Monday, September 29, 2014

Coffee, Anyone?

It's National Coffee Day!


Number of daily USA coffee drinkers - 100 million

54% drink coffee daily 

35% like their coffee black

Average coffee cup size 9 ounces

Average price for cup of brewed coffee $1.38

source: Statistic Brain


“Coffee first. Schemes later.”
        ― Leanna Renee Hieber, Darker Still 


“To me, the smell of fresh-made coffee is one of the greatest inventions.
        ― Hugh Jackman     







Monday, September 22, 2014

Believe In Magic

Magic exists, we only have to pay attention in order to experience it. We need to use all our senses to detect it. It may come as a touch, a taste, a sight, a sound, a scent, a feeling, or all of these at once. Love is magical. So is music, art, a good book, people, laughter, changing seasons, silence, joy, a cozy quilt, solitude, a kiss in the dark, and a cup of coffee. A simple meal can be as magical as a gourmet feast. 
 
There is magic in our universe. 
Look up at the evening sky full of glittering stars, watch a colorful sunrise, witness the power of a thunderstorm, wonder at the beauty and smell of flowers, hear lapping waves on the beach: nature is magical. 
 
We miss a great deal of magic because we're busy, preoccupied, or multi-tasking. Some people simply don't expect to find any.  It could be that we need to slow down, become more aware, and open the door to a magical life.


We have to believe in magic, 
because life without it is dull indeed.” – Anonymous

The world is full of magic things, 
patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” – W.B. Yeats


Monday, September 15, 2014

Eight Campground Observations

Spending a couple of weeks at a Tennessee campground is definitely an experience. It is mostly enjoyable, with lazy days spent taking walks, reading, grilling, and exploring the surrounding area. You can learn a lot about yourself and others by people watching.  After camping at least 10 weeks a year for the past four years, I offer the following observations:
  1. Campgrounds are really dog parks with humans along merely to serve as caretakers for the animals. This past weekend I counted more dogs than people. Hasn't anyone heard of boarding or pet sitters? I've seen one cat and one pig, but I'm expecting any time to encounter a pet monkey. 
     
  2. There are a LOT of inconsiderate people out there. They ignore rules like quiet hours and checkout times. They don't keep track of their kids. They tromp across others' campsites. They burn plastic in their campfires. Some blatantly let their dogs run loose even though they are required to be on leash at all times. 
     
  3. Fortunately there are many more fun, friendly and interesting folks. They share travel stories, tell fish tales, respect privacy, and are a genuine pleasure to be around. 
     
  4. There are three styles of campsites. The junky ones bring everything they own and scatter it all over the site like a city dump full of toys, appliances, gear, pet cages, trash, shoes, towels, seasonal decorations, extra vehicles, you name it. Minimalists bring things out as they need them, then immediately stow them away. Average sites have a rug, chairs, grill, lights, bikes, and a few bits of neatly arranged gear. 
     
  5. On a row of campsites, odds are the one right next to yours will be occupied even if the others are empty. 
     
  6. Watching kids fishing, laughing, playing, and roasting marshmallows brings a smile to nearly everyone. That being said, why bring squalling babies along on a camping trip? They don't get anything out of it, they annoy the people nearby, and it can't be much fun for mom.
     
  7. There is always at least one person with questionable attire showing some body part in a way that could potentially strike you blind (or make you wish you were). 
     
  8. It's Tennessee: the weather will change and the forecast may be inaccurate. It will probably rain at least one day.
I still love being here, though...it beats working by a long shot!

Monday, September 8, 2014

Contentment

 

con·tent·ment


 : the state of being mentally and physically satisfied with things just as they are
: peace of mind; satisfaction
: a happy or pleased feeling with one's circumstances

It is comforting to be at place in life where you know you can handle whatever comes along. You've cleared unnecessary things and exasperating people out of your path so that you can go your own way. That's contentment. 
 
Some people always strive to be somewhere else or someone else; they will never be truly content. You have to be comfortable with who you are before you can find your way to where you want to be. 
 
Happiness and satisfaction in life come from knowing you are where you belong. That doesn't mean you're stuck in one place, but that you trust yourself to go forward confidently and enjoy the journey.





When you can think of yesterday without regret 
and tomorrow without fear, 
you are near contentment.” 
– unknown


At some point you gotta let go, sit still, 
and let contentment come to you.” 
– Elizabeth Gilbert







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