I appreciate every visit and comment to my blog. Recently this blog outgrew it’s memory for a free blog and I had a few options;
a) quit and start over,
b) pay and get rid of the ads that I had no control over.
I have been blogging for awhile now and my first goal was simply to try, and learn a new skill. Once that goal was accomplished, I realized I was hooked, I wanted to continue.
I was hooked by the kind comments and encouraging readers. Now and then someone out of the blue would say “Hey I read your blog”. It made me light up inside that they liked it enough to mention it.
If they read it occasionally it must not be totally bad, eh?
I couldn’t stop because I would miss you guys, and so I continue posting. Not every day, but I hope often enough you don’t lose interest and I hope not too often that you tire of visiting.
All of this preamble to say; Thanks for reading and keeping this blog alive! ♥ So far 845 posts since 2010 and few different categories for those who want to explore past posts.
Fill your boots and read along.♥♥
TAKING THE LONG WAY
The Okanagan valley where I live is a typical valley. It has mountain ridges on two sides and a string of different lakes stretch in a line like children on a playground holding hands.
The mountain ridge to the west of Penticton is steep. I remember years ago when a small plane taking off from Penticton and heading west to Vancouver crashed and landed in the forests west.
A good friend of mine once showed me just how steep the western side of the valley is. He took me up in his plane and we travelled north up the valley gradually gaining altitude. I knew our destination, Apex Mountain, was only a few miles west of Penticton but we kept going north, and kept gaining altitude.
Finally, he turned the plane and we continued to climb but now going south and west. Our plane had wound it’s way up and then back down the valley in order to climb to the necessary altitude safely.
We circled the ski hill and then he offered to take me back to Penticton direct. He would demonstrate the steep mountain slope by safely flying DOWN that angle of slope instead of UP. There would be no risk of stalling the plane heading down.
I felt like I was leaning heavily forward in this tiny two-seated plane. The trip to the mountain, up and then back down the valley had taken 30 minutes in his swift plane, but the trip direct, down the dizzying angle felt like 60 seconds even though I am sure it was more like ten minutes.
We finally leveled off and I breathed easier, no longer feeling like the plane was in a diving angle.
Definitely I knew I did not want to be in a plane that tried to fly UP that direct rate of angle – unless it was an F-18.
The short cut was a direct route to disaster, the way to success was to Take the Long Way.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Oftentimes I have tried to go the direct route to my goals.
For example I wanted to run a ten kilometre race and was following a proven schedule of gradual increases of walking vs running. I felt like I could jump ahead and so I didn’t follow the graduated plan.
I skipped ahead a few weeks when training for a ten kilometre run, instead of following the well laid out plan. My enthusiasm, and impatience simply lead to injury and weeks of not training at all. I had to start at the beginning again.
But I did learn. I learned to follow the wisdom of a proven plan and being impatient was something I had to learn not to be.
By following the plan I learned I was actually following the best way, the safe way and that the short cut was actually the direction of failure and foolish when it came to training for my running goal.
I learned the hard way not to take the direct route because it was an illusion.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
David’s note – I have shared these two examples but I have many more, and you probably can think of situations yourself when taking a “shortcut” turned out to be a “learning experience” as we often describe it when we fail.
But failure is not a bad thing. I am not a critic of failing.
I admire people who are always trying new things, and challenging themselves. They are the ones doing exciting things and learning exciting things.
You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.
You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
_Eleanor Roosevelt, former 1st lady of the United State
As long as we can fail without permanent repercussions but better we learn from other’s failures. Maybe wisdom is not learning from our mistakes, better that we learn from the mistakes of others.
Have goals,
Have visions,
Have a plan and don’t worry if you Need to Take the Long Way to achievement.
- Thanks again for your time and your visit! ♥ David
Life and Random Thinking 
Hey Dave
Congratulations on the milestone! I’m sure enjoying reading your blog.
Now I have an ear worm: Supertramp’s “Take the Long Way Home”
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Thanks Greg. I took a listen. Never heard of that song before. Thanks for reading! – Dave
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As a newcomer, I’m already enjoying reading it, too! And not a song, but a quote from Durant: “In philosophy, as in politics, the longest distance between two points is a straight line.” 🙂
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I had to read more than twice! Made me think. Thanks!
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Oh my goodness, David, I’m sure glad you’re not going to stop blogging. I love hearing your voice. You always find the positive and the encouraging path to share. And I love your description of the Okanagan Lakes, like children on a playground holding hands! Thanks for being there.
