It's finally the last day of November and another successfully completed National Blog Posting Month challenge. Posting everyday is a bit of a challenge for me. Although I have opinions on most things, I also realize than most people are fine without hearing them. That's okay. People are free to read or ignore. I mostly write as a way to organize my thoughts so that I know what I think ... and why.
I think the "and why" part is an often overlooked part of the current opinion forming process. We have become used to others telling us what to think. Elected officials tell us what to think about their opponents. Religious leaders tell us what to think about the non-religious or other religious people. Rich people tell poor people how they should think and we have become a society that no longer analyzes information to form an opinion but one that analyzes opinions to determine how we will think.
But then again ... that's just my opinion!
What's yours?
John <><
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Friday, November 29, 2019
Black Friday
It's Black Friday.
Today is the day that marks the official beginning of the Christmas shopping season. It's going to be crazy out there. For many retailers, Black Friday now begins on Thursday evening.
sigh
I won't be in the shopping crowds today. I'll be at my normal Friday morning post with a few other folks from The Venues and a hundred or so friends that needs a warm place to sit for a bit and a decent breakfast.
While you're shopping this season, why not think about some folks that could use a little something, as well. Keep some Hot Hands in your car to give to people that need to stay warm. Maybe have a paper bag with the Hot Hands and a few snacks like a protein bar or peanut butter crackers and a couple of bucks or a $5 gift card to McDonald's.
A little kindness goes a long way.
Gotta get going.
Have a grand weekend.
Be kind.
John <><
Today is the day that marks the official beginning of the Christmas shopping season. It's going to be crazy out there. For many retailers, Black Friday now begins on Thursday evening.
sigh
I won't be in the shopping crowds today. I'll be at my normal Friday morning post with a few other folks from The Venues and a hundred or so friends that needs a warm place to sit for a bit and a decent breakfast.
While you're shopping this season, why not think about some folks that could use a little something, as well. Keep some Hot Hands in your car to give to people that need to stay warm. Maybe have a paper bag with the Hot Hands and a few snacks like a protein bar or peanut butter crackers and a couple of bucks or a $5 gift card to McDonald's.
A little kindness goes a long way.
Gotta get going.
Have a grand weekend.
Be kind.
John <><
Thursday, November 28, 2019
Thursdays are for Thanksgiving
It's rare that I have sleepless nights or difficulty going back to sleep if I wake up during the night. This morning seems to be an exception ... and since we're in a hotel room it's not as easy as just getting up and getting an early start to the day.
It is Thanksgiving Day in the US and I feel obligated to post about being thankful.
This year, more than ever, I am thankful for the people in my life. When it comes to the stuff in my life, I actually feel a little selfish. We have way too much stuff!
In packing up our home for moving, we pitched and donated a LOT of stuff! And we still managed to occupy three storage units -- one large unit that I thought would hold everything, one normal climate controlled unit for our nicer furniture pieces and piano, and one small overflow unit for the stuff that wouldn't fit into the first two units!
I am thankful for the stuff we have that makes life easier, but I am also aware that we could just as easily do without much of it. I think there will be more donating and pitching in the spring.
Those that know me well, know that I'm not a great people person.
I like people okay; I just don't care to be around them most of the time.
Chris is the more social person. I would be fine with a book, a good cigar, and an appropriate drink (coffee, bourbon, beer, or even water). Or maybe a day cruising solo on the bike. Or relaxing on a tropical beach (with a cigar and a local spirit like tequila or rum).
I'm okay with personal conversations, but find small talk to be boring and unproductive. Maybe that's why being in larger groups of people is a little uncomfortable. But I'm adapting to what seems to be a more regular habit of being around people.
The truth is there are some people, even some groups of people that I really look forward to being around. These are the ones that I am truly thankful for on this Thanksgiving day. I am learning how to be more comfortable around people because these friends are easy to be with. They teach me about love, compassion, and help me to want to be a better person.
I hope you have people like that in your life.
I hope you are that person for somebody.
And whether you live in the US or not, I hope that today you will be thankful for the people you love and for the people that love you.
John <><
It is Thanksgiving Day in the US and I feel obligated to post about being thankful.
This year, more than ever, I am thankful for the people in my life. When it comes to the stuff in my life, I actually feel a little selfish. We have way too much stuff!
In packing up our home for moving, we pitched and donated a LOT of stuff! And we still managed to occupy three storage units -- one large unit that I thought would hold everything, one normal climate controlled unit for our nicer furniture pieces and piano, and one small overflow unit for the stuff that wouldn't fit into the first two units!
I am thankful for the stuff we have that makes life easier, but I am also aware that we could just as easily do without much of it. I think there will be more donating and pitching in the spring.
Those that know me well, know that I'm not a great people person.
I like people okay; I just don't care to be around them most of the time.
Chris is the more social person. I would be fine with a book, a good cigar, and an appropriate drink (coffee, bourbon, beer, or even water). Or maybe a day cruising solo on the bike. Or relaxing on a tropical beach (with a cigar and a local spirit like tequila or rum).
I'm okay with personal conversations, but find small talk to be boring and unproductive. Maybe that's why being in larger groups of people is a little uncomfortable. But I'm adapting to what seems to be a more regular habit of being around people.
The truth is there are some people, even some groups of people that I really look forward to being around. These are the ones that I am truly thankful for on this Thanksgiving day. I am learning how to be more comfortable around people because these friends are easy to be with. They teach me about love, compassion, and help me to want to be a better person.
I hope you have people like that in your life.
I hope you are that person for somebody.
