Simple

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow."
                                                                   ~ Albert Einstein 

Learn, Live, Hope.
Yesterday, today, tomorrow.
Sometimes, simple is best.

To Appreciate Old Things

"Will this be for here or to go?" :she asked.
"Here please. I'll have a broccoli/cheese potato, the chicken sandwich with no mayo and a water." :was my reply.
beep, beep, beep..... "And I'll put your discount on here....." beep. "That will be"......
well, I don't remember exactly how much it totaled as my mind was struggling with the discount. Of what discount did she speak? Had I ordered a daily special?
I gathered my purchase along with the essential plastic eating instruments, a couple of napkins and a straw.
Discount?? Hum...?
I chose a seat near a window with a view and sat down to enjoy my meal. There on the tray was my reciept. I adjusted my bi-focals and read,
Senior discount 10%! (exclamation point added for effect)
It seems only yesterday that I was asked for my ID when making a purchase at an adult entertainment center. Yet here I was the reciepient of a 10% discount which I had not requested.

Just recently, on one of my walks,  I had been thinking that, 'to appreciate old things, perhaps one must be old.'
I had seen a date that had been stamped in the sidewalk, 9-'39. How many thousands of people had this side walk seen and helped along on their journeys? It was in remarkable condition for all the years of weather, walking and wear it has endured. And to the craftsman...what skill and dedication to his trade to have created a work that would last and serve all these years. Just a few steps further and I watched as an older couple slowly, oh so slowly, made their way along another section of this pathway. He with a cane, she with a supporting arm. When did their rolls change? I'm certain he was once young, strong and verile, the one upon whom she relied. Time has taken a toll and yet they press on, together.

When I was younger, these things would not have occured to me. I was much too consumed by my own agenda. However as we age we begin to understand what it takes to become old. The trials, the weather, the miles, the wins and the losses. And with time comes patience ( I wish this one would hurry up), understanding, compassion and appreciation. In a word....love. "The greatest of these!"

And now I smile, as I remember these things. I hope you smile too.

As I left the dining establishment, I noticed an older gentleman in a booth near the door. He was alone and had fallen asleep. I felt a kinship, with him.
I was smiling then too, wondering if he got his discount.

Drag your thoughts...

"Drag your thoughts away from your troubles...by the ears,
by the heels or any other way you can manage it."  
~ Mark Twain

Somewhere in America

"Charlie, is that you?"
Sweat in my eyes and running off my nose, I was stopped cold in my tracks. I was out for what has become a pleasant ritual of walking several mornings each week, schedule allowing, when out of the blue..."Charlie is that you?"
It was a handsome couple about my age that were certain they had found 'Charlie'. A quick conversation ensued with me assuring them that 'I' was not who they thought. I so hated to disappoint, they seemed like such nice people. For a second the thought of confessing to be Charlie crossed my mind, but the details would have been very stressful, so that quickly passed.
According to them I was not only an exact copy of the now famed Charlie, but that I even walked like him. My response was something to the effect of, 'You know they say everyone has a twin'.  They agreed and once again we were off in opposite directions around the mile long circumference of the park.
Then my mind began to ramble, as it often does. I wonder if Charles really does look like me? Lucky dog.
On my final lap as I approached Charlies friends I heard myself say....
"You know I'm going to call my wife today, and tell her about Charlie. She's not going to believe there's another guy as good looking as me, somewhere in America."

More alike than different

One had a small load of laundry to do. 

Three were headed to Kalamazoo. 

An older gentleman teased the young waitress.

The randomness of life delivered me to Salem in the land of Lincoln, for breakfast, this morning. I had no plans or idea that I would be present for these conversations at Denny's. But as I eavesdropped it occurred to me that this scenario was most likely playing out across this country. 

With that thought, it became clear that we really are all, quite similar. Each with our own hopes and dreams, heartaches and challenges. Some taking for granted the fact that the ones they love are sitting right next to them, for me much too far from those closest to my heart. 

Have a listen for yourself. See if the voices you hear sound familiar, in their content. Each are unique yet alike, simultaneously. 

Deep down the majority want the same thing. 

In spite of our differences in politics, religion, philosophy...we want the best for each of us.

From Abe's backyard I honestly wish for you 'The Best'.

Lean on me...

We can all use a hand now and then.
And when willing, we can be that helping hand.
Hope you enjoy this very special example.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK9Xj7eY0UU&feature=youtube_gdata

Molly

Thirty years past, nearly 400 miles from here, I first saw Molly.
On her trip to her new Missouri home, she spent the night in our back yard.
She was quite a site in our neighborhood.
Today she takes her place of permanent rest in our back yard, here in the Missouri hills.
This spring a blanket of wild flowers will bloom over her.
I'm certain I'll walk among those blooms and once again think of Molly,
back when she and I were young.

Persevere

Here's a short video that has some good thoughts on 'hangin in there.'
Hope you lke it.

http://www.flickspire.com/m/earlytorise/Persevere