Following the Sun

I know it is not quite September yet and summer isn't over until 2:20 PM Central Time, Wednesday, Sept 22, when the sun reaches the equator on its southward journey, but it feels like summer is already over. It certainly isn't because the temperatures are cooling. It's been plenty hot here in SWMO, but the days are getting noticeably shorter and the sunrises and sunsets are definitely moving south.

The morning sun now shines into the deck and causes a glare on my computer screen. It does feel good as I start my day and sip on my coffee. The early night sky still shows the summer constellations, but the early morning sky is already showing winter's night sky.
School is back in session and football season is beginning.
Pumpkin spice is back in everything from coffee to beer, so I guess it must be (unofficially anyway) fall.
F*#k!

Yeah, not a big fan of fall and winter.
The best thing I can say about winter is I don't have to mow my lawn.
The cooler temperatures of fall will be nice (when they finally get here) for being able to work outside without being a sweaty mess. I have plenty of yard projects to do.

I know there are a lot of people that love fall.
Why?
Seriously! Help me out here. 
What's so great about shorter days, early nights, and effing pumpkin spice in everything?
Football season? I don't care. Not a big fan.
Leaves changing colors? Yeah, it's pretty. I'm okay with green.
Although I find the astronomical and seasonal changes fascinating, I'm just not a fan of the coming seasons.
Isn't fall a metaphor of things dying and winter a metaphor of death?
Ugh!

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to help me look forward to fall (and winter).
Tell me what you love about it. 
Tell me why I should love it, too.
And.....
GO!

John

Book Challenge

It's a book recommendation more than a challenge, unless you are a God and country, stand-for-the-flag, big military, flag waving, patriotic, evangelical American Christian. In that case, it is more of a challenge.
And the challenge isn't just to read the book, the real challenge is to  read the book and then to examine where your true allegiance lies and to which kingdom you belong.

If you have been reading Out of My Hat for very long, you know that I have never been a God and country kind of preacher. I've never believed that God should have to share a worship service for some patriotic, flag waving ceremony or even recognition of those that have served in the military. I don't even believe that an American flag has any place in our churches, yet I dare to say that most evangelical churches proudly display the flag from the main platform and even give it the preeminent spot over the Christian flag.

Brian Zahnd's Postcards from Babylon sounds like it might be a book about Israel's Old Testament captivity in Babylon--and it is, sort of. As it turns out, the biblical story of the captivity in Babylon isn't even about the empire of Babylon. It is about how to faithfully follow God while living life in another king's empire.

Seriously, I highly recommend this book as a must read for Christ followers living in the USA. Most of my evangelical friends have long ago declared me to be a heretic and will never see this recommendation, nor would they give it any consideration if they know it comes from me. 
Read it.
Recommend it.
Share it.
Gift it.
To anyone that follows Jesus.

Although I have been following this preacher/pastor/author on Twitter for some time now, this is the first of his books that I've read. I'll be adding more to my reading list!

John

Introverts and Extroverts

I saw a post yesterday (Twitter, I think) that got me thinking about introverts and extroverts.
The post questioned why it seems quite common to challenge the behavior of introverts -- You need to get out more, You need to socialize more, Why are you so shy?, etc. -- but it's rarely done to extroverts.

But is that really true?
Maybe I just don't see that part.
Personally, I'm more likely to get the -- You're not an introvert! -- than I am the others. And I think that's weird. I don't know that I'd be so bold (and arrogant) to tell an extrovert that they're not really an extrovert.

So, to the extroverts out there:
Do people tell you (often) that what you really need is some alone time?
Do you often feel criticized for always wanting to be around other people?
Are you ever made to feel bad for being an extrovert?
And are you guilty of challenging the behaviors of your introvert friends?

Just wondering...

John

Wednesday Wisdom

 

John

Justifying Indulgences

I have been having a problem with justifying (to myself) my personal indulgences. Is this a thing with anyone else?

I wonder about the effects of flying for a vacation. Realistically there is no way to offset the environmental impact of flying to a Mexican beach for a relaxing vacation. I could fill our 5 acre plot with trees and not offset the carbon impact of such a trip.

