Waking Early

I know that there are those who like waking up early while others would never make a habit of it. Some get up early because of work and look forward to the weekend when they can sleep in.

I am one of those who gets up early mostly by habit more than anything else. When I had to take my brother and sister to the airport a couple weeks ago for their return trips home it was amazing to see how many cars were on the road at 5 am. In fact both of them remarked how many cars were on the road. I think most of drivers want to get off work early to avoid rush hour traffic. The problem though rush hour starts earlier because of so many cars going early. Something I remember on Friday’s that there were fewer cars on the road in the morning but the traffic was still heavy at the night rush hour. I figure most people want ahead on the weekend.

I started getting up early as a kid because my dad always got up early and my bedroom had no door so I could hear him get up. My mother always got up later though still early in many ways because she had to get to school by 8 am. Oh yes she was a high school teacher. Dad always made breakfast and all of our lunches too. He figured this way he could have great breakfasts on the weekends like pancakes and waffles. He was able to sleep in on the weekends though. I don’t remember sleeping in on weekends very often though. On the plus side I was able to get the newspaper to read the comics and sports section before dad.

Most people I think who get up early go to bed early as well and so do those who go bed late get up late although some go to bed late and get up early. Those who can handle it on less sleep.

Anyway the important thing is get the right amount of sleep for yourself and get things done in the time that you are awake. I figure this is good sound advice. Good bye until next time.

Seeing New

This week walking the waterfront of Gig Harbor made me feel like I was seeing new for the first time though I know it isn’t so at least in part.

This week the temperatures reached the eighties here and that is the first time ever at the end of September.  In fact so much that is going to rain today and the temperatures will be in the sixties. Sort of like old home week.

Anyway on Thursday it was so bright out that when I was walking the waterfront I looked up on the hills and I saw houses that I felt like I had never seen before or it had been a while anyway. This is what I mean by saying new.

On Wednesday walking further down on the waterfront in an area I spent a lot of my time as a child I saw a tree where the top branches were over the whole road. I thought wow how long has that been going on. I figured it has to be that way for a while but it felt new to me. I have walked there several times this year including the summer. Being so bright out though I was probably paying more attention than I have in other times; couple minutes later looking the other side of the road I was looking at some property. I thought this looks different as well like I had seen it for the first time. I believe that some landscapers had done work on that land. I thought maybe a couple trees were taken down or they had removed some brush. Most likely they removed brush because by city code property like that the trees can’t be taken down. I looked there for a couple minutes just wondering what was new or different about that land and whether they are planning to build a home there.

On Thursday though I did see something I know that I had never seen before. Looking in front of me there were a dozen Canadian geese that were walking across the street. Walking a little further there were another dozen Canadian geese on the sidewalk so I walked right where they were. I wished them a good morning and they honked back at me in their native tongue and then they crossed the street as well. It was about seven-thirty in the morning so not a lot of traffic on the waterfront but no cars came either direction until the last geese crossed the road. I figured they must be looking to more food to eat. When I returned to the same spot about half an hour later they were grazing across the street.

This is what so great about going for walks because often I don’t see things like this when I am driving. Keep your eyes open to see what is new in front of you or something old that reminds you of the past or feels new for the first time. Have yourself a wonderful weekend.

Being Kind

  In our times it seems that people are becoming less kind. Like I said in my last post that we hear where the minority sound like the majority because they are so loud. I still have to believe that most people are kind.

I know that there are those that are rude however my experience is that it doesn’t happen on a regular basis. Of course I live in a small town so I don’t see as many people as I would if I were living in a bigger city. My experience is that in big cities people are moving at a faster pace than they do in my town of Gig Harbor. I can go to nearby Tacoma which is less than ten miles away and see the difference. When I drive to Seattle I see how some drive in and out of lanes so I have to keep my eyes open more. Of course this is when traffic isn’t heavy like during rush hours.

Where I hear more about people being rude is in the social media. I am sure everyone has experienced that and had to defriend those they have been close to. If you are part of any group like I am there are those who have very limited vocabulary because they enjoy using the f word a lot. Personally I think people can get their point across without the f word. My nephew Ken told me once it is used for effect. He may be right but the effect is used too often. Often I will stop and not read any further those who choose to use the limited vocabulary they have.

