living life

You can look at this pic and think one of two ways; one being like it's some child doing their best who we will encourage with a hug or someone who we think needs to learn to color in the lines (i.e. we are then dream crushers like us saying they could have done better)! You have a choice to pick one of those options about my writing in this "It's Saturday."

A buddy said in a text--I'm having a second cup to relieve my liver disease, depression and ...what was that last one?

“Among your many qualities, one I really admire is your zest for life; you live life and I love your attitude.” I told that to Jeanne on our hike down to the bottom of Cowiche Canyon and back on a beautiful fall day. I really enjoy folks who live life with zest ; they make me more joyful a.k.a. they ring my bell! Saturday question--What gives folks the zest for living life?

In 1938 Douglas Corrigan was scheduled to fly from New York to Long Beach, California. Instead he flew across the Atlantic to Dublin, Ireland, claiming a faulty compass. It earned him the nickname 'Wrong Way Corrigan.' Have we ever gone the wrong way or are we going the wrong way; I mean are we are not living life the right way! Ouchy ouchy!

Esther of Grace, who is a talented, local guest writer for It's Saturday, says--This time of year is bittersweet… my dad passed away three years ago this week. He was one of a kind, in the very best ways - and we miss him a great deal. I used to not like the beginning of the “er” months because it meant more darkness, more cold. But the year or two before my dad died, (he too, suffered from winter blues) we decided to discover the joys of the chillier months. Being outside plays a big part in my positive mental health so I am more intentional about getting the dogs out to play or go on walks. I found a really cool pair of walking shoes that have spikes on them (!!) and they work GREAT on those icier days. Listening to audio books or inviting a friend for a hike help make the time outside even more delightful. Now that both of our parents have passed away, my brother and I are more intentional about getting our families together during the holidays, keeping the traditions we once shared. So, even though October has hard, emotional days, I have chosen to say with open arms… Welcome Autumn, Hello Winter! I’m ready to live this one amazing life of mine, taking in the beauty that surrounds me! 

I was in a coffee group and the guys were talking how some dogs just don’t like certain folks and that is the way it is. A retired veterinarian said he had a dog that was very docile and way laid back but when Joe came in, he wanted to tear him apart. I guess dogs like some folks better than others. Why is that? I said to one of those coffee guys—I’ll see you Saturday morning for church clean up—no you won’t, I have a wedding that I have to go to, but erv, but I would rather clean up the yard at church! Not all guys like weddings it seems! Why is that? He was like that dog!

I haven’t got my tax return yet; the gov app keeps saying it is being processed. Sooo, I tried to call them (i.e. ten times and got the recording that because of heavy volume we can’t take your call) sooo I went down to the local IRS office. Jeanne and I walk in and two biggest, meanest looking officers with every possible armed assault stuff there is on them stopped us and wanted to know want we wanted in a stern voice. They said there are no agents available and gave me a card to call for an appointment. While we were doing this, an old frail guy about 90 who couldn’t hear very well came in and they scared the crap out that old guy (i.e. I think literally). It was really funny to me. And here is the rest of the story! Soooo I called for an appointment but low and behold I got a representative who’s name was Sylvia in Virginia. She asked how she could help me soooo I told her—let me check your return; we just need to verify your estimate amounts with you; can you give them to me—sure, I gave them to her—those amounts don’t match the figures we have—let me double check them—wooops, I gave you the check numbers and not the amounts. We had a big laugh. I gave her the correct figures and she said she would get someone right on it and I should get my refund soon; is there anything else I can help you with—there is but you don’t have enough time! We had another good laugh!

Will Rogers said--You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Living life! A good old college friend who I played BB with at good old NW College called me and told me a story of one of their many grandkids. He signed a contract with a NFL team but needed knee surgery. He is recovering at the home of his parents in IA.  An old man from church invited him to go to coffee with him. He went reluctantly and found out there were 5 other old guys from church there as well. He had such a good time that he now goes every day; they even pick him up as he can't drive. He now knows all the gossip around town. He just enjoys these guys. He never expected that to happen. 

Am I in good shape? Are you in good shape? I’m thinking more like are we in good shape more like mentally and spiritually but also physically. Where are we at? Let’s look at our mindset. Can we say that you and I are happy, content, have peace and plain just feel good about ourselves, then we are living life right! If soooo, we can say we are in good shape; then I say to you keep it up? Here is my suggestion to all of us--Fill our minds and our souls with His Spirit of victory. It changes how we see challenges, success, and relationships.

