Dreaming!

We all know that there are two types of dreams. The ones we have while we are asleep and the other is our hearts desires.

As far as the dreams we have at night I am told we dream almost every night possibly multiple ones. Is anyone else like me who does not remember any or most of the dreams you have.

I wonder to if we get older the more dreams we remember. My mother seems to remember a lot of them. She says the ones she remembers are more like nightmares or very strange. It means something I believe though going to a dream specialist we would get the answers. Oh by the way is there someone called a dream specialist. It sounds like a good idea anyway. There must be one around somewhere you would think?  

One dream I remember since I was a teenager I was up in a space ship with a bunch of monkeys and we ended up crashing in the ocean. All the monkeys died while I was saved.  I am not what the significance of the dream was but the important thing was that I did survive.

Ok the second type of dream is what our hearts desire or what we want to do with our lives when we grow up. For example we might want to be a policeman, fireman and doctor to name just a few. We know many of those dreams come true though many kids moved onto other dreams. When I was a kid in elementary school I wanted to be a sportscaster. When I graduated from high school I actually went to local technical college to become one. The school was the highest rank in the state of Washington for radio broadcasting and one of the top in the country.  Pat O’Day who is well known in Seattle as a DJ went to the school and he is in the rock and roll hall of fame too. Everyone around my age and a bit older knows who he is. Almost all of us listen to him growing up and more. Anyway I went for two years and then got a job as a DJ and newsman in Forks Washington. It turned out that I did not have the talent like many others who made it a career however I went after my dream. I wish now that I would have gone on to be a sports reporter instead. Now though writing has become a major part of my life.

I recommend that if your children or grandchildren have dreams of what they want to be when they grow up for them to go for it regardless of how much talent or lack of it they have. You see if they don’t go for it they may wonder the rest of their lives. Besides who knows they could become the greatest in their field.

So I end here for you to keep on dreaming whether at night or in your heart. Amazing what may happen and if I remember one while dreaming in bed I will let you know. Have a great weekend to. TGIF!

Yes I Can

Growing up for many of us who were not among the popular kids would be discouraged because other kids would tell you that you can’t do something. I have to say that I was lucky to be somewhere in the middle though on the lower side in things.

As children we find out that other children are not very kind a lot of the time. This even applied to those who were not so popular either. Though the popular kids would get on your case so did the rest of them. We all wanted to be liked so anytime someone was made fun of or pushed around everyone seemed to laugh about it. I wonder if parents realized how their children acted at school or just did not care. Let kids be kids.

Since this all happens and we are told over and over again that you can’t do this or that you have the idea this is really true. Older you get it sticks in your mind. Junior high is probably the age it really becomes true. I am sure most of us remember those days. I had to deal with bullies though ninth grade was the hardest for me. I still have memories about those times though I do not feel that way often anymore. I believe though in mind that I have to say over and over again yes I can. Whatever anyone else can do so can I.

I remember in elementary school I did not really want go to school very often. When I got sick I made sure to stay home a few extra days even though I was feeling better. I could not believe some kids would be out of school being sick for one day. Going to lunch and recess were the favorite times of the day though sometimes they were not always fun either.  I remember though enjoying square dancing where I could dance with the pretty girls. It was the only time I was not scared to talk with them. Otherwise I was real nervous. This would depend on the girl though because there were a few that I enjoyed talking too. I am not sure why it could be they were friendly and enjoyed my company though I did not realize it at the time.

Truly to be the people we are meant to be is continuing ourselves yes I can. This does not matter what the circumstances are. We are champions and people of destiny.

 

Being A Good Soldier

First of all we need to continue honor those who serve in our military and the sacrifices they make. If it were not for them we would not be free. You live in a country that is not free we all pray that day will change soon.

For us to truly meet our destiny and be champions it is important to be good soldiers. A good soldier not only does his job well he always says yes to those who higher rank than himself. In fact I would go a step further considering everyone a higher rank even those who are not. Recognizing everyone higher than yourself will make you even a better soldier. This doesn’t matter what your rank is right now. Others may consider you a general however you still see others better than yourself. The reason you are a general is because of how you see others above you. It is so easy to become puffed up as well.

You own a business listen to your employees. There will be times where you will have to swift actions but listening to them will make the business more successful. You don’t necessarily have to tell them they most likely already know. The success of your business starts at the top all the way to the lowest employee in the chain. Let them know the value of being an employee because you will get a better employee. Being an employee work as though you are the highest ranking one in the business even if you are at the bottom of the chain; this way you work yourself up the chain. Your boss will see how hard of work you do and how valuable you are to him. Do not complain if the climb takes longer than you think. In the end you will have your reward.

