Looking Around For the Good Things Happening

When it comes to the news and the media it is hard to know if anything good is happening in the world. Fortunately the local news has some good stories that are happening but they don’t bring in the ratings. Actually the weather here in Western Washington brings in the ratings especially if it is raining hard or the wind is expected to be heavier than normal. The elections gave pretty good ratings as well. People are very passionate on both ends who should or shouldn’t be President. Many still haven’t gotten over the fact that Donald Trump is now the President of United States. He does seem to be an odd fellow to be the leader of the nation but that is who people voted for.  The election had a big voter turnout though still just over half of the registered voters actually decided to vote.

So when it comes to good things going on we just have to look at our own lives. I am sure most of us are doing well though there are days that are not good as others which are expected. Living in a small town like Gig Harbor good news is usually what is happening. The bad news usually has something to do with the growth of the area and what is next to being built.  For example a new housing development or a park with baseball or soccer fields; in both of those cases we don’t need to have either.

The good news is that my health is in pretty good shape right now. In fact often talking with other people the bad news does come around with those who are having health issues or someone we know just died recently. The important thing is that you have your family and life is going fine. You are making a difference in other people’s lives and they are doing the same for you. Life does seem to keep everyone pretty busy most of the time. It can lead to stress which doesn’t help for sure.  I hope that everyone is looking into what they want to do with your lives and getting into their purposes. Sending off have yourself a wonderful weekend. God bless you all.

Time to Shop for Presents

We all know now that is the time of the year to start shopping for presents. I look back now and see that there are so many different ways to go shopping now than when I was a kid.

In Gig Harbor we didn’t have a lot of places to shop in those days. In elementary school years I didn’t do much individual shopping except for my two brothers and sister. We had a ten cent store where we could buy a lot of little things that were under ten cents of course. The other stores that we could shop at in Gig Harbor did not offer a lot for Christmas presents unless it was for something odd or unusual.  So Mom would take us shopping at the Mall in Tacoma where she could buy clothes, toys and other items for presents. When we got into high school the Mall was still the primary place to go shopping; went to the Mall for quite a few years especially for items that were bought at the last moment.

Now though Gig Harbor has a lot more stores that you can actually buy clothes and toys at so no reason go to the Mall in Tacoma unless for something real special.  It helps not to be at places that are so crowded to shop. Now though we can shop on line and this is especially good for those that have to be shipped out of town. Most of the presents now go out of town and why wait in line at the post office to send them. Actually we have a couple other locations that will ship presents out of town as well that don’t have as long lines to wait in. Last year my mother decided to buy some presents less than a week before Christmas which turned out to be a mistake because the cost of shipping was three to four times more than the items she bought. Sent them off anyway however learned a valuable lesson not send presents that are not costly through the mail at the last moment.  I am sure would have saved at least half of that amount a week earlier or waited until after Christmas. So this year shop earlier in the stores or shop on line with shipping included.

We have so many different ways of shopping these days. Those you buy for your family and friends nearby can wait to do so last of all and those to ship a distance do it on line.  It is nice to go out shopping for presents at the local shops to see other people doing the same thing.  Another idea would be to go shopping at the shops and not buy anything. Just go for the enjoyment of seeing others shop.  I enjoy sitting in a chair watching people go by especially those with small children.  Other words I do it for sure entertainment value. Whatever way you shop have a very good holiday season.

November’s Comings and Goings

                                                     Good for this holiday season

To be honest I am not sure what to name this post however this is the best I came up with. Yesterday on my daily walk with a cold wind and overcast clouds I thought about the Novembers past and what maybe like this year and in the future to.

Next Thursday will be Thanksgiving Day here in the USA. I was thinking on the trail about the Thanksgiving pasts. It is especially true of the ones I had growing up and into my 20’s, 30s and 40s.  Most of those I spent a lot of Thanksgivings and Christmases as well are now gone.  It has been a while since my older brother Dick and my dad have been gone. They both enjoyed Thanksgiving a lot along with Christmas.  Dick when he finished college he lived in New York City until his death. When my sister moved back to Quebec Dick would spend each Thanksgiving and Christmas with her family. I know that she misses those times to especially now that her husband has passed away as well. Her two son’s Ken and Connor spend the holidays with her.  They miss the special times spent with their dad and Dick however they enjoy the times now with her. 

I remember the special time at Thanksgiving as a youth where the kids would have a table in another room while the adults were having dinner at the main table.  It was wonderful when I got old enough to graduate to the main table. I do have to say though I did enjoy the dinner in the other room. A lot of laughter happened during those times.

