Monday, September 10, 2018
Measure Twice, Cut Once
By: Donovan Baldwin
There's an old carpenter's adage, "Measure twice, cut once." In other words, don't just lay the tape out, assume that what you saw, or thought you saw (no pun intended - well, maybe a little), was correct.
It's worth checking what you're about to do before doing it so that you don't have to regret afterwards.
You can't add back that extra inch or centimeter you accidentally cut off because you got the first measurement wrong.
You cannot always reclaim a relationship, your personal pride or self-esteem, or restore someone else's, once you've whacked it off at the wrong point... or for the wrong reason.
Oh, sure, in the real world, we often have to do things "on the fly", or, simply, being the messy, imperfect humans that we sometimes are, go with our first reaction, and, to steal a thought, regret at leisure. Still, there are times when taking a second look, doing a reassessment of the situation, and, our intended response, IS possible.
Might be worth the effort.
You might discover that your first reaction is sometimes a little "off". After all, "heat" CAN make things change size, or look hazy, temporarily.
Might want to re-measure when everything's cooled down. Or, just apologize. That sometimes DOES put that extra inch or centimeter back on.
Magic.
There's an old carpenter's adage, "Measure twice, cut once." In other words, don't just lay the tape out, assume that what you saw, or thought you saw (no pun intended - well, maybe a little), was correct.
It's worth checking what you're about to do before doing it so that you don't have to regret afterwards.
You can't add back that extra inch or centimeter you accidentally cut off because you got the first measurement wrong.
You cannot always reclaim a relationship, your personal pride or self-esteem, or restore someone else's, once you've whacked it off at the wrong point... or for the wrong reason.
Oh, sure, in the real world, we often have to do things "on the fly", or, simply, being the messy, imperfect humans that we sometimes are, go with our first reaction, and, to steal a thought, regret at leisure. Still, there are times when taking a second look, doing a reassessment of the situation, and, our intended response, IS possible.
Might be worth the effort.
You might discover that your first reaction is sometimes a little "off". After all, "heat" CAN make things change size, or look hazy, temporarily.
Might want to re-measure when everything's cooled down. Or, just apologize. That sometimes DOES put that extra inch or centimeter back on.
Magic.
Labels: adage, anger, carpenter, donovan baldwin, life lesson, measure, measure twice cut once, relationships
Monday, September 03, 2018
In Defense Of Our Real Treasure... Humans As They Are.
By: Donovan Baldwin
I'm always wary of absolutes... okay, usually, almost, probably.
Still, my radar comes on when I see statements like, "Do this to get rich, happy, taller..." whatever. Usually involves chocolate, wine, or cabbage soup.
While we do share many common traits and feelings... desires, even lusts, we humans are just too unique for a "one size fits all" approach to most life situations and relationships.
Another one that makes me start looking for the exit, is, "________(fill in the blank with a group) like, want, expect, deserve...." etc.
In my 73 years, I've met too many people that simply do not fit into a mold prepared for them by pundits and politicians (and become my own odd little self in the process).
From soup to nuts, health to wealth, sexual preferences, religious teachings, personal trials and tribulations, internal and external scars, and glorious glowing of transcendent souls, we ARE different.
Until we accept THAT as the ultimate commonality among us, and learn to live WITH it, rather than trying to figure out how to get around it, fight it, or just plain argue about it, life's not going to be nearly the rewarding and enriching experience it could be... because people who can accept US the way each messy little, "spilling out of the box" individual of us is, ARE to be treasured.
Follow @donovanbaldwin
I'm always wary of absolutes... okay, usually, almost, probably.
Still, my radar comes on when I see statements like, "Do this to get rich, happy, taller..." whatever. Usually involves chocolate, wine, or cabbage soup.
While we do share many common traits and feelings... desires, even lusts, we humans are just too unique for a "one size fits all" approach to most life situations and relationships.
Another one that makes me start looking for the exit, is, "________(fill in the blank with a group) like, want, expect, deserve...." etc.
In my 73 years, I've met too many people that simply do not fit into a mold prepared for them by pundits and politicians (and become my own odd little self in the process).
From soup to nuts, health to wealth, sexual preferences, religious teachings, personal trials and tribulations, internal and external scars, and glorious glowing of transcendent souls, we ARE different.
Until we accept THAT as the ultimate commonality among us, and learn to live WITH it, rather than trying to figure out how to get around it, fight it, or just plain argue about it, life's not going to be nearly the rewarding and enriching experience it could be... because people who can accept US the way each messy little, "spilling out of the box" individual of us is, ARE to be treasured.
Follow @donovanbaldwin
Labels: chocolate, donovan baldwin, health, human beings, life lesson, living together, sexual preferences, wealth, wine
Thursday, August 09, 2018
I Like Sometimes To Reflect On Things I Have Learned
By: Donovan Baldwin
I like sometimes to reflect on things I have learned over the last 73 years simply by being around long enough to learn them.
See?
That's part of the learning process, whether it's in elementary school, university, a career, or even life.
Learning, not just a simple skill, such as threading a needle, but, a range of "tasks" or skills which make up a larger whole... takes time... and effort... but, that's another discussion.
To my mind, and in my experience, every day is a day in class.
Just as a student of mathematics, physics, literature, biology, zoology, all the -ologies is NOT finished until "the end", and, either all is learned, or the student is no longer capable of learning... so it is with life.
Learning doesn't end with today's "class". It starts with tomorrow, and, making final judgments based on our, so far, incomplete curriculum is a bit rash.
You may learn something tomorrow, next week, next year, next decade, which makes you understand and appreciate all the "learning" which went before, often with it's aches and pains and efforts and successes and (apparent) failures.
Whatever you're learning... give it time.
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER
I like sometimes to reflect on things I have learned over the last 73 years simply by being around long enough to learn them.
See?
That's part of the learning process, whether it's in elementary school, university, a career, or even life.
Learning, not just a simple skill, such as threading a needle, but, a range of "tasks" or skills which make up a larger whole... takes time... and effort... but, that's another discussion.
To my mind, and in my experience, every day is a day in class.
Just as a student of mathematics, physics, literature, biology, zoology, all the -ologies is NOT finished until "the end", and, either all is learned, or the student is no longer capable of learning... so it is with life.
Learning doesn't end with today's "class". It starts with tomorrow, and, making final judgments based on our, so far, incomplete curriculum is a bit rash.
