Life is not fair. The skies are not always cloud free. There is no 'free' lunch. There are falls along the path of life. There is loss and pain in life. BUT...
LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL. Beats the alternative by a long shot.
Walking yesterday, I was in a most reflective mood, and the mood continued as I walked, sat, walked and sat. Right good think on MOI had.
Brick by brick, MOI is rebuilding his 'house', been a few complete re-models in me day, but this one has to last longer than the hip replacement...
There is a lot to be said for allowing a good mate throw buckets of truth at. Takes even more to know that much of what is said is done in kindness and not meanness. Always knew in me heart of hearts that such a good mate was to be found in Alan. There be some who would think that Alan and the old geezer are like chalk and cheese, the ones who feel that do not really know either of us. Completely different, to be sure, but good hearts...
Given all of the drama of last year, MOI had learned to play the role of broken down old man well. Right, so the hearing is shot and the leg a bit lame, but that did not mean that the grave was upon. There have been a few times when it might well have been welcomed, but that seems to have gone. What is left is a renewed interest in the 'land of the living'. MOI wants very much to continue to hear the stories round and enjoy being an active part of life, even if it is limited a bit.
How do you place a value on the gift of friendship received? A friendship that has not always been equal?
There have been three people who has witnessed the rise and fall of me fortunes. Three good mates who never turned back on. Always were there when a shoulder was required to cry on. Some longer than others but in the end each took the old geezer to bosom and held close throughout good times and bad. Each hoped that MOI would 'pull it together', buck up and carry on.
Truth be told, I am looking forward to the new year with undiluted pleasure. There are so many possibilities. New Adventures.
To my most treasured friends, I want them to hear the words of an EE Cummings poem;
I carry your heart with me,
I carry it in my heart.
I am never without it,
anywhere I go, you go, my dear.
and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling.
I fear not fate,
for you are my fate, my sweet.
I want no world,
for beautiful, you are my world, my true.
Here is the deepest secret nobody knows,
Here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud,
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life,
which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide,
and this is the wonder that keeps the stars apart,
I carry your heart,
I carry it in my heart.
I am made the better by the company I keep. I am made more courageous and noble. What more do I need to face the coming year?
"I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. " ~Charles Dickens
For my part, I always want to remember the great moments of Christmas, that the moments that mean the most in coming years will always be ones filled with hope and gladness. In years to come, I want to mark Christmas 2014, as the year I truly gained a new respect for the true meaning of Christmas and hold that close to my heart all of the days of the coming year.
"Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home! " ~Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836
Received an email yesterday that make me think of more to say on the subject of Christmas and how one must get into the mood.: 1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti- depressant.2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to. 3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.' 4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured IN plants. 5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli , almonds & walnuts. 6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.7. Don't waste your precious energy on energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment. 8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card. 9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good! 10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. 11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree. 13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present. 14. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about. 15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you. 16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?' 17. Forgive everyone for everything. 18. What other people think of you is none of your business. 19. GOD heals everything.20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. 21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. Stay in touch!!! 22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. 23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________. 24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed. 25. Please send this to everyone you care about
Mind, the lovely lady who sent on this, is in the business of getting into your head and finding out what is wrong..........sounds to me as if she does it rather well, and the advice forwarded can apply all the year round.
"It is my hope that our paths will cross again soon. Till then it is my hope that your days with filled with peace, truth, and love, that you may continue your wonderful service to our community, the world we live in!!"
My dears, we shall meet again, the lovely lady and I..........need all of the help given to bring me back down to earth.
'Instead of being a time of unusual behavior, Christmas is perhaps the only time in the year when people can obey their natural impulses and express their true sentiments without feeling self-conscious and, perhaps, foolish. Christmas, in short, is about the only chance a man has to be himself. ' ~Francis C. Farley
Truth be told, whilst friends have never helped me take a pee, they have helped me do so many thing in life that were far more important. Is it not true for most? How many times was a friend there for you when you needed it most?
Were it not for friends, who knows what would have happened to the old geezer.
Tell true. Do you ever wonder if what you say to folks is remembered? I do.
Truth be told, am gobsmacked when it is. Not the little silly stuff, but the really important things that are said to folks cared about. The things that you tell that define who you are as a person.
I guess I have been lucky or am better at picking me friends than thought. Came to give a think on this at breakfast the other day. Two lovely people I like very much took me out for a cook up. During the meal they told of how they remembered things told to them when first met and how it had helped them hang on until things improved.
Not only did the meal leave me in a good mood, the company made me feel good all day long. Felt as if I had picked two new friends well. It was a two way conversation, we all three heard what the other had to say. Took the time to listen and remember the important stuff.
