Encourage Ourselves

                                            
                                                A good place to enjoy myself

 The holiday season is almost ready to arrive. Actually I had forgotten here in the great USA it is Columbus Day! I know some places don’t recognize it as such any more. Although in school I remember hearing about Christopher Columbus discovering America even though he didn’t know where he was at. We all know that was really not the true history but the reason I am writing today about encouraging ourselves is that the holiday season isn’t the happiest time of the year for everyone. I know from experience that I have to deal with the whole family feeling about the holidays.

When I was kid I loved Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas however it is not the same anymore for me. I don’t have any kids of my own and most of the kids in the area don’t stop for candy. Last year Halloween was real nice because my sister Barb was here for a visit. She lives in Quebec Canada so I haven’t seen here often during the holidays and my brother Jack lives on the east coast of USA. I have visited both of them over the years on occasions. While the USA celebrates Columbus Day or not in Canada they have their Thanksgiving. Here our Thanksgiving is on the last Thursday of November. Outside of my sister and brother along with their families almost everyone I spent the holidays with growing up are all gone. So the holidays don’t have the same joy it once did. I know that others are going through the same thing as I am. I know for some this may be the first year a loved one is no longer here to celebrate the holidays. They passed on in the last year. In some instances they may have gone away right around the holidays.

I am not here writing about getting sympathy because it is what it is. Most of my loved ones have been gone for some time and I can’t expect my sister or brother be here for the holidays. I know in holiday pasts that I have experienced depression and be in a dark place.  Something I would not want anyone to go through. So what do we do for ourselves this holiday season coming up? The answer I have figured out is that I must encourage myself. Letting me know that I can make it through this season though the situation is not what I really want it to be. I hope the holiday season will be different in years to come by meeting the right person. Also to remember those holidays that I enjoyed so much especially as a kid; when someone ask how I am doing telling them the truth instead of saying Ok or I am fine.

Although it would be nice to be invited somewhere during the holidays the truth still it isn’t the same anymore and that can be OK as well. Of course I can always see about inviting someone over to my place as well. In the end of the day I feel it is important to encourage me and that I will make it through this season without going into the dark place that I know so well. So if you are in the same place as I am go all out and encourage yourself. In the end what do you have to lose. It can’t be really be worse than spending time in the dark place. It is early to say so but the stores always start selling earlier every year so have a good holiday season. I hope this makes you feel better it certainly does me.  

Being There and Listen

Saturday night I decided to go out for a few minutes to my favorite coffee shop primarily because they had live music. The weather was such that it rained almost all day. I did get my walk in when there was a break in the rain. I figured that there would be a pretty good crowd because of the rain. I was right since there was a lot standing room crowd. Almost everyone there I did not know at all. I did see an old friend sitting near where you pick up your drinks so after I ordered I talked to him for several minutes catching up finding out what he had been doing since the last time I saw him.

In the middle of the conversation he recently came down with a medical condition. So he let me know what it was about and that he felt freaky. I could understand especially since he is six months younger than me. Anytime something medical happens feels weird if this is the first time the condition happens. I went through that with my heart and blood clot. I take medicine for both and get ongoing checkups. In regards to the heart I went through a couple procedures. The doctor assured me that nothing additional had to happen other than taking medicine and having checkups. The blood clot I have had no other episodes since the first one though I take warfarin and get tested every three or four weeks at this time. Anytime I have to go in for a procedure like the heart I have to be taken off the warfarin for several days. So right now I trust confidently in the doctors that they know what they are talking about and I hope for no other issues to come up in the near future.

This all tells me that is important listen to those who are going through a crisis in their life whether it is medical or loss of a family member or friend. We may not always have the answers so the reason we listen. Often people all they need to do is vent or tell someone outside their circle of family and friends. The important thing is to be compassionate and sympathy without giving some kind of advice. Not an easy thing to do sometimes however they don’t need to hear about your stories unless they ask. In the end let them know that they will be in your thoughts and prayers. Like my old friend he appreciated that I would pray for him.

Having Good Times

                                          My Home Town

 Gig Harbor My Town My Home Town

You gave me the memories in my mind and the love of the outdoors

Sailboats, motor boats and fishing boats

All types of sports like baseball, basketball and football to name a few

I know some have problem living in my town because it does not seem like a lot to do

I found a lot to do myself with the help of my best friends

Tacoma and Seattle are not far away

Can enjoy the life of the big city too

Still there is no place like you Gig Harbor

I know it isn’t easy sometimes living here

This is true when it rains like almost every day October thru January

It is nice when the sun comes out

I am used to the rain so no problem from me

I look outside and see Mt Rainier

The protector of our harbor

Really enjoy the good times the ones you have given me

I can’t thank you enough Gig Harbor my town my home town

Being a Leader

We all know about good leaders and bad leaders at the same time. Who do I call a good leader is someone who has vision for the team or group he is leading and knows where they want the team to go. Also listens and cares for the members of his team. A bad leader is the opposite doesn’t have vision and doesn’t care for his team. Other words it is all about him or her.

