tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343061272024-03-13T21:13:30.709-07:00Stumbling along the Spiritual PathMichael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.comBlogger2187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-76207245453527323162021-08-23T08:43:00.010-07:002021-08-25T18:11:33.573-07:00Am I A Buddhist?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOncaGLJhL9TUD310RAPz1Dwx9PsFYjUm0knMNa2IY3MMC59w6a07loy9HjHv0F3_ulbW_CFRzGHsA_lCJhDRb6foFatevSEP_vLSLUBoyMBkVmWXyyxeW5uLEJuXI6z7J2DGyQ/s755/Buddha.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOncaGLJhL9TUD310RAPz1Dwx9PsFYjUm0knMNa2IY3MMC59w6a07loy9HjHv0F3_ulbW_CFRzGHsA_lCJhDRb6foFatevSEP_vLSLUBoyMBkVmWXyyxeW5uLEJuXI6z7J2DGyQ/s320/Buddha.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eayQFQBhHKGAea-WycjkesFtoZQEw_2s2hDUM3p_EbH4R9AmEozoH3elK7qIY-lL6dPy5hpjm4T62e3afgV0KpXbKRsWLJLVg81feqZKgIjjaGMEmnPce7vZ0e7RI4lTNIN8zg/s280/Reclining+Buddha.jpg.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eayQFQBhHKGAea-WycjkesFtoZQEw_2s2hDUM3p_EbH4R9AmEozoH3elK7qIY-lL6dPy5hpjm4T62e3afgV0KpXbKRsWLJLVg81feqZKgIjjaGMEmnPce7vZ0e7RI4lTNIN8zg/s0/Reclining+Buddha.jpg.png" width="280" /></a></div><br />A few days ago a woman living in Australia wrote to me and asked if I was a Buddhist. I have been thinking about her question. Am I a Buddhist? What is a Buddhist? Is there a formal process for becoming a Buddhist or does an individual simply take up the practice by incorporating Buddhist thought and practice into their lives? I have not gone through any formal process for being a Buddhist. I have simply tried to live like one.<p></p><p>Oddly enough I first learned about Buddhism, Zen, and the Dalai Lama while living in a Catholic monastery. Although we were not there at the same time, it was the same monastery where Thomas Merton lived for 27 years. I have been blessed to see and hear the Dalai Lama twice in person.</p><p>Over the course of my life I have become more and more attracted to the Buddhist way of living. I find the various teachings and philosophy very comfortable.</p><p>How do I live as a Buddhist?</p><p>Although I am not always successful I strive to always practice kindness. The Dalai Lama himself once said "My religion is kindness". I also strive to practice mindfulness. What does that mean? For me it means striving to be where I am and to do what I am doing. As Ram Dass says, "Be here now". In other words, be where you are and do what you are doing. I have a personality that is often lost in day dreams. I am a thinker who probably spends too much time in introspection and reflecting. There's nothing wrong with either of these things but you shouldn't do them every minute of the day. Even now as I write these thoughts I am struggling to stay focused on what I am doing. To make it even more challenging I believe I have a touch of ADD. Staying present and focused is challenging for me. The writings and teachings of the Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh have been very helpful to me. Along with striving to be kind and present, with mind and body in the same place at the same time, I strive to always be grateful. Although I sometimes struggle with depression, I know I am very blessed and privileged to have the life I have. </p><p>Whenever I can I also try to study "The Four Noble Truths" and the Buddha's "Eightfold Path".</p><p>I would like to quote from a small book called <u>The Buddha Way</u>. </p><p>"To study the Buddha way is to study the self. To forget the self is to be enlightened by all things. To be enlightened by all things is to be freed from one's body and mind and those of others. No trace of enlightenment remains and this traceless enlightenment is continued forever".</p><p>The Four Noble Truths are as follows....</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>The Truth of Suffering</li><li>The Truth of the Origen of Suffering</li><li>The Truth of Cessation</li><li>The Truth of the Path</li></ol>Our suffering is basically caused by our longing and desire for things to be other than they are. Most of us are not content and we want what we do not have and we want to be somewhere other than where we are. We suffer because we are constantly longing for something we do not have and may never have.<p></p><p>Just my personal opinion but I believe that being spiritually enlightened is not the same time as being politically "woke". </p><p>Finally, let me just share the Buddha's "Eightfold Path".</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Right Understanding</li><li>Right Thought</li><li>Right Speech</li><li>Right Action</li><li>Right Livelihood</li><li>Right Effort</li><li>Right Mindfulness</li><li>Right Concentration</li></ol>In a nutshell I think the "Eightfold Path" is telling us to understand reality as it is and to not believe everything we think. Speak only good words and only do what your heart tells you is right. Let your work be for a good cause. Do no evil and cause no harm. Give everything the effort it deserves and whatever it is you are doing, be there while you are doing it. Let your mind and body be together in the same place at the same time.<p></p><p>Whatever your religion is, I think you can follow these teachings. A Christian, Jew, or Muslim can live like this and still be faithful to their faith tradition. </p><p>This is how I strive to live. Am I a Buddhist? I hope so..... </p><p><u><br /></u></p><p><br /></p>Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-88923703192299672002021-05-26T10:54:00.009-07:002021-05-26T11:29:35.741-07:00Enjoying A Rainy Day<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjso-E0HKsVOsXgON7d-e1MJWS4MdbvunrRqt-48YvweH2Hvhpj1g5eTkhraaKE14HIUiR8YWA-FJxN5JX87B4n-cSm3gk7lmxV4berAuI4WSRvaf-RGmmxJM78LyUT13akQ5YXzQ/s259/Rain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjso-E0HKsVOsXgON7d-e1MJWS4MdbvunrRqt-48YvweH2Hvhpj1g5eTkhraaKE14HIUiR8YWA-FJxN5JX87B4n-cSm3gk7lmxV4berAuI4WSRvaf-RGmmxJM78LyUT13akQ5YXzQ/s0/Rain.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9of8jB8RuBSG41tVv6ayparFK_g15qQXf8d9vMiSYTGnW64jlM_0YWe3usXK-xwaAoPdpS5rueNMoKs2IRY7L2AGMYzWOdC-MbH4mSgXRG7WUuPPElReJvLseB4kR9pkDjOga5w/s311/Rain+II.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9of8jB8RuBSG41tVv6ayparFK_g15qQXf8d9vMiSYTGnW64jlM_0YWe3usXK-xwaAoPdpS5rueNMoKs2IRY7L2AGMYzWOdC-MbH4mSgXRG7WUuPPElReJvLseB4kR9pkDjOga5w/s0/Rain+II.jpg" /></a></div><br />It's been raining all day. I love to be home on rainy days. Bob Dylan music plays in the background. I am still celebrating Dylan's 80th birthday. Earlier I did leave my house long enough to go to the bank and get a haircut. The rain has cooled things down enough that I have opened a window. The rain is slow and steady at the moment but occasionally we get a burst of intense rain. <p></p><p>As I look at today's date I realize that I haven't written anything in almost two weeks. I had hoped to write every day or at least a few times a week. My excuse is an emptiness of things to write about. Life for me is mostly quiet, solitary, and even a little boring. What can I say about this that anyone would want to read? In my opinion, nothing.</p><p>One recent highlight for me was a video chat with a friend living in Brussels, Belgium. Many years ago when I first started this blog I wrote that "my words were like seeds thrown into the wind". You never knew where they landed. A stranger wrote to me that some of my "seeds" had landed in Cambridge, England. We are now friends. It was great to finally have a live, face to face conversation via our computers. We talked for over an hour. </p><p>As of yesterday my youngest son has been a priest for eight years. His older brother recently turned 43 years old and yesterday he moved into a new home. It is weird for me to acknowledge that I am now 70 years old. It is even weirder to realize that my children are middle aged. What happened to my little boys? </p><p>It is not quite summer in my part of the world but we have already had daily temperatures in the low 90's. When the heat and humidity become oppressive I remember that summer is my least favorite time of the year. Doing anything on hot days is challenging for me. Intense heat creates another kind of isolation for me. If I am going to be homebound and isolated I would prefer to do it on a cold, wintry, snowy day.</p><p>I own enough music for ten lifetimes. Since I spend most of my time at home I am trying to systemically listen to as much music as I can. It makes me happy and I love doing it. This week I have been focusing on Bob Dylan, Traffic, Steve Hillage of Gong, and the Steve Miller Band. I am also distracted most days with music I see posted on Facebook or Twitter. Today I am reminded of "Absolutely Free" which was my introduction to the music and genius of Frank Zappa. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young are also in play since it's the 50th anniversary of their masterpiece "Deju Vu". The Grateful Dead, of course, are always in play. I cannot imagine my life without music. It is the air I breathe.</p><p>As far as the pandemic is concerned I am fully vaccinated. Life is slowly loosening up and people are emerging from their bunkers to eat in restaurants and drink in bars. Movie theaters are barely functioning and live music still struggles.</p><p>My goal is to return to a routine of walking. I have gotten lazy about leaving the house. It may be all in my mind but it does seem that since I received my Covid-19 vaccinations I have felt lethargic. Please don't ask me for any energy because I have none to spare.</p><p>I hope whoever reads this is safe, happy, and well. </p>Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-42386117399920758282021-05-13T10:27:00.008-07:002021-05-14T08:00:18.674-07:00A Day In My Life<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjxGzrFD-Z5cfuUVFDgvaSe0Q4gClwByzkqHc_S_KyNcTWWVmoXdTRACoC_HnO7qRKunBfLWbecqAcUqxgEJoo7yh_8ZdO3FC07U4MWIKHjGDNRWugzmItp7BhGDM_VMYdyzB3A/s400/Its-A-Beautiful-Day.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjxGzrFD-Z5cfuUVFDgvaSe0Q4gClwByzkqHc_S_KyNcTWWVmoXdTRACoC_HnO7qRKunBfLWbecqAcUqxgEJoo7yh_8ZdO3FC07U4MWIKHjGDNRWugzmItp7BhGDM_VMYdyzB3A/s320/Its-A-Beautiful-Day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's a beautiful day in my part of the world. Spring in Kentucky is a battle between a winter that doesn't want to leave and a spring that is ready to take root. A few weeks ago we received two inches of snow. Nights and early morning are still cool but today is gloriously sunny and warm. I feel a little guilty because I am home and not walking in the park. I've been having such an enjoyable morning at home that I haven't been able to make myself venture into the world. My neighborhood is generally quiet and my inner hermit seeks to avoid contact with the busyness and stress of mingling with other people. Camaldolese hermits each have a small house and garden where they spend their personal time when not gathered with other hermits for prayer. Unlike the hermits I share a house with a wife. However, I am fortunate to have a wife who is also an introvert like me. Most of the day we are each in our own world. We occasionally meet in the kitchen. When the day ends we will spend more time together as we watch a movie or some other entertainment. Getting back to the hermits, I have a small back yard that is surrounded by a six foot tall privacy fence. Over time I have strived to simplify the yard and move out anything unnecessary in order to give it a Zen garden feel. On days such as today I often walk in my backyard basking in the warmth of the sun. In other words, it is very easy for me to stay at home and as much as I love the park I sometimes struggle to make myself leave my home in order to go there. <p></p><p>Yesterday I did venture from my solitude. I got up early, had a quick cup of coffee at home, and then met a friend for breakfast. I don't see this friend as often as I would like. She is a "snowbird" which means she spends the winter months in Florida in true retirement bliss. When it gets too hot in Florida she comes back to Kentucky for the summer months. I met my friend many years ago when we both began our careers. She was the friend of another co-worker who happened to be in the same new employee training class as me. We all meet and interact with many people over the course of our life's journey. Certainly for me, and I hope for everyone, there are certain people with whom we feel a deep and sometimes unexplainable connection. For whatever reason you just click with some people in a way that you don't with others.