Tag: #fun

Hidden Heroes…

The sun sets on another day…

Sunset was again cloudy, but no meatballs were in the air. I was hoping for some serious pasta, didn’t happen.

For context on some of what I will be talking about you can click here.

I was scrolling through the Internet yesterday and came across a number of wonderful ideas and testaments to what people had done for other people. This ranged from cutting lawns to attending events to being at the front line of everything going on. As I looked at these many of them were very positive and some of them, we’re inspiring because of the sheer tenacity of the individuals who were helping others. Fast forward a few hours and I was watching a television show about heroes that focused on people like firefighters that often get overlooked. I sat and thought for a few minutes about all of the people who do so much and get overlooked very consistently.

As I did I realized most people do things for others without the expectation of any notoriety or any number of additional clicks on social media. It was then I thought about years ago and when both my dad and I had similar ideas at a similar time. You know maybe it would be better if nobody had to point out that they had done something good. Maybe it would be better if donations were all anonymous. Maybe it would be better if when we did something nice we simply did it because we wanted to help someone.

In an idea a long time ago it was suggested did a group of people could help others and their primary focus would be to help and stay unknown. I’m not saying that’s the best solution but maybe it’s a solution that would help more people. Maybe it’s the solution that would allow others the freedom to not be in competition but instead to make the world a better place.

Now I am sure that there are plenty of things that are very nice to have out in the open. I’m sure it’s also nice to be thanked sometimes and when I have helped some people they have been very appreciative but in the end when people need you isn’t it best to just be there? I’m not pretending to have all the answers here and I’m sure that you can interject your opinion, I’m just pointing out that the world would be a better place if we helped those people that needed help.

So as the sun sets on another day, if you need help I hope you get it People sometimes need a little more. If you can give help I hope you do it freely and without expectation. Along the way I hope you do amazing things, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and keep doing good…

It’s all write…

The sun sets on another day…

Sunset was a terrific series of exciting colors. The sky was bright with hues that were almost like satin. It was pretty awesome!

I had the opportunity today to spend time with a series of talented writers. We were presenting our writing journey to a large group of interested onlookers. I try to always be very positive and to help people along in their journey. There are lots of reasons that people want to write, some of them include the creation of their story, the release of tension or passion, an innate need to write, and so many more. The audience in this group was very accommodating and everyone involved was very positive.

I find that if we share ideas at the very core, we often communicate more effectively than most people understand. As I sat and watched the interaction and joined in many cases it made me feel pretty good that so many, were interested in sharing part of themselves. You know if you would like to put something together it’s all right. If you take the time to do so it is all write.

Many people have a wonderful story to share. I hope if you have a story to share that you take the time to share it and even if only one person reads it, maybe, just maybe, you will change the world.

So as the sun sets on another day, I hope that you have a fantastic day and live your passion to its fullest extent. If that passion is writing I hope you find the people that support you and that make you feel good about life every day, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and keep writing…

Inner workings…

The sun sets on another day…

Sunset, well, it was sunset. IT came and went and there was sun everywhere, then nowhere, like a Ninja sunset that slides in and out, only to leave us baffled and wondering where it went. As I searched, colors spattered the clouds, and I enjoyed it anyway.

Tonight was bittersweet. It is a memory that I will hold for some time as dozens of authors and readers got together and had a little fun. There are a lot of people who watch television and get lost in reality shows as the nights go on. The month of February was a live action reality show and powerful peace of passionate interaction between people’s imagination and beyond. If you missed it, I’m sorry.

I’m sure many of you have seen improv groups where people are put on the spot and have to come up with solutions to situations in mere moments. A group of nine people we’re given minimal information about their characters and set loose inside of a mystery that first covered the theft of a book and later a murder. This was part of a book festival that had readers on the edge of their seats while authors read. For ten to 12 minutes each day the nine people interacted, and the result was hilarity that none could have predicted.

It is with this in mind that I find myself happy that this time has come to an end and that the mystery has been solved. At the same time, I am sad that I will no longer be interacting consistently with these fantastic people. It is not often that you find a group of people that are so entrenched with each other that they can respond with passion and emotion at the drop of a hat. I found the interaction to be more than fulfilling and as the group became more and more involved it was more than just an event, it created a small family.

