HONESTY DAY

Today is Honesty Day where telling the truth is the only rule

It began in the early ’90’s as the antithesis to April Fools.

And if we’re being totally honest...if we really take a look

The man who created this day was just trying to sell a book.

But in a world where we are shocked when people are honest and have come to expect deceit

Today’s a good day in the scheme of things, to give honesty a tweet!

Certainly not total honesty...I’m not advocating that

Take for instance the dreaded question...Do these jeans make my butt look fat?

To answer that question honestly you’d have to be a lunatic

No, I’m talking about honesty in other aspects of life...take for instance...politics.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if instead of giving us the usual political spiel

The politicians of today told us exactly how they feel?

Politicians need to remember their math..when it’s dishonesty you apply

Even when you tell a half truth....you’re still telling one whole lie.

I find it very confusing, I wish someone could tell me...forsooth

How did we get to the point in our lives when the lies became the truth?

I do have an answer I’d like to propose...perhaps it is now the only way

To ensure politicians will be honest, not just today but every day.

In harkening back to my childhood...wouldn’t it be great if we could require

When a politician is telling a lie...his or her pants really would catch on fire.

Think about the upside for when all is said and done

It would make honesty the best policy again...and politics a lot more fun.

GREAT GRANDPA'S SMILE

His face shows some weathering...a result of all those miles

But every wrinkle disappears when Great Grandpa smiles.

We have friends who tried to have a baby but that blessing never came

So they decided to adopt a child and share with her their name.

That they’d be willing to share their life showed their kindness and their grace

It made Great Grandpa proud and brought a smile to his face.

But Fate can be a fickle creature for once the seeds of adoption had been sown

They found, to their surprise, they’d be having a child of their own.

They quickly progressed from no baby...to one baby, and now they’re having two

When he heard the news, he thought a while, then Great Grandpa’s smile grew.

They were blessed last week with the arrival of their newest family member

One girl...to be followed by another in September.

It did not matter to him that she came from someone else’s womb

When they put her in his arms Great Grandpa’s smile lit the room.

They have a few months to settle in...to see how a baby will change their lives...

A few months to get comfortable...before baby 2 arrives.

When that day comes and both babies are gently placed in Great Grandpa’s embrace

I can only imagine the size of the smile that will appear upon his face.

One never knows what’s around the bend...what destiny has in mind

What makes it easier is the way our friends and family intertwine.

I have no doubt this new family will flourish...even if it takes a while

I can see it in the affirmation of one Great Grandpa’s smile. 

"THINGS ARE ALWAYS BETTER IN THE MORNING"

Happy birthday Harper Lee; your life certainly deserves a look

Despite the fact in your whole career you published just one book.

But oh what a book that is...many today are still mesmerized by your words

Thank you for taking the time to create...To Kill A Mockingbird.

Your book taught us about understanding...seeing other’s points of view

It taught us about acceptance and walking in someone else’s shoes.

It taught us about courage...how with integrity you must stand up and meet

Whatever comes your way...even in the face of certain defeat.

It taught us courage is knowing in any situation what you have to do

And no matter how difficult it seems you must somehow see it through.

It showed us about how prejudice and close mindedness can be so totally absurd

By reminding us of the purity and innocence inherent in the mockingbird.

Thanks for writing a book that told a story but didn’t preach

That showed us setting a good example is a better way to teach.

Thanks for introducing us to all those great characters and taking us on that trek

Is it true your father was the basis for Atticus Finch? Did he look like GregoryPeck?

It’s amazing what the written word can do in the hands of someone who can write

It has the power to teach, to excite, to change us...to inspire and delight.

Today we pay tribute to a woman who understood the whole world should be free.

She did it all in the pages of one great book..thank you Harper Lee.

OUR EYES

When we gaze upon a rainbow and marvel at it’s artistry

Our eyes enjoy the totality of the beauty that we see.

When we gaze upon the mountains...trees and peaks that rise so high

Our eyes enjoy the panorama as it stretches across the sky.

