As the years go by, I notice many changes in my life. No, not so much regarding my physical make-up, but rather my mental and emotional being.
So, have times changed or have I? I think times have changed because I have changed. If I still felt, thought and acted the same as I always had in the past, well then times would also be the same. It would be as a routine. Is change good? Well, that depends if your change makes you a better person or not. It would be easy for me to say that my changes have been for the best, but that is my opinion and yours may differ. It would be nice if we could always make changes which improve us as a person, but that is not always the case. Many times people make changes only to find it was the wrong choice. Choice, that is what it comes down to, what we choose to do or not do. Many won't make changes because they are afraid to make the wrong choice. How will you ever know if you just sit there and do nothing? Of course one needs to analyze ones reasons for wanting to change and research the options carefully, thereby minimizing the chace of failure.
Are any changes really needed? That is a question only one can answer. In my case I felt that definite changes were needed. Don't confuse well thought out changes with those forced upon us by the actions or inactions of others. Those changes come about without much of our input or preparation. But, even those can be good if we have the right attitude and don't allow them to ruin us. You see, we can't control what others do, but we can and must control how we deal with the situation.
What I have found interesting and enjoyable about this whole thing we call life, is the fact that we are never too old to change. We are never too old to improve ourselves and our outlook. What the hell, we are here so why not make the best of it...and enjoy the ride!.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Well, I guess it's not a fad...
I often wonder how many people in the world are like me. No, not in every aspect, just in some. For example, ever since I was a child I would have these times where my focus was on one thing, and that one thing, whatever it may have been, would take up most of my time and effort. After a while, with few exceptions, I would reach a point where I was no longer interested in that item, event or whatever. I guess some would call it a fad, while others might call it A.D.D. Well, I don't want to label myself as that, but I have been known to loose interest quickly. My mind is always moving, I am always thinking. There is not one moment in my day where I am just blank. Are all people this way? Or are some people able to empty their minds of all thought? That is rather scary to me, just the thought of not having anything on your mind. I guess some who practice yoga are able to do this. Is it better to always be thinking or not? I don't know, since I have never been able to do so.
Anyway, I kind of got off track. I was originally going to right about how I am still very much involved in purchasing, wearing and learning about vintage fedoras. I was at one point wondering if this also would become one of those things I lost interest in. Well, it is going on 2 years now, so I think this qualifies as a keeper, not a fad. I think, there I go again, it is because it was something I always wanted to do, that is, own a quality fedora. I would as a child see older gentlemen, such as my grandfathers, wear nice hats. As a kid I always wore baseball caps and newsboy caps, but my longing was always for a fedora. I was too young for one, or so I thought. I have through my research found that fedoras wher also worn by young men at one time in history. Ok, maybe not a kid, but a young man.. Well, better late than never. I am now a proud owner of 20 vintage fedoras which I wear proudly. I actually own 26 fedoras, but I don't count my straw fedoras as vintage because they are not. I among does straw fedoras, own 2 Panama hats from Ecuador which I thought I would like when I originally ordered them, but I really was dissappointed in them. I guess for some they are fine, but I find that the brim is way to big. I don't like fedoras with brims longer than 2 1/4'', actually under 2'' is more my style. I have learned a lot about fedoras and their history. I own fedoras as old as 65 years old. I often wonder, if these fedoras could talk, what a story they could tell. Not only are my fedoras vintage, they also come from all over the U>S.A. and I also own two fedoras which were made in Italy and made it to the U.S.
So, You see, I can,focus on something for longer than a day or two.....
Anyway, I kind of got off track. I was originally going to right about how I am still very much involved in purchasing, wearing and learning about vintage fedoras. I was at one point wondering if this also would become one of those things I lost interest in. Well, it is going on 2 years now, so I think this qualifies as a keeper, not a fad. I think, there I go again, it is because it was something I always wanted to do, that is, own a quality fedora. I would as a child see older gentlemen, such as my grandfathers, wear nice hats. As a kid I always wore baseball caps and newsboy caps, but my longing was always for a fedora. I was too young for one, or so I thought. I have through my research found that fedoras wher also worn by young men at one time in history. Ok, maybe not a kid, but a young man.. Well, better late than never. I am now a proud owner of 20 vintage fedoras which I wear proudly. I actually own 26 fedoras, but I don't count my straw fedoras as vintage because they are not. I among does straw fedoras, own 2 Panama hats from Ecuador which I thought I would like when I originally ordered them, but I really was dissappointed in them. I guess for some they are fine, but I find that the brim is way to big. I don't like fedoras with brims longer than 2 1/4'', actually under 2'' is more my style. I have learned a lot about fedoras and their history. I own fedoras as old as 65 years old. I often wonder, if these fedoras could talk, what a story they could tell. Not only are my fedoras vintage, they also come from all over the U>S.A. and I also own two fedoras which were made in Italy and made it to the U.S.
