Life and Random Thinking

Three Little Random Thoughts #4 – On The Run – Part 1

Posted on December 10, 2020 by dfolstad58

Welcome to “Life and Random Thinking” – I sincerely appreciate you visiting, as well as your comments and suggestions. – ♥

The theme today: On the Run. As it unfolded, I realized I had more to share than I thought was ideal for my readers, I hope you will enjoy this “Part 1”.

I will be interested to know if you enjoyed it and what you liked. Nudge Nudge ♥

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My first record was “Elvis” and being that my allowance was only 75 cents a week, and my only only income was occasional babysitting, I listened mostly to my parents records the first few years after owning my own turntable.

It was a years before I “car hopped” at White Spot and I could afford favorites; Beatles, Queen, Aerosmith, Three Dog Night and so on.

Fortunately my parents has some remarkable music including Herb Alpert, Kingston Trio, and some awesome instrumental records for movies like :The Good, Bad and the Ugly.

The song following my theme today is “Bad Man’s Blunder” – Kingston Trio. The “Bad Man” is caught at the song beginning while “On The Run.”

(If you love a light happy melody and funny lyrics – enjoy, this is the whipped cream on your hot chocolate!”

When I was arrested, I didn’t have a dime
The sheriff says
Son, you’re ridin’ free this time
Where you’re goin’
You won’t need a cent
‘Cause the great state of Texas
Gonna pay your rent’

Cause where you’re goin’ (I think he means jail)
You won’t need a cent (Well, he knows I’m broke)
‘Cause the great state of Texas (Yippee!)
Gonna pay your rent. (I’m mighty grateful, fellas)

(Click here to listen in a new window)

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The story of this couple legendary couple began and ended in the “Great Depression”, but from what my Grandpa told me, there was nothing “great” about it. People faced hard times, even desperate times. Undoubtedly the economic crisis contributed to the outcome of the doomed twosome.

They died while “On The Run.”

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The intrepid female of this tale was a real person, and she was born October 1, 1910 in Rowena, Texas and her Daddy died when she was four. I imagine she liked school because she won prizes for spelling and writing. This young woman loved the silver screen and like many other young people she dreamed of being a star herself. In fact the police often found her movie star magazines in the stolen cars they recovered.

It was interesting to me when I discovered her poetry, which was really insightful to her life.

Likely her Mother pushed her to marry and at the age of 16 she was married to a minor thief. Within three years they simply lost track of each other, but her real love was to ahead.

She met her beau in 1932 and they were infamous together, and when you remember one, you remember the other.

They were suited for each other in many ways, her beloved was only 5 foot six inches and 125 pounds. She was a mere four foot ten inches and a slight 85 pounds. Her young man’s nickname was “Bud.” Surprisingly to me, Bud loved to sing and play his guitar as he grew up on the farm. Bud even taught himself to play the saxophone but more people connect him to banks than to music.

That same guitar was left behind in a police shootout, and confiscated by the police. They refused to release the guitar when Clyde’s mother requested it back (on behalf of Clyde/Bud).

I am writing about Bonnie Parker, and Clyde Barrow. They had so much in common; from tough beginnings to their physical injuries that literally caused them to lean on each other.

Bonnie was injured by sprayed battery acid when Clyde crashed their car down an embankment and from then on she hopped or was carried by Clyde. Clyde also limped, but his injury was self-inflicted; he chopped off two toes with an axe to avoid overwhelming physical labour while in prison.

Ironically four days later, the governor in response to pleas from his mother. granted him parole which had the effect of reducing his time in prison (he was just 20 years of age) from 14 years to 18 months.

Those missing toes were a problem for him though, he was an amazing get-away driver, to the frustration of the police, and they would have been surprised he had to drive in stocking feet because of his foot injury.

More in my next installment about Bonnie & Clyde – Next will be the betrayal and the demise of the couple, and I will share poetry written by Bonnie. Those were the depression years and how much they stole, and how violent they were is exaggerated. There wasn’t much money to be had in those times and so they were stealing what was merely grocery money, sometimes as little as $80 and never exceeded $1,500.

Even their violence seems exaggerated as you study them because their “hostages” were usually let go and sometimes even given money to get home and apologize for the inconvenience. I am sure this added to the “Robin Hood” legend and frustated the police as also did the poetry that Bonnie sent to the newspapers to publish. – Surprised? I was also.

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At the end of my post today, I just want to leave you with a quote and thank you for your interest. Part 2 will be soon of this post, I hope you enjoyed this one. – David

We're all so busy we don't make time to enjoy our lives, good company and good food.
John Torode

Enjoy life and try not miss it because you are always “On The Run.”