I sent this text to my best friend--We've been friends for so long, I can't remember which one of us is the bad influence. His response--I'm so sorry, it has been me, if it weren't for you I would have gone off to deep end a long time ago. Now that you are absent most of the time it's my number one worry. The only thing I do better than you is communicate properly with women (i.e. some of you take what I say soooo literally, don't; this is just good, male friends bantering and loving each other). Now that is living life folks! Hey, let's not forget our friends and family.

Joel says in his book, The Art of Mediation—“Mediation is the learning of which we come to a place of transition where truth leaves the mind and enters the heart…if we have truth a.k.a. knowledge in our mind but not in our hearts, it’s pretty much useless.” That transition is learning to live life, my opinion. If we don’t make that transition; we will never have the real zest for life but only a self-centered worldly zest. Again, that is my opinion. And remember I’m just an little ol' farm boy from a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN!

Our preacher Sunday told this story about living life of a college student for parents weekend at a small private, faith based college in a small town America--A popular bar for students had a sign on their door saying, Bring your parents for lunch and we will pretend we don't know you!  The college Chaplin posted a rebuttal to that sign saying--Bring your parents to church and we will pretend we know you!

We shared our table with Dan at Costco while I had my hotdog and Jeanne her salad (i.e. he had a noticeable zest for life). Dan was on his way to meet his old fraternity brothers at WSU for a reunion of sorts. He graduated in 1976. He mentioned his faith soooo I asked him if he was a believer--absolutely, that is the only way to live life; one of our fraternity brothers would say to other guys who were not believers: Even if I'm wrong about Jesus, it's a great way to life one's life.

The other morning I got up at 3:30, did my devotions, sat still while drinking some coffee, and just enjoyed the quietness in front of our little gas burning stove. It was soooo peaceful and refreshing. I renewed my zest for life. It was humbling. It really felt good; really good! My life is way better when I'm humble than when I'm cocky; it was a attitude adjustment once again. Coach B says—"Most people are like most people. They get what most people get and that’s what they don’t want. Well, if they don’t want that, then don’t do what they did.”

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriend said--Never speak unless you can improve on silence.

average and normal

"Many men go fishing their entire live, and never realize that it's not fish they're after."--Henry David Thoreau

Are we average and normal? Are we below average and normal? Are we above average and normal? Good questions! My Daddy, Chester, told me that most folks don’t think enough. You agree? I think that some people like to think, but others want to be told what to think, so they don’t have to do the hard part! SusieQ says—Thinking boggles my mind! MissPerfect thinks that most folks over think! AverageJoe says--Sooo you're good or bad either way! Ya but, C.S. Lewis says--" Use our minds."

I was reminded again that I'm a average and normal person. I was visiting with our son and he asked me if I went to the Iowa/Washington football game at Husky Stadium in Seattle--no no I stayed home and watched it from my recliner but I might go next time Iowa plays there--Dad, that will be in about 8 years before that will happen again; I think you missed your opportunity!

Sometimes normal and average is more powerful than being innovative, over the top, dynamic or above average. Sometimes simplicity and common is very powerful. I read what Dr. J said—"Just a simple word, a quoted verse, a proffered prayer, or a moment of testimony can have a remarkable, long-term effect. When it comes to witnessing, remember, little is much when God is in it.” I personally have learned that I am best when I am myself, just an average erv; just another bozo on the bus. Trying to be someone I’m not has never worked very well for me.

We toured the Grand Coulee Dam and were told that people argued for and against the project for many years before it was a "go ahead." Rufus Woods started in 1918 as a powerful megaphone to champion the idea; he had the ability to get people to listen and rallied the project. I think that great leaders have that ability; I think history proves that! 

I think I learned more from average and normal folks than I did from others who were above average or below average in my life, maybe ‘cause there are more average and normal folks! But I don’t really know who is average and normal sooo…! How about you? James or was it John, it doesn’t matter said this—“Average people repeat the same mistakes again and again, constantly surprised at the consequences. They never learn from their strengths or weaknesses and are doomed to struggle through life. In my 20s, I had 6 jobs in 8 years because I couldn’t see that the problem at each company was me. I was an average person.” From whom have you have learned the most in life? I wonder if above average and below average repeat the same mistakes just as often as average folks. What do you think? But then again, I don’t know who is normal and average.

A really smart person, Sarah, who seems to have her stuff together says--Don't listen too much as how others appraise you as "...their views of you are variable: subject to each viewer's spiritual, emotional, and physical condition." I read that to mean that they might be full of bologna! But then again, I was pretty much an average student or maybe a little below average!

