Monday

Monday Musings — What Reopening The Economy Means To Me

/ jrmilson / 10 Comments

Regular readers will recall that I started a new feature a few weeks ago entitled “Monday Musings” based upon the Monday thoughts I share with residents of the seniors’ community where I am Resident Manager.

You can find the first ones here — Stay At Home,  Wearing A Face Mask To Protect Others,  Never Ask For a Second Opinion and Useful and Proven Advice From An Old Farmer.

Here was Monday’s message shared with friends and neighbors in my community, regarding the reopening of businesses and the economy in our area and elsewhere this week . . . . .

Gradually, in baby steps, the economy and businesses are starting to reopen this week after being shuttered for the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.  And the Memorial Day Weekend and Holiday is just ahead.

But what does “reopen” mean, really?  For me?   For you, personally?

At the risk of perhaps offending some or raining on other people’s parades, please allow me to speak bluntly, friend to friend, as the stakes going forward remain exceptionally high despite what some might have us believe. As some may know, my daughter is a paramedic who has just returned from emergency deployment after spending the last thirty-four days responding to coronavirus calls in New Jersey and New York City, so my personal frontline perspective from her reports may be a little different than others. What follows is solely my personal opinion, speaking only for myself and from the heart here out of concern for friends and neighbors, and it should strictly be viewed as such.

For some folks, reopening may mean celebrating a joyful return to the happy-go-lucky, carefree lifestyle they enjoyed before the pandemic suddenly surfaced to interrupt and change life as we knew it. Going about their days again as if nothing had changed. If that is the case, I wish them all the best and good luck. I truly hope everyone stays well.

Because the COVID-19 virus has not gone anywhere. Please do not be misled. At this very moment, it is lurking on shopping cart handles, ATM’s, payment swipe screens, tabletops, countertops, gas pump handles, elevator buttons, door handles, railings, and anywhere else someone has touched, sneezed, or coughed on. Wherever the virus has been the past few months – it is still there waiting for us. Waiting for me. Waiting for you. Just because the number of new cases and deaths has lessened recently does NOT mean the virus has gone away and it is safe to go back to business as usual.

In fact, “business as usual” may be a thing of the past, or at least until an effective and available vaccine is developed. And despite what some would have us believe, that may not happen soon. The number of cases has gone down simply because the virus has had less “targets” to hit while we all stayed at home. Now, the number of targets will be increasing again as businesses and activities resume operations and more people are out and about. Please be aware. Do not make yourself a target and become a victim by being careless.

For me, the reopening of the economy and businesses means carrying on and doing everything exactly as I have been to protect both myself and others.

I will continue wearing a mask whenever I am outside of my apartment, even though it fogs my glasses, pushes beard and moustache hairs into my mouth, is hot while walking my dog outdoors, and is quite honestly a general pain in the butt. Nevertheless, I can accept that and will continue to wear the mask not to protect myself, because they admittedly do not do that, but to protect you and others from whatever I may be unknowingly carrying. Same as before.  Wearing a mask means that you are placing the welfare of others before your own personal comfort. It should go without saying that choosing not to wear one can be seen as just the opposite, placing your own comfort and feelings above your concern for others. And others will notice. So, speaking only for myself, I will continue to wear a mask for the foreseeable future, required or not, for your protection, not mine. Because I care about YOUR health and well-being enough to be uncomfortable for a few minutes each day myself.

Please do not think me rude if I do not stand right beside you now when talking, for I will also continue to practice Social Distancing. Again, for your protection, as well as mine. And I will not be running around everywhere just because society’s door has been reopened. I will still spend most of the time in my own apartment in more or less self-isolation, leaving only when truly necessary.

Do I think it is all fun? No.   Do I think it is all still necessary? Absolutely.

And I will keep washing and disinfecting my hands every time I go out and come back. Still doing all of this because – Nothing Has Changed.

I strongly feel that to relax and stop being mindful of what we are doing now is to invite the virus in. If we know a wolf is at the door, we all have the common sense to keep the door closed and locked. Let’s all just think of the Coronavirus as the “Wolf At The Door” and keep it closed by being smart.  Shall we?