And whether you live in the US or not, I hope that today you will be thankful for the people you love and for the people that love you.
John <><
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
The New Year
The church year, the liturgical year, begins with the first Sunday of Advent -- that's this Sunday, December 1st. I saw this meme a few weeks ago and thought I might use this for posting through the first 24 days of December.
If you've been following Out of My Hat for some time, you know that I've posted daily bible readings in the past. My thoughts are to handle it as I have done in the past. I'll post a link to the chapter so that you can read it for yourself, and then I'll post a few thoughts to summarize what I gleaned from that day's reading.
I know that not everyone celebrates Christmas as the Church does. I know that there are several occasional readers that come from non-Christian faiths and even an atheist or two.
I invite you to read along for the 24 day project. It is not my intent to make you a convert, but rather to give you an understanding of why I choose to follow Jesus and why I celebrate his birth.
John <><
If you've been following Out of My Hat for some time, you know that I've posted daily bible readings in the past. My thoughts are to handle it as I have done in the past. I'll post a link to the chapter so that you can read it for yourself, and then I'll post a few thoughts to summarize what I gleaned from that day's reading.
I know that not everyone celebrates Christmas as the Church does. I know that there are several occasional readers that come from non-Christian faiths and even an atheist or two.
I invite you to read along for the 24 day project. It is not my intent to make you a convert, but rather to give you an understanding of why I choose to follow Jesus and why I celebrate his birth.
John <><
Monday, November 25, 2019
Monday Motivation -- How about a little help?
Yeah, it's Monday.
I'm not usually a blah Monday (or any day) kind of guy.
I'm not sure why that's the case today.
The sun will be shining today and it will be a beautiful November day in the Ozarks.
We have a wedding to celebrate this week and I am really looking forward to it.
I'm retired so it isn't like I have to go to work.
I'm just not feeling it today.
So how about some of you readers sharing some of your favorite motivational quotes or memes today. So far, this is the best I can do:
John <><
I'm not usually a blah Monday (or any day) kind of guy.
I'm not sure why that's the case today.
The sun will be shining today and it will be a beautiful November day in the Ozarks.
We have a wedding to celebrate this week and I am really looking forward to it.
I'm retired so it isn't like I have to go to work.
I'm just not feeling it today.
So how about some of you readers sharing some of your favorite motivational quotes or memes today. So far, this is the best I can do:
John <><
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Colder tonight than last night ... and I'm glad
On Saturday morning at 7:30 the temperature in Springfield is 33f but feels like 25. It's wet out with a light mix of snow and rain. I spent the night sad and feeling a bit helpless because the Springfield cold weather overnight shelters don't open unless the overnight temperature forecast at 2pm is expected to be below freezing.
I am grateful to the churches that open their doors to the homeless on cold nights and I realize that they need to have a standard for when they are open, but damn last night was difficult.
Last night we served at a gathering place for those that go to the overnight shelters and all we could do was tell them that the shelters wouldn't be open. I offered a cup of coffee and some hot hands hand warmers and sent them on their way into the cold, wet night. The good folks at the Connecting Grounds had padded plastic sleeping bag covers to keep them dry and ground pads if they needed them.
It was 38 and raining and all I could do was give them a cup of coffee and send them out hoping that they could find a dry, warm place for the night.
Tonight -- thank God -- it will be colder!
The shelters will be open.
My current life journey has led me to this place where I am meeting people that are without a place to stay and the people that seek to help them. Their stories are as varied as the people. And there are many more people that are just an insignificant event from being on the street -- an illness, an accident, car trouble, an argument or disagreement at home.
Yeah, it was cold standing outside for a few hours telling people that the shelters would not be open for the night. But when it was over we got into our car, stopped for something to eat, and came back to our tiny, but warm apartment for the night.
Honestly, I haven't paid attention to the needs or the causes of homelessness in our area. I am meeting people that have and are working to help people and end homelessness in Springfield. As you can probably imagine, it is a daunting task.
I hope I'm up to it.
John <><
I am grateful to the churches that open their doors to the homeless on cold nights and I realize that they need to have a standard for when they are open, but damn last night was difficult.
Last night we served at a gathering place for those that go to the overnight shelters and all we could do was tell them that the shelters wouldn't be open. I offered a cup of coffee and some hot hands hand warmers and sent them on their way into the cold, wet night. The good folks at the Connecting Grounds had padded plastic sleeping bag covers to keep them dry and ground pads if they needed them.
It was 38 and raining and all I could do was give them a cup of coffee and send them out hoping that they could find a dry, warm place for the night.
Tonight -- thank God -- it will be colder!
The shelters will be open.
My current life journey has led me to this place where I am meeting people that are without a place to stay and the people that seek to help them. Their stories are as varied as the people. And there are many more people that are just an insignificant event from being on the street -- an illness, an accident, car trouble, an argument or disagreement at home.
Yeah, it was cold standing outside for a few hours telling people that the shelters would not be open for the night. But when it was over we got into our car, stopped for something to eat, and came back to our tiny, but warm apartment for the night.
Honestly, I haven't paid attention to the needs or the causes of homelessness in our area. I am meeting people that have and are working to help people and end homelessness in Springfield. As you can probably imagine, it is a daunting task.
I hope I'm up to it.
John <><
Friday, November 22, 2019
10 Year Challenge
Last night our Bar Church message was on being our authentic self. It wasn't some kind of self help message but a lesson that we are created in the image of God and reminder that we are to be like him. But are we really bold enough to be like Jesus?