When my sister got married then my brother-in-law’s family started coming over for Thanksgiving and we would go over to their place for Christmas dinner.  Besides having a great meal of turkey, mashed potatoes and graving along with stuffing it was playing a card game before and after. I really miss those times especially those involved. I am so thankful now that they were part of my life and I miss them all very much.

I have visited my brother Jack a few times at Thanksgiving and Christmas as well. It has been a few years since doing so and that was very special to seeing my niece and nephews.  This year my mother and I went back to St. Louis in August for the wedding of my nephew Ian and his bridge Helen. It was a special wedding and to see them give their vows along with seeing his sister, her husband, my other two nephews  Robby and Danny along with my sister who made the trip as well.

This year will be different this holiday season because my cousin Bronwen passed away in August of Cancer. It is hard to believe that she is gone just like my brother, dad and the others. Bronwen and I had not spent Thanksgivings or Christmases like we did as children however we always talked on the phone to wish each other a good season and sometimes we would visit during the holiday season though not on the exact days. It was good to know her husband Hanks as well. I know that he misses Bronwen desperately.  Just last week it would have been their 20^th wedding anniversary. He did spend the time with Jennifer (Bronwen’s younger sister) and her husband Holt in Oregon.  It is all these people that I miss during this time of the year.

My mother and I will be spending Christmas dinner at her church with others who don’t have much family in the area either.  I will start Thanksgiving off going for my daily walk after wishing you all a great day whether you celebrate Thanksgiving or not. I will stop at my favorite coffee shop that is open until mid-day to wish them all who are there a Happy Thanksgiving Day. I will return home to watch a little football and time with mom before heading to Church for a lovely meal.

Remember to look back at the holiday pasts and for the ones coming up.  My thoughts are with you since I am sure most have lost a loved one during the last year or at least the last several years. It is always sad to lose loved ones that are so dear to us however we must enjoy those who are still with us now. May you be blessed today.    

Influencing People

 Whether we realize it or not we influence other people all the time. In the same way we observe others especially those we don’t know very well or not at all everyone does the same to us as well.

How we act or treat others influences them on what they think of us. Whatever we do both positive and negative goes a long way on how others will treat us in return and what they get from us. Those closest to us are the ones knowing us better than anyone else. In fact they probably know us better than ourselves.

The most important thing is to hear what others are saying about us whether directly or to their friends and colleagues. I encourage we use the positive aspects that we know about ourselves as much as possible and the negative we look at correcting them.

Our influence on people does not only apply to those we meet on a daily basis it applies to our children and their friends. The children are the ones we have to be careful about the most because they can be swayed very easy on how to think and act while adults have already act the way they do and we all know hard to change as well.

I am not saying we have to make big changes when it comes to our actions but to be careful on how we act and speak. The important thing is to act positive under most circumstances and to think before speaking as well. Also important to be honest even when we are not exactly sure what to say when asked a question. I had an experience like that yesterday when a young man asked me what I thought about having guns. I had to tell him I honestly questioning the use of guns myself especially the shooting that have been going on in the last several years. I am not either pro or anti-guns myself. They do have a purpose and the reason under the constitution of the United States the second amendment gives us the right to bear arms however what about those who can be dangerous with guns in their possession. Not an easy answer at least from my perspective. This can be said about other issues as well.

So be a person that will influence others in a positive way toward change. You don’t have to with a lot of words. We can all use people of change. Another important thing is not let others influence us in a negative way however weigh things when it comes to issues. Be a friend to as many people as possible without letting down your principles. Feel free to speak your mind without others thinking that you are judging them and most of all have a great day.   

The Super Moon

I think it is really cool when a natural phenomenon like what we are calling the Super Moon happens.  It seems more of this kind of phenomenon’s are happening in our life time. The Super Moon is expected to come again in 2034 so for some it will happen twice in a lifetime.

Unfortunately the weather here in Gig Harbor, Washington hasn’t allowed me to see the Super Moon. Monday night I looked out and saw a cloud covering a bright light which I expected was the Super Moon and then about an hour and half later I saw a bright light that was behind a large tree in the yard. I expected that it was the moon.

This morning (Tuesday) I got up to see again to find the moon however now it is raining. This evening I will be going out to my church I hope that I will see the moon that may be close to resembling what other’s  across the country and world have seen. I have often seen the moon at the church so I hope to get a glance.

Below I am showing a couple pictures from former students I grew up with here who live now elsewhere.  One lives in California and the other in South Carolina. What a great sight to see.