I spend a fair amount of money on decent cigars to enjoy while relaxing on my deck. Other than the relaxing feeling of enjoying each smoke, there aren't any healthful benefits to justify smoking an exquisite Nicaraguan or Dominican smoke or the whiskey or craft beer that often accompanies it.

I rarely go to ballgames or pay to watch MMA fights, but I do spend untold hours watching overpaid athletes competing against each other in games and events that really offer no substantial benefits to humanity. While I certainly can appreciate the skill and training of athletes, is it really necessary or beneficial to our society?

Do the jobs and income that are supplied by the entertainment of the sporting world justify the money and capitalist machines that are a part of the various industries?
Is it fair that I do little to help others as I sit comfortably on my deck while there is great poverty and need in the community that lives not far from my home?
Is it enough to recognize my privilege without doing anything to help others that aren't as privileged?
Is it okay to say that I've earned what I have and then do and spend as I see fit without caring about the negative impact on the world around me?
Should I be more productive than the retired guy that doesn't do anything more than occasionally buy dinner at a local restaurant or coffee from a local coffee shop?

I have a pretty good, leisurely life and I don't feel guilty about it, but sometimes I think maybe I should. 
Should I?
Should I being doing something to benefit my neighbors?
Should I be helping others to find peace and calm in their lives?
Should I be giving more or working more to bring people out of poverty or despair?
Or maybe I'm doing the best thing for everybody by keeping to myself.

What about you?
Do you feel the need justify your indulgences?
Just wondering...

John  

An Unusual Contemplation

I recently (this morning) took part in one of those Facebook games that will tell you how much of a narcissist or empath you are. I did it because the empath in m has been awakened over the past several years as I have become more contemplative. It would probably be more correct to say that my awareness of my empathetic abilities has been awakened.

Today's contemplation is a bit more unusual than on most days.
Although there are plenty of lunch options at our house, today I chose a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich--all natural peanut butter (on both pieces of bread) and strawberry jelly.
Over the past few weeks, I've had several conversations about the goodness of peanut butter in general and peanut butter and jelly in particular.

I wonder where I would rank among people my age in number of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches consumed in our lifetimes. I wonder how much peanut butter I've consumed in my life. I wonder why others don't recognize the beauty of the nearly perfect food -- peanut butter.
When it comes to living in the moment, a moment that includes peanut butter should be cherished. 

Cheez-It crackers have become a common snack at our house. Dip those suckers in some peanut butter and you have a tasty treat. Everything tastes great on a Ritz, but peanut butter is exceptional. 
It is good, wholesome food that connects you to the Earth and all of her goodness. Peanut butter and apples, peanut butter and bananas, peanut butter and crackers, peanut butter, ham, and a dill pickle spear roll-up, just plain ol' peanut butter, or peanut butter and just about anything.

Other than peanut butter and jelly, what is your favorite go-to peanut butter combo?
Enjoy the present moment -- especially if it includes peanut butter!

John

The Best Time to Plant a Tree...

I have five acres of former pasture/hayfield. I don't mind mowing it (much), but it does seem to be a huge waste of land. I want to plant trees (both evergreen and fruit and nut trees) and also would like to have a mini solar farm.

When we moved to Missouri several decades ago, I bought tree seedlings from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDoC). There are some good looking, mature trees on that piece of property now.
I was too late to buy trees from the MDoC the year we moved into our house, and just forgot about it last fall. Purchase dates for spring '22 delivery of tree seedlings begin Sept. 1, 2021. I'll definitely be buying some for spring planting.

The area I'll be using for most of the trees is far from a water source, so I'll have to haul water to the seedlings while they establish their root systems and during dry seasons. I'll need to get a barrel or tank with a spigot that I can fill and haul out there. Fruit trees I'll probably keep closer to the house.
If you'd like to do your part to reduce your carbon footprint, consider ordering several trees for yourself. If you don't have a place to plant them, you can send them to me and I'll plant them for you.
Seriously! I haven't looked lately, but they used to be a very reasonable cost. Let me know if you want me to plant trees for you and I'll send you my address.
Here is the MDoC's website. The catalog of available trees should be up on Sept. 1.  By planting trees, not only am I reducing my carbon footprint with new trees, I'm also reducing the amount of time on my lawnmower!

