Why don't I like liver anymore? How can my tastes change so drastically?

When I was a kid, a neighbor would go deer hunting and cook up the most scrumptious and delectable liver I've ever eaten. To say I loved it would be to abuse the concept of love. It was glorious food. I would beg for it. In fact, when we moved to a new hometown, the first thing I wanted was a plate of liver. Erm, yuck. Sure, I realize cow and deer taste differently, but wow was it a shock. Whether it was the skill of the cook or the quality of the meat, I hated liver from then on.

Liver wasn't the only thing to fall to dislike. In fact, I've got a whole list of things I can't stand anymore. The question is, why? What makes my sense of taste such a fickle thing? At least I can understand if I'm sick and don't like something, but why will my taste buds scream foul at other times? Maybe there's some conspiracy theory about this? Hmm, perhaps.

The one which has really shocked me is my sudden distaste for milk chocolate. I've always been a chocoholic, but now I'm going toward dark chocolate or none at all. It's very odd. How can something so heavenly now be too sweet? I just don't understand my body. I am convinced that sometimes my brain just decides to be a jerk and see what mischief it can create inside my bones. Maybe I'm an evil genius and don't know it?

- M

Special memories are worthy creations

There are times when you don't want to forget even a single aspect of something, such as: baby birth, your wedding, meeting a long-lost friend, birthdays, holidays, vacations, and the list goes on. The reason we do this, is because all we can really carry with us in life are our memories. No matter where we go, no matter how lost we become, no matter how old we get, memories remain with us. The really special memories are like glittering jewels, and we take them out from time to time just to peer inside and relive something wonderful.

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When my children were little, we actually had a complete whiteout blizzard (yeah, living in the southern United States, snow is special). My wife and I bundled up the kids and we walked through the snow, to get hot chocolates at the nearby gas station. The kids hated it, but I told them all to focus and fix this event in their minds, to form a long-term memory. Guess what? Today, they do remember, and remember with great fondness and joy. It's a treasured memory for them.

Why do I bring this up? Well, with the Christmas holiday in the next few days, I hope you will all find new special moments to seal into treasure boxes inside your memories. Gifts, food, and music is all wonderful, but really grab onto the times with loved ones. Capture those events. Ingrain them into your long-term memory. Realize the importance and make the effort to pay attention. Life is far too short to miss the really good stuff. Take a few seconds away from your busy schedule, and stoop to smell the flowers you pass on a daily basis.

- M

Childhood pets

When I was a young boy, my father felt it was a good idea to have a family dog. He'd had one in his youth and found a similar one, which he then brought home. Chum was an interesting dog to say the least. She didn't care for a bath at all (I have great memories of my father closing the bathroom and entering into mortal combat to give that dog a bath), didn't seem to care much for my brother or I, and made out with the dog from down the alley. However, during an insurance salesman's sales pitch, Chum gave birth to a litter (that's another great memory of this poor guy trying to sell insurance while a dog is howling and giving birth... ha!).


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So, Snoopy was born into our house. The mysteries of birth were somewhat revealed to me, and my brother and I were privileged to have the pick of the litter. We picked the only brown and white one--the other's were black and white--and Snoopy turned our hearts to mush. They say a boy and his dog share a very special connection. That's absolutely true. Snoopy will always be the pet I think of when someone talks about animals. That dog was smart, cute, happy, and completely adorable. I'll never forget her (yeah, we named a girl dog, Snoopy).

Pets serve a really important function for children, as pets are completely reliant on their owners for their care. Kids need something to care for, to nurture, and protect. There's a special love kids and pets share, which will never be touched by any human being. It's a magical thing, really. I'm in awe of the connection my kids have with our two cats. Amazing. Personally, I'll never forget Snoopy as long as I live.

- M

Memories of home

There are sounds that instantly bring to mind your home, or smells which trigger memories of your mother's cooking, and photos you will never get rid of because they are simply too precious. There's a saying, "Home is where the heart is," but I think we place far more importance on home than leaving it as a trite concept. We remember our childhood homes with fondness exceeding any actuality and push them firmly into happy fantasy. In some ways we spend the rest of our lives searching for a way to return to those long-gone days.

