Coccyzus americanus - Yellow-billed Cookoo IMG_2449

Coccyzus americanus - Yellow-billed Cookoo IMG_2449, a photo by Sabinal Sandman on Flickr.

Never Say Die (2)

Well all is on track but the track is perilous and emotionally frustrating. The board fired me at their August meeting while I was away with a personal emergency. They gave no reason for their action and I was the last man standing...no more employees at this time. Now others will have to take their action and that is beyond my control. What I must do is to take the necessary post-termination actions and just wait. My family's emotional roller coaster ride through this bullshit has come at physical and mental costs. Sociopaths and idiots exist all around us...but why the hell do they have to be in control of situations around me? Now for phase III.

A Day at the Beach

We went to Mustang Island for a couple of days. I really enjoyed the trip with Todd & Lesley and all the girls: Alyssa, Miranda, Valarie, Jolee & Tori. The kids did boogieboarding, sandcastle building, swimming, seashell hunting at Big Shell on Padre Island, and a very little fishing. I got to watch and take a lot of good photos. I loved getting up early before the rest of the gang and taking in what goes on at the beach at that time...sunrise, cruising birds, soft sounds of waves, gentle breezes, and the feeling of being satisfied. Then we had to break camp...UGH! Like to have killed us in the scorching heat and lack of wind. Next time we'll have the canopies, ice chests and chairs. We'll sleep in a motel for the comfort of all. But most of all to rachett-down the break-camp blues. All in all...it was fantastic. Now for the floundering this fall!

Some Advice on Dreams

For those of us who have traveled a fair ways along the timeline of life we should take note of the following quotes which I think are rock solid.

1. Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born. (Dale E. Turner)
2. When I dream, I am ageless. (Elizabeth Coatsworth)
3. A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams. (John Barrymore)
4. Never let your memories be greater than your dreams. (Doug Ivester)
5. When you cease to dream you cease to live. (Malcolm S. Forbes)

Sometimes people we hang with don’t believe these truths and can obstruct our ability to dream if we let them. It takes a certain amount of courage to keep focused. The choice is ours. Don't waste life just sitting around. Dream and act on your dreams! And those friends of ours who help us through the tough spots as well as smooth sailing jaunts…give them a big hug or a kiss and of course a big thanks…Oh, and keep them around. They are priceless.

Swift Setwing

Swift Setwing
Originally uploaded by cave_ken

Dragonflies are one of the oldest families of insects known. Millions of years ago these guys had a wingspan of up to 2 feet. The Swift Setwing is beautiful but also a vicious hunter. Survival of the fittest proven out with these territorial critters as they eat whatever they can catch in flight. I enjoy photographing the odonates.

American Rubyspot

American Rubyspot P5190005
Originally uploaded by cave_ken

Sunlight dances through the crimson wings of this dainty damselfly as this beauty flitters in an erratic pattern. Look for them around flowing streams and be still, it may light on your shoulder.

Caribbean Blue & Dreams

I am not sure how I came across the song "Caribbean Blue" by Enya but it engulfed me. No it is not from the mainstream rock list but it is a kind of song worth hearing. I visited the Enya fan site for more info. The song is about dreams and their value. A day-dream is as rich a gift as any and that the imagination is free and can choose and create its own journey. This is a belief that I have long held. As with all dreams we reach for the ideal and apparently Caribbean Blue represents such a dream. Enya lyrics indicate that it is a simple fact that people may create something good merely by thinking it so. And that the lyrics can be summed up in three words: Believe in yourself.

In my lifetime I have seen proof that what we dream can come true. One of my day-dreams was to create a wetland park. After years of dreaming it took me more than 7 years to make "Cooks Slough Nature Park" happen. And it wasn't easy but it happened. It behooves us all to slow down a bit and allow ourselves to day-dream. It could be the first step in you creating something good. Don't be afraid and don't give up on your dreams.

If you are interested in seeing the video go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeYL3uhYv48 .