tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11644461460558864082024-02-20T16:57:46.160-05:00Everyone's Shadow Is The Same Color, LLC.Embracing diversity and understanding one another is so important in life today. Too often people judge one another in a negative way. It's disheartening. Everyone's Shadow Is The Same Color, LLC. will hopefully allow you to expand your beliefs and to discover that people should be treated with respect and dignity.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-31098896404737874052012-05-28T19:24:00.001-04:002012-05-28T19:24:19.048-04:00Is Life Tougher Today?-My Thoughts for the Moment! Is life tougher than it's ever been today? It's a question that can be debated, can be discussed, and perhaps needs to be analyzed with the brilliant minds that exist around and about us all over the nation and our world.<br />
During my youth I had the understanding that the "Great Depression" was the most difficult time. Having parents that were born in 1923 and 1928 they lived through those years or at least their parents raised them through those tough years. Did they survive? Yes, they thrived, they seemed to learn a great work ethic, the importance of family, the importance of an education, and most importantly the ways and means to teacher their children well. Was life tough for them? In retrospect, perhaps but it seems that they pulled their own weight and didn't ask for handouts. Life was simply "do it yourself". Now it seems everything is fast tracked. The "we" has become the "I". Years ago modern facilities didn't exist however, now that we have modern facilities it seems there are more and more complaints that "I want more". <br />
I listen to people saying how busy each and every day has become and that they are stressed. Everyone has a choice. The choice to curb activity or to "fast track" and to be as busy as their neighbors or friends. Is it competition to see who can outdo who or just to give their children the best they may or may not had themselves. I listened to an individual on Saturday speaking about competition and how he has taught his children how to lose and of course win. To go at competition and to accept failure is very important. This is contrary to much of the thinking that seems to make individuals today have difficulty accepting failure and/or defeat. Whether it be in a game, the classroom, or as you get old enough to work, a fight for a competitive position someone has to "win" and someone has to "lose". <br />
I've failed in my life at various things, from scoring an easy goal in soccer, to failing a test at school because I wasn't prepared, I've learned from those failures. I've learned that you get what you put into something and you have to accept that factors sometimes cause that failure.<br />
Life is tougher for some because of one simple fact, a work ethic has not been developed. When failure arises it's important to know how to react and what to do to become successful once again. Staying focused and getting at something are difficult when the demands for paying bills, raising a family if you have a family, or finding something you like to do, and getting it done.<br />
I know I'm rambling a bit here and bouncing from point to point but it's simply important to focus on being positive and learning from mistakes. Please know that I'm not an expert, and that I'm not researching this topic. My thoughts are mine and points others have made. I'm concerned. I'm concerned because I see stress in young people far too early on in their lives. Is it being caused by the rigors of school, or by the rigors of life in general. Are those "stresses" being passed down from their family(parents) because they may be struggling financially. Am I way off base I think sometimes? <br />
All I know is that I've seen myself get stressed and I've learned how to deal with it because of the way I've been raised and what I've learned from past failures and successions. <br />
I think life has become tougher because we seem to be a "want it now" society and 'want it all" without hard work. I realize these rambling are difficult to follow sometimes but that's me. I once said to a friend "you have to keep moving and trying". It's important to give your best and to learn from mistakes. I am not mistake free or for that matter am I perfect but I'm just trying to do my part to making the world a better place.<br />
In relating this to "Everyone's Shadow Is the Same Color" I wish everyone could work to their potential and do well. Life has many equalities and inequalities, I truly believe if all is equal and all are given the same opportunities life should be successful. <br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-2768949833387868472012-02-09T22:21:00.002-05:002012-02-09T22:23:22.193-05:00Soak, Powdering the Jellies, Cutting the Bread, and more! When you reflect upon experiences in life it's always fun to reminisce about the fun times you've enjoyed with old friends and in many cases new friends. The experience that I've written about in what I call "Part 1" of the Colchester Bakery" is not to toot my own horn so to speak of the time I needed financial security but of a time in which I learned about life in general. Life has it's many ups and downs and for that matter many smooth moments that one can look back at and laugh, smile about, and remember as a worthwhile experience. <br />
The title "Soak, Powdering the Jellies, Cutting the Bread" etc. is meant to reflect on the countless fun things that existed at that particular place, the Colchester Bakery. It was a time that I experienced along with Jodie, Jason, Sue, Kara, Ursula(owner's daughter), Walter, and so many more names I will recall eventually. It's a time that I learned to mentor others, to learn about the importance of working hard, and to learn to respect what others were doing around and about you. The daily grind of the business owners and the daily grind of the customers coming in each and every day taught me a great deal about life itself. You learned what it was like to put out thousands of products weekly, what is was like to wake up at 4 a.m. and work for 8 or more hours daily just to produce a product that was sought after by thousands of customers on a monthly basis. <br />
The production of the bread was in itself an outstanding process. I would give away trade secrets if I told the reader what went into making the rye bread, the "Russian Pumpernickel" or "Black Bread" as some described it. I can recall hundreds of five pound breads being pushed up the hallway to the front and placed in the glass cases to be served to our loyal customers. The cutting of the bread was in itself an art form as I look back. The customer either wanted it whole and place in plastic. Or, if too hot and that fresh out of the oven it was recommended that the bread be place in paper and left open so it could breathe so to speak. I can also recall slicing the bread with the slicing machine and sending it through watching your hands and fingers so you would cut yourself. The machines were safe but you had to still be careful. The fun part of the cutting of the bread was when a customer would want it "quartered and sliced". Without reservation I can say that the cutting of the "bread" was one of the important components of their successful business.<br />
Though time has passed and I've not frequented the bakery as often as I used to the memory of the smells of the bread and the size and shapes still is "fresh" in my mind. Yes, there exists a pun, my first in this descriptive story being told.<br />
The "soak" as I've so mentioned earlier was simply an old school or old world way of making the bread. It was a way that I'm sure was a recipe brought down through the ages.<br />
The "Powdering of the Jellies" was very simple. I had always wondered how can a bakery get so much powder on so many donuts. Well the jelly donut shells were first made, and then the jelly was squirted into the center of the donuts with a special machine, and then the donuts were sent into by hand at the time into a machine that had confectionary sugar that tossed and turned around and about the jelly covered shells. Sometimes customers requested donuts without confectionary sugar so we had trays; one or two of plain jellies. One had to be careful when carrying the entire tray of donuts back to the display cases. A tray from memory could hold in upwards of three to four dozen or more donuts. I would venture to guess I prepared at least 5,000 jelly donuts in my time spent at the bakery. Most likely more than that but I pick that as a random guess. <br />
As Jodie and I spoke recently about our experience she mentioned to me that the bakery was her first job. It's really cool that you can connect with someone over time about an experience that was well worth the time spent, the early hours getting up, and the hard work that it did take to help support one of Colchester's iconic spots. People from many states have frequented it. In my travels I've heard from people that have said, "oh Colchester, is the bakery still there?". Of course the answer is emphatically "Yes". Obviously the experience is one that was well worth the time. I wouldn't be writing about it. It's a memory that when I reflect upon it, I thank the owner Walter, and now his daughter Ursula for allowing me to work there. It was a time that I needed to find work and I learned through this experience what it takes to be successful.<br />
One thing that rings true with those that were my co-workers I believe is that the experience taught them the importance of working hard and of course working with a diverse group of people both younger and older. It taught me to respect the younger generation and to listen to those that had far more experience than I in that particular business. It was for that matter a time well spent. <br />
The laughter we experienced, the fun and enjoyable times spent working together, gave rise to friendships that still exist. The customers we learned about, the daily grind of life in general that so many experienced through the doors of the bakery will always be a part of my life and the life of those that I experienced it with. Until I write again enjoy each and every day to the best of your ability.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-23498846211801932432012-02-08T18:23:00.000-05:002012-02-08T18:23:56.311-05:00Interesting Work, Interesting People, An Experience to Remember! In a recent conversation with a friend I said it would be fun to write about an experience we both shared. A time that was needed, a time for me that was necessary, and a time for others that helped them shape where they are today. The Colchester Bakery was the place, the true to life characters were myself and countless others that I experienced, worked with and for, and enjoyed their company. From the owners of the bakery to my co-workers, and of course the customers life was way cool at the Colchester Bakery.<br />
Life had taken a complete about face for me during the late 1980's. I had been in the field of real estate and had opened my own company, Donald Jay Levine Realty, Inc. Thinking I was going to be the next "Donald"(Donald Trump) I ventured into that particular business as a salesperson in 1985, earning my broker's license two years later, and then optioning out from Carsan Clegg Realty, a company in Marlborough to open my own company. The company stayed in business for nearly two years, but market conditions, and impending debt forced me to close the office. I ventured into the Colchester Bakery of where I had frequented buying their fantastic brick oven breads as well as an occasional jelly donut or glazed donut. Little did I know I would work their for a period of a few years as their first "male" person behind the counter I was told at the time. I learned a great deal about myself, about the business world, and how hard some people actually work to keep a business going. It was a time that was needed as I've stated. In retrospect I was an equal to all that worked their and I learned a great deal about life in general. What was really cool was that I was able to learn how donuts were made, how jelly was put into the donuts, how the breads were prepared and baked, and a great deal more. What was really an eye opener was how hard the original owner, his daughter, and their friends worked to keep that business thriving. I learned from "Walter" the owner(the Patriarch), how to carry things efficiently, how to work hard, and how to succeed in life. Walter once saw me carrying garbage out to the dumpster and said "Levine, balance off, put another garbage can on the other side you'll see it will be easier". Sure enough he was right. I also learned that through time a product that was rich in flavor and traditionally excellent brought customer from far and near. The bakery's "black bread" Russian Pumpernickel was a huge seller. But this blog is not about the products which were and are still popular based on the crowds I still see lined up. It's about the memory of time passed with people I worked with, I taught, and that I now still stay in touch with and we smile when we talk about the bakery.<br />