Having been born in another country, and living my first seven and a half years there, I remember pretty well a few things (not as much as I'd like though). I keep a flower from there, and if I allow myself to dwell on memory it won't take long before tears are flowing. Incredible how powerful the memory of childhood is! I wish I had kept some trinkets from then, but children aren't the best at keeping memories.

Throughout our lives, we might have many homes, and all of them affect us deeply. On some level, we sink down roots and are reluctant to leave. Sure, there are places we are happy to leave, yet we still remember them. It's a funny quality. Nostalgia could explain it, I guess. I'm not sure though. We leave a piece of ourselves in the places we live. When we leave, a part of us feels distant and lost.

Here's hoping your memories of home are sweet and well remembered.

- M

Puzzle me this, Batman...

Ever since reading "The Hobbit," I've loved riddles and puzzles. There's a wonderful simplicity to most riddles that tempt you into thinking they're easy to solve. In Batman comics, the Riddler loves to do goofy, silly, riddles that usually are easy and hard at the same time. In "The Hobbit," Bilbo and Gollum do lyrical, sing-song, riddles that play with words as much as sound. Such riddles are an art form, and I love collecting them. Of course, since they usually fall into categories, you'll eventually discover that many repeat and become too easy to recognize--kind of like a joke where you already know the punch line isn't quite as funny anymore.

Why is it that riddles aren't used in daily life? Wouldn't it make things more interesting? Just imagine going out for dinner, but you have to work out a puzzle before you get a table. Hmm, probably not the best idea, but it would at least be unexpected. How about whoever solves a riddle first, gets the best seat at a play? There might even be a scale for difficulty.

I fully believe in keeping your mind active and in top condition. You need to flex those mental muscles now and again, or you'll lose it. And, having some fun while you exercise is always a good idea. Puzzles don't have to be mindless games on your phone. Find something more complicated and give it a try. You never know, you may find yourself addicted to learning.

- M

Completely mixed up...

Ever have one of those days when you get the day wrong, the time wrong, and can't remember where you parked? I'm not talking about casual forgetfulness, but where you apparently woke up on the wrong planet. I'm not sure why it happens, but I'm sure it's an evil plot against me. Maybe I need a fresh tinfoil hat, or better lead underwear? As they say, you're only paranoid if they don't know you know they're watching. Think about it...

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I think we often become so distracted that our brains just give up and run with it. I can't be the only one who's walked through the house, to the kitchen, and then stood there with a puzzled frown and wondering what I wanted in the kitchen in the first place. At least I've never left my car keys in the refrigerator--though I have washed them. It's only when I'm not paying attention that things go awry.

What's interesting about all this, is just how often it happens and how we're all okay with it. Amazing! I bet if aliens were watching our behavior, they'd think there was some crazy memory plague going on, which nobody cared about curing. It's ridiculous how often we're completely distracted beyond ability for reason. Like going on autopilot and finding yourself walking far away from where you were and no recollection how you got there. We just didn't pay any notice because our thoughts were in the clouds.

It's all in good fun, but don't walk over any open sewer holes. Ouch.

- M

Welcome to the year 2017 ...

A new year is upon us! Already. Now. Traditionally, it's a time to scrape yourself off the pavement of life and bounce back with new vigor and purpose. It's a fresh start. Everybody likes new beginnings, when you can forget the past and look to a bright new future. Sure, we've all made mistakes, but why dwell on them? Forge a new path and find yourself a new star!

 

Platitudes aside, it's great to make plans and set goals. I heartily encourage doing so. Without having something to aim at, how do you know when you've hit it? But, do make realistic goals (though, don't let anyone tell you that your goal is impossible if you truly believe it is achievable) like being the first person to swim in the Sun ... *grin*.

 

Of course, there's no reason we must wait until the beginning of a new year to make such changes and goals, but we do tend to do it that way. Oh well. I hope and pray it's a great year. Maybe this is the year we get flying cars, or quantum computers, and maybe we'll finally send people to Mars! Ah, such hopes are everlasting.