In an old movie called April Fools Day it was said: “We cannot predict the precise moment when friendships are formed, as in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last one which makes it run over. So in a series of kindnesses, there is at last one which makes the heart run over.” It is with that in mind that I hope others felt the same spirit of kinship that I did.

So as the sun sets on another day, I hope your day was spectacular and that you too have found people willing to interact and perhaps a little more. And for all the people that attended the Pages Promotions Virtual Book Festival during the month of February, thanks for being amazing every day, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and the butler didn’t do it…

Not your fault…

The sun sets on another day…

I was in a parking lot with Pepper when I saw the sun starting to set. I took a moment and enjoyed it, then snapped a picture as clouds started battling with the evening light. As I drove home, the light was pulled from the sky, and darkness closed in on me; still, it was a great sunset.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen the movie “Good Will Hunting.” during the movie, there is a portion that focuses on the main character and their feeling of ownership of the problems in their life. A character says to them, “it’s not your fault,” and the scene becomes a powerful series of emotions as the main character realizes the heaviness they have been placing upon themselves.

I have always taken a different approach when talking to people and explain simply that it was my fault. It is my fault that a volcano erupted in the Pacific Ocean, it is my fault that there is a divide in the world, and it is my fault that some people are so afraid that they lash out at any kindness directed toward them. Depending on the conversation, I will blame myself for the woes of the world simply because it quickly points out that the situation is not correct. When people realize that I am willing to take the blame and they look at it away from themselves for a moment, they also realize that it’s not my fault, and it’s not theirs either.

It is so easy for many people to take the blame for anything. Years ago, I worked with a group of people that were very downtrodden, and they were convinced that it was always their fault. Sometimes this very idea that it was their fault created a situation that was dangerous to them and often others involved. They made the decision to take the blame for things that were out of their control or beyond anyone’s control. It is with that in mind that I ask you to take a step back from anything that is frustrating you and stop believing it is your fault. You should ask yourself a question each time you feel blame. Well, maybe you should ask two questions: could I have taken an action that would have changed anything? did my inaction change anything?

It is with that in mind that I can tell most people it is not your fault. Many of us have an illusion of control over situations and other people. It is a fact, however, that you cannot control other people, nor can you climb inside their minds and make them do anything. By the same token, most situations are out of your control, and the only thing that you can say for certain is that you were either aware or unaware, but you had no control and, as such, can take no blame. If you are treated poorly by another person, you cannot take the blame any more than I can take the blame for a volcano erupting in the Pacific. If you are in a situation that you have no control over, you cannot take the blame either. Under most circumstances, except the most direct issues where you are driving a situation, or you are the only variable, it is not your fault.

I know that it’s likely that you won’t believe me. I would love to put so much detail into this post that it would gag Godzilla. Instead, I can only ask you to consider well your position in the universe and what you can control and not control. I think you’ll find that in most cases, it is not your fault. Find the belief in yourself to believe those words and, in doing so, reduce a little stress.

So as the sun sets on another day, it’s not your fault. All those things you blamed yourself for are not your fault. It will be hard to believe, but maybe you should blame me and see how it sounds. If I am to blame, oops. Otherwise, it’s time to let go and realize you’re a pretty good person. Keep being you, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and its not your fault…

The speed of it all…

The sun sets on another day…

I enjoyed sunset, but I also enjoyed the kite surfers on the waves early in the day. I found myself wandering a little this morning, and as I did, the early morning wind threw people through the air and made the moments a little more amusing. Sure, it was freezing outside, sure there was still ice on everything but somewhere inside of it all was the will of people just to enjoy themselves.

It’s funny how life comes at us fast and is better enjoyed slow. We go through our lives not paying as much attention to time as we should, and as time begins to run out, we try to wring the moments out of every second simply because we ignored the time when we had it. So many people look for tomorrow and eliminate their todays that it almost makes me feel sad. Even more, people have it figured out until they don’t. There are a few that are sure they don’t have it figured out, but they’re enjoying life better than many.

I know that’s about as clear as mud unless you’re already in the mud, but if you pay attention, you’ll quickly realize that it’s not all that bad to slow down the moments. Even more so it is not all that bad to take a breath and laugh for a little while.