The early morning calls that I would receive from Ursula the owner's daughter saying "Donald can you come in earlier". Earlier meant 4 a.m. instead of 5 a.m. Times were special their, times were great memories of the high school kids as I recall that I worked with and those that I was able to get a job also to help at the bakery. Jodie and Jason are two that I still see and we still talk about those days now over 20 years ago. The customers we were able to serve, the customers that we knew like clockwork what they would buy, and the fun things they would share with us. It was amazing how time flew because usually the bakery was extremely busy.<br />
Moving bread from the back of the bakery to the front on huge racks was always fun to do. Traveling that big cart back to the oven areas was always a quick ride back. Sometimes it was ill advised the way we traveled back. Luckily no one injured themselves riding that card back like a scooter. What I recall the most was how well I was treated as an employee and I was given as many hours I needed to help me survive my jobless period of time. Even when I obtained my teaching position in the summer of 1989 I continued to work at the bakery for a few years later. With the help of Jodie and Jason I probably could add to this blog and I probably with but I thought I'd share it with you. I'll add more experiences and more fun times. It was a time that I felt equal to all and I think we felt equal to one another. It was an experience that I can say is to this day truly appreciated. It was interesting to hear the comments of customers asking me "why are you working here"? Many people had no idea of my financial need, it was just figured that I left the real estate business after making a great deal of money not knowing that the "business" had put me the furthest I've ever been in debt.<br />
But that's not the story here. The story is that I'm pleased to have experienced one of Colchester's iconic places and businesses. I was able to learn about life and offer my experiences to the Jodie's and the Jason's that helped shaped my life as I worked with them at the Colchester Bakery. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-37475948768292065102012-01-26T21:19:00.000-05:002012-01-26T21:19:12.656-05:00Practical minds, practical solutions, why can't we all just work together? No matter what the subject matter what the situation it seems that too often practicality goes by the wayside. What I mean is that sometimes it takes far too many "meetings", "committees", "politics" and "people" to solve the simplest to the most complex problems. The "K.I.S.S." theory needs to be applied in many instances. It's important to begin to work together to truly believe in one another to get things done. <br />
I'm listening to the "Republican" debate and it seems that four very accomplished individuals are complaining about one another, tearing each other apart at times, and not coming up with serious solutions to solve what ails our nation and our world. Yes, I know it's television and television loves conflict but it's important to get over our own agendas and begin to work on practical solutions for practical problems. <br />
When I had a decision to make in late 1988 to continue a business(Real Estate) or to close it down the first thought was to continue on a path of debt or to close the company and recover from the debt. I chose to close and to make a practical plan to recover. Although the plan too nearly ten years to unfold, it worked. Was ten years too long? Not for what I accomplished. I wanted to teach, I wanted to get my financial life in order, and I wanted to get my masters degree. All were accomplished without ever borrowing any money, without ever missing a major mortgage payment, and much more. It was with the support and help of others that allowed me to build back what had broken down. It was hard work and it wasn't easy but it got done. I'm not writing this to "toot" my own horn so to speak. I'm saying that if we all just got together, listened to one another, and set practical plans, we could get it done. Whatever we set our minds to I believe we can accomplish. <br />
I think of the movie "Independence Day", yes a fictitious story of aliens invading the Earth and obliterating Washington D.C., New York City, and a variety of world major cities. The movie unfolds with the truth needing to be told and it's told. Together the "world" discovers if we don't work together the "world" as we know it will end. Working together the world powers, the "President" lead us back to fighting off the aliens and "Independence Day" is achieved. Imagine if this actually happened and the world was threatened would we be "one", would we learn to solve one another's problems without greed, without hurting one another, with truth and honesty. I'm not saying honesty does not exist at all, I'm just waiting and wondering in my lifetime when we will all sit down, listen to one another, and help one another reach for excellence. It's not easy but I truly believe people have to start listening to one another.<br />
A great deal has been accomplished with hard work, conscientious efforts of many throughout history. Positive thinking, positive attitudes, as well as positive solutions need to come to the forefront to make people feel better about life. It's important to get rid of the doom and gloom that seems to hover around and about us on a daily basis and to begin to listen and to solve the issues that exist in our daily lives. <br />
My ramblings at times are emotional and I'm not nearly right enough, but my passion and my ability to get things done have worked in the past. I've failed, I've succeeded, and I've struggled but most importantly I keep doing my best to achieve. If we all could just begin to think practically, solving many problems could result. The difficulty lies in getting others to believe in what you feel, what you think, and what you know. Dialogue, common sense, hard work, and a simple plan, can result in positive growth and development.<br />
I've begun to realize that it's highly important to step back and look at the total picture before commenting, interjecting, and voicing one's thoughts. It seems that you really have to have all your "ducks in a row" before making any judgments, any offering of a solution. I've learned that the only way to succeed is to keep working at it, keep being positive, and go at it with the best you can give. It's difficult doing it alone. I hope this makes sense. Perhaps it's my advancing years, my experiences that have allowed me to think deeply at times. It may have been my upbringing and how I was taught by my parents, relatives, and teachers. I've learned that times definitely are different and the fast paced world is sometimes spinning out of control but we have to step back, communicate, work together and get things done. <br />
Be civil, be real, and go after everything to the best of your ability.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-29803085518601076792012-01-17T19:27:00.001-05:002012-01-17T20:03:12.353-05:00Schadenfreude- Tearing People Down! Why? From television to radio to the printed news it seems there's a constant barrage of "people who love to tear down successful people". From politicians to sports figures to the common man/woman there seems to be a great deal of negativity that exists. I've noticed that it seems to be easier to tear someone down then to build them up. <br />
<div> Tim Tebow, Mitt Romney, Tiger Woods(prior to his infidelities), too many President's to mention, and countless others have been written about, spoken about, and chastised in recent times. Not only are national figures continually brought to the forefront of the daily news but everyday people like you and I are sometimes guilty of tearing people down as well as being torn down. I'll admit that. How can we change these behaviors?</div><div> Is it "negativity" that sells better then "positivity"? Watch the nightly news, read the daily papers, it seems that there is much more negative news than ever. I'd like to challenge the reader to say ten nice things a day for a week to someone that you work with, live with, or for that matter to a total stranger. I'm going to expand upon this in a future writing. I just wanted to put this message out. Until I write again, be kind, be considerate, and do your very best. In other words, praise success and go for it yourself.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-5001245695455168812011-12-30T21:30:00.000-05:002011-12-30T21:30:13.159-05:00Preventive Measures at an early age work well-Education is the Key! I can recall my father sitting and talking with me about what was right and what was wrong to say when it came to people in general. He went through a whole host of words that you shouldn't call people whether racial or ethnic in nature. Without elaborating on each and every word and the nature of conversations you should or shouldn't have with people the "talk" has stayed in my mind to this day. It's perhaps that "talk" that reminds me of the wrongs I may have committed over the years if any, and the rights that I continue to strive to bring forth. Henceforth, "Everyone's Shadow Is The Same Color". The concept is not color based, religious based, ethnicity based, or culturally based. It's a general statement that simply put means, let's just put aside differences, understand one another, bring forth the best in each of us, and strive for excellence in whatever we need to achieve for the future.<br />
It's education that is the key. If and when we decide that the child needs to be totally educated whether by family, by the educational process(our schools), or a combination of both, it's imperative that we begin to teach our children of the importance of emotional and social well-being. That social well-being and emotional development cannot be achieved without the guidance of those that have the expertise. I'm appalled when I hear that people still call people "retarded" or that they have their children look away from a child or an adult with a severe disability/disfigurement. I can recall my dad teaching me about people with amputated limbs and what may have caused that amputation. To stare was wrong to treat them with respect and dignity was right. That's a memory that's stuck. <br />
Teaching and preventive measures are very critical. At an early age if a child is taught what's right and wrong it may stick with them forever. I can recall a course I took at Eastern Connecticut State University that gave us the opportunity to experience a variety of physical impairments; vision, hearing, mobility and the like. The appreciation I gained from that experience holds true to this day. There are countless programs that speak to bullying, to sexual harassment, and much more. However, it's my thought that when a child becomes "set in their ways" at an older age it's difficult to make changes. Then instead of early intervention and education we need to have policies to "police" the problem. The answer lies in early intervention and education. If we can intervene at an early age with reading, mathematics, speech, and a whole host of other delayed learning situations why not teach social/emotional well-being and much more. To enhance one's ability to get along, share, and understand one another goes a long way.<br />
Can preventive measures(education) be the cure all? Will we have the time to do this in our homes and our schools with the current demands on each? It's not going to be easy but it's imperative that we begin to look at what we can do to prevent future problems and teach our children what's right and wrong. As my parents did for me, and I must qualify I'm not perfect, I've learned what's right and wrong and what has worked for them and therefore me.<br />
Be the best you can be, learn how to work with one another, and teach well. Have a successful 2012.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-45171052467656716192011-12-26T15:45:00.000-05:002011-12-26T15:45:42.234-05:00Tolerance, Bullying Prevention, Acts of Kindness, Emotional and Social Education In the words of "Brooks Hatlen" a Shawshank Redemption character, "The world went and got itself in a big damn hurry." Those words lead me to the thoughts I have for this writing. It seems that our fast paced, fast tracked world has evolved so quickly that it's so easy to forget the important things that may enhance our ability to live in today's world. <br />