 

- M

Fun in the snow

Like many children, I remember making snow angels, snowball fights (not with icy snow though, that's mean), snow caves, snow forts, and simply diving into snow drifts. I lived where there was lots of snow and sorely miss it these days. My children did get an opportunity to experience a genuine white-out blizzard though--and I made sure they got out in it and remembered the experience. I think snow is beautiful and inspiring. It's pure magic for a kid.

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Of course, as you grow older, you find yourself driving in the snow and it's a lot less enjoyable. Well, many people think so, but I'm not one of them. I love driving in snow and ice, and have gotten pretty good at it. Deep snow isn't fun to walk through and it sure isn't fun to scoop out a driveway full of the stuff. But, it's all worthwhile when you look out your back windows and see a lawn of shining snow. Trees and shrubs look astounding with a nice coat of snow and ice. Something deep inside us marvels at simple beauty and we shouldn't turn aside when we experience it.

 

I talk a lot about recapturing the joys of childhood because we adults forget too easily. There's nothing wrong with sitting down and watching anthills, or listening to thunderstorms, or marveling at a shooting star. We lose the wonder, the joy, the thrill of discovery, and delirious fun of being alive. So, find some snow and jump in. Flail your arms, make a snow angel, and don't mind that you're getting wet. Have some fun!

 

- M

Human autopilot

There are times when we do things automatically, without thinking about what we're doing. Habit sometimes shows up that way. I've heard of people moving to a new house and when they drive home they find themselves at their old home. It's done without thought. I bet we've all done something similar. Habit can be an exceptionally tough thing to break.

 

Some skills are actually exercises in automatic behavior--for instance: assembly line work, typing, public speaking, billiards, juggling, and on to an infinite variety. Right now, I'm dazzled by piano players and the way their hands work independently of each other to create incredible music. I'm learning to play and am pleasantly surprised to find out it's very similar to typing--which I'm great at. Drumming is another skill that bewilders me, because good drummers can keep multiple beats going without flaw while still twisting in flairs and surprises--it's like their arms are alien creatures with life all their own.

 

Of course, going on automatic pilot can cause problems. There are times we totally drift away, daydreaming while our bodies do their own thing. You can easily drop out and find yourself an hour down the road and not remember any of it. That can be dangerous, so consider that a friendly warning. And then there's my personal favorite automatic activity ... daydreaming! Yup, I've lost dozens of hours happily floating along on my own imagination. I highly recommend it.

 

- M

Falling in love, again and again and again.

 

I hope I'll never for a moment forget the whirlwind of emotions of meeting my future bride. She is my best friend, my confidant, and constant companion. I can't imagine life without her. I never expected to find her and now see her everywhere. I find myself falling in love with her over and over. There are a million little things she does that make me grin. A single glance from her can send me into orbit. She has a smile that is mine, and mine alone. I always know I'm home when I see her face light up.

 

When I saw my children born, I experienced the surge of instant love I'd only read about until then. It's a different sort of love, yet every bit as strong as my love for my wife. The funny thing is, I find myself growing in leaps of love for them as well. I could never have imagined such depth even ten years ago, much less twenty. Children are a profound blessing.

 

I think we're hard wired to love. Look how easily we extend our love to the animals we choose as pets, or any animals at all for that matter. Loving is as natural as breathing. If I live to be a hundred, I hope I'll fall in love with my wife and kids a whole lot more.

 

- M

Awesomeness squared! Family reunion combined with vacation!

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Vacations are always fun, but join that together with a family reunion and you have uncaged madness! It was a blast! And, of course, the purpose for doing all these things is to make memories which last a lifetime. Yup, that happened ... a lot. And, I promise to only remember the best parts. Honest. I will never ever recall the time my brother poured maple syrup all over himself, or when my dad fell asleep in his oatmeal... Okay, maybe I'm using a bit of poetic license, but I'm sure my brother did something goofy at some point in the week.

 

The truth is, we had a fantastic time together. All of our families enjoyed each other, and we forged new connections and deepened our relationships. It was great seeing my brother again, and his family. Wow, have his children grown! It reminded me that we don't live in a vacuum, in our own little universe, but rather in a world of wide wonder and surprise. It was like being a kid again, as though we all had never split off into different parts of the world. The bond of family endures and is far stronger than distance or time. That was the most wonderful part of it all--family.