I find myself enjoying every day and trying to make the moments longer. I have done this for a long time, but often it gets away from me. I am the one who wants the game to go longer so that I can enjoy it. I am the one who doesn’t want to stop laughing at the comedian and wonders why they have to finally go home. I am the one who wants a kiss to last for three, even if it’s inside my mind. I am the one that thinks passion is more important than just about anything.

Someone told me a long time ago that all they wanted was peace. They wanted some modicum of control of their day-to-day lives, and they wanted to be able to take a breath and just slow down. It is my opinion that it is better for us to not only be able to take that breath but to be able to do it as we are lost in an exciting moment. It seems like it’s counterproductive, but I would like to think that chaos and order should be close bedfellows all the time.

So as the sun sets on another day, I hope you find the passion and purpose to make today your best day. I hope you can slow it down or speed it up so that it suits you and makes your life far more complete. After all, there is no better day than today to be your best day. I hope you find it, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and lets get some pie….

A made up day…

The sun sets on another day…

I expected a cool sunset or at least a sunset, but instead got rain once again. Still, I smiled knowing the colors were high above, and the air was warmer. Spring is out there, only a short time away.

I’ve heard a lot of people talk about Valentine’s Day being a made-up holiday. I’ll say with pretty much over the top certainty that they are correct. Although the holiday is as old as many religions it has evolved from a fertility rite to a modern day engine of sales and merchandise. Our current Valentine’s Day has morphed from many previous just as our current Christmas has become so commercialized that the only focus seems to be spending instead of its original intent.

With that being said I have to say with utmost certainty that telling somebody you care about them even a little isn’t a bad thing. Being there for someone when they need you does not make you a bad person. Most of all not celebrating a holiday because you don’t believe in it one way or another does not make the holiday disappear it just leaves you out of it all.

That’s OK.

We should all be able to enjoy everything that we want to enjoy and if we don’t want to participate that’s fine. On the other hand throwing disparaging comments or talking about the origins of a holiday may not be as fine as you think. I have heard from literally dozens of people this year how terrible Valentine’s Day is because all it accomplishes is giving flower shops business. my question is simple for all those that disagree with the holiday: Do you currently have a reminder set to send flowers to people occasionally?

If you don’t, consider this a holiday of convenience that reminds you that there are special people in your life. If you do, do as you see fit and maybe the $15 or $20 that you save will buy you another coffee or better yet another book. Either way is it that bad to let people know you care about them? Why aren’t you doing that now?

So as the sun sets on another day I hope that you take a moment and remember that people care about you. I hope that you find it in your heart to tell people when you care about them. And when people reach out to you and try to lift you up stop trying to take them down and instead realize that maybe somebody cares more. It could be you that makes a difference to someone every day, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and happy Valentine’s Day!!

Darkness

The sun sets on another day…

Another cloudy day but it made me smile, the sky was out longer, and the darkness, well, was not so dark.

With that in mind I offer the following:

The Darkness

Some see the darkness as they look across the night
Some see the smoke across the wind
Some see the sparkles of fire taking flight
Some see the flames that show within

I know that inside is a fire burning bright
I know that smoke soon fades away
I know that fire becomes a bright and shining light
I know that fire is here to stay

Some see the darkness and some may see the light
and I know it matters not to me
For as the fire burns and the smoke fades far from sight
I know my fiery soul is free

So as the sun sets on another day, have a super night, and be fantastic tomorrow.

Sleep sweet, love life, and is it dark out there?

Sparks and specks and shiny things…

The sun sets on another day…

Sunset was cold wet and cold and wet, by the way, did I say it was cold and wet? It was. Still, high above the sun was setting and I smiled at the idea!

All it takes is a spark. As I sat burning the remains of Jack Pines that had fallen in the woods, I watched sparks occasionally fly from the rusted steel burn barrel. The sparks would skip and jump up into the air and then slowly start to descend, glowing along the way. One instant, one spark, that’s all it could take to start a fire somewhere else. I never have that problem since the sparks are usually out well before they get to the ground, but I am relatively careful and pay close attention to how the wood is burning and if it is sparking.

Now think about people. All it takes is one spark. One spark to start a fire. A little bit of a spark to watch two people fall in love. A little bit of a spark to watch two people be angered at each other. A little bit of a spark for the next great passionate inspiration that will become a reality. It all starts from that spark.

As you think about that spark, think about the little specks of time and how those specs of time become so important. Things that you think are not germane to your existence become major milestones in your life just by their existence. It’s like the speck of dust in your eye that suddenly changes the way you see the world.