So, You see, I can,focus on something for longer than a day or two.....
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Just thinking out loud...
I have not posted in a while. It is summer and I try to keep busy around here since before you know it will be cold again.
I however was reading a post from one of the email forums I belong to. This one is Blind Talk of Il. I was reading a post from a mom of a blind girl. Her daughter has been blind for a year now, so blindness is all new for them. They are doing all the right things with the proper attitude. She wrote about going to a historical site with her son while her little girl was attending school. She heard one of the artist at the site mention that a class was being arranged for children 6 to 11 years of age. In this class they would learn to make molds of their hands. The mom thought her little girl would probably enjoy this activity so she inquired about it. She happened to mention her daughter was blind, and instantly the artist said, "Well, your son is welcome to the class, but it is too dangerous for a blind child." Well, mom was not happy,, but she did not want to make a scene. She has no interest in either of her children attending this class, but she wanted to vent on this forum and she asked what would we have done and what response would have been appropriate.
Well, I think she did right by not making a scene and upsetting her little boy. it does show however how much ignorance there is out in the world about the blind.
I am not saying people are ignorant in general. I am saying when it comes to understanding what blindness is and is not, many are ignorant, or shall we say 'In the Dark.' I am open to freely helping anyone who cares enough or is just curious to understand what a blind person, young or old, can and cannot do. In simple terms, we can do just about anything a person of our age in the "normal" world can do. In some cases we can do more and some we can only do our best. But, is that not the case for "normal" adults and children? It is not realistic to expect everyone to be able to be as successful or as good, if you will, as his or her counterpart. We are just normal people who can't see with our eyes. however
we are very able and capable to accomplish just about anything we set our minds to.. Yes I agree that their are some blind folk who aren't able to, or just don't want to do much of anything, but isn't that the same with many normal folk with no impairments? If you are reading this, please don't assume a blind person can or can't do something just based on the fact they are blind. There are many other factors to consider.
I however was reading a post from one of the email forums I belong to. This one is Blind Talk of Il. I was reading a post from a mom of a blind girl. Her daughter has been blind for a year now, so blindness is all new for them. They are doing all the right things with the proper attitude. She wrote about going to a historical site with her son while her little girl was attending school. She heard one of the artist at the site mention that a class was being arranged for children 6 to 11 years of age. In this class they would learn to make molds of their hands. The mom thought her little girl would probably enjoy this activity so she inquired about it. She happened to mention her daughter was blind, and instantly the artist said, "Well, your son is welcome to the class, but it is too dangerous for a blind child." Well, mom was not happy,, but she did not want to make a scene. She has no interest in either of her children attending this class, but she wanted to vent on this forum and she asked what would we have done and what response would have been appropriate.
Well, I think she did right by not making a scene and upsetting her little boy. it does show however how much ignorance there is out in the world about the blind.
I am not saying people are ignorant in general. I am saying when it comes to understanding what blindness is and is not, many are ignorant, or shall we say 'In the Dark.' I am open to freely helping anyone who cares enough or is just curious to understand what a blind person, young or old, can and cannot do. In simple terms, we can do just about anything a person of our age in the "normal" world can do. In some cases we can do more and some we can only do our best. But, is that not the case for "normal" adults and children? It is not realistic to expect everyone to be able to be as successful or as good, if you will, as his or her counterpart. We are just normal people who can't see with our eyes. however
we are very able and capable to accomplish just about anything we set our minds to.. Yes I agree that their are some blind folk who aren't able to, or just don't want to do much of anything, but isn't that the same with many normal folk with no impairments? If you are reading this, please don't assume a blind person can or can't do something just based on the fact they are blind. There are many other factors to consider.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Really Upset...