 

My wife and I loved the vacation too. Our kids had a blast! We saw a neat theme park, went on rides, bought some stuff to put on shelves, watched a Chinese Circus, saw incredible vistas ... and on and on. We won't soon forget this trip, I assure you. It just goes to show you, it's well worth the trouble to get a vacation planned and executed. The end result is a raft of memories you'll cherish for the rest of your life. That makes it triple the value!

 

- M

 

ps. Sorry my blog didn't post on Monday or Wednesday. I think Tribbles were in the wiring again...

Rainy Days and Sweet Sunshine

My lovely wife has taught me to truly enjoy rainy days. I've always enjoyed the sound of rain, but now it's something that puts me at peace with the world. Watching her face glow, as she listens, is beyond what mortal hearts can bear. I think it's a reflection of something so magnificent it can only show a little without burning our minds to dust. That level of beauty isn't an illusion. It's not subject to decay or breaking. It's true beauty. And, I get to see it on my wife's face every time it rains.

 

Sunshine is another thing that catches my imagination. My children, when they were young, would rush out to greet the morning light and spend all day playing outside. It was magical. The feeling of warmth that the sun provides on my skin will always remind me of my children's smiling faces. You see, there are some memories which will never fade, no matter what happens to me or how much time lays between events. Those happy smiles are with me forever.

 

Sometimes I wonder if I've had a similar effect on other people. I hope so. At least, if not me, then the stories I tell. As a writer, I'd actually prefer for people to remember my books with such fervor and love. That's the gift I feel I have to offer, and I hope I'm using it well. Maybe you'll curl up by a warm fireplace, open a nice book and fall into a flood of sweet memories. That is a terrific thing to do. Why don't you do it now?

 

- M

Memory and imagination

By Mehdinom (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

Sometimes I like to sit and dig through my memories. I often find myself rewriting certain ones, because I didn't like how it happened the first time. But, then I go back again and undo it all to the way it truly was. While it's tempting to create fanciful memories, I don't think it's wise to fiddle with reality. But, that doesn't prevent me from imagining how things could have been, or what I'd do in different situations. Actually, it's a neat mental exercise to do precisely that.

 

I view imagination as one of the most highly prized of all mental faculties. It's sadly lacking in most adults, and charmingly prevalent in children. As kids, we imagined our futures, and could cast our minds far out and pretend anything could happen. Like many children, I wanted to be an astronaut (in fact, I still dream of going into space). I've imagined what it must be like to be weightless, far away from the comforts of Earth, and drifting through infinity. A fun dream was going on a spacewalk, with the Earth past my feet and the stars at my fingertips. I can picture it now--

 

Anyway, it got me thinking about how we reshape our own memories. Most people mainly remember the good times, and forget the bad. But, sometimes we also change those memories so the reality doesn't hurt quite so much. That's a very tender subject, and I'll leave it alone. What I'm getting at, is we use our imaginations in far more ways than just playing pretend as children. As adults, we use it in business decisions, preparing for relationships, and even figuring out what to cook next. It's the ability to see possibilities, and sense the good and bad in them. What an amazing faculty!

 

- M

Summer is nearly here! Get ready to send the kids to camp! Woohoo.

Parenting is a whole series of ups and downs, aggravation and excitement. And, then there's the time the little crumb munchers go to camp. Wee! There's a wonderful classic song called, "Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah" which expresses camp from the camper's point of view. It's hilarious and heart warming all the same. I think parents are just as happy to have some alone time as the kids are to have grand adventures. Yet, it's also a bitter-sweet time, because parents really do miss the kiddos. Love is funny like that.

 

For campers it's the fun of getting away from parents, hanging out with new friends, enjoying horrible camp food, watching the stars, and listening to crickets. Add in practical jokes, giggling at girls and boys, swimming in the lake, and snickering after lights-out. Now, that's what camp is all about! Summer never gets better than that, does it?

 

I have loads of memories of camp that I'll cherish until I'm senile and can't figure out which side of a spoon goes in my mouth. It's only fair for me to give the same gift to my children, right? I suppose the scars will eventually heal...

