Life and Random Thinking

Mona Lisa

Posted on December 19, 2016 by dfolstad58

Looking back this was a post published six years ago but it received no likes or comments. I edited it for 2016 and removedo the youtube link to nat King Cole singing Mona Lisa but if want to enjoy that song use this link https://youtu.be/EG-A_qTAKEI

dawn 1 Google image

Sunset or dawn ~ I guess it depends on your perspective. 2016 is facing it’s sunset but the 2017 year is fast approaching dawn.

2012-01-23 13.42.46 winter scene along Okanagan lake

For some it has been a year of celebrations, graduation, new milestones and for an equal portion it has been a year of challenges, and disappointment. For most, I hope, it has been a year full of lessons, and real joyful times.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
Mark Twain

As I begin each year I do so with the intent to do more. I will try to be more free with compliments and smiles, frugal in my complaints and criticisms.

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I am, but I’m not

Posted on December 16, 2016 by dfolstad58

This gallery contains 6 photos.

Originally posted on Life and Random Thinking:
It’s nice when you can get them, meals that is. I am only part Hobbit I suspect, the part that likes second breakfasts. When you get up early like I tend to do,…

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What Sparks your memories?

Posted on December 15, 2016 by dfolstad58

This is from the category favorite posts, Christmas is a time of sparks, do you not agree?

Life and Random Thinking

Our minds are interesting organs. They retain our memories including poems we learned in school, songs we sang along with the radio (wrong lyrics and all). I will be listening to a song I haven’t heard for decades but my brain can still revive the memories so I can sing along.

I was thinking of memory sparks today. Memory sparks are anything that makes you think of a certain person, song, or event.

One spark for me is donuts, and it doesn’t matter what kind of donut either. When I see a donut I remember Jelly Bellies – it was small outlet under the Bentall Centre in Vancouver. The memory is myself and my Dad laughing at the name as we did our lunchtime stroll through the tunnel under the building. We laughed a lot on our walks and most of the time it didn’t seem to take much…

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Happiness is …..

Posted on December 10, 2016 by dfolstad58

If you go to Google Images and type in “Happiness Is” – you will see that Happiness is many things.

poppy-seed-muffin As I sat enjoying a lemon poppy seed muffin (or 2) this morning, I realized that this also could be a “Happiness Is” moment. Really good!

But I realized that it was really a combination of many things that made me feel happiness.

The peacefulness in my life sure helps despite my personal health trials and concerns. The love and support from family and friends is certainly a factor. I also contribute some happiness to consciously trying to cultivate a feeling of being content despite the media pressure to buy, upgrade and consume.

There are many temptations advertised but instead of going shopping, I am going to seek simpler and less expensive pleasures, like enjoying the beautiful snow outside. It is too cold to make snowmen and the cold keeps the snow light like a feather.

A snowflake can land on your sleeve and if your eyes are quick you can pick out the amazing design on that snowflake.

Despite the nuttiness of people during black friday sales, and the frustration of trying to find parking in malls, underneath it all there is the desire to slow down, unplug, and just relax and be together.

Ahh, maybe that is the true zenith of Happiness, being relaxed with those closest to your heart. heart snow

Happiness is really about that, being together, connecting with those that you really, really care about.

together Happiness is many things, big and small, including counting our blessings every day.

One more thing to share – I watched an amazing Ted X talk by Robert Waldinger.

What keeps us happy and healthy as we go through life? If you think it’s fame and money, you’re not alone – but, according to psychiatrist Robert Waldinger, you’re mistaken. As the director of a 75-year-old study on adult development, Waldinger has unprecedented access to data on true happiness and satisfaction. In this talk, he shares three important lessons learned from the study as well as some practical, old-as-the-hills wisdom on how to build a fulfilling, long life. It is about 12 minutes long, and he is also an amazing speaker.

Regarding what is Happiness? – he has another answer, one that I think is worth your time. To watch & listen click here

Thank YOU for reading, please comment or like, and all suggestions are welcome.

Pictures are courtesy of Google Images.

Posted in health, Thinking Out loud | Tagged Heart, muffins, Snow, snowflake, together, true happiness | 2 Comments

Chapter 5 – Skywalker : My treat

Posted on December 7, 2016 by dfolstad58

Sophie stepped out of her car and into the light as the cyclist approached, she was striking to see with her military posture, flawless skin and her face and lips just slightly damp from the light misty rain.

The cyclist approached steadily, and his right hand reached for the brake as he saw Sophie standing close to his path. Satisfied it was safe to proceed he started past her silent figure, but then shuddered to a stop when he applied his wet brakes. Twisting his head back at her, he then walked his bike toward her.

Sophie watched him stand up his bike, take off his helmet and run his fingers through his flattened bike-head hair. Luke grinned at her, and his eyes shone.

Standing there along a bike path, in the light rain they looked at each other. Sophie trying to piece what her mother Stella had told her with this soggy cyclist who seemed to be gathering his courage to speak.

Excuse me, not to be weird or anything but I think I know you, not know you exactly but know who you are.

Sophie assumed the wonder woman stance, hands on her hips, her mind slightly stunned- Do you?

Is your name Sophie? A friend of mine talked about her daughter Sophie and you look like.. His eyes seemed to be beg her to agree.

Sophie nodded, he was right and her face seemed to lighten up, her brow relaxed and a slight smile surprised herself.

Luke was obviously relieved and his strong arms lifted her off the ground as he hugged her intensely. Faces almost touching, he looked into her eyes grinning with white teeth. Sophie !, he repeated,

Sophie ! I am so pumped, uh I mean so happy to meet you. I was a friend of your Mom, Stella. I took care of her. I miss her and she loved you so much. She wanted us to be friends. Can we talk? have coffee? Can I give you my phone number? Luke’s words just tumbled out.

This definitely was the Skywalker that her Mom wrote about, he was handsome, energetic and sincere. Sophie hoped she had found someone she could trust.

This time it was Sophie who stepped into Luke, surprising him with the need and intensity of her hug.It seemed right, and neither of them broke apart. Standing there in the light rain, for the first time in a very long time, both of them breathed deep, slowly and easy.

coffee shop Sophie finally pushed him back, smiled – come on Luke, I need to talk to you too, put your bike in the back of my car and let’s go.

I understand you like coffee. I know just the place, my treat.

**********************************

Down the street, a man stood in the shade of tree watching their embrace. He stood completely still, his nostrils slightly flaring, dark eyes hardening.

Then he spun around and climbed into his car. He tapped the wheel lightly, impatiently, and then he drove away, his binoculars glistening wetly on the passenger seat.