There she was, a wisp of a woman all but lost within her insulated parka. A knit cap was pulled down to her eyebrows, the ear flaps turned down and the draw strings dangling past her shoulders.
She was standing at the edge of the road shining a halogen flashlight into the treeline where her Siberian Husky was well... trying to take care of business. The husky was glaring over its shoulder, apparently offended that the woman would not afford the dog an opportunity for some modesty.
Was the woman afraid the dog would wander off? Surely a dog nearly as big as its owner understood its protective role and would not leave the woman stranded.
Did the woman feel the dog needed the help of the halogen to find an ahhhh appropriate spot? If so the Husky had two reasons to be offended.
In the end I figured the woman simply needed the reassurance she was not alone on a dark December night.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Home is Where...
Home is where the hearth is.
I know that's not the traditional phrasing, but it came to mind tonight as I drove through a neighboring town that was dealing with a power outage. Nearly every window in town was dark with the exception of one of two homes showing signs of flickering firelight. With the wind howling and the temperature falling I found myself imaging what such a night would have been like back in the 1700's.
I pictured a secluded homestead on a moonless December night. Wind rushed down a winding lane, picking up a scrap of discarded parchment and sent it pinwheeling through the air. A certain carpenter hunched further down into his jacket and, though tired from a long day of work, struggled to pick up his pace.
Adding insult to injury, a snow squall quickly turned the hard-packed lane white. The carpenter wound his scarf an extra turn around his neck.
Fingers tingling, eyes watering, and nose running, the carpenter rounded the last bend in the lane to see his thatched roof cottage. Smoke rose from the chimney and warm yellow light flickered in the windows.
True, his heart lived in that cottage; but at that particular moment the hearth was what called out to him.
I know that's not the traditional phrasing, but it came to mind tonight as I drove through a neighboring town that was dealing with a power outage. Nearly every window in town was dark with the exception of one of two homes showing signs of flickering firelight. With the wind howling and the temperature falling I found myself imaging what such a night would have been like back in the 1700's.
I pictured a secluded homestead on a moonless December night. Wind rushed down a winding lane, picking up a scrap of discarded parchment and sent it pinwheeling through the air. A certain carpenter hunched further down into his jacket and, though tired from a long day of work, struggled to pick up his pace.
Adding insult to injury, a snow squall quickly turned the hard-packed lane white. The carpenter wound his scarf an extra turn around his neck.
Fingers tingling, eyes watering, and nose running, the carpenter rounded the last bend in the lane to see his thatched roof cottage. Smoke rose from the chimney and warm yellow light flickered in the windows.
True, his heart lived in that cottage; but at that particular moment the hearth was what called out to him.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
The Twelve Days
It occurs to me that Christmas itself is a lot like the meals we prepare during this season. The preparation seems to go on forever. Then in blink of an eye it's over.
Happily, the similarities end there. While overindulging at the dinner table leaves us uncomfortable and regretting our lack of self discipline, the hours spent with loved ones leave us with a spiritual fullness that we embrace and nurture.
Perhaps we should spend more time looking forward to the simply being together and less time fretting over finding the perfect gift. Come to think of it, we should transform the twelve days of Christmas into the twelve months of the year. Once every month we should make it a point to set aside some time devoted solely to sharing the company of those we love most. We should put the day on our calendar and schedule our other obligations around that date rather than trying to squeeze quality time into our agenda.
Happily, the similarities end there. While overindulging at the dinner table leaves us uncomfortable and regretting our lack of self discipline, the hours spent with loved ones leave us with a spiritual fullness that we embrace and nurture.
Perhaps we should spend more time looking forward to the simply being together and less time fretting over finding the perfect gift. Come to think of it, we should transform the twelve days of Christmas into the twelve months of the year. Once every month we should make it a point to set aside some time devoted solely to sharing the company of those we love most. We should put the day on our calendar and schedule our other obligations around that date rather than trying to squeeze quality time into our agenda.