"The best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago. (I did that, then moved.)
The second best time is now." (or in the spring) 

If I get some fruit trees and expand my garden, I'm going to have to learn how to can fruits and veggies or buy a bigger freezer. This year's garden as been pretty pathetic, but even so we have had several servings of green beans, plenty of cucumbers, some tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and a few potatoes. There is something special about eating stuff that you've grown.

And as much as I enjoy the produce, I really like watching the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds around the flowers. I'll definitely be planting more flowers next year and still want to have beehives at some point. 
For today I just need to work on our new landscaping project.

John

Do I need a hobby?

Do you have a hobby?

I'm going to say that I really don't.
I used to consider magic a hobby, but I haven't really done much of that lately. Nor have I been riding my motorcycle much. I've been working in the yard and garden, but have to say that I look on that more as work that needs to be done than a hobby to be enjoyed. 
I read a fair amount, but definitely don't consider it to be a hobby. 
Yeah, I think it's fair to say that I don't have any hobbies.

If we use the definition of -- a regular activity done for enjoyment during leisure time -- I guess parking my butt on the deck with a cigar, a beer, and some background music would qualify as a hobby.
By that definition, doing nothing is a hobby.
I guess I don't think it is important that I have to be doing something. In fact, I keep telling myself that I've become pretty comfortable as a non-productive member of society. 

How about you?
Any hobbies?
Do you consider listening to music, reading books, smoking cigars, etc., hobbies?
Blogging?
Scrolling through social media?

Let's hear it. 
What are your hobbies?

John

Social Justice

Maybe I should say social injustice.
Certainly there are areas of injustice that are more easily seen and identified than others. Black Lives Matter has shined a light on the racial inequities of our police and judicial systems. Same sex marriages, bigoted bakeries, and denominational religious splits have highlighted injustices against the LGBTQ+ community. The difficulties in caring for the unsheltered and food insecure communities during a pandemic have created awareness of our blindness to their struggles.

We currently have several state legislative bodies that are systematically targeting portions of the population with voting rights violations. Our secular society firmly believes in the other Golden Rule--The one with the gold makes the rules!

So how I do I (we) stand against injustice and stand for justice for the oppressed?
A single mom trying to feed her kids doesn't need me to stand in a protest as much as she needs some food, a decent paying job, and affordable childcare.
A black parent might like a mostly white guy demonstrating at a BLM event, but what they really want is for their teenaged son to be able to drive to and from his after school job without fearing that he'll become a police violence statistic.
A gay couple might just want to have the spousal privilege of being with their mate in the hospital, but are denied that by some archaic rule.

Seriously, what can I (we) do?

What are some other areas of social injustices that need to be addressed?
And how do we do that?

The Old Testament prophet Micah gives a pretty concise guide for following God: Do justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly with God.
I'm afraid the church has failed miserably in all three of these.
I'm afraid I have too.
How do I (maybe, we) fix this?

I'm counting on you to weigh in on this.
I know that I am far too comfortable sitting on my deck with a cold beer, a decent cigar, a keyboard, and some background music (just in case you were wondering about by current situation). If I could change the world from here, I would. But I'm afraid that isn't how changing the world really works.

My honest assessment is that I have been okay with injustice that doesn't touch me. That really isn't very Christ-like, is it?
How do I change that?

John

Monday

I'm not sure why, but I was awake early this morning. Since I wasn't falling asleep again, I decided to get up. It has been some time since I've been up before the sun and I wasn't too thrilled about seeing the constellation Orion high in the eastern sky.
Orion is a winter constellation in the Northern Hemisphere. I know winter is still four months away, but Orion's appearance this morning brings the announcement that winter is on its way. Ugh.

