Welcome to “Life and Random Thinking“, I’m glad you are visiting. 🙂 David
Sun delivers Africa a knockout nap
Yesterday I was in a familiar situation, walking slowly up Giant’s Head Mountain, looking forward and not saying much, just taking deep breaths so that I can keep moving.
I caught myself rounding a corner as I wound up the steep road and I was actually failing to appreciate the vista that was spread out around and below me.
It was a forehead slap moment.
I suppose I could have consoled myself that in an hour I would be walking back down, and I would be more relaxed then and could then appreciate the view. I suppose that would be fine but it made me think.
It made me realize something and so as I walked up yesterday I made sure to notice every view, going up and down.
Slow down, you move too fast
You got to make the morning last
Just kicking down the cobblestones
Looking for fun and feelin’ groovy
Ba da da da da da da, feelin’ groovy
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Looking north from the top. Okanagan Lake down below, way down there! That is my son in the photo.
The fact is that I can get used to my surroundings, and as a result it can be that I fail to appreciate them sometimes.
I imagine that the same happens in beautiful spots worldwide, the Seattle Space Needle, the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Canyon, the pyramids, a beautiful location in Hawaii, or Bali; how long before the appreciation dulls.
Yet it’s still there, fabulous and others are taking pictures and soaking it up moment by moment. It’s human nature and it makes sense.
But I never want to stop appreciating the people in my life.
I am watching little birds in the sunflower plants right now, and I love and appreciate them until they fly off and I do that a dozen times a day.
If I can do that with birds, I can do better at appreciating and noticing people in my life.
Hello, lamppost, what’cha knowin’?
I’ve come to watch your flowers growin’
Ain’t’cha got no rhymes for me?
Doot-in doo-doo, feelin’ groovy
Ba da da da da da da, feelin’ groovy
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
In 1986 I was hospitalized from April to September – when I finally was able to leave, I paused in the alley outside the windows before getting in the car. I just stood there motionless.
I am sure my wife expected me to jump in, and yell “Get me out of here” (or something similar).
She asked me what I was doing, and I told her I was feeling the wind. I was enjoying the movement of air, the freshness I had missed, the air in the hallways was so different than the freedom of the air outside.
Such a simple moment, 34 years ago but it sings out to me still;
- enjoy the moments,
- enjoy the small gifts all around.
- Life is a gift, make sure to unwrap it daily.
I got no deeds to do
No promises to keep
I’m dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep
Let the morning time drop all its petals on me
Life, I love you
All is groovyThe 59th Street Bridge Song
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
everything in the garden looks fresh
Life and Random Thinking 
It’s a true fact that we often overlook the beauty or specialness of what’s around us. I continue to remember my awe-struckness at seeing Niagara Falls the first time and picture that those who live nearby take it for granted. This would be true in any locale – – whether a landmark location or just the scenery of Mother Nature herself. I grew up close to farm country and walkable distance to a dairy, but I’ve seen people from New York have their jaw drop at seeing a “live” cow! We all need to stop and be in awe of what surrounds us, not just what’s “out there” to see!
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I love how you relate to the post. Niagara Falls is a destination for certain but so is the prairies. Stop and be in awe. – love that. Hugs!
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I lived in Penticton years and years ago. Wrote about the monster in Okanagan Lake (forget what it’s called) — good times
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The Ogopogo 👍. You are still a Pentictonite at heart, no matter where you are now. I am glad you remember those times fondly. Thank you sincerely for your interest in my blog. I hope I talk to you again. -David
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Great picture of Dave Jr admiring the view. I know that spot -you can see my house from there!
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I know approximately where your house is but can’t pick it out, rats!
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We rarely appreciate what we have till it’s gone
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Sadly, I have been thinking that also.
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Yes, we need to remind ourselves not to take things for granted. Spouse and I were remarking a few days ago that we never want to take the Okanagan Valley (and many other things and people) for granted. Good post. 🙂
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Thank you Lynette. I am glad to have found your blog.
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Nice piece. I love this “ But I never want to stop appreciating the people in my life.”
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Bless you Chelsea. I so love it when I know what connected to them. 🤗
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Beautiful and what a great reminder… life truly is such a gift
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Thank you Beck. Life is a wondrous gift, my son told me just the odds of being born is about one in 400 Trillion!
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😳 wow! It truly is. But of course I like to think it was my choice to be born.
I’m just glad I had the courage to jump in! 🤗
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Oh, I hadn’t heard that song in so long. Your post is a great reminder to appreciate what we have. We need that reminder in these difficult times. There is always something to be thankful for. I can’t imagine being in the hospital for so long; it certainly gives you a different perspective–the air is moving! Thanks for sharing today!
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I really appreciate you reading and commenting Laura. 😊
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❤️
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♥
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Feeling the wind. I love that. It’s such a simple yet poignant gesture.
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I appreciate your detailed feedback Debra. 🙏
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Yes!!!! Thank you for this reminder
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Dear Lisa, let me remind also to stay hydrated in all the heat 👍🤗David
Keep water handy!
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I get that reminder all the time. 😁😁😁
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