Today's child is challenged at a far earlier age than when I grew up in the 1950's and early 1960's. Tying this into today's challenges it seems that social skills, emotional well-being, and random ways in which to deal with one another, being all so critical skills have been put on the back burner for the rigors of the academic skills necessary to compete in our society today. I'm committed to researching ways to combine the two. It seems that there have been horrific results to lack of tolerance of individuals in our society. Bullying seems to be on the rise resulting in horrendous outcomes. There are countless programs that exist in relation to tolerance(Teaching Tolerance www.tolerance.org) and bullying(Olweus Bullying Prevention Program), two that come to mind. It's just mind boggling how many individuals from young to old feel intimidated by classmates, workmates, and the like. I don't know the answers to many of the questions but I'm sure going to try to do my part to help those that I can reach. Together if we teach our youngsters the importance of tolerance, kindness, and social wellness, that we will have a far better world in the future. <br />
All of this is not easy. Although I've been out of school for years I still can recall the "bullies" that tried to intimidate others. The readers of this blog can surely do the same. What are the answers? Are we too busy to teach social wellness, emotional well-being, and more. Was "Brooks" correct in his words that the world has gotten too fast paced, too ahead of schedule, and that we've forgotten the importance of working with one another, sharing the space that we share, and giving one another a chance to breathe so to speak. It's so sad to see children feeling out of place, bullied, not a part of the crowd. It's sad to hear the stories and to read the horrific results of those young individuals that have committed to ending their lives rather than deal with life's downright rotten individuals. I was fortunate growing up to have been taught well by my parents on how to deal with people that were unkind, and downright mean. It still remains true that I can tell you those that called me names, that tried to bully me, but failed. It wasn't easy but I managed to get out unscathed. I can't imagine growing up today in this technologically advanced society and having to deal with unkind, socially unkind individuals that choose to make the life of others miserable. <br />
How can we change the way children, young adults, and adults treat one another? A random thought is that we have to step back and teach what's most important; social skills, emotional skills, and tolerance. I can't do it alone but I'm going to do my best to try. Everyone's Shadow Is The Same Color" is my company that I hope will bring forth the notion that all should be treat fairly, that we should strive for making one another tolerate one another, and that we will succeed if and only we teach one another about ourselves. This has to take place in the home, in our schools, and in our society. Eventually and hopefully the world will become a better place. <br />
These ramblings I hope will make sense to you. I'm trying to research what's out there so I can better serve your needs. However, there's a huge amount of research that speaks to this. I want to keep it simple and just teach the importance of being kind, considerate, and respectful for one another. Easier said than done but I'm going to keep on trying. Until I write again. Happy Holidays.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-33350078819998858842011-11-25T13:34:00.001-05:002011-12-09T21:56:55.384-05:00Website is born so to speak! The dream of launching "Everyone's Shadow Is The Same Color" online is now a reality. Thanks to the excellence of Jamie Caporaso of Capik Design and photographer Wendy Kane the site is now up and running. The development of this concept has been rewarding. My thanks goes out to those that modeled for the site. I thank you immensely. Now the work begins. It's time to focus on marketing and getting the idea out and about. It's going to be a rewarding experience and I look forward to it. Until I "spout off" again be kind, considerate, understand one another, and teach tolerance. The world would be a better place if we developed a sense of belonging for one and another.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-19661008602143023832011-07-08T00:21:00.000-04:002011-07-08T00:21:11.913-04:00Dreams, Reality, Life and much more! When you dream there are moments in time that you say "that was weird" or "that was extreme". It's wild to think that your mind can set up those scenarios each and every night. Why do we dream? Why do dreams sometimes mirror life whether past, present or future? It's pretty interesting to analyze them at times and I'm sure you could if you truly wanted to take the time to have them critically examined. <div> You can and you must if you so desire. It's fun to think of some of the dreams that come about in one's mind. Recently I was playing baseball in "old" Yankee Stadium, catching a fly ball that approached the wall. As I ran into the dugout Yankee greats, management and other modern day players were saying "great catch". I can remember the dream going to the next day and when I went into the clubhouse they had told me that my uniform was not ready for that day and that I could not play. I awoke thinking "what a weird dream". If there are any dream analyst out there reading this or if you have a dream interpretation book let me know why this dream occurred and what it meant. </div><div> Life in general allows you to have many thinking moments. You take for granted the human mind and body until it starts to either slow down or break down so to speak. I've learned that if you think too much you can grind yourself into a frenzy. A friend recently said to me "you think too much" perhaps she is correct but without thought what do you have. I tend to think that at times I may "over analyze situations". I've learned it's important to back off and to say to myself "just let it happen" without too much undo thought. Perhaps reality and life at it's hectic pace causes you to finish those though patterns in dream state I do not know but it's an interesting entity the human mind.</div><div> I've learned that you must be clear headed, take a step back occasionally, and to not be as critical of oneself and others, as life unfolds. Whether working, playing, or just doing relaxing activities, life can be hectic at times. It's important to step back to see what you really want to accomplish each and every moment and then go after it. I'm lucky in that I have the time to do many things and have the work ethic to keep going after things that I want. Am I organized always? No way! Can I improve on what I do? Of course. The most important thing is that I realize life is too precious to dwell on mistakes and shortcomings. I must look for the positive outcomes that can come about in situations that are sometimes in my control or out of my control. The least thing I can do is to do my best to instill that there are greener pastures so to speak but not always. You have to be careful on where you want to go and what you want to do.</div><div> Life is full of surprises, situations that arise that make you smile, make you laugh, and sometimes put you in the opposite mode. The opposite is where you must step back look at the situation and say "fix it", "leave it" or "deal with it". Sometimes situations and life give you challenges that you may or may not want to deal with but if you are a quality caring person you will at least try. It's too easy to quit, to give up, to end something that could have potentially great results. The fear of failure steps in and rears it's evil head. Many life choices today deal with the fear of failure. It's incredible to think that you can't fail unless you try and the sad thing is that many won't try something because of that fear.</div><div> I've failed at times and learned from it each and every time. You the reader gets my point. I'm on the upswing again to getting back at the level of physical condition I was prior to an overuse injury. Do I have a great deal of work ahead? Absolutely! I had a choice to get started again or to keep dwelling on the injury that seems to have cleared up. I was fortunate enough to have friends that eased me back into the rigors of training. I also had friends that convinced me not to overtrain. It's so important to rest. The reality of all of this is that it's my dream to be back at it hard by late summer. I am convinced that my mind works far better when I'm highly trained versus the opposite. I'm impressed with those that begin new ventures and follow through with outstanding effort way beyond what they think they could have done. This is one's will and one's mind that takes over the physical body.</div><div> Where am I going with all of this? Very simply! One has many hopes and dreams and without communication whether with one's self or others you cannot thrive and cannot achieve excellence. It takes constant revision, daily reflection, and lessons learned to go after something that you so desire. Life in general is all about daily decisions. I've learned that patience is very important and that if something is meant to be it will happen. Sometimes life has moments in time that can be wonderful or tragic. You always hope for the positive. Thinking about moments that make a difference. Think about the commercial that's on television where a man sees a woman on a train changes his ticket gets on the train sits across from the woman and sees the future of his child being President. Imagine the timing of events in your life and how different life would have been if you were delayed or too early. Life has many instances that you cannot control. I get back to my mind and how it thinks. I've learned this year patience, to listen better, and to be better at making changes without being to critical of myself or others. It's still needs improvement but I can admit I'm working at it. </div><div> The ramblings of my mind to me are clear but to others they may think what is he talking about. In a nutshell I'm talking about reality and how it affects one's dreams. I'm talking about taking chances, believing in one's self and learning to respect others. You have to remember where you are and where you've been and to respect where others may be at the moment. Timing in life is very important and sometimes you just have to learn to respect it and learn to be patient. </div><div> The understanding of the human mind, it's spirit, it's fascinating inner workings, wreak havoc on your conscious mind. Learn to relax, to ease into life's challenges, and go after things that you want and know that you will succeed or sometimes fail but keep on trying.</div><div><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=baconac-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1592571468&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-74168364492352292212011-06-29T08:42:00.002-04:002011-06-29T09:04:09.096-04:00Life's Special Moments and Chance Meetings Sometimes Interrupted The past month has flown by and time seems to be marching on quickly. It's unique and special when you have special moments that go into your memory and last a lifetime. Laughter and joy are special qualities that exist but too often they get suppressed by the rigors of life, situations, relationships, and just downright right mean spirited people. It's those special moments and chance meetings that make you smile, allow you to enjoy life to it's fullest, and give you the opportunity to learn about one another whether it be with an individual or a group of individuals. I've always had the knack to work through situations to help others and this is why I continue to reevaluate, to rethink, and to develop each and every day who I am and where I want to be. <br />
I'm sitting on a Southwest Airlines plane heading to Nashville and then San Diego. It's times like these that I get to reflect on a variety of things. I go back to the purpose of this blog "Everyone's Shadow Is The Same Color". I realize that that is true but that the spirit of the individual the make up of the true self is far different/unique and special. It's my hope and dream that someday in my lifetime the respect for one another, the unique qualities of many will be embraced and there will be peace and harmony throughout. Is this a "pipe dream" perhaps but it's my way of giving back what my parents, teachers, friends, and the like have instilled in me. It's difficult to leave behind "Colchester" and life as I know it for the most of my year but it's something I do to learn about life away from home and to learn about people. It's a time that I reflect a great deal of where I am and what I want to do for the following year in my teaching career and in my life. I have this quest to make a difference. Do I take the avenue with my project and go to the "anti-bullying" curriculum? Do I take another route and teach about diversity the way I've been taught through mutual respect and understanding of many cultural differences, religious differences, and much more. It's a huge undertaking. <br />