You may learn something tomorrow, next week, next year, next decade, which makes you understand and appreciate all the "learning" which went before, often with it's aches and pains and efforts and successes and (apparent) failures.
Whatever you're learning... give it time.
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER
Labels: donovan baldwin, failure, learning, life lesson, time, tomorrow
Saturday, January 27, 2018
The World Through A Dirty Windshield
By: Donovan Baldwin
It was a sunny morning this morning, and, after breakfast, I had an errand to run.
I was in a full-belly, quietly contemplative mood as I stopped at a traffic light at a railroad crossing, in a not too pretty part of Fort Worth, Texas..
I noticed the sunny day, green trees, and became aware of a slight golden ambiance to the scene in front of me. As I was wondering what could be making railroad tracks, and the crumbling church across the way look almost as if painted by Renoir, I glanced to my left...through my clean side window.
Everything suddenly appeared quite normal in color, and, ambiance?
What's that?
Anyway, all this lovely atmosphere had been created by a dirty, dusty windshield.
Isn't that how life is sometimes?
Poets and other writers speak about viewing things through rose colored glasses.
How we see things, either with our eyes or through the multiple lenses of experience and lore, can have a huge impact on how we live IN the life we have, and how we appear to others.
I got home intending to clean the windshield. I've got to go back out tomorrow and not really looking forward to that errand.
Maybe I'll leave the windshield like it is for one more day.
I was in a full-belly, quietly contemplative mood as I stopped at a traffic light at a railroad crossing, in a not too pretty part of Fort Worth, Texas..
I noticed the sunny day, green trees, and became aware of a slight golden ambiance to the scene in front of me. As I was wondering what could be making railroad tracks, and the crumbling church across the way look almost as if painted by Renoir, I glanced to my left...through my clean side window.
Everything suddenly appeared quite normal in color, and, ambiance?
What's that?
Anyway, all this lovely atmosphere had been created by a dirty, dusty windshield.
Isn't that how life is sometimes?
Poets and other writers speak about viewing things through rose colored glasses.
How we see things, either with our eyes or through the multiple lenses of experience and lore, can have a huge impact on how we live IN the life we have, and how we appear to others.
I got home intending to clean the windshield. I've got to go back out tomorrow and not really looking forward to that errand.
Maybe I'll leave the windshield like it is for one more day.
Labels: ambiance, donovan baldwin, Fort Worth, life lesson, poets, texas, writers
Monday, November 13, 2017
Taking A Swing At "Casey At The Bat"
By: Donovan Baldwin
There's an old, once well-known, poem about baseball, that I like, "Casey At The Bat", by Ernest Lawrence Thayer.
After recounting the efforts of the mighty batter for the Mudville baseball team, Casey, to get a hit and win the game, Casey fails.
The final lines of "Casey At The Bat", are, "...somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout, But there is no joy in Mudville—mighty Casey has struck out."
While the poem Is humorous, when I reread it recently, those lines reminded me of a life lesson.
No matter what I am experiencing; joy, fear, success, or failure, something else is happening to somebody else, somewhere else.
If I am dancing with joy, someone, somewhere is mourning the loss of loved one. If I am raging because of some real, or imagined, failure, or injustice, someone, somewhere, is announcing some exhilarating success and praising friends, family, the government, or simply fate, for causing such joy.
We should not ignore our pleasures, or pains, simply because some other someone, somewhere, is experiencing the opposite. It's not a "balancing" of the Universe.
But, occasionally, I believe, it's good to remember that it's not all just about us, and, that what happens today does not define us, or them, forever.
Casey was a hometown hero in Mudville.
One day, at one time, he failed his neighbors, but, he was not a failure forever...I hope. The poet doesn't say.
Read the poem below:
CASEY AT THE BAT
BY ERNEST LAWRENCE THAYER
It looked extremely rocky for the Mudville nine that day:
The score stood four to six with just an inning left to play;
And so, when Cooney died at first, and Burrows did the same,
A pallor wreathed the features of the patrons of the game.
A straggling few got up to go, leaving there the rest
With that hope that springs eternal within the human breast;
For they thought if only Casey could get one whack, at that
They'd put up even money, with Casey at the bat.
But Flynn preceded Casey, and so likewise did Blake,
But the former was a pudding, and the latter was a fake;
So on that stricken multitude a death-like silence sat,
For there seemed but little chance of Casey's getting to the bat.
But Flynn let drive a single to the wonderment of all,
And the much-despisèd Blaikie tore the cover off the ball;
And when the dust had lifted, and they saw what had occurred,
There was Blaikie safe on second and Flynn a-hugging third!
Then from the gladdened multitude went up a joyous yell,
It bounded from the mountain-top, and rattled in the dell,
It struck upon the hillside, and rebounded on the flat;
For Casey, mighty Casey, was advancing to the bat.
There was ease in Casey's manner as he stepped into his place,
There was pride in Casey's bearing, and a smile on Casey's face;
And when, responding to the cheers, he lightly doffed his hat,
No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas Casey at the bat.
Ten thousand eyes were on him as he rubbed his hands with dirt,
Five thousand tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt;
Then, while the writhing pitcher ground the ball into his hip,
Defiance glanced in Casey's eye, a sneer curled Casey's lip.
And now the leather-covered sphere came hurtling through the air,
And Casey stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there;
Close by the sturdy batsman the ball unheeded sped:
"That ain't my style," said Casey. "Strike one," the umpire said.
From the benches, black with people, there went up a muffled roar,
Like the beating of the storm-waves on a stern and distant shore;
"Kill him! Kill the umpire!" shouted some one in the stand.
And it's likely they'd have killed him had not Casey raised his hand.
With a smile of Christian charity great Casey's visage shone;
He stilled the rising tumult; he bade the game go on;
He signaled to the pitcher, and once more the spheroid flew,
But Casey still ignored it; and the umpire said, "Strike two."
"Fraud!" cried the maddened thousands, and the echo answered, "Fraud!"
But the scornful look from Casey, and the audience was awed;
They saw his face grow stern and cold, they saw his muscles strain,
And they knew that Casey wouldn't let that ball go by again.
The sneer is gone from Casey's lip, his teeth are clenched with hate;
He pounds with cruel violence his bat upon the plate;
And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go,
And now the air is shattered by the force of Casey's blow.