                                    Super Moon showing in South Carolina Monday Night

                                                          Super Moon in California

You’re Friends

It amazes me that people lost friends over the President Election. I wonder if it has ever happened before. With all the elections for President before I am sure it has but not to this extent I think anyway.

This all has to do with what people believe in. Whether you voted for Trump or Hillary Clinton these beliefs ran deep for most.  I know most of my friends who voted for Trump had to do with the issues and not him. They primarily did not want Clinton in the White House or someone like her with what she believed in. They felt that she would be dangerous being President of the United States. The main issue had to do with the Supreme Court. I can see their concern however the President can only nominate it is Congress that has to accept the nomination; so in my mind who is in Congress in my main concern.

I was a Republican going into this Presidential race but now I am an independent. I think that the party could have chosen someone better than Donald Trump. At the same time I don’t agree with Clinton and the Democratic Party. So this is where I am right now.

The important thing now is healing and that people come back together as friends. Go ahead and agree that you disagree on politics. Life is too short and Jesus Christ said to forgive others including your enemies.

I am fortunate not to have lost any friends though one is restrained. I have forgiven her of her remarks on social media directed at me. Yes she was not afraid to use my name. I hope that she doesn’t feel the same now especially with Trump being President. That is who she voted for.  She did not favor me for voting write-in candidate. I feel that I could not for Trump because of my conscience though I agreed more with his issues.

Now that the race is over time to get back to our lives the best we can. Bring healing and love back into our lives. I appreciate everyone that reads this blog and that in any way I can have made your life richer. Until next time many blessing to you.  

Having Peace!

It seems to me a lot of people want peace around the world which makes perfect sense. You then hear about riots around the USA and a few other countries over the election of Donald Trump.

I have to say that I am not a big fan of Trump’s since I didn’t  vote for him the election but I am not a fan of Hillary Clinton’s either since I did not vote for her either. Yes I did vote doing a write-in.

Right here in the Pacific Northwest in both Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington were two of the riots that went on. I don’t mind having peaceful marches long as they don’t disturb the traffic but there is no sense in rioting. What did not help in Seattle was that one of the city councilmen spoke at that occasion. She has been in situations like this before. She has the right to give her own opinion and the freedom of speech but not under those circumstances. My opinion she should resign or be asked to by the mayor of Seattle.  She would have been more successful if she had held a press conference saying her opinion of the new President.

Like I said that I am not a big fan of Mr. Trump’s however the vote of the people got him into office so the rest of us have to give him the chance to do the job. I wonder if the same rioting would have happened if Hillary Clinton had been voted in. I am sure some people would say no but I think it may have happened anyway.

The mainstream media didn’t help out either spending the time they did on reporting what happened. Of course it had to be reported but I think they could say what happened and then condone the action. In Seattle a block or so away from the rioting was a shooting of five people that had nothing to do with the riot however it didn’t get as much news reporting.  Both issues should have been reported as a traffic report to be sure drivers would not find their way through those streets. Of course something like that helps in the ratings. I wonder how many of those rioters actually cast a vote in the election; something to think about.

So let us get back to where peace should be the major focus even for those who don’t agree with the election of Trump. Beginning with peace is where we can make a change in what is happening in the world. We can be passionate however at the same time be peaceful. It is through the peace we can make the changes we should happen in the world. This all begins with us where the world can become a better place. If not us who will? Give peace and love to those around us. Amen!

Grandparents

I have to say this goes beyond grandparents however I feel they are important part of family. I unfortunately did not get to know my grandparents much as I would have liked to since they left so early in my life.

Grandmother Nightingale died when I was thirteen months old, and then my grandfather Shaw passed away when I was four so I didn’t know them at all.  I know that some people remember others at a young age but since I was burned when I was four years old I don’t have any memories of any time before that.  My grandfather Nightingale died when I was nine. I do remember some things about him but less as time goes on. He lived with my family so I do have some memories of him after the age of four but still very few. I remember that he smoked a pipe and that he gave me cod-liver oil along with fig newton bars. He lived down in the basement so would visit him there. My grandmother Shaw passed away when I was thirteen so I have memories of her as well. She lived in Vancouver, British Columbia during her last years after being in Edmonton, Alberta when I was born. I mostly remember her when we took a trip across Canada when I was twelve. We actually met up with her in Nova Scotia when we met a couple of her sisters as well. The only time we met with them. We did visit her several times in Vancouver as well. She was a kind and generous woman who loved to do outdoor activities.