I now will talk just about good leaders. Some are born to be leaders while others may need to learn. The born leaders are easy to follow while those who need to learn should follow first under a born leader. The born leader likely is charismatic and knows how to draw people to himself. They do not necessarily have to be someone who talks a lot. I have known leaders that have the ability to be drawn to by their work or caring for others.

I am sure most of us have heard somewhere that we are all leaders in some degree because if nothing else we have to lead ourselves. That is a true statement but most likely someone who isn’t a good leader or doesn’t care about leading is probably not good at their own lives. So if you have the desire to be a good leader is sure to find someone who is one already even though you may feel that you’re a born leader.

Being a leader does not apply only to work or an organization it goes as far as your home as well. If you are a husband than you are called to be the leader of your home; again this where you need to be a good leader where your family will follow you. I believe many marriages fail because the husband wants to control his family or allows his wife to control the family. In both instances it is a bad and hurtful thing. A wise husband listens to his wife and children. This is another good thing whether in the home or at work if you are a leader listen to those around you. Need answers go to another person that you feel can trust and has wisdom along with experience. Ignoring your wife and kids is not a good thing even if you believe that you have the right answers. Your wife is supposed to be your help mate so use her help. The wife honor your husband as the head of your home. Not only when you are at home but when you are out in public as well. Often I think couples forget why they were attracted to their spouse. Be the leader you always imagined yourself to be. You will be amazed by your family and team members how well things will go.

Stepping Up

I know that I enjoy posting positive messages and here goes another one; at least toward doing something for our fellow man (woman).

Since we should all have a purpose in life the first step is to let others know that we are for them and we tell what we can do for them. Since we are unique individuals with our own gifting and talents that others can benefit from. Yes many of us have similar gifts however no one has exactly all the same ones we do. Also we can use these gifts in different and individual ways. For an example I am into encouraging others primarily through humor. I am sure others do the same way however not necessarily the same fashion as I do. In fact most of my humor is on the spur of the moment. I usually don’t use the same humor more than once especially on the same day. There are some jokes that I keep to use on occasions that I feel appropriate to do so but I can go weeks without repeating them.

Why we need to step up now is that the world needs us. The status of the world they need my humor or your compassion or whatever other talents and gifting’s that you have. As a saying I have heard several times “We were born for this time”.  The reason we are here in 2016 is that the people of this time need us. It doesn’t matter what generations they are. The children need our wisdom and experience, the parents need our help with their children and the elderly need to know that someone really cares.

Here in the United States we have the Presidential election coming up in November. I am not endorsing either candidate because I don’t think they can be what our country needs for a leader. I won’t mention why because I know a lot of people really don’t want either one as well but using the excuse the less of two evils. Anyway enough of it since I have heard too much already; whoever gets elected will be where the people’s hearts are at in this country. The important thing though is that we all make an impact wherever we are in our city, county and state. Use your talents and gifting’s to the fullest. If you are not sure of them all ask a close friend. Also find those that are using their talents and join in. Today can be a new adventure for you and those around you. Do it with a smile.

Visiting Leavenworth Washington

                            My time at dinner looking out at the tree lighting in Leavenworth

                                             Downtown Leavenworth during the tree lighting

 

Look at the shops in downtown Leavenworth   

 

 

 

So many places to visit in Washington state that are somewhat unique and Leavenworth is one of them. It is located in south-east area of the North Cascade Mountains. Not too far from Wenatchee. Leavenworth is a small town around the population of two thousand people. You may find on a lot occasions where there is that many people visiting on a given day.

I have known friends that visit Leavenworth any time of the year the most popular time is October through the New Year’s. What makes Leavenworth special is that the downtown area looks Bavarian so Oktoberfest is very popular along with going in early December when the trees are decorated. Besides driving by car you can get there by train or bus as well. Several years ago I went with a group of friends where we took the train from Tacoma to Leavenworth for the decorating and lighting of the tree. I found taking the train a really good way to see the area. I have driven through the area on several occasions however it is nice to go another way and get a different perspective. We spent about five hours in Leavenworth before heading back to Tacoma. I was all dressed up in my winter gear since it snowed all day. I would say the snow on the ground was about ten inches deep. Since there were twenty of us on this trip we split up into groups of four to see the sites and go Christmas shopping. They have a lot of small shops that you can get gifts that you may not get anywhere else in Washington State. During the lighting of the trees I had dinner in one of the small restaurants that looked out where we could see what was going on. I had a traditional German dinner that you can find very little anywhere else in Washington. After the dinner we walked around the downtown area to see what was going on with the festivities. The people of Leavenworth really make it a grand time including wearing Bavarian costumes.