Oh, somewhere in this favoured land the sun is shining bright,
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;
But there is no joy in Mudville—mighty Casey has struck out.
After recounting the efforts of the mighty batter for the Mudville baseball team, Casey, to get a hit and win the game, Casey fails.
The final lines of "Casey At The Bat", are, "...somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout, But there is no joy in Mudville—mighty Casey has struck out."
While the poem Is humorous, when I reread it recently, those lines reminded me of a life lesson.
No matter what I am experiencing; joy, fear, success, or failure, something else is happening to somebody else, somewhere else.
If I am dancing with joy, someone, somewhere is mourning the loss of loved one. If I am raging because of some real, or imagined, failure, or injustice, someone, somewhere, is announcing some exhilarating success and praising friends, family, the government, or simply fate, for causing such joy.
We should not ignore our pleasures, or pains, simply because some other someone, somewhere, is experiencing the opposite. It's not a "balancing" of the Universe.
But, occasionally, I believe, it's good to remember that it's not all just about us, and, that what happens today does not define us, or them, forever.
Casey was a hometown hero in Mudville.
One day, at one time, he failed his neighbors, but, he was not a failure forever...I hope. The poet doesn't say.
Read the poem below:
CASEY AT THE BAT
BY ERNEST LAWRENCE THAYER
It looked extremely rocky for the Mudville nine that day:
The score stood four to six with just an inning left to play;
And so, when Cooney died at first, and Burrows did the same,
A pallor wreathed the features of the patrons of the game.
A straggling few got up to go, leaving there the rest
With that hope that springs eternal within the human breast;
For they thought if only Casey could get one whack, at that
They'd put up even money, with Casey at the bat.
But Flynn preceded Casey, and so likewise did Blake,
But the former was a pudding, and the latter was a fake;
So on that stricken multitude a death-like silence sat,
For there seemed but little chance of Casey's getting to the bat.
But Flynn let drive a single to the wonderment of all,
And the much-despisèd Blaikie tore the cover off the ball;
And when the dust had lifted, and they saw what had occurred,
There was Blaikie safe on second and Flynn a-hugging third!
Then from the gladdened multitude went up a joyous yell,
It bounded from the mountain-top, and rattled in the dell,
It struck upon the hillside, and rebounded on the flat;
For Casey, mighty Casey, was advancing to the bat.
There was ease in Casey's manner as he stepped into his place,
There was pride in Casey's bearing, and a smile on Casey's face;
And when, responding to the cheers, he lightly doffed his hat,
No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas Casey at the bat.
Ten thousand eyes were on him as he rubbed his hands with dirt,
Five thousand tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt;
Then, while the writhing pitcher ground the ball into his hip,
Defiance glanced in Casey's eye, a sneer curled Casey's lip.
And now the leather-covered sphere came hurtling through the air,
And Casey stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there;
Close by the sturdy batsman the ball unheeded sped:
"That ain't my style," said Casey. "Strike one," the umpire said.
From the benches, black with people, there went up a muffled roar,
Like the beating of the storm-waves on a stern and distant shore;
"Kill him! Kill the umpire!" shouted some one in the stand.
And it's likely they'd have killed him had not Casey raised his hand.
With a smile of Christian charity great Casey's visage shone;
He stilled the rising tumult; he bade the game go on;
He signaled to the pitcher, and once more the spheroid flew,
But Casey still ignored it; and the umpire said, "Strike two."
"Fraud!" cried the maddened thousands, and the echo answered, "Fraud!"
But the scornful look from Casey, and the audience was awed;
They saw his face grow stern and cold, they saw his muscles strain,
And they knew that Casey wouldn't let that ball go by again.
The sneer is gone from Casey's lip, his teeth are clenched with hate;
He pounds with cruel violence his bat upon the plate;
And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go,
And now the air is shattered by the force of Casey's blow.
Oh, somewhere in this favoured land the sun is shining bright,
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;
But there is no joy in Mudville—mighty Casey has struck out.
Labels: Casey At The Bat, donovan baldwin, Ernest Lawrence Thayer, life lesson, Mudville, poem
Saturday, October 28, 2017
Context In More Than One Context
By: Donovan Baldwin
We all know it's easy to take things out of context, and, yet, hard at the same time.
We see a statement, an action, an event, as a discrete item and judge its "badness" or "goodness" based on some immediate evaluation. Yet, that event is formed, defined, and assigned value by the context in which it occurs.
Most of us get that, and, after the heat of the moment is past, we can step back, as it were, and see things as part of a larger whole.
However, we sometimes forget that our own evaluation is formed dependent upon a context of our own, one which is a part of us at all times.
What we have lived, experienced, learned, right or wrong, is going to influence our evaluation of that statement, action, or event. My life as a boy, roaming the woods along the edge of Pensacola Bay, swimming and snorkeling in the Sun, in Florida, has had a lifelong impact on how I view the world, for example.
Even "where" and "when" we have lived, in addition to "who" we are, has its impact on how we see and evaluate everything around us...including our own beliefs as well as the thoughts of others.
I think most of us can agree on some basic "bad" things...murder, theft, intimidation by violence, yet, many of the bad and good things we see daily are defined by our "contexts", by our "contextual apprehension" of what is being said or happening around us.
I read a lot about "mindfulness" in today's world, usually applied to weight loss, success in business, or personal relationships.
Perhaps mindfulness of our personal beliefs, thoughts, issues, and context, might serve a purpose in our daily lives.
We all know it's easy to take things out of context, and, yet, hard at the same time.
We see a statement, an action, an event, as a discrete item and judge its "badness" or "goodness" based on some immediate evaluation. Yet, that event is formed, defined, and assigned value by the context in which it occurs.
However, we sometimes forget that our own evaluation is formed dependent upon a context of our own, one which is a part of us at all times.
What we have lived, experienced, learned, right or wrong, is going to influence our evaluation of that statement, action, or event. My life as a boy, roaming the woods along the edge of Pensacola Bay, swimming and snorkeling in the Sun, in Florida, has had a lifelong impact on how I view the world, for example.
Even "where" and "when" we have lived, in addition to "who" we are, has its impact on how we see and evaluate everything around us...including our own beliefs as well as the thoughts of others.
I think most of us can agree on some basic "bad" things...murder, theft, intimidation by violence, yet, many of the bad and good things we see daily are defined by our "contexts", by our "contextual apprehension" of what is being said or happening around us.
