100 Days of Writing – Day Ninety-Two

Today, it’s just some random thoughts…no particular topic.

It’s spring break again, and this one is quite different from the last. So many things have happened in this past year and times like this where I can reflect on it all are essential.

I’ve been analyzing a lot of the events that have occurred this past year and as I always do, trying to make sense of them all. And then there’s the realization that I’m wasting many of my present moments when I spend time doing that. I’ve definitely got to work on living more in the present and dwelling less on the past.

Sure, there are lessons to be learned from the past, but moreso, there are enjoyable moments to be experienced in the here and now. Today is a prime example of a day that I can choose to spend dwelling on parts of this past year or enjoying the beautifully gorgeous day outside. The choice is mine.

So just for today, I’ll realize when those thoughts and feelings about the past are popping up and divert them into doing something here at the house or getting out and about to enjoy the beautiful day.

David Lee

100 Days of Writing – Day Ninety-One

Am I truly angry or is it something that’s just a pet peeve of mine? I’ve never been comfortable being angry with someone or something. I feel for the most part, it’s a complete waste of energy. Yet, as a human, there are going to be those times when anger rears its ugly head. There are certain situations that tend to make my anger, or at least lack of patience, make themselves be seen.

  • Retail stores where the checkout is not staffed when I’m ready to purchase something. One would think a business that’s trying to sell something would ALWAYS have someone present at the cash register when someone has decided to make a purchase. Such is not the case with quite a few establishments. I attribute a part of this to the fact they’r understaffed, but it’s one thing that can get me preturbed quickly. Yesterday, I almost walked out of a store when the wait at the cash register got to be a bit too long.
  • Restaurants that choose to clean while I’m sitting at a table eating. I sometimes think I have a slogan on my shirt that says “Please come sweep around my table while I’m trying to eat my food.” Cleanliness is important in restaurants. I totally get that. But is there not some other time or place you could choose to clean than right when I’m eating?
  • People that for some reason think they need to talk loudly while out in public….It could be that they’re hard of hearing, but then again given some of their ages, perhaps not. It doesn’t seem to matter that there are other people around trying to focus, read, or have conversations of their own. Your’s undoubtedly is much more important than mine. Turn the volume down!
  • Over-the-counter medications with super-small printing on their labels. Good luck with reading the fine, fine print. And don’t be in a rush to find out the most important information, the only information you’re likely looking for, how much of the medication is considered a dose and how often you should take it. Many of the OTCs even have a “sub-label” where you actually have to peel off the top label to find the most important information of all. It’s almost like they’re trying to hide it from you.
  • Computer printers that don’t seem to want to work consistently. I thought the advent of bluetooth printers would really be to my advantage. Such is not the case. I never had problems with my computer printers when they were actually connected to the computer. I’ve had more problems with the wireless versions than I care to mention. The dreaded “Computer is offline” message shows up much too frequently. And good luck with figuring out how to get it back online. It would seem to take an act of Congress to do so.

David Lee

100 Days of Writing – Day Ninety

There are those times when I can come up with some “big picture” thoughts about life. This past week, I had some such thoughts and share them now, for what they’re worth.

So, what is my point, my “reason for living” in this world? Do I have a specific purpose or am I “just kind of here by chance.”?

I like to think that I’ve added something to the goodness in this world. I’m fairly sure I have. But I also have to accept I’ve been the contributor of some other “not so good stuff” as well.

My eternal hope is that the good outweighs the bad. The deciding factor in my case may likely who you choose to talk to.

David Lee

100 Days of Writing – Day Eighty-Nine

The past two days have been most-glorious in terms of the weather. One of those classic times where spring is definitely in the air. And time, of course, for spring cleaning. It’s always been a true chore for me and this year is no different. Such is the tale of David’s spring cleaning.

Keeping things neat and today has never been one of my strong suits. I can blame some of it on my ADD, but then again, parts of it I think are unrelated to that. When it comes to tidying things up/cleaning, I’m definitely out of my comfort zone.

I tend to be one of those people who finds it difficult to throw anything away. Especially when it comes to my collections of signs and books, it’s like pulling teeth to get rid of anything. As a result, I have a LOT of things in and around the house and it all gets to be a bit much sometimes.

I don’t think I’d classify myself as a hoarder, but I at least exhibit some of those characteristics. I do have some limits as to what I’ll allow in my house. Having said that, I have a storage unit that I’ve been paying for these past twenty years that I haven’t visited in quite a while.

So this upcoming spring break, which starts on Friday of this upcoming week, will be my commitment to getting things in order around the house. I’ve already made a small start on it and can already feel better about my living area. I’m going to make a list of “to-dos” before Friday so I’ll be able to hold myself accountable. I’m also planning on taking before and after pictures, which I may or may not choose to share.