Monday, December 26, 2011
The Two Sides of Clarity
It is one of those nights when the air is particularly clear, the stars particularly briliannt, and the difference from an ordinary night strikingly noticeable. - Sort of like throwing open the window sash and realizing how finger smudged the glass I've been looking through really is.
Hanging low beneath the stars was what looked to be a double moon - a brilliant white crescent overlayed by an orb of charcoal gray just bright enough to be noticeable against the blacker sky.
It occurrs to me that the clarity of this particular night is like the clarity with which life is seen when we take the time to step back and look at things objectively. And that being able to see two moons is akin to recognizing the two sides of every problem - the obvious and less obvious.
Clarity comes with the discovery that when we take the time to really look, the less obvious can turn out to be the bigger and better opportunity.
Perhaps we should all open our windows and see the world for what it really is more often.
Hanging low beneath the stars was what looked to be a double moon - a brilliant white crescent overlayed by an orb of charcoal gray just bright enough to be noticeable against the blacker sky.
It occurrs to me that the clarity of this particular night is like the clarity with which life is seen when we take the time to step back and look at things objectively. And that being able to see two moons is akin to recognizing the two sides of every problem - the obvious and less obvious.
Clarity comes with the discovery that when we take the time to really look, the less obvious can turn out to be the bigger and better opportunity.
Perhaps we should all open our windows and see the world for what it really is more often.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Holiday Wish
The warm embrace of family and friends.
The savory delight of favorite recipes.
Sharing of special memories bringing both laughter and tears.
My holiday wish for everyone is the opportunity to experience the magic of these simple joys.
Merry Christmas.
The savory delight of favorite recipes.
Sharing of special memories bringing both laughter and tears.
My holiday wish for everyone is the opportunity to experience the magic of these simple joys.
Merry Christmas.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Happy Sun Days
Hallelujah, pass the sal... err... sunblock.
We've done it ladies and gentlemen; boys and girls.
Give yourself a high five, a pat on the back, and a long round of applause.
We have survived the day of the year with the least amount of daylight. It's all good news from here - a little more light each and every day. Before you know it we'll be sitting on the patio at 9:00 p.m. watching the sun drop below the horizon.
If you don't celebrate Christmas - you gotta at least celebrate the lengthening of the days. Happy Sun Days!
We've done it ladies and gentlemen; boys and girls.
Give yourself a high five, a pat on the back, and a long round of applause.
We have survived the day of the year with the least amount of daylight. It's all good news from here - a little more light each and every day. Before you know it we'll be sitting on the patio at 9:00 p.m. watching the sun drop below the horizon.
If you don't celebrate Christmas - you gotta at least celebrate the lengthening of the days. Happy Sun Days!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Looking for Light
This time of year sometimes leaves me feeling as though I have been banished to a world of darkness.
Much like those who comprised the Fellowship of the Ring were forced to find their way through the long dark of Moria by senses other than sight, I find myself feeling as though I make my way from one day to the next by nothing more than instinct.
Rising in darkness; heading off to work in dim, gray light; returning from work in darkness - its a wonder I recognize the change from one day to the next.
All this darkness lulls the mind into lethargy. Brain synapses fire more slowly, "aha" moments come more rarely, and previously enjoyable puzzles become traps with teeth.
Thank goodness for holiday decorations that bring cheer and feelings of comfort into our homes. - Now if I could just convince Motivated Mom the Christmas Tree needs to stay up until the sun shines for longer than the working hours in the day.
Much like those who comprised the Fellowship of the Ring were forced to find their way through the long dark of Moria by senses other than sight, I find myself feeling as though I make my way from one day to the next by nothing more than instinct.
Rising in darkness; heading off to work in dim, gray light; returning from work in darkness - its a wonder I recognize the change from one day to the next.
All this darkness lulls the mind into lethargy. Brain synapses fire more slowly, "aha" moments come more rarely, and previously enjoyable puzzles become traps with teeth.
Thank goodness for holiday decorations that bring cheer and feelings of comfort into our homes. - Now if I could just convince Motivated Mom the Christmas Tree needs to stay up until the sun shines for longer than the working hours in the day.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Something About a Fire
There's just something about a fire. It's a comment frequently heard around campfires and from folks gathered in front of a hearth on a cold day.
