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November 16, 2015

Just me thinking my thoughts

I thought there’d be a time in my life when things would slow down, that I’d finally be able to have some substantial time for writing. Alas, I’ve come to realize that time is not now. It seems that each day brings something new to suck away what little spare time I have. And it’s not just the writing – it’s the visiting. I’ve not been able to stop by and visit your blogs. For that I apologize. I’ve missed catching up on your thoughts and what’s been happening in your life.

Just because I haven’t been able to sit down in front of my computer, I have been thinking. So, I thought I’d share what’s been going on inside my head:

There are times I have to take a break from the news. With so many bad things happening, it’s too easy to become cynical, to lose hope. Because, let’s face it – we are bombarded – on a daily basis – with the worst humanity has to offer. It’s not that I don’t want to know what’s going on around me. No. It’s more that I need some distance from the negativity. I remind myself that the world is still beautiful, that people have the potential to do good things, and that I have the power to make a difference.

Make a difference.

It doesn’t have to be much – a smile, a helpful hand, a kind word. It is the little things in life that make huge impacts – maybe not on their own – but collectively they can change people’s lives.

http://www.stockphotosforfree.com/free-stock-photos/p-11953-slow-motion-rippling-water-droplets.html

Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects. -Dalai Lama

So – that’s where my thoughts have been.

Gotta run or I’ll be late for work.

Remember the pebble.

The world needs our good ripples.

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November 10, 2015

November 10, 2015November 8, 2015

Picture This #12: Secrets and Stephen King

November 9, 2015November 8, 2015

My Perfect Day

Perfect days are hard to come by – but when they come along – you gotta dive in head first. Saturday was beautiful – sunny, highs in upper 70’s and a wonderful sea breeze. After being stuck inside all week, I had to be outside. I started with a visit to the river.

The hermit crabs were doing their thing, crawling over the rocks and each other.

While the North Carolina coast doesn’t get to experience much in the way of the changing of leaves, nature didn’t totally forget to paint our little corner of the world. We get wildflowers and berries and on occasion – something other than pine tree needles.

Boaters took advantage of the day, too. And while I’m sure this sailor was disappointed at having to be towed in, I loved watching the activity.

100_1435 — Sailboat being towed – New River

I met up with my writers group for lunch – that’s always a good time.

And then I took a detour – went back to my childhood and visited some precious memories.

I grew up on the water. My father was a commercial fisherman. I spent my summers hanging out at the fish house. After “heading” shrimp (actually de-heading them is more accurate), I’d go home, get into a swim suit and go back to the fish house where we kids would climb onto the shrimp boats and jump off the sides – swimming in the slough.

My father is retired now. My brother, however, is trying to keep the family tradition alive. He works as a school teacher, serves in the Army Reserves and in his spare time is repairing a boat my father and uncle built some 33 years ago.

100_1464 — My father overseeing my brother

There’s still quite a bit of work to do. The outriggers need to be painted, the fish hold needs some work and the wench needs to be repaired. But when they finish, she will be beautiful.