Attitude – it changes perspective

Posted on November 24, 2012 by dfolstad58

I watched a British movie last night called “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel“[this link is to more quotes from the movie]. I was hoping to see my wife laughing to the point where she gets tears in her eyes. Alas, not this time.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There is one point in the movie where one of the dowagers asks a man why he likes India so much and his answer made me think.  (the hotel is in India, and the hotel lacks most of the 5 stars the guests anticipated).

Many quotes in this movie, but I will share just three: In the first one, Jean has been hiding out at the hotel all day, every day, reading a book while Graham has been exploring every day.

Jean: “How can you bear this country? What do you see that I don’t?”
Graham: “The light, colors, the smiles, it teaches me something.”

Continuation of the above discussion regarding what was striking and appealing about India:  “The way people see life as a privilege and not as a right.”  [I really liked this comment, and it is true the people in India seemed very content]

Norman is a senior’s senior but is quite transparent about his love for the ladies, and desire for more than a platonic friendship.

Madge: “You’re not worried about the danger of having sex at your age?”
Norman: “If she dies, she dies…”

And on that note – attitude makes life everything especially better, what else can we control?

If you rent the movie, I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks for reading, hope you have a great day.

And now for Elton John fans – Bennie & the Jets , and then try not to hum this song all night long !

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Black Friday So What?

Posted on November 23, 2012 by dfolstad58

My newspaper yesterday was stuffed with ads from business intent on luring people to spend money they hadn’t planned on just because it was a Super deal.

I get that people are going to spend money at Christmas, buying gifts, entertaining friends, acquaintances, family, and others. But why start early? Lots of opportunity to spend money, incredible sale price, too good to be true are just slogans and mean nothing.

Personally and also I believe to my friends and family; Christmas is more than gifts, not to say I don’t enjoy a thoughtful gift but that is not what the season means to me, and the holiday is not just an opportunity to give or to get, but to connect.

Did you get that word? it is connect, share, bond, cherish.

monopoly

monopoly (Photo credit: rustybrick)

Just imagine what would happen if you only gave gifts to those family and friends that you know stand head and shoulders above the rest. Ask yourself a few questions to find out what kind of family or friends you have;

  • Do they phone for no reason, just because they are thinking of  you and haven’t talked to you in awhile?
  • If you were in the hospital, would they visit and sneak in real food?
  • If you were moving, would they help you pack? Would they be there on moving day hours before the moving van?
  • Do they say a little prayer for you every day?
  • Do they remember your birthday without being invited over for cake?

Friendship quote I like –

A stranger stabs you in the front; a friend stabs you in the back; a boyfriend stabs you in the heart, but best friends only poke each other with straws.

I have good friends, and wonderful family and some of each. I bet you do too. Black Friday is just about helping stores move into the ‘black”, not about giving you a deal. My thought anyway.  Too much consumerism already; let’s just have everyone over, and play monopoly.

Thanks for reading this post. I love it when someone leaves a comment, or a suggestion;  and it’s wonderful if you actually hit the subscribe button for future posts.  Just hit the little button that says “Sign me UP” on the right hand margin.  Take care. 

 

 

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And the Inspiring beat goes on, Animal beat the drums!

Posted on November 16, 2012 by dfolstad58
Swedish Chef

Swedish Chef (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I wonder if I could write a book.  I remember my writing in high school and although I thought it was interesting reading; I doubt I would think so if I read it now.

 

 

I read an interesting history fact the other day, it was the anniversary of Sesame Street. The first telecast being November 10, 1969.   Although my kids never watched Sesame Street, I enjoyed as a teenager watching the Muppets on TV.

 

When my  daughter Mandy was young, we memorized the Count’s method of doing the alphabet so we knew multiple musical versions to teach the alphabet to her. It was fun, although I didn’t do The Count justice.

I am fortunate that my parents inspired in me such a love of reading, and in turn I hope I have inspired my children.  Sesame Street likely inspired many readers, through humor and colorful characters; and along the way inspired many smiles and tearful laughter.

 

 

 

 

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Lessons Learned Slowly

Posted on November 16, 2012 by dfolstad58
Map indicating locations of Botswana and South...

