Life and Random Thinking

A map is worth 100,000 words

Posted on August 10, 2020 by dfolstad58

Thanks for visiting “Life and Random Thinking”

Africa is focused on something, and she is outside! Don’t worry, she will soon be relaxing indoors, queen of her domain very soon.

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More than once a day when I am reading

and commenting on blog posts, I think “I should share this post!”

Today I was reading “Robby Robin’s Journey” and I wanted to share it because I enjoyed her creative post, and so there is link below for you to teleport there and read her blog.

The maps in her post today were perfect for that often quoted statement “A picture is worth a thousand words”.

A map must be worth 100,000 words because I couldn’t imagine trying to explain in any real way what a map is capable of sharing.

It takes a few moments of pondering but it’s worth it.

Perhaps the only other thing that communicates more instantly is a hug, how many words in a hug? A trillion or so?

my son and daughter, awhile back 🙂

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Pretty Please enjoy a visit to Robby Robin’s Journey today and see why “A map is worth is worth 100,000 words – Click below –

Map Monday: more fun with maps, playing with population densities

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Enjoy your day, thanks for coming by! – David

Posted in guest blog posts, Just being creative, Thinking Out loud | Tagged Communication, hugs, maps, Robby Robin, words | 13 Comments

Just a girl at a campfire 41 years ago

Posted on August 6, 2020 by dfolstad58

Those were simpler times

Forty-one years ago.

It was the summer of 1979 and I joined a youth group who went into the woods outside Kamloops for a campfire and sing some songs.

She was “just a girl at a campfire” and I didn’t say hello even or catch her eye.

She was “just a girl at a campfire” but a few days later I dreamt about her, but couldn’t recall the dream.

My friend, Randy, was a fleek water skier and he invited me to join him water skiing on the river. When Randy drove up to pick me up, in the back seat of his car was that girl, the one from the campfire. Playing matchmaker, Randy pressured us to sit in the back together, which was a hardship I was happy to endure, with that girl.

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A sunny day, on a dock with that girl,

the one I saw at a campfire, not a date, more than a date; a test and I wrote about on my blog before – you can read it here by clicking.

sweet 8

I have written before about the significance of August 6 before

including this post five years ago. Click here for that one if you may.

I love all the pictures in that post. ♥

Happy 1st date Anniversary to that girl from the campfire!

Fairy tales can come true
It can happen to you if you’re young at heart
For it’s hard, you will find
To be narrow of mind if you’re young at heart

– Young at heart (Frank Sinatra)

Posted in family, Just being creative | Tagged anniversary, campfire, first date, kamloops | 22 Comments

The Golden Rule is #1

Posted on August 4, 2020 by dfolstad58

Thank you for visiting “Life and Random Thinking” today. – David

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dave sr young

When I was little I visited my Baba and Guido in Kindersley, Saskatchewan. If you have never heard of that place I understand. Kindersley is not a major city. I visited my grandparents there when I was about 1965. Baba and Guido had me all to myself for about a month in the summer.

It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about small town life, and as I have previously mentioned my grandparents before.

Click here to read more about these wonderful people.

The lessons I remember Baba teaching me were simple ones but essential in my opinion.

Please and Thank-you are not optional words.
The Golden Rule is #1

The first rule above seems obvious. Use our manners say “please” and “thank you”.

It is how we show respect, appreciation, and give recognition and it should be automatic regardless of whether a person is doing their job.

How she taught me or reminded me.

Baba took me to a restaurant and she bought me a glass of coca-cola. I was about 6 or 7 years old and I reached for the drink. Baba stopped me, and nicely called the waitress back. She asked me if I knew what to say to the lady. I remembered then and said thank you. Baba smiled and let me drink. (it makes me smile now – I am sure I needed to be reminded of this lesson a few times but she was always sweet.)

As a grizzled veteran of life now, I see the value of manners especially when I see the difference that proper manners make and it saddens me when I see it lacking.

The second rule is The Golden Rule is #1.

I really think the Golden Rule is related to Please and Thank You. It is how you behave towards others.

I really think it also has to do with how as people we should place an equal emphasis on responsibilities as we do on rights.

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newspaper

This leads to an article I read in the Globe and Mail newspaper recently by Frank Ching.

Frank Ching is a journalist in Hong Kong and his article was called “Why Eastern countries are more successful in fighting COVID-19″

A quote from the article.

To a large extent, it has to do with societal values. The West generally and the United States in particular focuses on the individual, the rights, freedoms and accomplishments of men and women. In Confucian society, the emphasis is on the community, and an individual is taught to put the group’s interests ahead of his or her interest.

In East Asia, the acceptance of masking for hygiene is almost universal, and has been the case for a while. There is recognition of its value where public health is concerned. Even where governments don’t mandate it, people voluntarily don the face covering, considering it a matter of courtesy to others as much as protection for oneself.

Confucian societies emphasize harmony and discipline. Rights are generally coupled with responsibilities.