</p><p>I did have a really nice surprise at the restaurant where I met my friend. I bumped into the priest that performed my marriage ceremony. After I left the monastery many years ago I was offered a place to live until I figured out what I was going to do with my life. I lived with three priests and I worked at a parish. Ironically, not only did one of these priests perform my wedding, he ended up being a mentor for my son who is also a priest. When we met he was 35 years old and I was a somewhat lost 22 year old. He is now 83 years old and I am a youthful 70 year old.</p><p>Usually after spending time with anyone, no matter how much I like them, I am ready for a little alone time to recharge my battery. Yesterday this time was delayed. As I was driving home from breakfast my telephone rang and it was my oldest son. He asked me if I could pick up my granddaughter and her friend and take them to his house. I can never say no. I picked them up at school and they immediately asked if we could go to McDonald's. Of course I said yes. As soon as we got to McDonald's Chloe's friend began screaming. Apparently there was a spider in the back seat of my car and she has arachnophobia. We survived the incident and I finally got them home. Why are seventeen year old girls so loud? I was in the driver's seat feeling like a chaffeur as they carried on with all their teenage "Princesses Of Sadness" woes. Needless to say, I was happy to drive home alone and, yes, I did take a nap when I finally got there! </p>Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-47927499039689721922021-05-03T14:23:00.004-07:002021-05-03T14:24:31.133-07:00When Nothing Much Is Happening<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidI0_U5ZKGK8mj5Mxgk7I4wk0EDb7kICwhSef1ZfZvnp1vDXGaTJjdkx00KfmKBwLVGpdzHdwEpur2mjs4jES5vsFg7ZL2h9sbbzM5AZf-u8P_VjKLXjfRpfFNmVYof5INW41CXA/s600/Ducks+I.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidI0_U5ZKGK8mj5Mxgk7I4wk0EDb7kICwhSef1ZfZvnp1vDXGaTJjdkx00KfmKBwLVGpdzHdwEpur2mjs4jES5vsFg7ZL2h9sbbzM5AZf-u8P_VjKLXjfRpfFNmVYof5INW41CXA/s320/Ducks+I.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7F1g0To027BUrAq4ZQsbX7jxQxoIDjcFsJesYU2nUoymuaMnqKmATSFwH_ayQjdKbYckMqUw51f4vlhR6BgnmjC0BPkvvNwc-5YoAmCj9g79j0jN0PUk9kkkwv2jL09o1RKz-w/s600/Ducks+II.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7F1g0To027BUrAq4ZQsbX7jxQxoIDjcFsJesYU2nUoymuaMnqKmATSFwH_ayQjdKbYckMqUw51f4vlhR6BgnmjC0BPkvvNwc-5YoAmCj9g79j0jN0PUk9kkkwv2jL09o1RKz-w/s320/Ducks+II.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeegIOa8aM4iLm9TJ5Sgb4alLBvBJDBGNOkZnmtWLjdBnjQbJQhsrz7xj12T0e2QT3t9ZNaNMB3pgWNsgKA28vD0Ivuiui1WjrJvNURIFybuUzNmupPZ1H62tmnZpnyeiGfKg2g/s1440/Park+Monolith.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeegIOa8aM4iLm9TJ5Sgb4alLBvBJDBGNOkZnmtWLjdBnjQbJQhsrz7xj12T0e2QT3t9ZNaNMB3pgWNsgKA28vD0Ivuiui1WjrJvNURIFybuUzNmupPZ1H62tmnZpnyeiGfKg2g/s320/Park+Monolith.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It has been a quiet few days. On Saturday, while many local people were focused on the Kentucky Derby, I finally made it back to the park after what seemed like a very long time. I enjoy walking in the park but I easily talk myself out of it or it's raining or I have other things to do or I am simply being lazy.<p></p><p>When I was walking in the park I could help but notice all the new life. All the trees and bushes are in full bloom and there are baby ducks and geese everywhere. Right after I took the pictures above one of the parents came after me. I guess I was a little too close for their comfort.</p><p>On Saturday night I picked my granddaughter up after she finished working. She has a part time job bagging groceries at a local supermarket. Like most teenagers she sometimes complains about it but like most of us she loves the money. Every time she spends the night we take a journey to Middle Earth. This weekend we watched the second Hobbit film "The Desolation Of Smaug".</p><p>Finally, and probably of no interest to anyone, I have recently updated some of the personal technology I use. After many years of using Android phones, I made the transition to an Apple iPhone. The primary reason I did this was to consolidate the digital music I have on iTunes and Amazon music into one place. Anyone who knows me even casually knows I am a music fanatic. The updated iPhone also allows me to make maximum use of blue tooth capabilities in my car, with my Bose ear buds, and now my Dr. Dre "beatspill+" portable speaker. For many years I have been using a "Classic" iPod that is now 16 years old. I lived in fear of it dying without notice. </p><p>This post gives you a glimpse of how simple and boring my life really is at this time. I'm sure a few of you can relate. Maybe my next post will be a little more exciting.</p>Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-44133756947908541202021-04-30T07:28:00.004-07:002021-04-30T08:30:44.733-07:00Coffee With A Friend<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikw816n3_0MSfEa1h4PzC-xiDF47ccLyiFRuqzcPWeo_4s4mHUxnO3p5bv_L7zecq4vZJv_sb154DkDwX9fumdz973ez7d1YR5QiNiyQsYe1Y-b1-Hq7d0gTWHTLsIk8Qh3IG2aA/s225/Heine+Brothers+I.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikw816n3_0MSfEa1h4PzC-xiDF47ccLyiFRuqzcPWeo_4s4mHUxnO3p5bv_L7zecq4vZJv_sb154DkDwX9fumdz973ez7d1YR5QiNiyQsYe1Y-b1-Hq7d0gTWHTLsIk8Qh3IG2aA/s0/Heine+Brothers+I.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4P-whnfbgK4DQmmC0OIA-c07cwkHCgRIzsvsRUdOnQUUc07SfgZJAfJIX9xOcgVYdIaPBngR4-0m_VsZrgts9hPedooyjHPbjDpXsV8BCkkL7aroQpWocw0U5nM3YIPYbHsnZJw/s318/Heine+Brothers+II.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4P-whnfbgK4DQmmC0OIA-c07cwkHCgRIzsvsRUdOnQUUc07SfgZJAfJIX9xOcgVYdIaPBngR4-0m_VsZrgts9hPedooyjHPbjDpXsV8BCkkL7aroQpWocw0U5nM3YIPYbHsnZJw/s0/Heine+Brothers+II.jpg" /></a></div><br />Today is going to be a beautiful day but yesterday was another day of all day rain. When I got out of bed, however, I received a text from an old friend and former co-worker that I haven't seen in over three years. She asked me if I was available for a cup of coffee. I quickly said yes and we agreed on a time and a place. We had a lot of catching up to do. We ended up talking for over two hours. I think most of us have a friend or two that no matter how much time passes between visits it is though it's been no time at all when we finally see them. A few years ago I met a friend for breakfast that I hadn't seen in over forty years. She was my high school love and I dated her for a long time. We quickly fell into a comfortable conversation. We had a nice breakfast and then took a long walk across a walking bridge that connects Kentucky with Indiana. Now we are best friends again. <p></p><p>I love it when other people think of me. Sometimes when you are retired from an active and busy life you can quickly feel forgotten. I really love it when friends reach out to me for a coffee date, lunch, or just to see if I am doing okay. As an introvert I am not very outgoing so my social life is very limited. I don't like being with a lot of people. In my working days I hated team lunches. My preference was going out to lunch with one person. I really enjoy a one on one interaction, especially with a person I feel a connection with or who shares some of my interests. In most cases the one on one encounter allows you to have a deeper and more intimate interaction. If you want me to die in front of you make me engage in small talk or "chit chat". I absolutely loathe these types of social interaction. Most people think I am a quiet person because in group settings I tend to say very little. However, if I am with one, or maybe two, people that I really like and feel comfortable with I can be very extroverted and talkative.</p><p>If you miss someone, reach out to them. It will probably make their day. Unless, of course, they owe you money.</p><p> </p>Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-54548844245760560982021-04-28T14:13:00.002-07:002021-04-28T14:18:48.275-07:00Sugar Mountain<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1FMt_Q1PgTWwit5RnzgHEnFR3u7douf-PPtn35n2SveQeZ967y5VQY5RE-dHOv5MXpmdxfLOA-80MGmaiyaJl2XquRpenps3ypaPEHCMtm7KPKyK2I7ntjf2-nPWatzpmcGMsQ/s275/Spring+Rain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1FMt_Q1PgTWwit5RnzgHEnFR3u7douf-PPtn35n2SveQeZ967y5VQY5RE-dHOv5MXpmdxfLOA-80MGmaiyaJl2XquRpenps3ypaPEHCMtm7KPKyK2I7ntjf2-nPWatzpmcGMsQ/s0/Spring+Rain.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv61OFI4o5XpRA0ddDvVMYhBoxzSdkJxXAUHXbyrLjpCK5uFCZGcGvDFD2bEWNDzkTi_D0-YU_9MSvn87uuJzakrmPkdIYgz7NpsfmdGUmQRnlyfmoDVQGiyvay3MIIg99LnenuA/s300/Sugar+Mountain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv61OFI4o5XpRA0ddDvVMYhBoxzSdkJxXAUHXbyrLjpCK5uFCZGcGvDFD2bEWNDzkTi_D0-YU_9MSvn87uuJzakrmPkdIYgz7NpsfmdGUmQRnlyfmoDVQGiyvay3MIIg99LnenuA/s0/Sugar+Mountain.jpg" /></a></div><br />It's been a quiet day at home. Outside my window is a gentle spring rain. It was coming down much harder just a little while ago. I love these ordinary days. In the background Neil Young sings the song whose lyrics are below. Today, at least metaphorically, I have been on Sugar Mountain. You can't be twenty on Sugar Mountain but you can be seventy.<br /><br />I love when I can drink my coffee, listen to my music, look out my window and be lost in the moment. Don't tell anyone but I used to do this all the time in the office when I worked. Now, of course, my time is mine and doing this at home is now my job.<br /><br />Oh, to live on Sugar Mountain<br /><br />With the barkers and the colored balloons<br />You can't be twenty on Sugar Mountain<br />Though you're thinking that you're leaving there too soon<br />You're leaving there too soon<br />It's so noisy at the fair<br />But all your friends are there<br />And the candy floss you had<br />And your mother and your dad<br /><br />Oh, to live on Sugar Mountain<br />With the barkers and the colored balloons<br />You can't be twenty on Sugar Mountain<br />Though you're thinking that you're leaving there too soon<br />You're leaving there too soon<br /><br />There's a girl just down the aisle<br />Oh, to turn and see her smile<br />You can hear the words she wrote<br />As you read the hidden note<br /><br />Oh, to live on Sugar Mountain<br />With the barkers and the colored balloons<br />You can't be twenty on Sugar Mountain<br />Though you're thinking that you're leaving there too soon<br />You're leaving there too soon<br /><br />Now you're underneath the stairs<br />And you're givin' back some glares<br />To the people who you met<br />And it's your first cigarette<br />Oh, to live on Sugar Mountain<br />With the barkers and the colored balloons<br />You can't be twenty on Sugar Mountain<br />Though you're thinking that you're leaving there too soon<br />You're leaving there too soon<br /><br />Now you say you're leavin' home<br />'Cause you want to be alone<br />Ain't it funny how you feel<br />When you're findin' out it's real<br /><br />Oh, to live on Sugar Mountain<br />With the barkers and the colored balloons<br />You can't be twenty on Sugar Mountain<br />Though you're thinking that you're leaving there too soon<br />You're leaving there too soon<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-91173791750900860062021-04-27T15:06:00.001-07:002021-04-27T15:06:07.660-07:00Re-Connecting While On The Run<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbw8fWnmX_5v21_C4ncZ07NGSLPqBOHgTEiSr_8T4lO7bAFJJO3vhnKUbezUtm3HViNtJChOS1Wz3Vkp7nHjoAiTzj6bT3S9SKazz9D8SQnXtENi6PyMWzFnKkljlvTOXA43_kg/s259/Errands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbw8fWnmX_5v21_C4ncZ07NGSLPqBOHgTEiSr_8T4lO7bAFJJO3vhnKUbezUtm3HViNtJChOS1Wz3Vkp7nHjoAiTzj6bT3S9SKazz9D8SQnXtENi6PyMWzFnKkljlvTOXA43_kg/s0/Errands.