Tyler Colins's Blog, page 4

High Five

High five to five-five … my b-day … a day I can usually do without acknowledging as I get older. But curiosity got the better of me. Besides Cinco de Mayo, what else, if anything, is significant about May 5th?

National Silence the Shame Day. Sounds sad. But isn’t. It’s the opportunity to continue discussing stigmas associated with mental health.

National Astronaut Day. Okay. Sharing the day with “highflyers”.

National Hoagie Day. Hmm. Never had one, though I have partaken of the odd sub (which, evidently, is the same, though hoagies look much more deliciously intriguing). Double hmm. Maybe this is the day to indulge in one …?

On the sharing birthdays front. Anyone of interest/note? Adele, Michael Palin, Tammy Wynette, Karl Marx, Leopold II.

And personality traits? Hey, I’m on a roll. Those born on May 5th are skilled with language and communication (no argument there), inventive by nature (not this gal, except imagination-wise perhaps), always on the move (yep) We have the ability to absorb info (double yep) and, among other things, possess excellent judgment re money (boy, are they wrong).

Curiosity appeased. And happy b-day to fellow May 5ers.

Funerals & Reflections

A major event that needs no introduction or discussion—it’s to be seen, read, and heard across the globe.

The passing of life is humbling, awe- and thought-provoking, prompts questions and discussions, and unites people.

As life moves on and wisdom and maturity develop, and, it seems appropriate to honor each experience as a learning curve and a step toward self-evolution.  

Some accomplish great things, others embrace simplicity, yet all serve a purpose and fulfill a role, no matter how humble or grand. The magic of life is diversity—of persons, convictions, and contributions.

Truly a day for [a manifold of] reflections.

A Hoppyingly Happy Time

For those celebrating Easter, a most joyous [long] weekend. May Mr. Bunny bring lots (!) of nummy treats.

For those not celebrating, enjoy the next few glorious days.

Spring is [finally] springing and all is happily hopping along … as it [at long last] should be.

Amen.

Weather / Whether

Juggling struggling thoughts and states…

Getting weary of being WEATHER[home]bound: it’s still cold and inclement more oft than not (thus not providing impetus for being externally active).

WHETHER to move, as in downsize.

Fight being under the WEATHER. Been so for way too long; hence, missed post last week. … But keeping the faith.

WHETHER to nap again: been sleeping [way too much].

Continue to WEATHER through all storms/crises, including the ongoing health issue.

WHETHER the WEATHER will soon allow for long walks along winding trails and lush ravines.

View WEATHERPERSONS as stand-up comedians.

WHETHER to begin more traveling: hankering to see the UK again … and check out the Azores and Dubai.

Walk away from FAIRWEATHER friends.

WHETHER the energy level will increase and once again allow for long-intended plans to come to fruition (like deleting FB and Instagram pages, and starting anew).

… Okay. Time to cease wondering whether the aforementioned are doable … embrace a sunshiny great-weather attitude … and work towards making ‘em happen.

Happy B-day Vincent

As an admirer of Vincent Van Gogh’s work—and had the privilege of viewing it in person—it seemed fitting to post about him on his special day.

I had the pleasure of editing Donna Russo’s Vincent’s Women: The Untold Story of the Loves of Vincent van Gogh. What a remarkable chronicle. Sad. Tragic. Evocative. Provocative.

Interspersed with actual, factual documents/references, it follows the loves/lovers that influenced and affected (woefully, not always positively) this gifted post-impressionistic artist’s [short] life. Not only do we learn about his youthful years, but about the “lost” ear and how it came to be so. That he didn’t die of suicide is put forth as a theory … and perhaps he was never mad, as many accounts put forth.

It’s said some are blessed, others cursed. Vincent was blessed with a marvelous artistic gift, yet [often] cursed when it came to l’amour. And yet he accepted all that came his way with placid fortitude. Bitterness didn’t appear to be a word in his vocabulary.

Happy b-day Vincent. May you have found that elusive love you’ve always desired [and deserved], wherever you are.

 

A Chip-per Weekend

Feeling chipper today even if I’m chip-less. Missed Potato Chip Day last week. Quite frankly, didn’t know it existed until my wandering eye caught sight in the annals of Goggle.