Though we are not here to receive a reward because it is the destiny we are looking to finally achieve the reward will come in the destiny even if no one recognizes our achievements. Actually our commander in chief recognizes our achievements and gives us eternal reward. Keep it up being a good soldier.

Memories of Summers Pasts

 

 

 

I am sure everyone remembers the best, the worst and ugly of summer’s pasts. The best ones are lodged in our minds the most I am sure along with the worst ones too. The ugly ones could be right up there too though I don’t remember any of them? They go right in with the bad ones. Hopefully everyone had few bad summers. I know I certainly did not.

Like many memories I have the summer ones are garbled here and there. I am not sure whether it was my first year at YMCA camp or not however one I am sure everyone there remembers more than I do. I was ten years old and one morning I was screaming fire. All the kids and counselors throughout the camp woke up and got out to their dismay that my screaming fire was a false alarm. I have to say that I was not very popular that day. I don’t remember it happening however I was told over and over again so I know it did happen. Something good to laugh about now; going to camp that year was fun other than the fire episode. I remember being able to learn archery and making different items. The challenge though at camp had to do with swimming for a distance with a boat behind me just in case something happened. If you made the full distance you were able to take a boat out along with all the privileges of swimming. I am not sure whether I passed the first time or not however I did make it all the way once. Nothing worse would have happened if I could not take a boat out or go swimming. It would have been a disappointing camp for sure. When I was eleven I went to camp again with the same good times.

At twelve years old was the greatest summer of all. In fact I am sure few families ever did this before or after our family. We took off the day after school was let off for the summer and did not return until two weeks before school started up again. Actually we would have been away for even a little longer however I had to be back to get an operation under my right arm because of the burn I had when I was four years old.

Our trip involved having a tent trailer. Our parents said we could take this trip if my brothers and I promised to take it up and down every single day. My older brother Dick who was thirteen and taller than either my younger brother Jack or myself had to do the high part of the job; we had no problem doing that because the benefit of the trip outweighed putting up the tent.

Our trip we went from Gig Harbor, Washington up into British Columbia and we travelled east all the way through Canada. We visited every province in Canada and we visited several states in eastern United States. We saw Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts for the first time. Though I did not see a game I was able to see Fenway Park in Boston.

Throughout the trip we had some other members of the family join us like my sister Barb who met up with us in Montreal. We met our Aunt Judy for the first time in Montreal too. I believe we spent about two weeks in Montreal since they had a World’s Fair. Mostly I remembered about the fair was standing in line for hours. At least my brothers and I were able to run around some since we could not stand still for very long. Our grandmother met up with us in Nova Scotia. She was living in British Columbia however flied to Nova Scotia to meet up with us. She was born and grew up in Nova Scotia so we met a couple of her sisters as well. The only time we met them since they were elderly and in their 90s. We met some second cousins in New Brunswick as well. They were a little bit younger than us. We spent several days there too. This was before going onto eastern United States.

Of course we had other good summers but that summer being twelve was the best of all. I hope this will recall for you all the summers you experienced as a child and your families.     

 

 

Life of Purpose

Every day we wake up in the morning we should have a purpose for the day. I believe most of us have a purpose without thinking about it and going out doing it.

What I believe is that we should add onto our purposes. Also get new ones everyday as well. This is how we become the person we ought to be and our destiny flourishes. A few hours ago I was thinking that almost every day I go to my favorite coffee shop because they make my drink the way I like it plus they ask me if I want my usual drink and the baristas are pretty. However the number reason the baristas makes me feel like that I belong and enjoy seeing me. This goes for the other regular customers I see in the coffee shop as well. What I come away from this is that we should observe and listen to those around us no matter who they are. This could be young kids up to an old person or the pretty barista where we can learn something from them. Also a mother or a father on how they interact with their kids positive or negative; so what I see to continue in purpose is to take what I have learned from other people and not only apply it to my own life to pass it on to others. I see this as my major purpose in life to pass my knowledge and experience onto others.

I was reading a post a few minutes ago on FB where someone was complaining on how many kids are rude and they don’t open the door for others. The person who posted is handicapped and said those kids laughed at them as well. These days I do see some rude kids along with adults who haven’t grown up yet not doing polite things like opening a door. Those who do laugh under these circumstances need to learn a few lessons however I know kids who are nice but they don’t open doors either. I believe in their cases they are unaware in what they are doing. I have seen this happen with my nephews where they don’t open doors or let you go in front of them. This is how society is now. These days though there are other issues that are a lot worse; my advice instead of complaining or having a bad attitude because someone younger than you are not respecting you and not opening the door instead you open the door for them. It is possible they will get the point. If not at least you have tried and being a good sport yourself.