I took a couple of days off from doing yard work and I will be back at it today. It's a little weird that I neither mind doing it nor particularly like doing it. I guess I'd say it's more satisfying than enjoyable. I wish I had a better relationship with Mother Earth. Coaxing her to bring forth beautiful flowers and shrubs is difficult for me. As with any relationship, I need to work on understanding her a bit better. The good thing is that I don't have any deadlines nor timelines to meet. I can just work at it until I don't feel like working and then pick it up again later. The downside is that projects take much longer that way.

It's just now my normal coffee time and I've already finished my daily allotment of coffee. I'm tempted to brew another pot, but probably won't. The early sun is sporting a couple of sundogs this morning, and the finches and bluebirds are pretty active. Maybe it's time for me to get active, too. I need to have a talk with the Earth lady and see if we can't agree to get some new plants growing and supplying her bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with some more nectar. 
My talks with nature are much more peaceful those dealing with hurricanes, earthquakes, potential tsunamis, and wildfires.

Have a great Monday!
John

Spontaneous Speaking (or writing)

I saw this on Facebook. 

Okay...other than the poor sentence structure, I think it's an interesting question.
Of course, in today's world one might have to clarify -- What could you intelligently talk about for 30 minutes with no preparation?
I also thought -- What could I just sit down and write about?

So--

Two questions for you today--
What could you talk about...?
and

What would you like me to write about?

John

Problem Solving

Many years ago I was introduced to sudoku puzzles. I hesitate to say that it was a friend that introduced me to them because what friend would bring these devilish and addictive puzzles into someone's life? 
I have picked them up and set them aside for long periods of time often over the years. Recently, I ran across a large book of them and I am currently back at solving them.

As a kid, I loved solving logic problems. Sudoku is my adult kind of logic problem. I never really got into crossword puzzles, but enjoyed many of the other word and number puzzles that were in the Dell Crossword Puzzle books/magazines that my dad would get. I liked the logic problems and the crytoquotes the best.

I'm curious as to the types of brain exercising/problem solving puzzles or games that others might enjoy.
What are your go-to puzzles?

John 

Perseids!

It's just about that time! Thursday night/Friday morning is the peak time for watching this year's Perseids meteor shower! I'm hoping the skies above SWMO are clear so that I can enjoy a good view.
The best time for viewing is in the early morning hours, between 2 and 4 AM.

The current night sky is pretty spectacular without the seasonal meteor shower. If you look south/southwest around midnight you can see the Scorpion. Follow the constellation to its tail and you are looking towards the center of our galaxy. From the tail of the Scorpion, northeastward to not quite directly overhead, you should be able to follow the Milky Way if you have reasonably dark skies. 
Facing south and looking up, but not quite overhead, you'll see two bright objects just east of the Milky Way. The brighter one (and furthest east) is Jupiter. The dimmer one that is nearly in the Milky Way ribbon is Saturn. With a decent pair of binoculars (and a steady hand) you can see four of the moons of Jupiter. They will appear as tiny pinpricks of light and will be in a line extending from Jupiter's equator. It will take a small telescope or spotting scope to see the rings of Saturn.

I am constantly amazed by the order of the universe and unable to comprehend how such order could come to be by accident. The intricate design of the universe seems to shout, "Creator!"
Enjoy!

John

Poor Timing

It's going to be hot this week.
Of course, it's what one should expect for the Dog Days of summer in Southwest MO.
It's also when perennial plants are half off at Lowes.

Yesterday afternoon as I was walking around the garden center with a cart full of plants, a woman walked by, glanced at the cart, and said, "That looks like work."
sigh

We (Chris and I) tried to beat the heat today by starting the day with a morning walk. It wasn't too early, but earlier than I am usually active. I hadn't even had my coffee yet!
When we got back, I decided that it was a good day to make a large jar (1/2 gallon) of iced coffee. I'll be sipping (or chugging) that while I'm digging up some plants, temporarily repotting them, and tilling up some soil where they (and the new plants) will be going. This will be a multi-day project and will involve several trips to the garden center for various items before its completion because that's how I roll.
Eventually the place will be well landscaped and a beautiful setting for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Oh yeah, and us too!