Social media usually paints a pretty picture of what life is like. We tend to post good things that are happening and usually select the most most flattering pictures. I'm not much of a selfie guy and don't usually post photographs of myself.
Facebook currently has this 10 year challenge where you post a pic of yourself from the beginning of the decade and one of your current self. Right! Like we all need the reminder that we're getting older!
But just like social media -- the pictures (that we get to choose) don't really say much about who we really are. I found this post from a few years ago. It says a bit about how I (and others) might have perceived me back then. It also had links to four other posts from the beginning of the decade that described things about me. They were fun to re-read.
I hope that current me has grown some since then. I hope that today you find a kinder John than the John of 10 years ago. I think that you will certainly find a more authentic John than the guy that hid behind the blog of a decade ago. Perhaps the most freeing thing I've discovered over the past decade is I am much less concerned about how others feel about me than I once was.
If you want to see what I looked like 10 years ago, feel free to search out the internet for pics of me from the past. If you want to know what I thought about 10 years ago, my blog is here with a thirteen year archive of bs ramblings. If you want to get to know me now, hit me up for a cup of coffee or a beer and we'll talk. I'll be me and you are free to be you.
John <><
Social media usually paints a pretty picture of what life is like. We tend to post good things that are happening and usually select the most most flattering pictures. I'm not much of a selfie guy and don't usually post photographs of myself.
Facebook currently has this 10 year challenge where you post a pic of yourself from the beginning of the decade and one of your current self. Right! Like we all need the reminder that we're getting older!
But just like social media -- the pictures (that we get to choose) don't really say much about who we really are. I found this post from a few years ago. It says a bit about how I (and others) might have perceived me back then. It also had links to four other posts from the beginning of the decade that described things about me. They were fun to re-read.
I hope that current me has grown some since then. I hope that today you find a kinder John than the John of 10 years ago. I think that you will certainly find a more authentic John than the guy that hid behind the blog of a decade ago. Perhaps the most freeing thing I've discovered over the past decade is I am much less concerned about how others feel about me than I once was.
If you want to see what I looked like 10 years ago, feel free to search out the internet for pics of me from the past. If you want to know what I thought about 10 years ago, my blog is here with a thirteen year archive of bs ramblings. If you want to get to know me now, hit me up for a cup of coffee or a beer and we'll talk. I'll be me and you are free to be you.
John <><
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Life
I'm a little dry today. I'm not sure why. I just don't feel the writing thing.
A Facebook memory suggested a little poetry each day, so I found this:
I wonder if the poet rode a motorcycle.
John <><
A Facebook memory suggested a little poetry each day, so I found this:
I wonder if the poet rode a motorcycle.
John <><
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Wednesday Wisdom
People will tell you how good they are, how important they are, how loving they are.
Watch to see if their actions line up with their words.
Truly good people rarely say they are good. Loving people show their love. And the people that have real status know that it is given to them by others, not claimed by their own words.
John <><
Watch to see if their actions line up with their words.
Truly good people rarely say they are good. Loving people show their love. And the people that have real status know that it is given to them by others, not claimed by their own words.
John <><
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Of all people ...
This morning I'm meeting with a couple of women from our writers' club to help them set up a blog and connect it to social media pages.
It's a little funny because I'm pretty computer illiterate.
Sure, I have a blog and I link it to my social media, but it's mostly by dumb luck, trial and error and evolution of the blog since 2006.
I'm so un-savvy about technology that I didn't even think about available wifi when we chose a place to meet. We may have to move to another location.
Oh, well. It's not often I get to be the expert at the table about anything, much less something to do with computers. And I am looking forward to being of some help. It may actually be a good thing that I'm an uneducated computer guy since I won't be using technical terms or words they don't understand.
We'll see.
John <><
It's a little funny because I'm pretty computer illiterate.
Sure, I have a blog and I link it to my social media, but it's mostly by dumb luck, trial and error and evolution of the blog since 2006.
I'm so un-savvy about technology that I didn't even think about available wifi when we chose a place to meet. We may have to move to another location.
Oh, well. It's not often I get to be the expert at the table about anything, much less something to do with computers. And I am looking forward to being of some help. It may actually be a good thing that I'm an uneducated computer guy since I won't be using technical terms or words they don't understand.
We'll see.
John <><
Monday, November 18, 2019
Monday Motivation
How are you going to live today?
I'm going to ride with new friend. It's a bit of a new experience for me. I've only ridden with other bikers a few times. It'll be fun.
John <><
I'm going to ride with new friend. It's a bit of a new experience for me. I've only ridden with other bikers a few times. It'll be fun.
John <><
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Sunday
I'm in a good place.
And I look forward to Sunday mornings almost as much as I look forward to Thursday night Bar Church!
John <><
And I look forward to Sunday mornings almost as much as I look forward to Thursday night Bar Church!
John <><
Saturday, November 16, 2019
Apartment Living
It's a bit of a different world, but we are getting used to it. Aside from the smaller space, we also have neighbors that are in very close proximity. We hear people in the hallway, in the apartment above us and on one side of us, and we hear people coming and going in their cars and trucks.
For our situation, we've discovered that packages that come by UPS or FedEx can be delivered to our door, but packages that come by the USPS cannot. Weird.
Since my motorcycle has to be stored outside, we've added a covered parking space to our rent. I can fit the bike across the front of the space and Chris can manage to get her car into the space, too. My car is a little bit longer and would stick out a bit. This keeps Chris's car relatively frost free on cold mornings. I also bought a cover for my bike to be used when there is any precipitation since there still is some exposure to the weather. It looks like I may need it tomorrow.