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIyEHCi3ogq7QdJrWvQuBKYi6bEnfz-WbU7sNWhTZohiDK3IO4aN4IxKnby5sY79qvCtnLSc2vU9euw5C1I6tRhqmJijjP7360ZtzBqzRjwc6t-X3pzPpfnFMHwaxUlGCyUbrRNQ/s327/Connections.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="154" data-original-width="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIyEHCi3ogq7QdJrWvQuBKYi6bEnfz-WbU7sNWhTZohiDK3IO4aN4IxKnby5sY79qvCtnLSc2vU9euw5C1I6tRhqmJijjP7360ZtzBqzRjwc6t-X3pzPpfnFMHwaxUlGCyUbrRNQ/s320/Connections.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />My usual morning routine of leisurely drinking coffee with my wife, watching the news, and reading the newspaper didn't happen today. Instead I had the unusual experience of having to wake up with an alarm clock so my wife could go to an early morning doctor appointment. I actually like to get up early although I generally sleep in till about 9:00 AM. I know that might sound late to those of you still in the workforce. These days I tend to stay up late and then allow my body to wake up naturally. I don't want to rub it in but it's one of the joys of retirement. <p></p><p>We had a few errands to run this morning. After the doctor appointment we stopped at a local McDonald's for coffee and a biscuit before heading to a local fruit market. After getting what we needed, and dropping some of it off at our home, we headed out to visit son #2 with a gift of fresh fruit. He thinks we come to his home to visit with him but we actually go there to visit with his two cats, Callie and Belle. They have actually become quite attached to us. Well, at least as attached as cats get attached to any humans. Son #2, a.k.a Father Nick, is a Catholic priest and pastor of a parish in my hometown. Callie and Belle are Zen Masters.</p><p>A very pleasant side effect of publishing some thoughts the last few days is that people from my past are contacting me as a result. Some of them are people I actually know and some are strangers to me. Since I began this blog I have made friends with a few people in other countries who I now consider dear friends. Perhaps someday I might actually get to meet these friends face to face. As a result of re-connecting with one friend and former co-worker I learned that another friend and former co-worker had retired. This is someone I hadn't communicated with in quite a while so I texted them and congratulated them. I was very happy to hear back from them.</p><p>My day...so far...ended with son # 1 and my granddaughter stopping by for a visit on their way home. Their life is a frenzy right now with both working jobs, my granddaughter finishing up her junior year of high school, and both of them preparing to move from one home to another one. Their new house will be about half the distance from my house as the old house. </p><p>Today was what a retired person considers a busy day. Sometimes I wonder how I lived my life when my wife and I both worked full time. </p><p>Now I need a nap.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-80495015902739819472021-04-26T14:19:00.001-07:002021-04-26T14:29:34.429-07:00Waiting<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zvJIahi86_eK2bpmWFsJsalQehOGjNiC_O8a9SZbYhROs8GAoqx5dlFACHhxDEsu57E-FatdMoEXzy0yxHsb0oXPChpVzbojjB9qC0mGo3ooJ3tg_Govqc1MKPU6qu16B8ZUdA/s220/Waiting+I.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zvJIahi86_eK2bpmWFsJsalQehOGjNiC_O8a9SZbYhROs8GAoqx5dlFACHhxDEsu57E-FatdMoEXzy0yxHsb0oXPChpVzbojjB9qC0mGo3ooJ3tg_Govqc1MKPU6qu16B8ZUdA/s0/Waiting+I.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyYBJrBBprO5EKFuhSOABWaMziBq6tiMR7GzVZ25Vqw6hEtKF0O1UBTHXoh-m0OI5vr4IcHIbXhKbqgDyFzoZ6JILMPze_cnQ9HryRNS9ljetGZ2G_dvH9H-294XkR9zai2-PhQ/s275/Waiting.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyYBJrBBprO5EKFuhSOABWaMziBq6tiMR7GzVZ25Vqw6hEtKF0O1UBTHXoh-m0OI5vr4IcHIbXhKbqgDyFzoZ6JILMPze_cnQ9HryRNS9ljetGZ2G_dvH9H-294XkR9zai2-PhQ/s0/Waiting.jpg" /></a></div><br />My outdoor thermometer says that it is 80 degrees. It certainly feels like it. A little over a week ago we had two inches of snow in my neighborhood. Such is life in Kentucky.<p></p><p>It's been sunny and warm all day. My first impulse after having my morning coffee was to go to the park. Before I got out of the house I remembered the Orkin guy was coming for my bi-monthly pest treatment. A few years ago my wife saw a mouse in the house so I was given two options. We either get Orkin service or put the house up for sale. I went for the Orkin treatment. I have not seen a mouse since but I am still here. Apparently it doesn't work on all pests. </p><p>I am still waiting for my guy to show up. In his defense I was told he wouldn't be here until the late afternoon. However, if I had gone to the park he would have called me while I was walking and told me he was on the way and would be here in five minutes.</p><p>I have been a little productive today with minor chores. The microwave, downstairs bathroom, and upstairs bathtub are now clean or at least cleaner than they were yesterday.</p><p>Knowing that my Orkin guy was coming today made me feel like a hostage. If he wasn't coming my day may have gone down exactly as it has anyway but I would have had the option to do something else if I had chosen. Yes, I know it's a small thing but life is made up of small things, some of which make you crazy.</p><p>I am usually a very patient man and very good at waiting. As a long time married man I have spent much of my life waiting for my wife to do whatever she is doing. I have spent years on Mall benches or waiting in my car while she runs an errand. Sometimes I even enjoy waiting. I love to watch people and to turn up the volume on my music while my wife accomplishes her chores. However, sometimes I am also very impatient and I suffer from the disease of "get out of the way and let me do it". This is a disease very prevalent in perfectionists. The only cure is to learn how to "let it go". This has gotten somewhat easier as I have gotten older. By the time you are 70 you have hopefully learned that most things are not that big of a deal. I hate it when I get upset and start flailing. I know how to breathe but my timing is sometimes off. </p><p>All of our lives would be better and certainly more peaceful if we just learned to stop, breathe, and let it go. We need to relax. It's not always what happens to us and around us. It's how we react to it. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-725566313171942802021-04-25T09:17:00.004-07:002021-04-26T07:34:17.587-07:00Living A Simple Life<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2C7vMGsiqAJBBVwaFPEfVlNHpNSlCD14JvsvHmsThiKZcghxSrh9yDZUt3MW2zTfG_SSKqBhvipP1ElNl9ZTe_OkDSSjD5z7yucW5GXPX0lCzeNAGEdICSWqFgEBd3TxisJeqw/s720/Reclining+Buddha.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2C7vMGsiqAJBBVwaFPEfVlNHpNSlCD14JvsvHmsThiKZcghxSrh9yDZUt3MW2zTfG_SSKqBhvipP1ElNl9ZTe_OkDSSjD5z7yucW5GXPX0lCzeNAGEdICSWqFgEBd3TxisJeqw/s320/Reclining+Buddha.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3B2FB8hMCARmFXiPJT0l8Mi8DI4sg_d25ChLIB05vDwL9CA-vQhhcujJ1z-T-4Uo_mwyZhESgAYp4vTebGj60CCiAQ0WHCGr15Q7Bryn2BLrqZ4yfZ7i-hK76DAtEGLUI6Lzrdg/s275/Simple+Living.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3B2FB8hMCARmFXiPJT0l8Mi8DI4sg_d25ChLIB05vDwL9CA-vQhhcujJ1z-T-4Uo_mwyZhESgAYp4vTebGj60CCiAQ0WHCGr15Q7Bryn2BLrqZ4yfZ7i-hK76DAtEGLUI6Lzrdg/s0/Simple+Living.jpg" /></a></div><br />When I first stopped working, retirement was a difficult transition. After a lifetime of working full time it felt like being in a car when someone slams on the brake. Everything seemed to come to a complete halt. It was the middle of winter and overnight I suddenly had no where to go and nothing to do. To make it more challenging I had all day to experience this. However, that was then and this is now.<p></p><p>As I begin my fourth year of retirement I couldn't be happier. I still have no where to go and not much to do but my attitude about this is significantly different. Happiness in retirement is based on more than just not having to get up everyday at the crack of dawn, fight the morning commute, and deal with workday challenges. To be honest there are aspects of working that I miss. I miss the social interactions I used to have with co-workers and friends. Many of my former co-workers were like family to me. Some of them were long time employees like me and we began our careers together. I miss the laughing and joking around and the many shared meals we had, especially on Fridays when the work week was ending and we were all ready for the weekend. To be fair, I do not miss the work challenges like difficult people, technical problems, challenging leadership, and occasional boredom.</p><p>I know that being able to live a retired life is a gift that not everyone attains. My long time employment with a significant company gave me the ability to prepare for retirement and to be able to live comfortably. Trust me when I say that I am grateful every day. Many times throughout my day I silently utter the works "Thank You" to God and the universe for giving me this gift. </p><p>So far approximately 33% of my retirement has been spent in isolation due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Even if I was motivated to seek a more active retirement, the pandemic would have prevented it. The life I have sailed through in the last year is basically the kind of life I always wanted to live. All I have ever wanted is a simple and quiet life. I don't need to do it all or have it all. Last week I watched the first installment of "The Hobbit" trilogy with my granddaughter. I am basically Bilbo Baggins. Leave me alone in my Hobbit house in the Shire with my music, books, solitude, and unlimited supply of good coffee and beer and I am content as anyone could be. Yes, I realize that some of you are thinking how boring that sounds. It isn't to me. Perhaps there is a great adventure awaiting me but so far no Dwarfs or Wizards have knocked on my door. To be honest I was never an over achiever. Until I retired, however, I was always busy with the daily demands of living. Admittedly, life still makes demands but not nearly as much. Very early in my retirement a stranger at my doctor's office gave me some good advice. He said, "Don't fill up your time. It will fill up for you". Even in retirement I sometimes feel busy. Occasionally I wonder if people think I am always "on call" just because I am retired.