Day: December 1, 2019

  
 Every clue is not a lead, 
 but it slows us down enough 
 to take a pause and look 
 at what we have.                                           
 Too often we amble forward, 
 not even looking, and later 
 wonder how did we get 
 this far and when.  
      
 We look back to when 
 there was a future, but 
 were too busy to 
 give it much thought, 
 and then arrive at where 
 we are and wonder, again, 
 how did we get to here.

 We have regrets and recapitulations 
 as well as self examination and 
 new resolves, assuming 
 there had been resolve once before.  
 We are wondering about 
 what could have been, 
 but soon get back to what is 
 and try to make peace with ourselves 
 between our ambitions and our limitations.  

 This is not bad and not necessarily good.  
 It is a start and fresh starts 
 always have promise.  
 We can hang our hat on that and 
 begin to move forward with 
 new goals and new ambitions.

 Where we want to go may be 
 a long way off and detours 
 are to be expected.  Purpose, 
 though, trumps most obstacles 
 and watching for trail markers 
 and other clues can be a good thing.  

 There are no guarantees but 
 desire for success may be 
 a strong motivator.  Highs 
 can be obtained from accomplishment. 
 Tomorrow is a new beginning 
 and new opportunity.  

 New highs are a potential.  
 Live in the present with 
 an eye on the future, while 
 knowing at the end of the day 
 that tomorrow is waiting 
 and with it new clues and new markers. 
 
 Light the candles and 
 listen to the music.
 
 Stanski
 December 1, 2019 ^

 Many people do things
 To them it is the greatest
 Others view – not so much
 What do you do?
  
 You are the one
 There is no other
 Your notions are right for you
 Others be damned
  
 No one can live for you
 Or walk in your shoes 
 Only you knows yourself
 Your beliefs and motives
  
 Instincts and intuition prevail 
 Drive you to failure or victory
 Never give up; flee from self-doubt
 There is no wrong for you
  
 No need to prove for others
 Believe in yourself
 Compliment others
 Self-reliance is a noble quality
  
 We all have today
 You live it well and
 When tomorrow arrives
 Do it all over again
  
 Stanski
 December 1, 2019 ^
   

 Grand Rapids Chicks in town to
 Play the Fort Wayne Daisies
 I was in Fort Wayne visiting
 My Grandma and Grandpa 
 On Wabash Avenue 
  
 I would walk to the game
 Three blocks to the park
 Took the short cut along
 The railroad tracks, which
 Smelled richly of creosote 
  
 The game was great
 Just being there was a delight
 The league broke up years ago
 Many still remember the lady ballplayers
  
  
 Went horseback riding at the Burton Stable 
 My horse “Buster” was easy to handle
 Until he decided it was feeding time
 He got into a gallop all the way back
 No matter what I did was to no avail
 He was determined and won out
 The area is all residential now, so
 All I have is the memories
  
  
 In Chicago, the Herald Carriers, who
 Sold enough subscriptions to qualify
 Watched the Cubs play at Wrigley Field
 Then went to Six Flags Park for a few hours
 I enjoyed the parachute drop, but
 Was glad to get back on solid ground
  
 Good memories from days gone by
  
 Stanski
 December 1, 2019 ^
   

  
 It’s three in the morning
 No one up but me
 I’m not alone though
 At least not in my mind
 Peaceful and content
 I think about the day past
 And the one almost at hand
 Savoring all the goodness I find
 While looking forward to more
  
 Don’t overlook the struggles
 That’s part of life, too
 No music is playing
 Quiet is all right for now
 The clock speaking tick tock
 Admonishes me
 Get to bed; get your rest
 When you’re refreshed, you’re at your best
  
 All so true, but then
 I would miss this opportunity
 For quiet and thought
 Plants grow and live alone
 They do all right and seem content
 I talk to them and learn, too
  
 No one knows what’s best for you
 Or cares, really, what you do
 We all have a program
 If you’re willing to pay
 You can have your name on it
 Coffee will still cost 
 Two dollars a cup
 Refills free
  
 Stanski
 December1, 2019 ^ 

      
  EARLY MORNING WINTER LIGHT, 
REFLECTING AND REFRACTING 
OFF OF WINDOWS, OPENED FOR 
FRESH AIR AND COOL BREEZE, 
CAST NEW HIGHLIGHTS AND 
SHADOWS ON FAMILIAR OBJECTS 
GIVING ONE NEW PERSPECTIVES 
ON GATHERED TREASURERS.   
IT MAKES YOU THINK ABOUT 
YOUR OLD ROUTINES AND WONDER 
IF NEW LIGHT ON THEM OR 
OBJECTIVE REVIEW OF THEM 
WOULD BE GOOD AND A NECESSARY TONIC.                                                                                                                                        
  WE NORMALLY HAVE A 
DISCIPLINE OF LIVING 
WHICH BEGINS WITH PURPOSE.   
GRADUALLY THE REPETITIONS AND 
PASSAGE OF TIME MAKE OUR ACTIONS 
SEEM MUNDANE AND ROBOTIC.  
IF WE WERE TO OPEN THE WINDOWS 
OF OUR BEING TO LET IN 
THE FRESHNESS OF NEW IDEAS 
AND THE LIGHT OF BETTER REASON, 
WE COULD, PERHAPS, CLOSE THE DOOR 
TO MONOTONY AND LISTLESSNESS.

 AFTER WE TREAT OURSELVES THIS WAY 
AND PROSPER FROM THE RESULTS OF OUR EFFORT, 
WOULD IT NOT BE WISE TO APPLY 
A CRITICAL EYE AND OBJECTIVE 
ANALYTICAL EAR TO ALL THE THINGS 
WE SEE AND HEAR?  

 COULD WE MAKE CONCLUSIONS AND 
FORM OUR OWN OPINION BASED ON 
INTELLECTUAL HONESTY AND TRUTH, 
RATHER THAN REMAINING PART OF 
THE HERD WHOSE ONLY WAY TO MAKE 
A NEW TRAIL IS TO WANDER FROM 
HERE TO THERE?

 SEEING AND HEARING THE SAME THINGS 
OVER AND OVER DOES NOT NECESSARILY 
MEAN THEY ARE CORRECT. THE TRUTH 
HAS TO BE SOUGHT OUT.  
THIS REQUIRES CONSTANT AND 
CONSISTENT OBSERVATION MADE  
USING NEW ANGLES OF LIGHT 
AND LISTENING WHEN THE NEWS 
IS CARRIED ON THE FRESH EARLY AIR. 
 
 THE WANDERING HERD DOES NOT 
MAKE THE BEST PATH.  
THE FALSE GODS ARE NOT THE SOURCE 
TO GO TO FOR OUR KNOWLEDGE AND OPINIONS.  
SEARCH OUT THE BEST PATH, 
THE RIGHT PATH, AND THEN BE 
TRUE TO YOUR CONVICTIONS.  
AVOID THE UNNECESSARY DETOURS, 
SEEK ENLIGHTENMENT AND STAY REFRESHED.  
LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT SEASON.  
  
 STANSKI
 DECEMBER 1, 2019