 

- M

A fairy tale engagement

Many people have asked to hear our engagement story, because it's a bit unusual. I wanted to make it something very special for her, and a treasured memory for the rest of our lives.

 

We met at a camp, were we both were working on staff for the summer. Three states away from our homes, and we noticed each other the first night. We kicked a rock back and forth, then I bent down and noticed it was in the shape of a heart (I still have it in my memory chest). The next day, coming back from town in the camp bus, we showed each other little quirks--I have a bent finger that wiggles oddly, she can pop her hip in and out, I can cross my eyes and make them shake, she can make claws with the very first knuckle of her fingers. Yup, we instantly liked each other. She has the most wonderful laugh!

 

After three days I called home and told my father that I had a girlfriend (my first in actuality). She became my best friend immediately. I told her everything, even secrets nobody else knew. Talking together was natural, desired, and more fulfilling than anything I'd experienced to that point. We never interfered with our duties as camp staff, but we wrote letters to each other every day (three, four, five times a day). At night, we snuck out and sat under the stars and talked about the future, our hopes and dreams, and anything else that came to mind.

 

After a while, the attraction between us was pretty obvious (despite our attempts to hide it). Even an exchanged glance was enough to give us away. By the middle of the summer we were holding hands. At the weekly campfire for the campers, I told her I loved her (actually, she did first and then I responded back). We would go for walks at night and talk even more. It was a magical time.

 

At the end of the summer, we took a week off and went to visit our folks. I asked her to marry me. She said yes. But, that's not the fun part. We returned to camp and had to hide our engagement so we could be there fore the campers and not each other. But, I had a plan. I told her that I would ask her to marry me at the campfire (last of the summer), in front of everyone--to finally make it public. Thing was, I tricked her.

 

A rodeo was the final big event every week; the campers invited their families and did all kinds of activities. Usually around 200 people were there. Right in the middle of it all, when they were preparing for the pig chase, there was an announcement for "Beth, please come to the other side of the arena..." And then, "No, through the center of the arena." When she came through, I had them play "Pretty Woman" by Roy Orbison. I walked out from the back gate, took the microphone and got down on one knee. The crowd went crazy. I asked her to marry me and she said, "I'd be delighted to." I gave her a diamond ring (actually just cut glass) and a rose.

 

We walked to the bleachers and sat in the crowd. I don't remember any more of the rodeo. I just remember that she glowed like the sun. No woman could ever be as perfect as she. I wish I had a recording of it (someone did tell me they had it filmed and would send a copy, but I never got it). Ah well, the memory is as bright right now as it was 25 years ago.

 

I love you, sweetheart. You're my truest best friend, my companion, my love, and my wife. Forever.

 

Radiant Beth and Goofy Mark

 

- M

Ode to Marriage and other delights

Forgive me if I chuckle when someone says marriage because I'm often reminded of the scene from "The Princess Bride" where the sage old priest says it more like, "mawage is whad bwings uf togever today." It's a great movie and a wonderful scene. Marriage is indeed filled with laughter, delight, fancy, and comfort. As it should be. Sure, there are difficult times, but when man and woman bond together with diligence and honor it is a song that lifts the heavens to new heights. There are few things more amazing than marriage!

 

It does take work. People sometimes ask how I've stayed married for nearly 25 years. My typical answer is communication, because without talking there's nothing to base your relationship upon. You need to know each other, and that just doesn't happen without talking (not texting, not emailing, and certainly not leaving notes). You need to look into each other's eyes and spill out your hopes and dreams. And, keep talking. Find a quiet place and talk. Our favorite is outside, under the stars, out away from the city lights.

 

And, dreaming of finding the woman who would be my wife filled many nights with heart-rending longing. I've probably listened to enough love songs to give a stadium full of teenagers the silly giggles. I never expected to find her so far away ... more on that another day. Then, for her to tell me, "I'd be delighted to," when I asked for her hand in marriage ... ah, it was better than the sweetest ambrosia.

 

Marriage is a delight beyond anything I could have imagined before.