I was thinking about this yesterday as I moved firewood up to the patio. And it occurred to me that while the opportunity to take the chill off is certainly an attraction, there's more than heat that calls to those huddled close.
The smell of burning pine and oak transfers us to familiar places in seemingly distant times when we last sat at our grandparents' feet or fell asleep in our spouse's embrace. The pulsing coals of a super-heated fire issue a primordial call, replicating our own pulse, grabbing our attention and wrapping us in an emotional cocoon. And dancing flames reaching for new wood make us think of our own joys and aspirations.
Yes, there's something about a fire. Something that allows us to focus on ourselves, hear only our own thoughts, and -for a little while at least - let the rest of the world go on as it may.
I was thinking about this yesterday as I moved firewood up to the patio. And it occurred to me that while the opportunity to take the chill off is certainly an attraction, there's more than heat that calls to those huddled close.
The smell of burning pine and oak transfers us to familiar places in seemingly distant times when we last sat at our grandparents' feet or fell asleep in our spouse's embrace. The pulsing coals of a super-heated fire issue a primordial call, replicating our own pulse, grabbing our attention and wrapping us in an emotional cocoon. And dancing flames reaching for new wood make us think of our own joys and aspirations.
Yes, there's something about a fire. Something that allows us to focus on ourselves, hear only our own thoughts, and -for a little while at least - let the rest of the world go on as it may.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
The Toddler Factor
Media Girl was babysitting today - occupational therapy for a young pregnant woman. The babysitting was taking place in our home which made for less than a totally relaxing Sunday afternoon. In fact the toddler's presence was enough to drive me into the all-too-chilly outdoors.
I made two observations during my trips indoors for hot refreshments. First - folks over 50 years of age should not be exposed to toddlers for more than an hour at a time. Extended exposure can impact mental wellness and lead to irrevocable loss of patience.
Second - a distressed toddler can be used for both glass recycling and canine control. Toddlers emit screeches at a decibel level that will reduce any unwanted glass to tiny crystals. Toddlers can also hit notes that will cause a misbehaving dog to excavate a hole large enough for its head - then bury its furry head in said hole until the toddler runs out of lung capacity. Once the shock waves pass, the dog will raise its right paw and promise to be good for all the rest of its days so long as it will never again be placed within a quarter mile of a screaming two year old.
I made two observations during my trips indoors for hot refreshments. First - folks over 50 years of age should not be exposed to toddlers for more than an hour at a time. Extended exposure can impact mental wellness and lead to irrevocable loss of patience.
Second - a distressed toddler can be used for both glass recycling and canine control. Toddlers emit screeches at a decibel level that will reduce any unwanted glass to tiny crystals. Toddlers can also hit notes that will cause a misbehaving dog to excavate a hole large enough for its head - then bury its furry head in said hole until the toddler runs out of lung capacity. Once the shock waves pass, the dog will raise its right paw and promise to be good for all the rest of its days so long as it will never again be placed within a quarter mile of a screaming two year old.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Changing Sets
Now that US troops are moving out, hotel chains are moving in.
That was the subject of a news report on Iraq the other day. Even before the last of US troops have left Iraq, three different hotel chains are breaking ground on new hotels in Iraq. The hoteliers sited world interest in archaeological artifacts to be found in the region (I guess these would be the ancient pottery and tools uncovered by the missiles, bombs, and artillery shells) as well as the desirable climate (yes it's 125 degrees - but its dry heat)
Hmmm... I don't know.... I wouldn't want to be the tourist strolling through desert ruins while the dust of retreating armies still hangs in the air.
I'm trying to figure out the business rationale on the part of the hotel chains. Perhaps the CEO's of these chains have been spending too much time streaming movies. We're not talking about a set change here. There is no director shouting that's a wrap and then instructing the stage crews to replace the battle backdrops with a nighttime skyline of the local restaurant district.
I think I'll just leave a visit to Iraq on my bucket list for now.