So it comes back to us being kind to others. This is especially true of those who are not kind to us and  these days so many have strong opinions especially about politics and now the whole thing about the National Anthem they speak with rudeness in a way they never did before.

My opinion is that people have to tone things done though I know they likely won’t. Also I don’t care whether anyone agrees with me or not. At least those who I get into contact on a regular basis that is. I still believe my purpose in life is to encourage others in the way they should go and I won’t stop doing that for sure.

I appreciate all of you who read my posts even if you don’t agree with me all the time. Have yourself a wonderful day and that your life is doing well. I pray that when you are going through tough times that you make it through the other side. Amen!

Time to Listen

 On Sunday the National Football League players decided not to participate in the playing of the National Anthem. Many fans felt that they were disrespecting the National Anthem and the flag of the United States.

The reason I am saying many fans because often when people are protesting or giving out their opinions it is done primarily by the minority though it sounds like the majority. The players most likely would not have done what they did if it were not for what President Trump wrote on Twitter before the games on Sunday.

Before Sunday only a few players didn’t participate in the playing of the National Anthem. For example my local team the Seattle Seahawks Michael Bennett decided not to stand at attention during the National Anthem. I know it upset many fans of the Seahawks or at least that was impression because again the minority often sounds like the majority. Besides Bennett was expressing himself on how he had been treated by the police when he was in New Orleans for the Merriweather fight.

Most of the players in the NFL are black while majority of the fans are white and all my friends on Facebook said that they would never watch or go to another NFL game are white. Personally my reaction has been that those speaking out are overreacting however now thinking further they are reacting. Although I love hearing the playing of the National Anthem I guess that I never thought of it as serious as others have. Other words if they stopped playing the National Anthem at sporting events I would miss it but I would not be that upset. I am not sure whether I am writing this in a way that you may understand.

In the end though my thoughts is that everyone needs to listen instead of speaking their opinions; the black players or in fact blacks in general feel that they are always being singled out when treated by the police for their skin color and I am sure they are right or at the very least it is their perception which in my mind is the same thing. Whites on the other hand need to realize that they haven’t walked in the shoes of a black man. I am talking about whites like myself who are not racist. Those who are racist is a whole other thing and should not be tolerated.

So I am encouraging that all parties whether players or fans settle down and listen. Who knows we may all learn a thing or two. One thing I do know the direction that the citizens of the United States and most likely the world is not a good thing. So again like I have mentioned a time or two we must think before speaking. In the meantime have yourself another great day.

Change of Plans

Sometimes things don’t always work out at least in the timing that is.

I got a call from my cousin Christy on Monday afternoon letting me know that her daughter-in-law is in the hospital with blood clots in her two lungs so have to go attend their three month old granddaughter. Christy apologized that this happened again after making these plans. As you know we had original plans to go in July but wild fires kept my mother and me from going. I told Christy that it was OK and that family is more important. It just wasn’t meant to be this year. So mother will have to stay healthy (she is 97 years old) for us to go.

Disappoints do happen in life however we all still have to move on. Keep her daughter-in-law in your prayers please. It will be interesting to see what other plans God has in store for me during these next couple weeks. So you can say to that your still stuck with me. Continue to press on in our lives to make a difference in others. Amen!

Going North

On Wednesday it looks like I will finally be heading north to British Columbia to visit a couple of my cousins Susan and Christy. I call it the past meeting the present or may be childhood meeting adulthood.

Originally I was going to see them in July however the wild fires where they had to evacuate postponed the trip. It will be interesting to visit in the fall instead of the spring. The alternative would have been to wait until next spring or summer however with mother can’t tell how much time she has left so no better than the present. Yes mother is going with me. It will be a two day drive each way to reach where they live. Susan lives further than Christy so we will stop at Christy’s first. Susan and her husband own and run a ranch while Christy lives on a lake where there are not a lot of people living so when I go out for my walks more likely see wildlife over cars and people. What that wildlife is can be anyone’s guess.

