The pleasure of sitting still and being quiet.

My daughter, and my brother, having fun.

Since the very beginning of our lives, we live in a world of spinning excitement, which never quite stops for anything. There's a constant whirl of activity all around us. It seems we fill out lives with so much to do, that we never pause to let it just happen. Watch a baby, as they are incapable of large actions and don't interrupt with lots of talking, and you'll see they keenly observe everything. They want to be involved in the world, but can only interact in a limited way. Yet, they are a part of it all, even without dancing around. Just because you sit still, doesn't mean you're a lump of coal.

I think we forget to stop and be quiet. How frequently do you turn off everything and just sit still? My guess is you had to think about it for a while. Our lives swirl with activity, at times so intense we get headaches from the din. We pine for vacations and to get away from it all. Well, just sit down and relax, without any entertainment or chaotic noise. Anyone can do it. Anyone can take the time. Anyone is in the position, every day, to stop and relax. It's one of the healthiest activities we can undertake, and you'll find that stress doesn't quite pile up like it usually does.

The more technology marches forward, the more I find myself wanting to let less of it into my life. It's funny, because I'm a programmer, a tech nerd, and love computers. But, I also have noticed how there's less personal contact and less community than ever before. We know more about everything and less of everyone. I think my desire to sit quietly and peacefully is a reaction to this. I'd never want less technology, as it has provided a standard of living previously unknown, but I also recognize a need to slow down and enjoy life as it is. Take a moment to sit and be quiet, and listen and dream and live.

- M

Timeless beauty.

Standards of beauty are fickle, right? Fashion trends change practically daily, and we are told, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder." That's all correct. But, it's also totally wrong. There is timeless beauty around us daily: flowers, sunsets, sunrises, clouds, birds, the geometry of nautilus shells, the pattern of planets around the sun, musical wind, thunderstorms, rain, fresh air. In the eye of the beholder? Who can find fault in the glory of warm sunlight on the skin? That's timeless beauty, and all we need to do is pay attention. Isn't that incredible?



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Why do we value beauty so much? Aside from being pleasant to look at, is there any other reason? Advertisers spend billions on models who strut around wearing products. Movies, generally speaking, feature attractive actors playing the parts. Smiling beauties sell more stuff than frowning ordinary people. There's something in our brains that responds favorably to beauty with an endorphin surge. There's quite literally a physical reaction to beauty. You see this in various ways: pupils dilating, posture straightening, smiles, and a whole host of other responses. Have you ever bent over to smell the flowers? That's a positive response.

And, yet, we go around scoring beauty wherever we find it. Flowers aren't colorful enough, the babbling brook isn't quite the right sound, our hair isn't curly or is too curly, the sunset is too red. Actually, I bet we complain about nearly every aspect of beauty, while simultaneously being jealous of it at the same time. We battle this impulse by acknowledging timeless beauty, that never changes and is always gorgeous. And, there's beauty in actions as well: the warm hugs of family, a champion's graciousness to those behind, the helping hands of rescuers, and the strong shoulders of comforters. When you discover timeless beauty, spend a few moments to cherish the experience. It's well worth the effort and time.

- M

Stories about games you've played with friends are the absolute best kind.

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Have you ever played a game with friends, and then wind up telling stories about the game for years to come? Maybe it was a board game where everything went hilariously wrong, or a video game where you all had a marvelous time, or perhaps a hand of cards that gave commands to each player? Whatever the game, I think the best part of playing with friends is the magical stories you share later on. It's simple to resurrect all the laughter and good cheer with a few words, then share new experiences as you relate more about the game.

People love to connect, and they yearn to engage and extend those friendships. We learn to play as children, but also never quite get over the urge to cut loose and play. Fortunately there's plenty of stuff to choose from. And, like all adult toys, you can spend lots of money if you want to. Well, in my experience there aren't many adults interested in a game of tag or some dramatic keep-a-way. Adults don't like being silly, feeling stupid, or socially awkward. However ... if you'll open yourself to new opportunities, there's a world of fresh moments to share with friends.

For me, I can talk for hours about past gaming experiences--and, no, it doesn't even matter if it was only tic-tac-toe. I love reliving those times and keeping the memories alive. That's why games are so important. Games can inspire, transform, redeem, and glorify your life. Am I being poetic, sure, but I believe there's at least some truth to it. We wouldn't put so much effort into games if they weren't important. Go for it and try one out today.