We have all made it safely and uneventfully thru the pandemic thus far by cooperating and acting together to be safe. Now is NOT the time to relax and let our guard down. My friends, for the sake of everyone, let’s continue to be smart, stay alert, and keep our guard up during the reopening and coming weeks ahead as we go forward to stay safe and well – Together.

It is my sincere hope and wishes for you that this message today finds you and your loved ones well and in good health and that everything continues the very best.

As stated before, I encourage everyone to keep practicing good hygiene with regular handwashing and faithfully observe the recommended practices of Social Distancing, Sheltering At Home as much as possible to avoid unnecessary exposure, and wearing Facial Protection Masks to stop the spread of the COVID19 virus, especially as some areas open more and more in the days and weeks ahead.

And please continue to be gentle with both yourself and others. Kind words and simple gestures can go a long way right now to help us all get thru these times. A lot of families are out of work or have had to shut down their businesses in the past few months. If you are in a position to help someone, please do. We never need to look very far. Simply help the person nearest you. That would be a good start. — Jim  (and Red!)

PS — As a friendly reminder, Little Red Bear and I have changed some Amazon marketing structures and eliminated all royalties on his “Adventures of Little Red Bear” stories to make them as affordable as possible for leisurely and relaxing reading during this time for everyone. They are always Free with Kindle Unlimited. 

And if you have already read and enjoyed Red’s adventures, we would sincerely appreciate if you could take a minute to leave a review to help others find their way to the books.

Meet Little Red Bear & His Friends —  “Once Upon A Time In A Very Special Woods . . . .”

Old-fashioned, Family-friendly Stories and Fun for All Ages! 
About an Uncommonly Special Bear and His Friends.
Tap Here For A Free Preview!

“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re Braver than you believe, and Stronger than you seem, and Smarter than you think.” – A. A. Milne

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others.  And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” – 14th Dalai Lama

This is a purposefully non-monetized, ad-free site to be able to offer the most enjoyable reading and viewing experience for everyone, with all content freely shared, and generates no income to offset the costs of maintaining and operating. If you enjoy your visits and time with us, Join our new Patron Community today, because together we can do so much!

 “For it is in giving that we receive.” – St. Francis of Assisi

 

Monday Musings — Happy National Limerick Day!

/ jrmilson / 2 Comments

Happy National Limerick Day!

Welcome to a special Tuesday edition of “Monday Musings” in celebration of National Limerick Day.

Celebrated each year on May 12th, National Limerick Day observes the birthday of English artist, illustrator, author, and poet Edward Lear (1812 – 1888).

Edward Lear is known mostly for his literary nonsense in poetry, prose, and limericks, so the day also observes the Limerick Poem, popularized by Edward Lear’s “Book of Nonsense” published in 1846. While Lear is credited with popularizing the Limerick, the poetry style existed long before the publication of his book.

As you may (or may not) recall from high school English classes, a limerick is a short, humorous, nonsense poem. Within a limerick, there are five lines, the first two lines of which must rhyme with the fifth, and the third and fourth lines rhyme together in the middle. The proper Limerick poem should also have a particular rhythm which is officially described as ‘Anapestic Trimeter.’

The Limerick Poem celebrates amusing turns of phrase, rhythm, and humor in a short, prescribed format. It also plays with words and peoples’ expectations.

Regular readers will recall that I started a new feature a few weeks ago entitled “Monday Musings” based upon the Monday thoughts I share with residents of the seniors’ community where I am Resident Manager. You can find the first ones here — Stay At Home,  Wearing A Face Mask To Protect Others,  Never Ask For a Second Opinion and Useful and Proven Advice From An Old Farmer.

Register today to be notified of every new post and feature to stay in touch! Never any spam and all the material here is shared free of charge. Now, I know that sounds like an election year campaign promise, but the difference is I truly mean it. Scout’s honor.

In honor of National Limerick Day, I have penned my own Limerick of sorts which I would be honored to share with you now. (Hope you like it!)  . . . . .

There once was a lady named Spicer,

Who when outside with others just couldn’t be nicer.

But at home, she was spiteful, nasty, and mean,

To her gentle, kind, and loving husband named Gene.