That was the subject of a news report on Iraq the other day. Even before the last of US troops have left Iraq, three different hotel chains are breaking ground on new hotels in Iraq. The hoteliers sited world interest in archaeological artifacts to be found in the region (I guess these would be the ancient pottery and tools uncovered by the missiles, bombs, and artillery shells) as well as the desirable climate (yes it's 125 degrees - but its dry heat)
Hmmm... I don't know.... I wouldn't want to be the tourist strolling through desert ruins while the dust of retreating armies still hangs in the air.
I'm trying to figure out the business rationale on the part of the hotel chains. Perhaps the CEO's of these chains have been spending too much time streaming movies. We're not talking about a set change here. There is no director shouting that's a wrap and then instructing the stage crews to replace the battle backdrops with a nighttime skyline of the local restaurant district.
I think I'll just leave a visit to Iraq on my bucket list for now.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Religion Contradiction
Songs, stories, and cards geared toward the Christmas season focus on peace and goodwill to men. We think of carolers in the streets, families gathered in cozy homes, neighbors and strangers alike greeting one another, presents under trees, jingling sleigh bells, and acts of compassion.
Yet in the corner of the world where the story of Christmas originates people war over the piece of land that our traditions hold in such high regard. The one thing sure to not be found in the place of Christ's birth is peace. Fear, suspicion, and violence reign supreme.
And what drives this war? Religion. The very thing people the world over celebrate at this time of year.
I found myself wondering how religion can be such a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. In one breath we name religion as the cause of peace and in the next breath the cause of war. I suppose we can draw parallels to other things such as diamonds that are associated both with rivalry and love or money which is the source of both comfort and despair.
In the end I suppose it is neither religion, diamonds, nor money that are the Jekyll and Hydes of the world - but men and women themselves. Perhaps true goodness and peace are to found only in the absence of everything else - including the absence of the religion we aspire to.
Yet in the corner of the world where the story of Christmas originates people war over the piece of land that our traditions hold in such high regard. The one thing sure to not be found in the place of Christ's birth is peace. Fear, suspicion, and violence reign supreme.
And what drives this war? Religion. The very thing people the world over celebrate at this time of year.
I found myself wondering how religion can be such a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. In one breath we name religion as the cause of peace and in the next breath the cause of war. I suppose we can draw parallels to other things such as diamonds that are associated both with rivalry and love or money which is the source of both comfort and despair.
In the end I suppose it is neither religion, diamonds, nor money that are the Jekyll and Hydes of the world - but men and women themselves. Perhaps true goodness and peace are to found only in the absence of everything else - including the absence of the religion we aspire to.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Shifting Roles
As I contemplate the upcoming quiet Christmas morning I find myself thinking back on Christmas visits to my grandparent's house and realize I'm on the cusp of having my home become the grandparents' house.
And while I'm totally okay with the quiet holiday morning, there's something about assuming the role of a grandparent at Christmas that I find just a little intimidating. Perhaps it's because, as a child, I viewed my grandparents house as the holiday anchor - a place where the presence of family was valued above the exchanging of presents.
My grandparents' house was not decorated with the same splashes of color as my own home, but it was decorated just right - a muted display of celebration that said welcome to the holidays but more importantly welcome to those who enter this house.
It is the atmosphere I wish for my children and upcoming grandchild to now find in my home. Deciding to accept this mantle of responsibility has me thinking of the phrase... your mission, should you choose to accept it.
I find that I do choose to accept it.... while at the same time acknowledging that if I see it as a mission it will never work.
And while I'm totally okay with the quiet holiday morning, there's something about assuming the role of a grandparent at Christmas that I find just a little intimidating. Perhaps it's because, as a child, I viewed my grandparents house as the holiday anchor - a place where the presence of family was valued above the exchanging of presents.
My grandparents' house was not decorated with the same splashes of color as my own home, but it was decorated just right - a muted display of celebration that said welcome to the holidays but more importantly welcome to those who enter this house.
It is the atmosphere I wish for my children and upcoming grandchild to now find in my home. Deciding to accept this mantle of responsibility has me thinking of the phrase... your mission, should you choose to accept it.