I figured the best way to deal with how I feel is to write about it. What I am really upset about is how that little boy in New York lost his life. An 8 year old little boy walking home for the very first time gets lost and trust a friendly adult only to be murdered by this animal. It is horrible! The parents will blame themselves for the rest of their lives. It is so sad, they had even walked the course with him so he would know how to get home. I am sure they were waiting for him with much excitement, being his first time on his own. Things like this should never happen, but they do. We as parents and grandparents need to be mindful that there are horrible people out there. I will also suggest that if we hear or see someone acting strangely or too friendly around a child, no matter who he or she is, we should act if we deem it necessary.. No, I am not saying we should be suspicious of everyone, but it pays to be cautious. We as current or past parents know that gutt feeling we get when something does not seem right. Go with that feeling! It is far better to be safe than to be sorry...
May God be with the parents of that family and with our children.
May God be with the parents of that family and with our children.
Monday, June 27, 2011
I am learning...
Yes, I am still learning at the age of 55. The difference now is the way I look at things. I can honestly say that I know myself better than I did a few years ago. I know much more clearly what my breaking point is and I am better equipped emotionally to handle situations. In my personal life I know what I can control and what I cannot. Among the things I cannot and will not control are other peoples actions. Whether their actions, or for that matter inactions, have an effect on my life. I cannot control what people say or do, and I really don't want to anyway. I much rather spend my energy becoming the best person I can be, not only for myself, but for those around me who may look at me as an example in their lives. I have five granddaughters who I love very much and who love me in return. I am their grandpa and I know they look up to me and I WILL NOT! let them down as long as it is in my power. My youngest son is 24 and pretty much on his own, but also with him I am careful not to effect how he looks at me as his father. I hope to help him in anyway I can so he reaches his full potential. My other 3 children have made their own lives apart from mine and I am very proud of them, and I am very blessed that even though they have lives of their own they have allowed me to be a part of their lives and family.
People still do things which shock me and even hurt me, but I have a different way of handling those situations. I try to be as objective as possible and I try not to judge. I may not agree with certain things but I know enough to keep my thoughts to myself. If their is one thing I have learned in life it is the fact that you can speak to a person about anything at all, and if they choose to ignore you that is their choice, regardless of the cost. I would say one can speak til they are blue in the face and if the other person does not want to hear it, then you wasted much energy on nothing. That is where the difference has come in my life, I still try to help those who want or ask for my help, but I no longer volunteer my help or viewpoint when not asked to do so. It actually has made me a stronger person. I am much more in control of my thoughts and actions. I decide what is best for me, I no longer allow others decisions or lack there of, to affect how I will act. It is a work in progress, I must say, since I am often faced with situations which are not your normal life ones. Especially on those occasions do I need to be extra mindful of my reactions, since I know others are waitin to see how and if I will act. I have found that many times the best thing to do is to do nothing. If it is not something I can or care to control, it is best not to even try. This especially holds true when it comes to bad decisions or poor judgement on the part of others, this can be very touchy and it is best not to volunteer opinions or even to express "would haves" and "should haves." As I said, I am stronger and smarter now. I strive to live and let live. I am happy with my decisions and hope to continue on my course to self-improvement and I hope that with them I also reap peace and happiness.....
People still do things which shock me and even hurt me, but I have a different way of handling those situations. I try to be as objective as possible and I try not to judge. I may not agree with certain things but I know enough to keep my thoughts to myself. If their is one thing I have learned in life it is the fact that you can speak to a person about anything at all, and if they choose to ignore you that is their choice, regardless of the cost. I would say one can speak til they are blue in the face and if the other person does not want to hear it, then you wasted much energy on nothing. That is where the difference has come in my life, I still try to help those who want or ask for my help, but I no longer volunteer my help or viewpoint when not asked to do so. It actually has made me a stronger person. I am much more in control of my thoughts and actions. I decide what is best for me, I no longer allow others decisions or lack there of, to affect how I will act. It is a work in progress, I must say, since I am often faced with situations which are not your normal life ones. Especially on those occasions do I need to be extra mindful of my reactions, since I know others are waitin to see how and if I will act. I have found that many times the best thing to do is to do nothing. If it is not something I can or care to control, it is best not to even try. This especially holds true when it comes to bad decisions or poor judgement on the part of others, this can be very touchy and it is best not to volunteer opinions or even to express "would haves" and "should haves." As I said, I am stronger and smarter now. I strive to live and let live. I am happy with my decisions and hope to continue on my course to self-improvement and I hope that with them I also reap peace and happiness.....