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Thank you Jane. Such an encouraging voice you have, much much appreciated. – David
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Such a great post, and also a great reminder for me on not trying to take those short cuts! Also, 845 posts and blogging since 2010! That’s amazing!
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I appreciate your kind words and feedback. It’s the comments that allow me to connect. Thank you for connecting. – David
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you should come with me next time I go up for a aerial shoot David……..I take the door off! You get used to it but I must admit that when the pilot does a sharp righthand turn and I’m looking straight down It gives me pause.
You will make one million recoverable mistakes in life but only one nonrecoverable mistake!
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Wow! I would need a mouthguard for trip like that cuz I would be gritting my teeth! I never knew you did aerial shoots Wayne. That is awesome! I always imagine you in a kayak silently slicing along shorelines. – David
Be careful !
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https://tofinophotography.wordpress.com/category/aerial-photography/
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I saw the link photos and the photo from the air of Tofino was really neat. I didn’t realize it’s geography – I have yet to visit and that’s why. I am always dealing with health. My wound from my surgery in August is still a problem – it was so big that it is resisting closing. I hope it will gradually in another month and seeing a wound clinic now. The heli flight would have been awesome also. I have been in a helicopter once and it would be great to do a longer tour of the mountains here. A restaurant used to do a promotion here once a year with the helicopter school To raise money for charity. The winner of the draw won a greek meal served on a mountain top in the summer. Meal by restaurant and travel by helicopter!
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💗
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Hi LA. I wonder what you are reading?
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Well, tomorrow is my month in review. But I’m currently reading Horse by Geraldine Brooks, people person by Candice carry Williams, handbook for bad days by Eve line helmink, solito by Javier Zamora, the art of stopping time by peer am shojai, the novel project by Graeme Simsion, bibliophile by Jane mount, the art of noticing by rob walker, and a poetry book
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Looking forward to your list and comments; I have not heard of any of these – David
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Horse is good but not great, and that’s the best of the bunch. On my list today, the top book is my fave
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heading there now! It’s been a day!
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I don’t drink coffee so I figure I can spend the money on a blog instead. I am very frugal but I feel it’s good value. How funny I found your blog today and see a post about whether you will quit blogging or not. Glad you carried on. The life lesson is definitely a good one. I’ve just started back doing a weight routine after a back injury so needed a reminder to start slow. Bernie
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Hi Bernie, we all relate to the old tortoise and the hare story in various ways. But the turtle always finishes the race in good health, and no panic plus enjoys the view along the way. – David
Thank you for writing, and visiting.
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Nice blog Dave! It felt like I was flying with you. Thank you,
Ernie Sheridan http://www.LiveInTheOk.c http://www.LiveInTheOk.comom
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Hi Ernie, I know this post made total sense to you. I was worried I would fail in my explanation. I hope you have a miso day! – David
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I’m so glad you decided to continue writing David, you have a wonderful voice, and I’m always inspired by your stories. Beautiful pic of the lake! Hugs, C
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Thanks Cheryl. The wind is shaking trees today and the leaves are all pointed north. It reminds me of pictures of seaweed being swept by the tide. I am sure you would enjoy the lakes here in all seasons! hugs!
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Hi David,
I love that sunflower!!! It is similar to the one of my blog. I grew that one myself and I thought it was going to be yellow, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was red. It was the first time I had seen a red sunflower.
That plane ride seemed so scary, yet so beautiful.
I also have the tendency to want to skip steps. Either I think I know better or don’t have the patience to follow a slow plan. I am an Aries, I want things now.
If you stopped blogging I would miss you ♥
Blessings!
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Blessings to you also. I was amazed also when I found that sunflower – it looked quite purple in certain light. My yard every summer is filled with sunflowers, and of course birds and bees. I didn’t know it was an Aries thing. hmm. I’m a Libra – I guess it applies to Libras also. Hugs – David
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My dad is a Libra – great people!! 🙂
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My wife, my daughter, my dad are all Libra- lots of pumpkin pie this month ♥
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I’m glad you decided to continue. I would recommend reducing the memory of pictures before uploading them here. And yes, we often learn some life lessons from failing so it’s not really always failing.
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Thanks Pooja. Your suggestion is a good one I have not heard of one regarding the photos – not sure I know how to do that. One of my favorite quotes is called “It’s not the critic that counts” a portion of a larger speech. If people were not willing to fail, and learn, and fight and fail, – what would ever be accomplished? – David
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That quote is absolutely right. I think to decrease the size of images you need to run them through any site or app that can change them to JPG or other smaller files. It’s quite easy. Canva is a good app that offers that.
