The verb start is an action that is either requested in present time, or self-imposed. For example, ‘Will you please start walking?’, ‘I start reading my book. Used in past-tense, the word can be an observation. “I started to notice a change in the weather.’ Regardless, either direct our indirect action is the result.

‘Start’ is complete with robust significance, and its implication should never be slight.

I woke up ‘late’ today and wasn’t happy about it. Instead of waking at my regular time of 2a so that I can play the piano for 2 hours, I ended up waking up at 4a. Surely many think 4a is early, at least for their schedule. Not for me however. I keep a tight schedule, surprise!

After not getting into my head for the late wake-up time I seemed to be in a natural flow of ‘it is what it is’, so everything turned out to be ok. I was able to read, write, and drink my tea. Ahh, taking things in stride and being comfortable with it. Not a simple thing for me to do.

Once up and about I was again reminded that, I’m not the One in control.

Just posted under the Art Center tab is an entertaining essay on one of my Art Center friends titled North Beach Leather. I wonder what she’s doing these days…

Although I don’t always add new images to Sky, I do always take pictures of this natural beauty. Just posted is an image taken in October. I was drawn to this one a few minutes ago for the specific reason in writing this entry. Change is not something that occurs sometimes or frequently. Change is constant. Therefore what do we see in change? That all depends on individual perspective.

For me, though it may be large or small, there is always a pathway to embark, a Way. Find it.

While attending Art Center, a Transportation Design instructor once said, “Designing the looks of a car is all about controlling it’s reflection.” At Art Center, our observation skills were sharpened in every sense. This included, but certainly not limited to: Line, Form, Placement, Positive/Negative Space, Scale, Proportion, object Light Source (type and direction), Surface/Finish, and so much more. The refinement of these skills definitely brought observation to a new level of visual scrutiny within each one of us.

There is something about reflection that absolutely captivates me.

The other day when I was readying my Steinway for morning play, a certain reflection caught my eye. After I removed its cover, opened the front lid, raised and positioned the sheet music stand, and opened its keyboard cover, this is what I saw.

For those who want to begin their day with some thoughts that got me pondering, check out the entry Expect the Unexpected found under the Musings tab. Note, it may send you into the same cognitive spiral it did for me. I’m ok though, just had to write it out, or did I ride it out?

They come and they go, months that is, as with everything else in our presence within linear time. Here we are, gratefully again in December. Not for any reason other than we’re here, you are reading this. My students were so excited yesterday because they knew that ‘tomorrow is December!’

There is something magical about this month, however this magic is sometimes overshadowed by memories of what/who once was. I am not at all discounting those individual memories because it is those memories that make us, us. That in itself is super cool!

Today is the first day of the last month of our year Two thousand, twenty-one. Yikes! I remember, what seems like yesterday, when I thought ‘the year Two Thousand was coming up!’ Now the year 2000 is ‘history’ to my students.

That’s fine.

I’m good with December 1, 2021 and look forward to what this day will deliver, to everyone. Be gettin’ ready!

I have expressed on this website before that worded statements should be stated or written with get instead of have. Here is the difference…

Today, I have to clean house. Boring! –

Today, I get to clean house. Awesome! +

There is a vast contrast in both sentences simply by changing one word. The first sentence conveys a negative connotation, a dreaded task. The second sentence indicates a first-world ‘problem’. Many people in this world don’t even have a place to live, so therefore I should be happy the opportunity is there! Framing thoughts and actions in a positive mode sets the tone for the speaker/writer, and the listener/reader.

For me, I’m just forever grateful that I opened my eyes this morning so that I get to clean house! Gratitude begins from the get-go, or so it should.

Just posted under the Art Center tab is an essay about one of my close friends, Lex. The story is a perfect testimony for the necessity of ensuring that what we hear is actually what was said.

Yes, on this day of Thanksgiving there is much more than we realize to be thankful for! Just posted under the Musings tab is a piece titled Friends Giving. It made me feel good to write, hopefully the same sentiment will be awarded to those who read it.