Since ours is a furnished apartment, our lease includes utilities. If it didn't, we'd still be sitting pretty.
We face east so our windows aren't exposed to much wind or weather. We are not an end apartment so there are units on each side of us. We are on the 2nd floor of four so there are businesses below us and units above us. This apartment stays warm, too warm.
Even with the daytime highs in the 40s (about 5-10c), we have to open windows to keep the temp around 70 (21c). We've only had the heat on for a couple of days when it dipped into the teens overnight and didn't make it above freezing during the day.
We are also getting used to Chris being retired and living in a space that doesn't have separate places for us. Chris used to spend her time reading or watching TV in her space and I would do the same in mine. Now there is just our space.
The furnished couch isn't as comfortable as our sofas and we have new zero gravity lawn chairs for our living room chairs. They are pretty comfortable if you are outdoors for a period of time; not exactly ideal for actual living room furnishings.
But we're adjusting.
We are warm and safe and we have what we need.
Tonight we plan to attend an event called "Stories from the Streets" where we will hear from some of those that are living on the streets of Springfield. There will also be a panel discussion afterwards to address homelessness in our city.
While we are adjusting from our 4 bedroom home to a 1bdrm apartment, the simple amenities of this place would be luxurious to those we will see tonight. We have a kitchen and food. We have warmth. We have hot water and a shower. We have a locked door and security.
There was a line from last Sunday's sermon that has stayed with me:
Gratitude makes what you have enough.
Be grateful.
Bless others when you can.
I have a couple of coats that I'll bring to donate tonight and we'll buy some gloves that we'll donate, as well.
We (you and me) are a venue for God's love.
John <><
For our situation, we've discovered that packages that come by UPS or FedEx can be delivered to our door, but packages that come by the USPS cannot. Weird.
Since my motorcycle has to be stored outside, we've added a covered parking space to our rent. I can fit the bike across the front of the space and Chris can manage to get her car into the space, too. My car is a little bit longer and would stick out a bit. This keeps Chris's car relatively frost free on cold mornings. I also bought a cover for my bike to be used when there is any precipitation since there still is some exposure to the weather. It looks like I may need it tomorrow.
Since ours is a furnished apartment, our lease includes utilities. If it didn't, we'd still be sitting pretty.
We face east so our windows aren't exposed to much wind or weather. We are not an end apartment so there are units on each side of us. We are on the 2nd floor of four so there are businesses below us and units above us. This apartment stays warm, too warm.
Even with the daytime highs in the 40s (about 5-10c), we have to open windows to keep the temp around 70 (21c). We've only had the heat on for a couple of days when it dipped into the teens overnight and didn't make it above freezing during the day.
We are also getting used to Chris being retired and living in a space that doesn't have separate places for us. Chris used to spend her time reading or watching TV in her space and I would do the same in mine. Now there is just our space.
The furnished couch isn't as comfortable as our sofas and we have new zero gravity lawn chairs for our living room chairs. They are pretty comfortable if you are outdoors for a period of time; not exactly ideal for actual living room furnishings.
But we're adjusting.
We are warm and safe and we have what we need.
Tonight we plan to attend an event called "Stories from the Streets" where we will hear from some of those that are living on the streets of Springfield. There will also be a panel discussion afterwards to address homelessness in our city.
While we are adjusting from our 4 bedroom home to a 1bdrm apartment, the simple amenities of this place would be luxurious to those we will see tonight. We have a kitchen and food. We have warmth. We have hot water and a shower. We have a locked door and security.
There was a line from last Sunday's sermon that has stayed with me:
Gratitude makes what you have enough.
Be grateful.
Bless others when you can.
I have a couple of coats that I'll bring to donate tonight and we'll buy some gloves that we'll donate, as well.
We (you and me) are a venue for God's love.
John <><
Friday, November 15, 2019
Friday Fun Facts
Okay, so maybe this isn't so much fun.
You can click here to see the US National Debt Clock.
The upper left box show the US National Debt at over 23 TRILLION dollars!
It also shows our annual deficit (same box) at over 1 TRILLION dollars.
Are we winning yet?
John
You can click here to see the US National Debt Clock.
The upper left box show the US National Debt at over 23 TRILLION dollars!
It also shows our annual deficit (same box) at over 1 TRILLION dollars.
Are we winning yet?
John
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Gratitude
It's November and many people are using their social media accounts to share things for which they are thankful. I've noticed that there seems to be fewer people doing so this year than in years past -- just an observation.
I'm wondering -- Why?
Are we less grateful than we were a year ago?
Are we feeling more entitled than we were a year ago?
Have we become so used to complaining and griping about things that we find it difficult to be thankful or to express gratitude?
Do yourself a favor and listen to Pastor John's (not mine) sermon on Gratitude.
This link will take you to the message page. It is the message from November 10.
Be gracious and grateful today.
And thank you for spending a few minutes of your day with me.
John <><
I'm wondering -- Why?
Are we less grateful than we were a year ago?
Are we feeling more entitled than we were a year ago?
Have we become so used to complaining and griping about things that we find it difficult to be thankful or to express gratitude?
Do yourself a favor and listen to Pastor John's (not mine) sermon on Gratitude.
This link will take you to the message page. It is the message from November 10.
Be gracious and grateful today.
And thank you for spending a few minutes of your day with me.
John <><
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Brrrrr...
It is cold!
The temperature in Springfield was 10f (-12c) at sunrise this morning. Today's high is forecast to remain below the freezing mark.
I am comfortably warm in my small apartment. I don't even have to leave for any reason today.