So what I am saying is that is important to spend as much time with your grandparents as you can because you are not sure how long they will be around. Appreciate and learn as much from them as you can. If you have your grandparents sticking around longer than mine did I consider you very blessed. My nephews and niece are very fortunate that my mother their grandmother is still around into their adulthood. Three of my nephews and niece are fortunate that their other grandmother is still around as well though her health isn’t as good as it once was. My mother has excellent health for her age of 96.

So it is not only important to spend as much time with your grandparents or even great grandparents if they are around as well you have the privilege of knowing them very well and have great memories when they leave. I have to say the same thing about your parents along with aunts and uncles as well.

You have a double blessing if you all live close to each other as well. See most of my nephews and niece live on the East Coast so I don’t have the chance to see them as often as I would like. This means I really appreciate it when I do see them.

The modern technology of today we can actually see more of our family and friends that are distance away. We can talk with them anytime especially through smart phones, tablets and other devices seeing them in real time as well. When we are not available for real time we have option of videos that can be shown on social media or email. I recommend though to schedule a time that is consistent every week or twice a month. I know that everyone has a busy schedule so setting up a time that you can stick too is a good way to go.  When you have the opportunity sure to make a visit; enjoy one another even when you’re not together and far away. No matter what family and close friends is the most important part of life.      

Veteran’s Day

November 11 is one of the most honorable days of the year. Here in the United States we celebrate it as Veteran’s Day.

Throughout the country there are festivities happening to honor Veterans who have served this country whether during war or peace. They are the men and women who keep us safe. Some are true heroes while others are doing their job. Actually you can say they are all heroes in my book.

We don’t know what is happening around the world where war can break out anytime. Terrorist attacks can happen at any moment however these people make sure that we are safe as possible. Many know what is happening that we do not know and those who don’t keep doing their job.

Not only we honor those who are out there right now we remember those who have fought for us in the past. Those who gave their lives in battle while others came home with lost arms or legs; many of them who did not die still came home in very poor shape. There are those we need to help them further since they did risk their lives for us.

Whenever I meet a veteran or a military man or woman for the first time I thank them for their service to our country. Most of them we don’t know their names however they are the ones that make our nation what it still is today. Again thank you for your service while we celebrate this day.

We Can Have An Impact

As you know I write a lot about purpose and destiny.  The Presidential Election on Tuesday November 8 showed how much the people want change in the leadership of the nation. They are looking for people of hope. This is where we can come in and be people of impact.

The most important thing is to have answers that people can put themselves behind along with hope. The last few years there have been tragedies with shootings whether by policemen who are supposed to be those we are to trust and to protect or young people along with teachers at schools.

Another thing people have to see is that change will occur along with those who want to make an impact do it with passion. Other words no one wants the same old thing.

 The sad part I found though when it comes to government on the local side voters keep bringing back those who have been in power and not new blood. They see names that are familiar and don’t want change locally compared to nationally. A lot of that has to do with party lines. For example in Washington State where I live the majority of voters are democrats. They continue voting in the same people until someone retires or doesn’t run anymore. Although they may want change they vote the party line. It goes with names that are familiar to them as well. I am not a democrat so in most cases I don’t vote that way though I have voted for democrats in a couple positions. If people want change locally they need to bring new people to run in their party or vote for the other party.  True change and impact will happen more on the local level than the national or at least that is where it should start anyway.

So if you are someone that doesn’t like what is happening it is important for you to get out and make an impact. In another term someone who is a trail blazer that others can follow. Let it begin with us today.

Doing Greater Things

I know that many of us have been told that we would not come too much however this is not true at all.

I am glad that I have been blessed with a family that has believed in me where many others have not.

Knowing my story you can see that my life did not start out on the right track and I am blessed to be still alive since I was burned at four years of age. Only a few seconds difference I would not be here today.

You see God had a bigger plan for me. Also that goes for you as well. No matter what you have been told over the years you can do greater things. I am sure there are those reading this post that have done great things and will do even more.

It doesn’t matter what others have said to you over the years. I want us all to realize that we can’t let the words of others to overpower us. We can overcome the words that have been spoken over us.

You see this is part of our purpose and destiny to do greater things. It is not because we are better than anyone else. In the contrary everyone is destined to do great things. The best part is we can do it without fanfare. We can encourage others to follow us in doing great things as well.

The next question is what those great things we are meant to do are; for each of us it is different. The answer is within us and if you still don’t know ask God.