- M

Sitting on a chair, watching the day go bye...

My wife loves to sit outside, especially on the porch, and sew and watch and listen. I'd bet she would happily do that all day long, if she could. I'm not sure how often it happens these days, but when I was growing up it was common to see older folks sitting on their porches and waving to the kids on the sidewalk--then yell at them for getting on their grass. Have we become so time centered and micro-managed that we can't even stop to smell the roses? That's a true shame.

I was busted for daydreaming quite a bit when I was young. I still love letting my mind wander. There's magic in imagination, just as there is in watching children play in a puddle. When did it become wrong to enjoy it? Spending time to take in the world around us should be a priority in life, don't you think? Maybe we've lost the sight to see the magic? Or, is it simply that we can't be bothered? It'd be good to force everyone to take a day off, sit on their porch, and experience a single day of uninterrupted life. I can only imagine the good it'd do for us all.

Children do this spectacularly well, probably because it's new to them and they want to experience it all. Kids are fascinated by ants, and bubbles, and birds, and clouds, and ... well, anything and everything. I don't, however, comprehend what is so great about mud, but every child I know plays far too long and hard in the slimy stuff. Mud pies??? Yuck.

Take a day and find out what you've been missing by being too busy. Live a little.

- M

Beautifully dangerous animals.

There are a lot of stunningly gorgeous animals in the world, some yet to be discovered I'm sure. When I was a kid, I loved sharks and dinosaurs. I learned all I could about them. That led to a lifelong desire to understand nature. Did you know there are gorgeous frogs--poison dart frogs--with incredible colorations, and are so deadly that you can kill yourself by simply picking one up. A tiny octopus--the delightful blue-ringed octopus--can kill an adult human with a bite so fine you may not even notice. And, the platypus (my favorite creature of all time) hunts with it's eyes closed, can sense the muscle nerves twitching in shrimp, and has poison claws.

A common theme throughout nature is how bright coloring and vivid patterns are signals of a deadly kind. For we humans, it's hardly a sign of anything--aside from style and enjoyment. Interesting, right? I could only imagine how drab our world would become, if bright colored clothing was a sign of danger. We'd end up with gray and black everywhere. Yuck.

However, there are other creatures of profound beauty and mostly harmless, like peacocks, seashells, starfish, unicorns and rainbows. Once you understand the threat, you can easily enjoy the beauty. Yes, even sharks and dinosaurs. Wild animals are not to be toyed with, but there's nothing wrong with watching and savoring. Go out and enjoy nature!

- M

Total eclipse of the sun! Wow.

Monday afternoon, the United States will experience a total eclipse of the sun. I remember when I was a child, I saw a partial eclipse. That was incredible, but this time I want to see the totality. However, that's if there aren't any thick clouds. The weather forecasts are all over the place, and it's only two days away. Of course, the joke is that if you want to know what the weather will be, look out of a window. I hope it will be clear and bright skies. Crossing my fingers.

Life is filled with times we will remember for the rest of our lives. I do my best to pay attention during those times, but sometimes they catch me off-guard. That's why stories are so important to me. When someone takes the time to record life events, those memories pass on to other generations. It's an incredible thing when you stop to think about it.

I've been asked why I want to travel so far to see a simple turning off of the lights. After all, each day is followed by night. It's not like we don't understand what darkness is. I don't care. I want to see the sun wink out, to see the corona flare, and the entire process from start to finish. Yup, it's ridiculous and won't alter my life in any way. Except this: I'm taking two of my children with me, and we will create a memory I'll treasure for the rest of my life. That's well worth the trouble.

- M

Spider webs and the magical vision of children.

My favorite picture of a spider web, frozen in the Nebraskan snows.

What single thing in your childhood brings more wonder and bewilderment than the simple spider web? Spiders are incredible engineers. Just look at the structure and complexity in their webs. Unbelievable. There are multiple kinds of thread used, with differing tensile strengths (that's how much they can hold), and so many patterns its hard to believe a bug (yes, I know they're arachnids, but those are still bugs in my book) makes them. To craft a spider web requires things being done in a certain order, with the right bracings and right timing. I bet most humans couldn't create a web as complex as the meekest spider.