I read a lot about "mindfulness" in today's world, usually applied to weight loss, success in business, or personal relationships.
Perhaps mindfulness of our personal beliefs, thoughts, issues, and context, might serve a purpose in our daily lives.
Labels: context, donovan baldwin, life lesson, Pensacola, Pensacola Bay, snorkeling, swimming
Sunday, October 15, 2017
My High-Heel, Pointed Toe, Cowboy Boots...
By: Donovan Baldwin
I was once guilty of animal cruelty.
Sorry about that, but he started it.
Here's how it happened.
I used to go horseback riding in Pensacola, Florida. This would have been about 1966.
The area is car dealerships now. Back then, there were fields, pecan orchards, and a riding stable. I went riding every week for several months.
At first, I rode wearing tennis shoes, until one day they gave me an ill-tempered horse, who had a habit of turning his head and trying to bite your feet.
They warned me. Told me to just kick him in the mouth and he would stop.
Well, seems this horse didn't mind if you kicked him with tennis shoes. So, I rode him up to their store, went inside, and bought a pair of pointy-toed, high heeled, cowboy boots.
Got back in the saddle.
He tried to bite one more time.
I kicked him one more time.
Problem solved, resolution achieved.
Of course, in those days I had no more use for the boots, except when I went riding.
However, I thought they made me look cool.
When the army sent me to Germany, I found they had a certain appeal to some Germans...especially of the female persuasion.
A lot of times we do things that seem to make sense at the time.
Sometimes, when the real reason has passed, we find other reasons to keep on doing what we do. Sometimes it doesn't really matter.
I could have switched horses, I guess, and never bought my fancy, pointed toe, high heel, cowboy boots.
Although they generated interest, I really didn't pick up more chicks, and they hurt my feet.
The horse won in the long run, I guess.
Sorry about that, but he started it.
Here's how it happened.
I used to go horseback riding in Pensacola, Florida. This would have been about 1966.
The area is car dealerships now. Back then, there were fields, pecan orchards, and a riding stable. I went riding every week for several months.
At first, I rode wearing tennis shoes, until one day they gave me an ill-tempered horse, who had a habit of turning his head and trying to bite your feet.
They warned me. Told me to just kick him in the mouth and he would stop.
Well, seems this horse didn't mind if you kicked him with tennis shoes. So, I rode him up to their store, went inside, and bought a pair of pointy-toed, high heeled, cowboy boots.
Got back in the saddle.
He tried to bite one more time.
I kicked him one more time.
Problem solved, resolution achieved.
Of course, in those days I had no more use for the boots, except when I went riding.
However, I thought they made me look cool.
When the army sent me to Germany, I found they had a certain appeal to some Germans...especially of the female persuasion.
A lot of times we do things that seem to make sense at the time.
Sometimes, when the real reason has passed, we find other reasons to keep on doing what we do. Sometimes it doesn't really matter.
I could have switched horses, I guess, and never bought my fancy, pointed toe, high heel, cowboy boots.
Although they generated interest, I really didn't pick up more chicks, and they hurt my feet.
The horse won in the long run, I guess.
Labels: cowboy boots, donovan baldwin, Florida, horse, horseback riding, life lesson, Pensacola
Saturday, October 14, 2017
When I Was A Fool...
By: Donovan Baldwin
A few years ago, there was a time in my life when it seemed that everything I did, everything I thought, was "wrong".
People told me, and life demonstrated, it seemed, that I was a fool.
I wanted to argue my case, "prove" that I was right. Even more I wanted "them" to know that they were wrong.
Finally, I hit on the ultimate solution: I was going to outlive everybody! That way the time would come when I could laugh at them because they were dead, I was alive, and I was "right" by default.
Over time I came to realize a couple of problems with that plan.
First, being alive didn't make me right, and, them being dead sort of took all the fun out of being right...if I WAS right.
See, that was the problem.
Ninety-nine percent of the "rights" and "wrongs" in the equation were "beliefs" and "opinions"...not facts.
It was then I began to see the real solution. Proving that my "right" was the "right" right was impossible. In fact, I could even be wrong!
That wasn't right!
Then I figured out the real solution.
I can only live and enjoy life doing what I BELIEVE is right. It doesn't really matter what others think or say about my honest beliefs.
So, they can be right, I can be right, even though one of us may be wrong.
As long as I do what I think is right, I don't need to worry about what they think is right.
Right?
People told me, and life demonstrated, it seemed, that I was a fool.
I wanted to argue my case, "prove" that I was right. Even more I wanted "them" to know that they were wrong.
Finally, I hit on the ultimate solution: I was going to outlive everybody! That way the time would come when I could laugh at them because they were dead, I was alive, and I was "right" by default.
Over time I came to realize a couple of problems with that plan.
First, being alive didn't make me right, and, them being dead sort of took all the fun out of being right...if I WAS right.
See, that was the problem.
Ninety-nine percent of the "rights" and "wrongs" in the equation were "beliefs" and "opinions"...not facts.
It was then I began to see the real solution. Proving that my "right" was the "right" right was impossible. In fact, I could even be wrong!
That wasn't right!
Then I figured out the real solution.
I can only live and enjoy life doing what I BELIEVE is right. It doesn't really matter what others think or say about my honest beliefs.
So, they can be right, I can be right, even though one of us may be wrong.
As long as I do what I think is right, I don't need to worry about what they think is right.
Right?
Labels: beliefs, donovan baldwin, how to live, life lesson, live your own life, opinions, right, right and wrong, wrong
Friday, October 13, 2017
My Words Are Fair Game...
By: Donovan Baldwin
Got slightly "bummed out" earlier this morning reading some responses to a couple of my recent ramblings on a social media site.
Chose "bummed out" as a play on one of the discussions since it dealt with hobos, bums, and tramps.
That choice means I'm reaching the point where I can laugh and joke about it.
Point is, when people go in a negative direction after one of my posts, I feel badly. But, that's part of the deal.
I publish MY thoughts, which are not always going to be everybody else's thoughts. Once I put my thoughts "out there", using the words that make sense to me at the time of writing (i.e. before fully awake, or on a flood of emotion), they are fair game.
Part of what I do when I write is expose myself, at least some of my thoughts, hoping that, while people may be amused, they will also think.
If they think they have other opinions, I welcome that, and respect it.
I usually welcome active discussion, even if it deviates from my original narrative or thoughts...which, sometimes, IS just a story.