 

- M

Hidden knowledge, trivia, and all sorts of goofy things to know

Cats racing ...

My mind is a fount of mildly useful information, or so I'm told. Actually, it's more like I've filled my brain to the brim with lots of little tidbits I found interesting and for some reason have retained it all. One fun trick is recognizing a movie, and giving the title, with barely a second or two of watching it (even movies I've never watched, but only know about). Sure, some of that falls into the category of Parlor Tricks, but it's still fun. I'll never forget when my youngest daughter tried to stymie me by playing a few seconds of the title intro to "Star Trek: First Contact." (okay, I'll give it away, I recognized the actress name and the music and the style of the credits and the way the camera moved... like I said, a trick).

Truth is, I don't find this knowledge helpful for the most part, it's just fun to know. I still read constantly in a huge variety of fields. Thirst for knowledge doesn't ever go away, especially when you keep feeding the hunger. But, just because you know it sadly doesn't mean you'll remember it accurately when you need it--yup, I stink at Jeopardy, or anytime there's a time limit.

I tell my kids to keep learning, all the time. The day you stop learning is the day you let your intelligence drift away on summer breezes. Of course, I'm a writer and a nerd so, yeah, of course I'd say that. But, there's nothing quite like rattling off a little gem of information at the perfect time and drinking in the looks of awe around you!

- M

Memorizing, quoting, and other demonstrations of superior memory ... bah!

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I am constantly impressed to see an actor on the spur of the moment do the opening monologue of a Shakespearean play. Or, someone quote a famous poem, perhaps even a short story. All from memory! Incredible. Can I do that? Uh, ... no. I have tried, I promise, though probably not hard enough. I remember phrases, clauses, and elements. I'm more a generalist, seeking to put together life's jigsaw puzzles. Did I mention I love puzzles? --- Squirrel! --- Sorry, got distracted.

That said, I'm still trying. My bucket list includes the final dialogue from Puck in "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and a few poems (such as "The Raven"), and maybe some song lyrics (which for some reason I cannot retain, yup, even songs I've listened to a billion times). Oddly, I can quote Star Wars without pause. Eh, the human mind is a strange thing, which is possibly why we don't fully understand it yet.

Anyway, memorizing is an amazing feat. I've watched people demonstrate truly incredible, photographic, recall. Things like instantly memorizing a complete chessboard with something on each square, or a long list of names, and especially impressive was taking the orders of a long table of customers without using a notepad (oh, and some customers changed their orders after everyone had finished). There's all sorts of tools to use, and methods that work, but the main component seems to be attentiveness. For some strange reason paying attention matters. Yeah, odd isn't it? Apparently it doesn't happen by osmosis--I tried that too, by sleeping on my textbooks, but it didn't work.

- 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

Years gone by; why do we cherish the past so often?

As I age it's becoming clear to me that we love to think about the past as better than anything else in the present. I suppose it's because most tend to remember only the good things and forget the bad. Or, perhaps it's because we don't like the changes we see. Or, because we long for the simpler times when we were young and didn't have all the stresses of adult life. Perhaps it's all of that.

 

I think this quality of life is the reason we enjoy fiction so much. It's great to escape into a fantasy that's thrilling and full of adventure. I know that's why I like it so much. I'm a technology super-nerd, but I find that I relish sitting alone with a book far more than playing the next realistically rendered action adventure video game. Maybe it's because I'm spending most of my free time writing, and I'm sure that's a big part, but I also think it's due to the pervasive noise of "things" going on all the time. I'm reminded of a short story by Ray Bradbury called "The Murderer." In it the main character has destroyed his electronics so he can have peace and quiet, yet this is considered so abnormal that he is locked up. It's a great story and certainly applies to our modern days even more than it did when it was written.

 

Main, I think we love looking back and remembering what we've done and the joys we've experienced. Sure, it's easy to remember fondly what we've already enjoyed. The difficulty is looking to the future with the same starry-eyed wonder and making it come true. I encourage everyone to have the same curiosity as children, and the same expectations of greatness as a new mother for her children. We need that optimism now more than ever. Build something greater than you remember. It's worthwhile don't you think?

 

- M