I often wonder why adults lose their wonder at the world. I can't figure it out. What happens to us? Why does the world become stale and uninteresting? Are our lives so filled to the brim with work and other stuff that we utterly miss the glories around us? Sad. We grow up, become responsible, have families, raise children, and shake our heads in complete bewilderment at the antics of our own kids. Maybe it's okay to keep a bit of the child in ourselves. Keep the curiosity, keep the wonder, and keep the starry-eyed optimism.

Adults see the world differently, through the lens of experience and knowledge. There's a reason children don't rule the world. But, keep the child in mind when you see the field of dandelions near your house, or a spider web frozen in the snow. Let the kid inside you loose to dance under the stars. Enjoy the world. There's so much to see. Trust me, take the time to watch a spider weave its web. You'll be glad you did.

- M

I'd do anything for a smile.

Women often ask, "Why'd he do that?" Sure, men will show off for accolades, but a lot of the time it's because they want to get a smile--particularly from their special love interests. Smiles are more than beautiful; smiles are floodlights of magical radiance. When someone smiles directly at you, there's delight and surprise in equal measure. Once you've experienced it, you'll want more and more.

It's been said that any face sporting a smile is beautiful. I heartily agree. Sure, some people are better at smiling, but each smile is worthy. I don't understand people who refuse to smile. It's like they're angry at the world or trying to impress with their solidity. Smiling is friendly, happy, social chocolate. The ability to smile demonstrates more than simple ease, but a willingness to enjoy the company of others.

Why do we smirk at something funny? Why do we smile when we see friends from our childhood? Why do we smile? I submit it's a hearty mix of emotion, fun, care, and enjoyment. Sure, some smile are fake--"wolf smiles"--but, we know the difference. True smiles beam with powerful joy. In many cases, a smile is all the payment people want. So, do your part today, give a smile.

- M

Resurgence of A Capella singing.

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Singing "a capella" (singing without instrumental accompaniment) is actually not a weird or nerdy thing these days. Wow, amazing. Two mainstream movies showcase it (Pitch Perfect 1 & 2), there are popular bands like Pentatonix (or PTX) which have brought the style into the limelight. I've been increasingly impressed by the ability of modern groups to do beat boxing (doing drums and such by mouth gymnastics) and how easy it is to listen to groups doing this. It's really incredible.

I bring this up because there are so many times we feel limited in daily life when we don't have the "proper" tools and equipment. What ever happened to creativity and improvisation? Why do we have to have the perfect stuff before we even attempt anything? There's nothing wrong with preparation (and I, being Batman, heartily approve with getting everything ready), but you can't expect everything. Let yourself go outside of the confines of your little box and try something different! Sure, it may not work, but you might just create a completely new technique. At some point, people didn't know eating oysters was good ... okay, not a wonderful example, but you get the idea.

Bringing back forgotten things is also frequently done. It's funny how old building techniques have found a certain resurgence, as have smaller homes. Old styles of art are seeing a fresh audience. I expect we'll see more areas where this happens, as the wheel of discovery, innovation, usefulness, and fondness is always turning back on itself. Maybe we'll remember that old concepts aren't bad after all, like a capella singing. Ah, I love having my ears tickled by finely tuned human voices and not robotic programs like Auto-Tune.

- M

Magical moments by complete accident.

Have you ever done something incredibly awesome, but had no idea whatsoever how you managed it? Kind of like a "hey, watch this" moment, but it worked. These are the times which cause us so much trouble in the future, because we believe we can somehow do it again. And, then we fail ... usually spectacularly. It's the second attempt which goes up as a viral video, and you then get to experience the facepalm moment over and again. Glorious.

But, if you manage to restrain yourself from trying again, then you live with the marvelous knowledge of achieving true magic. It's brilliant. Sure, it's nothing mystical, but since when did magic need to be anything beyond a wonder to behold? That's why we scratch our heads when we watch little kids ... because they experience magical wonders on a daily basis. Adults stop looking, and thereby miss way too much.

Imagination is a good way to recover some of the old magic. Practice watching clouds, and calling out what you see in them. Look at the stars. Watch an anthill -- but not red ants, ouch! Allow yourself to gasp with amazement again. It's okay. Adults can grin too. Lighten up!