However, there are hundreds of people in the Springfield area that are homeless. Even as I type this, the overnight shelters are closing and they will be on their own to find places to stay warm throughout the day.
I was at a warming center last night where many gathered while waiting for the overnight shelters to open. I listened to their stories. Life is difficult for them. I don't understand why people seem set on making it more so.
For each of the people there that were working so hard to find resources to help our unsheltered friends, I heard stories of the opposition that they were up against as they worked.
I'm not sure that I ended up feeling good about my volunteer work last night. Mostly I came away sad that it was necessary and angry that there are actually people that are opposed to helping others that find themselves in a bad situation.
I want to encourage you to be kind to others.
But I get it. Being kind can be difficult and unnatural for many of us. If you are like I used to be, maybe you can begin by just deciding not to be ass ... for today. You don't have to make it a lifelong commitment. Just don't be an ass for today. If you mess up, try again tomorrow. If you succeed, maybe you can try for two days.
Be kind
...even if the kindest thing you can do is not to be an ass.
John <><
The temperature in Springfield was 10f (-12c) at sunrise this morning. Today's high is forecast to remain below the freezing mark.
I am comfortably warm in my small apartment. I don't even have to leave for any reason today.
However, there are hundreds of people in the Springfield area that are homeless. Even as I type this, the overnight shelters are closing and they will be on their own to find places to stay warm throughout the day.
I was at a warming center last night where many gathered while waiting for the overnight shelters to open. I listened to their stories. Life is difficult for them. I don't understand why people seem set on making it more so.
For each of the people there that were working so hard to find resources to help our unsheltered friends, I heard stories of the opposition that they were up against as they worked.
I'm not sure that I ended up feeling good about my volunteer work last night. Mostly I came away sad that it was necessary and angry that there are actually people that are opposed to helping others that find themselves in a bad situation.
I want to encourage you to be kind to others.
But I get it. Being kind can be difficult and unnatural for many of us. If you are like I used to be, maybe you can begin by just deciding not to be ass ... for today. You don't have to make it a lifelong commitment. Just don't be an ass for today. If you mess up, try again tomorrow. If you succeed, maybe you can try for two days.
Be kind
...even if the kindest thing you can do is not to be an ass.
John <><
Monday, November 11, 2019
Monday Motivation
I'm using an old picture of my bike for today's post.
It is currently 38f (3c) and raining in the Ozarks. The temperature will continue to drop throughout the day until reaching the mid-teens for the overnight low. It won't be above freezing again until sometime Wednesday...
...when I will ride again!
What are you looking forward to this week?
John <><
It is currently 38f (3c) and raining in the Ozarks. The temperature will continue to drop throughout the day until reaching the mid-teens for the overnight low. It won't be above freezing again until sometime Wednesday...
...when I will ride again!
What are you looking forward to this week?
John <><
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Writing
The second Saturday of the month is our regularly scheduled Christian Writers' Club meeting. I generally come away from these get-togethers mildly inspired to write. It's pretty cool that people that actually write for publication let me hang out with them and pretend like I'm one of them.
Our meetings always have a workshop session and a guest speaker. Featured speakers might be authors, editors, publishers, or some other field expert. Some are poets, children's book authors, sci-fi, research writers, and many other genres. Their speech topics are rarely so narrow that they eliminate any of the various writers or wannabe writers in the group.
This month's keynote speaker was Tracy Garrett. Tracy writes romance books and brought another romance author, Addison Fox, with her. I think we all learned a bit about the rules of writing and when to break them. Tracy was informative, entertaining, and very much a down to earth kind of writer.
Maybe I'll have enough inspiration to write in earnest for a short time. It's a liitle crazy but I'm now following three romance authors on Twitter.
Andrea Thome @AndreaThome
Addison Fox @AddisonFox
Tracy Garrett @TGarrett_Author
Weird, huh?
Maybe I'll write a romance novel!
John
Our meetings always have a workshop session and a guest speaker. Featured speakers might be authors, editors, publishers, or some other field expert. Some are poets, children's book authors, sci-fi, research writers, and many other genres. Their speech topics are rarely so narrow that they eliminate any of the various writers or wannabe writers in the group.
This month's keynote speaker was Tracy Garrett. Tracy writes romance books and brought another romance author, Addison Fox, with her. I think we all learned a bit about the rules of writing and when to break them. Tracy was informative, entertaining, and very much a down to earth kind of writer.
Maybe I'll have enough inspiration to write in earnest for a short time. It's a liitle crazy but I'm now following three romance authors on Twitter.
Andrea Thome @AndreaThome
Addison Fox @AddisonFox
Tracy Garrett @TGarrett_Author
Weird, huh?
Maybe I'll write a romance novel!
John
Saturday, November 09, 2019
Riding season? Isn't it always riding season?
So I did a thing ... FINALLY!
A year after I retired, I bought my motorcycle ... and I rode it a lot. I didn't know anything about riding, so I just learned as I rode.
I didn't know that you need a windscreen for riding distance on the highway, so I took it off because I liked the way it looked better without one and rode long distance on the highway.
I didn't know that you need an expensive aftermarket seat or your butt and back will hurt after a couple of hours of riding, so I rode all day with the stock seat and didn't think anything of it.
I didn't know that you don't ride when it's too hot or too cold, so I dressed for the weather and rode year round.
I didn't know that a new guy shouldn't set out on a long trip solo, so I took a trip that was over 3700 miles, touched 21 states, two Canadian provinces, and the District of Columbia. I rode morning rush hour in Chicago, afternoon rush hours in Boston and DC, and rode the biker's bucket list ride -- The Tail of the Dragon.
