Sep 18, 2018
Accountability for Our Actions
I am going to admit something that is not very flattering. In my early adult years I pretty much did what I wanted to without much awareness of how it affected others. That mean that I was frequently blunt or even rude. And even when I did think I was being considerate - or "diplomatic" - I could easily ruffle feathers.
Today I am better.The good news is that I know that I am sometimes abrupt. Often it is not a problem, but if my directness collides with someone's over-sensitivity then it usually doesn't go so well. So the awareness of my poor interaction is the beginning of making the necessary change.
Continue reading "Accountability for Our Actions"
Sep 09, 2018
Grand to Be A Grandparent
Happy Grandparents Day to all the grands! I must say, having been a grandfather for over 8 years now, that it is grand to be a grandparent.
The second Sunday in September is observed as Grandparents Day. It is nice to honor grandparents, but it is even better to have the experience. Raising children is the greatest challenge for most people, but it also can be the most rewarding experience. Grandparenting gives you a chance to be involved in a different way. You know, take the kids sometimes, but usually you can give them back!
Continue reading "Grand to Be A Grandparent"
Sep 02, 2018
Your-Life-Your-Story - My Life Story Blog Archives,
August, 2018
An archive of previous My Life Story blog entries from August, 2018 regarding personal history, life story writing and more.
Continue reading "Your-Life-Your-Story - My Life Story Blog Archives,
August, 2018"
Sep 02, 2018
John McCain and the Measure of a Man
If we truly want to look at lives of worth, of legacy and service, of recognizing what it means to care for life, liberty and dignity, then we should certainly spend some time observing the life and times of John McCain.
McCain was laid to rest this weekend and his life has been celebrated this past week. The senator and Vietnam war hero (for a war where many American heroes were treated as anything but), engaged in a life of service. He was true to his beliefs, stuck with his values and statements as a conservative Republican, and yet, had the ability to work with those who were often at odd with his political party and values.
The point of this post is not sentimentalism. If anything, I hope that I take away from John McCain's life a sense of patriotism combined with true values. Life is not about being better than others, getting the biggest pile of wealth, pushing others away who you consider different or less than, or touting your "greatness".
Continue reading "John McCain and the Measure of a Man"
Aug 19, 2018
The Queen of Soul is Dead, RESPECT for the Queen
This past Thursday Aretha Franklin, one of the greatest singers of our time, died at 76 from pancreatic cancer.
Aretha was a great singer, no doubt about it, but she was also a voice for civil rights, women and the importance of being good and kind. Sure, she was a real life Diva, but it wasn't pretentious, it was her presence and her spirit.
Continue reading "The Queen of Soul is Dead, RESPECT for the Queen"
Aug 12, 2018
Mathematics Study Says John Lennon Was Songwriter of 'In My Life'
There are places I'll remember all my life, though some have changed. That's the opening line of the Beatles great song about life reminiscence, "In My Life".
For a long time there has been a debate about who wrote the song. Of course, John Lennon and Paul McCartney credited all their songs as Lennon-McCartney, an agreement they made when they were teenagers. But inevitably there were songs that only one of the duo completely wrote. Even with collaboration. And both McCartney and Lennon had stated they each wrote prominent parts of the song.
So now comes news that some mathematicians have used a process using statistics to identify who really wrote "In My Life".
Continue reading "Mathematics Study Says John Lennon Was Songwriter of 'In My Life'"
Aug 08, 2018
Going the Extra Mile
Last week my Toyota odometer clicked over from 99,999 miles to 100,000. It's a significant event in the life of an automobile. One hundred thousand miles. A lot of cars go further than that, but it still is an accomplishment.
Marking milestones is important. Graduations, certifications, achieving a long worked for goal - it is important to celebrate when you make the mark.
Which brings me to your life story. One of the hardest things to do is writing a life story. It can also be one of the most satisfying things you ever do. Yes, long hours and hard work. It is not a quick trip down memory lane, at least if you want to do it well.
Continue reading "Going the Extra Mile"
Aug 02, 2018
Howard Cato, the BMX Bike Hero
Most kids like to ride bikes. Even in later years a lot of us continue to ride a bicycle, be it for fitness or fun.
Howard Cato loved to ride bikes, in particular the tricked out with special skills riding of BMX bikes. If you are not familiar with the sport, picture motorcross with pedal power. BMX riders race and ride over and around obstacles. It's not easy.
When Howard was a kid he couldn't ride, but he worked hard at it and eventually got quite good. As he got older he also got involved in some street things that were not so good. It led to a fateful night when he got shot seven times. But the story didn't end there - it was just beginning.
Continue reading "Howard Cato, the BMX Bike Hero"
Aug 02, 2018
Your-Life-Your-Story - My Life Story Blog Archives,
July, 2018
An archive of previous My Life Story blog entries from July, 2018 regarding personal history, life story writing and more.
Continue reading "Your-Life-Your-Story - My Life Story Blog Archives,
July, 2018"
Jul 23, 2018
High School Classmate Makes Home Town Sports Hall of Fame
I am tooting a horn today for somebody most of you won't know. But I can't help it. These are the kind of "everyday people stories" I love.
Tom Neidl was one of my classmates at Rome Catholic High. He was a good athlete, but an even better person. He had a strong moral compass without being a "wet blanket" (if you know what I mean). And even though I didn't keep in touch with him after we graduated (aside from a couple of class reunions), it is clear he made his mark with his coaching career.
Continue reading "High School Classmate Makes Home Town Sports Hall of Fame"