- M

Movie review: Doctor Strange

"Doctor Strange" is the new Marvel movie and I loved it. One thing you should know before seeing it: this movie deals with other dimensions and head-trippy visuals. This is the first movie I've seen where I think seeing it in 3-D is worth the added depth, because it's useful and adds to the experience. Anyway, the story concerns an arrogant self-important neurosurgeon who has his whole world turned over. This movie brings the concept of magic to the Marvel universe (though, they actually spend a bit of time saying it's really just a different kind of perception and not hocus-pocus). Because of that setup, there is plenty of zipping around and time distortion and all kinds of monkey business.

 

The story is a fairly simple reluctant hero. There's the wise old teacher, embittered outcasts, helpful students, and plenty of tricks. I feel they didn't spend much time on the training scenes (mostly because what does it matter really) so they could get to the meat of the plot and let the bad guy do his thing. I'll admit I was honestly surprised at the method used to win, and was happy it made sense within it's own world building. With a story this weird, it's pleasant to see it following it's own rules.

 

Most important for a movie, this was fun! I had a blast. There weren't any times I wanted to break for the bathroom, or check how much popcorn was left. I was engaged throughout the whole movie. More importantly, I found myself reacting viscerally at many times--two words: car crash--and felt a sense of leaving a breathing world behind when I left the theater. Yes, there are plot holes, but why focus on those--especially since nearly any story has them--when there was so much fun in this movie? I loved it. If you enjoy the Marvel superhero movies, then you'll enjoy "Doctor Strange."

 

Go see it!

 

- M

How did we end up here?

When I was younger, I would go to the end of a book and read the final sentence. I wanted to see if I could figure out the story by only knowing the beginning and the end. I'd stop when I found a book with an ending that made me ask, "Wait, so how did they end up there?" That's the one I'd read. You see, it isn't the plot that captured my attention, it was the journey. Maybe that's why I rarely read the anti-climax portion of the final book in the trilogy of the Lord of the Rings ("Return of the King") when Frodo and company return to the Shire and have one final adventure. I didn't like ending where I'd started.

It's still exciting today to find stories that have huge leaps in character development, especially when the ending makes you scratch your head and look back at all the events in retrospect. Those are really good stories, and I treasure them. They become fast classics to me. I think such stories are the biggest reason why I enjoy character driven stories the most, because the audience witnesses major changes and growth spurts. Those endings move me to deep emotion, and that's what it's all about, isn't it?

Professors always drummed into me the classical philosophies of writing, and I can see their points, but style is always changing. I'm glad we don't have many people putting out Shakespeare-like material, because people just don't think like that anymore (debatable if that's good or bad). Stories are meant to be understood and enjoyed, otherwise why tell them? There's a touch of magic in tales that touch the heart, stir the soul, and bring on flights of fancy. Give an audience something to believe in, for a little while, and leave them gasping for breath ... always wanting more.

- M

Moon shots, and amazing spectacles.

This morning my wife and I saw a huge orange moon gliding down past the buildings up ahead. It was a magical sight. I dearly wish we could have captured it on video. The Moon looks incredibly big when it's down low like that (a neat optical illusion, look it up). But, I shared it with the love of my life, and that was memory enough. We live our lives for moments like that, times we can think back on with smiles and warmth. Those memories are diamonds strung out behind us, always there to enjoy when we want to see a bit of beauty.

 

We find times like these throughout our lives, but how often do we really take the time to enjoy them? It seems like we are always too busy, or too preoccupied, or in too much of a hurry. The phrase, "Smell the roses," is much more than taking a moment or enjoying a scent. When you turn away from the normal clutter and admire something beautiful, you enrich your life beyond comprehension. It's like a part of its beauty pours into your soul.

 

One thing I'm saving for is a fine telescope. I want to see the stars up close. There are sights so amazing, such as clouds of fiery gas, blooms of distant lights, and the absolute infinite dark abyss. How can we have such wonders around us and not enjoy them? Why do we look past them, never seeing, and never understanding?

 

Take the time to smell the roses...

 

- M

Rare and wonderful events

Have you ever noticed how common rare events are? Planetary alignments, special gems, unusual circumstances, and amazing skills. Lots of things are called rare, or unique. I think we love to find these "rare" things, and so we search high and low until we find them. Maybe it's because we humans are natural puzzle solvers, and it's almost beyond us to go through life without some sort of riddle confounding us. So, we seek out patterns that are rare and curious. Planets lining up isn't really all that significant, but a whole field of study was made around it (astrology is what I have in mind, but astronomy fits too).