When we gaze upon the ocean, we stand in awe of its magnitude

Our eyes attempt to comprehend it’s vast infinitude.

When we see a photograph on the wall...a portrait of a family

Our eyes tend to blend the faces into a harmonious symmetry. 

To take the isolated sights we see, to record and analyze

Then show us the whole picture...is the essence of our eyes.

They synthesize the aspects of our life, the big, the vast, the small

Allowing us to enjoy everything...from rainbows to portraits on the wall.

But occasionally it behooves us to look more intimately...

To step back and enjoy the specific parts that make up what we see.

We spent some time with Taylor one of four grandchildren with whom we have been blessed.

Just he and us together...apart from all the rest.

Doing this allows our eyes to take a little peek...

And focus on the characteristics that make him so unique.

When we do this quite abruptly it seems our life is rearranged

As the view from inside our eyes has somehow altered...somehow changed.

All of a sudden when we see a rainbow our eyes begin to entertain

The beauty that’s created from one little drop of rain.

We see the individual trees that form the mountains rising up across the land

We see the single ocean droplets as they flow along the sand.

We understand it is the individual pieces that give a picture it’s soul

That there is as much beauty in each individual, as there is within the whole.

I had to smile when we dropped Taylor off and it was time to say goodbye

You see I noticed the family portrait on the wall...through more explicit eyes.

PRETZEL DAY

Today is National Pretzel Day, so my hat I’ll give a tip

To the long suffering cousin of the more popular potato chip.

I’m not sure how it happened, the who, what, where or when

But in a list of the most popular snacks...pretzels aren’t in the top 10?

I mean pretzels lose out to Cheetos...sure they may be a little bit duller

But come on, Cheetos leave your fingers orange...and is that even a real color?

And if you think that doesn’t bother the pretzel...think another thought

I imagine that’s the real reason they’re all tied up knots.

Today I glorify the pretzel and spread good pretzel thoughts across the land

Did you know they were shaped originally to resemble praying hands?

Here’s an interesting little fact, an often forgotten stat

You know the marriage term ‘tie the knot....we have the pretzel to thank for that.

Pretzels used to be a part of weddings, held by the couple for everyone to see

To be broken together, then eaten in a symbol of unity.

The pretzel is thought to signify good luck, German children believe it brings good cheer

That’s why they tie one around their neck at the beginning of each new year.

Pretzels once adorned Christmas trees, hey, this is a snack with legs...

At one time they were even hidden...on Easter Sunday with the eggs.

A long time ago pretzels were a common way to help the poor get fed.

They were often thought so highly of...they were buried with the dead!

I could go on but think I’ve made a case for pretzels...all other snacks...in your face!

For once people read this little poem you’ll all be vying for second place.

Yes, move over Ritz, Cheetos, Lays and all those other chips...you’ve had your fun.

It’s time for the pretzel to take it’s rightful place as the snack world’s number 1.

THE PATHS WE CHOOSE

Yesterday was Throwback Thursday, a day that lately has increased in popularity

It’s where you post an old picture of yourself..at least the self you used to be.

Certainly we’ve changed physically...less hair, more weight, more tattoos

But the biggest changes in our life are due to the different paths we choose.

So here are some random thought about those paths...do we have full autonomy?

Or do we make some decisions for ourselves and the rest is destiny?

Remember the importance of family and friends for no matter how much you’ve grown

They are there to remind us, wherever the path leads, we don’t have to walk alone.

Do not walk in another’s shadow...it is up to you to make your mark

Besides when you walk in someone’s shadow, you are walking in the dark.

No doubt there will be darkness for no one can do everything right.

But you can’t reach the glow of the sun without passing through the night.

And if you happen to make a wrong turn...at the end of the day bid it adieu

Because when you wake up in the morning your path will start anew. 

When the path is easy, carefree and happy beautiful memories are to be attained

When the path is hard, filled with obstacles, there are lessons to be gained.

