Study Hour

 It's time to settle down for an hour or two with homework. I feel behind because of all the days I've skipped, but I haven't given up. Family life, work life, some personal life - what time is left, I ask? No matter the reason, there's no substitute for doing the work. Just. Do. It. Let's see how far I can get tonight. Time check!

Uploaded to Flickr by Lester Public Library, Taken 12/16/2008, All Rights Reserved

Chill Harmony — Music for Work, Inspiration and Relaxing

Tuning in for a late-night study session and started up some tunes. I'm enjoying this chill music to keep me in the zone. It's been hard going to school and working at the same time. There are not enough hours in the day to get things done. And then, when I do have the hours, they are the leftovers of the day when I'm the most tired and uninspired. I'm not complaining, just stating an observational fact. 

When I was younger, it was much easier - I had the brain cells, the energy, and the time to buckle down and focus on my studies. That may be why these studies at an older age are still oddly appealing. Being up late or early doing the work when the rest of the world is fast asleep adds a feeling of toughness. I'm probably too old for school now, but I'm never too old to have a dream. I will keep at it, though I'm at a quarter of the pace of my 20s and still stumbling along to get things done.

This video is just right for that mood. Up when the rest of the world is asleep and at the keyboard trying to get one last thing done for the day as it dies away to the last embers of the midnight hour. I will keep at it. I will get this done. I will not give up. I will.

Paris and Le Eiffel

 Paris is one of the places I have yet to see and experience. Is it true that there is a sense of romance in this city? While cleaning out some drawers at home, I happened on an engagement announcement I received from a good friend many years ago. The engagement, however, was for his first wife. He is happy with his second marriage, has many children, and likely has never looked back. 

Should I shred or keep the photo out of loyalty to my friend? After all, he has moved on; it is in situations like these I struggle with how to manage a memory - is it kept, cherished, and accepted in all situations, or is it something to be buried or destroyed out of existence to "protect" the sanctity of what has become the new future, the new present at hand. In what ways do we remember, and in what ways do we gently forget?

The world is ever-changing; how do we keep up, and how do we hold on to what we have at hand?

Uploaded to Flickr by Yasmine Hens, Photo Taken 11/26/2023, All Rights Reserved

Earlybird

The early morning skies in this pic are stunning. It's been a while since I've been to the beach, but when I go it's always a welcome adventure for the day, especially on a long weekend traveling or visiting with friends.

Uploaded to Flickr by Yasmine Hems, taken on 1/14/2023, All Rights Reserved

Winter Vocal Mix 2024 ⛄ Car Music Chill & Deep House Session | Own Music

I've really enjoyed this playlist mix this evening. I am down with the Chill & Deep House vibes. Hook up an hour of down time to digest this little gem from YouTube. I'm sure you'll be glad and thank me for the recommendation.

The Jets - You Got It All (Official Music Video)

Another iconic group from the 80s couldn't resist adding another track to a Friday night. Kicking back and enjoying the vibe of a quiet evening with the family. I don't even think twice about what could have been or even what should have been because every step was the step that took us closer to one another. Truly better than all the rest because now we're together. I remember when this track came out, it gave me hope that I would eventually find myself with someone in a way that would last more than a moment. Wow, it was worth the wait, even when it was a struggle against the unknown.

Klymaxx - I Miss You (Official Music Video)

Thinking of the days we're apart, there is a sweet longing for the moment we meet again. I sometimes take the times we have together for granted, but at the same time, there are times when even a few hours seem like an eternity. I enjoyed This favorite track from the 80s, even when I didn't have that someone to miss. The feeling is universally understood in some way or another.

Wooded Splendor

 I can't get enough of these forest scenes. The misty view, with a water detail, is a relaxing photo. This one is from Oregon, United States. It reminds me of my cross-country train rides that blaze through the coastal Pacific forests. I relish my train travels as a way to slow down the pace, and enjoy the scenery along the journey ahead.

Uploaded to Flickr by Masako Metz, Taken 1/2/2024, All Rights Reserved

Green

 As I travel the wooded path, I lose my way - enveloped in the luxurious green and the relaxing wooded mist. My pace slows, and I allow myself to be lost, confident I will eventually find my way. For the moment, I am in the moment, a part of the wooded world around me- a part and not apart.

Uploaded to Flickr by petrapetruta, taken 6/28/2016, All Rights Reserved

Atomic Memories

 I know a little bit about the stories of what happened in Hiroshima during World War II. The devastation and the suffering that followed the blast is a lingering reminder of the ravages of war. I'm sad that these things happen at all. The dome frame is an iconic symbol of all that withstood the blast. Many lives were lost, yet life still goes on.

Posted on Flickr by Steve Chasey, Taken 3/30/2023, All Rights Reserved

New Horizons

This is often a reflective time for us during the year. The Catholic season of Lent is an opportunity to step away from the things that draw us away from God. It is a calling to reconsider the distractions and to build a closer relationship with God the Father. We are now a week in, and it is reflective and beautiful.

Image by bertvthul from Pixabay