Susan and Christy are both older than I so they know my history as a small infant too. In fact I would say they know more about me at that time than I do. Actually anyone who knew me as an infant would know more than me. My memories of the first four years of my life I don’t remember at all and even those from five through seven are sketchy at best. It has a lot to do with me being burned when I was four years old and I almost didn’t make it. I was cooking eggs on the stove when my pajamas caught on fire. I spent six weeks in the hospital I have been told.

It will be a good time to catch up on what is the present along with stories of the past. Sort of like when my sister and brother visited last week. Most likely I will hear some new stories of the past that I haven’t heard before or memories of ones that I have heard. Whatever the case it will be really great to see them and adding some new memories. It is always nice to see family even if it is only once in a while. So you may not hear from me for a few days. You can catch up with some of my previous blogs if you would like. I will write still the next couple days before leaving. Until next time have a good time.

 

Cousin Susan's House on my last visit four years ago 

Dealing with Fear

At some point or another we all deal with fear. It will come in different forms. We can feel good about it saying that it is part of life however we can do something about it as well.

Fear can make us not be who we are meant to be. It can keep us from our purpose and destiny of our lives. Fear has to do with the lack of trust or faith. Two things we should hold onto with dear life if you want to call it that.

People deal with fear in different circumstances. It can be with standing in front of a group of people. For most it is the greatest fear in life. I had a hard time standing in front of people in the beginning however with practice I was able to do so without a problem.

Another area is fear of the unknown. This can happen when it comes to health of a loved one or a close friend or even our own. If we get sick in a way that we haven’t known before fear will creep in. I know that happened to me when I found out I have a skipping heart and that I had a heart attack without realizing it. I decided though to trust in what the doctors are saying and I take my medicine every day. Someday I may die from having a heart attack however at this time I will live every day in my purpose and destiny.

The direction of the world right now can bring fear too many. It can be the hurricanes in Houston, Texas and Florida or can be about wars. They are real possibilities if we are living in areas where it could happen or it is happening right now. This is where trust and faith comes in. Another is often we can’t do anything about it either and that is where fear comes in as well.

When others are fearing the best we can do is instill trust, faith and encouragement into them. Give them peace in their hearts as well. Often we can become fearful to because we don’t have answers either. Nothing we can do about that and all we can do is the best we can. So remember to put on trust and faith.

Pictures Tell a Story

Whether it was my families trip to the Hoh River Rain Forest last Saturday or my trip up north to British Columbia to see my cousins who live up there pictures do tell stories.

They not only tell stories currently but of the past as well. They allow us to remember memories a lot better. Having pictures on a blog will allow us to show the stories to others even in a greater way. I plan to show pictures more frequently on this blog for everyone to see the stories I am telling including encouraging others. They are a good way to show people are purpose in life as well.

My mother has pictures lined all over the apartment. They go back to her grandparents and then to us children with our baby pictures through senior high school. So whether it is one picture or more you will see some on this blog as often as I can. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend. Below will show a young picture of my siblings along with dad who has been gone for a while. A good way to remember him.

                                                   I am in the middle son in this picture

Being Outspoken

Sometimes I am sure people are not sure they can be outspoken if the main objective is being an encouragement. I think though that at times it is important to be outspoken. People need to know where we are coming from on different issues. Though being outspoken sounds negative to some it can be positive instead.

The most important thing we can be is encouragers however people need to know that we have concerns about certain issues as well. Other words because we are encouragers don’t mean we are pushover either.

In fact I have to say issues bring us into areas where we feel things real strong. Passion is the reason we are encouragers as well. People are important to us so issues should be as well. So speak your mind where people know where you are coming from and being outspoken means that you care about people well as the issues that you’re passionate about.

Although it is important to be outspoken I still feel it is important to think what you are going to say before you say it. I believe too many people can speak with anger and not being thoughtful of others either. This is especially true with those that will not agree with what you believe. I hope this will help us all out when we talk with others. This includes when we are speaking encouragement as well. Have yourself a great weekend and make a difference in others’ lives. Amen!

Hello Rain!

 With fall arriving we always expect rain to reappear. This week it happened after not having much precipitation for seventy plus days. It was the hottest and lowest precipitation that I ever have recalled in Western Washington.