Map indicating locations of Botswana and South Africa (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

More than a week since my last blog, although I have had some ideas for some posts but am spending more time reading these days.  A few weeks ago I asked one of the librarians to recommend to me some authors.

I am enjoying a series of light mysteries now by Alexander McCall Smith, and presently reading “In the company of Cheerful ladies” but this is not the first book of the series, I am up to about book #4.  The books are lighthearted, whimsical, and even droll at times. The author writes in first person as a “traditionally built” Motswana woman in Botswana, Africa. She starts her own detective agency and using kindness, and common sense solves multiple problems that come her way. The book is educational as it unobtrusively teaches you about Botswana, and I often laugh at loud at the simple humor.  Very nice and easy to recommend.  I’d love to hear your impression of this author’s work, and use the highlighted links to learn more about either the book or the author, you may be further intrigued.

What about today’s Subject line? Lessons learned slowly? I shall not delve too deeply but I was challenged recently to “have a speech in my back pocket so that I could be called upon on short notice” and it brought to mind a lesson I learned recently which I will write out and practice soon.

Perhaps I should start that speech by reciting the following:

 

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters

Chapter One
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost …. I am helpless.
It isn’t my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter Two
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend that I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in this same place.
But, it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter Three
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in … it’s a habit … but, my eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

Chapter Four
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

Chapter Five
I walk down another street.

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters, by Portia Nelson

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What Ripples Have You Made Today?

Posted on November 5, 2012 by dfolstad58
English: Screenshot of Jimmy Stewart and Donna...

English: Screenshot of Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed in the American film It’s a Wonderful Life (1946). The film lapsed into the public domain in the United States due to the failure of National Telefilm Associates, the last copyright owner, to renew. See film article for details. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

My friends, What Ripples have you made today?  How have you influenced and inspired someone? Has someone else done or said something today that resonated with you?

“It’s a Wonderful Life” – the movie I watch every Christmas starring Jimmy Stewart, is a wonderful example of the “Ripple Effect” and we all have one, we can’t avoid it.

I am so fortunate to have just returned from a Toastmasters Conference, the theme being “The Ripple Effect”.  Nice to have the reminder, that none of move through life invisibly.

You likely are unaware, as we all are, the effect you have had on your family and friends, and even strangers. I know the effect my friends, and family have on me, as much as I enjoy a little holiday ~ it isn’t many days before I am in need of a recharge.

Only my family and friends can do that, I am starved after just a few days for the hug, the smiles, the interest in my journey that brings me from “low power – recharge soon” to ” ready to face the world.

I hope your day was wonderful.

This is a cute video taken at a train station in Antwerp – I love that so many people can plan and execute such a fun event. I can only imagine for they laugh and enjoy the thrill of planning, and execution for a long time.

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Adventures of Super Dave (to be continued)

Posted on October 6, 2012 by dfolstad58
Doctor No.... Classics Illustrated?

Doctor No…. Classics Illustrated? (Photo credit: Felix_Nine)

I noted on Facebook that October 5, 2012 was the 50th anniversary of James Bond. Since 1962 and Doctor No this fictional character created by Ian Fleming has been part of movie culture. I was surprised that the number of movies is 22, and # 23 will be out soon, called Skyfall.

I know I have been enjoying the lad from Eton, reading and re-reading the original novels and the many copycat authors, like the actors who played 007, some were better than others.

Personally in my mind, there is no contest ~ Sean Connery was the first and the best in the role. Pierce Brosnan was good also but he seemed to tire quickly of the role, worried about being typecast perhaps?

My original comment about 007 kindled a friend to wish me many more “Super Dave” adventures. I may not chase pretty women in speedboats down the Thames River, but whatever the future holds I look forward to taking on the challenge.  No time like today for taking on a new experience and I certainly don’t worry about failure as an excuse. If a person isn’t failing occasionally then he really isn’t trying new things right?

And speaking of new things, my list of places to go now includes Quebec City, Montreal  and Ottawa – hopefully all three in 2013.  I’m due.

One last comment since I been off blog awhile. I am especially reminded lately of the strong beneficial effect of loving friends and family on my health.  I am so fortunate. Thank you.

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