Keep in mind when you choose a path and you’re ready to depart

Sometimes you will be leading the way and other times following your heart.

Wherever you travel, whatever path you choose, let the seeds of kindness be sown

For when you brighten the path of another, you can’t help but brighten your own.

Thank you Throwback Thursday for reminding us our individual paths are what make us unique.

It makes you wonder, doesn’t it...what we will all look like next week.

WHAT'S A TRUNK?

Ali and Fred had trouble with their car...it was something ornamental

But it was in the shop so long the manager offered them a rental.

It was a brand new four door sedan...but a problem was soon revealed

When they told Ava it was time for practice at the nearby baseball field.

Ava stopped outside the rental car and said innocently, off the cuff

“Dad there’s no room in this car for all my baseball stuff.”

Fred quickly took her to the back and opened up the trunk

“See Ava,” he said, “there’s plenty of room for your baseball stuff and lots of other junk.”

Ava’s mouth hung open and she let out a mild roar

As she was seeing something she’d never seen before.

“It’s called a trunk!” Ava told Aden with a big smile...wide eyed

Then she and Aden climbed on up and got to play inside.

Was it possible while growing up, (was she living with the monks!)

That Ava never experienced a car that came with it’s own trunk?

But it’s true in looking at her life so far all this poor girl ever sees

Is a world that’s filled with mini-vans, hatchbacks and SUV’s.

It goes to show the world changes subtly...changes direction...changes hue

And then before we know it...it’s not the same world we once knew...

One day when Ava’s ready before too much more time goes

I’ll explain to her about fuzzy dice and 8 track stereos.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAKESPEARE

Happy birthday William Shakespeare born on this day in 1564.

But times have changed and today...we don’t talk like you wrote anymore.

If we did perhaps two new lover’s meeting and sharing their first kiss

Would, with my apologies to you, sound something akin to this...

(They know not one another and to further set the scene

Jacquelin falls, Joshua catches her and Fate doth intervene...)

Joshua (Turning to face Jackie and gently grabbing her chin)

“It would have been a shame, nay, a disgrace

If I’d allowed the ground to mar this face.

(He brings her hand to his eyes) Or bruise this hand, or turn this cheek to red.

(He lightly brushes her cheek with the back of his hand)

Or harm a single hair upon this head.”

(He strokes her hair and looks deeply into her eyes)

When in thine eyes I see such symmetry

Methinks, tis I who should be thanking thee.”

Jacquelin (Standing up) “Fie! Tis my thanks on you I must bestow. 

And my, how thy praise and flatter so.

I find myself awash in words so sweet.

I’m charmed and once more light upon my feet.”

Joshua “Be thou dizzy from words I can’t restrain? 

(Joshua comes up behind Jacquelin puts his hands on her hips and whispers into her ear)

Then fall and I shall catch thee once again.”

Jacquelin (Turns to face Joshua and puts her arm on his shoulders to steady herself)

“Thank thee, I’m fine (She says smiling into his eyes) but I would be remiss

To proffer thanks yet offer not...a kiss. (She leans in to kiss his cheek)

Yes, William, as we celebrate your day today, another birthday...another year

Even a simple daily rhyme...sounds better in Shakespeare!

EARTH DAY

Today is the one day of the year set aside to celebrate our planet Earth

A day to think how much she means to us...of her value and her worth.

I have a problem with Earth Day which I shall declare fearlessly.

Bear with me for a moment and I’ll reveal it presently.

First let’s take a moment and talk about this orb on which we dwell.

How all the parts of the Earth work together to keep her healthy and well

There is an interdependence in nature...where does it all begin?

When seeds affix themselves to animals or are carried by the wind.

This is how regeneration occurs in our flowers, plants and trees

Which are fertilized when pollen is transformed from the legs of buzzing bees.

This simple interconnection is paramount for all Earth plants to thrive

They in turn provide the oxygen which allows us to survive.