</p><p>Cheers for the simple life! </p>Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-19568377114360122852021-04-24T12:29:00.002-07:002021-04-24T14:01:23.781-07:00A New Beginning<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLZ6-r95G2XBtQ1QIoIdF_mCIg1o1iZOEC27qoOHBDZxlHFWyQWe9A55yBrtssmH460zT0x5nhL5HGGW2uC8sSSv-5socUxTu0NG9nWnO5ZNRkbrj4dEQQPcIbouRcr_CbnimEQ/s279/Spring+Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="181" data-original-width="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLZ6-r95G2XBtQ1QIoIdF_mCIg1o1iZOEC27qoOHBDZxlHFWyQWe9A55yBrtssmH460zT0x5nhL5HGGW2uC8sSSv-5socUxTu0NG9nWnO5ZNRkbrj4dEQQPcIbouRcr_CbnimEQ/s0/Spring+Flowers.jpg" /></a></div><br />I have now been retired for over three years and I also recently turned 70 years old. During most of this time I have done very little. Some of this I can blame on a world wide pandemic. Fortunately my family and I have not been ill and as of this week all of us have been vaccinated. Before the pandemic we were able to take a few vacations including a cruise to Mexico. Most of the past year, however, has been spent at home. As a serious introvert I have been practicing social distancing for my entire life. With all due respect for the seriousness of the pandemic, staying home and avoiding other people has been the easiest thing I have ever done. A bigger challenge for me will be reconnecting with the world.<p></p><p>Before I retired I tended to write almost daily for friends, family, and co-workers. For the most part this blog is a collection of these writings. At the time I was highly motivated with much on my mind that I though other people might like. I had a lot of fans and followers. Some of them have been wondering where I have been and what I have been doing. I have written very little in the last three years. My life is very simple now. I have had virtually no contact with anyone except strangers that I encountered when I ventured out in public for groceries or other supplies. My over active mind seemed to be on pause. I also still have many friends who work full time and I doubted they wanted to read my daily thoughts on the joys of retirement.</p><p>Today quite out of the blue I visited this blog and realized how much I missed writing. Perhaps my mind and spirit are experiencing an awakening on this rainy spring day. I certainly have no excuse for not writing except laziness. Admittedly, there is not a lot going on in my life to inspire me. When I worked I had many experiences that often encouraged reflection. Even my busyness and desire for the life I now have was a source of inspiration. </p><p>I am hoping today's spark of enthusiasm is the beginning of a new phase of writing. I make no promises but I am going to attempt to regain my discipline of writing every day.</p><p>If anyone actually reads this and wants to encourage me I would be very grateful. 70 year old retirees are not always full of enthusiasm or energy.</p><p>Stay well, breathe, and remain calm. All will be well.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-39301136600970323852019-09-29T12:20:00.002-07:002019-09-29T13:35:21.669-07:00In The Court Of The Crimson King<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UqGbF9W1Oty0xSVD7qspa0h3ILjRNstG7T43_zAINfxH39ZZ90tawJrrVUXDyLMMv4S69t9ONZrU4h2yI-PxiYFqWNyVutZtB8sFYCORc8reqisWVKuVtNQ5sWzF5i7xvteqZw/s1600/King+Crimson+II.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UqGbF9W1Oty0xSVD7qspa0h3ILjRNstG7T43_zAINfxH39ZZ90tawJrrVUXDyLMMv4S69t9ONZrU4h2yI-PxiYFqWNyVutZtB8sFYCORc8reqisWVKuVtNQ5sWzF5i7xvteqZw/s1600/King+Crimson+II.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47dMtuVx8rz2-2oNG_Rty3CRfoCVOCbNAP1TrGJ5lmhvktA4Yx8ViLxYSVF0C0Zai5rYrErv3RKb2UVp53sCauC-n__Oo4TqSP5bU5d3iES64kHbK3974owUJggMEDse-t_iuMw/s1600/King+Crimson+I.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47dMtuVx8rz2-2oNG_Rty3CRfoCVOCbNAP1TrGJ5lmhvktA4Yx8ViLxYSVF0C0Zai5rYrErv3RKb2UVp53sCauC-n__Oo4TqSP5bU5d3iES64kHbK3974owUJggMEDse-t_iuMw/s1600/King+Crimson+I.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNp8-iTVEt-dr-Q73ktt6FpfYXuDXlKgt0lC3B7ukE4zCcNDC3rnUQHCNKdGlBl6AmdVYB2iDLVTf5kZ6y-qxVmUtZiSZXRkxBJiepYSurzFJl12jV50NPZ36XInfYv8_hJBK08w/s1600/36188667_10155746934418262_2487204669076537344_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNp8-iTVEt-dr-Q73ktt6FpfYXuDXlKgt0lC3B7ukE4zCcNDC3rnUQHCNKdGlBl6AmdVYB2iDLVTf5kZ6y-qxVmUtZiSZXRkxBJiepYSurzFJl12jV50NPZ36XInfYv8_hJBK08w/s320/36188667_10155746934418262_2487204669076537344_o.jpg" width="177" /></a></div>
This past Friday I went to Nashville, Tennessee to see the band King Crimson perform at the famous Ryman Auditorium. The band is currently on a world tour for the 50th anniversary of their first album which was released in 1969 and they are one of my all-time favorite bands. I was accompanied on the trip by my long time friend and rock and roll partner in crime, Tom Conley. We first met when fooling around in 6th period study hall in 1967. We have been in and out of trouble ever since.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We had a leisurely drive to Nashville which is approximately a three hour drive from where I live. It was great to have time for some conversation and rock and roll as we drove through the countryside. I use the term "countryside" because some sort of road issue caused my GPS to route us off the main interstate highway and down country roads where I have no memory of ever being before.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After checking into our hotel we eventually found our way to downtown Nashville. Let me tell you this. Downtown Nashville on a Friday night is a wild place. There are honkytonk bars everywhere, a professional league football stadium, and a large arena. The Ryman Auditorium is in the heart of it all. It was originally built as a church and for many years was the home of the Grand Old Opry. In terms of geographic location and musical history, it may be the last place I ever expected to see a Prog Rock band like King Crimson. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
King Crimson are no ordinary rock and roll band. Their music is complex and the members of the band are all virtuosos on their instruments. They have three drummers who are much more than simple keepers of the beat. They have a bass player who has toured extensively with Peter Gabriel, another one of my favorite musicians. In addition they have two guitar players including the phenomenal Robert Fripp, and finally a woodwind and flute player. The level of musicianship was mind blowing. I never thought I would hear and see most of these songs performed live and with such precision and clarity. Seeing this manifestation of King Crimson was #1 on my musical bucket list. I was not disappointed. It was the best concert I have seen by anyone in quite a while. I felt like I had died and gone to Heaven.<br />
<br />
My long hair is long gone but I still have the tee shirt! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here is the set list for those that might like to know what I heard.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>Set One </u></div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>The Hell Hounds Of Krim</li>
<li>Pictures Of A City</li>
<li>Suitable Grounds For The Blues</li>
<li>Cirkus</li>
<li>Red</li>
<li>Epitaph</li>
<li>Electrik</li>
<li>Moonchild</li>
<li>Radical Action II</li>
<li>Level Five </li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>Set Two </u></div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Cat Food</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Frame By Frame</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Lark's Tongue's In Aspic Part IV</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Islands</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Easy Money</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Indiscipline</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
In The Court Of The Crimson King</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Starless</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
21st Century Schizoid Man<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-28806961404512510992019-09-23T10:30:00.000-07:002019-09-23T10:50:39.221-07:00Walking In The Park<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nV9t6VQjVg5AdCyUPNh6Hg5IzQ9ANm-7TsCtDJ_5ibHBB-7gocHLB4jE0FL9YfrAIFSxh3KtshLCVgY85G9E-nUpkBbHGFWA3iLU0-bkFFLZ3knmhUVsaqP14Ukqy7EwmgVvIA/s1600/Park+Monolith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1440" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nV9t6VQjVg5AdCyUPNh6Hg5IzQ9ANm-7TsCtDJ_5ibHBB-7gocHLB4jE0FL9YfrAIFSxh3KtshLCVgY85G9E-nUpkBbHGFWA3iLU0-bkFFLZ3knmhUVsaqP14Ukqy7EwmgVvIA/s320/Park+Monolith.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I must admit that I haven't been to the park much lately. Although today is the official beginning of Fall, it still feels like summer in my part of the world. Today is overcast with a forecast of rain this afternoon. It hasn't rained in weeks and this summer we've had a record number of days when the temperature exceeded 90 degrees. Although it is in the 70's today, it will be back in the 90's by the end of the week.<br />
<br />
Back to walking in the park...…<br />
<br />
I haven't walked for exercise for a few weeks. I blame the heat, a sense that every day has some task that needs to be accomplished, and, to be completely honest, some summer time laziness on my part. As the weather cools, and winter looms on the horizon, I will become more energetic and I expect to make it to the park on a more regular basis.<br />
<br />
Today, in a burst of spontaneous energy, I decided to take advantage of the relatively cool morning and walk in the park before the rains came.<br />
<br />
While walking in the park I came upon a monolith that presumably was placed in the park thousands of years ago by space traveling aliens. <br />
<br />
There is an obscure scripture passage that goes "God made man and rested. God made woman and no one has rested since". When I got home from my walk my wife immediately asked me to get some holiday decorations out of our storage shed. This shed is a Pandora's Box of every Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter decoration that my wife has ever bought. I hate the shed because it is stuffed to the rafters and you can't get anything out without taking everything out or so it seems. Today, however, I decided to breathe and practice my Zen. I groused a little but for the most part I did whatever my wife asked without a meltdown on my part. When I completed the task, she made me lunch. Bless her.....<br />
<br />
The first week I was retired a stranger told me to "not fill up my time because it will fill up for me". Truer words were never spoken. I am 100% retired and I have no official employment but many days I feel busy and occasionally overwhelmed.<br />
<br />
I am declaring the rest of the day as a holiday. So let it be written, so let it be done! </div>
Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-66947894715126876762019-09-17T10:46:00.001-07:002020-09-09T15:43:24.610-07:00Where Did The Time Go?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfuLRFc2i66gUGHm3d4ms1WRbpbvlac5vqpNzg_KC95fmUEh0Epdvg1L-x1lRnGR9J6Z629QhaaF86Ssf1fsBrWN4Cn-38eCrRvBTULJ8It8C8x5zIJVVUnrKPMAcY3FrZ25klA/s1600/50th+Reunion.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1600" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfuLRFc2i66gUGHm3d4ms1WRbpbvlac5vqpNzg_KC95fmUEh0Epdvg1L-x1lRnGR9J6Z629QhaaF86Ssf1fsBrWN4Cn-38eCrRvBTULJ8It8C8x5zIJVVUnrKPMAcY3FrZ25klA/s320/50th+Reunion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This past weekend I attended my 50th high school reunion. 50 years! Where did the time go? It was great to see so many old friends, to renew some friendships, and to remember friends no longer on the journey of life. The actual experience of high school is a mixed bag for many people. Some hated it and never want to think about it again. They graduated and became dust in the wind. Overall I had a wonderful high school experience. The only negative was not excelling on an academic level. I found myself and discovered my gifts much later in life. Some of my English teachers may be surprised to realize I actually learned to write and that I am pretty good at it. I enjoyed my friendships, including the girls I loved, and all the adventures I had with my particular gang of people. My "gang" was primarily the kids trying to be hippies. Of course, I also had many friends who were not hippies. Some people from high school have never stopped being my friends. Other people were long distance friends thanks to technology. There are even some people I know better now than I did while we were actually in high school.<br />