It would be nice to hire professionals to do our landscaping, but I'm too cheap for that and I really don't mind digging in the dirt. It is a good thing that I can work at it as I feel like it and take breaks as needed. It has been a lot of years since I had to do manual labor in the heat. I am so thankful for the climate controlled environment and the comfort of the ATC world where I was able to spend most of my working years.

Now it's time to sweat.

John

How do you know...?

How do you know if you really know someone?
Or maybe the question should be -- How do you know if the someone you know is really the person you think they are?

Most of the people that read this blog have some first-hand knowledge of who I am. Many do not.
Some of you are friends from my past and know a John that no longer exists. Some of you know me from a single, narrow, perspective (controller, co-worker, preacher, volunteer, smartass, etc.).
If you only know me from my blog, can you really say that you know me?

The internet is a place where you can really create an alternate version of yourself. A simple Facebook or Twitter account can be the exact opposite of who we really are. I think for many people, it is social media that allows us to be who we really are and our IRL (in real life) person is the one that is fake.

IRL we act like we have it all together and are a super good human. But behind our keyboards sit some very mean, judgmental, and uncaring assholes. We put on nice clothes, and make-up to be seen in public, but inside are old, worn out ideas, generalizations, stereotypes, and not nice people that seem to boldly show themselves in the false anonymity of the virtual world.

 I think that I am pretty much me, whether you know me IRL or just from my social media platforms, 
But...
I also think the IRL me is more likely to filter out the more ugly aspects of my personality than the virtual me.

I am generally untrusting of people--openminded, but initially wary. As I've become more contemplative, I've become more aware of the energy or vibe that people put out. I seem to have many of the characteristics of an empath, but I don't care to be one. It's a little weird to find that spiritual kind of energy connection when you meet people. There s a reason that we portray light as good and dark as evil.

I know that I still struggle to keep Ugly John locked away in the dungeon recesses of my persona. I imagine that others have their own similar alter egos they struggle with. The John that you get to see has gotten stronger and has more control. For some people, it's the ugly ego that has control and the nice person that has to fight to get out.

I know it's a weird kind of rant this morning. 
It was inspired because last night I met the IRL version of a person that I've been "friends" with on Facebook for sometime. And yeah, the energy signature matched up well with the virtual vibe. It didn't feel like we were meeting for the first time. I felt like a knew someone that I had never met before.
And that's a little weird.

John

Happiness

I've been thinking about happiness recently. Pastor Jodi has been doing a series of messages on happiness at our Thursday night Downtown Venues. 

And so I've been wondering...

Do you think we've lowered our standard of happiness to include just being satisfied?
Is there enough societal pressure put on us to be happy that we are ashamed not to be happy and feel like we need to say we are -- even if we're not?
Is not being happy the same thing as being unhappy?

I feel like there is a stigma attached to not being happy like there is to being depressed or anxious.
Am I wrong about that?
Why have we made it so that it's not okay not to be happy?

Not being happy doesn't mean there is something wrong with you or with your life. I think we need to stop thinking of happiness as a goal and simply recognize it as a momentary state of being.
Researchers find that finding happiness often involves enduring considerable time of discomfort. 
Well maybe I don't want to experience that discomfort and I'm happy to remain comfortable!

So...
Are you happy?
Really? 

I just want to say -- It is okay if you're not.
But then again, I'm no expert. I'm just a guy that is okay without having to always be happy.
What do you think?

John

Books -- What are you reading?

I just finished a pretty good book -- Black Nowhere, by Reece Hirsch.
I'm a pretty low tech guy so I was a bit surprised to get drawn into this dark web thriller. I sometimes have difficulty signing into my own accounts, so creating encrypted websites and scrolling on the dark web is far beyond my ability.

However, the author does a great job of character development and easily brings a low tech moron like me along for the ride. From the FBI geek to the brutally evil cartel drug king, this computer geek has bitten off far more than he is prepared to deal with. 
I've been pretty happy with my recent choices of books as I am expanding my novel reading. I was pleased enough with this one that I'm onto book 2 of this series that follows the career of the FBI main character in Black Nowhere.