Both the Chinese and the American constitutions set out protections for rights, though the implementation is quite different in the two countries.

The Chinese constitution is notable for coupling rights with responsibilities. For example, Article 51 declares: “Citizens of the People’s Republic of China, in exercising their freedoms and rights, may not infringe upon the interests of the state, of society or of the collective, or upon the lawful freedoms and rights of other citizens.”

Thus, rights are to be exercised in a responsible manner; an individual’s rights are subordinate to the community’s rights.

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The willingness by Asian countries to wear masks for hygiene and respect for others is part of their culture, and lead to the wonderful results in declining exposure and deaths from Covid.

In his article Frank Ching points out that Western countries have not been as successful as Asian countries in dealing with the pandemic due to their emphasis on individual rights.

What do you think?

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The Golden Rule and the (click to read) Confucian rules to live by seem to me to be identical.

Baba was right “treat others as you would like to be treated” and remember to say “Please” and “Thank you”.

Thanks Baba, again. – David

memory 2

Posted in family, Thinking Out loud | Tagged baba, confucius, covid, Golden rule, manners, please, thank you | 25 Comments

Running on Empty – refill regularly

Posted on August 3, 2020 by dfolstad58

Africa……. What are you thinking?

When I was eighteen and starting driving more

than just to work and back home, I was counselled to never let my gas tank go below half-full. I remembered his advice, and when on road trips I also used to keep track of spaces on the highways in the USA where there were fewer gas stations.

I believe there was one area south of Bakersfield, CA on the interstate #5 where I noticed there were no gas stations for nearly 175 miles so I temporarily took a different highway.

Instead of going through the mountains there on the interstate I went around to the east through a number of small towns and on the map it was 50 miles shorter, bonus! , plus felt more relaxed.

Today I am thinking about gas tanks,

and I remember that running out of gas is a stressful mind space to be in. Ever since I was nearly stranded on a gravel road out of gas, I am more aware of my gas tank. That one time, my gas tank had been hovering below empty for ten minutes. It’s all I could think about! The last 30 minutes of that drive on back roads had me tight like a guitar string. Finally I found a gas station but by then I was all tense and, super stressed. I pledged that day I would avoid that feeling from then on, and be more careful.

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What if I had a “calm” tank or an “empathy” tank?

I haven’t heard the sound for a long time, but in some cars when the gas tank gets really low, there is a “bong” and a light on the dashboard. A warning to catch my attention.

I could use a warning to remind me when my calm tank needs a walk in nature.

Thick moss like a carpet in the Flats loop

Rhododendron Flats

At Bromley Rock, the water is high and cold!

I wish you could smell the fresh air

I could use that alert also to remind me to refill my “empathy” tank, and give more understanding.

I don’t usually go below a quarter of tank in my car,

I fill up with gas around then and as a consequence I don’t need to look at the gas gauge for at least a few days. Yay ! A full tank leaves me relaxed, and more confident while driving, one less thing to be concerned about.

I think that is where checking my Calm tank, and Empathy tank periodically makes sense. – I am going to be more conscious of my calm tank, and empathy gauge.

If they are getting low, I will heed the gauge warnings and refill quickly.

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Thank you for visiting “Life and Random Thinking” today – definitely filing this one away under the category “Thinking Out Loud“. – hugs! – David

Posted in Thinking Out loud | Tagged calm, choices, empathy, empty, full tank, gas tank, gauge, habits, relax | 22 Comments

Power of Words – you already have it

Posted on August 1, 2020 by dfolstad58

Africa has found a spot in the sun, and it knocked her out!

Words, we use them every day

and think nothing of it. But words can have power. They can encourage, educate, support, slash or inspire.

If you are like me, you probably underestimate the effect that your words have on the people around you.

I know I never thought about it, I’m not Winston Churchill or thought of myself as a person of influence, … but I am, and so are you.

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“You have no idea how long something you say can stay inside someone’s mind.” – Scarlett Leithold

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A long time ago I was reminded of a forgotten conversation by a young man. He had been a camper when I was a camp counselor and he reminded me of a discussion I had had with him which he never forgot. I was touched. I never knew my words could be memorable. He reminded me that we had had a discussion about music lyrics, and I had expressed my opinion about their importance and their effect. He reminded me of that, and I learned something that day. I felt grateful that I had said something positive, something memorable. I was surprised that he remembered.

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Recently I shared a toastmaster speech called The Power of Words in a recent email to some of my friends and contacts.

PLEASE Click on the title hear this special speech.

Please watch this video, I have watched it a dozen times, the speaker is 2015 World Champion Mohammed Qahtani.

Who is Mohammed Qahtani?

He is a Saudi Arabian engineer, he won the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking in 2015. Qahtani, won after several eliminating rounds that took six months with 30,000 participants from more than 100 countries.

Growing up he suffered from severe stuttering but he was able to overcome it by facing his fears, pushing the envelope and performing on stage.