Today put your feet forward and become the person with some new purposes in your life whether the one I learned or some other ones. So I send off saying ”have a good day”.

Moving On Into Retirement

This week two friends of mine have now retired. Hard to believe this is happening with so many people I know. I am now in the age bracket of retirement. I am not where to get social security for several more years.

One of my friends taught kindergarten for twenty-eight years. Helping to shape the lives of the children and some of them have children of their own. The other was in business just ending his time with the same company for sixteen. Not often do people stay with the same company for that long of time.

The teacher has been doing her job in southern California however has been thinking of returning to the Gig Harbor, Washington along with her husband who has already retired. So this is how I know her is being in school with her for several years. They have a daughter with grandchildren living north of Seattle so a good reason to return along with the fact that there is not a more beautiful place to be than Gig Harbor. All I have to do is look outside my window this morning. I am sure in retirement she will have impact still with children especially her grandchildren. Somethings never change though you may retire.

The businessman has moved to Oregon for his retirement after living many years in Seattle. His wife is still working in the medical insurance field and she will continue for a few more years. Just like the teacher I am sure he will have an impact in people’s lives. He may have retired however you can’t take the salesman out of him. Though they are in Oregon now his family and friends will make some trips to visit them; this includes me. Oregon is a relaxing place to be compared to Seattle. There is a lot of little shops and restaurants in the area that I know they are spending their time at. Meeting new friends along the way too.

So I am saying all this is though we may retire from our job does not mean we retire from life. We can continue to help and be influence on other people. We just do not have to get up so early unless we choose to and we do not have to be anyplace at a particular time without our choosing as well. In some respect we could be busier being retired than working depending what you like to do. Oh yes you can’t forget about traveling. Hopefully you have the money to be able to do that as well. The important thing is to figure out the least expensive way to go and still have a good time. Last and certainly not least your family and friends want to see you once in a while. Again make the best of your retirement. You have done a lot of work to take the time off.

Hot Weather in the Northwest

This weekend we are having hot weather once again in the northwest. Here in Western Washington it is expected to be in the upper 80s Saturday and Sunday while Eastern Washington and Oregon is expected to be in the lower to mid-90s.

This is very unusual for us here to have so much hot weather. Last year and earlier this year we had record temperatures. I guess it has to do global warming I expect. Usually it rains in the earlier part of June and gets more like summer in second half of June or around 4^th of July. We always considered summer began on Independence Day. Last year was the first time I remember that we had summer weather throughout June and this year may be the same way. Of course it could change after this week.

Here in Gig Harbor we have the Maritime Festival this weekend and we will have a good time with a parade and other festivities. I am sure a lot of people will be out on their boats as well. Throughout Western Washington you can go out on boats or take a ferry to Seattle or to the San Juan Islands. Also very popular to take the ferry either from Port Angeles or Seattle to Victoria, British Columbia; many people here love to travel to Victoria for the weekend or a few days extra. There are so many places to visit around Victoria and you get the feeling of being in England. In fact it may feel more English than England. Vancouver Island that Victoria is on is quite a large island. I was told by someone that it is actually larger than Great Britain. There are so many wonderful small towns to visit on the island.

Here in Western Washington you can visit a lot of places too. I feel I could spend a lot of my time just visiting so many places here. Every town has at least one coffee shop or more that you can visit. Here in Gig Harbor you can go to   six Starbucks besides other less known coffee shops. The coffee shop I go to is larger than Starbucks and the barista’s are very nice to talk with along with the people who come in for coffee or other drinks. The coffee shop I go to is called Cutter’s Point. They have three locations within a few blocks of each other. There main store which right now is being enlarged and remodeled is at Olympic Village on the west side of highway 16. They have a driver thru on the east side of highway 16 across from Olympic Village in Chevron Station and then they have a location in Main and Vine grocery store. They are planning to build another in north Gig Harbor. Also they have several in Tacoma and in Port Orchard along with a few other locations. If interested just do a search for their website. There are several other coffee shops as well in the area.  So there is no shortage of coffee shops that is for sure.

When you head east to Tacoma over the Narrows Bridge you can view the mighty Mt. Rainier. It is about a two hour drive to visit the mount and the national park. This week a new stamp showing Mt. Rainier on it came out. If you get the stamp you can visit the park without charge. A great place to visit any time of the year; I am sure a lot of hikers will be up their this weekend.