Through life experiences in my youth, through my 20's and 30's, I've learned a great deal. I seem to be getting more interested in me and that's a good thing. I've also begun reflecting on where I'd like to be by year's end. It's difficult at times to get so much done cause I enjoy giving my time freely to help others. In essence it's my nature. But I've learned you have to take time for yourself.<br />
Chance meetings and life's special moments are truly fun when they happen. I've had the opportunity to meet professional athletes, great "ordinary people" as they describe themselves. I've learned that you have to take those moments and go with them and trust people to be kind and considerate. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose so to speak but you have to take those chances. <br />
Too often life comes up and bites you in the backside. It's important to fight through anger, through hardships, and to be at peace. If you have to deal with the rigors and stress of daily life, try to reflect on the good things that exist and be positive. It's tough. That's where people sometimes forget the importance of life and how it should be. Happiness is very important. I'm not sure where I'm going with this so I'll stop the rambling.<br />
I've learned a great deal by watching, reading, and still have a lot to learn. I'll do my best to keep the moments coming, and deal with chance meetings in a positive manner. One thing I can say without experience life would be boring.<br />
Watch for more blogs this summer in that I have the time and energy to write. I'm really going to be focused on developing a program to go along with the slogan; "Everyone's Shadow Is The Same Color". The shirts are ready, sweatshirts will be coming, and all is well. Hopefully I didn't ramble too much. One last thought "Even a coiled snake has the same color shadow"!<br />
Oh yes, interruptions! They stink! But I'm still smiling.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-45742354033427668492011-06-25T06:06:00.000-04:002011-06-25T06:06:33.560-04:00When situations arise, "cooler heads prevail"! There are times in one's life that the old adage "cooler heads prevail" must be put into place. I've learned that sometimes it's important just to step away from a situation rather than charge forward. Unless there is imminent danger or something you cherish is threatened you need to work things out when you have a clear mind. <br />
Too often people seem to want to "bully" others whether it be through words or through physical intimidation. Mostly the hidden bullying is that with intimidation. It's amazing that there are individuals that don't even know that they intimidate others. How sad is that? What has caused this rise in bullying and intimidation? Is it insecurity, is it the way the individual was treated in their past, or is it just plain "I want what I want and if I can't have it I'll make everyone's life miserable" syndrome. It's downright sad. <br />
Too often we are seeing via the media situations young and old that cause the demise of a child, a young adult, and even an older adult. It has no boundaries. Why be so mean? Why be so clueless of what you are doing to others? How can we stop this madness? What do we need to do to make relationships work in all facets of life? These are some of the questions that enter my mind. Yes, I'm a thinker and perhaps too often I think too much but an active mind seems to work for me.<br />
I'm not perfect and I don't have the answers to many questions obviously but it's not too hard to seek knowledge to ultimately do my part to help others. Yes, I have to also help myself from time to time too. I've learned in time that you have to take care of yourself in order to better serve the needs of others. Being compatible with all is improbable in that some just don't get it or you just are different but you must show respect for individual opinions and differences for one to live in peace and harmony so to speak.<br />
This summer I plan on reading a great deal on interpersonal relationships, bullying prevention, emotional learning, and social-emotional development. It's something I feel that has been put on the back burner in our society today. Just the other night Tim Allen(Comedian/Actor/Parent) did a portion of his show on the child. He alluded to the fact that the child today is protected too much, programmed too much, and in essence this is causing that child to not learn from mistakes. He spoke of sports and how we acquired the no losing way in youth programs. This does not allow the child to develop the skill of learning how to fail. He also spoke of how when he was young there were no helmets, knee pads, and the like to protect one's body. We came home bloodied but cleaned it up and went on about our way. There are so many dynamics involved in the development of people. What's right and wrong depends on what you are reading and who has wrote it. It's something that needs to be looked into more. What are we creating? What have we created? <br />
Moving away from competition it's just crazy that we have to hear of tragedies because of ill treated individuals(bullying) and more. I've not delved into the subject too deeply but will, it's important. Until I write again, keep being the best you can be and don't forget to treat others with fairness and kindness. Be tough, be strong but stand your ground and at times learn to step away if it's best for the situation.<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-46813492103916398132011-06-24T22:00:00.000-04:002011-06-24T22:00:45.865-04:00Random Thoughts of Life In General From time to time I'm known to have random thoughts that enter the conscience mind and then dissipate and resurface from time to time. Random thoughts can drive you to take action or to dwell on things that in essence will cause you to "sweat the small stuff". If anything I'm beginning to realize it's so random that yes it's important but you must move on. Today I had the opportunity to do something that could make someone's day or ruin it. I chose the former and it made that person's day. A person I know cannot afford things like others can and I chose to take a chance and get payment for it another time. Is this an act of kindness or stupidity on my part, only time will tell. It's not a major product, or an expensive item, but it's trust that either will be maintained or broken. Another potential lesson to be learned.<div> Does it really matter whether someone is richer or poorer? The rich can be untrustworthy and the poor trustworthy. In a nutshell here's that statement "everyone's shadow is the same color" until proven otherwise. You can not read trustworthiness by the way someone looks. It's the actions that occur or follow in the future that one gains trust. I've learned to trust people, to read people well, however, there are times that situations don't allow for that to happen. It's a puzzle at times to piece together, that is of life. Life has it's many facets. You take chances, risks, and then you gain confidence in the situation at hand or move on to another choice or another action plan. </div><div> Yes, as I said, "random thoughts of life in general." Is it so difficult to formulate action plans in one's head to solve the many ills that exist. Personally speaking I get frustrated at listening to the failure of intelligent human beings to work together to help one another solve problems. I've failed numerous times at ventures, business opportunities, as well as even school, but I've learned to pull it back together and do the best I can to succeed. Is focus important? It sure is. Can you do things alone? You can, but it's important to work with others to get the job done. Communicating one's thoughts are important. I've certainly learned that face to face communication is far better than text messaging or emails. Both of the latter can be misconstrued and lead to misunderstandings. Like I said "random thoughts of life in general". </div><div> A friend stopped by today who I worked with in developing his teaching skills. He was appreciative when I gave him five baseball bats for the team that he is on the coaching staff. They were baseball bats donated to me by another friend. All in all being connected to a variety of friends can lead to someone benefiting. Another random thought and in this case an act of kindness not necessarily on my part but passed through me to him.</div><div> Someone said to me a couple of months ago "you never miss work". I said to them "I haven't missed a day of "work" in near three full years plus." It just turns out that I've now not missed a day in three full years and 45 or so days. This I attribute to my father who said to me "if you aren't sick you give it your all for what you've chosen to do." I stand by those words still today. Thanks Dad. That to me is important and I'll always stand by that philosophy and work ethic. Is it crazy? Perhaps, but in the end I choose to do that because of what I have ingrained in my mind, go at it, and go at it with your best.</div><div> Life passes so quickly and when you want to achieve many things it's tough because there's only so much time in the day. I've had many outstanding experiences in my lifetime and others that have been not the best, but you learn to live and learn to be your best for the sake of happiness and well being. I've not succeeded at all I've chosen but I'm surely going to continue to do my best at whatever I choose to do.</div><div> I'm rambling as usual. Perhaps it's the lack of sunshine but that to me has never been an excuse of mine. It is so much better to see the bright blue sky with sunshine. Happiness from others is contagious. With that thought in mind then it is important to have better weather.</div><div> I've recently begun to run and cycle again after time away due to a tendon injury. The specialist(Doctor) I went to convinced me that it is very important to rest. Yes, I sacrificed my high level of fitness, and yes I complained but all in all it's worked out. I've been lucky to have friends that have begun training with me whether it be biking and or running and I appreciate them wholeheartedly. If anything I've learned that rest is very important.</div><div> In ending this writing about "random thoughts". I'm looking forward to the summer, to spending time with family and friends, and to experience new opportunities that may pass before me. You have to take chances, you have to live, and I've chosen to do them and I hope to be successful at whatever I choose to do.</div><div> As usual thanks for reading, be kind to others, be safe at whatever you do, be the best you can be for yourself and your family, and live life with an open mind.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-67497616842993632202011-05-29T22:16:00.000-04:002011-05-29T22:16:27.321-04:00Watching, Waiting, Wondering-Can I make a difference? When the thought of "Everyone's Shadow Is The Same Color" came to mind I thought it could make a difference some day. Where should I take it? How should I present it to the public? Should it be developed for the children in our schools, corporations, or should I just put the words on products and let it tell its own story? These questions rattle through my brain continuously especially when I have time on my hands. Too often ideas are thought of and then forgotten. I have begun to think that I must get this launched and that I need to develop a program that I can package, market, and implement. <br />
It's my dream to see this idea everywhere! Not for monetary gain specifically but for the message and the understanding that it's important to believe in one another, to help one another, and to make the world a better place, one place at a time. Whether it be a one on one situation, a school, a community, a state, and a nation, I'd love to see the words and the meaning of them spread endlessly. Is it a pipe dream? Perhaps, but if I don't try I won't be happy. <br />
Today I experienced marching in our Memorial Day Parade. I heard laughter, saw countless smiles, and it generally was a feel good day. I had a blast. Seeing faces, making people smile, and laugh was certainly an objective. Think about it if we could do this for one another on a daily basis and lift one another to greater heights. I've been fortunate in my life because of a work ethic that was instilled in me by my parents. I've failed, I've succeeded but most importantly I've continued to try new things and to reach for the unexpected. I'm not expecting the world when it comes to launching this idea but I'm certainly going to give it my best effort. If you don't try you cannot succeed. <br />
This is not about me this is about getting a message out there that will be thought provoking as well as positive in nature. I don't want to have a canned scripted curriculum guide that comes with many ideas. I simply want to be me and give my best to show others how important life is and what you can do to succeed. Why not try. I've had people say to me "what a great idea", "don't let this idea die", and I say to myself I'm certainly going to give it my all to get this off the ground. I've enjoyed the thought provoking conversations I've had when I've worn the original design as well as the second one. Now nearly ready the third set of designs are almost ready. I'm excited. However, there are many things that I must get in order; the return policy, the purchasing methods, shipping methods, and what to do on a daily basis. It's going to be a fun summer getting this going. I hope that I can and will get it flying. <br />
