Herons, Routines & Change

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Michael Doran

Routines are a part of our daily existence. Many are essential, some are detrimental, and others are neutral in their affect upon our lives. Take this Blue Heron for instance. Every morning (I assume his behavior is the same since I have always seen him near the same spot at this lake in the dawn hour). His routine probably results in a breakfast meal of sorts so it could be described as essential.

People, on the other hand, are a bit more complex, as are their routines and the reasons for them. Something I have noticed about routines since I am between jobs: they can be both comforting and boring. With the exception of going to work, I have not altered my early morning or evening routines a great deal. I have made a few changes which are refreshing. I find myself feeling a bit uncomfortable at times since I had followed the same week day routine for decades.

Change can be positive or negative depending on one’s perspective. I choose to embrace this time of change optimistically. Here’s to good fishing!

C R O S S R O A D S

Posted on August 18, 2015 by Michael Doran

Have you ever found yourself at the intersection of Known and Unknown, often referred to as Crossroads. It can be like peering out at a wide vista of unfamiliar landscape. You know where you came from and where you are now, but not where you may be headed…at least not yet. This journey will be a process, and you will probably feel alone. Change appears on the horizon. So does uncertainty.

Remember the movie, Castaway, with Tom Hanks? If you don’t recall it in detail or have not seen it, please allow me to briefly describe it (bear with me if I mis-state a detail as it has been quite a while since I have seen the movie).Tom worked for FedEX and was returning from a trip from an eastern European country where he was setting up a local FedEX facility. On his return back to the states the jet crashed in the ocean during a severe thunderstorm. The only survivor was Tom, along with some packages which washed up on the beach of a small remote island miles away from the crash site. After four years (+ or -) on this island he finally escaped the treacherous reef in a self-built raft. He took with him his beloved Wilson, a soccer ball which he painted a face on it with his blood from an injury, and a package that somehow gave him ties to his mission and previous life. After many days he was rescued by a freighter and eventually returned to the FedEX facility from wince he started the journey. He sought out his fiancé, only to have found her married with children. The end of the movie follows Tom to an artist’s home in the middle of Montana or Wyoming…close to nothing. He was compelled to deliver the one package he took with him, four years after taking it from the European facility. The gracious artist accepted the package with a sense of puzzlement (of course she would be perplexed). The last scene shows a somewhat haunting image of a man without a home, sitting in his car at the intersection of two gravel roads. His Crossroads.

The castaway was a changed man. After four years alone, struggling to survive, trying to remain sane, anyone would be changed. He even contemplated suicide. It took a great deal of courage to finally attempt his escape over the coral reef, as he tried before and the surf flung him into the coral and ripped open one of his legs. Escape seemed hopeless after his initial attempt years ago. However, staying on the island another day seemed just as hopeless so he made the decision to try again. He succeeded, only to discover that he no longer fit in where he was before. I always wondered where he eventually ended up, and if he ever came to grips with his new life. Did he go left, right or straight at this life intersection? Did it matter which way he went?

There are many types of Crossroads; relationships, employment and career choices, health issues, births and deaths, accidents, dysfunctional family issues, threats and lawsuits, marriages and divorces, relocating to another area, ending a friendship, deciding to enlist in the military, choosing a college, etc..

I am at a Crossroads which is one encountered by many, and is not at all unfamiliar to me. However, it is different from times past. I need a career change, and I just turned sixty. Ouch, I actually said it out loud…sixty! Some say it is just a number while others say it is the downhill side of living. Many speak of retirement (I cannot relate). Since I believe each of us has a specific quantity of days to live, I don’t fret over my age. I do question my future, though. As the castaway changed as the result of his ordeal, I, too, have changed due to time and experiences. So, I have a choice to make, just as Tom Hanks did at the end of the movie. Which road do I choose?

I have been in the commercial construction industry for almost twenty-five years. Do I continue working in the same industry which has been good to me in many ways, but has also sucked the life out of me? Or, do I begin anew with a different career, perhaps totally unrelated? This is my quest, and why I stand at this particular Crossroads at this particular time in my life. As with the returned castaway, I don’t know where I fit in nor where my search will take me. However, I am cautiously optimistic, and even a bit excited about finding out. I hope the adage, The joy is in the journey, will be true for me should I choose to leave the familiarity of the construction industry. My gut tells me I won’t return.

Whether I have another thirty, twenty or ten years left to live, I still have much I want to do and see and participate in. The bottom line is this: I simply want to finish well.