I have often found that the specs and the sparks are almost as important as the long pieces of our life. Sometimes maybe more so. Maybe we need a few more specs and sparks, and along the way, a nice shiny new thing might make our day a little better. Maybe not, but it will be fun trying.

So as the sun sets on another day, I hope you have a fantastic day, and may you find that spark that makes your day better and more memorable. After all, the world can be a lot of fun if you let it be. Make your day fantastic, and find new ways to enjoy your moments, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and make it a sparkly one…

End of a year…

The sun sets on another day…

It is the end to another year. Sunset today was spectacular high above, but the clouds sat upon us all as the rain and snow prepared to return. Still, I smiled and considered this year.

In January there were many fun prompts that were inspired by people I met. I also reviewed a considerable number of books in January with a passion to read. I set a 2022 goal for 300 books and read as of today 324. A good read for a little fun in January was Positions.

In February I was pounding books out like crazy. I got a kick out of a lot but also had a few come in that were less than perfect. I wondered about the divide in people, and was inspired by even more. I was fond of a post I wrote in February called Ashes, as it meant a lot to me, and a little more to many. I was also devastated by a terrible loss. It was there I wrote Depth of a Heart.

AS I reread March I realized I must have been attacked by a Thesaurus. I fought it for control but the number of large posts in March was high. Made me laugh for a few. I reread Positional Awareness and even though I repeat it from time to time, it is quite meaningful.

April showers bring May flowers, but for me it was more books by the week being posted and reviewed. As I looked at April I laughed at a song I was singing on the 18th. Then sound a few posts I liked a lot. Lot’s of books and short reviews posted and a cute little item called If it is going to be. I laughed and smiled a lot at this months items.

Mayday mayday, the month slid by. This month had a lot of fun reads but I liked Limits and Abilities and considered my writing for a while.

June is always a good month. Michigan is green again and a lot happens. At the end of June is the Muskegon Art Fair. I always have fun there and this year while drifting found some unique items. I wrote a cool poem in Faces.

In July I was hit by the death of an author, Kate McNeil. I also had fun with a stack of authors at Once Upon a Book. It was a series of bittersweet moments. I would like to think the summer made me smile more. A big highlight was Motor City Nightmares. Check out Measure of a Hero

August snuck up after a summer full of weddings and funerals. The very last day of the month I wrote Positive Change as I once again interacted with people and kept learning.

I appreciated September simply because things were slowing down a little. I did get to enjoy a few great shows and I love talking to readers and helping them see into their own minds. I smiled and laughed a lot during September as I visited several areas and sold books by the dozens. As I was reading I enjoyed this post.

October brought Halloween and during the month of October I started playing with other social media sites and selling A Slice of Fear and Another Slice of Fear. I also found that by accident I had completed enough content for a third anthology and began putting it together. I wrote Lines during this time and it was a revelation to me in some ways.

There was a chill upon us all as November rolled in. November is typically when we start to see some really cold weather and we did, but we also saw some really warm weather. It was an odd month but I enjoyed it. I was more than a little successful with the nanowrimo event and went to several shows including Reed City. While at Reed City I wrote this.

That brings us to December and to the end of a very interesting year. This year I have experienced death many times over and weddings aplenty. I can think of no better and more exciting time then interacting with people and enjoying the fellowship that they give. The year has ended and I hope you have enjoyed 29,000 sunsets and all the fun I have had writing it. As usual my purpose was hopefully to uplift one or two people but as the year has gone on I have interacted with so many more. Each of you is amazing and I appreciate every reader that I have.

So as the sun sets on another day keep pushing and being amazing each day, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and happy new year…

Silent Night…

The sun sets on another day…

As the day crossed in to the night there was silence. It all felt good and I smiled as Christmas Eve reared its face once again.

There are lots of poems, including many written by me over the years, about Christmas Eve and getting ready for spending time with family and friends. The Night Before Christmas is filled with amazing moments and hopefully brings Joy to people of any religion. Usually Christmas Day is a day off that we can spend with each other and a break from the craziness of the world each day.

Thank you for reading and thank you for being special everyday. I hope your Christmas Eve is as full as mine.

So as the sun sets on another day find your way to spectacular moments. I think you are amazing and will believe in you, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and happy holidays…