It's a powerful thought "Everyone's Shadow Is The Same Color". It can be developed to teach others the importance of getting along with one another, embracing differences, celebrating one's unique qualities, and learning about one another to better serve each other's needs. Life is difficult at times but it can be so rewarding when you help one another achieve greatness. <br />
I will do my best to continue to share my thoughts. I'm not a marketing professional, I'm an educator, but I feel if I'm honest, sincere, and trustworthy, I will do my very best to get this accomplished. Think about this and imagine this; what if a huge company, school, organization, and the like decide "we believe, "Everyone's Shadow Is The Same Color", embracing diversity would be so cool. On that note I end with this; be kind to others, do your best to be your best with one another, and learn to accept individual differences.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-33621887502464811572011-05-28T12:09:00.000-04:002011-05-28T12:09:24.807-04:00Memorial Day Weekend-Imagine If? Memorial Day weekend in the United States is upon us. It's a time to reflect on those that have served our country, have sacrificed their lives for us, and have come back to the "home soil" physically and mentally changed in countless instances. It's a time to reflect on those that continue to serve our great nation. The title "Imagine If?" references simply imagine if we never had a war, imagine if we had world peace, peace within ourselves, as well as in every situation. What would life be like? Would there exist any modern day challenges that exist today? It's another thought provoking statement I wrestle with from time to time. <br />
On this Memorial Day weekend spend time to reflect not only on your own self, but of your family, friends, and the society that we exist. Think of things you can do to improve upon your life and those lives that you see on a daily basis. It's a daunting task to think of others at times but it has to be done. Remember the fallen soldiers, the lives that have been changed forever of the living and breathing soldiers, and continue to strive for the best you can be and maybe just maybe you will make a difference. It's a brief thought I just had and I wish you the best this Memorial Day weekend. Be safe, be considerate of others, and most importantly enjoy family and friends.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-4168648393901802742011-05-21T11:37:00.000-04:002011-05-21T11:37:51.271-04:00Bullying, Disrespect, and "Everyone's Shadow Is The Same Color"! Some of my best thinking takes place when I'm exercising, walking, riding, or running along. This morning my thoughts went to bully, being disrespectfully, and a what if idea. I said to myself "what if we were faceless and colorless shadows that spoke, would there still be disrespect as well as the horrors of bullying?"<br />
It's a far out conversation I had in my mind this morning. I'm not an expert on bullying or horrific situations that arise because of just downright disrespect of a human life but to me it's something that needs to be addressed. Too often now we hear of the sad endings of a life because a child can no longer take being bullied. Too often we hear of students and families moving from the place they live to escape bullying. How can this major problem be rectified? <br />
Getting back to my idea of being faceless and for that matter speechless. What if we were just entities that existed with thought patterns and the physical body did not matter. Would there be bullying? It's certainly a way out thought. Can we combat bullying and disrespect with education? I certainly would hope so. I've created the idea of "Everyone's Shadow Is the Same Color" to put to the forefront how important life is and that we just should try to get along better and help one another. Yes, as always that's easier said than done. How can we as people instill in ourselves the importance of human life. It's simply not acceptable that a child be picked on, a young adult be harassed, or an adult be scrutinized unmercifully to a point that they just cannot take it anymore. The word relentless can be positive when it comes to getting worthwhile things done, but when it involves a negative situation it's horrific.<br />
I'm planning on researching programs that exist that teach all about the importance of "no bullying", and "disrespect". It's important. I myself am not perfect but I continue to grow as an adult and try my best to do my part in instilling the good in people and helping those that want to change. In reality if we all saw the good in people and were able to work together we'd all be in a better place. <br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=baconac-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1606230212&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-68146246760798445402011-05-19T21:11:00.000-04:002011-05-19T21:11:54.956-04:00Murdo, South Dakota to Connecticut-1,968 miles. The trip east in 1994 was truly interesting and worth the time. Being with my brother and enjoying the sites of our country was and continues to be memorable. The title "Murdo, South Dakota to Connecticut-1,968 miles" is easily explained. My brother and I decided to drive to Connecticut from Murdo and it turned out to be 1,968 miles. <br />
We found a motel room in Murdo late in the evening. The day was spent traveling after having seen one of the most spectacular places to visit in our country, Mount Rushmore. All said and done it was time to get back to Connecticut. We awoke early, had breakfast, and then got going. My brother and I had thoughts of stopping at Notre Dame University to see the campus and the outstanding buildings, football stadium and more. It was too late in the evening when we arrived. I can remember that it was about midnight when I said "I'll drive a little bit more and then we'll find a motel/hotel". My brother sat in the passengers seat and I did something I didn't expect to do. I just drove and drove until the sun began to rise. As my brother awoke he said "what time is it"? I said, "6 a.m.". We stopped to get gas and he took over the driving as we had entered Pennsylvania. He had slept pretty much about 6 hours as I drove through the night. <br />
Driving for a few minutes we decided to stop at a rest stop to wake up our legs and get some fresh air. It was something I don't recommend but it was a journey that in my mind I could not do again. Adrenalin and the fact we wanted to get "home" kept me going.<br />
We entered New York state and for the first time in the entire trip we encountered a traffic jam. Perhaps it was the fact we took a wrong turn and instead of going around and about the city to the north we went through the city from the south. We made it into Connecticut a short time later. Incredibly the trip from Murdo, South Dakota took less than forty miles. Not bad for eating a couple or more meals and stopping from time to time to stretch our legs and get a brief rest.<br />
The trip from Connecticut back to California is next. It will be an experience in itself. <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=baconac-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0034OQRN8&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-45967812488068456422011-05-03T21:06:00.000-04:002011-05-03T21:06:30.404-04:00Land of South Dakota-Wall Drug, The Badlands, Corn Palace, and Mount Rushmore. Leaving and traveling from one of the most incredible national parks, "Yellowstone", it's a hard act to follow. South Dakota is a state that has many attractions. One of the most unique and creative marketed spots in the United States is "Wall Drug". For mile after mile you see signs advertising Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota. It's buildings total 76,000 square feet and from my memory "Black Hills Gold" items of jewelry are popular. I do not remember the exact piece of jewelry my brother bought but I know he purchased a piece for my sister in law. In 1994 hotel and motel rooms were relatively inexpensive, however, I can remember that it was $75.00 to spent the night at the hotel located right in the immediate area. It was an experience I will always say "I spent a night in Wall, South Dakota". If you get a chance check out the "worldwide" web and look at what's now available in Wall. It's certainly a place that is a must stop if traveling across country. <br />
We then traveled to the "Badlands National Park". The most unique national park I've visited. I've reflected with others about my take on the park. I once told friends that giant aliens landed and played in the sand located next to a body of water and created the "Badlands". The unique structures of what have been described as geologic deposits make for an incredibly interesting ride through the national park. In that we were traveling I know at that time it was a mere $10.00 to travel through the park. All in all it was and will remain a great memory. <br />
Our next two stops were Mount Rushmore and the Corn Palace. The Corn Palace, located in Mitchell, South Dakota is a gymnasium in the winter and for the summer months a gift shop. The exterior of the building was decorated in corn maze and various designs over the years. Countless visitors (500,000) stop their annually. I believe I still have a sweatshirt from the Corn Palace. <br />
The drive to Mount Rushmore was unique in itself. Traveling through the Black Hills of South Dakota there were numerous signs describing the age of the landforms, rocks and the like along the drive. Millions, billions of years described the formations. In 1994 Crazy Horse was just taking shape. Mount Rushmore was near and getting to see an American icon and treasure was so cool to see. My brother and I spent a few hours at the park. It was so interesting and such an incredible site visit. Every person that can should see this phenomenal sight. It will remain in my memory forever. <br />
The South Dakotans should be proud of what they have within their state. It's unique, it's inventive, and a fun place to spent time at visiting incredibly unique and beautiful places. I would enjoy visiting all of these sites once again. I think back and wonder how many different countries were represented, nationalities and the like. It's mind boggling to think that these place bring so many people annually. Get there if you can you will always remember each.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-1938171188154951262011-04-25T21:59:00.001-04:002011-04-27T19:12:57.645-04:00The Trip Continues: Yellowstone National Park I can remember getting up early having a hearty breakfast and then heading a short distance to Yellowstone National Park. The plan was to spend all day at the park and then go a short distance to the nearest hotel or motel in Cody, Wyoming home of a famous rodeo. As we entered the park there was a huge sign that detailed the fact that there was road construction and that the "Eastern Entrance" was closed to park visitors at 10 p.m. The fact that the park was on "PST"(Pacific Standard Time) incredibly allowed us as the visitors to be in light until 9:30 in the evening. It was this factor that kept us at the park and "we" my brother and I figured since the "Eastern Entrance" was closed we didn't have a concern in that we weren't coming in we were leaving. Little did we know, yes two educators that it meant the eastern entrance also meant exit. As we drove along the final miles of the park to leave a man was standing in front of a gated area about 10-15 miles from the "Eastern Entrance". We found out at that moment that the "Eastern Entrance" also meant "Eastern Exit". We couldn't leave the park in the direction we were going. We then figured to get back to the western side of the park go north and then east it would be over 250 miles we estimated. Our choice was to find a hotel room in the park. Little did we realize that the hotels were filled and that there was only one place available and the cost was $250.00. My brother and I opted for camping out in the car. <br />
