Tyler Colins's Blog, page 75

Hey There, Sonny-Boy

You know you’re getting old(er) when:

young people on the bus offer you their seat . . . regularly

flesh jiggles and wiggles, no matter how much and often you work out

that perpetual deep-in-thought groove between the eyebrows is now just one perpetual deep groove

you wonder how young people can like, much less listen to, today’s music

the first and foremost reason for racing into the bathroom when you get up is not to apply make-up, but to use the bathroom

you’ve reversed roles with mom/dad

you start thinking about daily fiber intake

you consider your calorie consumption . . . and suck those nasty buggers all back, anyway

the word “mortality” is now in your dictionary

retirement is not just something senior personnel talk about; it’s a [close-in-time] reality

you’re thinking gray’s not that bad a color, re-eally.

It’s a long road, and yeah, it sucks to see those annoying wrinkles and crinkles, but at the end of the day, it’s all good.  I’m proud of the wisdom and maturity gained, and the lessons learned. 

Of course I’d change actions and attitudes if I could go back in time (that hindsight thingy).   And yes, there are things about me I’d love to transform (like those wrinkles and crinkles), but in the grand scheme of things, my friends: I wouldn’t trade my life for anyone’s. 

Play the Hand Dealt

We play the hand we’re dealt.  I’d recently heard the line on TV (Murdoch Mysteries, in case you’re interested) and couldn’t get it out of my head.

For those who live life with a perpetual glass half-empty perspective, it would prove negative above all else.  We’re granted a certain lot (fate) in life and there is nothing that can be done about it.  We accept that destiny—with a grimace or sigh—and trudge along.

For those who live life with a continual glass half-full outlook, it would hold positive connotations.  Yes, we’ve been granted a particular lot (fate) in life, but it’s all good.  We view opportunities in challenges, understand that lots can change, that acceptance ≠ inaction. 

Maybe we can’t change the cards we’ve been dealt, but we can change the way we play the game.  So, let’s play the hand dealt—with a smile, optimism, faith, even a poker-face if need be.  Winning is simpler than we might think, but the bottom line is: it's within each and every one of us to decide whether we’re going to be victorious.

Cheers!

. . . Duh?

I’m having a “duh” day—in fact, it seems I’m experiencing a “duh” week.  I’ve misplaced my keys, papers, lists, tops . . . and mind. 

Is brrrrr-brisk, chilling weather freezing the ol’ gray matter?  Is the daily devastating/senseless news prompting me to retreat emotionally and mentally?  Maybe it’s sugar overload (yeah, seven mini cupcakes was a bit much)?

At 90, my mother appears to have it more together than me; she can recall things from yesteryear with no effort.  She’s even reminded me to place an item a certain way because she recalls that I don’t like it positioned the other way.

Maybe the worry about becoming a scatterbrain is enhancing the absentmindedness.  I should simply let go and laugh at the present chaos. 

So what if I’m experiencing a few senior moments (and, yes, I can call them that now)?  These last few days have been trying; the next few will be calming.  What goes up, comes down; what comes down, goes . . . uh, duh. 

See you next week (hopefully).   <CSL>

The Optimism of Youth

Performance evaluation and objective-setting time has arrived at work.  The optimism of youth (which, to me, is now anyone under 45, LOL) is awesome.  I’m fairly sure I was that way once: any task or goal was achievable, retirement was merely a word, and working 24/7 was totally doable.

Now, retirement is a certainty (it’s no longer that far in the future).  Energy is at a premium and work-based buoyancy is hard to keep afloat.  I’ve matured and become wiser, and I approach—and acknowledge— professional and personal ins and outs (also known as realities) with a different spin. 

There’s a lot to be said for that refreshing youthful energy, because it really is commendable.  You just know that a lot of them will accomplish precisely what they’ve determined to do.  And while I may no longer possess that same vigor or zeal, I recognize—and appreciate—that I am still (very) young at heart.

A Rose by Any Other Name . . . Or it’s all in the Perception

You’ve heard the saying, “one person’s junk is another person’s treasure”, or variations thereof.  Same holds true for art.  What one individual finds stunning or beautiful, another may find hideous or offensive.

I love all types of art, but I’m particularly drawn to murals, be they on garages or bridges, in laneways or vestibules.  Very recently, I came upon a feature about “Pow Wow” on Hawaii News Now.  Intrigued, I went to the site and was delighted to view an array of stunning, eye-catching Oahu-based murals.   

More delightful was discovering that POW! WOW! is a team of artists that “organizes gallery shows, lecture series, schools for art and music, mural projects, a large creative space named Lana Lane Studios, concerts, and live art installations across the globe”. They also coordinate a one-week long event that takes place during Valentine’s Day week in Honolulu.

As I plan to live there one day, this event is now at the top of my list. 