So here’s to cleaning and organizing my living area and creating a space I’d be glad to share with anyone.

David Lee

100 Days of Writing – Day Eighty-Eight

My thoughts were flowing tonight as I wrote in my journal…and I share those words here.

I am running myself ragged pondering all that my mind wants to understand. I look at the events of the past and then the present circumstances – things as they are – trying to understand it all.

But then I see things as I do at this moment and realize I am never likely to comprehend why things happened as they did. And in the process, I will have wasted many of my “present moments.”

There is also the realization that no matter how much I want things to be different than they are, it is highly unlikely it will ever be that way.

Surrender,,,, indeed, radical surrender and acceptance are the only things that will likely lead to a reasonable peace of mind in my future.

David Lee

100 Days of Writing – Day Eighty-Seven

Hiatus from social media nearly done. The question is, do I really want to go back?

It’s been a long while since I’ve visited social media websites. I decided for a myriad of reasons that a break from social media was appropriate for this year’s “doing without.” So beginning on Wednesday, February 22 of this year I made a vow not to use social media, namely Facebook and Instagram. And I can say that I’ve been successful with fasting and am just wondering whether or not I really want to go back.

I had done the social media hiatus before during the Lenten season and I can say this time around was much easier than previous times. I did not find myself tempted in the least and as before, after the first couple of weeks it was no big deal.

In the meantime, I’ve done a lot more reading and writing. I’ve gone on several adventures each weekend and have added to my collection of advertising memorabilia. I also spent several days in a nearby mountain town and that was enjoyable. There were those times when I wanted to share pictures of what I was doing, but it wasn’t worth breaking my code of social media silence.

During the

  • 912 hours
  • 38 days
  • 5 weeks and 3 days

of my time away from Facebook and the like, I’ve realized that I can easily live without it. I did miss out on finding information about “breaking news”, but I found other sources to get information. I need to do some soul-searching to ask myself if my life is any more productive and happy not being a part of the social media world.

I do like to share my daily readings I post each day and I’ve had several people mention they’ve been missing those. So I guess I can say that I provide a meaningful service to others through my presence. Perhaps I instead of staying away from it all together need to limit the amount of time I spend scrolling. Maybe not reinstalling the apps on my phone wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

The Lenten season is officially over on Thursday, April 6th. In the past, I’ve always waited until Easter Sunday to make my return. I’m planning on much the same this year and at least for now, I’m pondering whether or not to return at all.

Only time will tell.

David Lee

Daily Writing Prompt

Daily writing prompt
What is your favorite type of weather?
View all responses

I have a particular type of weather in mind when I hear this question. Unfortunately, its occurrences are few and far apart. I remember back when I was a child, it used to snow a whole lot more than it does now. And when I say snow, I clarify by saying a major snow of anywhere from six to twelve inches that would be with us for nearly a week’s time.

I remember getting out on my sled one morning. The roads were still thick with their ice/snow covering, perfect for sledding. But the clouds that had brought the white-laden ground had left and the sun would be shining brightly in the blue sky. While the snow would eventually start to melt, these morning hours of sub-freezing temperatures with the sun ablaze in the blue sky are without a doubt my favorite weather condition.

I had a similar event as an adult nearly twenty years ago, although I no longer would get out to test the icy roads with my sled. It had snowed quite a bit and the clouds had given way to the blue sky and the sun was shining brightly. It was so very quiet and pristine that morning and I would pay anything to have one more moment just like that.

David Lee

100 Days of Writing – Day Eighty-Six

I’ve been writing in a journal for the past twenty-plus years. It was a suggestion from a therapist who I was seeing at the time. Little did I realize at the time what an important part of my life it would become. I found a journal the other day that I never had finished. I had reaching a turning point in my life and thought it appropriate to start a new journal. Reading back in the unfinished journal has been insightful. If only I knew then what was going to transpire. But then again, maybe I did.

From journal entry for December 2, 2022 —> Friday – 12:21 p.m. – Barnes and Noble ( I always put the date and time and place I’m writing)

Another journal has begun. This journal will most likely bring in a new year and we’ll say good-bye to what has been one of the most difficult years of my life. There will be no looking back and only looking ahead for what the new year’s possibilities are.

I will most likely reach a new level of turning my will and my life over to God’s care on multiple fronts. And I will hopefully be much happier for all the changes that are on the horizon for the year ahead.

So much has happened this past year and God only knows what will happen in the upcoming year. (Talk about prophetic!!!)

It was said at the meeting this morning and just perhaps it needs to by my mantra going forward: “Do no harm.” I know what I would like to have happen and I ask God to set that in motion (Truth is, I now don’t remember what that was.) if that is indeed a part of His will for our lives. (Now I’m really trying to remember what I was thinking at that time.)

David Lee