Posted in Just being creative, Three Little Random Thoughts | Tagged Bonnie and Clyde, great depression, kingston trio, on the run, poem, poems, poetry | 10 Comments

Three Little Random Thoughts #3 – Outlook

Posted on December 8, 2020 by dfolstad58

Welcome to my little blog, I am grateful for your interest. I am continuing with this new category on my blog called “Three Little Random Thoughts” – today the theme is “Perspective”. I hope my grey hairs qualify me on this topic. ☻

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When I was a child in Vancouver I took swimming classes during the summer in an outdoor pool, Hastings pool, appropriate as it was on the corner of Hastings Street and Renfrew.

Google picture – sometimes you have to dive in

It wasn’t a huge pool and only open a few months of the year, it was an exciting place to be when you are a pre-teen and in the east side of the “big” city.

I remember walking from home and the pavement got sticky on the hot days of summer, my towel over my shoulder. Those were carefree times, I just had my towel, socks and shoes – life was simple.

The lessons were in the morning and in the afternoon, kids could just splash around.

Every hour the lifeguards would kick everyone out of the pool and the building. There was usually a line-up of kids outside the building waiting to get in. They would be lined up behind a rope like you see people waiting in a bank to see a teller.

If there weren’t too many waiting outside at the end of the hour, I would leave the pool early and get in line before the lifeguards closed the pool. I did that so that I could be let in with the next “bunch” and before everyone got in line ahead of me.

I remember there was a small diving board and a big diving board. The small one was maybe 3 feet over the water surface, but the “big” one was 9 feet over the water. Standing at the side of the pool and looking up at the “high” diving board, it didn’t look that scary. I remember climbing up that aluminum ladder shakily and every single time, it was a lot higher looking down at the pool than it was looking up at the high diving board.

I think now I could have learned a lesson then about perspective, and maybe I did. I am sure kids trivialized the bravery of someone like me who at first was afraid to dive off that high board. They were looking from the outside and from the pool deck.

Now I hope I have learned a few lessons. One is that diving off of a high board, or anything, in life isn’t easy, and two that it’s always a relief to look up and laugh when you are safe in the pool.

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There are places I’ll remember
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone, and some remain
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends, I still can recall
Some are dead, and some are living
In my life, I’ve loved them all
In My Life – The Beatles

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I enjoy reading and often a few books “on the go”. If you enjoy reading as I do, you may have a few favorites.

I never tire of reading “Sherlock Holmes” stories. There are all sorts of what I suppose we think of as “spin offs” from the original created by Arthur Conan Doyle.

I enjoy the language of the historical stories as it rich and I am often adding words to my own vocabulary as a result of reading or taking note of a quote from a story.

I confess that I have been as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than never to learn it at all. – The Man with the Twisted Lip / Sherlock Holmes

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While walking to burn calories I regularly listen to a show called “Under the Influence” – it is a CBC Podcast.

The creator, Terry O’Reilly, has an amazing show, each one about 27 minutes long. He tells stories about various themes related to …. well, see for yourself. Click here

Each episode of his show illustrates amazing research. In one of his episodes he talked about the famous “Wright Brothers” – Wilbur and Orville. Now you may already know the story but did you know that they often argued?

Arguing isn’t special, but how they settled their disputes was. After arguing their point of view, they would switch sides and argue the other brothers point of view.

Isn’t that wonderful? They would actively try to see the points of view of the other brother – resulting in understanding and I assume better decisions.

I think that is “Wisdom”

Wilbur and Orville Wright were American inventors and pioneers of aviation. In 1903 the Wright brothers achieved the first powered, sustained and controlled airplane flight; they surpassed their own milestone two years later when they built and flew the first fully practical airplane.
https://www.history.com/topics/inventions/wright-brothers

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That’s all folks! I hope you are well, developing your own outlook, wisdom and perspective. – David

Posted in Just being creative, Three Little Random Thoughts | Tagged outlook, research, Sherlock Holmes, swimming, The Beatles, Three Little Random Thoughts, Under the Influence | 28 Comments

How do you eat an elephant?

Posted on November 28, 2020 by dfolstad58

My elephant that I want to eat is “weight” right now.

It will take steps, lots of steps – too many steps for one day. Just like the elephant of learning a new language, or creating a new habit. Digestible chunks a bit at a time.

I will be parking at the far end of parking lots or even a block away. No elevators, only stairs. I went out and bought waterproof walking boots yesterday so even the days of slush ahead won’t deter this stepper from his route.

Whatever you want to change, I encourage you to find a way to break it down into pieces. Take steps toward your goal, even small steps in the right direction are progress. Hugs !