Chicago's Shiny Object

The funny thing is, we still respond to the common nature of rare events with awe and intrigue, at least until the next rarity occurs. Maybe it's a way of marking periods in our lives, kind of like historic landmarks? All I know is these things keep cropping up and I see no stopping any of it, not that I'd want to.

 

Truth is, I love seeing special things. Maybe it's only special because I haven't experienced it before, but it doesn't matter. Life should be special, and I'm happy to find new reasons for it to be that way. So, I'll keep looking for, and finding, rare new special things. I'll point them out to anyone interested, and hopefully someone else will find amazement and happiness. It's all I ask for that little bit of unique magic.

 

- M

Children are visions of innocence and escapism

I love watching young children at play. They have no preconceptions about boundaries or possibilities, they just have fun. Tea parties are a great example, because what are they actually doing? They are practicing social behavior with their treasured toys and stuffed bunnies. The incredible thing is these children happily allow us adults to take part and join in on their imagination. That's where the magic happens! We become part of a larger and greater world of pretend, where we are accepted no matter who or what we are. That's why we think of children as innocent, unspoiled, and untouched by darkness.

Another game I keep alive is cloud animals. It's so much fun to lay down and stare at the clouds, though my imagination has more to work with than a child, it still impresses me how creative children are. Space monkeys with shark teeth, or flying dogs, or cats climbing ladders. There's no limit to what a child will see, or blurt out. Try the game with some child you know, and you'll discover what I mean.

But, one thing a child has which no adult can conceive is an absolutely fresh and new look at life. For them everything is actually a new experience, never before encountered. To watch a child go to a zoo and see a monkey, or a tropical bird, or seals, or something as "normal" as an elephant, is incredible. They look with wide eyes, accepting hearts, and pure wonder. I treasure those times, and wish for more of them. I'm sure that grandchildren will offer those moments over and over, so I'm looking forward to that. Until then, though, take the tame to see the world through the eyes of a child.

- M

Favored memories all too quickly fade

Why is it that some childhood memories are wrecked simply by growing up? Places that were so huge as children are nothing more than regular rooms to adult eyes. That's actually the biggest reason I really don't want to return to the town of my own childhood, because I know that my memory will fail me as I view the reality of it all. I don't want that. I like the fantasy of memory. I enjoy walking the mountains in my mind and picking mushrooms and hearing the soft snaps of crunching pine needles in the forest. I don't want to spoil that by whatever the truth is. Let me have my memories intact and unspoiled.

Which brings me to the subject of favorite stories of youth. In much the same way as childhood homes, going back to those old stories do tend to have a very different outcome. Mature minds have different goals and ideals, changed perspectives and hopes, and adult dreams aren't the same as a child's. But, there are a few, a very small number, where the story grows and blooms around you as the adult world sweeps you away. I won't mention my special few stories (though I have a good number that I've collected) because they are special to me for different reasons as to you.

I challenge you all to find memories that improve with time. Memories of parents, grandparents, happy days, and Spring meadows. Tell stories that have aged well, show them to your loved ones, and let those stories pass through the ages as they swell and glow. There's magic in such things. Ask any child ... magic is all around us, if we're willing to find it.

- M

Illusion and the Art of Misdirection

Magicians have understood the importance of getting people to look in the wrong place at the right time for centuries. Stage magicians use the concept to make sure the audience never glimpses what's really going on, what's behind the curtain, or creeping up behind. Illusion works the same way. I particularly love optical illusions, because they toy with our perceptions in ways that are nearly impossible to defeat even when you know exactly what's going on. Check this out...

 

Is it 2 or 3 prongs?

It's a classic illusion, but knowing all about it doesn't help. You still see the 3-pronged fork. Our brains are so well trained in seeing things that it doesn't know it's being fooled. There's another one that is typically called the "Dragon Illusion" which has to be seen to be believed (I've linked that to a YouTube video showing the magic).

 

Fooling audiences is fun for both sides, really. The performer is rewarded by gasps of awe, and the audience enjoys seeing magic come alive. It doesn't matter that it's all trickery. I think that's much of the joy, where both sides work together and create something greater than any of its parts. Poetic imagery aside, it's great fun. Enjoy it, and stop trying to figure out how the magician makes the rabbit appear out of a hat. Let the magic happen.

 

- M