However, if I write about having ice cream after having my tonsils out, someone who doesn't like doctors, or ice cream, or tonsils, may say something that I feel is negative.
Well, I'm the one who chose to set up the situation in the first place. I did it because I am who I am. How can I stay mad at them for being who they are? N
ot everybody likes rainbows and unicorns ALL the time.
Okay, where's the leprechaun with my coffee?
Chose "bummed out" as a play on one of the discussions since it dealt with hobos, bums, and tramps.
That choice means I'm reaching the point where I can laugh and joke about it.
Point is, when people go in a negative direction after one of my posts, I feel badly. But, that's part of the deal.
I publish MY thoughts, which are not always going to be everybody else's thoughts. Once I put my thoughts "out there", using the words that make sense to me at the time of writing (i.e. before fully awake, or on a flood of emotion), they are fair game.
Part of what I do when I write is expose myself, at least some of my thoughts, hoping that, while people may be amused, they will also think.
If they think they have other opinions, I welcome that, and respect it.
I usually welcome active discussion, even if it deviates from my original narrative or thoughts...which, sometimes, IS just a story.
However, if I write about having ice cream after having my tonsils out, someone who doesn't like doctors, or ice cream, or tonsils, may say something that I feel is negative.
Well, I'm the one who chose to set up the situation in the first place. I did it because I am who I am. How can I stay mad at them for being who they are? N
ot everybody likes rainbows and unicorns ALL the time.
Okay, where's the leprechaun with my coffee?
Labels: discussions, donovan baldwin, life lesson, thoughts, writing
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Unappreciated Contributions...
By: Donovan Baldwin
I used to be, among other things, a furniture salesman, selling dining room tables, beds, and other furniture, for Furniture Row.
The group of employees which closed up the store at night, was responsible for completing a list of tasks.
One of these closing tasks was vacuuming the showroom carpet.
It's amazing all the little bits of paper, hair, and "what the heck is that" which can accumulate in the course of a day.
Although most of us don't go around staring at the carpet when shopping for furniture, keeping it vacuumed kept if from becoming an eyesore which could detract from the presentation of the furniture, eventually causing loss of sales...and jobs.
We can probably agree that it needed to be done at least somewhat regularly, and, based on the amount of trash from one day, I think "daily" was a good thing.
Point is, when a group of people came in to open up the store in the morning, they didn't have to worry about cleaning the carpet.
It was already done.
They really didn't even have to think about it. I know I usually didn't when I opened.
Morning staff had a lot of other stuff to concentrate on and get done anyway.
Life can be like that.
Most of us contribute something that nobody else notices. They're not ignoring us, any more than we are ignoring people who do stuff for us...that we don't notice.
I like to take time to think about those people and what they do.
It's called being grateful, I think.
So, thank you!
The group of employees which closed up the store at night, was responsible for completing a list of tasks.
One of these closing tasks was vacuuming the showroom carpet.
It's amazing all the little bits of paper, hair, and "what the heck is that" which can accumulate in the course of a day.
Although most of us don't go around staring at the carpet when shopping for furniture, keeping it vacuumed kept if from becoming an eyesore which could detract from the presentation of the furniture, eventually causing loss of sales...and jobs.
We can probably agree that it needed to be done at least somewhat regularly, and, based on the amount of trash from one day, I think "daily" was a good thing.
Point is, when a group of people came in to open up the store in the morning, they didn't have to worry about cleaning the carpet.
It was already done.
They really didn't even have to think about it. I know I usually didn't when I opened.
Morning staff had a lot of other stuff to concentrate on and get done anyway.
Life can be like that.
Most of us contribute something that nobody else notices. They're not ignoring us, any more than we are ignoring people who do stuff for us...that we don't notice.
I like to take time to think about those people and what they do.
It's called being grateful, I think.
So, thank you!
Labels: donovan baldwin, Furniture Row, furniture store, gratitude, life lesson, retail, sales
Thinking About Right And Wrong...
By: Donovan Baldwin
We often think about "right and wrong" as if each of us always knows exactly what that is.
I know that I have at times.
A year or so ago, I canceled cable and switched to antenna TV.
While I do get many current TV programs, a lot of what's available goes back to much earlier times. Lassie and The Lone Ranger...stuff like that. Columbo, Adam-12, Emergency, and Quincy M.E. Shows from the 1950's, 60's, and 70's.
What's really interesting to me is the evidence of social groupings, commonly held beliefs, and "normal" activity that might get someone thrown in jail today.
Sure, it's fiction, but, it reflected the thought processes of the day, and, watching from my imperial height of 72 years, it becomes plain to me how, in many ways, and, in many minds, "right" and "wrong" have changed places been redefined or assigned new or different values.
While genuine right and wrong might not change, otherwise they would not be right or wrong, perceived right and wrong goes up and down, back and forth depending on the prevailing winds blowing through the society and government of the moment.
It can be confusing, even without the pressures of modern, multi-cultural society, to decide what to believe, who to support, and what virtue, or vice, to admit to.
I just do my best from day to day, and hope everything comes out okay.
I have lived through seven decades and am on my eighth, give me a break, please.
My concepts and definitions of right and wrong may not always be the same as yours.
I know that I have at times.
A year or so ago, I canceled cable and switched to antenna TV.
While I do get many current TV programs, a lot of what's available goes back to much earlier times. Lassie and The Lone Ranger...stuff like that. Columbo, Adam-12, Emergency, and Quincy M.E. Shows from the 1950's, 60's, and 70's.
What's really interesting to me is the evidence of social groupings, commonly held beliefs, and "normal" activity that might get someone thrown in jail today.
Sure, it's fiction, but, it reflected the thought processes of the day, and, watching from my imperial height of 72 years, it becomes plain to me how, in many ways, and, in many minds, "right" and "wrong" have changed places been redefined or assigned new or different values.
While genuine right and wrong might not change, otherwise they would not be right or wrong, perceived right and wrong goes up and down, back and forth depending on the prevailing winds blowing through the society and government of the moment.
It can be confusing, even without the pressures of modern, multi-cultural society, to decide what to believe, who to support, and what virtue, or vice, to admit to.
I just do my best from day to day, and hope everything comes out okay.
I have lived through seven decades and am on my eighth, give me a break, please.
My concepts and definitions of right and wrong may not always be the same as yours.
