Wisdom

Told I am feeling old and wise so I decided to share a few wise sayings I use in my daily life:

  • A shortcut is often the longest way.
  • There is nothing as complex as simplicity.
  • If wishes were ponies, we’d need more brooms and shovels.
  • There is no computer problem so bad that going to lunch won’t fix.
  • Who are who you say you are – always call yourself a genius.
  • Always present lists in even numbers of items.  Symmetry is important.

Well, time to get back to the rocking chair, stare at the rain and think profound thoughts.

Andrew

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No wood working

Last night I attended our marquetry club’s annual Christmas potluck dinner.  It’s always great to get together to socialize and see what everyone is working on.

And that’s about as close as I’ve been to wood working this last week.  It’s moving into that busy time of year.  Both work and family gets a bit frantic with little time for anything else.  Also it’s been cold.  Well, California cold – 50’s in the day and high 30’s at night.

So with part of my shop being in the car port and the other taking an hour to heat up, I just lack the desire to go out there after work.  A hot cup of herb tea, a cat on my lap in a nice warm house is hard to pass up at this time of year.

I’ll get back out there soon, but I’ll be away from the woodworking until after the holidays.

After all, getting covered in sawdust is a summer hobby while writing is a winter sport.

But more about writing later,

Andrew

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The Other Stuck Line

As winter approaches, words fall from the tree and are blown across the roof.  Rain falls, soaking the thirsty ground, as I sit on the chair watching the world turn to winter.  A cat jumps on my lap seeking warmth and a friendly place to sleep.  My mind drifts. Thoughts blur as the soft purr fades to warmth and contentment.

The wind blows, gently rattling the screen and that line returns to my brain.  The line that starts and won’t end. That single thought that leads nowhere.  Fragments of words torn from old books and newly reformed in my consciousness.

There are four of them, and Spirit.

Socks.  He’s aggressive and yet a charmer.  He knows how to work his way into your heart.  Socks, the warrior, the bully, the center of attention and the sweet gentleman curling up in your arms melting your heart.

Boots.  She’s a big girl and knows when the food is out.  She’s clumsy and awkward, bit like an old boot.  Given a chance she backs away.  When finally caught the boot nestles like toes into the deep warmth of your arms.

Bella.  She loves her food and soon will be known as Bella the belly.  Aloof and a loner she often growls at the others, warning them of her displeasure.  She likes her toys – a little toy mouse flies through the air when she is near.  She sleeps in the basket in the hall, leaning her head into passersby for that little scratch behind the ear.

Spot.  Smallest and smartest.  Skittish and wary with soft fur.  She watches the doors, trying to figure them out.  She eats little and doesn’t like the rules.  Yet, in the evening she’ll be the first on your lap.  She’s gone before breakfast and is not back till dinner.  Likely, she’s just off seeing how the world works.

And there are four of them, and Spirit.

Spirit. The queen.  The old lady of the house.  Spends all day in her room sleeping in the sun.  The others are of only passing interest and sometimes she aims a hiss their way.  She won’t admit it, but Boots is her favorite – often poking a paw under the door seeking her friendship.  Frail and wise she is our old kitty.

Such are the musing of heart as the wind blows and the cats sleep.  Thoughts wander from the needed storm to the light and warmth of the house.  Christmas tree lit, music playing and tea kettle steaming.

Soon it will be time to sip tea and sit down to write.
Soon it will be time to try to turn my mood into words.
Soon.

Till next week,
Andrew

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The Wednesday Hiking – The Camera of the Mind

Not much happening the shop as the colder weather settles in and Christmas activities start.  On Sunday we went to the Church of the Hiking Trail for our weekly devotional.

We did decide not to take any photos as this was a spiritual, creative breathing in exercise.  It was a great day to be out, clear, cold and not many people on the trail.  While we didn’t take any pictures on Sunday, I did find one in my archives of the same place on a similar day in drier weather:

Borel Hill on Russian Ridge.

Borel Hill on Russian Ridge.

If you need me – I am writing the annual Christmas letter.

Andrew

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