Until, alas, he tossed her into a woodchipper and diced her.

It is my sincere hope and wishes for you that this message finds you and your loved ones well and in good health today and that everything continues the very best.

As restrictions loosen and many areas begin to open up again soon, even in a limited fashion to start, I encourage everyone to wear a Facial Protection Mask to stop the spread of the COVID19 virus, keeping in mind that wearing a mask is not really about protecting ourselves, but others. Wouldn’t you like others to wear a mask to protect you?

After sheltering in place for some weeks now, and with many suffering enormous budget and financial difficulties being out of work or with businesses shut down, stress levels are running high for everyone. Gentle words of kindness and compassion during these times help us all to get thru it. And that is what it has always been about — getting thru this together.

In a world where we can choose to be anything, please choose to be kind.  It can be life-changing for someone and will come back to you in kind. Because that is how it works.

Best wishes for continued health and wellness!  — Jim  (and Red!)

PS — As a friendly reminder, Little Red Bear and I have changed some Amazon marketing structures and eliminated all royalties on his “Adventures of Little Red Bear” stories to make them as affordable as possible for leisurely and relaxing reading during this time for everyone. They are always Free with Kindle Unlimited. 

And if you have already read and enjoyed Red’s adventures, we would sincerely appreciate if you could take a minute to leave a review to help others find their way to the books.

Meet Little Red Bear & His Friends —  “Once Upon A Time In A Very Special Woods . . . .”

Old-fashioned, Family-friendly Stories and Fun for All Ages! 
About an Uncommonly Special Bear and His Friends.
Tap Here For A Free Preview!

                 “Only the weak are cruel. Gentleness can only be expected from the strong.”                –  Leo Buscaglia

“An archaeologist is the best husband a woman can have. The older she gets, the more interested he is in her.” – Agatha Christie

This is a purposefully non-monetized, ad-free site to be able to offer the most enjoyable reading and viewing experience for everyone, with all content freely shared, and generates no income to offset the costs of maintaining and operating. If you enjoy your visits and time with us, Join our new Patron Community today, because together we can do so much!

                  “What can you do to promote world peace?  Go home and love your family.”                  – Mother Teresa

 

Monday Musings — Useful and Proven Advice From An Old Farmer

/ jrmilson / 8 Comments

Happy Monday! 

Some folks do not look forward to Mondays, and that’s putting it mildly. In fact, a good number of otherwise sensible folks even dread them, starting to get sad and depressed already on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Why spoil an otherwise perfectly good Sunday? That just seems silly.

In general terms, why get all upset and stressed about anything that hasn’t and may yet never happen?  If things do take a turn for the worse later, there will likely be plenty of time and opportunity to stew and fuss about it. Not that I really recommend that approach either, because worry and anger never help or accomplish anything.

Speaking only for myself, I look forward to every Monday morning as a fresh start on a new week, and a chance to fix all the things I messed up in the last one.

So – Happy Monday! Saddle her up and here we go again!

Going thru our stack of accumulated writing notes the other day with my story friend Little Red Bear as we are back to work on his next collection of stories again, I came across a wonderful piece that I had forgotten about with all of the Coronavirus COVID19 things grabbing my attention lately.

It is entitled “Advice From An Old Farmer”, and although it can be found in many different versions on many different websites, it appears that the credit for the original piece goes to the former Judge and Texas State Legislator Roy English, author of several books featuring his wit and no-nonsense humor.

You just know when someone offers the sound advice of “Don’t skinny-dip with snapping turtles” that they likely may have a good bit of insight on other important life matters, as well.

Regular readers will recall that I started a new feature a few weeks ago entitled “Monday Musings” based upon the Monday thoughts I share with residents of the seniors’ community where I am Resident Manager. You can find the first ones here — Stay At Home,  Wearing A Face Mask To Protect Others, and Never Ask For a Second Opinion!

Register today to be notified of every new post and feature to stay in touch! Never any spam and all the material here is shared free of charge. Now, I know that sounds like an election year campaign promise, but the difference is I truly mean it. Scout’s honor.