When we see how every species on Earth is dependent on one another

We begin to realize she’s not just a planet...she’s comparable to our mother.

But somewhere along the way our relationship with Earth became obscure

When we forgot she’s not only here for us but we are here for her.

We have ignored one important lesson...more important than all the others.

That we must admire, we must respect and we must be gentle with our mother.

Unless we learn to use the Earth like the bee does of the flower

I’m afraid the consequences of our actions will be harsh, sever and dour

It’s a simple lesson which if not learned will be the cause of great alarm

The bee helps itself to the flowers sweetness but does the flower no harm.

When we only take and give nothing back...we have committed theft

If we continue in this manner...someday...there will be nothing left.

So here’s my issue with today, and hopefully it’s food for thought...

My problem is not today is Earth Day...it’s that every day is not!

MIRACLES

A woman’s preparing breakfast when she suddenly stops to say a prayer

I’ve found the face of Jesus in my toast..”It’s a miracle!” she declares

Another is cooking dinner when she falls to her hands and knees

“It’s a miracle!” she screams... “The virgin Mary’s in my grilled cheese.”

I do not doubt their devotion but miracles in food make me a little wary

You see I do believe in miracles...it’s just...our definitions vary.

I believe if there is a higher being then he or she would show up coast to coast

Not in the markings on my grilled cheese or popped up on my toast.

And that’s the difference...for I think if you’re observant you quickly become aware

In the ampleness of nature...miracles ARE everywhere.

Yes, if you want to witness miracles...you don’t have far to look

They are in the rhythmic waves of the ocean or the babbling of a brook.

They’re in the birds that soar, the fish that swim, the insects that creep and crawl

They’re in the sun, the moon, the planets...and the tranquil rain that falls. 

They’re in the flowers, the plants, the trees...the mountains that rise above

They’re in the wonderment of childbirth or the gentle touch of love.

If it’s miracles you crave...that will astonish and astound

Stop what you’re doing...open your eyes...and take a look around.

What you see will make you smile, you’re life will be sublime

You might even spiritualize Mae West...so many miracles...so little time.

When you begin to enjoy the myriad of miracles that occur daily coast to coast

You won’t need to find them in your grilled cheese...or burnt upon your toast.

HAPPY EASTER!

Today is Adolph Hitler’s birthday...a man associated with hate

That this year his birthday falls on Easter brings dichotomy to the date.

I wonder...since Hitler was responsible for so much hatred...and bloodshed

If that isn’t the real reason the last full moon was red.

I also wonder when you look through the millenniums at all the hatred that’s amassed

Why haven’t we learned anything from Hitler...and all the Hitlers of the past?

Although hate is the opposite of love both are somehow intertwined

I’m sure Shakespeare would agree...not only love but hate is also blind.

Love may blind us to the faults of another as their failings we suppress ,

But hate blinds us to the goodness and the virtues they possess.

We don’t have to look very far...hatred permeates the news

It preceded Hitler and continues long after he oversaw the killing of the Jews.

People are killed in the name of hatred...I couldn’t guess how many every day

They are killed for being a different color, a different religion; they are killed for being gay.

Experts teach we’re not born with hatred in our hearts, it is a behavior that is learned

It’s simple...teach love and love is refunded...teach hatred and hatred is returned.

Dr. King said we cannot drive out hate with hate, here he looked to the peaceful dove

The only way to drive out hate he said would be with the intensity and love.

Of course that same hatred killed Dr. King and continues it’s killing today

And those of us who observe this pattern continue to hope and to pray...

That someday we’ll absorb the lesson of all the Hitler’s and all of history’s hate

And that someday we’ll take Dr. Kings advice...someday...before it’s too late.

So Happy Easter everyone, and now after a little retrospection

Let us celebrate hatred’s interment and pray for love’s resurrection.

MEDITATION

Yesterday Deborah and I awoke early and off to the beach we slunk

To attend a meditation class...taught by a real Buddhist monk.