Are we every green with envy? Are average and normal people envious? Green with envy has long been linked to sickness. William Shakespeare made it popular calling it the green-eyed monster. Saturday question—Are some folks daemon possessed? I was in a conversation recently when a person called another person evil. Are certain people evil? If sooo, are evil people average and normal? I was taking a feeble, 86 year old lady to another doctor's appointment and she told me how she just dislikes a certain person. She said--"In fact, I hate that person" as she almost jumped out of her skin (i.e. she didn't look sooo feeble then let me tell ya)! I told her she better settle down or the doctor will increase your blood pressure medication!

Do you simply dislike some people? Is that normal and average? One smart person explained it this way-- It may be the person you sat beside on the airplane last week, but at least you won’t have to see him again. But what if that person is your relative? Or a coworker? Or someone in your church? They may be nice enough, but something about them rubs you the wrong way. It’s like the old nursery rhyme, ‘I do not like thee, Dr. Fell; the reason why I cannot tell’… RickyRick says--"Jesus never fails to help us love others (i.e. even Dr. Fell)...we should pray for people we dislike as we can't both dislike them and pray for them at the same time; it produces good results." AverageJoe says--I like to dislike some people, it makes me feel sooo good!

C used to be an average grade in public school grading but not anymore. They say B to an A is now average due to grade inflation caused by pressure of parents and college requirements. Soooo now a C grade basically is a below average grade to a failure. Huh, interesting.

Will Rogers said--"If you're ridin' ahead of the heard, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there."

Maybe it’s better to be above average than normal in some cases (e.g. if I need heart surgery I would like to have a above average/above normal person do it). What do you think? I suggest we try something to stretch our normality (e.g. maybe invite someone or some people to our home for breakfast, people who we aren’t very familiar with, it’s too easy to have people over who are our best friends, that’s not going to stretch us, that is just average and normal). ItchieBitchie says--It's really easy to be average and normal but to be above average and normal is much harder, now that's a different story alright!

A wise person told me this—Never trust those who own the truth; trust only those who are searching for it. I didn't ask him if he is average or normal though!

Esther of Grace, who is a talented, local guest writer for It's Saturday, says--"Do you believe you were created on purpose, for a purpose? What if it’s true? Would that truth change the way you approach each day? It might actually be fun to figure out what that purpose is - through all the stages and ages we encounter in life. There is always the change we might get caught up in the comparison game or maybe thinking that because we have a “boring” job, or an uneventful personal life, that we don’t make a difference. But remember on your walk this morning, you got to thank your local crossing guard for keeping the school-age kiddos safe. You sent a text to someone letting them know you were thinking of them. You helped your elderly neighbor dead head their flower bed before the first frost. And that ten you put in the bucket at the store - that helped buy a gift for someone who needed it! Every day we have a choice to be kind, to show respect, to forgive, to give, and to care. That is making one heck of a difference in my opinion!"

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriend Jean said--May you be a rainbow in someone else's cloud.

contentious

We were going down I-82 and got behind a gas transport; this is what they had on the back of their truck! Soooo beware, I'm not hauling milk in this "It's Saturday."

Do any of you need to have the last word all the time? Do any of you always think you are right? Can you just not say anything when someone says something and let it be; ya don’t have to add to it or take anything away from it but just let it be? Do any of you just like to argue to just argue? I wonder if that is me sometimes, yes I do! I think I can be contentious at times. The most popular antonyms for contentious are words that mean peaceful, agreeable, or undisputed.

Napoleon was quoted as saying that people rise "by their adaptability to circumstances, not always being right.”

What are your favorite synonyms for contentious? There are some colorful ones. What is the one that comes to your mind first?  Isn’t there a song that goes like this—what ever you can do I can do better?

We were having breakfast at Pismo Bay one morning when on our trip. I asked our waiter what his name was—Markus, who was about 19—where did you get your name—my mom was a believer and my dad wasn’t, my mom wanted it to be Mark and my dad didn’t sooo they compromised. Soooo which way did you go—my dad’s, I don’t believe in Jesus as my savior but believe there was such a person; I went to Catholic school for12 years; I’m spiritual but not religious and I don’t worship in any church or use any certain method. We wish you the best Marcus—thank you, I appreciate it.

I saw this in a window of a costal beach trinket shop. It caught my attention. What does being “cheeky” mean I thought. Is that a positive or negative statement. Is this a contentious statement. Are we pretty cheeky?

Am I being contentious with you or even with myself in thinking this thought? When we have a visit with a friend or family member (e.g. have breakfast together) it is different when we are "one on one" instead of let’s say when there is another person with us? I think another person can change the whole expression of the relationship; it becomes watered down or even completely changes like becoming saccharine; maybe more comfortable for some but not near as effective. I think we are not giving the relationship with this other person our complete attention; almost an easy way out; don’t talk about the real issues of friendship but just merely being wishy washy! We act more like a wet wash rag! That is my opinion.