<br />
Over the years I have attended my 20th, 40th, and 50th reunions. Recently a friend remarked to me that she went to her 10th reunion for an all girl school and she hated it. Her impression was that the old clicks from high school were still the old clicks and that people were generally as awful as she remembered them. My experience has been quite different. I have found that almost everyone has mellowed over the years and no one was trying to impress anyone else. I say this as a member of a class where many people became very successful in life by worldly standards. This past weekend I found everyone to be genuinely personable, affectionate, and happy to see one another. My class was very large and it was impossible to know everyone well. Obviously I know some better than others. I was feeling a lot of love this weekend, nor only from others, but for others.<br />
<br />
As I looked around the informal gathering on Friday night, and the more formal dinner on Saturday night, I thought about all the journeys each of the people had traveled throughout life. My classmates and I have walked many miles and in the words of Forest Gump "we've owned lots of shoes". We have scattered all over the country and even the world. Whatever level of success was achieved it was not without struggle. Life is also not fair so some have experienced more struggle than others. A significant number of classmates have passed away. Some of them were quite young. Others left us more recently. Those of us who are left are survivors of life. None of us are without scars. We have all experienced loss, pain, and heartache. Hopefully, we have also experienced joy, happiness, some level of success, love, and contentment. <br />
<br />
Life is not about success or destination. Life is about the journey. We have made it this far and we can laugh and smile and enjoy our memories. The journey is not over for us yet. As the poet Robert Frost once wrote, "There are miles to go before we sleep". Let us go forward in love and peace and joy. My friends, "it ain't over until it's over". Live long and prosper! </div>
Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-7394538921477233262019-08-08T13:04:00.001-07:002019-09-16T11:15:44.923-07:00Thinking Of El Paso And Dayton<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSB90wtM-Eri5il0kbvbxqTUQQOxEK-dxU2g3Ywvm8SVHPQSpaJwairI7feGCUty-AIbGjm6WIdkhYnLdKMNE0stDB5MjXbJoiVxRu5bB5HyLHxpT3JPKZih9V5n3F2cIvYdyh_g/s1600/Sadness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="512" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSB90wtM-Eri5il0kbvbxqTUQQOxEK-dxU2g3Ywvm8SVHPQSpaJwairI7feGCUty-AIbGjm6WIdkhYnLdKMNE0stDB5MjXbJoiVxRu5bB5HyLHxpT3JPKZih9V5n3F2cIvYdyh_g/s320/Sadness.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Earlier today I was walking at my local mall while thinking of the recent mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton. As I walked around I noticed all the diversity of the other people as they went about their business. It occurred to me that any of them, as well as myself, could be victims of a mass shooting. Everyone at the mall, including me, was just a regular person living their life as best they can. I saw people laughing and shopping and eating and drinking. Some, like me, were just trying to get some exercise.<br />
<br />
It also occurred to me that all of us just want to be happy and live peaceful lives. The average person is a good person and most of us have no problem with other people even if they don't look like us. I have never found other people threatening nor have I ever thought I was better than anyone else simply because I am white.<br />
<br />
I am getting old and I know I have more years behind me than in front of me. My working days are behind me as well and all I want in life now is to live a simple and uncluttered life. I want to live each day enjoying my music, reading my books, and watching my films. I want to enjoy the sunshine, feel the wind, and enjoy the smell of good food. If I am tired I want to enjoy a good nap. These are all simple things that make me happy. I believe most other people, especially if they are older, also want some version of these things for themselves.<br />
<br />
My life has not been without struggle. A lot of things have not gone the way I would have preferred. There were jobs and promotions I did not get. A few women have broken my heart. I am not as great or gifted as I would like to be. However, in spite of life's disappointments, I am not angry. I really don't expect everything to go my way. Part of life is experiencing disappointment and loss. Life is not fair. I am still happy and content.<br />
<br />
Recently I read a quote from Desmond Tutu that went, "<em>We have got to stop pulling people out of the river. Instead, we need to go upstream and figure out why they keep falling into the river". </em><br />
<br />
Why are there so many angry people and why are so many of them young, white men? I am an old white man now but I was once a young white man. I never felt left behind or cheated. I have gotten everything in life I deserve. Most of it I have worked for and some of it was given to me through the generosity of others. I never cheated in life and I never had any sense of entitlement. I quickly learned that if I wanted anything in life I would have to work for it.<br />
<br />
I have never been in competition with anyone. I want us all to win. I want everyone to be happy. Why is it so difficult for some people to allow other people the same dreams? Who doesn't want a happy and peaceful life that is relatively free of suffering?<br />
<br />
We are all the same. The blood that was spilled in El Paso and Dayton was all red. Everyone who died had someone who loved them.<br />
<br />
"<em>All I am saying is give peace a chance</em>"!<br />
-John Lennon </div>
Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-22704634587184335892019-07-10T15:04:00.001-07:002019-07-11T11:58:55.429-07:00Practicing Mindfulness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVs9lZB7iWivbFpTmeWtSvptSyMkX1-gyN16kzCnbGv-5kBuFsIv75C2lChOG6ko9Dl66sLaq5Sg4N42PGfrXX5X0BK_mQhsS8y52e1g-QH9QwDfz98cxhIXsgUZqD34FxZD66w/s1600/Mindfulness+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVs9lZB7iWivbFpTmeWtSvptSyMkX1-gyN16kzCnbGv-5kBuFsIv75C2lChOG6ko9Dl66sLaq5Sg4N42PGfrXX5X0BK_mQhsS8y52e1g-QH9QwDfz98cxhIXsgUZqD34FxZD66w/s1600/Mindfulness+2.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1OZEwRtDnx6jXyq9OZuGgV3L41E3qvpSJfYAJQz7Wn2tdnooRxM8mu3up1owH6cOhbief8xsr14KQkfnJvV7jpY7uAGgTE07z_N2yPsvMyrQwPH5SjW1OcfkDA97xOqdYtPfJw/s1600/Mindfulness+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="323" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1OZEwRtDnx6jXyq9OZuGgV3L41E3qvpSJfYAJQz7Wn2tdnooRxM8mu3up1owH6cOhbief8xsr14KQkfnJvV7jpY7uAGgTE07z_N2yPsvMyrQwPH5SjW1OcfkDA97xOqdYtPfJw/s320/Mindfulness+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This past Christmas I received a new Fitbit. It is very nice and quite an upgrade from the original, very basic Fitbit I have been wearing for years. It tells me the time, date, day of the week, the number of steps I have walked and my current heartbeat. It has other features that I haven't fully utilized. One of the features that I really like is the ability to set multiple alarms to alert me throughout the day. I must assume these alarms are designed to encourage my physical activity, especially during times I am inactive. I decided to use the alarms for a different reason. I decided I would use the alarms as reminders to be spiritually active and mindful. I have a meditation app that is great for timing meditation periods and another app with a random Zen gong to call me to mindfulness thoroughly out the day. The meditation app is great for regular meditation sitting but the random Zen gong will often chime at inappropriate times and catch me off guard. It would also sometimes startle other people who might be around me. <br />
<br />
Monks at the Abbey of Gethsemani and other monasteries gather seven times a day to pray the Liturgy of the Hours. This is what some people refer to as monastic chant. As the title indicates these are hours throughout the day when the monks gather for prayer. I decided to set the alarms on my Fitbit to correspond with the monastic Liturgy of the Hours. Here is the schedule followed at the Abbey of Gethsemani.<br />
<br />
Vigils 3:15 AM<br />
Lauds 5:45 AM<br />
Tierce 7:30 AM<br />
Sext 12:15 PM<br />
None 2:15 PM<br />
Vespers 5:30 PM<br />
Compline 7:30 PM<br />
<br />
Every day at these times my Fitbit quietly vibrates and calls me to be mindful. I usually say a short prayer that is used by the monks when they begin their prayers...<br />
<br />
"O God, come to my assistance! O Lord, make haste to help me"!<br />
<br />
My thoughts and ideas about God are very different now from the simple faith I had as a child. Even the existence of God is a question and mystery for me. In spite of any doubts I have, I still pray. At this point I am not sure it even matters whether anyone is listening or hearing my prayers. If my prayers are just words thrown into the universe, that is enough. It is a comfort for me to voice the concerns and longings of my heart. In the middle of the night, assuming I am awake or awakened by the 3:15 AM vibration, I often pray for my wife and me. We are getting old so I simply ask God to take care of us in our old age.<br />
<br />
Overall this system has been working well for me. Most of the time the scheduled vibrations alert me and get my attention. Depending on the time of day and what activity I may or may not be doing, I will pause and be mindful of the moment. Sometimes in life it is a good thing to just stop what you are doing for a moment and breathe. </div>
Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-12388588871853786442019-06-11T09:35:00.003-07:002019-06-12T15:55:56.571-07:00Running Down The Voodoo With Miles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6I3y3vR8sMFUxV-NL163UwgKwE6PCFksdwku366J9iRPodKkJEpWSEE-lQmpN9JIo4PCdOt2W0UQFwYdon_qzPgflGcRw_TkMo2_TmlL1wgR7-8qkOHXQL_7wS6BJjcAAszI0A/s1600/Miles+Davis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="500" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6I3y3vR8sMFUxV-NL163UwgKwE6PCFksdwku366J9iRPodKkJEpWSEE-lQmpN9JIo4PCdOt2W0UQFwYdon_qzPgflGcRw_TkMo2_TmlL1wgR7-8qkOHXQL_7wS6BJjcAAszI0A/s320/Miles+Davis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
When I was a teenager the Dad of one of my friends had a Ford Galaxie automobile. It was the kind of car that many Dad's drove in those days. The cool thing about this car is that it had a state of the art 8 Track music system. This was before cassette tapes, CD's, downloads, streaming, or Sirius XM.<br />
<br />
My friends and I used to drive around in this car blasting Miles Davis's "Bitches Brew". If you are not familiar with this music, let me tell you that it was very heavy stuff for a bunch of white boys living in middle class suburbia. It is real voodoo music. Admittedly, we were usually high when we did this. I am not advocating drug use but it was the sixties and we were part of the times. Later this same summer Miles Davis played in front of 600,000 people at the Isle of Wight Festival in England. He played one long jam that touched on a number of his compositions. When an album of music from the festival came out, Miles was asked what to call his song. He replied, "Call It Anything". To this day, the music from that day is called by this name.<br />