Meditation is relatively simple for the value that it packs

It begins with sitting quietly...back straight and head relaxed.

You close your eyes and create a place where only your mind can see

Then you attempt to clear that mind in search of clarity.

I winked at Deborah, “This will be easy.” I said with a naive confident smirk

Little did I know this clearing the mind thing would be such difficult work.

Yes, our monk had a comforting smile and his voice was soothing...still

I couldn’t get past the fact he looked like our daughter’s first husband Wil.

“It’s Wil...it’s not Wil”...my mind kept telling itself, as my relaxing went astray.

While the man who was Wil but not Wil said, “Let all irrelevant thoughts drift away.

I finally watched that thought drift away...my meditation could begin

But darned if so many other thoughts didn’t keep sailing in.

We’re attending a wedding in June...I wondered about the newlyweds.

I thought our monk had a cool outfit; ‘Do all monks shave their heads?’

Did I lock the door to the store last night?  I have never seen a squid.

I wonder what’s for lunch today...How are Ali and the kids?

Try as I might in this meditation I was realizing my deepest fear

No matter how I tried...my mind just wouldn’t clear.

All attempts to ignore them only made my irrelevant thought increase

At this rate I’ll be 100 years old before I find inner peace.

“Today’s meditation is over.” Wil sighed, “See you next week...same time and place

I looked around and noticed everyone else had a peaceful smile on their face.

As for me I smiled like the rest but in truth I felt a little zapped

After all that placId, peaceful meditation...I went home and took a nap.

BIRDS EYE VIEW

The other day as I watched the flight of a morning dove in the early morning hue

I wondered what the world looked like from the uniqueness of her view.

Have you ever envied the birds and wished that you could fly...

To be able to soar and see the world from their perspective in the sky? 

From up above the Earth...if only birds could tell...

They sees the matchless beauty of the world in which we dwell.

From their position in the sky they know not our race, our sex...our name

In their eyes everyone is equal...we all look the same.

As they glide above the fruited plain they know not religious or political philosophy

From their perch high in the heavens these are things they cannot see.

From their vantage point high in the clouds as they soars up to the sun

They don’t see countries or boundaries...they sees the world as one.

This is why I envy the birds and how I wish everyone could fly

So we could view the world from their perspective in the sky.

METHINKS THOU DOTH PROTEST TOO MUCH

I’ve been a little worried lately about Trestin Meacham and wondering what it was like

When in protesting gay marriage in Utah, he went on a hunger strike.

He chose as his cause a judges ruling that struck down a gay marriage ban

He opted to stop eating as his protest, it was his way to take a stand.

Why would he choose this cause, this judges ruling...this day?

After all Mr. Meacham is the first to admit he has plenty of friends who are gay...

Why yes he’s against same-sex marriages, but his beef is with the constitution today

I’m sure they will be understanding...you know...those friends of his who are gay.

Until the judges ruling is struck down he chose not to eat...no more dinners, no entrees.

When the Supreme Court put a hold on the ruling he quit fast...after 15 days.

When asked if he will continue his hunger strike...to show his commitment, this is what he said.

“I will, but I promised my wife no more fasting...I’ll be giving up football instead.”

I wonder with all the causes in the world, all the injustices we see every day

Why Mr. Meacham in his infinite wisdom turned his protest on his friends, the gays.

Perhaps we could use the food he’s not eating in protest of the gays

To feed the 12 percent of the children in Utah who live in poverty every day.

Or if he wanted to protest a worthier cause than a marriage that is gay

He could protest the 16 people in Utah who die a violent death every day.

It seems to me Mr. Meacham has forgotten a valuable lesson taught from heaven above

You know the one where religion should be based on tolerance, acceptance and love.

The winds of change are blowing Mr. Meacham and I look forward to the day

When we talk about people as people and it doesn’t matter if they are gay.

I almost wish you’d go back to fasting Mr. Meacham, for I also look forward to the day

When you and your outdated attitude...will quietly fade away.