What are you reading?

John

Re-set

The months of June and July seemed to fly by this year. I'm not sure where they went, but they have come and gone in quick fashion. Although I know I spent time on the deck nearly every day, I feel a bit disconnected from the view and the world around me as I sit here with my coffee and computer this morning.
I'm in need of a reset, but not sure of how I am to go about it.

I've been less purposeful about meditation and quiet time. I still get plenty of quiet time and I am generally contemplative, but I think that purposeful meditation is necessary for spiritual connection to the world and the people around me.
 
(I have to admit that re-reading what I just wrote causes me to smile a bit. I know that meditation and spiritual connection to the world would disturb many of my evangelical friends. Eastern practices like meditation, tai chi, even yoga, are often associated as practices of the pagan world and demonic in nature.)

I'll figure it out. Maybe some time working in the dirt will help. I'm considering mowing the yard using a push mower. It's cool enough today and I can always use the exercise. I may cut a few flowers from the flower beds and bring them inside. I'm torn between leaving them to grow and bringing some of their color and aroma into the house, but I think I'm going to go for it.

One new habit that has become a part of my morning ritual is setting a half gallon jar of water, along with a large normal tea bag and a smaller Zen tea (green tea, lemongrass, mint) bag out in the sun for our afternoon sun tea. It makes a very refreshing iced tea that we both enjoy in the afternoon and early evening.
I'm going to take care of that now, spend a little time reading, and then get started reconnecting with my yard. I hope that your day is more than just going through the same motions that you tend to go through on a daily basis, and you are able to make connections with the people you encounter, the natural world around you, and the Creator of it all.

John

Who Makes You Smile?

There are those people in everybody's life that bring a smile to their face.
It's automatic -- You see them, you smile.
Often times, just thinking about them is enough bring a smile to your face.
Who are those people in your life?

I had some encounters with several of my smile inducers last week.
My mom.
I swear that woman makes everybody smile! There is an infectious joy that radiates from her and lightens any space she occupies. I speak with her almost daily and always come away feeling better about the world and life in general.

My brother Steve.
Yesterday, our cousin Rick posted a picture taken with Steve and referred to him as his favorite cousin. I commented that I was hurt, but in all honesty, if Steve was my cousin--he'd be my favorite, too!
I have three brothers and two sisters. Everyone of them is a damn fine human being and I love them all. But I've often said that Steve is the best of us. 
It was really good to see you, brother!

Old friends
Mike, Joe, Rex, Theresa 
Visiting with you was like finding an old treasure that I had set aside and forgotten about. Please forgive me -- both for setting you aside (for several decades) and forgetting the part of life that we shared.

There are so many more, but these are fresh on my mind today (and I am smiling as I type).
Who are your people?
Admit it -- you're smiling now as you think about them, aren't you?
Why not send them a message today? "Thinking about you--and smiling"
I'll bet they smile, too!

John

August

It is August.
Here in the Ozarks, we are going to get a short break from the 90+ (32c) temperatures with the next few days topping out in the low to mid 80s. Tomorrow will be a good day to mow.

In other news--

I've hit a new high on the weight. Ugh!
It is way past time to flip that mental switch and get serious about shedding this excess body weight. I've definitely added my COVID 19 (pounds) over the past year and a half. I'll be posting about this over at my seldom used Healthy Living (by an unhealthy guy) blog.

I recently wrote about writing. 
Last month I reviewed the three different pieces that I have written first chapters. I can still see working on two of them. One is fiction. One is not. The third is one that I doubt I would find motivation to pursue any more. An author I follow on Twitter offered some writing encouragement. Maybe I'll start (or re-start) working on that this month.
Personally, I wonder if I have the self-discipline to actually write a book. I barely have the discipline to blog regularly.

In any case, summer is barely half over and I'm already hearing and seeing crap about pumpkin spiced stuff and fall garbage. Relax, people! It is not yet time to be putting up fall decorations. Even Labor Day is too early for that.
Enjoy each remaining summer day (there are still 51 of them); everything in its proper season.

John