Saturday, November 30, 2019

'tis the season...to want a lot of stuff (MIWB)

D and I went to Home Depot last night to grab some batteries (and get out of the house for a bit.) He fell madly in love with a $40 shop vac. (That's what all 11-year-olds want for Christmas, right?) His want quickly became powerfully annoying. But he wasn't the only one displaying the symptoms.

Granted, it was late evening on Black Friday. Temptation was everywhere. Rain and high winds had postponed our somewhat annual Black Dog Friday hike in the canyon and left us restless. As we wandered the aisles, I found every type of gadget I desperately needed - tools, lights, a cheap Roku for the back room TV, a cheap action camera for the YouTube channel I have no intention of starting. I was looking around for gift ideas for others, but I kept spotting things I deeply (fleetingly) needed - so much stuff.

Ah, temptation

We left Home Depot with some batteries and a pack of super glue, but it wasn't easy. D came home and started working on his Christmas list. I came home and finally settled on washing some dishes to keep my hands busy.


But this morning in the dark before dawn, I remember there's little I need. The man I want to be craves little that you buy from a store. I crave natural beauty, shared experience with loved ones, and building useful things out of castoff junk. Most of all, I want to invest in helping us all find better health, more inherent joy (rather than fleeting happiness), hope in the future, and peace in a noisy world.

Lord, please help me to point my eyes in a better direction, to skip the gadgets, to focus on better for all.

(Any excuse for another Lubbock pelican pic)

May your eyes not be distracted from the person you strive to be. As always, thank you for reading this random little blog.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Thankful for...

…the grouchiness of herons,


the serenity of egrets,


and the wisdom to know the difference.

May you know for what you are thankful and to whom you are grateful. Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

Friday, November 22, 2019

Friday Carbon-Neutral Commute: No Electric Car Required

It is a cold and damp morning here in Lubbock. I got up. Looked at the weather, had a talk with myself, and chose the e-bike.

This morning's coffee

The five-mile ride to work was cold and damp. I arrived at work with a smile on my face and feeling more energized. Yes, the bike creates a few more hassles, but the experience, the exercise, and the lack of climate destruction are more than worth it for this less-than-trim blogger.

May we all find places to choose better and truly enjoy the ride!

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Pelican Plus (Updated with more Pelican!)

I saw a pelican today in Dupree Park.









A great day for birds! Be well, friends!

[Update below - photos taken 11/19/19]

Four days later, it was still there!






May your days be filled with wonder!