Many blessings to us all on this fine day; look forward to where we are tomorrow, next week, next month and next year. I know that we can all do it. Remember not to let others have power over you.  

Election Day

Here in the United States Election Day November 8 2016 has finally arrived. Not only we vote for the President of the United States there are other offices and issues to do so as well.

Every state has their own way of voting. Many  states still have where you go to a location near where you live and go into a voting booth to cast your votes. In Washington State where I live we do it different than many other states. We vote by mail only. I received a ballot in the mail on Oct. 21 and have until Nov. 8 to cast my vote. I did my voting about a week or so ago. You can return the ballot by mail or there is a box in every city or area where you can put your ballot. I put my ballot in the box to be sure that mine would be counted. The box is in a location that I go by frequently so it really wasn’t hard for me.

Besides voting for President we had to vote in Washington State for governor, a senator, judges and many initiatives. It would have taken a lot of time if I had to go to a booth to vote. Most likely I would have had to wait a couple hours in line to vote so this was a good way to vote. I like our system in Washington State because it not only allows us to vote in our own privacy and time the cost of voting is a lot less as well. The cost of a voting booth can be quite expensive while a ballot in the mail only cost a few cents. Of course there are those who have to count the ballots but I still believe it saves money.

Just let you know that I didn’t vote for either of the two major candidates. I know that there are a lot of people who will say that I wasted my vote which may be true but I did vote my conscience though. This is the most controversy election on record. I believe most people voted for what is being called “less of two evils”. The reason I didn’t vote for either one. Many of those I have talked to vote for the issues and not the candidate. I can understand why they did so however I could not do so myself. I believe there are so many people that voted this way of “less of two evils” that things could be a lot different if they voted for a third candidate or a write in. All those who truly did not want either candidate should have gotten together in different locations throughout the country and discussed who they thought would be a viable candidate; this could have changed the election all away around. Though it did not happen for this election I would not be surprised if another large party materializes for the next election in 2020. There is a lot people could have done this time around if they rallied together.

Although I know my candidate won’t likely win though I thought she was better than the two major candidates. It would take a miracle for sure if she got in. There would have to be a lot of voters thinking the same way I have. At least I know that I have voted with a clear conscience and whatever happens the next four years I know that I didn’t vote for them. I am sure people thought I sold out however I could say the same for them. If these next four years are the worst in country history I promise not to say “I told you so”.  The great thing though is that we are all better and bigger than whoever becomes President so we will still be OK regardless what happens! So happy Election Day to everyone; even those of you who are elsewhere in the world and don’t have to vote.  

Travel to Hurricane Ridge

                                         A view from Hurricane Ridge

Whether you are a visitor or residence of Washington State Hurricane Ridge is a wonderful spot to visit. It is located in the Olympic Mountains. It takes about three and half hours to get there from Seattle if you travel around going south on I-5 to Tacoma. You then would take the Bremerton Highway 16 exit in Tacoma right after the Tacoma Dome. You would then head toward Silverdale and Poulsbo in Bremerton. You would then go over the Hood Canal Bridge and head for Port Angeles. In Port Angeles you would follow the signs for Hurricane Ridge. You can take the Seattle to Bremerton ferry as well however it will take a little longer get to Hurricane Ridge.

There are several hiking trails at Hurricane Ridge. They are not too long and you can do it in one day. One year my brothers and I hiked a seven mile trail that was very beautiful and easy. We spent the night staying in a tent before returning the next day.

Port Angeles is another wonderful place to visit as well. Less than an half hour drive going West toward Forks, Washington is Lake Crescent. Very beautiful spot that you can stop at and enjoy as well; the road is quite narrow so you have to watch what you are doing driving especially if it is raining. I have always thought it would be a great place to have a car race. It would be interesting to see how many cars would end up in the lake.

Besides spending the day at either Hurricane Ridge or Port Angeles there is a lot to see. Looking out from Port Angeles on a clear day you can see a little of Vancouver Island. If you like there is a ferry ride from Port Angeles to Victoria British Columbia. I recommend making a reservation to get on the ferry. You can drive your car onto the ferry or leave the car in Port Angeles and ride as a passenger only. If you want to spend time in Victoria itself only I would go on the ferry as a passenger only. Looking to see other parts of Vancouver Island then I would take your car. Vancouver Island is a very large so you can take several days to enjoy it. You can then return going to Port Angeles if you left your car there or taking another ferry to Seattle with your car.

The Olympic Peninsula and Vancouver Island are two great spots to enjoy your vacation over a period of days. It all depends how much time you want to spend. So happy travels to you.