We took the late train back to Tacoma and I arrived home in the early morning. I found it an experience that I look forward to repeating in the future. Although I went shopping in the gift shops I only brought home a few gifts but still a great place to see things.

An early experience my family and my brother-in-law family we decided to spend Christmas in Leavenworth. Most years we went to his parents’ home for Christmas while they came for Thanksgiving however that year we decided that we wanted to do something different. It actually was my first visit to Leavenworth. On that occasion we drove to Leavenworth. We spent a couple days in Leavenworth exploring the area. I enjoyed the experience because it is one of the few times I got to have a white Christmas. In Gig Harbor we never have a white Christmas though we have had snow some days after.

I believe any visitor coming to the Seattle area they should visit Mt. Rainier they need to take a day and visit Leavenworth as well. There are hotels that you can stay over in as well. Most likely you will find fellow visitors from all over the world just like in Seattle. Be sure to come this time of the year especially during the holiday season.

Living an Extraordinary Life

The truth is that you may already be living an extraordinary life and not even realize it. Do you have a successful job or career along with a good marriage then I have to say that you are already living it.

I am sure many people are living extraordinary lives without even knowing so. The truth is those who are living it do not realize that their lives are extraordinary. I would say for most extraordinary people they feel their lives are ordinary. We all have been given many talents and gifts by God however most of us use only a few of them. The extraordinary people recognize their gifts and talents using more of them on a daily basis. I am sure you know some of your gifts because you use them on a daily basis at work and at home. The important thing is finding out more of your gifts and talents. The more gifts that you have the more you will be given as well. There are likely gifts out there that are similar to the ones you are already using.

I know that we are all pretty busy in our lives so going overboard with are gifts is not necessarily going to make us less extraordinary. The importance of these talents and gifts is not for your benefit only. You are given these to help others out as well. You may have a talent that others could use or they haven’t tapped into. You may have the gift of teaching your talents to others.

Another thing you can do is take a risk. You may have thought about doing something but you don’t know whether you have a talent in that area. The only real way of knowing is going out and trying it. The truth is that you may surprise yourself. See if someone is teaching a class in it or a friend that is you know is doing it. They could teach you or that you go along with them. I remember during the summer before my sophomore year in high school I was taking a speed reading individual class at my high school. I was behind my class in reading because at four years old I had a problem with hearing. It was taken care of by the time I started school but until that class I was always behind in my reading. So much that I did not really want to read. This individual class in three weeks I was able to read beyond my grade and read at the twelfth grade level. This is only a part of this story. My brothers were taking a class learning to play tennis. This class took place right after my reading class was over so I asked my mother if I could enroll in this tennis class too. So she asked the instructor if there was room for me too and he said yes. I found out that I was comfortable playing tennis. I didn’t take it too serious or I would have gone out for the tennis team however after high school I played it almost every day for quite a few years. I had a talent in tennis that I didn’t realize and I enjoyed playing it. Becoming extraordinary all we have to do is say yes.  

Giving a Helping Hand

 

I believe one of the great things we can do no matter what we feel is our purpose and destiny is to help others. I am sure everyone has heard the story in the Bible where Jesus spoke about the Good Samaritan. If you like to read the story it is in the book of Luke chapter ten and verse thirty thru thirty-eight.

Just to give a short view of the story there was a man who was injured badly when he was robbed. A priest and a Levite passed to the other side of the road while a Samaritan man stopped and took care of him. Made sure his wounds were bandaged and took him to an Inn for him to heal up for a day or two. The Samaritan man paid for his stay at the Inn.

This story shows how compassionate this Samaritan man was and how we should be in the same way. Sometimes people do what the priest and Levite did and cross to the other side of the road. If you ask them they would likely say they don’t want to get involved. However, those of us who feel loving and knowing that we have a purpose in life must be like this Samaritan man.

In our times though we have to be careful on giving medical assistance especially if we have no training however at the very least we can do is call for emergency vehicle and stay with the person until they arrive. I am sure most of us do not carry around a first aid kit with us though thinking about it probably would not be a bad idea especially in our cars. This would not only help others in case of an injured person but if we got injured too.