Mind, I seem to have a way with folks....... You laugh. True, there be some that do not take to the old geezer but I do make an impression...
Truth be told, the old geezer is not much of a drinker. Having said that, it can be revealed that last night was not one of the times the 'grape' was passed up.
Four very large glasses of lovely red wine. There was a warm feeling in me entire body. Not to mention a certain 'glow' to face.
Am quite sure it something to do with the 'fabulous' supper companions at me celebration. The conversation and good wishes flowed like water.
The 'birthday' clock says it all. Time flew by and one did not want the evening to end. So much good time was had that the old geezer stayed up well past bed time.
Am quite sure that much more about me birthday will come out. Just wanted to get a little out before the glow of the fun time had wore off.
"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked."
There be some who are not pleased that the old geezer is not chained to the computer, turning out post every day of the week. Truth be told, after 6 years of keeping a very public diary, am not 'tired' of the writing but wanting to be more 'picky' as to what is shared...
There is also the fact that MOI is trying to change his daily habits, making sure that there is a large measure of exercise in each and every day. Not enough to watch groceries, one has to give the old heart a bit of work-out every day.
The quote used today comes about due to my thinking long and hard on the wonderful folks known to. There may not be thousands of 'friends' but am right lucky in the ones claimed. Through some very weird times, mates have stayed close to. How lucky I be.
Having said that, Anita, glad you continue to read and will be doing some clever stories soon. Alan, when are you going to buy your new home in Reno? Paul, do try not to stuff the voting box in November. Ron will have a bang up Halloween. Scott will more than like do OZ soon.
My dears, Paul may not be a perfect photographer, considering what he had to work with, the snap turned out rather well.
If MOI keeps cake hole shut, the droop of the lip on the lower side is not noticeable. Not sure if one can see when talking but it is blatant if the old geezer laughs or tries to open wide. That might be a good thing in the future...
"THAT WHICH DOES NOT KILL US, MAKES US STRONGER"
Of late, the old geezer has given much thought to the above quote and come to basic truths, in light of recent events.
No doubt, the past month will not be looked back on with undiluted pleasure. It has been one hell of a ride.
In hospital and later at home, MOI has had much time to reflect and it has not been a trip round the pity pole. Oddly enough, the old geezer believes there is much to be thankful for. Allow MOI to share with you.
Twice in past year when things turned to custard on, the old geezer has been most fortunate to have someone who helped through the bad patch. In Hilo, there was Scott, who helped get though the bad fall and was there when me right ear exploded. Here, in Reno, there has been Paul. Paul stayed with in ER, and has helped MOI recover in so many ways. Am lucky to have my very own 'Nurse Ratchett'. Paul will not let MOI drag leg, forget to take medicines and is constantly reminding to eat something. Neither of there individuals had to do anything for. They did or do because they care about the old geezer.
Which brings up the subject of being liked. MOI knows deep down that there are folks who care if the old geezer is alive. Bloody hell, when the old geezer left Hilo in a flash, it was Scott who would not allow the departure to go unnoticed and wanted to make sure that all was well. Times past, it was convenient for MOI to feel that it matter naught if he lived or died. Total rubbish that was and now full well that that not be the case. There is no worry that MOI is going to 'deplete the population by one' by own hand, MOI is going to stay until check out time.
It might well be that the good Lord is telling the old geezer something. Like slow down, you will not be taken any time soon. Am learning that lame leg is not going to prevent the old geezer from living, just going to make it harder to get round. Same with the hearing.
The silver lining,and there is always a silver lining, is the plus received. The old geezer now takes the time to read the faces of folks met. Get to know them better than a quick glance. The loss of weight will no doubt help deal with leg and other problems, making the coming years easier to deal with. Have not quite worked out what is gained with the drooping lip, but it will no doubt come.
MOI has no clue how long life will be. Rather think that there is much left. John was taken from 25 years ago and MOI is still here, Paul died in 2010, and if one makes it 25 years past that death, it adds up to a rather long life. Tragic loss in the past has make MOI realize that life goes on. The pain of that loss is less as the years roll by, but one does get on in life. One of God's tests? Telling us that we are stronger than we believed?
When the old geezer was in ER, the priest came and gave the Sacrament of the Sick, confession was made and the old geezer was at peace. Truly. MOI could not remember last time he had been evil to anyone. Truth be told, confession was easy as there was not much to tell. There be many who will never understand my being a Catholic. It works for MOI, that is all that matters.
The lovely gentlemen in the orchestra are ready to play for you...