I’m tired of people who use religion and faith as a kind of bigotry crutch...

As I say I’m worried Mr. Meacham because...methinks thou doth protest too much!

SILENCE

As Deborah and I sat together the other evening in a silence that endears

I was reminded of the many faces of silence I’ve seen throughout the years.

There is an undiscovered beauty in silence...in her perplexity.

As we search to find the mystery in her tranquility. 

Have you ever stood mesmerized in the midst of a silent snow?

Or watched clouds silently change shape as they drift slowly to and fro?

Have you ever stretched out silently under the joy of a meteor shower

And not contemplated the existence, the possibility, of a higher power?

Who has never felt the awkward silence that accompanies a first date?

Or tiptoed through the silence when you arrived home a little late?

And in the aftermath of a death, the ultimate silent tragedy,

Who hasn’t felt the silence you once loved become your enemy?

Sadness arrives in an empty stillness, for there is a silent moment when...

You realize you will never see or hear or touch that person again.

And even though they may be gone...perhaps for many years

Isn’t it in the silence of your loneliness where you cry your deepest tears?

But it is also in the silent darkness when you feel yourself ascend

And you realize as if by magic silence is again your friend.

You feel her presence all around and you smile because you know 

It’s in the silence of the evening when the trees begin to grow?

It’s in the silence of the day that the flowers create their blooms

And where does the miracle of life begin if not in the silence of a mother’s womb?

So my thoughts have come full circle...sitting in silence together can console

For where else does love blossom...if not in the silence of our soul.

DID THEY EVER TEST DA VINCI?

It’s testing time in school and teachers know...there’s nothing more important than that!

Florida has it’s own Comprehensive Assessment Test...known as the dreaded F-CAT.

Someone should admonish the test creators in Florida, (though I’ve no doubt their ears would be deaf.)

For administering a test to our children that already starts with an ‘F’!

Testers and test takers when you feel stressed today, please before this day is done.

Remember it’s also Leonardo Da Vinci’s birthday so whatever you do...have some fun.

Because you’ll never do more than he did...into the Renaissance he helped us propel.

He not only did so many things all at once...he did all of them so very well. 

First of all he was an artist extraordinaire...this is one fact, I’m sure, we all knew.

One gaze on The Last Supper or Mona Lisa will reveal this to be true.

But he was also a sculptor and a mathematician, he understood our biosphere

He was writer, an architect, an inventor, a scholar and an engineer.

When he wasn’t busy painting or sculpting, do you know what he did in between?

He studied anatomy, wrote forwards and backwards and devised a flying machine.

He designed buildings and bridges and parachutes...his mind was one truly blessed

He did all these things and much more I’m quite sure...without benefit of an assessment test!

Do the best that you can but don’t worry, sometimes in life you fall flat...

Look at all Leonardo accomplished...and he never once had to take an F-CAT.

So here’s my suggestion if you think you’re going to blow...if you’re feeling a little bit flinchy...

Take a deep breath, exhale, smile...and remember Leonardo Da Vinci.

He’d be the first to tell you not to worry about a silly named test like F-CAT

He’d remind you a test is just questions and answers...and you’re so much more important than that!

IS LIFE A SILLY SONG?

Behind us on a recent morning walk the sun and clouds provided a wonderful view

While the clouds that loomed ahead of us took on an ominous hue.

The weather man said there was no chance of rain so we kept on strolling along.

Halfway through our walk however we discovered...the weather man was wrong.

We were treated to a rainbow arching high across the darkened sky

And seconds later, weather man be damned, the clouds began to cry.

We took refuge in the covered entrance of a church and here we would remain

As I smiled at Deborah I thought to myself...I like being caught in the rain.

Suddenly I was overcome with emotion, something definitely felt wrong

Was it me...or had my life just been reduced to an inane and silly old song? 

(For those of you who are too young to remember or wince at every syrupy line

Look up ‘Escape (The Pina Colada Song)’ released in 1979.)

