At times I have had ideas, thoughts or concepts I reflect back to. A few of these are below.
Magic
George Surber Regarding Magic, once you leave the world of fraud, mischief, and entertainment, there are lots of magically wonderful things out there to be enjoyed on that plane. While most of them can be explained by hard science, their true essence comes through on the emotional and the I – Thou planes. There is even a “culture” of “witch doctors” and “medicine men” who have learned to live on that wonderful plane, which we have had carefully killed in our Western Culture.
“Adult”
I find it sad that we have allowed the word “adult” to come to mean sexual, inappropriate, alcohol use, unfit for children. It really does mean responsible, accepting ownership of all our actions, mature, competent, skilled, as self sufficient as possible in this complicated world, respectful of others, knowing one’s limitations and gifts, accepting of self, able to entertain one’s self appropriately, socially interactive with all levels and others. I also find it sad that we have no ceremony or rite of passage into adulthood. We hardly recognize when an individual really does achieve self responsibility and takes their place as an independent adult in our society, giving to and supporting others, humbly acting for the good of the community, helping others to the extent possible, and building happy, warm nests for their family. With symbolic humor, a man or woman is an adult when they buy their own toilet paper. We need something better to mark adulthood than buying toilet paper. Any suggestions? Doc
After the Big Hail Storm
I’m glad I am not a plant in a hail storm. My hosta are beat to shreds. Blossoms are off my crab apple trees. Day Lilies are beaten down to mounds of green, probably turn brown shortly. Flowers of the creeping phlox are matted into the mud. All petals off the few tulips I have. And their leaves are shredded. Only the iris, not blooming yet, sheltered some on the east side of the house are standing tall. All trees have their leaves and buds whipped and beaten off. Driving home through downtown, all the trees look bare, with their leaves and buds or set on fruit mounded on the ground beneath them. Devastation and Havoc reign in the garden this day. More horror that HP Lovecraft ever dreamed of.
Celebrities who try to sing Christmas Carols
I agree. There are far too many really good artists who try Christmas carols and make a mess of them, forgetting their talent, skills, craftsmanship and musicianship that made them really good in the first place. May I recommend a few that have succeeded in doing Christmas carols well: Perry Como, Lawrence Whelk, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Mahalia Jackson, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Canadian Brass, and John Fahey.
Christmas 2011
Well, Christmas is nearly over. Most of the family has gone home. My wife is exhausted, but happy, from all the cooking. Would we do it again?? Certainly, but not in a heart beat, nor even a sunset but definitely we will do it again. Definitely it was a wonderful time, enjoyed by all. The giving on all sides was generous and marvelous. The long late night conversations were enjoyed and a good exchange of ideas. The food was marvelous. It was a good time. Many thanks to all that came and partook.
Daniel Schorr
Daniel Schorr – We are diminished as you leave us. Most of us can but hope to spread waves as a pebble in a small pond. You have been an asteroid in the ocean with your insight, your doing things the right way, your perspective, your impartiality, your gentleness, your always being a gentleman and your courage. We are fortunate to have had you helping us see through the mist and the dark glass. Thanks for being you.
This is a most wonderful season celebrated by many for many different reasons. Let us enjoy the season as we each see fit, respect each other’s right to celebrate the season as they see fit. So Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays, Joyful Solstice, and several others I cannot spell or pronounce properly. Take those greetings which you appreciate, and I will accept from your heart, back with Joy and Pleasure and Thanks which ever you prefer to use. Spread the Joy and Wonder of the Winter Festival however you perceive, understand or name it. May your families come together and celebrate with each other. May those whose families are absent or missing or distant find friends with whom to share the Season.
May those who serve us in uniform – Military, EMS, Fire, Police, Rescue, Hazmet, Dispatch – and are not at home, but are keeping us all safe, be with their Service Families, sharing the Season. We are thankful you are there.
Our sympathies and thoughts go out to the families and the First Responders of all kinds at Newtown. Our sympathies and thoughts go out to the four families and the Fire Service Family at Webster NY and to the other families who have lost loved ones to horrific crimes this past year. And our sympathies and thoughts go out to all those who have lost loved ones and have empty seats at their holiday tables. The depth of their sorrows are unfathomable. May time make the empty seats easier to bear.