Quarrelsome, argumentative, noncoachable, or, controversial! Do any of you remember the popular radio show that became a weekly tv program in the early 70 called the Bickersons. It was made by copying real people. What made it popular was because they turned harsh, relentless marital bickering into fast-paced and biting comedy that resonated with post-war American audiences. Saturday question--Do Bickerersons still exist today? Why do people bicker? I read in the Book it is because we always want our way a.k.a. thinking we are always right! Ouchy ouchy!

A pugnacious person! Do you or I need to have the last word about everything? Think about that? Do we always think we are right all of the time or have all the answers? Do we never agree with anyone or have to add our opinion because we think we are smarter than others? Do we like to disagree with everyone and everything? Do we think we are king of the hill? ItchieBitchie says—It’s hard to be humble when you are as smart as I am. MissPerfect says—Surely I would never act that way (i.e. who me) but I know people who do like my sister-in-law. Da!

Esther of Grace says--We decided to spend the morning at a new (to us) beach in southwest Maui. We love to snorkel, so we grabbed our gear and swam out, enjoying the incredible view. The colors were bright - coral, anemone, algae, sea urchins - some with long red spines, some deep black, and such a variety of equally colorful fish. -- My husband and I have a few hand signals when we snorkel. It is a good way to let the other person know what we've spotted - one for octopus, one for turtle, another for our favorite fish, and of course one for shark. Half-hour into our swim, he was enthusiastically giving me the shark signal. My eyes darted around me, my heart hammering in my chest. He motioned for me to follow him and I did. And there it was swimming 100 yards or more from us. A black tip reef shark. I had the underwater camera wrapped around my wrist, which didn't even cross my mind, mostly because I was focused on getting back to shore as quickly as I could. I am not a strong swimmer, but I could have broken records that day. My husband followed me, smart man. We got back on dry land and the first thing he said was "Did you get a picture?"  Pretty sure we know the answer to that question; for goodness sake I still wasn't even breathing normally. -- This happened a good ten years ago, and it is still brought up how safe that shark was and how could I have not taken a picture! I hold my ground, perfectly content with my decision to flee.  And let me have the last word that it was most definitely closer to 10 feet long, not a 3-foot-long pup. Don't even get me started.

A facetious person! There is a second hand store in Yakima that’s name is 7 times 7. I didn’t get it sooo I researched it. It is used in social media as saying finding something special, unique or a treasure. I never heard of it before. It’s called “the 7x7=49 Meme.”  Maybe I’m being contentious, but I think it’s crazy! I think it’s just syrupy talk. You like syrupy talk or do you like talk that's more like “get to the point." But syrupy talkers never are contentious it seems. Sooooo! Oh, by the way, Galen told us that San Francisco is 7 miles by 7 miles when we were touring it (i.e. I have no idea if that means anything but folks can argue that)! The tee shirt pic is my brother-in-law's. I guess you know how he feels! But that can be argued! Oh, what is the metaphor meaning of 70 X 7?

I was not trying to be disputatious but I was just plain bored. An YakimaBirderGuy invited me to go with him to a lecture by a world renowned birder about the migration of praetor birds. It sounded interesting so I went. The first 15 minutes was good but then the next hour and a half it was really boring to me. I told Rich that I had to go to the bathroom (i.e. I really did have to go). Rich came into the bathroom a little latter and said--let's go: I'm bored out of my gourd (i.e. I think he was just being nice to me as he is a birder). Lesson, I learned AGAIN that we all talk to long and write to long because we think we are really important (e.g. like we are the only folks who have grandkids or the only ones who ever went on a vacation). JoeBlow says--who, what, me?! But remember folks, I'm just a little ol' farm boy from a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN. Now if the subject was something I was really interested in, it might have been a different story!!! hahaha

Who is a devil's advocate? My conclusion of the mater is--People often avoid contentious individuals because frequent arguing, criticism, or confrontation can make interactions feel tense and exhausting (i.e. basically it’s all about them). When I’m around folks where every conversation seems likely to become a debate, I would rather pull thistles bare handed. Even when BigBertha has valid points, her aggressive or combative manner wants to dominate; I prefer real folks with good kind hearts. CadillacJack says--Bottom line, contentious folks are a pain in the butt! That is CadillacJack's opinion! But any contentious person might want to argue that point!

FYI I have been told by an educated person in this area that oppositional behavior might be a disorder called Oppositional Defiant Disorder which can be treated.

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriend said--The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness.

stereotype

Well, I think we usually see what we are looking for or we don't see what we don't want to see!