There are so many other ways to help people as well whether it is opening a door or helping them across the street if they are elderly or are injured. I am sure we can all think of ideas in helping others. My church just started a service group that I am taking part in. The purpose of the group is to help those in the community need it around their homes. It is whether to cut the grass in their yard or they need to fix something in their house. They are people who can’t do these things for themselves. It will be all small type of projects. Nothing like you would need a contractor for. This is a great way to get know those in our communities as well. This is really good way to spend time with your friends to working on a small project. Enough helping hands make the work light and fast as well. Depending on the project it would likely take a couple hours. Some time ago two other guys and I would do things like this along with helping someone who needed to move. We mostly helped those who had no one else to help. They had no family around the area and not many friends. Also they could not afford to hire anyone to move them. Sometimes we were able to find a few other people to help move. Our benefit was not only helping those in need but having a good time with each other. If the move went beyond lunch time we usually were given lunch by the people moving.

Being someone giving others a helping hand does not help them it helps you at the same time. In what I have already mentioned and it would be a good thing for a family to do together. You can make it where you help others in your neighborhood. When you help them they can help you when it is necessary.

 

  

Inspiring Others

My goal is to inspire others on this blog in so many different ways. Whether it is with my memories, places to see and about specific subjects; I have mentioned that I want to expand on what I am doing here.

So I will continue writing in the same fashion as I have. In the last few months I have added poetry to my selections trying to do so at least once a week. I have recently seen some of my friends on-line writing some poetry that really inspires me too. So you ask what I am going to do next to expand my writing on this blog. Well the suggestion of a couple my friends I am going to start writing some short stories. Some may true stories that I have experienced myself or ones that I have heard throughout my life. These short stories on most occasions will be fictional however they will be based on true stories. Like all my writing I have done they will be to encourage and inspire. They may be informational as well. One of my friends text me a couple days with a suggestion; she asked me to write a story about a woman who is on a dating site but wants to scam the local men in her area with them giving her money. This we know this does happen not only with local women but those from other countries as well. Anyway a man from a foreign country writes her and the plan of scamming each man out of their savings she actually falls in love with one on the internet. I am sure this has happened but most of the time not. This friend of mine she wants to be sure that I send her a copy of this story when I finish writing it. You will get a chance to see to read it right here too.

I look forward to continue writing inspiring and encouraging posts in the same manner I have however adding short stories gives me not only a challenge but a way to encourage others in a different way. I hope this not helps all of you who I really appreciate reading my posts but new people to this blog. I thank you all very much and enjoy your week coming up.

 

You Are Always in My Heart

 

 

I know often we take you fore- granted though you play important part of our lives.

We have named thousands of daughters after you Faith so you are in our hearts always.

Faith you are the strongest part of us. Without you it would be hard to survive.

This is especially true when we are at our weakest or vulnerable point.

You raise us up to higher levels. Having you all we have to feel is like a muster seed.

With you we can bring down mountains well as mighty giants in the land.

I am sorry that we don’t acknowledge you like we should.

This is why I am saying that you are our closest friend.

Thank you for being on our side even when we are not thinking of you.

Faith you are so special to us all.

 

 

 

 

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Survival

For animals the largest and healthy ones survive to live another day. In some ways we humans are in the same boat. Not only we come out screaming we look and sometimes fight to make our place in the world. Often we are tested by our peers to see how we stand. It usually begins with teasing and can turn into bullying. I had experience in both areas. I was teased a lot in elementary school and by the time I was in ninth grade I knew all about bullying having a lot of experience in that area. I had to stand up strong to survive. I never really got into any fights because I stood my ground letting my opponent know that I was welling too. Most of high school I wasn’t teased as much and not being bullied. The prior experience kept me out of it.

When we become adults we deal with survival in a different manner and that has to do with getting a job along with keeping it. Not always an easy task either. Here we have some that try to bully us again or at least think too much of themselves. With our experience growing up we use that experience to use our minds to survive. Throughout this life of ours we have to continue to survive a world that may feel we have no place in it. Until our dying breath survival is part of us. Survival is what we can show others through our purpose and destiny. Giving encouragement to others is to let them know that they will make it. We may not call it survival in our terms but actually that what it is all about. Time to time I deal with depression and for me to make it through I must know that I can survive.

