Towards the end of last year I started reading fiction for pleasure again. It's been quite sometime since I've done that -- probably since before I retired five years ago. I read a couple of free selections from my Kindle app and then finished the Nameless series by Dean Kootz in December, before starting on In the Dark by Loreth Anne White.
I'm counting that as my first finished read of 2020.
Since then I've read the first two books of Clayton Lindemuth's Baer Creighton series and Kevin Wignall's The Names of the Dead.
There is a bit of darkness to all of these books and I think I'm ready for something a little lighter. I have a number of books to choose from in my current Kindle queue. I'll probably go with one of C N Crawford's fantasy books before continuing in the Creighton series.
Chris and I have taken advantage of our temporary Greene County residence and have obtained our Greene County Library cards. Although I really enjoy the convenience of my phone's Kindle app (being able to read wherever and whenever), there is still something about holding a book and turning pages. It's more of a nostalgic thing and not something I feel tied to. I'm just as comfortable reading on my tablet or phone.
Now I am in search of a book.
What are you reading?
John
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Decisions, decisions!
It's getting late in the day but I thought I'd offer this choice.
If you could ... which would you choose?
I think I'd pick 3 and 7.
How about you?
John
If you could ... which would you choose?
I think I'd pick 3 and 7.
How about you?
John
Monday, January 27, 2020
Monday Motivation
I hope that there have been such moments in my past.
I am certain that there have been far too few.
Maybe today.
Perhaps you'd care to join me.
Perhaps you'll share this and some of your friends will join you.
Perhaps together we can create a world where we can believe in good people...
...at least for today.
John
I am certain that there have been far too few.
Maybe today.
Perhaps you'd care to join me.
Perhaps you'll share this and some of your friends will join you.
Perhaps together we can create a world where we can believe in good people...
...at least for today.
John
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Wednesday Wisdom
Last Thursday night's barchurch was closed with the reading of a well known prayer. Something that I didn't know is that its author was a Missourian.
I'm pretty sure I've posted this pic before, but I like the little spin on The Serenity Prayer so I'm posting it again.
John
I'm pretty sure I've posted this pic before, but I like the little spin on The Serenity Prayer so I'm posting it again.
John
Monday, January 20, 2020
Thursday, January 16, 2020
The Value of Entertainment
What's it worth?
We've all seen or experienced a toddler that gets more joy from playing with a big box than from the gift that it contained. Some entertainment can be very inexpensive and some can be quite an investment. Some is a large upfront expense; others are pay as you go.
The competitive entertainment market is huge!
Athletes make millions of dollars per season and competition for advertising contracts and endorsements adds more to the industry. Now you even have to pay to stay at home and watch your favorite team or individual compete. Many professional teams are trying to make going to the games more affordable by having special packages with lower priced seating. For less than a C-note, I could go to every one of the Springfield Cardinals home games this season -- that's general admission for every game (seating in the grassy areas, SRO, or general seating benches) and two ticketed seats per month. It's a good deal.
As with any type of entertainment, what is the cost vs. the value?
An additional cost of going to the game is the 3-4 hours of the day. Yeah, I can have a beer or two and a ballpark dog (they're counting on that $), but I won't be able to enjoy a cigar.
Going to the fights or paying to watch them at home is even more expensive and the competitors generally make less.
Some people get their entertainment from movies; some from live entertainment like music or plays. I do enjoy going out to listen to live music when some of our friends are playing.
I think there is a real movement toward a more natural entertainment -- Mother Nature, herself.
Hiking, kayaking, hunting, fishing, gardening, etc., can be more than just hobbies or exercise. Some of the equipment needed for some activities can be expensive (even a good pair of shoes will cost you plenty) but the day-to-day cost can be almost non-existent.
Lately, I've been enjoying the quiet entertainment found in reading a good book.
What's your favorite form of entertainment and what does it cost you?
What entertainment are you willing to splurge on? A concert? A sporting event? A show?
John
We've all seen or experienced a toddler that gets more joy from playing with a big box than from the gift that it contained. Some entertainment can be very inexpensive and some can be quite an investment. Some is a large upfront expense; others are pay as you go.