If you head over the Narrows Bridge going west toward Gig Harbor you can view the Olympic Mountains. They take about two and half hours or so to drive as well. There are so many places to visit between Gig Harbor and the Olympics. This is why I say you can spend a lot of time visiting so many places in Western Washington. This doesn’t count Seattle and going north as well. Beyond the Olympic Mountains where you can view and hike as well there is the Washington coast. There are so many places along the coast to visit; if you follow highway 101 south than you can go along the Oregon Coast as well that has many lovely places too.

What a great way to spend a hot weekend or the summer. Make sure to stop by and get a drink and say high to the hometown people. When you come to Gig Harbor let them know that you know Herb. I am sure the chances you will find someone who does and if you are really lucky you will run into me.

Gig Harbor’s Maritime Festival

Blessing of the fleet from last year's festival

This coming weekend June 4 and 5 my hometown of Gig Harbor Washington is having a Maritime Festival. It begins with a pancake breakfast starting at 8 am going until 10 am. At 10 am is the Maritime parade that goes for about two and half hours. I would say about three thousand people show up for the parade depending on the weather. This year another spectacular day is forecasted with the temperatures around upper 80s.

After the parade they have other activities happening throughout the day and evening which includes events for kids and music. Also food is available on the waterfront. The parade actually goes along the waterfront being about a mile long. It has been a tradition since the early 70s when it was called Harbor Holiday’s. I believe the name was changed to Maritime Festival around 1980. So you see it has been going on for over forty years.

If you are in the Gig Harbor area this weekend or nearby I recommend coming to enjoy all the fun times. If you can’t make it this year you should put it on your calendar for 2017. This is a good way to see how a small town celebrates a good time. Part of the festival is for everyone to send off the fishermen who leave in June for the summer to fish up in Alaska or the Washington coast. This has been going on for more than one hundred years.

The first white men who came to Gig Harbor were from Croatia. Many of the fishermen today are descendants of those original fishermen. So you have grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren of the original fishermen. Many of them fishing are guys that I grew up with and have lived here all their lives along with their parents.

There are other cities in Western Washington who send fishermen up to Alaska and Washington coast but no one has as many as Gig Harbor. The Native Americans who have lived here for one thousand years or longer still fish in Washington State as well. Agreement that happened in the 70s the white man and Native Americans share the amount of fish that can be caught in Washington State. So when each can fish is depended on the agreement. The split of fishing between the white man and Native Americans is fifty-fifty. Still a debate whether  the split is really in half however the government makes sure both sides abide by the agreement.

Again a fun way to spend a weekend especially when the weather is really nice; I go primarily to see the children and running into people I know. I haven’t made it every year because I have been out of town on a few occasions but I do when I am in town. In the meantime everyone have a really great weekend.  

Reaction

I received several comments from those who grew up with me about my being burned. I believe we can all affect others with our stories especially those are difficult like being burned.

It is important that you watch your small children because never know what they will get themselves into and how it will affect them the rest of their lives. One of my old friends from school Denise shared that she had a step sister who at the same age as my accident died being burned after taking a bath and then standing by a space heater when her pajamas caught on fired. She was burned over most of her body before dying. I am not sure how many burns that are like that every year with small children however it is really important to keep your eyes on them. There still a possibility of an accident however the likelihood it will not happen will be greater.

Like I said I was blessed not dying but not getting burned on my face either. I am sure there has been some after affects from the accident however I am not aware of them. Also I believe it is important for your child to share any accident that may happen to them. In your mind it may not be a big thing however it could be for them. There were times when I had doubts like we all have once in a while where I said to God why did you not take me when you had the chance. This was when I was about ten or eleven years old. I have felt that way ever again. It is hard to answer why my life was spared while Denise step sister’s was not. Only I can do is live a life worthy of being saved. I have to say this for us all. Have a wonderful day and make a difference in those you meet.

 

 

 

Life Experiences

I have been writing about life experiences over the last two and half years’ right here. I find it not easy to come up with as many as I would like primarily because my memory is somewhat short especially the ones from early years of my life. Some come about because my mother or someone else remembers a time in my life.

I give you an example of a life experience that I don’t remember however someone I knew growing up in school. On Tuesday he invited me to a Tacoma Rainiers game. He had told me before however decided to repeat it again. In fact he told his daughter about it as well as someone else at the ball game. He recalls seeing my brother Dick and me playing tennis at Twanoh State Park on the Hood Canal the same day that Neil Armstrong landed and walked on the moon. Of course Armstrong’s experience was greater than Dick and I playing tennis. I don’t recall playing that day though Dick and I did play tennis on quite a few occasions at Twanoh State Park. Our family went there many times when I was growing up especially during the summer.  We even went there the same summer after I got out of the hospital from being burned which I mentioned in my last blog. I have many good memories of the place beyond this story I don’t remember. Twanoh was and still is a really great place to swim. We even spent one year camping out there as well.