I rode 500+ miles (and back) to see ballgames or UFC fights in Chicago with my son and rode to St Louis and Columbia MO just to have lunch with friends.
Of the more than 42,000 miles I rode in the first three years of riding, I only rode with someone else about 200-300 miles. The rest was all solo.
Then last fall I needed to replace some turn signals. How hard could that be?
I ran into some problems that I couldn't figure out and those problems caused other problems. It was fall and I ended up letting the bike sit for the winter...then for the spring...and then for the summer.
Finally I went back to my philosophy of -- They paid me well to do the job I knew how to do; I should be willing pay others well to do the job they know how to do.
I called Anthony at Spokes Garage.
I guess I'm a little pleased that it wasn't a run of the mill problem and was caused by a defect in the parts I bought. Anthony fixed me up and really took care of me on the price. I have used Spokes Garage pretty much since I bought my bike. I take it there for regular maintenance, for new tires, and for fixing my amateur screw ups. Fortunately, my bike has been super reliable and hasn't needed more than service and tires -- until now.
Seriously, if you ride in Southwest MO and need someone to work on your bike you need to check out their website here, or like them on Facebook. I promise you, you will be pleased with the service and the price.
When I picked up my bike it was about 40 degrees out (4 for my Celsius friends) and I rode for the first time this year. I could store it for the winter, but I think I'll ride it whenever I can.
I am going to have to be careful that I don't set aside my daily walks for daily rides too often.
It's supposed to be 60 (15C) on Saturday, so I'll be riding for certain!
Watch for us old retired guys on motorcycles!
John <><
A year after I retired, I bought my motorcycle ... and I rode it a lot. I didn't know anything about riding, so I just learned as I rode.
I didn't know that you need a windscreen for riding distance on the highway, so I took it off because I liked the way it looked better without one and rode long distance on the highway.
I didn't know that you need an expensive aftermarket seat or your butt and back will hurt after a couple of hours of riding, so I rode all day with the stock seat and didn't think anything of it.
I didn't know that you don't ride when it's too hot or too cold, so I dressed for the weather and rode year round.
I didn't know that a new guy shouldn't set out on a long trip solo, so I took a trip that was over 3700 miles, touched 21 states, two Canadian provinces, and the District of Columbia. I rode morning rush hour in Chicago, afternoon rush hours in Boston and DC, and rode the biker's bucket list ride -- The Tail of the Dragon.
I rode 500+ miles (and back) to see ballgames or UFC fights in Chicago with my son and rode to St Louis and Columbia MO just to have lunch with friends.
Of the more than 42,000 miles I rode in the first three years of riding, I only rode with someone else about 200-300 miles. The rest was all solo.
Then last fall I needed to replace some turn signals. How hard could that be?
I ran into some problems that I couldn't figure out and those problems caused other problems. It was fall and I ended up letting the bike sit for the winter...then for the spring...and then for the summer.
Finally I went back to my philosophy of -- They paid me well to do the job I knew how to do; I should be willing pay others well to do the job they know how to do.
I called Anthony at Spokes Garage.
I guess I'm a little pleased that it wasn't a run of the mill problem and was caused by a defect in the parts I bought. Anthony fixed me up and really took care of me on the price. I have used Spokes Garage pretty much since I bought my bike. I take it there for regular maintenance, for new tires, and for fixing my amateur screw ups. Fortunately, my bike has been super reliable and hasn't needed more than service and tires -- until now.
Seriously, if you ride in Southwest MO and need someone to work on your bike you need to check out their website here, or like them on Facebook. I promise you, you will be pleased with the service and the price.
When I picked up my bike it was about 40 degrees out (4 for my Celsius friends) and I rode for the first time this year. I could store it for the winter, but I think I'll ride it whenever I can.
I am going to have to be careful that I don't set aside my daily walks for daily rides too often.
It's supposed to be 60 (15C) on Saturday, so I'll be riding for certain!
Watch for us old retired guys on motorcycles!
John <><
Friday, November 08, 2019
It's Good Friday!
Tell me something good!
I've had a pretty good week (don't I always?).
We are slowly adapting to life in a small apartment. The walking trail is a nice amenity.
I had a very enjoyable breakfast with an old pastor/evangelist friend and a great lunch interview with another pastor friend about working as a volunteer chaplain for Mercy Hospitals.
An interesting side note to my chaplaincy meeting -- I left there to visit and pray with a member of our Venues community that was going into surgery. I was answering a call as part of our pastoral care team.
And ...
We have basement walls poured so construction can get started!
What's good in your world?
John <><
I've had a pretty good week (don't I always?).
We are slowly adapting to life in a small apartment. The walking trail is a nice amenity.
I had a very enjoyable breakfast with an old pastor/evangelist friend and a great lunch interview with another pastor friend about working as a volunteer chaplain for Mercy Hospitals.
An interesting side note to my chaplaincy meeting -- I left there to visit and pray with a member of our Venues community that was going into surgery. I was answering a call as part of our pastoral care team.
And ...
We have basement walls poured so construction can get started!
What's good in your world?
John <><
Thursday, November 07, 2019
Thursdays are for thanksgiving
I always look forward to my Thursday evening Downtown Venues. Tonight is our final evening at Ernie Biggs. Next week will be our Grand Opening at our new facility at 425 Walnut. I think we are all excited about the new facility and what it can me for The Venues presence in the downtown community.