“Oh my God!” I thought to myself, “I just admitted I like getting caught in the rain.

I also like Pina Coladas, I am not into yoga and God knows I have half a brain.

I might have liked making love at midnight in the dunes of the cape before...

But seriously how many people do you know who are awake at midnight anymore?

When I realized I also like the feel of the ocean and an occasional taste of champagne

My head dropped into my hands...reeling from the weight of the strain. 

“So that’s it!” I thought to myself as this awareness made my heart twinge

My life can be summarized by a single song that at one time made us all cringe!

“The rain has stopped,” Deborah said with a smile, “the clouds have all moved away.

She looked up as she descended the steps...”It’s going to be a beautiful day.”

I smiled as I stood up and followed her...In truth I had nothing to fret.

Although at times it may resemble a silly song...my life is a lovely duet.

HAPPY SCRABBLE DAY

Happy National Scrabble Day...the game that reminds us ingeniously

That letters are important...especially a triple letter Q or Z!

Thank you Alfred Mosher Butts who despite your unfortunate name

Created a game that has brought joy to many as well as world wide acclaim.

Scrabble teaches patience when with consonants or vowels we are stuck

It helps us understand life’s randomness...and how sometimes we just need some luck.

Scrabble teaches us to take risks and that in losing there should be no shame

It remind us it’s not always where we end up but how we have played the game.

As an extra added bonus Scrabble allows our vocabulary to grow

Because after a few games of Scrabble...look at the obscure words that we know!

XI is the 14th letter of the Greek alphabet, ZED stands for the letter Z

QAT is a shrub from Africa and QI a word for Chinese philosophy.

OE is a Scottish expression and OY can be used quite the same

XU is money used in Vietnam, AUK...a bird with a funny name, 

KI is a Sumerian God meaning Earth, a mountain carved by a glacier is CWM

If you see the letters M L P G H & E...put them together to spell the word PHLEGM.

If you start the game with Z K J I  S U M, don’t get your nose out of joint

Just spell MUZJIKS...a 7 letter double word...and smile...that’s 128 points! 

But knowing an arcane term for a Russian peasant when the Scrabble game is done

As impressive as that is...it’s still only part of the fun.

Because if you think about it, as we thank Mr. Butts for a game that truly transcends...

Without Scrabble, the little game he created long ago...today there’d be no Words With Friends.

TWO LESSONS

I learned two valuable lessons in a short time quite recently

They had to do with my smart phone and, of all things, it’s lithium battery.

Since the day we retired we’ve been recording a 1 second video every day

A 1 second reminder of daily remembrances we’ve made along the way.

We have 1 second snippets of the mountains and the changing of the leaves

Of birthdays, movies, restaurants, of our family on Christmas Eve.

We recorded different foods we’ve made, when we painted our front room

We have s’mores around the campfire and one new bride and groom.

We’ve recorded many of our daily walks, kids concerts, even birds in a beautiful ballet

All these daily memories ended up in our 1 second a day.

They were stored in an App on my phone where we could keep them safe and near

The final viewing would be September 29th...the end of our first retired year.

Well, the other day my phone was acting strange, the battery kept running out

“Can you fix it?” I asked the Verizon lady. She said, “Without a doubt.”

She did something called a factory reset, it was successful and it didn’t cost!

Now the battery is working great...but our 1 second a day App was lost.

“I forgot to mention that App,” I confessed to Deborah, “this tragedy is all on me.

I’m the reason for the loss of all those memories.”

“Jim,” Deborah said shaking her head, “not true, for it seems very clear to me

If we hadn’t made those memories...that would be the tragedy.”

Life is funny isn’t it, as we daily muddle through it?

Sometimes it’s not so much what we see but the way we choose to view it.

Lesson 1: It’s not all that important...the pictures and videos we are taking

What is important, every day, are the memories we’re making.

Lesson 2 Is even more subtle...once shared...this rhyme...I’ll pack it up

If you’re storing pictures on your phone...don’t forget to back it up!