I believe everyone has stories like the ones that I share. Everyone can share the life experiences they have had. You do not necessarily have to write them on a blog like I do though I think it is a nice idea. You can write short stories, just a paragraph or a poem about memories that you recall. In some instances you can post them to FB or another social media along with just saving them to your computer for your children, grandchildren and generations beyond. It is your family history or a journal you wrote when you were younger.

These days so many people post pictures to their blog or FB only without writing anything. This is another good way to share your family history. My niece Leslie posts pictures now and then about trips she and her husband Daniel have been on along with family photos. Whatever way you feel about telling life experiences I recommend doing it.  I know I enjoy seeing friends and how their families are growing. I believe we can learn from one another too. As much as you enjoy what I write I am sure others will enjoy what you do. Nice to know everyone’s story.

Being Burned As An Infant

I am sure we have all had experiences that we want to forget. Actually I have when I was almost four years old I was burned on my chest. Fortunately I was not burned on my face. I don’t remember the experience at all and I only know what my parents and sister told me.

I wasn’t burned in a house fire instead I was actually cooking an egg on the stove when my pajamas caught on fire. My sister was a little far away and screamed for my mother to come and she smothered me with a blanket. My father than drove me into Tacoma to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. In those days pajamas were not fire retardant. I spent six and half weeks in the hospital with a temperature of 104 degrees. It was a blessing that I lived besides not being burned on my face. Mother has told me that if she had not gotten to me when she did likely I would have been burned on my face. I can’t imagine how hard it must be for those who have burned on the face and having to live with the scar. Like I say I don’t remember the experience which is a really good thing because I have been told that living with having been burned and knowing that what you have gone through is not good.

Most people I know or have encountered over the years do not know that I have a scar on my right chest. Obviously you would know if I took off my shirt so many of the boys I grew up with and were in physical education would know. I have shared the experience before to some people and back last August when I wrote about miracles. Yes this was a miracle that I lived through this experience.

At that time that I had my burn Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital was very good but I don’t think that they had a burn center at that time which they now have for many years. If you have the chance to donate to a cause like this I would really appreciate that you do. I can’t imagine the children that get burned at an older age than I was what they go through each day with having a burn. I am sure they have to go through counseling as well. At the very least pray for the children with burns and I thank you very much.  

Memorial Day

Today we honor every man and woman who has fought that we would still be free today especially those who gave their lives on the battle field.

Not only for those in United States but from other countries who are allies. Those who fought in World War 1 and 2, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Gulf Wars, Afghanistan and now against terrorism.

We solute you and never forget what you have done for freedom. May you be in peace! Also for the wounded soldier and those who were able to come home alive! God bless you all!

Going Through Struggles

We all go through struggles time to time and if we know that there are others doing the same helps out.

This time of the year with summer coming up can feel depressing sometimes especially if you are single and your desire is to have a family like I do. This weekend celebrating Memorial Day can be one of those times even though the purpose is to remember those that fought for our country so we would be free. Though I am feeling depressed in a way I start thinking about the positive things going in my life. On Friday I had a coffee date with a woman I went to high school. We plan on meeting again as well. It doesn’t mean that we will get serious and have a serious relationship however it is a good place to be. I had not been on one of these in a while so a good being. This may allow me to stretch my wings out further.

My struggles do not happen all that often though certain times of the year or buttons that other people may push sends me that way. Most of the time the struggle happens first thing in the morning after getting up out of bed; actually I may still be in bed. Anyway I start thinking about other people who may be going through the same thing or even worse. The important thing I feel is to start fighting against the thoughts that come into my mind. Writing this here on the blog will help me too and I hope those of you that go through the same thing. Of course there is not a remedy though some people are given pills. I know that there are those that have conditions that lead to medical depression however I am not one of those kinds of people. For me it is more has to do with circumstances than anything. Also I have to meditate that I am OK.

Growing up I didn’t think of myself as being smart. In part because I had a hearing problem as a small child and when it was resolved still took time for me to learn how to read. Also I had two brothers who were smart however I have come to learn from talking with a few people including the one I had coffee with on Friday I was considered to a smart person. It is comforting to know although I struggled through childhood on how to read and learn English I was still being was thought of as smart. Most of them to remember my sense of humor as well; the important thing even when struggling in your life put a big smile on your face. I hope this helps us all and continue enjoying this weekend along with the summer coming up. Yeah!!!!!!