Truth be told, the old geezer is clueless where the path of life is leading MOI. Rather think that there are adventures yet to be had. Am quite sure that there be many more interesting folks to meet. MOI thought he had it all figured out as to landing spot after ear surgery. Now it has to be re-thought. One hopes that the leg and arm will improve, am told that there is strong possibility of that. The lasting effects of the stroke could be ever so slight. What is known is that MOI will slow down and makes sure that each and every moment of life is enjoyed to the fullest. There is no thought given to passing, that ill come when it is time, not sooner.
There you have it, my thoughts on what has happened and what might come to pass. Truly, the old geezer is quite comfy and at peace. How many can say that???
It is rumoured that WC Fields said on deathbed; "all in all.....I'd rather be in Philadelphia.". Even on me worst day that would never be the wish of this old geezer. Yuck...
The silly video came to be as many who follow me channel on YOUTUBE banged on about no new offering.
Being a whore to public opinion, I thought I would slap something together to stop the emails begging for another filmed bit. It is not me best but it allows one and all to see quite clearly that I am very much alive and kicking...
I do miss Hilo, the Hilo Bay Hostel, Ron, Bill and Margie and of course The Big Kahuna. More than I let on. Life goes on and one has to adapt...
I read all of the mail from faithful followers and ever so appreciative of the many suggestions for future posts to the blog.
However lame of leg and deaf of ear the old geezer be, Life has a way of getting through to, loud and clear. With the new device in me ear, a wee bit too loud at times...
For the past two weeks, the old geezer has spent time with a lovely family much loved. It is quite grand that even with many daily duties and trials, James and Chandra went out of way to keep the old geezer well attended. No small trick that. James is managing an apartment complex in a much troubled part of Sacramento and Chandra toils away in a long term medical facility for the terminally ill and long term care patients. That is quite a lot on plate. Then throw in 4 small children and the day is completely consumed. Roll in an tiring old geezer and it is a wonder we still chat with one another. Truth be told we get on like a house on fire.
Sadly, every visit has and ending and the visit to me lovely mates is drawing to a close.
Dunsmuir, Ca. calls. With a population of just over 1600 souls, is quite the small hamlet. The old geezer last visited Dunsmuir some 15 years ago and am told not much has changed. The town still looks like a throw back to the 1920's and 1930's, with remarkable painted signage to boot. From the viewpoint of a very devout papist, it is a wonder that there is a local Catholic church just up the road from where me new diggs will be located. Fancy that.
2011 has been filled with many magic moments and it is not over yet. One hardly knows what moment is or was best, the future may still throw a big one out. Thanks in no small measure to the extraordinary kindness of mates who care for the old geezer, 2011 is going to be looked backed on with undiluted pleasure for many a year to come. It is easy for the old geezer to feel 'all alone' but that is complete rubbish. Rather think it has been a long time since I have been blessed to have so many caring for. It takes some getting used to.
I rather think I do try to carry on, even if me medical problems get chatted up too much at times. When viewed with all of the problems others have, me wee ones pale in comparison.
I have been vexed by the ill feeling held toward by one in Hilo. My departure seems to have given rise to a bad taste in the mouth of the person known. It may well be that my 'adult baggage' is too sordid to deal with. Too right, it is. I can not apologize for the parts of that make the sum total of me. Will not even try. I know from past dealings that one assumes, on the part of the chappie troubled, that it would now be convenient to lump the old geezer into the bin with all of the ungrateful who have crossed path.
Truth be told, the old geezer has his faults. I tend to not like certain types of behaviour, make no concessions for, and tend to be rather rigid on that. We are talking wicked behaviour and am not going to change views. I have to let it go and move on. At the moment, am feeling the vexation flow out...
The adventure continues. The old geezer spent the other day on High Street getting prepared for the changed weather to be faced. Rumour has it that the temp can go from high to low during the course of the day. Coming from Hawaii, there were no jumpers in me Gladstone bag and that needed to be corrected.
With jumpers, long pants and a rather smart jacket, Dunsmuir will be faced with warmth...
At the end of the day, dear reader, the continued adventures of the old geezer will still fill the pages of me blog. Not even close to telling all of the stories of folks met in Hawaii or the new ones yet to reveal self. There will be many I rather think. It may not all be put down quickly but times is one thing the old geezer has buckets of.
The only person who controls the content of me blog is MOI. To some, it all about ME. Oi, the be quite right, the blog is most personal diary shared with folks all over the world. For better or worse...
I leave you this day with a much favoured axiom;
"I have been happy every hour of the day, my life is full, for I know I am loved."