Labels: donovan baldwin, life lesson, right, right and wrong, society, wrong
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Poem: The Shape Of Water
By: Donovan Baldwin
Water takes the shape of what it's in.
Who and what we are is in the shape
Of where we find ourselves in
Life, and space, and time.
Water ripples, or made to waves by wind,
As the loves and hates that blow on us,
Cause our surfaces to alter,
Changing our outer selves.
Within, as water wild or softly flowing,
We remain the same, little changed in fact,
By all the changes made on us;
Our essential molecules remain.
Still, within ourselves, as pebbles in a stream,
Are small bits of us becoming worn smooth,
Slowly changed by the flow of tiem,
Making us different each passing day.
Who and what we are is in the shape
Of where we find ourselves in
Life, and space, and time.
Water ripples, or made to waves by wind,
As the loves and hates that blow on us,
Cause our surfaces to alter,
Changing our outer selves.
Within, as water wild or softly flowing,
We remain the same, little changed in fact,
By all the changes made on us;
Our essential molecules remain.
Still, within ourselves, as pebbles in a stream,
Are small bits of us becoming worn smooth,
Slowly changed by the flow of tiem,
Making us different each passing day.
Labels: donovan baldwin, life lesson, poem, poem about water, poetry, water
Thursday, October 05, 2017
A Fear Of Flying..And Other Things...
By: Donovan Baldwin
Many years ago, I had a terrible fear of flying.
Not sure what got rid of it...maybe my first marriage. That was enough to make me think I could handle anything.
Anyway, on one flight, my boss, a PhD psychologist, tried to talk me out of it in a clinical way. He told me just to shut my eyes, and imagine myself riding horses with him on his little patch of land, which we had done a few days earlier.
After a minute of this, I burst out, "Shut up, Richard! We're in a metal coffin in the air and we're all gonna die!"
Said it rather loudly, so I wasn't too popular for the remainder of that flight. Kind of miffed my boss too.
He gave up, and I white-knuckled it to the destination.
Even I laugh at the story now, as I doze off while the plane's taking off, landing, or at any part of the flight.
The point is, that when we believe something, believe it to our very core, just throwing some words at us isn't going to make us change our minds.
Richard even tried to quote statistics about the safety of flying. I had heard them all. They didn't do anything to ease my irrational fear of flying.
I guess that's also the point.
If we believe, often even the facts won't be enough to change our fear of failure or expectation of defeat.
We don't want to let go of belief, even when we know we are wrong.
Still, the plane did land safely, and you and I have done a lot of things we thought we couldn't. Guess that's the real story here.
Not sure what got rid of it...maybe my first marriage. That was enough to make me think I could handle anything.
Anyway, on one flight, my boss, a PhD psychologist, tried to talk me out of it in a clinical way. He told me just to shut my eyes, and imagine myself riding horses with him on his little patch of land, which we had done a few days earlier.
After a minute of this, I burst out, "Shut up, Richard! We're in a metal coffin in the air and we're all gonna die!"
Said it rather loudly, so I wasn't too popular for the remainder of that flight. Kind of miffed my boss too.
He gave up, and I white-knuckled it to the destination.
Even I laugh at the story now, as I doze off while the plane's taking off, landing, or at any part of the flight.
The point is, that when we believe something, believe it to our very core, just throwing some words at us isn't going to make us change our minds.
Richard even tried to quote statistics about the safety of flying. I had heard them all. They didn't do anything to ease my irrational fear of flying.
I guess that's also the point.
If we believe, often even the facts won't be enough to change our fear of failure or expectation of defeat.
We don't want to let go of belief, even when we know we are wrong.
Still, the plane did land safely, and you and I have done a lot of things we thought we couldn't. Guess that's the real story here.
Labels: donovan baldwin, failure, fear of failure, fear of flying, life lesson
Wednesday, October 04, 2017
News, Information, And Knowledge
By: Donovan Baldwin
News is important. Information is important. Knowledge is important.
Most of us cannot "manufacture" knowledge, we have to arrive at it by keeping up with news and information. But, there are a lot of people on the internet who are manufacturing "news" and "information".
There are websites which specialize in publishing parodies of real news.
In other words, fake news.
There are websites where people can publish almost any story they like...even here.
Many of these websites are very professional looking, and some even mimic "real" news and information sites.
That's bad enough, but, compounding the problem are those people who don't check the validity of the story they are reading or sharing, or the reliability of the site...many of which state on their home page that they publish parodies of the news.
Believing what you see on these so-called "news" sites is the same as believing a Saturday Night Live comedy routine is news.
Another problem is, that once it's on the internet, true or false, the story assumes its own life, grows its own followers, and, is promoted and passed to friends on social media and through email, by others who either do not know it's false, or don't care.
Do the legwork, folks. Do your "due diligence".
Before you post or re-post, check to see it that "information" and "news" that you like or hate so much, is actually the truth.
Most of us cannot "manufacture" knowledge, we have to arrive at it by keeping up with news and information. But, there are a lot of people on the internet who are manufacturing "news" and "information".
There are websites which specialize in publishing parodies of real news.
In other words, fake news.
There are websites where people can publish almost any story they like...even here.
Many of these websites are very professional looking, and some even mimic "real" news and information sites.
That's bad enough, but, compounding the problem are those people who don't check the validity of the story they are reading or sharing, or the reliability of the site...many of which state on their home page that they publish parodies of the news.
Believing what you see on these so-called "news" sites is the same as believing a Saturday Night Live comedy routine is news.
Another problem is, that once it's on the internet, true or false, the story assumes its own life, grows its own followers, and, is promoted and passed to friends on social media and through email, by others who either do not know it's false, or don't care.
Do the legwork, folks. Do your "due diligence".
Before you post or re-post, check to see it that "information" and "news" that you like or hate so much, is actually the truth.
Labels: donovan baldwin, due diligence, fake news, information, knowledge, life lesson, news, social media sites
Tuesday, October 03, 2017
Perking Somebody Up Just Because...
By: Donovan Baldwin
It's amazing how a phone conversation with a loved one can perk you up. Had just such a conversation yesterday.
Doesn't have to be over the phone, of course. Face-to-face, even a letter or postcard, from someone close can really pick up your day.
Obviously, the more intense the relationship, the more love and connection between the people, the more rewarding the message, but, even a thoughtful note from a friend can lift someone's spirits.