Lift-Off

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Michael Doran

Almost sunrise. Very quiet.

Calm water. Still duck.

Presence noted. Movement imminent.

Wings flap. Water disturbed.

Lift-off. Successful retreat.

T O S A V O R

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Michael Doran

To savor is to enjoy the moment, the event or season of life to the fullest extent possible. To savor can be something as simple as sharing a favorite cup of coffee with your closest friend, to experiencing the birth of a child or looking back at a year in which everything in life held the greatest significance and most contentment.

To savor a moment is like pausing time, stepping back a few paces, and observing in your mind what an incredible thing is taking place right then and there. You are cognizant of what is happening, but are savvy enough to not mess it up…it is just being. All else is pushed aside-at least for a focused episode of time- and nothing matters but what is occurring. Moments such as these are to be cherished.

As events go, you could be at a party, a prayer meeting, a family gathering, a football game, a concert or most anything which can transport your mind and emotions to a higher plain than everyday living. Events are for a relatively short period of time, as are moments. I don’t know if an event or a moment makes a greater impact than the other, but it doesn’t really matter as long as there is a positive outcome and a pleasant memory. Special events are like time-released capsules of pleasure.

Seasons of life-now those are another subject unto themselves. Whereas moments and events are for brief periods of time and are readily known, a blessed season of one’s life can last a summer or a decade, and the full impact unravels slowly until you are fully aware of how amazing such a time was. This is not to say that a moment can’t affect you for the rest of your life; far from that. I have had several moments where I still feel the fulfilling effect of that occurrence. However, seasons hold a special place in one’s life because of their longevity. As we are all aware, this life is relatively short. If we can benefit from a longer place of inner satisfaction then so much the better. How very blessed are those who are privileged to experience a savory season in life.As I gaze upon my furry companion, Carson, I see the contentment he is experiencing while resting. He has no fear and makes himself vulnerable. He knows no pain while he rests. I see peace and I see renewal…something most of us don’t experience nearly enough. Carson represents a sort of savor that is limited to those who slow down enough to be in the present without distractions. His savor seems too easy…too unfair. Cheryl and I sometimes state that it would be great to be Carson for a while (as long as we were his guardians!). Can you relate? The adage, “It’s a dog’s life”, was built around a beloved pet who has not a care in the world. This lacking for nothing while experiencing the utmost of most anything pleasant is similar to children who are born into fine families and raised in loving environments. No worries, at least not until they grow up.

So, how do we, as humans beings, become more at ease with ourselves, and more at peace with our world? How do we savor?

I realize clearly that this question applies to only a minority of our worlds’ population. There are well over two billion people who are living in extreme poverty and millions more who know no peace or good health or love. For these, the question about savoring a piece of life is a foreign concept. I wish this were not the case, but it is.

For those of us who have the ability to recognize the possibility of savoring something worthwhile, it is to you whom I speak. I challenge you, as I have myself, to slow down and savor many moments, events and seasons. Be present and consider just how fortunate you are to have experienced such a time. Gratitude comes to mind as I consider the many savored experiences I can recall. I am awaiting the next with positive anticipation. Perhaps helping someone else savor a slice of this life is a savoring experience in itself.

Summer Floral Elegance

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Michael Doran

The following photographs are a vivid reminder of God’s elegant handiwork. All are found in our yard. Cheryl planted and nurtured the flowers (I help pull weeds on occasion). So many of you have volumes of beautiful flowers, shrubs and vines for which I offer no competition…just wanted to share the joy of some of nature’s beauty.

Star-gazer lily in the early morning light. Bowed in prayer. Inviting a closer look.Twin Star-gazers vying for position to be the first spoken to as the dew evaporates.Yellow lily of an unknown name to me. Awake for a while, and attentive to my presence.Black-eyed Susans stretching out after a good night’s rest. ‘All mixed up with no particular place to go…simply happy to be alive and well.Purple wildflower choosing to bloom alone, yet wanting to be noticed.Tulip tree flowers shouting aloud for everyone to see their uniqueness.Rose of Sharon blossoms bursting forth…just one clump of many vying for attention. Vinca pinwheel-shaped flower and lush green vines. Simple, yet astounding.

Staff of Life

Posted on July 10, 2015 by Michael Doran

Wheat has been called the Staff of Life for millennium, and for good reason. It is a food source which can be grown in various climate conditions, is relatively inexpensive compared to other grain crops, has a high protein count and other nutrient benefits.

