to the deputy.  It cost $10 to shoot or $5 if you are a police officer.  They shoot bb guns to huge massive guns of all kinds.  I asked if I could shoot a AK-47 that I hear about (i.e. I like experiences)—no no—you have to own a gun to shoot here; you can go to some ranges in the valley and rent a gun—but you have to have a buddy—why is that—to prevent suicides—every year there are about 15 folks that kill themselves at shooting ranges—ouchy ouchy!  Soooo how much does ammo cost for those bigbangs—generally from a dollar to $6 a round—Soooo when I hear pop pop pop about 10 times it might cost some one $50—yep, they like it.  AZ folks like to shoot and like guns.  When I was leaving I talked to a 78-year-old gal who was shooting her mussel loader—got a tag by lottery to hunt for an elk.  I think some AZ folks will be hard to accept gun regulations.  They like to hear pop pop pop (i.e. it’s a stronghold to AZ folks)!  I’m not going to tell them--It's time to strap in and cowboy up buckaroos and get rid of your guns. Oh no!

In the old west a .45 cartridge for a six-gun cost 12 cents, so did a glass of whiskey. If a cowhand was low on cash he would often give the bartender a cartridge in exchange for a drink. This became known as a "shot" of whiskey.

It's the time of the year when folks give up on their new exercise programs.  AverageJoe says—It appears it wasn’t really their stronghold. What’s your stronghold philosophy.  Marcus Aurelius, emperor of Rome in the second century wrote notes to himself about self-awareness and understanding the essence of being human which he thought about during some of his meditations.  He did this while overseeing military campaigns, fighting off the hordes, and protecting an empire.  A central theme was recognizing what is in our control and what isn’t—and acting on the one and ignoring the other. It’s a philosophy that has resonated over the centuries. He realized you can never be happy if you waste time frustrated by circumstances you can’t change.

Two years ago I played pickleball with Bomber. Bomber wasn’t in AZ last year. This year Bomber is again here and I’m playing again with him. He seems way different. After a few times playing—I told him that he seems way different than he did two years ago—how, like I’m easier going?—ya, you seem soooo much happier and calm and yes like easier going—two years ago I was going through some tough stuff; an ugly divorce and my brother just took his life; I’m doing better now. Bomber thanked me for noticing. CadillacJack says—We need to cut folks some slack; we have no idea what they are going through.

Not every man can carry a full cup. Sudden elevation frequently leads to pride and a fall (i.e. success becomes their stronghold). "The most exacting test of all to survive is prosperity." -- Oswald Chambers   ~  Very few folks can handle success.  I heard some NFL announcer say--Many teams, when they have success, get cocky and sometimes it's their downfall.  I also heard him say--It isn't what a team did 10 games ago but what they did the last three games (i.e. that is a better measuring stick).  WorldClassLarry says--Oh ya, success affects many folks many different ways; some times it can go to their heads.  Just look around.  Really few can handle success.  But there are some who can; they are the great ones.  Those are the ones I enjoy being around.  And I’m talking about many of you folks (i.e. there are some great folks in this world--oh ya--they seem to have humility as their stronghold).

GeorgeTheCrock asks--Is the stronghold of America entertainment? The AZ Diamondbacks signed free agent Zack Greinke to a $206.5 million, six-year contract, for which the 32-year-old right-hander will earn an average of $34.4 million a year.  That is $10 thousand a pitch folks. 46.7 million Americans earn less per year than the Diamondbacks will pay Greinke for tossing two pitches.  SusieQ says—Ya, there is a large disparity in the world and the incomprehensible value we place on entertainment.  Crazy.  AverageJoe says—Those comparisons are capricious, they’re also real. Everything seems to cost soooo much to me (e.g. the new multi-mission stealth Zumult destroyer costs $3.96 billion).  At his rally in AZ, Donald Trump (i.e. has a lot of hubris) said he spend $211,000 (i.e. of his own funds and which he said—I don’t know why I spent it) campaigning and Jeb Bush has spent $40 million (i.e. of donated funds) and has only 2% of followers.   He said—Wouldn’t it be nice if we could do that for our country? I spend the least and I had the best result. It said in the paper sooo it must be right—AZ prison cost is less when run privately compared to when the government runs them).  CrazyMarvin asks—Why is that do you think?

It's Super Bowl folks (i.e. an American stronghold).  I read this one morning--The Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin and Caiaphas, the high priest, said--It is better that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish (i.e. all about the money).  It sounds a lot like the NFL to me. LuckieEddie says--We can't get along without the NFL and the Super Bowl.  We just can't! There is toooo much at stake.  We are only sacrificing a few folks soooo all of us can sit on the couch and eat chips and watch the game.  Such is life.  

When George Washington was inaugurated as America’s first president, his inaugural address included these words: “. . . the [favorable] smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained.” C.S. Lewis once wrote, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." Sooooo there you go!!!! MissPerfect says--I guess we all get to choose what our stronghold is!  Such is life.

I told you sooooo!  I read in the AZ Republic that "The Suns need to hit reset from top to bottom. The Suns are a dumpster fire.  You can smell the garbage burning." Saturday question--How can a person, family, team, church, business etc get that way anyway?

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--David and his fighting men had been hiding in the cave of Adullam. He was fleeing Saul. Many of life's down-and-out had come and joined David's army. David was content to stay in the stronghold of safety. Then, God's prophet came to David and told him that he must leave the stronghold and go into the land of Judah.

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyFriendJean says--Learning to live in the present moment is part of the path of joy.

P.S. Suck it up cupcake and lets get going.