Honestly, as much as I write, I'm not too good at this "writing to people" stuff. So, I'm thinking and writing about this to remind myself, as much as anybody else, that, reaching out to touch someone may take an effort, but, if you really care about them, it may be worth the effort.
My mom, who is going to be 100 in December, says that every day she goes to the mailbox, and usually finds a letter from a friend who writes her almost every day. Other than that, however, it's mainly bills and advertisements.
Her son?
Oh, I call once or twice a week.
Really should put a letter or postcard in the mail though. She needs to know somebody's thinking of her between phone calls.
I bet you know somebody who would love to hear from you.
Trust me, a few words, a note, from a loved one can change your whole day, week, maybe even your life.
Just musing in the morning.
Doesn't have to be over the phone, of course. Face-to-face, even a letter or postcard, from someone close can really pick up your day.
Obviously, the more intense the relationship, the more love and connection between the people, the more rewarding the message, but, even a thoughtful note from a friend can lift someone's spirits.
Honestly, as much as I write, I'm not too good at this "writing to people" stuff. So, I'm thinking and writing about this to remind myself, as much as anybody else, that, reaching out to touch someone may take an effort, but, if you really care about them, it may be worth the effort.
My mom, who is going to be 100 in December, says that every day she goes to the mailbox, and usually finds a letter from a friend who writes her almost every day. Other than that, however, it's mainly bills and advertisements.
Her son?
Oh, I call once or twice a week.
Really should put a letter or postcard in the mail though. She needs to know somebody's thinking of her between phone calls.
I bet you know somebody who would love to hear from you.
Trust me, a few words, a note, from a loved one can change your whole day, week, maybe even your life.
Just musing in the morning.
Labels: donovan baldwin, friends, keeping in touch, life lesson, loved ones, writing
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Life Changes Us
By Donovan Baldwin
Life changes us, especially if we have kids.
It was not unusual in the army to realize that a rough, tough sergeant had kids when he would slip and ask if anybody needed a "potty break".
My daughter and her husband have been the "aunt" and "uncle" for a while, but, are now, after years of trying, are having a baby.
Hooray them!
Fun.
Also fun for me, the people watcher, watching them change focus and suddenly mature to levels they had not thought about before.
Suddenly, the hobby room is going to be a baby's nursery, daddy's cholesterol is too high as he grows older, and mama has some changes to make...including all those cute clothes she's been buying from Amazon (Airing family laundry, here.)
Future daddy, now 35, has been collecting superhero action figures since age 8, and, has been the superhero of the nephews and nieces. He's got a few "Frozen" figures, and various princesses, and female superheroes, such as Wonder Woman, that the nieces love.
Now he's got to think about the time and money that goes into his collection, which will soon be spent on a son or daughter.
Collection may have to go.
Daddy's cholesterol is important cause he needs to take care of himself to be here for his wife and young heir or heiress. Mouths to be fed, lessons to be taught, milestones to be experienced.
Yep. Life changes us.
Life changes us, especially if we have kids.
It was not unusual in the army to realize that a rough, tough sergeant had kids when he would slip and ask if anybody needed a "potty break".
My daughter and her husband have been the "aunt" and "uncle" for a while, but, are now, after years of trying, are having a baby.
Hooray them!
Also fun for me, the people watcher, watching them change focus and suddenly mature to levels they had not thought about before.
Suddenly, the hobby room is going to be a baby's nursery, daddy's cholesterol is too high as he grows older, and mama has some changes to make...including all those cute clothes she's been buying from Amazon (Airing family laundry, here.)
Future daddy, now 35, has been collecting superhero action figures since age 8, and, has been the superhero of the nephews and nieces. He's got a few "Frozen" figures, and various princesses, and female superheroes, such as Wonder Woman, that the nieces love.
Now he's got to think about the time and money that goes into his collection, which will soon be spent on a son or daughter.
Collection may have to go.
Daddy's cholesterol is important cause he needs to take care of himself to be here for his wife and young heir or heiress. Mouths to be fed, lessons to be taught, milestones to be experienced.
Yep. Life changes us.
Labels: action figures, donovan baldwin, life, life changes, life lesson, superhero
Thursday, September 28, 2017
I'm Not In Jail And The Dog Still Likes Me
By: Donovan Baldwin
Don't know about you, but, while I like the occasional surprise, or small adventure, I really prefer my life to be calm, and on an even keel.
Doesn't always happen like that.
Take the last two days in MY life. The comedian Henny Youngman (1906-1998) was known as "King of the One Liners". One of his most famous lines would come in the middle of a routine, when, talking about something, he would say, as if to illustrate a point, "Take my wife...", pause, and then, "...please."
Well, the last two days, I was ready to use that line with the word "life", substituted for "wife".
I suppose I should not be concerned since everything worked out okay.
After all, I'm not in jail, the truck's in one piece, and the dog still likes me. But, I started those two days with everything penciled in neatly on a calendar.
Problem was, nothing happened according to plan on either day.
Somebody needed something, so, I had to change MY plans and go there and do that, then go somewhere else and do something else, and, in the process, two days of my life got spent doing stuff for other people.
Still, after the frustration is past, and, I've had a good night's sleep, I can at least pat myself on the back and say, "Good job!" Stuff that needed to be done got done.
It wasn't fun, but, it was real and was needed.
Don't know about you, but, while I like the occasional surprise, or small adventure, I really prefer my life to be calm, and on an even keel.
Doesn't always happen like that.
Take the last two days in MY life. The comedian Henny Youngman (1906-1998) was known as "King of the One Liners". One of his most famous lines would come in the middle of a routine, when, talking about something, he would say, as if to illustrate a point, "Take my wife...", pause, and then, "...please."
Well, the last two days, I was ready to use that line with the word "life", substituted for "wife".
I suppose I should not be concerned since everything worked out okay.
Problem was, nothing happened according to plan on either day.
Somebody needed something, so, I had to change MY plans and go there and do that, then go somewhere else and do something else, and, in the process, two days of my life got spent doing stuff for other people.
Still, after the frustration is past, and, I've had a good night's sleep, I can at least pat myself on the back and say, "Good job!" Stuff that needed to be done got done.
It wasn't fun, but, it was real and was needed.
Labels: donovan baldwin, Henny Youngman, life, life lesson, planning, plans
Monday, September 25, 2017
Projection As Injection
By Donovan Baldwin
I was just listening to a speech by an expert on non-verbal communication, or, as many of us would say, body language.