Anonymous sent me a message sorta kinda saying that I stereotype! I do and so does anonymous! I’m stereotyping here, you stereotype as well as all humans do. An acquaintance told me about a special activity he did when he was in his mid-20s. Then he said, that was the happiest time of my life. Of what I know of his next 60 years of his life I can understand that. I’m stereotyping people with his type of lifestyle as it appears as those with his type of life style don't live a very happy life. My stereotype of course!

In Yakama, we walk in a neighborhood that we really like. It is an older neighborhood with older houses that are quint, almost fairy tale styles, with mature shrubs, mature trees and old brick fences/walls. They have court yards, gates, private areas, which are very inviting. They remind me of miniature old castles or estates of years gone by. Others must like them as well as they are very popular houses for folks to live in which makes them pricey. They just seem mysteriously romantic to me. I could live in one. I think a certain unique type of people live in these houses. I’m stereotyping here.

I think that for many, perception is reality.

This guy is not dressed as a typical hot dog eater at Costco. I stereotyped him; my stereotype was very positive! Just then a guy passed my table with a cart full, I mean full, of stuff. He had on a Seahawk tee-shirt on as did I. I said--go Seahawks--he said, go Seahawks back--tough loss Sunday--can't win them all--you got that right; he gave me a big smile and off he went. My stereotype of him also was very positive.

Some folks do not have a set of rules to follow in living their lives (i.e. they live with no rule book). They have no right or wrong, no correct lifestyle example to live by, no standards; basically they live by whatever they think is right and they don’t care how other people live their lives either; no play book or set of rules to follow (i.e. they play life by their ear or maybe feelings). They might not follow the civil laws or criminal laws if they disagree with them. I call this way of life “a free for all.” This way of life is confusing to me but obviously not to some. I’m probably stereotyping this type of person.

A young man in his 20s shared my table with me while eating our hot dogs at Costco told me that he goes to a certain church here in the Valley. This church seems to be doing will with a lot of attenders. I asked him why they seem soo successful especially with the younger couples and families and he said—“Well, the church is clear that there are certain ways to live proper lives and they make it very clear and expect people to live that way; people like standards to live by.”

Jeanne and I went on a fun hike up ‘er in ‘em mountains recently and it was really fun and even maybe an accomplishment for us at our age. We interacted with other hikers and once again commented that hikers are happy folks; they love nature and being out exercising. They are unique people (i.e. is that a stereotype or reality). Related to that, I believe folks who believe in Jesus have a peace about them that shows when they interact with others and it even shows physically; it just shows up! Is that a stereotype or reality? Dr. J says--If we don’t have peace within ourselves, we can’t have peace with others.

I stereotype people as to how they talk, dress, their bumper stickers, if they keep their promises, if they are always mad at the world, their hair dos, if their cars are clean, what people eat, how they take care of their body, what they read, who their friends are, how their kids act, what their activities are, if they are kind, sweet, and caring, their hobbies, etc. Don’t kid ourselves, we stereotype folks. I wonder how folks stereotype me! Realities are a little fuzzy at times!

I think we don't always see people the way they are, we see them the way we are. 

A neighbor to the house we “house sat” in CA has this sign on the end of his drive. What do you think he looks like and what do you think he’s like? What is your stereotype of this person?  We met him and we know. You don’t. Now if I tell you that he has hair to his shoulders, a full face of hair with a full, long white beard, does that change your stereotype of him. Now if I tell you in this neighborhood the houses are in the 2m$ range, does that affect your stereotype? If I tell you that we were told that he is a nice guy and has a pottery shed in his back yard would that affect your stereotype? Now if I tell you he's a retired CA Highway Patrol officer would that affect your stereotype of him. C’mon, you know it does!

I think we sometimes mistake confidence for arrogance!

We think that traveling gives us the opportunity to see and be around people of many different life styles, beliefs, and ways of living a.k.a. a broad perspective. It seems to help break down our stereotypes, maybe. We learn to accept people more and accept them, maybe, even though we might have a hard time in agreeing with them, maybe. Anyway, it seems like it does for me, maybe! It seems to break the attitude of the old nursery rhyme, “I do not like thee, Dr. Fell; the reason why I cannot tell.” What is your stereotype of this traveler who has been around?

Esther of Grace says--"They were looking for a strong powerful king who would bring present day, present trouble freedom. Instead, he came quietly - humble, gentle, and kind. He turned what they knew upside down. He was not what they were expecting. He was more than they ever knew they needed. He is Love. His freedom for us is eternal. He is the King of kings."

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriend Jean said--To learn a subject well, teach it to someone else.