The competitive entertainment market is huge!
Athletes make millions of dollars per season and competition for advertising contracts and endorsements adds more to the industry. Now you even have to pay to stay at home and watch your favorite team or individual compete. Many professional teams are trying to make going to the games more affordable by having special packages with lower priced seating. For less than a C-note, I could go to every one of the Springfield Cardinals home games this season -- that's general admission for every game (seating in the grassy areas, SRO, or general seating benches) and two ticketed seats per month. It's a good deal.
As with any type of entertainment, what is the cost vs. the value?
An additional cost of going to the game is the 3-4 hours of the day. Yeah, I can have a beer or two and a ballpark dog (they're counting on that $), but I won't be able to enjoy a cigar.
Going to the fights or paying to watch them at home is even more expensive and the competitors generally make less.
Some people get their entertainment from movies; some from live entertainment like music or plays. I do enjoy going out to listen to live music when some of our friends are playing.
I think there is a real movement toward a more natural entertainment -- Mother Nature, herself.
Hiking, kayaking, hunting, fishing, gardening, etc., can be more than just hobbies or exercise. Some of the equipment needed for some activities can be expensive (even a good pair of shoes will cost you plenty) but the day-to-day cost can be almost non-existent.
Lately, I've been enjoying the quiet entertainment found in reading a good book.
What's your favorite form of entertainment and what does it cost you?
What entertainment are you willing to splurge on? A concert? A sporting event? A show?
John
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Wednesday Wisdom
I am not sure about the theology of M*A*S*H, but I think Hawkeye gets it right when it comes to war.
John
John
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
TEDtalks: What if ...?
Yesterday on my Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts I posted this question:
I have to admit that the small OCD part in me is bothered by the fact that the meme ends the question with a period and not a question mark, but ...
The few responses were interesting. Some were a little tongue-in-cheek. Some were well thought out. Some I will consider as future blog topics or labels for future posts. Since not all readers of Out of My Hat follow me on social media, feel free to weigh in here with your thoughts.
I was also reminded of how our social media accounts can paint a pretty narrow view of who we are. Yes, we all have those "friends" that air all of their complaints and negative crap, but for the most part, people are only sharing the best of themselves on their pages. I'm glad that you all believe me to be kinder, smarter, and better looking than I actually am. (Well, maybe not the last one since I'm not actually smart enough to know how to Photoshop anything!)
Personally, I'd like to do something on rest -- rest when you are awake and aware (like meditation), and rest while sleeping. I think our physical ability to recharge is amazing! And our mental ability to function while we rest and/or sleep boggles the mind. I really believe that the area we most often ignore is our emotional need to recharge.
But more on that at another time!
Enough about me!
What topic would you choose if you were giving a TEDtalk?
John
I have to admit that the small OCD part in me is bothered by the fact that the meme ends the question with a period and not a question mark, but ...
The few responses were interesting. Some were a little tongue-in-cheek. Some were well thought out. Some I will consider as future blog topics or labels for future posts. Since not all readers of Out of My Hat follow me on social media, feel free to weigh in here with your thoughts.
I was also reminded of how our social media accounts can paint a pretty narrow view of who we are. Yes, we all have those "friends" that air all of their complaints and negative crap, but for the most part, people are only sharing the best of themselves on their pages. I'm glad that you all believe me to be kinder, smarter, and better looking than I actually am. (Well, maybe not the last one since I'm not actually smart enough to know how to Photoshop anything!)
Personally, I'd like to do something on rest -- rest when you are awake and aware (like meditation), and rest while sleeping. I think our physical ability to recharge is amazing! And our mental ability to function while we rest and/or sleep boggles the mind. I really believe that the area we most often ignore is our emotional need to recharge.
But more on that at another time!
Enough about me!
What topic would you choose if you were giving a TEDtalk?
John
Monday, January 13, 2020
Wednesday, January 08, 2020
Monday, January 06, 2020
Friday, January 03, 2020
Good Friday!
It's Friday!
Tell me something good that's happening in your life.
For me -- I just got assigned my first scheduled rotation as a volunteer chaplain at Mercy Hospital in Aurora MO.