We spoke with local park authorities and they suggested that we camp out in one of the countless parking lots. Fortunately we befriended a family that was staying overnight also in an "RV". They gave us extra blankets for us to use in the car. To make room for sleeping we removed a huge cooler from the back seat and decided to place it outside. I'm not sure where the park ranger came from but he said to us after knocking on our window of the car "please put the cooler back in the car, the park animals will wreak havoc with it if there has been any food inside of it". Needless to say we followed his advice. Being late June normally there would be no concern for cold weather. However being in Yellowstone Park there was a concern. The temperature was in the low 50's when we began the night and when we awoke in the morning it was nearly freezing at 34 degrees. Having the comfort of borrowed blankets we were not in danger of hypothermia. From memory we awoke a couple of times and put the heat on in the car to warm in and then fell back to sleep. What was really cool when we awoke in the morning was the fact that there was a large bison about 30 yards from the car grazing on some grass. My brother and I laughed as we looked out and said "we made it through the night unscathed". In retrospect it's an experience I wouldn't mind doing again. We knew that the "gate" would open at 9 a.m. in the morning so we decided to check out some of the park scenery prior to heading east. All in all the splendor of the park the day and night spent in Yellowstone is certainly a fond memory.<br />
You might ask what does this have to do with the title of this blog. As I reflect I believe that with the help of total strangers from an "RV" we were comfortable and safe. It's certainly human nature to help one another when in true need. It is why I believe deep down inside everyone has the potential to be the best they can be for humanity. <br />
As we ventured out of Yellowstone and traveled east our next stop was Cody, Wyoming. What I failed to mention earlier was that the park was closed due to a freak blizzard in late May. There were still areas that had visible snow and this was late June. The wildlife especially the bison were venturing out for the first time since the storm. There were hundreds of them grazing in the fields as we left the park. What a fantastic sight to see. <br />
The next stop for breakfast was Cody, Wyoming. Cody is known for it's famous rodeo. Every 4th of July since 1919 the rodeo has taken place. In 1994 I can vividly remember the 75th anniversary sign for that particular year's rodeo extravaganza. This year marks the 74th anniversary of the nightly rodeo events. Unfortunately we never viewed the rodeo but I'm sure that it's a fantastic event to see.<br />
Our next destination were three tourist stops in South Dakota. The first was Wall, South Dakota hoe of "Wall Drug" amongst other "Wall" named stores and hotels. Secondly, Badlands National Park and lastly, Mt. Rushmore.<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=baconac-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0970687338&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-16219302070266888062011-04-24T08:04:00.003-04:002011-04-24T14:11:11.536-04:009,000 mile journey continues! -Part Two The year 1994 was when gas creeped above the $1.00 per gallon mark. I can recall comments from friends and acquaintances saying "I can't believe gas is over a $1.00 a gallon now". To think people in general were complaining then about "gas". Can you imagine what they are thinking now? The trip to Reno was fun but we needed once again to get moving. As stated in part one of this journey the next stop was to be Idaho Falls, Idaho. A place that we as a family lived at for near two full years. I can recall the name of the street we lived on and if I checked out old pictures I could verify that the number on the house was 747 (Saturn Avenue). We lived in a small ranch style home that we rented and I can remember that there were two plum trees in the backyard. Our school "Temple View" had a great view of the Mormon Temple that was in the center of Idaho Falls. Thinking about the neighborhood and visiting it 31 years later was certainly going to be interesting.<br />
The trip from Reno to Idaho Falls was about 500 miles. We would usually leave as early as 8 a.m. and drive the entire day unless visiting sites. I can remember getting onto Rte. 93 north and traveling on a road that seemed to be rarely traveled. Not many cars or for that matter trucks passed us. It was certainly a stretch of road that had no traffic issues whatsoever. Thinking back I wonder what would have happened if we had car trouble. In the age of no cell phones like we have today and limited travel it would have been a length wait for help. <br />
The potato fields of Idaho are immense. I just cheated and looked up that there are 319,000 acres of potato fields that are harvested from August through October. The fields were flat and wide open. As we drove along I can remember my brother saying "wait to you see what's up ahead". He had traveled this route at one time and knew what lie ahead. The name does not come to my mind of what was ahead but I can describe it vividly. It was a gorge out of nowhere. From flat fields to this 900 to 1000 foot deep chasm with an overlook on both sides of the bridge. If and when I find the name of it I will edit this post with the correct information. It was an unbelievable site. One that was out of the ordinary and not expected. As the trip continued we were not too far from Idaho Falls. The Snake River, the Mormon Temple, Temple View School and of course Saturn Avenue were our places of interest to visit.<br />
The road east to Idaho Falls was a major highway and an easy wide open ride to Idaho Falls. Reminiscing about the "falls" and the fishing spots we went to as children was pretty much our conversation as we drove along. The town or small city of Idaho Falls had obviously changed but the old neighborhood wasn't much different. Without the aid of "GPS" technology the old road map did us proud. We arrived in front of our rented family home on Saturn Avenue in mid afternoon. We got out of the car and walked on the sidewalk in front of the house. We decided not to disturb the owners of the home. The neighborhood school "Temple View" was a short walk away. We decided to take a walk over to the school and low and behold the head maintenance man was in the front of the building. My brother and I approached him and introduced ourselves. It was a great conversation and at that moment in time he said "let's go inside and see what you remember about the school"? To our surprise the school was not too much different. The school was where we spent our K-3 years as brothers. Myself year 2 and 3 and my brother K and 1. What I think about as I write this portion of the "journey" I say to myself, "a total stranger, who knew nothing about either one of us, trusted us enough to allow us to walk around and about the school. It was a pleasure to have had the opportunity once again to take a walk down memory lane so to speak to see where we had gone to school in our formative beginning years as students. Ironically both my brother and I are teachers and perhaps that's why the maintenance man allowed us to freely look around and about the school.<br />
The visit at the school and the old neighborhood lasted about an hour. We spent most of the time at the school. It was a great experience and one as I write I can honestly say one I will always remember. We ventured next to the Snake River and to where we had family pictures of the falls hence perhaps the name Idaho Falls. The river area had been renovated where it was more conducive for tourists and families to visit. It was definitely a strong and fast moving river. We decided in the mid-afternoon that we would head for Yellowstone National Park our next major stop on the journey. As a family in the early 1960's we had visited the park and the memories were still deep in our minds. It was an opportunity to visit the park six years after the major fire that had occurred in 1988. My brother had visited the park soon after the fire and could tell me what he saw first hand. The park is an certainly worthy of it's national status. It's a place that all people should visit if given the opportunity. (To Be Continued.....)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-48271313680419842082011-04-23T21:48:00.001-04:002011-04-24T07:54:12.441-04:00Our vast country-Memories of a 9,000 + mile excursion! To think today that I once traveled 9,000 plus miles driving all over the vast United States boggles my mind. One thought that immediately comes to mind is that the prices of gas throughout the country varied from about .98 cents a gallon to about 1.20 cents. The year was 1994. The average mileage per gallon that I can recall was between 25 mpg to 32 mpg. My guess then the average for the trip was in the mid 27 range per gallon. Taking that into account and saying the average was the lowest that would be 360 gallons of gas. At 1.10 per gallon average do the math a little less than $400.00 was spent that summer for the mileage we put on the car. At today's prices at an even $4.00 per gallon it would cost $1440.00 for the same trip if the cars were equal in mileage per gallon. <br />
The trip did not start by car and the mileage is not included on the total of the 9,000 miles. That is the mileage by ground. I actually flew out to California to meet my brother where a couple of days later we started our trek across country by car. The car that we took was nicknamed the "Bobsled". It was a station wagon made by Saturn. For some odd reason the car felt low to the ground hence the nickname the "Bobsled". Thinking about the car itself we didn't think of comfort when driving we just were thrilled to be together as brothers and excited to be taking a trip together. A conversation took place of the major spots that we would take and which direction we would head the first few days of the trip on the return to Connecticut. I can recall that the first major stop would be San Francisco. It was decided that the scenic Pacific Coast Highway would be the major route to get the best sightseeing and experience possible. Words cannot describe the scenery along the coastline. The unique landscape as well as the winding turning highway as described made for a memorable 500 miles of driving. I can recall "RV's" coming toward as and I wondered how are they driving those big vehicles down the coastline as fast as they seemed to be going. From Carmel to Monterey Bay to the San Francisco Bay the memory of the trip north as you can see still is imbedded in my mind. I remember stopping and walking around and about the Pigeon Point Hostel which was about 50 miles from San Francisco. I said to my brother "too bad we didn't know this and didn't rent our hotel already we could have stayed in the hostel. It was overlooking the Pacific. Way cool I thought at the time. The thought of seeing San Francisco for the first time the next day was on my mind. <br />
The night was uneventful and I can't recall the name of the hotel we stayed in but I know that we were up early eating breakfast at a local stop and then on our way the last 50 miles or so into the heart of San Francisco. Sorry for the pun I just realized I wrote the word "heart" and immediately thought of Tony Bennett's song "I Left My Heart in San Francisco". Scoma's Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street(Crooked Street), the Golden Gate Bridge, and a view of Alcatraz are the unique and famous places that I did get to see firsthand. I can say though I wish I would have taken the trip out to Alcatraz but we opted to travel instead. Crooked Street(Lombard) was pretty cool. Driving down it was really an interesting experience. It's not long but I can remember that it was certainly well landscaped and well maintained. The Fisherman's Wharf was our stop for lunch and I can remember having a sourdough bread hollowed out and filled with outstanding clam chowder. Of course our view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Golden Gate Park was our last tourist stop before venturing away from and over the famous bridge. Vivid in my mind was the trip to what appeared to be the location of one of Clint Eastwood's "Dirty Harry scenes" around and about the bridge. This classic American "icon", the "Golden Gate Bridge" was certainly a memorable place to visit and tour.<br />
You might be saying to yourself reading this blog "how long is this story going to be?" Well at this point I will tell you I'm not going to be able to finish the whole trip in one night. I will probably cover the trip to Reno, Nevada and then to Idaho Falls, Idaho.<br />