If you are in the Springfield MO area, come visit us tonight at 6:30 as we listen to some music and hear Pastor Ben's message on Out with the old; in with the new!
* * * * *
In other news...
Yesterday I heard from the young couple whose wedding I'll be officiating later this month. They each sent me what they have written to say to each other. I am really so excited for them!
As the officiant, I usually try to find out the colors of the wedding and match my tie (or at least not clash with their colors). Because my black marryin' suit is old and I've gotten fat, I bought a new black marryin' suit. Yesterday I was in search of a tie.
Plum (that's purple for us old guys) and orange are the colors.
Here's what I ordered:
As I was looking at that, I thought it's too bad it doesn't come with matching socks.
Admittedly, I have a poor sock game. I'm typically just a plain black dress sock kind of guy. I decided to up my game for the couple's special day and found this set.
I'm thinking either the second set from the right or the second from the left. I'll decide when they actually arrive.
* * * * *
I hope that you have something to be thankful for today and I hope that you have something to look forward to, as well.
Be a blessing to somebody today.
Share a smile.
Lift a burden.
Give a gift of love.
Be thankful for the people in your life.
John <><
If you are in the Springfield MO area, come visit us tonight at 6:30 as we listen to some music and hear Pastor Ben's message on Out with the old; in with the new!
* * * * *
In other news...
Yesterday I heard from the young couple whose wedding I'll be officiating later this month. They each sent me what they have written to say to each other. I am really so excited for them!
As the officiant, I usually try to find out the colors of the wedding and match my tie (or at least not clash with their colors). Because my black marryin' suit is old and I've gotten fat, I bought a new black marryin' suit. Yesterday I was in search of a tie.
Plum (that's purple for us old guys) and orange are the colors.
Here's what I ordered:
As I was looking at that, I thought it's too bad it doesn't come with matching socks.
Admittedly, I have a poor sock game. I'm typically just a plain black dress sock kind of guy. I decided to up my game for the couple's special day and found this set.
I'm thinking either the second set from the right or the second from the left. I'll decide when they actually arrive.
* * * * *
I hope that you have something to be thankful for today and I hope that you have something to look forward to, as well.
Be a blessing to somebody today.
Share a smile.
Lift a burden.
Give a gift of love.
Be thankful for the people in your life.
John <><
Wednesday, November 06, 2019
Tuesday, November 05, 2019
Autumn
It's another beautiful day in the Ozarks!
After a week of cold, rainy weather we are back to sunny days and Temps in the 60s. The nights are still cool, but not cold. It's what one would expect for Fall in southwest Missouri.
I'm not a fan.
Truly the only thing that's keeping me here is this is where Chris wants to be.
I'm not a fan of the cold weather seasons. I'm not a fan of the local political climate. I'm not a fan of the self-righteous religious people. I'd gladly trade long motorcycle rides on twisty country roads for daily walks on a sunny beach.
But here I am, building a new house and getting comfortable with the idea that this is where I live.
Life is about adapting, right?
sigh
John <><
After a week of cold, rainy weather we are back to sunny days and Temps in the 60s. The nights are still cool, but not cold. It's what one would expect for Fall in southwest Missouri.
I'm not a fan.
Truly the only thing that's keeping me here is this is where Chris wants to be.
I'm not a fan of the cold weather seasons. I'm not a fan of the local political climate. I'm not a fan of the self-righteous religious people. I'd gladly trade long motorcycle rides on twisty country roads for daily walks on a sunny beach.
But here I am, building a new house and getting comfortable with the idea that this is where I live.
Life is about adapting, right?
sigh
John <><
Monday, November 04, 2019
Sunday, November 03, 2019
A Day of Rest
It's Sunday morning and many of us think of it as a day of rest.
So how about we all take a break from the typical news that seems to cover our news feeds and social media and share something good?
I'll go first.
A week ago I received a message from an old pastor friend asking me if I would consider volunteering as a chaplain. I have to admit, when his message began, "I've been reading your blog recently...," I was a little concerned. It's been a busy time so I put him off until things calm down a bit. I've actually considered this in the past; even going so far as checking into certified chaplaincy programs.
Well, I am meeting him this week to discuss it. I'm actually kind of excited about it.
A funny thought just hit me.
Thursday morning I was with a few Venues' people to do some quick work at the church. I don't remember the conversation exactly, but I do remember some comments directed towards me about my lack of compassion.
Is it possible to be a chaplain without compassion?
Can we choose to be selectively compassionate?
Or is it that I am compassionate, but sometimes choose not to be?
Enough about me!
What is good in your life?
John <><
So how about we all take a break from the typical news that seems to cover our news feeds and social media and share something good?
I'll go first.
A week ago I received a message from an old pastor friend asking me if I would consider volunteering as a chaplain. I have to admit, when his message began, "I've been reading your blog recently...," I was a little concerned. It's been a busy time so I put him off until things calm down a bit. I've actually considered this in the past; even going so far as checking into certified chaplaincy programs.
Well, I am meeting him this week to discuss it. I'm actually kind of excited about it.
A funny thought just hit me.
Thursday morning I was with a few Venues' people to do some quick work at the church. I don't remember the conversation exactly, but I do remember some comments directed towards me about my lack of compassion.
Is it possible to be a chaplain without compassion?
Can we choose to be selectively compassionate?
Or is it that I am compassionate, but sometimes choose not to be?
Enough about me!
What is good in your life?