I find that I do choose to accept it.... while at the same time acknowledging that if I see it as a mission it will never work.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Why the Cookie?
As I watch the cookie tins accumulate on our kitchen counter I find myself wondering just what it is about the Christmas season that triggers a desire... no, a need..... to bake cookies.
Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July.... when these holidays approach no one races to the grocery store for bags and pounds of flour, sugar, chocolate morsels and colored sprinkles. No one spends hours on end in the kitchen slipping baking sheets in and out of the oven. And no one feels slighted if there's no oven-browned morsels for desert. No one shows up at a barbecue and says What - no cookies?
So why the need to generate and devour cookies by the peck and bushel at Christmas?
It suppose it means that we haven't moved as far from animal behavior as we like to think we have. As darkness lingers for better than half of each 24 hour day, as crops disappear from the fields, as fresh water turns to ice, our animal instincts kick in. Like squirrels stuffing their cheeks full of nuts, we humans stuff our bellies to the misshapen bursting point.
Yet there are far healthier foods we could cram into our mouths - foods that would leave us still feeling satisfyingly full hours later. Which brings me back to.... what is it about cookies at Christmas?
Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July.... when these holidays approach no one races to the grocery store for bags and pounds of flour, sugar, chocolate morsels and colored sprinkles. No one spends hours on end in the kitchen slipping baking sheets in and out of the oven. And no one feels slighted if there's no oven-browned morsels for desert. No one shows up at a barbecue and says What - no cookies?
So why the need to generate and devour cookies by the peck and bushel at Christmas?
It suppose it means that we haven't moved as far from animal behavior as we like to think we have. As darkness lingers for better than half of each 24 hour day, as crops disappear from the fields, as fresh water turns to ice, our animal instincts kick in. Like squirrels stuffing their cheeks full of nuts, we humans stuff our bellies to the misshapen bursting point.
Yet there are far healthier foods we could cram into our mouths - foods that would leave us still feeling satisfyingly full hours later. Which brings me back to.... what is it about cookies at Christmas?
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Is That You Santa Claus?
Over the weekend I had the privilege of hearing Santa talk about something that affects all of us at some time in our lives. What should children do when they find themselves doubting the existence of Santa Claus.
Santa's response was so wonderful that I felt compelled to share.
Doubt is a natural part of growing up. Doubt is part of learning about truth. When we doubt we discover two things about truth. There are times when others can prove to us that something is true and there are times when truth is found in our own hearts.
Sometimes when our friends have doubts about things, they tell stories about their doubts. And sometimes those stories can make us feel uncomfortable. Any time children find themselves feeling uncomfortable they should talk with a trusted adult - a parent, grandparent, teacher, or counselor. These adults can help children work through their concerns.
These days people want instant answers to their questions. The only thing instant about Santa Claus is the way he delivers his gifts. The rest of Christmas is magic, faith, and belief. The things that live in our hearts.
The true magic of Christmas is that at Christmas time even adults think like children - and when they think like children they discover the faith and belief that is Christmas.
Santa's response was so wonderful that I felt compelled to share.
Doubt is a natural part of growing up. Doubt is part of learning about truth. When we doubt we discover two things about truth. There are times when others can prove to us that something is true and there are times when truth is found in our own hearts.
Sometimes when our friends have doubts about things, they tell stories about their doubts. And sometimes those stories can make us feel uncomfortable. Any time children find themselves feeling uncomfortable they should talk with a trusted adult - a parent, grandparent, teacher, or counselor. These adults can help children work through their concerns.
These days people want instant answers to their questions. The only thing instant about Santa Claus is the way he delivers his gifts. The rest of Christmas is magic, faith, and belief. The things that live in our hearts.
The true magic of Christmas is that at Christmas time even adults think like children - and when they think like children they discover the faith and belief that is Christmas.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Imagine a Rewind
On this anniversary of the day John Lennon was taken from the world take a moment to.... Imagine.
Imagine being able to rewind time to 10:45 p.m. December 8, 1980.