Here is today’s message, sharing the “Advice From An Old Farmer” by Roy English. Little Red Bear and I think it generally applies to a lot more than farming today  . . . . .

Advice From An Old Farmer

Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight, and bull-strong.
Keep skunks and bankers at a distance.
Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
A bumblebee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.
Words that soak into your ears are whispered . . . not yelled.
Meanness don’t jes’ happen overnight.
Forgive your enemies; it messes up their heads.
Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.
It don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge.
You cannot unsay a cruel word.
Every path has a few puddles.
When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
The best sermons are lived, not preached.
Most of the stuff people worry about ain’t never gonna happen anyway.
Don’t judge folks by their relatives.
Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
     Live a good, honorable life.  Then when you get older and think back, you’ll enjoy it a second time.
Don ‘t interfere with somethin’ that ain’t bothering you none.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a Rain dance.
If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin’.
Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.
The biggest troublemaker you’ll probably ever have to deal with watches you from the mirror every mornin’.
Always drink upstream from the herd.
Good judgment comes from experience and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.
Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in.
               If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try orderin’ somebody else’s dog around.

Most times, it just gets down to common sense.
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

It is my sincere hope and wishes for you that this message found you and your loved ones well and in good health today and that everything continues the very best.

I encourage everyone to keep practicing good hygiene with regular handwashing and faithfully observe the recommended practices of Social Distancing, Sheltering At Home as much as possible to avoid unnecessary exposure, and wearing Facial Protection Masks to stop the spread of the COVID19 virus, especially as some areas begin to open things back up again soon.

In one way or another, every one of us is feeling the effects of the COVID19 virus these days. It can be challenging, but focusing to stay present in the moment and not worry about future things, which are unlikely to occur at all, is particularly important to lessen stress levels and maintain our health. Please be gentle with yourself and others. A kind word or simple gesture can be life-altering and may go a very long way right now in helping someone to cope with it all.

In a world where we can choose to be anything, please choose to be kind.  And together, we will get thru this! — Jim  (and Red!)

PS — As a friendly reminder, Little Red Bear and I have changed some Amazon marketing structures and eliminated all royalties on his “Adventures of Little Red Bear” stories to make them as affordable as possible for leisurely and relaxing reading during this time for everyone. They are always Free with Kindle Unlimited. 

And if you have already read and enjoyed Red’s adventures, we would sincerely appreciate if you could take a minute to leave a review to help others find their way to the books.

Meet Little Red Bear & His Friends —  “Once Upon A Time In A Very Special Woods . . . .”

Old-fashioned, Family-friendly Stories and Fun for All Ages! 
About an Uncommonly Special Bear and His Friends.
Tap Here For A Free Preview!

       “A single rose can be my garden . . .  a single friend, my world.” – Leo Buscaglia

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” – Charles Schulz

This is a purposefully non-monetized, ad-free site to be able to offer the most enjoyable reading and viewing experience for everyone, with all content freely shared, and generates no income to offset the costs of maintaining and operating. If you enjoy your visits and time with us, Join our new Patron Community today, because together we can do so much!

      “I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people.”       – Maya Angelou

 

Monday Musings — Never Ask For A Second Opinion!

/ jrmilson / 2 Comments

Happy Monday! 

It has been my experience that Mondays generally get a bad rap. Many grumble and moan about the weekend being over and back to the old grindstone at work or school, etc., etc.

It goes without saying that many are truly suffering in these times, either physically ill with the Coronavirus COVID19, concerned about loved ones who are ill, and those who are financially struggling with it all. There certainly is a lot going on in the world right now, without a doubt.

But here is my bottom line on it all, and maybe it is somewhat influenced by my advanced age perspective — Any day that I wake up on the green side of the grass is better than the alternative, Mondays notwithstanding. Enjoy the ride while it lasts, even the bumpy parts. There is always something to learn and be gained from every experience to grow stronger and better.  So, again — Happy Monday!

Regular readers will recall that I started a new feature a couple of weeks ago entitled “Monday Musings” based upon the Monday thoughts I share with residents of the seniors’ community where I am Resident Manager. You can find the first ones here — Stay At Home and Wearing A Face Mask To Protect Others.