So let the Joy of the Season, fill your heart to overflowing so you spread the Joy. May Your Joy rise, curling upward, be carried on the wings of eagles to all Peoples throughout the entire world, to understand and appreciate in their way and their terms. Doc
Die with Dirty Boots on your Feet
March 2012
Live hard. Love hard. Train hard. Work hard. Play hard. We all go out eventually, so arrange to go out with Honor, being sure your boots are very well worn and very dirty. Doc
Father’s Day 2010
I remember my father, now gone 41 years. He was a tall, strong man, rather taciturn, more given to deed and actions than words. He also read much, knew lots and was devoted to his wife, Esther, now gone 15 years, we three kids, and his practice. Many are still the patients who speak well of him, these many years later.
It is great being a father of three grown children, all
productively employed, contributing of their time and efforts to
their communities, socially and emotionally successful. My wife and I
are very pleased with how they have taken our gifts, and with
knowledge and wisdom from other sources to springboard themselves to
successful adulthood. Many thanks to all three of them and to their
various communities.
Northern Arizona in early morning
Last week flew to Las Vegas going over the North Arizona Plateau. We were flying in the early morning. With the snow and the shadows etching the landscape it was spectacular. The Grand Canyon was a very long white slash across the southern horizon. The various ridges and valleys with their water and wind carved details were laid out beautifully. It was a real experience. Doc
Grand Canyon
I have hiked the Grand Canyon 7 times, 4 times reaching the River. Beyond the magnificent Beauty, is the absolute Spirituality of being in the Canyon. No where else is as inspiring, as soothing to the soul, as restful for the mind, as invigorating to the Spirit. I would do it again tomorrow if I could. I want the Spirit of the Canyon to caress me, to dance around me, to swirl over and through me. I want to share my small Celebration of Life in the greatness. Many Many thanks to BK for enabling me repeatedly into the Grand Canyon.
Doc
Kaneko’s Magic Flute
Sunday, we went to the Omaha Opera production of “The Magic Flute.” It has to be one of the top 5 opera productions I have seen. The design was by Jun Kaneko, from Japan, now of Omaha, and world wide sculpture and design fame. Minimalist set, but greatly augmented by “light animation.” Unbelievable images, costumes, settings, colors and light flow with all being far beyond the usual settings of The Magic Flute. The fanciful costumes were a cross from Classical Japanese and Alice in Wonderland. All very artistic and very fitting for the Magic Flute- but definitely not the standard 1700’s European we are used to. The voices were all superb. Special brava’s to Queen of the Night. She hit all those staccato high notes perfectly in time and pitch. The three spirits were boys, a 9 yr old 4th grader, a fifth grader and a seventh grader. They sang and acted very very well. Papageno was outstanding. Tamino was very good, and played the straight man throughout. Pamina had a beautiful clear bel canto voice, as befits her part. The bass priest had an amazing lower range. The orchestra played very well. It was sung in English with a modern updated libretto, which contained some real humorous instances. The flow of the story is a little different than I remember from other productions, especially in the Second Act. But it worked well. The voices made the English clear and understandable throughout. Truly an amazing production. This production was first done in San Francisco, and I am sure will be repeated many times. If you get a chance, go for it. Kaneko’s Magic Flute is a real treat. Unfortunately, this was the last showing in Omaha or I would consider going again. Doc (Note: We did go a second time in Kansas City. It was as wonderful the second time as the first.)
New Years 2010 and Luck
We are moving through the arbitrary point in the Earth’s obit we call The New Year. Last year had good and bad, depending on your outlook. Remember Luck is the product of being Prepared at the right Time, in the Right Poin,t with the right Expectations and Outlook. So, position yourself in time, place and attitude. Good Luck to each and every one. Doc
After the Newton Conn shooting
It is my sincere hope that the community of Newtown takes care of their emergency responders (Police, EMS, Fire, Rescue, Dispatch). They need “defusing.” They need “debriefing.” They need each individual in Newtown and the surrounding communities to send a note of thank you. They need overwhelming numbers of goodies sent to their stations. They need to know that their friends, neighbors, follow citizens appreciate them and the heavy loads they carry. Hopefully they will all continue to help others in their official capacities. But for a few, their grief limit will be reached. These few need to know that that is OK. But these few especially need follow up help and support and not to be cut off from the Brotherhood of Helpers. They all need to know that help is available and that help is offered. The pain and despair, the second self guessing are horrible. The “what if’s” are far too many and unwarranted. They did their best, to the level of the their training and ability. And that is enough. That is all that they could have done. But it still hurts.