However, it has increasingly been under attack due to the seemingly larger percentage of people who have one of several forms of gluten intolerance which can cause all sorts of health issues. I know several folks who have such an allergic reaction to wheat and it’s by-products, and that it can be a nuisance which is better avoided. On the other hand, it is a life saving grain to the majority of the world who don’t have an intolerance or simply don’t know they do. Personally, I believe the proliferation of gluten intolerance comes from the many years of genetically altering what was once a pure food source. Too bad for there are so many tasty foods made from this grain.

The following photographs show a wheat field in late May in eastern Kansas. The grains are actually planted during the winter and harvested in mid-summer-depending on the geographic location. The later photographs reveal what a mature wheat field looks like and the harvest of wheat. Although not a vast swath of land, this field is close to home and I happened to catch the combining at just the right time. The weather was perfect and the sunset certainly helped warm the already golden wheat. I hope you enjoy these images as much as I liked taking them in late June.

Since I don’t have a wheat-related allergy, all I can say is there is nothing much better than a freshly baked piece of homemade bread with a pad of real butter on it !

Arches & Spires, Amber & Indigo

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Michael Doran

I must confess when I first entered this cathedral in Quebec City, I was a bit overwhelmed by what I saw (what you are now viewing). I encourage you to enlarge the photograph and study it for it is remarkable in many aspects. Please note that this image has not been enhanced so if you visited the Notre Dame Cathedral, this is exactly what you would observe. Religion aside, let’s tour this grand stage.

The magnificence of the alter area is almost indescribable. The architecture alone is unusually brilliant in its symmetry and detail. Ornate is not too strong a word. The arches and spires draw your eyes ever upward, yet prompting you to look into the center where the hero awaits…the Savior. Surrounding his image are a multitude of figures in various costumes and poses. Gilded gold is found everywhere, and carved wood adorns the entire fascia. The platform area can seat a vast number of clergy.

I cannot begin to explain all of the symbolism represented here, but it is astonishing to view. There appear to be various biblical scenes being represented amongst the framed shrine openings. Experts must be consulted to learn the finer points of the symbolism represented here, as I can only conjecture. This basilica celebrated its 350th year anniversary in 2014, although what now stands has been rebuilt several times due to fires which occurred at different times over the centuries. Originally built in the Rococo style of the mid-seventeenth century, the interior and much of the exterior were rebuilt in the same architectural style in 1922.

The lighting is what captured me the most, in addition to the images being illuminated. To be sure, these were no amateurs who engineered this lighting extravaganza. Every spot light, every angle, every color and each shadow were carefully thought-out before the final design became reality. What I question in my mind is what the architect’s and engineer’s had in mind as they created this experience…for that is what this is. It is not simply a shrine to look at. No, it was created for a purpose-to worship and to partake of the sacraments. I wonder, though, are we to be inspired, to be in awe, to be brought to a point of reverence? Perhaps, all of the above?

Some may find this sanctuary gaudy and others may find it inspiring. Some see waste while others see beauty. Many will understand the deeper meaning of each statue and ornament and many will not. Samuel de Champlain, the French explorer who founded Quebec City and also discovered Mount Desert Island (refer to one of my last posts about Acadia National Park) is said to be buried in the tombs of this building, along with nobles and bishops. Regardless of one’s feelings about this church, you will never forget it. In fact, the original fortified Quebec City is quite unforgettable. Going there is like visiting France without leaving the North American continent !

Reflections in Blue

Posted on July 2, 2015 by Michael Doran

Have you ever noticed how vividly light reflects off of tinted glass, and even clear-coat painted metallic surfaces? Like watching a movie, I gazed at the clouds which strolled by the side windows of my Jeep. They skirted by without even a whisper…only a moving reminder that they existed…for only a short while before fading out of sight. In between the clouds the sun shone in all her brilliance. It was she who illuminated the clouds in the first place. And, it was she who made the reflection possible. No light, no radiance, no reflection.

Remember the line in the fairy tale, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?”. As I recall, the answer wasn’t too favorable for the wicked queen so she cast a spell on Snow White who was considered the fairest.