Wednesday when I went out for my walk in early morning the rain was coming down pretty good. Usually I don’t walk with an umbrella however I chose to this time. Thursday they expect more rain however summer temperatures are expected to return for the next week. Another thing I don’t remember is it being so warm this time of the year. In a week they are forecasting a high of 78 degrees. This week it has been in the mid-60s.

Though it was nice to have a summer like this one the return of rain has been welcomed because the grass and the trees have been very dry. It is again much different than I have seen in past years. If Western Washington is any example we do have global warming. I have heard that we may have a colder winter this year than the last several as well. It would be welcomed by some while others like the way it has been other than may be a lot of rain. Other than snow in the mountains people prefer it not to come in our cities here. I like having snow at least for a few days anyway. I remember being able to throw snow balls around instead of having to drive a couple hours to Mt. Rainier. I have to say it is the child in me that would like to see snow again.

I enjoy seeing the sun out here as often as it can because when fall happens and then winter the sun decides to stay away. Though the rain came back this week the sun did come out each day as well though only for a few minutes.

So again I say hello rain nice to see you even if it is for a few minutes here and there. We know that fall has arrived because it is when you make your appearance. Rain is what makes the grass and the trees look green and we here like seeing that too. Whatever the weather is makes the day nice and enjoyable. Peace whether rain or shine. This will be a wonderful day. Amen!

Generosity

One of the greatest tools we have is generosity. It works out in many ways I believe.

For some they give generous when giving away money which is a good way but must go further as well.

It is interesting this morning when taking my sister and brother to the airport for them return to their respective homes my sister said that she had received a promotion at work. Her job she is a paralegal for a large law firm in Canada. They gave her a promotion because she has been mentoring co-workers. Mentoring is a fine way to be generous whether it is at work or at church or other organizations. We all need to be mentored in one fashion or another and being generous with your time in that way is wonderful. In fact I would say that being a mentor is probably the best way of being generous. This means that you are cloning yourself in a way.

There are many other ways that you can generous as well like giving yourself to organizations or encouraging others. I applaud anyone who is being generous at this time and continue doing. The amazing part of it is that you may be doing so without realizing it. That was what my sister was doing at her workplace. For many being generous is a part of their makeup and talents. Touché.

 

Journey to the Hoh River in Washington State

This post showing pictures from my family's trip to the Hoh River

                                         My sister Barb and brother Jack at Kalaloch Lodge

 
                                         Look out to the Pacific Ocean at Kalaloch Lodge


                                      

                                         Driftwood on the beach at Kalaloch Lodge

                                      

                                          Sign at the Hoh Visitor Center

                                In the area they call the Hall of Mosses in Hoh River Rain Forest
                                They have some interesting designs all natural

                                    Another interesting design. Top notched photographers
                                    could spend hours in this area taking lots of pitchers

                                         I found interesting is the roots to many of the trees


                                     

 A beautiful site early evening at Lake Crescent

                                            A short distance west of Port Angeles Washington
                                            on Highway 101


      



    I hope that you enjoyed this little journey of
    the trip my family took to the Hoh River
    Many wonderful places to see along the
    Washington Coast and the Olympic Mountains



     

Super

When it comes to a word super is an interesting one. We all want to be super at something whether it is being smart or strong. The reason that Superman has been so popular over the years and at some point we want to be just like him.

The thing about Superman is that we feel more like his alter ego Clark Kent most of the time and we would like to go into the booth and change into Superman.

I am here to tell us all that we are super in our own way. Of course we have issues that we are more like Clark Kent most of the time however we do have talents that only belong to us and that is the reason we are unique. Also this is the reason we are super as well. Superman has always being one of a kind and Clark Kent was like everyone else but we are more like Superman than we know. The great part of it is we don’t have to put on a cape or anything else in that matter.

Go out today and be that unique person that you are. Show others that super person that you are with all your powers that are unique to you. The thing is that you have to remember that they are super people as well in their unique way. You are not greater than anyone else but you are not less than anyone as well. I am sure that you will like that super person in you that you’re discovering more every day.