<br />
I thought about this today as I was driving around in my much nicer car with a much better sound system while blasting this album. Most of the songs are very long and the song titles give you a very good idea of the kind of music this is. It is jazzy voodoo like no one had heard at the time. If I was home alone at 3:00 AM in the morning and this music was playing it would scare me. Check out these song titles and playing times.<br />
<br />
1. Pharaoh's Dance 20:05<br />
2. Bitches Brew 26:58<br />
3. Spanish Key 17:32<br />
4: John McLaughlin 4:22<br />
5. Miles Runs The Voodoo Down 14:01<br />
6. Sanctuary 10:58<br />
<br />
Many of the musicians who played on this album with Miles went on to their own success. Wayne Shorter and Joe Zawinul formed Weather Report. John McLaughlin formed the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Chick Corea formed Return To Forever. All of these bands were major players in the world of jazz fusion throughout the 70's. <br />
<br />
Miles Davis is my all time favorite jazz musician. I just think there is no one quite like him. This album only represents a small part of the music of Miles Davis. Check out "Kind Of Blue", "Sketches Of Spain", "On The Corner", "Live-Evil", and "In A Silent Way". Of course there many more and I have just scratched the surface of Mile's music.<br />
<br />
I wonder what happened to that Ford Galaxie and the copy of "Bitches Brew" on 8 Track?</div>
Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-79343876239451489102019-06-04T09:49:00.000-07:002019-06-04T09:49:01.867-07:00Surprised By Joy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJb3Im3LIOqrudwdwqD2_Tx0u0AfXAZCDBn2N9ifoBKfd2I6MO7bW6Eu9RQ7wFI5BPN0jnGYbD5qzTHCO8JhfSwtQLs1q3EsmMkfJP2uqqyB-PapDRaQT-nhI9a5szVhrAF5dHXg/s1600/Br.+David.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJb3Im3LIOqrudwdwqD2_Tx0u0AfXAZCDBn2N9ifoBKfd2I6MO7bW6Eu9RQ7wFI5BPN0jnGYbD5qzTHCO8JhfSwtQLs1q3EsmMkfJP2uqqyB-PapDRaQT-nhI9a5szVhrAF5dHXg/s320/Br.+David.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjgC7vRpd-HZf_ZDdQpkBcIXSp5DvrRtjfeirUN8rZC-OqAGjsPSz3U86C6RveYB0kB-_ixqSEug3-uwmwBnewMFU4y9ukEBoJRUlSmpTneiSKnop_iCr33afmeUkhUngW3BAmw/s1600/C.+S.+Lewis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjgC7vRpd-HZf_ZDdQpkBcIXSp5DvrRtjfeirUN8rZC-OqAGjsPSz3U86C6RveYB0kB-_ixqSEug3-uwmwBnewMFU4y9ukEBoJRUlSmpTneiSKnop_iCr33afmeUkhUngW3BAmw/s320/C.+S.+Lewis.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
This morning, while walking in the park, I thought of the C.S. Lewis book entitled <u>Surprised By Joy</u> as well as the writings of Brother David Steindl-Rast, OSB on the topic of gratitude. I like the title of the C.S. Lewis book and I love the experience of being surprised by joy. Brother David, who is a Benedictine monk, has spent a lifetime encouraging people to live with grateful hearts. <br />
<br />
Today is not only a good day, it is a beautiful day. It is a warm day but not hot and there is no humidity. After a good nights sleep, followed by some granola and coffee, I drove to the park. The park I normally visit is a jewel. It is only a few miles from my home and a great place for an old man to take his walks. After many spring rains, with more to come this week, the vegetation is in full bloom and the streams are flowing strongly. Ducks and geese are everywhere.<br />
<br />
As I was walking this morning, lost in the moment, I felt profoundly grateful and somewhat surprised by joy. First of all, I am grateful to be alive. I am 68 years old and in relatively good health. Everyone doesn't get to be 68 years old and many have health issues far more serious than mine. In addition to being grateful for life, I am grateful to be retired. I worked many years to get to this point but I realize that many people will never get to retire and they may be forced to work until they die. I am not a wealthy man but I made a concerted effort to save and invest my money so I would be ready when this time of my life rolled around. As of this week my wife now joins me on the retirement journey. As a retired man I can walk in the park on a Tuesday morning when most people are in the office dreaming of having my life.<br />
<br />
On a side note, as a retired man, I can also drive to my son's house in the middle of a day to feed his cats while he is out of town.<br />
<br />
After walking in the park and feeding my son's cats, I came home and had a leisurely lunch. Now, I write these thoughts in my home office as music plays in the background. Of course, now that my wife is also retired, I will not be surprised to have her tell me to turn down the volume level. I love the quietness of the park but I also love rock and roll music.<br />
<br />
Let me end by encouraging you to be on the lookout for unexpected joy. I can assure you that your chances of being surprised by joy will increase exponentially if you live with a grateful heart. None of this has to wait until you are retired. It may be a little easier in the leisurely life but it is not a requirement.</div>
Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-4332841993712650912019-05-30T16:59:00.002-07:002019-05-30T17:16:30.148-07:00Things I Have Noticed In My Retirement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have been retired for almost a year and a half. It was a rough adjustment in the beginning but now I am enjoying it very much. In fact I cannot imagine living any other way. I hope I have a long and healthy life ahead of me.<br />
<br />
There are a few things, however, that I have noticed about myself as my retirement continues. I am not sure if these are just the feelings of an aging man or typical of retired life.<br />
<br />
I love mornings and I hate nights. Morning for me represents new life. It is a new beginning and a new gift. I look forward to every day. There is never anything to dread. The worst thing about any day is that I may have a few chores and errands to complete. These always seem to happen on days when I don't want to do anything. I love my freedom. I can mostly do anything I want whenever I want. Admittedly, I dread the ending of a day and the approaching night. Unlike during my working days I am never exhausted. Therefore I never long for my bed. In retirement I can eat when I am hungry and nap when I am tired. Sometimes I wish I never needed to go to bed at all. The darkness of night seems like death. The worst times of my day are always at night. These are times I can't sleep or I feel restless. Many nights I toss and turn and wake up. Often when I wake up it seems like it takes forever to fall back asleep. When nature calls I feel like the only person in the world who is awake. The bottom line is that night time seems like a battle or an endurance test. In the middle of the night I long for the sunrise. I have also noticed that it is always at night when I worry or fear for the future. At 3:00 AM it is relatively easy to create scenarios in your head about everything that can go wrong in your life. I never worry or feel fearful in the light of day. <br />
<br />
My retirement is very simple and I like it that way. I do not have a bucket list and there aren't thousands of goals that I want to attain now that I have the time. I like my quiet and simple life. I wake up naturally and usually early. It is a rare thing to sleep past 8:00 AM. My breakfast is usually some granola followed by several cups of coffee. While eating and drinking my coffee I watch a little news. The news is generally depressing so I have been making a concerted effort to cut back on time spent watching the news. I also spent a little time each day on checking email and social media. I would like to spend less time on social media but sadly I am as addicted as most other people. I thought I would read a lot more than I am doing. There are stacks of unread books in my room waiting to be read. It may never happen. I do, however, still listen to a lot of music because it gives me a great deal of joy. Most days I walk in the park. I need the exercise and I love being in nature.<br />
<br />
So, for the most part, life is good and I am a happy and content man. No one needs to worry about me. I am doing great. </div>
Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-83849901131971146202019-03-26T09:33:00.001-07:002019-03-26T13:20:07.406-07:00Just Another Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today is just another day but it also happens to be my birthday. At my age birthdays can be viewed two ways. One can bemoan the fact that they are older or one can celebrate that they are still alive. I choose the latter. I am happy to be alive and in many ways this is one of the best times of my life. As a retired person I have the freedom to finally live the way I want to live. My life is more simple than exciting but I am content, relaxed, and stress free. My mother and father lived well into their 80's. A few years ago my granddaughter asked me how old my mother was. When I told her she replied, "Boy, she sure is good at living"! I hope I am also good at living.<br />
<br />
Although I am now 68 years old and I do have a few aches and pains, I do not feel old. In my mind I am much younger. Just this past week my friend and I attended a concert honoring the memory of Jimi Hendrix. We are still young enough to leave our homes at night and attend a concert but old enough to have seen the real Jimi Hendrix in our youth. <br />
<br />
Today I slept in as I now can do whenever I want or need. When I got up I made some coffee and reflected on my life as I listened to some Jethro Tull and Bach. Later in the morning I went to Starbucks and enjoyed a free birthday breakfast. Since it is a sunny and beautiful spring day I will soon go to the park for a nice walk among the trees. The weather lately has been overcast and gloomy. I am suffering from a lack of sunshine. Gloomy weather is tough for me. When the weather is dreary I lack the motivation to leave the house. That's not all bad since I am a classic introvert who can be quite content with my music and books.<br />
<br />
I know I don't write as much as I did in the past. Those who care should not worry about me. I am fine. My introverted and solitary nature is doing very well now with the expansive amount of free and unscheduled time that retirement has given me.<br />
<br />
Am I really 68? My inner child is not convinced! </div>
Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-82348828229128714312019-03-04T07:46:00.002-08:002019-03-04T07:46:36.282-08:00Getting Back On The Horse<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have been retired now for over a year. During much of that time I have not been writing. During the early days of my retirement I struggled with my new freedom. That struggle is well documented on this blog. These days I am happy and content with my life. I have settled into some new routines and in many ways I am living the way I have always wanted to live. It is a simple Zen like existence. I eat when I am hungry and I sleep when I tired. I read books, listen to music, and walk in the park or around my neighborhood. Nothing is forced and I strive to not feel guilty if some days I do very little.<br />
<br />
