Before the horizon was sentried with white gel-coated wind turbines, these wood and steel wizards alchemized wind into water. Oases emerged, homesteads sprouted, cattle prospered. Many still whirl or grind in the wind, but others resist, strain and groan. And lean. Paddles vanish. Bolts sheer. Weathered letters fade beneath rust. I am drawn to old windmills as much for their stark silhouettes as ...
Midlife Scrapbook
Invent
To Invent this Morning 1. Skidamarink-tuned ditty about minty dentures to awaken my bride. 2. Fresh blueberry, rice, and canned venison breakfast for my dog. 3. Banana, peanut butter, coconut milk, and bacon smoothie for me. 4. New whistle to interrupt my dog’s snow graffiti ritual near the house. 5. Shower-steamed mirror doodle of a swanlike man juggling top ...
Mapless
"Art is the act of navigating without a map." ~ Seth Godin ...
Siri-ously: An Ode to Siri?
Please define gratitude, Siri. The definition of “gratitude” is: a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation. Siri? Did you accidentally summon me? From the depths of my heart I want you to know how much I appreciate all that you do for me. Who me? Yes, you. This is about you, not me. No, Siri, this is about you. I’m trying to thank you. I’m just a humble virtual assistant. (Source: "Ode to ...
Memento Mori by A. D. Hope
I noticed today the loosely wrinkled skin On legs and arms, no defect, no disease But simply signs of time, the body's decrease Of power and of repair as these begin The ultimate indications of old age. ~ A.D. Hope ("Memento Mori" via Australian Poetry Library) I return again to memento mori, not to wax morose or moribund but to remind myself to laugh and dance and take nervous risks and strain ...
Absurd
"Credo quia absurdum est." Translated, roughly: I believe it because it's absurd... A throwaway. But a throwaway that resonates, right? Seems to me that this oft cited gem might be relevant to another oft cited crutch: the midlife crisis. It's absurd enough to believe, but I'm holding my course. Beware the midlife leap! ...