Life and Random Thinking

No, I’m absolutely not proposing a new kind of Atkins diet where you eat elephants. Yuck! It’s a metaphor for accomplishing a big task. The answer is in small bites(and probably chew thoroughly) 🙂

Really what I am talking about is slowly achieving tasks, like:

riding a bike,
learning a language,
public speaking
training your body (or mind)
developing a new skill.

When we do gradually invest time in an activity over a long period, we gradually build up our comfort level and learn easily, digestible chunks!

The first time you drove a car, you were scared, stiff movements but now getting in and driving is totally relaxed.

The same thing learning to ride a bike, at first you wobbled and weaved, but as you invested time, gradually it was something that no longer made you nervous at all. Hop on, and off!

The same for so many things, I…

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Posted in Just being creative | 8 Comments

Three Little Random Thoughts – #2 Wounded

Posted on November 15, 2020 by dfolstad58

Welcome back to my blog, and the 2nd post in this new category of “Three Thoughts.”

Africa wondering why I’m taking her picture.

In the last few years I have been referred to something called the “Wound Clinic“. The staff there are amazing at helping people deal with healing of chronic wounds. Each visit they took pictures, treated me, and even the bandages were excellent as they came off, because they removed painlessly!

I am grateful for their help, advice, and attention at each visit, they even treated me on Sundays when the building was closed. They would make an appointment, let me in and treat me. Kind of mind blowing being able to go on a Sunday, and be done in 20 minutes heading home.

You and I no doubt are now thinking along the same lines. Many people need help with healing – it would be so nice if there were wound clinics especially for the invisible chronic wounds, and bandages that worked for them.

Those people are in my thoughts today – I wish healing and help for those who are carrying those tragic wounds, invisibly.

I wish them each help, and healing and encourage them not to give up hope.

Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do any good in the world. ~ Helen Keller

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One book I have read a book is called “LINCOLN on Leadership – “Executive Strategies for Tough Times (written by Donald T. Phillips). I highly recommend it, super historical and yet applicable today especially for those in leadership positions.

Abraham Lincoln was largely self-taught, and his mother died when he was young. Yet his achievements and his legend grows.

He didn’t have the advantages of academics lining up to guide him, and he started his first Presidency forced into war that had begun before he was sworn in.

In this book the author shares the modern Leadership principles that Abraham Lincoln mastered before they were identified as principles.

My quote today President Lincoln comes from his 2nd inaugural address, 41 days before he was assassinated. I am sure many Americans will recognize these words.

They seem so apt right now. I wonder how readers interpret his words, the war was nearly over, effectively ending April 9, 1865.

I believe he was calling his nation to heal, tough stitches certainly to close the wounds, but those are the steps towards getting better.

"With malice toward none with charity for all with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right let us strive on to finish the work we are in to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan ~ to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations." - March 4, 1865

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Lastly a few photos of the signs that you see if you walk along either of the lakes in Penticton.

I see these signs as I walk or ride along and they are “muy bonito”. ♥

Thanks for visiting today, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions – David

Posted in Just being creative, okanagan related, Three Little Random Thoughts | Tagged abraham lincoln, Africa the cat, healing, lincoln, Signs | 9 Comments

Three Little Random Thoughts – #1: Ordinary DaZe

Posted on November 14, 2020 by dfolstad58

Lots of ordinary days lately, and all special.

Here in my little town (pueblo – I am studying espanol) named Penticton the season of autumn is doing it’s “thing“.

Leaves have fallen, are fallen, and are yet to fall. I have been in the backyard raking leaves with my wide new leaf rake. (I get excited about small things – that rake is fantastic ♥)

I feel like the tree is laughing at me though. While I am raking it drops more leaves one at a time exactly where I just raked, to ruin my freshly raked look. Oy vey

After I go inside, it waits patiently until the sun sets around 4:30 and then shakes a fresh coat of leaves to cover my briefly pristine grass.

I thought it was the wind, but now I am sure the leaves shaking is because the tree is chuckling. But the last laugh will be mine, because the tree is running out of leaves; albeit gradually.

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Here is some pictures I hope you will enjoy; all taken locally in Penticton.

Click here if you want to learn where Penticton is.

The first photo below is along the Okanagan lake in Peachland, about 25 minutes north of where I live.

Such nice names for communities north of Penticton; Summerland and Peachland.

The other pictures are just from walks lately. I walk every day, usually a few times a day and sometimes after dark. I need to burn those calories, and that means getting out there and taking steps.

A few days recently I have been out on my bike also, thank heaven for the invention of fleece balaclava ‘s. My face stays warm even if the rest of me feels a little numb. ♥

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In 2006 I had been working at my job for 26 years. That is a long time, I definitely could and did communicate for work.