Unlike many such presentations I have watched, and articles I have read, in the past, the speaker was looking at a different angle. This was not about how "the other person" is influenced by a person's body language (What I called "projection" in the title.), but, how the person is influenced by his or her own body language (What I'm called "injection".)
The talk I listened to was given in 2017 by an expert with an impressive string of degrees and professional level experience, including scientific studies.
The basic tenet is that how you act can become how you perceive yourself, the "act" eventually becoming reality.
I have been reading self-help and motivational materials since about 1960. This has been a common premise, and promise, which I have met again and again.
It CAN work.
I have used it myself.
What interests me today, is the number of people, perhaps including the speaker/researcher, who seem to believe she is presenting something "new" and perhaps exciting.
Well, it IS exciting.
Every tool we find for survival, self-improvement or excellence should be exciting.
New?
Not so sure.
Still, I guess having facts and figures is important to some.
Unlike many such presentations I have watched, and articles I have read, in the past, the speaker was looking at a different angle. This was not about how "the other person" is influenced by a person's body language (What I called "projection" in the title.), but, how the person is influenced by his or her own body language (What I'm called "injection".)
The talk I listened to was given in 2017 by an expert with an impressive string of degrees and professional level experience, including scientific studies.
The basic tenet is that how you act can become how you perceive yourself, the "act" eventually becoming reality.
I have been reading self-help and motivational materials since about 1960. This has been a common premise, and promise, which I have met again and again.
It CAN work.
I have used it myself.
What interests me today, is the number of people, perhaps including the speaker/researcher, who seem to believe she is presenting something "new" and perhaps exciting.
Well, it IS exciting.
Every tool we find for survival, self-improvement or excellence should be exciting.
New?
Not so sure.
Still, I guess having facts and figures is important to some.
Labels: body language, communication, donovan baldwin, life lesson, non-verbal communication, perceive yourself
Sunday, September 24, 2017
You're Your Own Best Friend
By: Donovan Baldwin
I wonder sometimes why people have so little respect for their own opinions, knowledge, and insight.
There is such a huge interest in "self help" and motivational books these days...and for decades.
People, seeking "answers", or, even, "the answer", will read book after book seeking truth, only to nod or shake their head in agreement or disagreement...and then go off and do what they want to...maybe even wanted to, from the start.
A lot of times, people, not you and me, of course...those "other" people, will start with a belief, and search until they find justification for their opinion. Once an "expert" is found who can back us up, we feel so much better about our choice to do or be whatever it was we wanted to be or do in the first place.
Actually, most of us have good sense, we just don't use it...or, maybe just don't trust it.
I've had friends and family come to me wanting help, or advice, on deciding which course of action they should choose.
My basic, "go-to", response?
What would YOU tell your child, your Mom, your Dad, your spouse, partner, best friend, to do?
Usually, if they give it a try, they come up with acceptable answers.
Most people won't treat themselves as if they are a "best friend", or, as if they have the "smarts" to give good counsel.
But, I think maybe they are wrong.
Right?
There is such a huge interest in "self help" and motivational books these days...and for decades.
People, seeking "answers", or, even, "the answer", will read book after book seeking truth, only to nod or shake their head in agreement or disagreement...and then go off and do what they want to...maybe even wanted to, from the start.
A lot of times, people, not you and me, of course...those "other" people, will start with a belief, and search until they find justification for their opinion. Once an "expert" is found who can back us up, we feel so much better about our choice to do or be whatever it was we wanted to be or do in the first place.
Actually, most of us have good sense, we just don't use it...or, maybe just don't trust it.
I've had friends and family come to me wanting help, or advice, on deciding which course of action they should choose.
My basic, "go-to", response?
What would YOU tell your child, your Mom, your Dad, your spouse, partner, best friend, to do?
Usually, if they give it a try, they come up with acceptable answers.
Most people won't treat themselves as if they are a "best friend", or, as if they have the "smarts" to give good counsel.
But, I think maybe they are wrong.
Right?
Labels: advice, best friend, donovan baldwin, friends, giving advice, life lesson, self help
Friday, September 22, 2017
Life Is Really About The Small Stuff
By: Donovan Baldwin
We worry a lot about big things, but, for most of us, life is really comprised of small stuff.
Big rain storm while driving home last night I'm in Texas, and can see a long way. I was over near Dallas, when I headed west towards Fort Worth. I could see the huge bank of clouds, and I could see the rain in the distance.
It was a big storm, but, it didn't bother me...until I drove into it.
Then, that small area of the storm became my world.
Suddenly, I wasn't concerned about what was happening in the rest of Tarrant county, or in Parker county to the west of me, where the storm was coming from. Tons of water falling in blinding sheets, and other drivers. That was MY world, and my worry.
Meanwhile, in another part of the world, somebody's dying, somebody's being born, somebody's preparing for a hurricane, somebody's sunning themselves on a beach.
MY world is not always THE world.
In fact, I believe THAT world, THE world, is too big for us to deal with or exercise control over always.
Last night in the rain, I had to drive safely to keep myself, and others safe.
"Thank you." to other drivers who did the same, by the way.
Sometimes, that's the best we can do...look out for each other. If you can't fix everything else, do the best you can where you're at.
May not be much but, it helps.
Big rain storm while driving home last night I'm in Texas, and can see a long way. I was over near Dallas, when I headed west towards Fort Worth. I could see the huge bank of clouds, and I could see the rain in the distance.
It was a big storm, but, it didn't bother me...until I drove into it.
Then, that small area of the storm became my world.
Suddenly, I wasn't concerned about what was happening in the rest of Tarrant county, or in Parker county to the west of me, where the storm was coming from. Tons of water falling in blinding sheets, and other drivers. That was MY world, and my worry.
Meanwhile, in another part of the world, somebody's dying, somebody's being born, somebody's preparing for a hurricane, somebody's sunning themselves on a beach.
MY world is not always THE world.
In fact, I believe THAT world, THE world, is too big for us to deal with or exercise control over always.
Last night in the rain, I had to drive safely to keep myself, and others safe.
"Thank you." to other drivers who did the same, by the way.
Sometimes, that's the best we can do...look out for each other. If you can't fix everything else, do the best you can where you're at.
May not be much but, it helps.
Labels: donovan baldwin, life lesson, rain, rainstorm, storm, Tarrant county, texas, world
