Butterflies and Notepads

I love butterflies.  They seem magical somehow.  You never really see where they come from, or where they go.  They appear, flutter and vanish.  I like to make up stories.  Many of my ideas have never been written down.  They stem from something like a butterfly flitting by.  I say a few lines about the moment.  Then finish what I'm doing.  Imagine what would happen if I stopped to write all the thoughts I have about what I see. I used to carry a small notepad with me wherever I went.  I think it's time to do that again.   Most of my stories have come while going for a walk and scribbled down on a piece of paper.  No butterflies around now, except for the one in my hair. 

Billy Graham Turns 95

He is a man I grew up with.  Yesterday he celebrated 95 years of earthly living. I find his voice comforting. I always have. Through wayward times in my life, I seemed to always find him. I wanted the hope he offered.  I believed in the things he stood for. His passion was sincere.  His message never waivered.  I wished I could be like him.  Bold, honest, driven.  How does a man keep his passion for 95 years?  How can an old man bring so many to think about the thing that matters most in life?  It's not the man that gives the hope. It's the message. He is a willing messenger.  Billy Graham's simple message of salvation through Jesus Christ has brought millions into the kingdom of God.  Isn't it amazing that a simple man, with a simple message commands so much attention?  Perhaps it's worth contemplating.  After all, eternity is forever.

My Private Beach

I've been coming to this beach for fifty years.  Right now the water is low, and you can walk for miles up or down stream.  I can't believe there's no one here.  The Kings River runs through my town.  The beach is pretty much empty this time of year.  The wildlife is rich and the sand is cool.  I feel the warmth of the sun on my forehead.  The quietness fills my mind. From the grains of sand to the graceful egret that swoops across the water, there is no denying that only God could create such splendor. 

Television ,Laughter and Bedtime

Someone once told  me to watch something funny before going to bed. No offense Hollywood, but the t.v. shows of today don't come close to when I was growing up.  I don't know why I pay extra for cable.  I either watch Netflix or dvds.  If you want to relax, laugh and have your heart warmed, might I suggest one of the following as a nightcap?  Oh my, nightcap? That really dates me.

• Feeling nostalgic? The Andy Griffith Show. 

• Feeling idealistic?  The Mary Tyler Moore Show. 

• Want some silliness?  The Brady Bunch.  I mean silly in the most respectful way. 

• Ridiculous yet endearing, Hogan's Heroes. (I love Schultz.)

• And just plain funny, I Love Lucy. 

 

Noon Whistle

I just cracked open the window in my house.  Here it comes, one long siren.  It's not a fire, it's lunchtime in Small Town U.S.A.  I think the noon whistle is one of my favorite small town sounds.  When I moved away to the big city for a decade, oh how I longed for my noon whistle.  I think most people in town enjoy it.  Although a few years ago there was a movement by a few non-whistle blowers to silence the noon time tradition.  A few letters from both sides of the whistle to the editor in our local paper seemed to keep the whistle blowing.  So tomorrow, I will listen for the whistle, and if you're ever traveling through Small Town America, roll down your window at noon and appreciate the whistle.

Smiles

I saw a man in a motorized wheelchair.   He looked scruffy.  He'd had a hard life.  Smoking a cigarette.  Head down.  An old man.  I was walking with my daughter at the cemetery.  Sometimes it's the most relaxing place in town.  It's also a great place to watch the sunset across the big valley.

 Anyway, I know a lot of people would just walk by him.  Pretend not to notice, and not catch his eye.  I said hello and smiled, he smiled and said hello back.  I could see he was pleased.  I was pleased too.  Maybe he thought the same thing I did.  Maybe he was thinking I probably wouldn't say hi, and he wanted to see if he could make me smile.  He did.  We both did.

Earplugs

No, I'm not a sports journalist.  But lately I find myself reaching for the sports section.  I like the new coach and quarterback at our local university.  I'm reminded of how the lessons learned on the field, and in any sport, apply to everyday living.  This past week my new favorite football coach told his players to "put in their earplugs."  Forget about what others say, stay focused on what's in front of you today.   For him and his team it's next week's game.  For me it's publishing my first book.  I have written and completed seven children's books.  Don't look too far ahead.  One step, or game at time as the coach would say.   I have practiced long enough.  I'm ready to play.