Check them out on Hawaii News Now:

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/category/322932/photos-pow-wow-hawaii-2017

Or visit their site:

http://powwowhawaii.com/about-pow-wow-hawaii

“There are painters who transform the sun to a yellow spot, but there are others who, with the help of their art and their intelligence, transform a yellow spot into sun.” (Pablo Picasso)

Hot Stuff - Literally

Flames and fire are great at a campfire, in a fireplace, for toasting marshmallows and roasting hot dogs (sorry, my vegan friends), and warming fingers and toes.   

They’re not good when they’re licking walls, gnawing roofs, clouding up streets, fouling lungs, and causing havoc.

The midtown six-alarm blaze this past Tuesday was but yards from our condo building, so close you could take vivid photos without zooming in.  A shift in wind and we’d have been evacuated like those unfortunate folks on the east side.

What a frightening scene.  Streets blocked off with that official (ominous) yellow tape.  A multitude of flashing fire engines and police cruisers.  Just-in-case ambulances and other emergency vehicles.  Inquisitive media and hovering helicopters.   

It’s an awakening, disturbing open-your-eyes reality check: anything could truly happen at any time.  How many of us are actually prepared for an emergency?  A handful, perhaps?

The devastation and damage could have proven tragic.  Fortunately, injuries were minimal and destruction contained (for the most part) to the badminton and racquet club.  There are blessings to count and a vast range of first responders to acknowledge.

Let’s provide our heartfelt thanks to all of them for their courageous, unwavering and untiring assistance.

One More Thing

Meant to mention one more thing . . . yes, about l'il ol' me (anything else going forward will be included on the future blog and FB page). . . just wanted to share this . . .  https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-connecticut-corpse-caper-by-tyler-colins.html.  Thank you all. 

 

Finding Excellent Customer Service

These days, it’s not uncommon to hear a company tout their “excellent” customer service (the one I work for included).  That’s great—if delivered.  Often, sadly, it’s more hype than anything else.

So when I come across someone who provides amazing service, I’m knocked for six (who’d have thought I’d actually be able to use that funny phrase).

As you know, I’m attempting to establish myself as a writer.  I’d recently decided to use Lynda Dickson’s Books Direct for a promotion.  Wow.  The service I received was truly (truly!) outstanding.

Update on self: I’m going with a second blog and expect (hope) it will be up and running come end of March or beginning of April.  Will have a new FB page, too.

Going forward, I’m reverting back to the original intention of this blog: to write about anything that catches my fancy during a given period . . . without focusing on me (I’ve done that enough of late and it’s time to push forward).

So look for thought-of-the-week posts . . . sans political commentaries or spins (tempting as they can be these days).

Have an awesome week, friends. 

Better Times Ahead

I’ve made a decision: I’m going to give it my all to promote/market myself as a writer.   

Given [huge] time constraints, I’ll pick my way through bit by bit, like a worker ant might a giant gumball.

But at least I have a plan, thanks in great part to Derek (CreativIndie) Murphy, who provided a copy of his book, Guerilla Marketing.  Check out his site(s); he has a wealth of information for writers, and he’s very approachable.

In the next three months, I plan to begin a new blog . . . probably devoted to writing, reviewing, and maybe editing . . . or possibly dedicated to creating a new/better career in your “golden” years, with a spin on writing.  Okay, I’ve not quite reached that stage yet, but I’m getting there—too fast.  Have to give it some thought, but will keep you posted. 

There were recent times where I didn’t think a future was possible, that dreams would only remain hopes and fantasies.  And that may well be so (only God knows), but I will give it my very best to make a dream-filled future a reality.  It’s said anything is possible.  Why not for me?  Why not for you?

Keep the faith, as I often say.  And here’s to [much] better times ahead, my friends.

Feelin' & Hopin'

Today's a new day, and there is no sunshine /  Nothing but clouds, and it's dark in my heart . . .

Kirk Franklin sings it well.  I’m feelin’ it – the darkness.  Been feelin’ it for a wee while now.

In past, I might have denied it, swept it under the rug, smiled when I was crying inside.  Today, I readily confess that I’ve been having a trying, difficult time.

My mother’s had many milestones.  Given she’s 90, she functions well, but her short-term memory is poor.  It frightens—terrifies—me.  Hopefully, what I’ve read is true: she’s simply suffering from old-age forgetfulness and not that wretched “A” disease that seems to be running rampant among the elderly.

I want the mother I used to know; she wasn’t always the kindest being, but she was “Mom”.  Now, I am.  I do the best I can, but I’m not always very good at it.  Concealing fears and worries is difficult for someone who wears her heart on her sleeve.

God’s been incredibly patient, listening to my anger, frustration, fears.

 It will get better /  Better /  It will get better /  Better /  It will get better /  God is in control . . .

Hezekiah Walker sings it well, too. I must keep the faith and remember that all our trials and tribulations (and some are extremely challenging, if not enervating) do serve to help us learn and grow.  And strengthen.

 Amen, brothers and sisters, amen.