#SoCS: Traveling With Camera

“The best traveler is one without a camera.” ― Kamand Kojouri Yes and no. No, in that I would not have brought home vacation photos like the one above and the over 300 captures now residing on my laptop. These are memories from a trip in which I saw amazing sights, spent time with family, and taste tested a few beers. Yes, in that many times it’s difficult to capture the awe I felt while visiting Colorado. Many of the mountainRead more

Three of Everything

“So when you’re coldFrom the inside outAnd don’t know what to do,Remember love and friendship,And warmth will come to you.”― Stephen Cosgrove It’s cold outside. It’s been cold outside since last Friday, after our first major snowstorm of the winter. The 10-day forecast predicts a continuation of the cold: Highs in the single digits (F) with wind chills below zero. The sun and blue skies have been oh so pretty, but there’s no warmth to either one. Walking outside is currentlyRead more

In Truth or Fiction

What path is this? Does it head toward truth? Or remain shaded in fiction? Spirits, desire the straight and narrow of a wooded lane of earth, atmosphere, simple truth Truth that floats with conviction over darkness below giving virtuous cover to fiction Cross the bridge in honesty In knowledge, wisdom Throwing fantasy over rail’s side Fiction through lies forges mud Sucking reality into inky muck Tempting us to sink to its depth Truth is golden It has no agenda, noRead more

An Isolationist’s Gratitudes

Prior to social distancing at home, I had been keeping a daily gratitude journal. It was birthed in May of 2019 and except for a few weeks where it became a weekly gratitude journal, I’ve kept it up. Now, as my isolationism runs steady, it’s important to continue – to find gratitude for what I have rather than what I do not have. So, I am going to share my top ten thoughts of gratitude from the past month. OrganicRead more

All I Need

“All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.” ~Friedrich Nietzsche~ “If you seek creative ideas go walking.” ~Raymond I. OD Myers~ Over a lunch time walk, I had neither a great thought nor a creative one, other than I came up with this post. I did enjoy the sun on my face, the crisp almost-spring air, and an opportunity to get away from work for 30 minutes. Sometimes that’s all I need. This post has been brought to you byRead more

SoCS: A Trail of Instructions

It’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday and Linda Hill is asking bloggers to do this: “Write instructions for anything you know how to do. As detailed or as rambling as you’d like.” Really? Write instructions for something I know? Gah! I’ve spent a few hours this week writing instructions for a Human Resources manual. I’ve spent a larger number of hours on this beast since the beginning of the year, assisting colleagues around the state who operate in the same position.Read more

What You Want

“You can’t always get what you want But if you try sometimes you might find You get what you need” ~The Rolling Stones~ We don’t always get what we want on vacation; however, vacation is something we all need. Wouldn’t you agree? (Crazy workaholics need not answer) For example, one may not get sweaty hot weather… But blue skies and a view is what is needed most. One may not see the perfect, cloudless sunset… But who can argue withRead more

When it’s this nice…

When it’s this blue… I must. When it’s this green… I shall. When the tunnels beckon… I go forth. When water brings peace… I breathe. When life tries to throw me… I stop and rest. When it’s this nice… See you later, alligator. (Wiouwash State Trail and Black Otter Lake – July 7, 2018)Read more

SoCS: All that is good

Dear Trail, You are the picture of life, of breath You lead me past spring mud and melting snow Into summer’s green and warmth Through autumn’s colorful splendor I adore you   You are the picture of happiness and joy Your path takes me on a pleasant journey Into forests of trees and places unknown Through bright sunlight and dancing shadows I admire you   You are the picture of all that is good You take me along the pathRead more

Sunday Rejuvenation

Sunday is as Sunday does A beautiful gift from God above Placid waters and winter’s wheaty grass Wondering if the attempt of warmth will last Sunday is at it rests upon wooden bench While rejuvenation seeks to be quenched Take in the view, smell coming of spring Listen to geese upon their honking wing Sunday is as one day in time It’s cool, calm energy feels sublime A walk along it’s graceful edge Removes the cobwebs from life’s head SundayRead more

Summer Wheel

Summer wheel, Spinning wheel, How does your pavement roll? With silver spokes, And pedaling folks, And shadows of sun’s solstice all in a row.Read more

The Market of Smiles

Saturday, June 17th, was the first installment of Appleton’s outdoor Farmer’s Market. Over 150 musicians, sponsors and vendors selling fresh produce, meat, cheese, baked goods, clothing, arts and crafts, and more. This is the market’s 25th year on College Avenue, extending four blocks, and including half a side street and Houdini Plaza. From the Farmer’s Market Coalition: “Over the years, the market has evolved from a parking lot space of 30+ vendors to moving onto our newly renovated College AvenueRead more