The trip to "The Biggest Little City in the World" Reno Nevada was a little over 200 miles and because we left San Francisco in the early afternoon we arrived in the evening somewhere before dark. I can remember saying "let's go in and spend some money". We decided to play a nickel machine and I can vividly remember my brother yelling out "we hit the jackpot" as 1,000 nickels were won. Adding much quicker than my brother I could tell you that he thought it was much more. I knew it was $50.00 right away. Needless to say we had a great dinner on that nickel machine. We left shortly after that and spent the night at a nearby hotel outside the city of Reno. Each and every night we planned our next day and usually would have breakfast at the hotel or motel we stayed at in the morning. Our next stop Idaho Falls, Idaho, a place we lived at in the early 60's when our dad worked for General Dynamics. Our destination was to see our rented home on Saturn Avenue and our school Temple View Elementary School. (Part I is done to be edited and begun again soon). Enjoy what I've written. Before I close for this writing and begin again I can say that the memory of this trip has many facets. One, the physical beauty and awe of our country, the time spent with my brother irreplaceable and special, and the people we met on the trip truly special and unique.<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=baconac-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0738528978&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-58474136747910361302011-04-20T14:30:00.001-04:002011-04-20T20:43:36.870-04:00Rocks, Trees, Tortoises, and I!<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=baconac-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0793828988&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe> The title I thought would catch your eye so to speak and you'd perhaps read this dribble. Yes, reading is an important skill to have so you can learn, so you can become more intelligent or in some cases just relax. I've been contemplating writing another entry under the auspices of "Everyone's Shadow Is the Same Color" and thought that this would be a start, a catchy title.<br />
Well here goes. On 4/20/11 the anniversary of the senseless tragedy at Columbine High, also 420 references "cannabis consumption" which was coined by a group of teenagers in 1971 in San Rafael, California. I learned that this morning by reading a post from a friend on facebook. I did not realize that 420 meant what it did however the senseless killings that took place this fateful day will always be remembered. It's from events of the latter that I sit and ponder at what I can do to better serve our youth, the growing young adults, and the adults of our world. It's my belief I can make a difference but it's also mind boggling to think so. When thinking about the statement "Everyone's Shadow Is The Same Color" I simply believe that if we all find the good in one another and work toward a common ground that we can help one another succeed. Succeed in a way to live in harmony and to be serve one another. Is that a "pipe dream"? Is it possible that I'm trying too hard? I don't think so. <br />
It's simply an exhausting task to begin to take on the ills that exist throughout. However, I must say that there are so many outstanding things that are happening around and about us too. We need to accentuate the positive too to downplay the negativity that exists. <br />
When I penned or typed "Rocks, Trees, Tortoises, and I" we share one thing in common our shadows are the same color. The shadow will not be the same size and most likely the rock will not move unless it's small enough to throw. Common sense has allowed me to think clearly most of the time. When I use common sense I can solve and explain things pretty clearly. It's when common sense is forgotten and we begin to do things selfishly and without thought is when life can be so undeniable senseless. If our minds are clear and we think of the consequences of our actions and justice prevails justice between good and evil, I truly believe that good will win. It's when we do not weigh all of the negativity that can result, as well as the tragic events of the past that have been etched on our minds, do we commit such senseless acts. <br />
Getting away from the negativity idea that has begun to permeate in this writing I'm going to use my imagination to write a metaphorical paragraph or two.<br />
A rock, a tree, and a tortoise were in the same location. The rock was stationary, the tree swaying in the summer breeze, and the tortoise seeking the shade of the tree moved ever so slowly. As the tortoise approached the shade of the tree it contemplated it's next move. Understanding that the tree was giving much needed shade away from the day's heat the tortoise didn't move. As the day's sun began to set the tortoise realized that the heat of the day was becoming the cool of the night's air. Knowing that the rock retained a heat from the day's sun the turtle moved closer to the rock to stay warm. You can see where I'm going with this. Life has it's many up's and down's and we need to support one another to get where we want to go. It's not easy and it's not always understandable. If you dwell on negativity it can gobble you up and spit you out so to speak. Hence, "Rocks, Trees, Tortoises, and I"! I failed to mention that I came along picked up the tortoise and put it safely away for the night in it's pen in the warmth of an indoor home. It worked for the tortoise and it worked for me.<br />
Be considerate and positive. Do the best you can for others and keep working towards excellence. Life is not always easy but you certainly can do your best to try.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-71951741171653574862011-04-08T20:04:00.001-04:002011-04-09T06:51:26.599-04:00Jobs I've Done-One of the Original "Pickers"<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=baconac-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B001QP9KH2&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe> I thought it would be fun to write about jobs that I've done in my life prior to now teaching nearly 22 years. At an early age I had a paper route delivering the Hartford Courant for a couple of years to three years. At the age of 14 I had a conversation with a local egg farmer who said to me "you can have a job I'll pay you $100 a week." I was in heaven so to speak at that age. I can remember the truck that I drove in to work as making that "downshifting" sound when the driver shifted to lower gears as we drove up and down the hills of Lebanon. It was a tedious job, but in retrospect a fun experience. It taught me the importance of working hard, being timely, and doing the best I could. I can remember walking into the immense chicken coop seeing thousands of chickens. The smell, the memory of the noise still can be brought up as I write this entry. It was certainly really cool to receive $100 at the age of 14. I also must mention lunch was included each and every day. The funny thing I can remember is that we drove to Main Street Willimantic to the new "Kentucky Fried Chicken" now KFC to get our daily dose of the lunch specials. It was certainly a great experience. I appreciate the man, Sy Richman who hired me to do this job. <br />
Another unique job that I had and I don't recall whether or not I was paid on a weekly basis or by the day but it was picking rocks, sticks, and basic grunt work at the now Chanticlair Golf Course. Owner Hy Stollman would feed us daily and we'd go about our business picking up countless rocks, piling them up and then bringing them to another section of the land that was not to be used for the nine hold golf course. The old orange dump truck we'd fill and then it would be driven to be emptied. Each and every time I ride by or run by the course I can envision it prior to be a golf course and I always say to myself "I had a part in building that course" although how small of a role I played. Thanks for the opportunity Mr. Stollman.<br />
Continuing on with the "picking" type jobs. An older cousin Dennis Huron had been contracted to clean up and remove logs, sticks, and the like from what now is the reservoir that serves the town of Norwich I believe. This is located off of "Reservoir" road which can be accessed down Chestnut Hill Road. The western side of the reservoir can be seen off of Rte. 354 near Marvin Road. We would be dropped off my brother Kevin and I and we would spend hours piling small logs, sticks and brush to be burned. It's amazing that we didn't gripe and groan about these jobs. <br />
These jobs unique in nature allowed me to gain an appreciation for hard work and manual labor in a sense. They were jobs that many could do but that many didn't want to do. These jobs although physical in nature were ones that were important. To get eggs to the stores you needed to pick them. To develop a golf course the land had to be leveled, cleaned and grass grown. To develop a reservoir land had to be cleared, and I'm sure proper piping had to be laid to get water to the towns that were in need. All in all it was my developmental years both as a young teenager young man. <br />
I've worked at General Dynamics as a Shipfitter's Helper for four summers in my college year's, at local gas stations, and at the Colchester Bakery. I've helped out to this day at Jon's Fish Market, and thought nothing of taking garbage out when needed at the latter. It's something that's ingrained in me to work hard and to maintain that work ethic that I had gained as a youth.<br />
It's my parents that I thank for getting me to where I am today. I can recall my dad saying "let them work these jobs so they appreciate the importance of an education". I'm not sure that he knows I heard him say that but I can remember it like it was yesterday. Yes, dad you were right education is important. That's why I teach to keep spreading that message. Education is the key and of course hard work and dedication to what you do whatever it may be will get you to where you want to go.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-88958313649670603682011-04-07T18:28:00.000-04:002011-04-07T18:28:26.309-04:00The Changing Scenery of a town named Colchester! Life was simple for me growing up in Colchester. It was not troublesome to travel through the center during the week. However, when the weekend arrived look out. It was totally different. I will explain shortly. I'll keep you in suspense. I'm talking about the years prior to Route 2 passing around and about Colchester. As mentioned in an earlier blog there was one stoplight. Traffic in the mornings was very light and I can recall cars opening their windows and the driver yelling out "good morning, say hello to mom and dad when you get home". I can also recall the older high school friends when I was still in Middle School and how they mentored me and "protected" me for some reason or another. They had my back as they say today. I feel it was out of respect for my family and what we meant to others perhaps. It's something I've appreciated over the years. Maybe it was my attitude toward life even then that my older friends appreciated. <div> At the bottom of Halls Hill there was one gas station at the time. It was "George's Flying A" I believe. After I would deliver papers my older friends; Bob, Oscar, Tom, and others would eventually teach me how to pump gas, check oil, wash windows, and just have great conversation when there were no customers. It was a time that I look back at and I appreciate what they and others did for me in my early teens. It was also unique in that my older friends took the time to shape who I am today. I occasionally run into them and to this day remind them of how I still appreciate all they did for me in my early developmental years. That was true mentoring and at it's best. </div><div> One of the funniest stories I will share with you the reader of this blog series is my "slide down Halls Hill Road". You might ask before I tell the story "what do you mean by your slide down Halls Hill Road"? It has nothing to do with icy conditions or snowy conditions. Year's ago town's would repair the roads in small towns in a unique way. They would have oil trucks spray oil on the road and the the sand truck would spread sand over the oil. Well in my wisdom I thought it would be cool to ride my bike over the fresh oil to get the wells shiny black. I didn't know that as soon as I hit the oil that I would go for the longest slide of my life on oil. I didn't get hurt at all but oh did I get covered with tar. If you ask Bob, Oscar, and others that worked at the gas station my nickname they would tell you "Tar Baby". I was covered in oil, from head to toe. The "gunk" cleaner as I recall was my best friend. It was the mechanics "friend" so to speak that helped clean me up. It's one of those funny stories that I'll re-tell occasionally. It was not the brightest things I've done in my life but it sure is one of the easiest to tell since there was "no harm, no foul" as the saying goes. </div><div> Colchester was a one pizza place town. Dino's Pizza. It was located in between the now vacant Jack's Auto and the newly renovated "Old Fire House" next to Bacon Academy. I can recall my brush with fame one night in my teens as we sat in front on the old stone steps waiting for our 75 cent small pizza. I believe we bought three and got one free during that time so myself and my high school buddies very astute at general mathematics figured out if we chipped in we could get four pizzas for $2.25. One of us would buy the soda and it always somehow came out even. That particular late afternoon we were sitting out their waiting for them