Happy Pi Day. Yes that is pi, not pie. Does not come in chocolate or strawberry or cherry or apple or mince or pumpkin or key lime. But has everything to do with circles.
Circumference = pi x diameter
area = pi x radius squared.
Hint: Many old time farmers built round barns for grain storage because the tax men did not know how to calculate the volume of their grain storage and most often underestimated the actual amount of grain stored.
Long Live 3.14. And since most pies are round, you can eat one to celebrate Pi Day. Go for it. Enjoy a pie today.
Doc
June 19, 2013 Pope’s Twitter account
The best news of the morning. Pope Francis has 8 Tweeter accounts in 8 languages, including Arabic. His latest, new in January is in Latin. Expected to garn 5,000 nerdy tweeters, the Latin version is now over 100,000 active, in language responses, more than German or Polish either one. Yep, the old ways still rule. Doc
Easing in to Retirement
Hard, bitter-sweet days, these last days of work. Last day is Fri 5/27. Taking down the pictures and the plaques and bringing them home. Hope to have the office all cleaned out by Thursday 5/26. Many favorite patients are showing up for their last visit, and that is appreciated. It has been a great journey, and now it is time for a whole new chapter of life. Many thanks to my wonderful patients and staff.
Sept 11, 2013
On my mind – the EMS workers, the Law Enforcement Personnel, the Fireman and the 3000 plus other people killed 12 years ago by 19 twisted and deluded individuals. And also the many others who have died both at the hands of terrorists and in defending us. (Think Oklahoma City, Think WWII). We need to keep sharp the tools of intelligence and surveillance to keep at bay those who would destroy our way of life, be they foreign or internal. We need to keep our Military strong and prepared. We need to beware of zealots and fanatics of all sides. We need to keep in mind the real meanings of our cherished Documents, reading them ourselves again to remind ourselves what they really both give us and require of us.
Success – Ralph Waldo Emerson
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. ”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Thanksgiving Grace
Thanksgiving is a wonderful Family Time starting the winter holidays of light, peace, Joy and happiness. Let us Each celebrate in our own way, making our crossings and shared portions brighter. Let us remember those keeping us safe – military, law enforcement, fire, hazmat AND EMS. Let us remember there are many less fortunate and find someway to lighten their load. Let us rejoice we live in a civil society and are much more secure and safe than those living in many other places. Let us enjoy the Freedoms we have and exercise the Responsibilities that allow those Freedoms to those around us. So be joyful, be thankful, be generous, be happy to have lived in the best of times and places. So let it be.
The Small Things
Sometimes it the very small things. This morning, I was running errands, and suddenly realized I had traversed all three of our city’s Round-Abouts without even trying. Thrill. I know it’s just a small thrill. But Toy, Toy, Toy. Doc
Rain
I personally feel that rain is the foremost miracle around. We have been able to evolve over 100,000 plus years in a temperature range of from 19 – 37 degrees Centrigade (68 to 105 Fahrenheit). Considering the range of temperatures in just our own Solar System, from near absolute zero (minus 243 degrees centigrade) to well over 10,000 C that is a true wonder. Add to the narrow temperature range, the presence of the Van Allen Belts that protect us from cosmic radiation and we have what is probably a near unique environment in the entire Universe. Yes, we are finding more and more planets, and some are considered possible incubators for life. But considering all the factors that have enabled us to live and evolve here, there can’t be many to match what we have.
A Native American Style Grace
As the Smoke curls winding upward:
May our thoughts and actions spread goodness and happiness.
As the Smoke curls winding upward, carried further on the wings of Eagles:
May our deeds and interactions with all others reflect the joy and care in our hearts.
As the Smoke curls winding upward, carried further throughout the world, on the wings of Eagles:
May we rejoice in our membership in the web of Life remembering our duties to Earth, and to each creature, to each rock, to each soil, to each plant. Let us remember to act as equals in the Web, taking care of each other.
As the Smoke curls winding upward,
May we wonder at that which has been loaned to us by our grandchildren and work to pass it to them, whole, entire and healthy.
As the Smoke curls winding upward,
Let It Be so.