At work there was an Open House, and a speaker there told us about Toastmasters. It sounded interesting and it was about learning to be comfortable speaking and more. I was intrigued. I didn’t want to improve my speaking and confidence for work, I wanted to do it for myself, for the events in life I consider more important than w-o-r-k.

I decided to join Toastmasters so I can speak “whenever” I wanted to; that included family events, happy and sad. I am glad I did. I have spoken many times now on behalf of the family, and each time I was grateful to do so.

Looking back I am glad I didn’t settle for my “good enough” level of confidence and public speaking.

I mention this for anyone who is already “good enough” at communicating at their jobs, or personal events.

I never look for a plumber, barber, surgeon or dentist and settle for “good enough” – so I decided to join Toastmasters in 2006. I never had a clue then I would enjoy it so much I would still be active as a member 14 years later.

What is Toastmasters? It’s a worldwide learning organization since 1924 – people have been learning and bettering themselves for decades and having an amazing time while doing so.

Click here to visit Toastmasters.org and learn more.

Visit a club near you for free – since Toastmasters Internation is in 143 countries there are tens of thousands of clubs and one could be near you! You can attend Toastmasters meeting near you using “Zoom” – plus you can be a guest and learn what it’s about “for free”.

This link is for my Toastmasters Club – Penticton Toasties.

There are three kinds of people in this world; people who make it happen, people who watch what happens, and people who wonder what happened. – Tommy Lasorda

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Thanks for visiting today! – Hugs to my friends who read regularly and leave a like and comment. I hope you are enjoying YOUR ordinary DaZe also. ♥

Suggestions and feedback are super welcome – David

Posted in okanagan related, Thinking Out loud, Three Little Random Thoughts, Toastmasters | Tagged autumn, confidence, good enough, Learning, leaves, Penticton, Self Improvement, Toastmasters | 26 Comments

A Rare Book – Grizzled Miners and Dance Hall Girls

Posted on October 29, 2020 by dfolstad58

Book recommendations are rare for me.

Regardless I want to share a recommendation about an exceptional book. I hope you won’t mind too much. If you investigate and love it, that would please me very much.

The first time I read this book, the copy I read was obviously well read, the pages were soft from being passed along and read, then reread. It was actually the well read condition of the book that intrigued me and caused me to buy that second-hand copy and read it. I loved it and gave it away to someone to read after I gushed passionately about how interesting I found it.

Recently this book again came to mind, and I wanted to re-read it so I borrowed it again from the Penticton library. This time I found it in my library. Yay ! I love libraries!

In 1907 Laura left her comfortable life in Toronto to teach in a Yukon mining town, Dawson City which was nicknamed “Paris of the North“.

The book is “I MARRIED THE KLONDIKE” by Laura Beatrice Berton

I SUPPOSE in everyone’s life there eventually comes a moment when one’s future is suddenly changed. My own moment came one hot morning in Toronto in the summer of 1907. A voice on the telephone asked if I could leave at once to take charge of the kindergarten in Dawson City. As the salary offered was four times what I’d been getting I accepted immediately. Men rushed to the Klondike for riches; why not a 29-year-old schoolma’am?
My plan was to go for just one year and then return to Toronto. But I was never to live in Toronto again. I could not know that I would marry a sourdough, drive across the roof of the world in an open sleigh, spend a three-month honeymoon in a tent, raise a family in the north, Boat down the Yukon in a poling boat and live for twenty-five unconventional years in the unconventional little city of Dawson. If I had been transplanted to another planet the contrasts could not have been stranger.

Just over 225 pages, this is a soft covered paper book, and for me it was not a long read.

The book is humorous, and filled with stories of the hard life of this small city, it’s isolation, the unexpected grandeur and it captured my heart.

It did so because of the warm writing style, much like a journal of events and personal discovery. So much did I enjoy it, I want others to enjoy it also.

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As I get ready to publish this I am realizing that this book, I Married The Klondike may be hard to find. – Click here for help and itunes.

If you want to read more about the Klondike Gold Rush, her son Pierre Berton was a writer and a historian of the highest acclaim and success. Please seek out one of his Klondike books as an alternate, and you have many to choose from. I found a list of his writing on his Wikipedia page here.

Not in the mood for a book? – click here ♥ for delightfully narrated video by Pierre Berton. He shares about the city where he was born, the Paris of the North – learn about Whisky Hill and the men and the women in the video called City of Gold.

There will never again be a gold rush like the Klondike, where the excitement was such that nearly 1000 of the 4000 people in Seattle set out to the north, for fortune and attempt to overcome desperately difficult challenges.