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Thank you! Are you in Kenya now? I wonder if you would consider adding to your posts a small extra feature from that country. It could be local sayings, favorite dessert, or whatever you want. Just a thought to toss your way.- David
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I am and that’s a great idea, I will definitely do posts like that. I have been sharing some of my favourite restaurants in Kenya if that’s something you would be interested in reading about.
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Food is always an easy and interesting theme – who doesn’t like talking about food. I also think sayings that are local are interesting. Have you heard the Newfoundland expression “fill your boots”? It means – go for it, enjoy yourself to the max.
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Yes I have heard that one and true sayings can be very interesting. Will definitely look into sharing some. Thanks for the idea.
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Of course, thank you for being open to suggestions. – David
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I think your blog profile says you are still in Canada if you want to update it. Also just curious I checked and there are 35 Toastmaster Clubs in Kenya. Guests are free to visit, you might enjoy it.
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Oh I didn’t notice that, will definitely change that when I get a minute. Good idea, I’ve never been there.
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Congratulations on such a successful blog. I’m glad you decided to continue. Mary Pickford said, “And supposing you have tried and failed again and again, you may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing that we call failure is not the falling down, but the staying down.”
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Darlene, Darlene 🙂 – I love quotes and that is the first one from Mary Pickford I have heard. I will make a note of it. Thank you for your gift of the quote and especially for encouraging my posts. Heartfelt appreciation. – David
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“Don’t be afraid to fail.” “You can learn a lot by failing.” And that, my friend, is what is currently wrong (among other things) with education in the U.S. today. I can’t speak for other countries. Administrators want everyone doing the same thing at the same time. No one should try anything different and failing produces failure, not innovation or learning. I hope no one labels your beautiful sunflower as a failure because it is not yellow!!!
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It’s a neat story about the purple sunflower. I heard that there were purple sunflowers and I was excited and wanted to order seeds for 2023. It was like the universe said – no need – this is for you. Thank you Linda, hugs.
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What a blessing!
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Gosh, what an amazing experience, thank you for taking us along with you.
Also, to pick up on something you said in one of the comments. I know you know this, but I just wanted to say that I’ve been though something similar with my partner and while it’s been emotionally draining in the waiting, we are finally out of the woods (until the next time). So I have every confidence that your patience and perseverance will be rewarded likewise. Take care David.
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I tapped my heart reading your words Deb. Hugs, David
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This is a great post. This is the first post of yours I’ve read considering I’m new to WordPress but I feel like I needed to see it. I believe these are great words of wisdom
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Dear Alli, thank you for commenting so I can get to know you. I will look at your blog and I hope you enjoy your blogging. It may surprise you the kind community of bloggers out there. – David
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Hi David,
I am in the same predicament about replacing my site. Do I pay or what?
I enjoy your posts, which leave me asking my self; why don’t I live there?
Keep blogging,
James.
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Hi James, I found that I liked my blog site more when it no longer had the ads and I was able to change my site name also to make it more personal. I am by nature sort of thrifty so I hesitated a week to think it over. Since making the decision I have been happy with it. I have even mentioned to one blogger that their site, which had a very nice message and theme, had ads that they would never have approved so they were a distraction to her theme. Good luck while you think it over, I am glad I decided to pay. – David
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Great advice, Dave. I’ve always taken the longer route because it works for me, even when it sometimes feels like it isn’t.
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Thanks Debra. I suspect you take the longer route because you are a thorough person. I am glad you thought the post idea was great. I appreciate your opinion and encouragement. – David
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So glad you are continuing on! It’s so fun to connect on this platform and get to know others and you feel like a neighbor! Congrats on your milestone! ❤️❤️❤️
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Thank you Wynne. ♥♥♥
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I remember when my blog first outgrew its free place on the internet. It was worth every penny (and still has been with the annual fee) to pay for it. I am not nearing my second need of upgrading for more storage and I am debating what to do! But I love this space, and I get the same warm fuzzies you do when someone I know says they have read my blog.
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Thank you Brittany – hugs. I love the expression warm fuzzies and it’s the truth. I love it when someone says they read my blog and my post meant something to them. – Thank you ♥
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Congratulations on your blogversary! 🎉
I know about flying in the mountains (I am a pilot) and yes, landing in and taking off from the valley needs to be treated with lots of respect. Glad you were able to have that experience.
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Thanks Lynette. You understand completely because you are a pilot and you know the valley. I was pleased the post meant sense to others. – David
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