Life is like that, twists, turns, sad and glad, disappointment and delight. I’ve read all of that by you. You’re talented, sensitive, a hard worker. All will work out, never quit or dispair. Your fan,
It’s 6:00 in the morning and I’m thinking how early it is until I hear my buddy Captain Bobby’s voice on the ship-to-shore radio.
The tug Kimberly Selvick is headed outbound for the lake.
See, for some people this early is normal. Another Sunday morning at the boatyard.
If it were winter we’d both be in church. Coupla old Lutheran boys.
My dear Jan, you seem to thrive on change more than I could imagine for myself.
At 73, I am a happily single man. I’ve been blessed with more outstanding relationships than anyone deserves, but I’ve proven that I don’t cohabitate well.
And the need for a girlfriend holds less importance than it once did.
So, here’s me, now a grateful semiretired condo dweller, still working three days a week in a profession which has served me with abundant endorphins for some 55 years
Dear Mark, your life sounds peaceful, full, and content. What a blessing! Such calm assuredness is what I have always longed for, and it only comes in waves. I do not like change and yet, yes, there is much of it in my life. It is one of the constants. Maybe someday, if I have "time", I will understand why.
Thank you for always staying in touch through this medium. It is much appreciated!
Jan, I love your creative expressions here about life and living. You are able to capture head, heart and soul through your views and words! Pat McDonald
Thank you, I appreciate hearing that and you taking the time to say so. I wrote this piece having no idea where it would land, just touching an internal truth and feeling a bit selfish in that respect, so it helps to know it resonated with others (you).
I really needed this today. I’ve been chasing my tail a lot lately. Thank you.
Also, those remodel pix (in Bellevue?) reminded me of my days of working for a contractor who bought a few old houses in Bellevue that I helped him remodel.
One day, he had me work with the plumber, a crusty old guy who commanded me to reach into the old ceramic pipe main vein to the septic tank because “Kid, you got arms as long as a orangutang!” and pull out the root wads that were plugging sewer commerce, all while I muttered about people being to cheap to replace those old pipes with a new plastic one.
Then it was noon and time for Paul Harvey, so I walked over to an outside faucet to wash my hands, and hollering over Paul Harvey, the plumber told me “I turned off the water, and anyway it ain’t no kind of plumber who thinks he’s too special to eat with his work hands.”
Your story reminds me of a "Story People by Brian Andreas" that I have hanging in my house:
The plumber was digging around in the pipes & he saw something shine in the muck & it turned out to be the soul of the last tenant. He gave it to me & I said I wonder how we can return it & he shrugged & said he found stuff like that all the time. You'd be amazed what people lose, he said."
Heh!! Which then requires another plumber story in response.
A couple of researchers were studying how people in different occupations reacted to various objects, so they gave four small steel spheres each to a physicist, an artist, and a plumber. The plan was for each of the recipients to do whatever with the spheres that came to mind and to return in two weeks with the results.
After two weeks, the physicist and the artist showed up with their projects.
The physicist somehow devised a way to suspend the spheres while they rotated on their aZia and around each other using some kind of low power static electricity source.
Amazing! The researchers wrote on their notes.
Next, the artist unveiled her project, which was a breathtaking object where the spheres were fused with crystal glass to created a sense of motion and spheres flowing in the crystal almost like a poem.
Stunning! The researchers wrote in their notes.
A day passed. No plumber. A week. No plumber. Phone calls were made, promises given and finally, after a couple of months, the plumber showed up.
The researchers asked him about his steel spheres project.
“Oh, those,” he said. “I know one is in my lunch pail, one was on the seat of my pickup, and I’m not sure what happened to. . . how many did you say you gave me?”
Full disclosure: I do have this plumber characteristic even though I faithfully wash my hands.
The post really resonated with me. There’s something peaceful about surrendering to time rather than fighting against it. It sounds like you’ve found a sense of balance, even if it’s still evolving. I feel like I’m only just starting to get there myself now. I hope you’re able to find some time for yourself as you take this break.
Well, you have been through a LOT recently. I honestly do not think I would have handled your challenges as well as you did. And the outcome is incredibly disappointing after all your hard work and after all this time. I hope you are able to focus on yourself now for a bit, in whatever form that comes. Lounging on a couch reading novels or taking a much deserved vacation. I was glad for your recent update, tho no happy to hear the outcome. Sending good vibes your way.
Thank you so much for your kind words and understanding—it means a lot to me. The outcome was tough to process and the appeal was trying because it was unfamiliar and new. Something shifted last year that I decided I was going to move forward and continue on that path. And apologies as I accidentally disabled comments - I forgot how to publish correctly, lol. I really appreciate your positive energy and will take it easy. I look forward to catching up on your posts.
Jan,
Life is like that, twists, turns, sad and glad, disappointment and delight. I’ve read all of that by you. You’re talented, sensitive, a hard worker. All will work out, never quit or dispair. Your fan,
Phil
Thank you, Phil. I appreciate your ongoing support and encouragement. xo
Lovely, Jan. If anyone deserves a bit of a breather, it is you, although I know you won't be idle!