Imagine the opportunity to delay either John Lennon or Mark David Chapman by just a few minutes so that they wouldn't meet in front of the Dakota in Manhattan.
Imagine John Lennon being with us today. Imagine his impact on music.
John spent much of his time trying to get us to understand that love and peace are of paramount importance.
I can't help but wonder if he would want us to love Mark David Chapman - to find peace within ourselves for Mark taking a life from us. Offering love and peace to John Lennon's killer would be a challenge for any of us I expect. But that would be in keeping with John's expectations - that we challenge ourselves daily to love unconditionally and give peace a chance.
.....And the world would be a better place.
Imagine all of us achieving what John strove to teach us.
Imagine being able to rewind time to 10:45 p.m. December 8, 1980.
Imagine the opportunity to delay either John Lennon or Mark David Chapman by just a few minutes so that they wouldn't meet in front of the Dakota in Manhattan.
Imagine John Lennon being with us today. Imagine his impact on music.
John spent much of his time trying to get us to understand that love and peace are of paramount importance.
I can't help but wonder if he would want us to love Mark David Chapman - to find peace within ourselves for Mark taking a life from us. Offering love and peace to John Lennon's killer would be a challenge for any of us I expect. But that would be in keeping with John's expectations - that we challenge ourselves daily to love unconditionally and give peace a chance.
.....And the world would be a better place.
Imagine all of us achieving what John strove to teach us.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Twisted Wire
We have those icicle Christmas lights hanging from the rain gutters on our house. I have decided the lights must be sentient and only play at being inanimate objects when brought out into the light.
I packed the lights away quite carefully last year - made sure there were no tangles, tied each string into a separate bundle, etc. Each bundle was carefully laid into a storage container with ample interior space. The container was then placed into storage where it remained untouched until this past weekend.
So there was no reason for the lights to be tangled when I opened the plastic container. And yet they were an intertwined mess. Strings were twisted together three times over. The only way that could have happened is for the lights to have been fraternizing over the past eleven months.
I am imagining one string reaching tenuously out to another - inviting more intimate contact. I'm also imagining the discussions that took place in that crate.
But Dad, he loves me! Cobalt Blue, number seventeen on the string. The one with cutest little bubble near the very tip.
Now, Susie, you know that can never work out - he's from the wrong side of the circuit.
I packed the lights away quite carefully last year - made sure there were no tangles, tied each string into a separate bundle, etc. Each bundle was carefully laid into a storage container with ample interior space. The container was then placed into storage where it remained untouched until this past weekend.
So there was no reason for the lights to be tangled when I opened the plastic container. And yet they were an intertwined mess. Strings were twisted together three times over. The only way that could have happened is for the lights to have been fraternizing over the past eleven months.
I am imagining one string reaching tenuously out to another - inviting more intimate contact. I'm also imagining the discussions that took place in that crate.
But Dad, he loves me! Cobalt Blue, number seventeen on the string. The one with cutest little bubble near the very tip.
Now, Susie, you know that can never work out - he's from the wrong side of the circuit.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
This Is A Strategy?
If you heard the sound of someone shaking their head in utter amazement today - it was me.
The U.S. Postal Service, faced with declining business, has decided to address this concern by.... providing LESS value for the money. Priority mail will no longer be treated as a priority. Rather it will arrive at its destination, well... when it get's there.
This less than astute business decision could be equaled only if the captain of the Titanic had said: Steer directly for that iceberg.
I'm considering investing in horse breeding operations and manufacturers of saddles and bridles since the Postal Service will no doubt next roll out the cutting edge idea of a pony express.
Perhaps, rather than laying off thousands of workers, the Postal Service would be better off giving some of the executives an unpaid leave of absence to read some of those how to succeed in business books that now get delivered by UPS and Fed-X.
The U.S. Postal Service, faced with declining business, has decided to address this concern by.... providing LESS value for the money. Priority mail will no longer be treated as a priority. Rather it will arrive at its destination, well... when it get's there.