The queen had a problem which is common among many. She was so self-absorbed that she radiated her disdain for others (in this case Snow White). Her reflection revealed a narcissistic image and the mirror couldn’t lie. How often do we see this dynamic played out in our everyday world? People pretending to be one thing, but eventually they reveal through words and actions what’s really inside them. Rather than radiating light, darkness fills the void. In today’s world of ‘make believe’ where most anything printed or filmed can be (and usually is) manipulated to what the creator wants the subject to look like, we are presented a poor reflection of the truth. Sorry to be sardonic with my opinion, but this is what I often see. This is also a generalization of our culture and not a condemnation of any particular person, although I can think of a few who may fit this description.

This got me to thinking about radiance and reflections in general. More specifically, I looked in the mirror and asked myself what I radiate, if anything. Do I have a light within me which radiates outwardly or is there too much darkness that obscures the light? Can others see what I don’t? Or, is there anything to be seen? Is my self-image based on reality or wanna be? As with my vehicle’s color; since it is blue, it better reflect blue or something is wrong.

I realize I have flaws, more than I want others to know about. And, I can hide things as well as anyone, except from the One who knows me better than I know myself. With this admission I can also state that it is my supreme desire to radiate light and reflect that which I know to be true. As I stumble in my daily attempts to live out this goal, I need all of the grace I can acquire. So, before you throw a rock at me for this post, I adjure you to look in the mirror, too. If you don’t like what you see, you can throw the rock at the glass or put it down and be honest with yourself. Then, extend yourself some grace before asking for help to change. The clouds will eventually part and the light will shine once again. There are plenty of souls who have cracked mirrors, and continue to radiate beautiful light. I want to be one of them.

Eclectic East Coast Images

Posted on June 26, 2015 by Michael Doran

In our recent travels to Acadia National Park and the Bay of Fundy, we traveled through much countryside and several cities of varying sizes, including the seaside town of Portland, Maine. The following images are compiled simply to view and enjoy. There is no particular theme, per se. Hopefully, a few will make you chuckle. Moose warning signs are in abundance along highways. The only moose we saw was made of bronze. Fortunately, he didn’t step out in front of our car. Portland has some interesting characters which like to congregate on street corners. Cheryl made the trip even more enjoyable by making friends with and photographing at least one dog a day. I am happy to report that she succeeded.

I would like to report that there were ample places to relieve oneself during this trip. However, taking care of business on someone else’s lawn was frowned upon. Have you ever seen a ship weathervane the size of a truck? Now you have!

We found the owner of this gift shop to be rather resourceful as seating is not limited to lawn chairs nor are flower pots relegated to tables or stands. We had our doubts that local fishing boats could actually float when we came across these three trawlers.We were relieved to learn that boats do float as is evidenced by these same beauties rocking gently against the pier. Can’t say we ever saw one motor off into the bay, though. Thanks for sharing these images with us. Photos courtesy of Cheryl and Michael using a combination of Canon’s SL-1 w/ 28-135 lens and two Samsung cell phone cameras.

Ocean in Motion

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Michael Doran

Have you ever been to extreme places in your travels? Places known for the unusual or almost unbelievable quality that the specific location revealed? Well, our second stop was to the Bay of Fundy which is situated between the east coast of New Brunswick and the west coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. Due to the geographic nature of this particular bay, it boasts at certain locations the greatest tide differential on our planet. On the way to the north end of the bay we stopped to take in the coastline scenery.We drove through a hidden gem of a nature park called the Fundy Trail. It has scenic lookouts, waterfalls, secluded beaches, crazy steep and curved roads, hiking and bicycle trails, a swinging bridge and an informative nature center. Everything written is in English and French. This area has a rich history of logging and large ship building.One of our goals was to visit the Hopewell Rocks at the north end of the bay. This is where the tide changes heights on an epic scale. While we were there, we witnessed the tide drop 37.5 feet in a matter of hours! We walked the ocean floor and stared at sandstone monoliths with pine trees as top hats. Crazy stuff to be sure. When conditions are just right, the tide can actually change fifty feet. For some really fascinating information about tides, I direct you to the following website (yes,I admit that I plagiarized when I named this post): http://www.moonconnection.com/tides.phtml.This image shows the tide already receding ( we missed shooting high tide). The water turns a brownish-red color during low tides as sandstone sediment is churned up as the water is drawn out. This image is about two hours shy of low tide, but gives you an idea of the differential in tide variance. Please excuse the image quality as it was very bright out and the area was rather dull looking. Notice the size of the people in comparison to the rocks. Below are a couple photos to prove that we actually walked on the ocean floor! Farther down the coast where the cliffs subside and beaches take over, the low tides would draw the ocean water approx. 400 ft. away from land.