John <><
Saturday, November 02, 2019
This week's odds and ends
Yeah, the 2 in 1 is back to its old malfunctioning laptop mode so I'm doing the old two finger typing on the touch pad keyboard in tablet mode.
sigh
I managed a good make up day on the walking trend. Although we had several consecutive days of cold, wet weather, I only missed walking on one day. I made up for it on Friday by getting in two walks, one of two miles and one of three. With a walk Saturday and my 10,000 steps I'll at least average 10,000 steps per day for the week.
I've managed a few short (and slow) runs as parts of a couple walks.
Saturday night is a drop in Retirement party for Chris. She had a work party on Wednesday. This one will be for anyone that wants to swing by and wish her well. It's at Bair's on S Campbell from 6 - 9. It will be pretty informal. We'll buy some apps and there will be cake. Guest can purchase drinks or order food as they like.
If you are in the area, please stop in!
I'm finally getting my motorcycle repaired. It's been sitting in the garage all year in need of some wiring work. Now I no longer have a garage so (with the help of a friend) I hauled it to Spokes Garage to get it back into running condition. It's not exactly the ideal time for motorcycle riding, but I'm sure I'll manage a few days in the saddle.
The wet weather has stalled construction of our new home. They were finishing setting the forms on Friday and plan to pour the basement walls on Monday .
It's been a busy first couple of weeks in the apartment, but I think we're settling in. We're still working on a routine. That will probably take a little more time.
John <><
sigh
I managed a good make up day on the walking trend. Although we had several consecutive days of cold, wet weather, I only missed walking on one day. I made up for it on Friday by getting in two walks, one of two miles and one of three. With a walk Saturday and my 10,000 steps I'll at least average 10,000 steps per day for the week.
I've managed a few short (and slow) runs as parts of a couple walks.
Saturday night is a drop in Retirement party for Chris. She had a work party on Wednesday. This one will be for anyone that wants to swing by and wish her well. It's at Bair's on S Campbell from 6 - 9. It will be pretty informal. We'll buy some apps and there will be cake. Guest can purchase drinks or order food as they like.
If you are in the area, please stop in!
I'm finally getting my motorcycle repaired. It's been sitting in the garage all year in need of some wiring work. Now I no longer have a garage so (with the help of a friend) I hauled it to Spokes Garage to get it back into running condition. It's not exactly the ideal time for motorcycle riding, but I'm sure I'll manage a few days in the saddle.
The wet weather has stalled construction of our new home. They were finishing setting the forms on Friday and plan to pour the basement walls on Monday .
It's been a busy first couple of weeks in the apartment, but I think we're settling in. We're still working on a routine. That will probably take a little more time.
John <><
Friday, November 01, 2019
Friends and Family
A couple of week ago Pastor Phillip's sermon was on What Would Jesus Say About Family. I'm not going to rehash his message here, but it did get me to thinking about family.
Ideally, families are a good thing. However, the world has its share of dysfunctional families and there are some just downright bad families, as well. Family doesn't always conjure up positive images. We seldom get to choose family members (other than our spouse). We are just stuck with what life deals us. I am very blessed to belong to a loving family. We are not a perfect family, but we truly do love each other. Each of our kids has made a good choice for their spouse and I hope that we will all continue to blend well as a loving family.
I grew up in a large, loving family. Again, it wasn't perfect, but I have been blessed. I truly believe that some of the best people I know are members of my own family.
I feel sad for people that have never had a good family life and can understand them wanting to experience it in the way of relating to other groups of people. Maybe it's because I've never felt that need that it seems a little weird to think of a group like church or a club or something like that as family. I'm more likely to think of my church group as a community than as a family.
We pick our friends. We choose where we go to church. We decide who we want to go with to an event or to dinner. I never had those choices when it came to family. My parents never once asked me about how I felt adding to our family.
The only choice I had was in choosing to marry Chris. Even in choosing to have kids, you never really know what you're getting.
In my head, I'm thrilled that there are people that consider me to be their friend (at least I think there are). I think that's an awesome thing.
And I've given great consideration in determining those that I call friends.
I'm not sure how it all sorts out in the end.
Nor am I sure that it really matters. I am blessed with a large family and a few friends. I probably just see things a bit differently than most. I tend to think of family pretty literally.
Just rambling...
John <><
Ideally, families are a good thing. However, the world has its share of dysfunctional families and there are some just downright bad families, as well. Family doesn't always conjure up positive images. We seldom get to choose family members (other than our spouse). We are just stuck with what life deals us. I am very blessed to belong to a loving family. We are not a perfect family, but we truly do love each other. Each of our kids has made a good choice for their spouse and I hope that we will all continue to blend well as a loving family.
I grew up in a large, loving family. Again, it wasn't perfect, but I have been blessed. I truly believe that some of the best people I know are members of my own family.
I feel sad for people that have never had a good family life and can understand them wanting to experience it in the way of relating to other groups of people. Maybe it's because I've never felt that need that it seems a little weird to think of a group like church or a club or something like that as family. I'm more likely to think of my church group as a community than as a family.
We pick our friends. We choose where we go to church. We decide who we want to go with to an event or to dinner. I never had those choices when it came to family. My parents never once asked me about how I felt adding to our family.
The only choice I had was in choosing to marry Chris. Even in choosing to have kids, you never really know what you're getting.
In my head, I'm thrilled that there are people that consider me to be their friend (at least I think there are). I think that's an awesome thing.
And I've given great consideration in determining those that I call friends.
I'm not sure how it all sorts out in the end.
Nor am I sure that it really matters. I am blessed with a large family and a few friends. I probably just see things a bit differently than most. I tend to think of family pretty literally.
Just rambling...
John <><
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