Look forward to hearing from you again, soon!
Thank you, Joan!
Beautiful piece. I love how you have described your journey.
Thank you, Alice
It’s 6:00 in the morning and I’m thinking how early it is until I hear my buddy Captain Bobby’s voice on the ship-to-shore radio.
The tug Kimberly Selvick is headed outbound for the lake.
See, for some people this early is normal. Another Sunday morning at the boatyard.
If it were winter we’d both be in church. Coupla old Lutheran boys.
My dear Jan, you seem to thrive on change more than I could imagine for myself.
At 73, I am a happily single man. I’ve been blessed with more outstanding relationships than anyone deserves, but I’ve proven that I don’t cohabitate well.
And the need for a girlfriend holds less importance than it once did.
So, here’s me, now a grateful semiretired condo dweller, still working three days a week in a profession which has served me with abundant endorphins for some 55 years
Dear Mark, your life sounds peaceful, full, and content. What a blessing! Such calm assuredness is what I have always longed for, and it only comes in waves. I do not like change and yet, yes, there is much of it in my life. It is one of the constants. Maybe someday, if I have "time", I will understand why.
Thank you for always staying in touch through this medium. It is much appreciated!
Jan, I love your creative expressions here about life and living. You are able to capture head, heart and soul through your views and words! Pat McDonald
Thank you, Pat. That is very kind.
Wow. ❤️❤️❤️ this really moved me.
Thank you, I appreciate hearing that and you taking the time to say so. I wrote this piece having no idea where it would land, just touching an internal truth and feeling a bit selfish in that respect, so it helps to know it resonated with others (you).
I really needed this today. I’ve been chasing my tail a lot lately. Thank you.
Also, those remodel pix (in Bellevue?) reminded me of my days of working for a contractor who bought a few old houses in Bellevue that I helped him remodel.
One day, he had me work with the plumber, a crusty old guy who commanded me to reach into the old ceramic pipe main vein to the septic tank because “Kid, you got arms as long as a orangutang!” and pull out the root wads that were plugging sewer commerce, all while I muttered about people being to cheap to replace those old pipes with a new plastic one.
Then it was noon and time for Paul Harvey, so I walked over to an outside faucet to wash my hands, and hollering over Paul Harvey, the plumber told me “I turned off the water, and anyway it ain’t no kind of plumber who thinks he’s too special to eat with his work hands.”
I learned right then I ain’t no kind of plumber.
oh yikes!!! I aint no kind of plumber either!
Your story reminds me of a "Story People by Brian Andreas" that I have hanging in my house:
The plumber was digging around in the pipes & he saw something shine in the muck & it turned out to be the soul of the last tenant. He gave it to me & I said I wonder how we can return it & he shrugged & said he found stuff like that all the time. You'd be amazed what people lose, he said."
Heh!! Which then requires another plumber story in response.
A couple of researchers were studying how people in different occupations reacted to various objects, so they gave four small steel spheres each to a physicist, an artist, and a plumber. The plan was for each of the recipients to do whatever with the spheres that came to mind and to return in two weeks with the results.
After two weeks, the physicist and the artist showed up with their projects.
The physicist somehow devised a way to suspend the spheres while they rotated on their aZia and around each other using some kind of low power static electricity source.
Amazing! The researchers wrote on their notes.
Next, the artist unveiled her project, which was a breathtaking object where the spheres were fused with crystal glass to created a sense of motion and spheres flowing in the crystal almost like a poem.
Stunning! The researchers wrote in their notes.
A day passed. No plumber. A week. No plumber. Phone calls were made, promises given and finally, after a couple of months, the plumber showed up.
The researchers asked him about his steel spheres project.
“Oh, those,” he said. “I know one is in my lunch pail, one was on the seat of my pickup, and I’m not sure what happened to. . . how many did you say you gave me?”
Full disclosure: I do have this plumber characteristic even though I faithfully wash my hands.
Lovely. Simply lovely.
The post really resonated with me. There’s something peaceful about surrendering to time rather than fighting against it. It sounds like you’ve found a sense of balance, even if it’s still evolving. I feel like I’m only just starting to get there myself now. I hope you’re able to find some time for yourself as you take this break.
Well, you have been through a LOT recently. I honestly do not think I would have handled your challenges as well as you did. And the outcome is incredibly disappointing after all your hard work and after all this time. I hope you are able to focus on yourself now for a bit, in whatever form that comes. Lounging on a couch reading novels or taking a much deserved vacation. I was glad for your recent update, tho no happy to hear the outcome. Sending good vibes your way.
Thank you so much for your kind words and understanding—it means a lot to me. The outcome was tough to process and the appeal was trying because it was unfamiliar and new. Something shifted last year that I decided I was going to move forward and continue on that path. And apologies as I accidentally disabled comments - I forgot how to publish correctly, lol. I really appreciate your positive energy and will take it easy. I look forward to catching up on your posts.