This less than astute business decision could be equaled only if the captain of the Titanic had said: Steer directly for that iceberg.
I'm considering investing in horse breeding operations and manufacturers of saddles and bridles since the Postal Service will no doubt next roll out the cutting edge idea of a pony express.
Perhaps, rather than laying off thousands of workers, the Postal Service would be better off giving some of the executives an unpaid leave of absence to read some of those how to succeed in business books that now get delivered by UPS and Fed-X.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Hidden Progress
Coming home from work tonight I realized what it is about Standard Time in December, January, and February that's so depressing.
Well, actually, there's about a dozen things about this time year that fail to float my boat - but I'll focus on just one for right now.
When I'm driving in the dark there's no sense of progress being made. Most familiar landmarks are lost behind a black veil which leads to whole portions of the drive being the equivalent of being stuck in a bottomless pit.
Perhaps I need to order a pair of those x-ray glasses that used to be advertised on the inside of Bazooka Bubble Gum wrappers. Then, just like Bazooka Joe, I could see hidden objects all along the roadside and be able to chart my progress.
Or perhaps we should make it mandatory that every home and business display Christmas lights from the middle on November through the end of March. Then a commuter such as I could track progress by the Santa on the roof versus the snowman on the front porch versus the icicle lights hanging from the rain gutters.
Well, actually, there's about a dozen things about this time year that fail to float my boat - but I'll focus on just one for right now.
When I'm driving in the dark there's no sense of progress being made. Most familiar landmarks are lost behind a black veil which leads to whole portions of the drive being the equivalent of being stuck in a bottomless pit.
Perhaps I need to order a pair of those x-ray glasses that used to be advertised on the inside of Bazooka Bubble Gum wrappers. Then, just like Bazooka Joe, I could see hidden objects all along the roadside and be able to chart my progress.
Or perhaps we should make it mandatory that every home and business display Christmas lights from the middle on November through the end of March. Then a commuter such as I could track progress by the Santa on the roof versus the snowman on the front porch versus the icicle lights hanging from the rain gutters.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
To Read or E-read
I figured a Caribbean vacation would be the perfect opportunity to conduct an unofficial survey.
My survey involved e-readers (nooks, kindles, etc). I figured airline travel and the Caribbean beach scene would be a good indicator of the acceptance of e-readers. I was guessing no one wanted to carry more than than they had to when they traveled, and carrying one electronic device versus a stack of books would be viewed favorably by the general population. (I, myself, had purchased an e-reader just before vacation to avoid the need for a separate suitcase just for books.)
My unofficial survey was conducted by observing the airline passengers and the chaise lounge occupants. The results surprised me.
Of the folks who were reading, no more than 1 in 25 was using an e-reader. The rest had opted to carry good old fashioned books with them. The paperback exchange library at the resort was as active a gathering point as ever.
I had expected to find I was a technological dinosaur for having waited so long to buy an e-reader. Instead I discovered I was ahead of the curve.
Although I now own an e-reader, given a choice for recreational reading when I'm not traveling I'll still choose to hold an honest-to-goodness book in my hands. It feels good to know I'm in the majority on this.
My survey involved e-readers (nooks, kindles, etc). I figured airline travel and the Caribbean beach scene would be a good indicator of the acceptance of e-readers. I was guessing no one wanted to carry more than than they had to when they traveled, and carrying one electronic device versus a stack of books would be viewed favorably by the general population. (I, myself, had purchased an e-reader just before vacation to avoid the need for a separate suitcase just for books.)
My unofficial survey was conducted by observing the airline passengers and the chaise lounge occupants. The results surprised me.
Of the folks who were reading, no more than 1 in 25 was using an e-reader. The rest had opted to carry good old fashioned books with them. The paperback exchange library at the resort was as active a gathering point as ever.
I had expected to find I was a technological dinosaur for having waited so long to buy an e-reader. Instead I discovered I was ahead of the curve.
Although I now own an e-reader, given a choice for recreational reading when I'm not traveling I'll still choose to hold an honest-to-goodness book in my hands. It feels good to know I'm in the majority on this.
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