Now it's your turn...
John
Tell me something good that's happening in your life.
For me -- I just got assigned my first scheduled rotation as a volunteer chaplain at Mercy Hospital in Aurora MO.
Now it's your turn...
John
Thursday, January 02, 2020
Regularly Featured Posts
I've been thinking about using regularly featured posts in 2020. I already have post labels for Monday Motivation, Wednesday Wisdom, Thursdays are for Thanksgiving, and Good Friday. I just don't use them regularly.
I was thinking about adding a Throttle Thursday and combining it with the existing (but seldom used) Coffee conversations label and making a regular ride to a local coffee shop (within 100 miles) and posting about the shop, the owners, or the people I might meet. It wouldn't have to be every week; maybe just once or twice per month.
Another thought is a Friday Food Feature which might include a recent recipe or dinner experiment, or maybe something about a recent restaurant visit.
Just thinking.
Any ideas?
John
I was thinking about adding a Throttle Thursday and combining it with the existing (but seldom used) Coffee conversations label and making a regular ride to a local coffee shop (within 100 miles) and posting about the shop, the owners, or the people I might meet. It wouldn't have to be every week; maybe just once or twice per month.
Another thought is a Friday Food Feature which might include a recent recipe or dinner experiment, or maybe something about a recent restaurant visit.
Just thinking.
Any ideas?
John
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
It's 2020
Other than turning the page of the calendar, I'm not really sure what that means. Oh sure, then new year gives us the opportunity for reflection and for goal setting, but let's face it -- it's really just another day and nothing really changes with the rising of the sun on Jan 1, 2020.
Just as the changes and growth of 2019 were gradual and barely discernible on a daily basis, I expect the same will hold true for 2020. Chris and I are still adjusting to her retirement. I don't expect to really settle into a routine until our house is finished and we get moved into it in early March.
I've been thinking about friendships and relationships lately. I have few close friends. I don't really consider that to be a problem. Maybe I should. I wrote about friends several years ago. If you're new to Out of My Hat or just want a refresher, you can read that post here.
Friendships can be strange.
Recently, I reconnected with an old friend. We are very different people. Our political views are different. Our lifestyles are very different. Our friends and acquaintances are very different. In fact, we have very little in common with one another. A person that knows each of us well would probably never guess that we are friends.
So what is it?
What makes two such different guys connect in a weird bond of mutual respect and brotherly love?
The truth is -- I don't know.
But I've been thinking that I need to keep my eyes open. I know there are others like me -- people with few close friends, or maybe people in need of a friend. In retirement, I've managed to keep my world pretty small. I like it like that. Maybe it's time for a change -- a very gradual change.
Check back with me in a few months.
A seed has been planted, but other than that I expect today to be just another day in the life of John.
John
Side note: This post has brought several friends to mind. I may write some future posts about the people I call my friends.
Just as the changes and growth of 2019 were gradual and barely discernible on a daily basis, I expect the same will hold true for 2020. Chris and I are still adjusting to her retirement. I don't expect to really settle into a routine until our house is finished and we get moved into it in early March.
I've been thinking about friendships and relationships lately. I have few close friends. I don't really consider that to be a problem. Maybe I should. I wrote about friends several years ago. If you're new to Out of My Hat or just want a refresher, you can read that post here.
Friendships can be strange.
Recently, I reconnected with an old friend. We are very different people. Our political views are different. Our lifestyles are very different. Our friends and acquaintances are very different. In fact, we have very little in common with one another. A person that knows each of us well would probably never guess that we are friends.
So what is it?
What makes two such different guys connect in a weird bond of mutual respect and brotherly love?
The truth is -- I don't know.
But I've been thinking that I need to keep my eyes open. I know there are others like me -- people with few close friends, or maybe people in need of a friend. In retirement, I've managed to keep my world pretty small. I like it like that. Maybe it's time for a change -- a very gradual change.
Check back with me in a few months.
A seed has been planted, but other than that I expect today to be just another day in the life of John.
John
Side note: This post has brought several friends to mind. I may write some future posts about the people I call my friends.
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