Good late afternoon,

It has been a rather reflective and pensive couple days. That is a good thing perhaps. It is important to listen to wise counsel and reflect on the care that someone provides. One of my Starbuck’s cohort wrote to me and said: "Michael, we all have come to feel very strongly about you during the time you were here." That was one of the kindest things that I have heard in some time. I also got a call from a person that I have had the pleasure of knowing for about a year and a half earlier today. She is an amazing lady. She was also affirming, but admonishing, much like my cousin Diane, which is noted in an earlier entry. It is interesting how we hear exactly what we need when we need it, if we will listen. And listen is an operative word. It is certainly one thing to hear someone, it is quite another to "listen" to them.

Today was another one of those lesson learning days, which have seem to come fast and furious as of late. It is about watching, reflecting and then acting in accordance with what we have learned. That is, of course, the rub in all of those experiences that I once referred to as an AFGE, an acronym for "Another F’ing Growing Experience." HA! Life is full of them and hopefully we do not have to keep relearning, though it seems I learn slowly at times. It is that idealism again, the very thing I pondered and struggled with earlier in this summer blog.

As I am finishing the weekend, plans for the evening got changed a couple times, and I just try to roll with it. It is that commitment thing that today’s entry is titled. I try to understand the bigger picture and the complications that make all of our lives so complex, but, darn it . . .  when you make choices or decisions that affect others then you need to be accountable and honest about them. Then again, as I look back at times in my life, there are times I fell way short, so I best be careful in my righteous indignation. Otherwise I will, appropriately so, look pretty foolish. And so it is: I added an actual profile to MySpace today at the request of a former student and my Florida friend. And what the heck is up with "snowy"??

I added a song and video that I think remind me of our journey and of our human frailties: "Lightning Crashes" by Live. It is an amazing song and a haunting video. I actually wrote a paper about it in the spring. Last night, I ran into another former student at a local restaurant and it was fun to chat. I am managing to enjoy the "fruits" (literally) of the summer. Ted, your Syrah was much better than you give yourself credit for. Great nose and complex taste. I liked it!!

This week will be busy as I am trying to tie up as much as possible and get my proverbial ducks-in-a-row. I had a great summer and it was a learning experience on many levels. It continues to be so. I am sure that some of those lessons will have some long-term effects on my life, and most of that is positive. I am sure that all learning is positive. When it goes well, it is positive. When it really sucks, I am positive that I do not want to do it again!!

Thoughts for the day:

When you say you will, please just do it.
When you have to change it, please do it with decorum and grace.
When you ask for help, listen and ponder the counsel of the person you took the time to ask.
When you choose not to change your situation, realize you have made that choice.
When you have had the opportunity to receive the gift of help, do not take it for granted.
Remember we are all human and make mistakes.
Forgive readily, and demand seldomly.
Listen to the small quiet voice that often tells you what is most important.
Remember that we are all blessed in many ways by many things and sometimes even by a few people.

The picture today is looking out at the amazing nature which is in my own back yard (literally).

Thanks as always.

Michael