Yesterday I came across an old blog from ten years ago and it still seemed relevant. I posted it on Facebook and Twitter and it elicited a few responses. This has encouraged me to take up writing once again. Part of the reason I took a break from writing is that I felt I had nothing left to say. After all I have written over 1,500 blogs since 2006. Perhaps I do have a few things left to say. Like the rest of my life I will not force anything. I will listen and be open to the voices in the wind. If there is something to say, I will say it. If there is nothing to say, I will be silent. Too often in the past I felt as though I was on production and every day was a deadline. I often felt pressure because many people expected their daily thoughts from me. I hope to have some new thoughts for you but they will not be on a daily basis.<br />
<br />
Here's to new beginnings...…<br />
<br />
Today is a frigid day in my part of the world. It snowed a little yesterday and temperatures are currently in the teens. I was hoping to not leave my house but my granddaughter left her book bag here and I had to drive it to her school this morning. Now I am home with hot coffee and good music.<br />
<br />
Did I mention that some days I just sit in my chair with a book in my lap while I stare out the window? Rocking in my chair and staring out my window are traits I seemed to have inherited from my mother. Do you ever wonder what parts of your parents are now part of you?<br />
<br />
This is enough for today. There are dirty dishes in the kitchen and books that need to be read.<br />
<br />
If you are reading this I hope you are well. </div>
Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-84327668563181120822018-07-18T08:09:00.000-07:002018-07-18T08:39:39.754-07:00An Afternoon At Thomas Merton's Hermitage<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFe8Hq9eakyOTnILAdMWqT_OsN1AsvuAQGPNhHaP3iME4EqzfkF7y3MJjxI9Pi0mSigQIO7tK-bhK6DyiC8FN7iQFb86uwVqCx-CoY2glH_wEnqq-hbrkyAvSGyIRZMt8E0hACUQ/s1600/Merton+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFe8Hq9eakyOTnILAdMWqT_OsN1AsvuAQGPNhHaP3iME4EqzfkF7y3MJjxI9Pi0mSigQIO7tK-bhK6DyiC8FN7iQFb86uwVqCx-CoY2glH_wEnqq-hbrkyAvSGyIRZMt8E0hACUQ/s320/Merton+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipakV5qz6Nzha14NerhZhPcDqcHsSRtto_JDfXTJUb4Bgr9pWJkB6YRlx0BEqOu4uRYAdp79SBeRsQrwFkspKe-GDXLTkKpgyFEHx3xZ6DcM39r0iHSsa35ycR_admfpeYZ8vOhg/s1600/Merton+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipakV5qz6Nzha14NerhZhPcDqcHsSRtto_JDfXTJUb4Bgr9pWJkB6YRlx0BEqOu4uRYAdp79SBeRsQrwFkspKe-GDXLTkKpgyFEHx3xZ6DcM39r0iHSsa35ycR_admfpeYZ8vOhg/s320/Merton+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMRazvoDRlImgezm9hAjfezvQBIHtMC8pgEarQykVvhetebdpPKp5Yi3z-T0x8xGoQvwdTOu2LeleVOapzA1LBsTq2oqHbfFfDmG-r9d08ORQt8FqXTpjJzCn6HWGSu-rR9wotw/s1600/Merton+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMRazvoDRlImgezm9hAjfezvQBIHtMC8pgEarQykVvhetebdpPKp5Yi3z-T0x8xGoQvwdTOu2LeleVOapzA1LBsTq2oqHbfFfDmG-r9d08ORQt8FqXTpjJzCn6HWGSu-rR9wotw/s320/Merton+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiUU6wvP1ID8vn-mRriX_OubfZC98FgnumqRUHfKkXAdwMSkhPbNcFdE-KApxNI-rxzj9T58DPSuwLCGJ3RxZpe9zzo6MfrfBxfx4t9fgMSTccbc0sYdy5vAnqVLrHXAfIvcELw/s1600/Merton+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiUU6wvP1ID8vn-mRriX_OubfZC98FgnumqRUHfKkXAdwMSkhPbNcFdE-KApxNI-rxzj9T58DPSuwLCGJ3RxZpe9zzo6MfrfBxfx4t9fgMSTccbc0sYdy5vAnqVLrHXAfIvcELw/s320/Merton+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLxG4eNdMpBkAUU1kT3pkD3PJw_TkLKKTUuB5znlJPhxiO9xfMNCMtf4EWh0kHdWMgiaU0qBxwf2B4fza-tq7KMPEW75mgce9RBRq5Sd_FEqVkL-iEnOOSShUqf0JULZBCQy9Bw/s1600/Merton+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1440" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLxG4eNdMpBkAUU1kT3pkD3PJw_TkLKKTUuB5znlJPhxiO9xfMNCMtf4EWh0kHdWMgiaU0qBxwf2B4fza-tq7KMPEW75mgce9RBRq5Sd_FEqVkL-iEnOOSShUqf0JULZBCQy9Bw/s320/Merton+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibh5D1naxEr1cdoP1KcacdokxGmY_BeYw_CBNA0kUKI_ZoMti9kfs2uy0gZKNB4sNq9nO1-zVS3V4zzJt9V9Flv0BUJvjY36Muk1AGVzf0cdMhMEH6ZPOmcrqA90330IuOA2nazA/s1600/Merton+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibh5D1naxEr1cdoP1KcacdokxGmY_BeYw_CBNA0kUKI_ZoMti9kfs2uy0gZKNB4sNq9nO1-zVS3V4zzJt9V9Flv0BUJvjY36Muk1AGVzf0cdMhMEH6ZPOmcrqA90330IuOA2nazA/s320/Merton+6.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
This past Sunday I got up early and drove to the Abbey Of Gethsemani. If you are familiar with this monastery you know it was also the monastic home of Thomas Merton, a well known spiritual master and writer. It is also the monastery where I spent some time as a young man. I have been visiting the monastery for nearly 50 years.<br />
<br />
The purpose of my visit was to attend a gathering with friends and some of the monks. We gathered a short distance from the monastery, up in the woods, where the hermitage of Thomas Merton is located. Merton lived there for the last three years he was in the monastery. He died in Bangkok, Thailand from an electrical shock just days after meeting with the Dalai Lama in India. His body was returned to the monastery and he is now buried with his brother monks in the monastic cemetery.<br />
<br />
While at the hermitage on Sunday we shared a nice pot luck lunch and had a group discussion on the topic of contemplative awareness. The topic was inspired by a recently published book by Brother Paul Quenon called <u>In Praise Of The Useless Life</u>. Brother Paul is a long time friend of mine and a monk at Gethsemani. During the meal and group discussion I was able to sit next to 95 year old Brother Frederic. Don't let his age fool you. He is sharp as a tack. Approximately 48 years ago, when I wanted to be a monk, Brother Frederic was one of the monks who interviewed me. The other monk pictured above is Brother Paul.<br />
<br />
I shared with the group that my personal awareness of life in general has improved since I retired from full time working. Most people are so busy and moving so fast that they fail to notice many things. Life is a blur. Now that I am retired my life has slowed down significantly. I have the time and the awareness to notice the small things and to stop and smell the roses. In other words my slower pace allows me to notice more. My renewed meditation practice has also contributed to my heightened awareness of the life around me.<br />
<br />
After the group gathering everyone left to go home and I had some alone time at the hermitage. Earlier in the morning I briefly met with Brother Paul and arranged to meet him at the hermitage after the mid-afternoon prayer called None. I sat on the porch at the hermitage and took in the view. In the past I was fortunate to have been given permission to spend some weekends alone in the hermitage. On one such occasion I had the wonderful experience of sitting in front of a roaring fire, in Thomas Merton's rocking chair, while it poured down rain outside. What made this moment even more special was that I was reading a Merton piece called <u>Rain And The Rhinoceros</u>. This bit of writing was Thomas Merton capturing a moment when he was having the very same experience that I was having as I read it. I highly recommend reading it for yourself.<br />
<br />
Soon enough I heard Brother Paul coming up the road. For the next hour we just sat on the porch and talked about life and anything else that came into the conversation. I also highly recommend his memoir <u>In Praise Of The Useless Life</u>. Paul is a poet and has a poet's eye for life.<br />
<br />
My visit to the monastery and the hermitage made me realize how much I have missed Gethsemani. I really need to start going there more often. It is good for my soul.</div>
Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-35493343369439015012018-07-10T09:19:00.001-07:002018-07-10T09:19:53.201-07:00Empty Mall's And Contentment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqv-jXa-MtQe_m20aTB39JmPpRFnT1kbq7bzkWHupcNKx_La30-EKd_zQPmc5yl-ARQEeWhewaczdZxTH9apUTlKep9ZhKA_IVVj4YRRe-6dbIbZ2jqRnJ5vcJsDQSwWqKWiJ1UA/s1600/Empty+Mall+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqv-jXa-MtQe_m20aTB39JmPpRFnT1kbq7bzkWHupcNKx_La30-EKd_zQPmc5yl-ARQEeWhewaczdZxTH9apUTlKep9ZhKA_IVVj4YRRe-6dbIbZ2jqRnJ5vcJsDQSwWqKWiJ1UA/s320/Empty+Mall+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I returned home a little while ago from a walk in the Mall. Unless I have a conflict I try to go there every weekday morning. In these dog days of summer the heat and humidity keep me away from the park. If you walk the perimeter of the Mall, including all the nooks and crannies, it adds up to approximately 10,000 steps which is the daily recommended goal for non Olympic walkers like me. I must confess I usually don't hit this goal. I start running out of gas after the third lap so most days I walk about 8,000 steps. <br />
<br />
After a couple of laps around the Mall, I usually take a five minute break in the food court. The picture above is how the food court looks early in the morning. Most of the stores and restaurants are not open yet. I have been getting there early enough that the Cinnabon folks are still preparing the day's cinnamon rolls. No, I have not yet succumbed to actually eating any of them. However, by the time I finish my walk Starbucks is open so I usually have an iced coffee before I leave the Mall.<br />
<br />
I haven't written much lately because I am currently living a very quiet and uncomplicated life. It is now possible to say I am happy being a retired person. This does not mean I am always happy and everything is now perfect in my life. I still have my moments of existential angst but they are fewer and further apart and there are longer periods of time when I am simply content. My early struggles with retirement taught me a lot. In the beginning I had a lot of separation anxiety over people and things. Now I am happy to simply spend most of my days alone. I don't dislike people but I no longer feel the need for others to make me happy. Each day I make myself happy or I don't. The day is what it is.<br />
<br />
This coming weekend I plan a trip to the monastery for a gathering of friends and monks. It will include a meal and much conversation and will most likely be held at Thomas Merton's hermitage. This is a special place for me and many others. I have not been there for quite a while. Even now while I think about it I am reminded of two personal, solitary retreats I made there. I was quite fortunate to be allowed such opportunities. <br />
<br />
I will try to write more for those who care about me as a person or who simply enjoy what I write. Either way, be assured that I am fine. Now that I have settled into my retirement I cannot imagine living any other way.</div>
Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-76343610632083341392018-06-13T10:20:00.000-07:002018-06-13T10:20:46.979-07:00Catching Up With My Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfb4E_qgPGosr-DUmyPs0VQbYWpqUXy8uN-QYtQSbSTQJZsalLM03zpht0UEL2rpIGKvysVmxQCNXy7jt6T2IAjZiU9EgOFjYfV6JKhpN3sSb81W4Q1hITGpEi6gxMyJ6uQzmHgQ/s1600/Carnival+Paradise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfb4E_qgPGosr-DUmyPs0VQbYWpqUXy8uN-QYtQSbSTQJZsalLM03zpht0UEL2rpIGKvysVmxQCNXy7jt6T2IAjZiU9EgOFjYfV6JKhpN3sSb81W4Q1hITGpEi6gxMyJ6uQzmHgQ/s320/Carnival+Paradise.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It's been a few weeks since I have posted anything. The last few weeks have been exciting. One week ago today I was walking around in the Grand Cayman Islands. However, let's start at the beginning....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRNLhBEd-IQCF-lBggHohTCMgNxjVK6yIir0AcBRYqhPWiql-fM64NFf1lWUqiKusb98XLAAsQDNe_uv-GkM56glc4vYx6PzgEmyhao7z1OWSpPszH5869f2kbxrslhT5u8BthQ/s1600/Whiskey+Joe%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1440" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRNLhBEd-IQCF-lBggHohTCMgNxjVK6yIir0AcBRYqhPWiql-fM64NFf1lWUqiKusb98XLAAsQDNe_uv-GkM56glc4vYx6PzgEmyhao7z1OWSpPszH5869f2kbxrslhT5u8BthQ/s320/Whiskey+Joe%2527s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A week ago this past Sunday I flew to Tampa, Florida to board the Carnival Paradise for a five day cruise. I went to Tampa a day early so that my family and I had plenty of time before the ship left the Port of Tampa. A highlight of my short stay in Tampa was lunch at a place called Whiskey Joe's. I had a few beers which inspired my son to say, "Dad is a lot more fun when he's been drinking". Normally I am quiet and withdrawn. However, a few drinks removes all my inhibitions and I become much more extroverted and chatty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicS1JQILC817p0R5k_ymP5T6nlM_KZDAc3AhX4DyYAD0ewu7qTzcCIF8oR4xwhbzAKHn_5DxJklVYq58ul6Em3i75GFeMy6LCBAp87It1iO6woZbNkmdPFO8QEQnreu6RxL_Sv_w/s1600/Grand+Cayman+Islands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="640" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicS1JQILC817p0R5k_ymP5T6nlM_KZDAc3AhX4DyYAD0ewu7qTzcCIF8oR4xwhbzAKHn_5DxJklVYq58ul6Em3i75GFeMy6LCBAp87It1iO6woZbNkmdPFO8QEQnreu6RxL_Sv_w/s320/Grand+Cayman+Islands.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The ship left Tampa at about 5:00 PM. It would take about a day and a half to get to the Grand Caymans.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwnQGq6nTm0DaTLhBbH4K5uveqvICQpDAUvn3HC0XpVM_A7f395FHh_Xi-nWxMmFf3GjzOBO4AnyZl1XY-H-GckgiCbCjmxCBUMtnitJ86goR4htjw4fdWz3ZzNZboS4iPRVoqg/s1600/Paw+Paw+%2526+Chloe+On+Boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwnQGq6nTm0DaTLhBbH4K5uveqvICQpDAUvn3HC0XpVM_A7f395FHh_Xi-nWxMmFf3GjzOBO4AnyZl1XY-H-GckgiCbCjmxCBUMtnitJ86goR4htjw4fdWz3ZzNZboS4iPRVoqg/s320/Paw+Paw+%2526+Chloe+On+Boat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
There was a real party atmosphere on the ship around the pool.<br />
<br />
After leaving the Grand Cayman Islands we had another day at sea. I loved the days at sea. The Gulf Of Mexico was very calm and I did not experience any motion sickness. I also slept like a baby at nights which is something I rarely do at home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-In7KM-OQFX3VvpjoUWkpJMEaIcdQyk67MjZG9tv1YgImWI05L-khCvfmRtoOLrdZ6Th-t5pb-KI7dSYdh7J2K09oxa_QcNr7-gesr8vrF6_8E_9j9-RccDK62edDk35EhXVb6w/s1600/Cozumel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="1224" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-In7KM-OQFX3VvpjoUWkpJMEaIcdQyk67MjZG9tv1YgImWI05L-khCvfmRtoOLrdZ6Th-t5pb-KI7dSYdh7J2K09oxa_QcNr7-gesr8vrF6_8E_9j9-RccDK62edDk35EhXVb6w/s320/Cozumel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This past Thursday I woke up in the Port of Cozumel, Mexico. I liked it much better than the Grand Cayman's. As soon as I was off the ship I was overwhelmed with the beauty and the colors of this part of Mexico. The people were very nice if not a bit aggressive in their salesmanship. The best line I heard from a shopkeeper was, "Amigo, we are not like Donald Trump tells you we are. We are nice people". This was certainly my experience. Some shopkeepers offered me shots of tequila or bottles of beer while I shopped!<br />
<br />
All good things come to an end so Saturday morning I found myself back in the Port of Tampa. Getting off the ship and through customs went smoothly. Sone enough we were at the airport for a long wait before our flight home. All in all it was a great vacation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5g_9BJtR3I-xO0qgy4yrS3ebtyL9E55GSfmUKrWgCmX_yPNuRCJRBYvbiFQAp6D4Vux2APAilPkrkWRdfPuBB-K85d9gZNw3d0fS_LUB9jqQExnC0xHVKx6DrphkivFJRwpHCyw/s1600/Jackson+Browne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5g_9BJtR3I-xO0qgy4yrS3ebtyL9E55GSfmUKrWgCmX_yPNuRCJRBYvbiFQAp6D4Vux2APAilPkrkWRdfPuBB-K85d9gZNw3d0fS_LUB9jqQExnC0xHVKx6DrphkivFJRwpHCyw/s320/Jackson+Browne.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Last night I spend a pleasant evening with a dear friend that I have known for many years. We attended a Jackson Browne concert. It was my first Jackson Browne concert and her 47th! <br />
<br />
Now life is back to my new normal of daily retirement living. With all the food and drink I consumed on my cruise I have surely gained some weight so tomorrow it is back to the park to resume my walking and exercise. </div>
Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-15139479203406693532018-05-25T06:50:00.001-07:002018-05-28T08:32:35.077-07:00Calm Waters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeX4dinTRgw7XjBDUOL_0rpFO9INF30-j7CS3-jZgk8BtfKc4kNt_UzzaOgCWw0MZwnr5g96RkhBfaVKyLGG1iJkkQxTkLrMNLyq8yDKP0qk_ach4Jj9B_oWqFAehchWR1yIc8fw/s1600/Calm+Water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1000" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeX4dinTRgw7XjBDUOL_0rpFO9INF30-j7CS3-jZgk8BtfKc4kNt_UzzaOgCWw0MZwnr5g96RkhBfaVKyLGG1iJkkQxTkLrMNLyq8yDKP0qk_ach4Jj9B_oWqFAehchWR1yIc8fw/s320/Calm+Water.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In recent days two of my friends have checked up on me because they have not heard from me and I have not published any new blogs. They were concerned about my well being. I now realize that it has been almost three weeks since I have written on this blog.<br />
<br />
Let me assure everyone who cares about me that I am alive and well. My lack of writing is actually an indication of calmness in my life. Looking back over the last few months most of my blogs were me venting over my daily existential angst as I transitioned from a busy working life to a life of relative leisure in retirement.<br />
<br />
What have I been doing?<br />
<br />
One or two days a week I have breakfast or lunch with friends. A couple of weeks ago I had a particularly enjoyable lunch with two monks from the Abbey of Gethsemani. I have known these brothers for many years. When I was a very young novice in the monastery they were also part of the community. One of them actually interviewed me when I first applied to be accepted into the monastery. Earlier this week I had coffee with another friend I have not seen in quite a while. We first met in the early 80's when we worked together in ministry at a local parish. <br />
<br />
When needed I take care of household chores like grocery shopping, laundry, and cooking.<br />
<br />
I am also taking what I call Zen walks in the park three or four days a week. These walks are enjoyable for me and I believe I have even lost a few pounds.<br />
<br />
This week I attended the third class of a philosophy class entitled "Integral Spirituality". It is basically an overview of the thinking of Ken Wilber and his book <u>A Brief History Of Everything</u>. I find the reading assignments challenging due to the density and style of the writing but the lectures from the Passionist priest teaching the class are very enjoyable and easily understood. <br />
<br />
When I am not sharing a meal with friends, going to class, or walking in the park, I practice mindfulness meditation twice a day, I read from the pile of books on my table, and I occasionally take a nap. After a few months of struggle adjusting to retirement I now have a comfortable routine and sometimes I even feel a little busy.<br />
<br />
This week, sadly, has been a little tough. My wife's best friend and workday "lunch buddy" died only six weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. He was 51 years old and leaves behind a wife and two college age sons. His funeral is in the morning.<br />
<br />
I knew if I kept trying my retirement would work out and everything would be fine. </div>
Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34306127.post-41353723228430357232018-05-05T10:26:00.001-07:002018-05-22T06:24:35.807-07:00Integral Spirituality/A Brief History Of Everything<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30O6mbjySx9oyFKSoYIFhnTe5CRi4Tz2VaYQexqr4htdetGmSHYz9E0VTEM-qIHnGKHcI_W3MH0Vc653W5u8CNtjqAyARG_WPzRb-rSCT2tqqY8x5NH8QmI2HiEusTJIQTAaFlg/s1600/Ken+Wilber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30O6mbjySx9oyFKSoYIFhnTe5CRi4Tz2VaYQexqr4htdetGmSHYz9E0VTEM-qIHnGKHcI_W3MH0Vc653W5u8CNtjqAyARG_WPzRb-rSCT2tqqY8x5NH8QmI2HiEusTJIQTAaFlg/s320/Ken+Wilber.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next week I am beginning a five week course called "Integral Spirituality". I am been trying to get in better physical shape by being more active. Now it is time to stretch my brain and challenge my intellect a little more. This looks very interesting and I expect to also meet some very interesting people in the class. Only people like me would sign up for such a class! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>This course employs the work of Ken Wilber to offer a multidimensional perspective on how meditation enhances the evolution of consciousness and personal transformation. It presents an easy-to-grasp map of human consciousness. Content includes: the integral vision, spiral dynamics, four corners of reality, stages of human development, the formation of the self, and integral life practices.</i> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #004000; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some comments I pulled from Amazon....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">"In this 20th-anniversary edition of the bestselling work, Wilber takes readers on a journey from the Big Bang to the future, impressively synthesizing multiple fields of study. He organizes his material to fit its evolutionary nature, feeding off of what came before in order to provide a transformational ‘unified theory’ of history. Readers will gain new perspective on what they know, or think they know, about every possible discipline.”—</span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Publishers Weekly</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">"Ken Wilber is a national treasure. No one is working at the integration of Eastern and Western wisdom literature with such depth or breadth of mind and heart as he." —Robert Kegan, Professor of Education, Harvard University Graduate School of Education, and author of </span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">In Over Our Heads<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> </i><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> "When Ken Wilber’s thought walks through your mind, the door to the next higher level becomes visible. Anyone seeking to update the wisdom traditions of their lineage needs his reality and consciousness maps. The kabbalah of the future will lean on Ken’s work." —Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> "Ken Wilber is today’s greatest philosopher and both critic and friend to authentic religion, a true postmodern Thomas Aquinas." —Father Richard Rohr, Center for Action and Contemplation</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">"In the ambitiously titled </span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">A Brief History of Everything, </i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Wilber continues his search for the primary patterns that manifest in all realms of existence. Like Hegel in the West and Aurobindo in the East, Wilber is a thinker in the grand systematic tradition, an intellectual adventurer concerned with nothing less than the whole course of evolution, life's ultimate trajectory—in a word, everything. . . . Combining spiritual sensitivity with enormous intellectual understanding and a style of elegance and clarity, </span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">A Brief History of Everything </i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">is a clarion call for seeing the world as a whole, much at odds with the depressing reductionism of trendy Foucault-derivative academic philosophy. "—</span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">San Francisco Chronicle</i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></span></div>
</div>
Michael Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366300580875159498noreply@blogger.com1