Though I don’t eat them often, I do enjoy those delightful bites of salty, crispy crunchiness. Nothing better than relaxing with a plateful and catching a good [UK] mystery. Not a dip person, though on the rare occasion, I might throw sour cream and salsa (super spicy, of course) together—but only if I’m indulging in the rippled chip (which better support dense dips and sauces).

Confession: I’m a Lays lover (though President’s Choice makes pretty tasty chips too). Flavors of preference (not that you care, but I do, ha-ha): plain, salt and vinegar, and ketchup.

There’s a great brand out of France, not that easy to find in stores, but the flavors are amazing (distinctive, not fake tasting). Brets offers a sundry of flavorsome offerings: Camembert, braised chicken, gouda with cumin, candied onion with balsamic vinegar (nummmmm), and wood-fired pizza, to name but a very, very few.

Think I’ll take my chipper self to the store … there’s a craving to satisfy.

The Techno-Blues

One of those weeks/weekends where technology is so not being my friend. It won’t listen to reason (me) and is doing its own thang.

There’s logic to technology … and yet there are times, like now, when it seems not to exist. Check a box. Enter a code. Switch modes. All looks good. But all’s not fine.

If it were human, I’d be tempted to yell, “Behave!” and perhaps color that with an expletive or five. And though the image of throwing the laptop across the room and watching it smash into a dozen pieces prompts a huge smile [and perverse sense of glee], the only one to suffer would be my wallet.

But challenges/tribulations always seem to come in threes and the other two [physical] things that are transpiring simultaneously have me wondering if it’s psychosomatic. Wouldn’t surprise me if it were.

The techno-blues have me waffling between wishing/willing things to “correct” themselves [ha-ha] or contacting the internet/cable provider. That’s always fun. The call. The multiple numbers to press. The annoying voice assuring you you’re a valued customer as you listen to annoying music … as you wait to connect for a good hour, plus or minus (usually plus).

Never Too Ol’ to Rock and Roll

small neighborhood bar  +  local long-time talent 

=  enjoyable evening

That the musicians were sexagenarians didn’t detract from the energy, enthusiasm … and talent. That most of the audience, friends and supporters, were the same was neither here nor there. Age didn’t matter. The delivery (give and take) did.

Some cheered. Others danced. All applauded. It could have been any bar/club/pub in any North American city with any appreciative (discerning) crowd.

Many get to perform on grand stages, others on humble platforms. They all possess fascinating tales and timelines that have brought them to their [later] junctures—ones viewers may not be privy to. Irrelevant. The performers feast on the affirmative vibes, the people on the brilliant tunes.

Whatever the venue, the outcome’s the same: a “melodiously” good time had by all. You truly are never too old to rock and roll.

The Hamster Wheel

Ever feel like you’re running on one of those things? Every time you (I) think you’re (I’m) going to embark on a new project/goal, something gets in the way. Work, life, health.

Woosh, swoosh, woosh. You’re (I’m) hastening along that wheel, legs hurrying and scurrying, arms driving forward determinedly, and it’s going nowhere. Fast. Woosh, swoosh, woosh.

The good thing? Eventually, you (I) get off that wheel, the infinite loop, the unchanging convolution. Feet back on terra firma. An end’s in sight—that project/goal. And now you’re (I’m) runnin’ up that hill with no problems (as Kate B sang it) … and reaching the top.

Who doesn’t relish a challenge or three? 

Admiration for Transformation

*** “Don’t fear death, fear the un-lived life.” ― Natalie Babbitt, artist & writer ***

Kudos to those who can constantly transform themselves / their lives. That takes confidence. An ability to leap into the void and take it all as it comes. I greatly admire that. While I’ve gone through transitions, I’ve never truly embraced transformations. Always longed to. Never had the self-assurance. But then, maybe I also never had the opportunity.

*** “Life shrinks or expands in proportion with one’s courage.” — Anaïs Nin, diarist, novelist, essayist ***

Things are going to change. Slowly but surely, a new me is forming within my head—or maybe it’s better to say, a new “direction” is. I won’t share yet, not until that vision is less nebulous, more defined. I’m thinking three months, give or take.

Not bad re timing—the perfect time for [serious] spring-cleaning. And rebuilding.

*** “Your life is a book; make it a bestseller.” ― Shanon Grey, author ***