Although we may not think of it this way playing sports teaches us how to survive as well. Not only the actions of playing the sport but where we stand in the sport. Are we among the best, in the middle somewhere or we are not very good at all. Tough lesson for those who don’t care or not very good at sports; even those guys learn to survive. I remember playing any one of the sports in elementary school where I was picked near the bottom by the captains. I never really understood because most sports I was at least OK at them and some even real good. I was very competitive because I was upset being one of the last chosen. I guess you could say I went into survival mode. I had to show the other kids how good I was and that I would go out and beat them. Although I didn’t all the time I certainly showed them.

Another time of survival was in boy scouts where I got lost for a night in the Cascade Mountains. I was not smart getting into the situation leaving the scout troop on my own thinking that  I was going to find a short cut off the trail. This was a mistake I found out very fast and tried to find my way to the trail once again. I should have gone back but tried a different route. During the night I got bit by mosquitoes all over my body and had a hard time seeing. In the morning I could see helicopters that I figured were looking for me. My older brother Dick I found later wanted to go and find me. Not a good idea because he got lost several times hiking while this was my only experience since I learned from my mistake. Anyway I found a river so I followed it figuring this would get me back to civilization which it did. Again I was in survival mode and I didn’t want to die either out in the woods. So you see I am sure that we all experience a lot of times being in survival mode. We learn a whole lot and we live another day to tell it.  

Driving the Washington Coast

                                       
                                         A view of Ocean Shores

                                           Westport Washington

                                           La Push Washington

                                           Forks Washington

It has been a while since I last visited the Washington Coast. I am showing a few pictures as well. The primary highway is 101 which actually go along the California, Oregon and Washington coast. If you have a couple weeks or so to travel highway 101 would be a wonderful way to go.

Growing up our family took several trips along the Washington and Oregon coasts. The last time I visited the area was going to Ocean Shores. A very lovely place to see; my cousin Jennifer and her husband Holt this year moved to Astoria, Oregon. Holt has retired and Jennifer is still working in the health insurance industry. Holt grew up in Michigan while Jennifer lived all her life in Seattle before moving to Astoria. Let you know that Astoria is the furthest city north on the Oregon Coast. The first city south in Washington is Westport. It is known for fishing and you can actually rent a fishing boat to go out into the Pacific Coast. Ocean Shores is very close to West Port. If you fly into Seattle to get to the Washington coast would be taking Interstate 5 south through Tacoma until you reach the state capitol Olympia than take exit 104 and drive highway 2. It is about a ninety five minute drive to Ocean Shores. You go through twin cities of Aberdeen and Hoquiam get to the ocean.

Whenever we went to the ocean we would dig for clams and geoducks. I am not sure about anyplace else however geoduck is quite known in Washington State and taste very good. You can cook on the stove or an open fire.

Going north on Highway 101 you can turn inland to the Olympic Rain Forest and go to the Hoh River or Lake Quinalt. Just follow the signs when you see them. Having a map with you or gps is a good idea. The city furthest north is La Push. It is actually unincorporated and is on the Quileute Reservation. A place you should make sure to visit. Before La Push you would come to Forks, Washington actual town in the Twilight novels. You can take Highway 101 east from Forks that goes to Port Angeles. This is where you can catch a ferry that goes to Victoria, British Columbia. Before arriving in Port Angeles you will see Lake Crescent to your left. It is quite a winding road so always have thought it would be a great place to have a car race. I am sure some cars would land in the lake since you have to be careful when driving along the winding road. Continue east on Highway 101 you go until there is an exit for highway 3 that goes to the Hood Canal Bridge before arriving in Bremerton. If you stay on Highway 101 you would windup back in Olympia. Arriving in Bremerton you can take the ferry to Seattle or continue on to my home town of Gig Harbor.    

                                          Port Angeles Washington
                      
                                          Below is the Hood Canal Bridge

 

Hello Fall Welcome to 2016

Spring was warmer than normal

Summer was very hot

Here in the Pacific Northwest we expected this year this way because of climate change

So Fall what are you going to do for us

Will you be warmer than normal?

Less rain and higher temperatures

Since you have come in it has been about normal

When you come for a visit each year this is how it starts with very nice weather and the trees in bloom

We know though the wind and rain will come when you are on your way out of town

I know you want us to remember you before the return next year

I know we forget you sometimes because of summer and winter

However winter lately has not been the same though it did rain even more than normal last year

I like it when it snows in winter though doesn’t happen to often

You are my friend Fall that is why I say hello

I do remember you just like the rest of the seasons

No you are not the least of them

I love you as much as the others

Enjoy this year while you’re here

I promise that I will say good bye

I know we don’t have many holidays while you are around however I always do enjoy Halloween

Behave yourself this year on Halloween so the children can enjoy it

After that you can do what you want before leaving

Yes I promise to say good bye