I structured my memories about my grandfather into life lessons. I presented these at the service back in March and wanted to share here as well. Memory #1: When I was young, there was no question that I left unspoken. I knew not everyone wanted to talk all the time. We were in the car and I noticed two sets of numbers on the speedometer. So, I asked. This started a conversation about the progress of the United States in science and technology. It also brought up the reason he moved to Florida. He was a drafter: someone who hand-draws…
-
-
Skin lightened by the endless Winter days Snow and Rain are my consistent friends Using modern fire to illuminate our homes Suddenly transported to blue sky and blazing Sun The pressure on my surface has increased as I wade through the swampy air The edge of the Earth is covered with tiny particles They reflect the rays onto my face More than 90 million miles traveled Reacting with the pale body now exposed to The Elements Mostly protected by a liquid shell Slightly red from the power of the Source An ancient remedy from the plant life heals And now…
-
North To the City of Wind The cornfields and windmills quickly disappear Industry Large pipes of liquid gold cross over Freight at double our speed Buildings hide humans within We slow to a crawl as we approach People On the streets Waiting for something to begin Urgency never satisfied South To the State of the Flowers Mountains wave up at us Traveling at inconceivable speed Occasion Dress to impress Everyone you already know Witness a joining of lives Celebration Dance with a stranger Consume decadent dessert Adoption Into a new family More reasons to visit Reality Always changing A life…
-
I will admit this season has been a tough one for me with ever-changing societal rules and work schedules. The need for a break in the depths of winter is nothing new. The plane from Chicago to Tampa was packed and for a moment I almost forgot I was a Florida native. It is hard to change your identity when you spend 90% of your time inside your house. I have come to really love the state that I reside, however, this is about my recent trip down to see family and friends. Arrival When I was planning my trip,…
-
Over the past few weeks, I have been visiting some old friends in the form of TV characters. I decided to re-watch Anne with an E and When Calls the Heart. These shows are both wildly different and surprisingly the same. Canada is the backdrop of these adventurous worlds. Anne finds herself on Prince Edward Island, surrounded by flowing green hills that cease just before the rough cliffs of the shoreline. Before Anne arrived, it would seem that the small area of Avonlea was pretty quiet (literally) and generally very conservative. It was an area of farmers and tradesmen. Large…