Monday, June 20, 2011
The Cubs?
Yes, I am a Sox fan, However, i had never been to Wrigley Field and when presented with the opportunity to go, well I just could not pass it up. My Son Anthony got some tickets and we watch the Cubs and Yankees play. The Cubs lost, but that really did not dampen the experience for me. It was really cool. All the people, close to 42k, were there to have fun. Since it was Fathers Day, there were many Dad's with there children, I was one of them. Now I can officially say I have been to a Cubs game.
I enjoy doing things with my children. Yeah, I know they arn't children anymore, but to me they always will be, and I will always be their Dad. I just hope I can live up to that title.
My time with them is unique, even if it is simply going shopping or for a ride. They are a part of me and I hope to always be a part of their lives. I know I talk a whole lot, and I even repeat myself a lot, but for the most part we have very intellectual conversations.
Anyway, I did enjoy the game and truly enjoyed being with Anthony. Today I come back to reality and I am once again a Sox fan. Interesting though how today the 20th. day of June, the Cubs and Sox are playing at The Cell. Oh, yeah I did...root for the Cubs!
I enjoy doing things with my children. Yeah, I know they arn't children anymore, but to me they always will be, and I will always be their Dad. I just hope I can live up to that title.
My time with them is unique, even if it is simply going shopping or for a ride. They are a part of me and I hope to always be a part of their lives. I know I talk a whole lot, and I even repeat myself a lot, but for the most part we have very intellectual conversations.
Anyway, I did enjoy the game and truly enjoyed being with Anthony. Today I come back to reality and I am once again a Sox fan. Interesting though how today the 20th. day of June, the Cubs and Sox are playing at The Cell. Oh, yeah I did...root for the Cubs!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Our quest for happiness...
I am by no means an expert on this subject, however, it is something I feel like blogging about. Anyone who knows me is aware that I do believe in love and I can be a romantic person. I say this because our quest for happiness most of the time involves love or a romantic encounter. What I have found is that many times we look in all the wrong places for the answers to our quest for happiness. Sadly we or someone else gets hurt. Sadly, this hurt is often times more than a physical pain. It is an emotional one which really tears us up.
I have found that while it is a beautiful thing to be romantically in love with someone, when it is not possible to be in a relationship with that person because they are involved with someone else, or simply don't want anything to do with us in a romantic way, we can and and should find happiness in our lives by seeking out those who do love and want to be with us. Granted this does not involve romance, since most of the time this happiness is found in our children or, if we are so blessed, in our grandchildren. But we can fill a very large void in our hearts if we reach out to those who love us back without conditions. We owe it to ourselves to find such genuine love. If we spend all our lives, especially if we are in our later years of life, looking for love and magical romance we may wake up one day and find that we let treasures in our life just get away because we were too busy in our quest for happiness in all the wrong places and with all the wrong people. Sometimes the one that can bring us true unconditionnal love has been in our lives the whole time, we just refuse to admit or accept it...
I have found that while it is a beautiful thing to be romantically in love with someone, when it is not possible to be in a relationship with that person because they are involved with someone else, or simply don't want anything to do with us in a romantic way, we can and and should find happiness in our lives by seeking out those who do love and want to be with us. Granted this does not involve romance, since most of the time this happiness is found in our children or, if we are so blessed, in our grandchildren. But we can fill a very large void in our hearts if we reach out to those who love us back without conditions. We owe it to ourselves to find such genuine love. If we spend all our lives, especially if we are in our later years of life, looking for love and magical romance we may wake up one day and find that we let treasures in our life just get away because we were too busy in our quest for happiness in all the wrong places and with all the wrong people. Sometimes the one that can bring us true unconditionnal love has been in our lives the whole time, we just refuse to admit or accept it...
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