as I've said and a nice car pulled up in front. I noticed it as a distinguished athletic looking man came strutting out of a car. I look and to my surprise it was "Arnold Palmer", the great Arnold Palmer. I was speechless and didn't say anything. He was only in their for a short period of time and as he came out I can remember saying "You are Arnold Palmer aren't you?" He said "I sure am". He smiled and said "thanks for recognizing me" and drove off. I later found out that he was staying at a cabin on Savin's Farm on Old Route 2 (Norwich Avenue). We didn't bother asking for an autograph and probably my buddies had no idea who he was I just think to this day it was cool to see the great Arnold Palmer so up close and personal as they say today. I also can say that he was playing in then the Greater Hartford Open that was being held at the Wethersfield Country Club. It may have been called the Insurance City Open at that time. </div><div> I'm writing about the past not to revisit it but to let you know that it's important to spend time with your loved ones, family members, friends, and to really appreciate what you have or want to have. Today's life has gotten way to fast, way to hectic at times. Taking time to have a dinner with your whole family more than once a week should be a priority. It's important, it was for me and it continues to be something I enjoy when I can with remaining family. </div><div> Colchester a sleepy little town as I said of about 2,500 to 3,000 people. It was just too far from Hartford especially without the new Route 2. Well that all changed in the mid to late 60's. It was once said that "Harry's Place" would not survive if Route 2 were put in, well you know that answer to that statement. Getting back to pre-route 2. Traffic on Sunday was outrageous. The beach traffic had to travel through Colchester. It's a reason why I think Colchester has grown so much. We were discovered in the mid-1980's as a place not too far from Hartford and very affordable to build our dream home. After all I can attest to that I thought I was going to be the next Donald Trump when I opened my own real estate company known as Donald Jay Levine Realty, Inc. For those that didn't know that I'll write more about that some other time.</div><div> Colchester also had the "Connecticut Dragway". It was a 1/4 mile track where on Sunday's people from far and near traveled through Colchester, onto route 16, to Buckley Hill Road and out to where Consumer Protection Agency has a car testing company. It was great to see the cars come by on trailers and occasionally stop at the local restaurants to eat, and as kids we would marvel at the "funny cars" and "dragsters". Colchester was very crowded on Saturday's and Sunday's in the summer. </div><div> Each and every one of these "stories", factual in nature from my point of view can be expanded up but for later times. It was a fun town to live in as I think back, but one that didn't really have too much. We had "Food Fair" which became "Tri-Town" foods and now "CVS". We had "Leo's Esso" now Exxon but now Mark's Auto Parts. Of course Bacon Academy (1803 version) was there and yes it was used for two sixth grade classrooms when our schools were being renovated. I attended 6th grade for part of the year down at Old Bacon Academy. The present day Gilbertie's was the Chestnut Lodge. It was our restaurant. Out on Route 85 was the "Rainbow Restaurant" and the Colchester Theater. On Lake Hayward Road was the "Hayward Restaurant". </div><div> It was totally different to live here and as I ramble on I'll keep writing fun and interesting things. Getting back to the developing town it was a place where we knew one another well. We knew how to push each other to get better and we knew that it was important to get over things or life would be difficult. That's just me thinking out loud. I am who I am because I was shaped by family, friends, and experiences. I write to get others to not only read these words from the past, present, and thoughts of the future, but to think how important it is to step back and to think what's we need to do to become better at whatever we want to be better at. If that doesn't make sense simply put is don't get caught up losing track of what's important in life. To me family, friends, and life are the ultimate. </div><div> Life passes by so quickly and I have much to accomplish and if I can help others on a grander scale I will do so. Keep being the best you can be and keep trying no matter how tough or how easy things are. Always remember to work just as hard no matter what. </div><div> I leave today with this last thought. I failed miserably in my opinion when I was studying to be an "Urban Sociologist" at the University of Connecticut in the early 70's. I said to myself then "what are you doing?" I now realize all I learned there was not wasted. I have that knowledge within the confines of my gray matter and look forward to getting it out for the development of "Everyone's Shadow Is The Same Color". In essence whatever I've thought to fail at I've used in the future. It usually comes full circle. </div><div> Until I write again, live life to it's fullest, do the best you can for family and friends, and don't take anything for granted. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-20976446557189260312011-04-05T21:19:00.000-04:002011-04-05T21:19:19.934-04:00Time Marches On-Paper routes, tree forts, camping out! Newsflash: UConn 53 Butler 41(National Champs for the third time), congratulations Jim Calhoun, staff, players, family, friends, and fans. <br />
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As I thought about the previous two sections of this series of articles that I've written I've had fun dipping into the caverns that exist in my brain. Some say that I have a tremendous memory and that I sometimes let it run wild. I've been said that I lack focus and that my mind is going a mile a minute. It's fun to have many "irons in the fire". I've had some great experiences in my lifetime and I appreciate the many positive ones that have shaped my life. Also, I've had sad moments in my life and tragic ones at times that have also been a major factor in how I've developed and where I'm going as time seems to march on. <br />
Continuing on where I left off yesterday. The 60's were fun for me but life in general as history points out was pretty wild. For me in Colchester, in Central School and Bacon Academy school life I recall was fun. I can remember certain "characters" that I grew up with and how fun it was to hang out with them and learn about life. I won't talk about them at all at this point but I'll tell you it was interesting. The neighborhood "kids" would make tree forts, what we called "Cowboy and Indian forts" and now we know it's not politically correct to call them Indian forts but should now call them "Native American" forts I believe. I can remember charging .25 cents to view our working living museum as we called it. It was life at it's best. That in itself can be a page or more of writing. Relating it to the title of this blog "Everyone's Shadow Is The Same Color" we hung out with all ages, we mentored younger neighbors, and of course we looked up to our older cousins, neighbors, and friends. At times their was name calling, fights, but we always found a way to be back together. It was quite simple. We protected one another and the neighborhood and life seemed very together.<br />
Camping out usually was with the core neighborhood "boys", the best buddies, the friends, and our classmates that were allowed to stay out all night with us. What was great we had great conversations about life, were very imaginative, and remained safe. I can expound upon some great experiences that occurred when camping out and one scary moment that happened one late summer night. I'll leave you to use your imagination to think about what it could be. If you'd like to know I'd love to see a comment or two to get me to get more specific.<br />
At this point I'm going to cut this discussion short and think about where I want to go with things over the next few blogs. I'm working hard on getting "Everyone's Shadow Is The Same Color" launched. The website is in the works and I've promised the web designer that I'd get the copy ready for the site. It will be cool to get things going with that officially. I'm looking forward to getting the message out and making a huge difference. <br />
I've promised friends that they can be on the site, some new some long time friends; to Alyssa, Kelly, Aidan, Tom, Lynne, Tiffany, Yvonne, and countless others get ready to become part of the magic I'm trying to create. It will happen. Until we meet again keep being kind, being alive, and living life to it's fullest.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1164446146055886408.post-37870594259669243332011-04-04T20:43:00.003-04:002011-04-05T20:51:03.534-04:00Part Two-Time Passes, Technology Develops, Life Goes On. Fast! I'm sitting at lunch today the text messages started arriving on my Iphone. Yes, my Iphone, my first cellphone. I laugh because for years friends, colleagues, family members would say "I can't believe that you don't have a cellphone". I used to smile and say "no need for one". When running this summer I had a close encounter with a "rattlesnake" on a trail. I said to myself "what if I didn't see the snake soon enough and it bit me". I envisioned myself lying on the trail in agony dying of a snakebite with no means of getting help in the early morning hours". That is the moment I said "when I return home I must get a cellphone just in case of an emergency". <br />
Getting back to the rattlesnake. I stopped about 10 feet from it and watched it for a second or two. I had only about a 1/4 of a mile left to get to the top of the trail. I decided that it was prudent to go back down the trail rather than try to jump over the snake. I envisioned my ill-fated attempt with the rattler striking me as I attempted the leap of faith. Needless to say I thought it very important to get my first cellphone just in case I would ever meet up with a rattler again. Funny thing when my brother returned to California this summer we went for a run on a different trail and ran into another "rattler" this one much smaller but nonetheless a rattler.<br />
Let me get back to the point of part two. Technology has shaped our lives and the world at a rapid pace. However, growing up it was quite different. Although at the time the music was changing, technology was not in the place it is today. It's crazy to think that we listened to records on a turntable, that cassette tapes had not yet been invented for that matter even eight track tapes. Reel to reel tape players were the thing in college. They were not affordable for many though. I can remember seeing a dormitory mate with one and said to myself "I can't imagine owning that how cool it would be to be able to play so much music at once". To think that you can put thousands of songs on the tiniest of IPOD's and MP3's today is mind boggling.<br />
Getting back to the good old days. Life was simpler especially in the small town I grew up in, Colchester. We didn't have much to do but we always were busy. The statement there's nothing to do always makes me laugh. There's plenty to do if you make it a priority to just get at it. I delivered papers down Prospect Street, Halls Hill Road, and finished on South Main and Main Street. I believe I had 35 customers and can remember that the weekly paper cost 42 cents and the Sunday Courant was 30 cents. Most customers paid the .72 cents with a dollar. Think about that a 28 percent tip a week. Yes, "TC" there's my quirky math skill that I have too that you've experienced. <br />
What does having a paper route have anything to do with this writing? I rode my Schwinn banana seat butterfly handled bicycle down Main Street without any cares in the world. My cousin Pete would ride with me delivering the Norwich Bulletin. We had a blast. Cars would toot their horns many would yell out to us "how's your mom, your day"? It was fun especially in the summer. Delivering papers gave me responsibility and gave me money to save. It was a lot different here in Colchester. There was only one stop light and that was the one that still exists in front of "Old Bacon Academy". It was a time that we were never in the house on weekends and the summer months. It was a time that we sat and ate dinner together as a family. There were not night programs that disrupted family life. It was time that we came together as a community. However, the world was experiencing the Vietnam conflict and the nightly news was a time that would report the daily casualties and fatalities. <br />
Life was not as fast paced as it is today. However, in the moment the adults and generations that were older would say "you can't imagine what it was like when I was growing up". <br />
Part III tomorrow. UConn - Butler is one. Time to watch the Huskies win!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0