He is passionate about public speaking and stand up comedy. He has participated in several conferences around the world where he inspires people to chase their dreams and he presents in Arabic and English.

He is successful both in engineering and public speaking and is a certified programmer from Microsoft and SAP, certified database administrator from Oracle and Microsoft, and certified advance speaker Gold from Toastmaster international.

He helps people achieve their dreams.

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You and I have the opportunity though to brighten someone’s day, to let that person know you notice them, see them, and that you appreciate the time they share with you.

Those opportunities are yours and mine frequently.

I remind myself, and I encourage you to seize those opportunities. If you need help in building your confidence in speaking, visit a Toastmasters club to learn how.

You and someone in your life might be tremendously thankful you developed that confidence in speaking, and communicating.

One day, someone may stop you and say

” You probably don’t remember this, but I will never forget that day when you encouraged me, it changed my life.”

Won’t you be glad you spoke up, and used your power of words.

It is a Power that you have now, the power of words; The ability to share your feelings, to make yourself heard, or to plant a seed.

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Thanks for visiting “Life and Random Thinking” today. – I hope you enjoy the speech by Mohammed just 7 minutes in length. – David

Posted in Just being creative, Thinking Out loud, Toastmasters | Tagged encouragement, inspire, mohammed quatani, plant a seed, power of words, share, Toastmasters | 19 Comments

In my sleep

Posted on July 31, 2020 by dfolstad58

Chipmunks like this are seen on Giant’s Head mountain in Summerland

Welcome to Life and Random Thinking

– the blogs I write are borne out of things people say, things I see, as a result I have categories on my blog like “Thinking Out Loud“.

I may need a new category for my blog named- “songs I wake up singing“.

It doesn’t happen every day or even every week but I regularly, but not often, wake up singing.

Today I was singing “Kodachrome” by Paul Simon when I woke up.

kodachrome

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I was up late last night, tempted by my son I went out for a late night ride about 10 p.m. – we zoomed around town silently with our lights on our bikes. It was delicious, warm wind and it was probably 25 degrees.

Yesterday I was up at 5 am but today I lollygagged in bed until 7:30ish and when I woke up for some reason I was singing these lyrics.

They give us those nice bright colors
They give us the greens of summers
Makes you think all the world’s a sunny day, oh yeah

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My earliest recollection of the Kodachrome song

would be I think when I was in grade 9, maybe 1973? (I should check when this song was released, hmmm?)

In 1973 I lived in East Vancouver, I was attending Vancouver Technical High School.

Vancouver Technical

My home was on the top of hill on 4th Avenue, and my best friends John and Blaine walked together with me to school. One of the small moments in time that I look back at now very fondly.

Blaine was the best at knowing about music and he knew the words to the song Kodachrome and I had memorized them as well. It was beautiful sunny day and I still recall walking along the peak of the hill, along Nootka street and then west on 5th avenue as we headed to school.

You know you have a special friend when they sing with you, and Blaine sang songs with me in the car and he played softball also.

A great guy. and I have posted before about those moments and you can click to see the post.

When I think back
On all the crap I learned in high school
It’s a wonder
I can think at all
And though my lack of education
Hasn’t hurt me none
I can read the writing on the wall

Kodachrome

They give us those nice bright colors
They give us the greens of summers
Makes you think all the world’s a sunny day, oh yeah
I got a Nikon camera
I love to take a photograph
So mama, don’t take my Kodachrome away – Paul Simon

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Photography of course has changed,

from very few photos being taken in my grandfather’s day who was born in 1914 and those were black and white. My Dad who was born in 1938 took photos sparingly and those are all so appreciated by us today. Now today with digital photographs and everyone has a camera it seems everyone is taking photos with abandon.

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Below are some photos I want to share from a recent walk in the Okanagan where I live. I know you will love to the view, I certainly did – pretend you are with us ♥ It’s hot, so bring water. 🙂

This walk was on the east side of the valley on the old KVR (Kettle Valley Railway) trail. The tracks are gone but traces remain including the tunnels and trestles that are north of where I was walking – 23 trestles of all sizes in Myra Canyon and you can walk or cycle them.

This walk was just under 10 km to the tunnel and back and you can see we are quite high up and have a plane viewpoint.

Kettle Valley Railway Trail

Here is a Youtube link of riding the trestles.

Definitely cycling the Myra Canyon is one of the secrets of the Okanagan that many people don’t experience. I have even met tourists from Europe there however and they were loving the experience.

I added some captions for you on the photos and some links in the post for anyone who is interested especially international visitors, – happy trails!

Thanks for visiting- David

At the mouth of cave looking down the valley, at the far end of Okanagan lake is Penticton. Sheer drop here !

near the beginning of the hike before we got higher

Our group of five were getting tired by the time we reached the tunnel which was our 5 km turnaround destination.

Looking down from the tunnel – way down there at the far end is Penticton, this is from Naramata and opposite from Summerland. Downhill basically all the way home, wahoo