Here is today’s message, keeping in mind that we can’t or shouldn’t be solemnly serious all of the time . . . . .

First, a Public Service Announcement – In the interest of public safety for visitors and to minimize recurring bloody, bruised, and battered knuckles from rapping on my door in an attempt to get my attention when I am otherwise occupied with earphones listening to music or bothering my guitars, I have recently installed a wireless doorbell. It is the small pad on the right side of the door frame. Simply press the little pushbutton thingy with the cute little bell image on it. And then make yourself comfortable.

Because it should be noted that “hearing” you at the door will not make me any speedier in actually “getting” to the door to answer. Most often, I have my writing laptop, a guitar, dinner, or dog in my lap, any of which must be carefully set aside before I can even begin to think about getting up. And I am painfully slow. So there’s that too, the effects of which should not be understated. The immediacy of results in the new digital age has ill-prepared us for the time it takes a decrepit old-timer to answer a doorbell, it’s sad to say.

As always, I strongly encourage everyone to bring a flavorful and nutritious little snack along to enjoy while waiting for me to come to the door. Moreover, in the event that I am not at home or am out walking the dog at the time, hopefully the snack will still help to make the overall experience enjoyable for you so as not be considered a totally wasted trip. Never underestimate the power of a tasty tidbit to improve the general mood, I say. In the event you arrive unprepared, a snack machine is located nearby, just around the corner by the elevators. You will most likely have plenty of time to go, come back, and enjoy your treats before I answer the door. It is written that “Patience is bitter but its fruit is sweet.” And potentially high in calories depending on the type of nibbles you nosh.

Sharing news of a more personal nature, I had an office visit via telephone with my neurosurgeon the other day, following up on my spinal fusion surgery from last October. That is how doctor visits are being done now in the Coronavirus Age it seems – over the telephone. Though still subject to out-of-pocket health insurance co-pays, of course.

I indicated to my doctor that many of the old problems had gone away after the surgery, but that I was experiencing some new and increasingly limiting issues. He responded that based on what I described, my symptoms are likely mechanical once again, and I should get some x-rays and possible other tests performed in early June, when we are all hopefully “socializing” again, and that in his opinion another later surgery might not be out of the question. I told him that I would like a second opinion.

“Okay,” he said, “you’re dreadfully slow and slothlike, too.”

It is my sincere hope and wishes for you that this message found you and your loved ones well and in good health today, and that everything continues the very best.

I encourage everyone to keep practicing good hygiene with regular handwashing, and faithfully observe the recommended practices of Social Distancing, Sheltering At Home, and wearing Facial Protection Masks to stop the spread of the COVID19 virus.

Even the best of us may be stressed and struggling with current events and the virus these days. A kind word or simple gesture may go a very long way right now in helping someone cope with it all. In a world where we can choose to be anything, please choose to be kind.  And together, we will get thru this! — Jim  (and Red!)

PS — As a friendly reminder, Little Red Bear and I have changed some Amazon marketing structures and eliminated all royalties on his “Adventures of Little Red Bear” stories to make them as affordable as possible for leisurely and relaxing reading during this time for everyone. They are always Free with Kindle Unlimited.  And if you have already read and enjoyed Red’s adventures, we would sincerely appreciate if you could take a minute to leave a review to help others find their way to the books.

Meet Little Red Bear & His Friends —  “Once Upon A Time In A Very Special Woods . . . .”

Old-fashioned, Family-friendly Stories and Fun for All Ages! 
About an Uncommonly Special Bear and His Friends.
Tap Here For A Free Preview!

           “Monday, Monday, so good to me; Monday morning, it was all I hoped it would be.”       – John Phillips (“Monday, Monday” by The Mamas & The Papas)

This is a purposefully non-monetized, ad-free site to be able to offer the most enjoyable reading and viewing experience for everyone, with all content freely shared, and generates no income to offset the costs of maintaining and operating. If you enjoy your visits and time with us, Join our new Patron Community today, because together we can do so much!

“Your Monday morning thoughts set the tone for your whole week. See yourself getting stronger, and living a fulfilling, happier and healthier life.” –  Germany Kent